Seven candidates are seeking the nomination to become a judge on the County Court of the 6th Judicial District.

Seeking the appointment are Joel E. Carlson of Norfolk; Louvontree Hunter of South Sioux City; Jeffrey M. Kurtz of Omaha; Edward H. Matney of Hartington; Patrick R. Runge of Omaha; Kimberly M. Watson of Dakota City; and Melinda B. Wicks of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa.

The vacancy is primarily based in Dakota City, and the 6th Judicial District consists of Burt, Cedar, Dakota, Dixon, Dodge, Thurston and Washington counties. The vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge Kurt T. Rager.

A public hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 29 at the County Court Courtroom of the Dakota County Courthouse, 1601 Broadway in Dakota City, by the judicial nominating commission.

Commission members will be meeting via WebEx. Written testimony can be provided by Oct. 22 by mail to Justice Funke, Nebraska Supreme Court, P.O. Box 98910, Lincoln, NE 68509. Oral testimony can be given in person at the public hearing, and those in attendance should expect staggered admittance and restricted seating to maintain social distance. For accessibility accommodations, call 402-471-3730.