Fourth judge will soon be named

The Wyoming State Legislature granted a fourth judge to the Sixth Judicial District earlier this year and their identity will be known in the next few weeks.

Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice Kate M. Fox, chairman of the Judicial Nominating Commission, announced last week that the commission has completed its consideration of everyone who expressed an interest in the position.

Three nominees have been submitted to Governor Mark Gordon for his consideration: Alison Ochs Gee of Lubnau Law in Gillette, who has practiced law in Wyoming since 2005; Michael J. McGrady, a lawyer from Green River who has been licensed for 17 years; and Ronald E. Wirthwein Jr., an associate of the Nick Carter Law Firm in Gillette and previously the Campbell County Attorney.

The governor will announce the successful candidate by the end of the month.

The Sixth Judicial District covers Crook County, as well as Campbell and Weston counties.

A bill signed into law this year increased the number of judges in the district from three to four and appropriated $1.24 million to fund the additional judge for the first two years, beginning on July 1. It also authorized three full-time positions for the personnel necessary to staff and support the new judge.

SF-53 sailed through the legislature with very little resistance and was signed into law on March 15.