And Then There Were 10

The vacant justice of the peace position has drawn an unusually high number of applicants. Several people filed just before the deadline last Thursday, bringing the number of applications to 10.

They are Christine Gamas, David Gorton, Pam Heikens, Christina M. Hillman, David Kloker, Kara Moon, Linda Parks, Carol Ann Walton, James Wixson and Misty Womack.

“We are really pleased with that much interest in that office,” said Valley County Commissioner Dave Pippin. “Many of the candidates are extremely qualified. These are definitely some tough decisions.”

Pippin said the commissioners will decide Wednesday on a short list of five people and begin interviewing on Monday. They have said they hope to make a rapid decision so the new judge can attend JP school in Helena in September.

The appointment is temporary, until the end of the current term on Dec. 31, 2014. The position is then up for election.