PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – South Dakota’s state court system is looking for three new circuit judges and could add two more spots if state lawmakers go along with it.
A Seventh Circuit judgeship in Rapid City is open because Judge Janine Kern was appointed to the state Supreme Court.
Two positions in the Third Circuit will open in June with the planned retirements of Judge Robert Timm, of Watertown, and Judge Tim Tucker, of Madison.
Court administrator Greg Sattizahn says the Judicial Qualifications Commission advertises the positions, interviews the applicants and recommends at least two candidates to the governor and he appoints them. Candidates must have a law degree.
Lawmakers are considering a proposal to add a circuit judgeship in Sioux Falls and another in Rapid City.
There are currently 41 circuit judges statewide.