Eight Apply in Second Round of Candidates for Sixth District Bench Vacancy

Eight candidates have submitted applications for appointment as a district judge in the 6th Judicial District of Nebraska.

The successful candidate would replace Judge Paul J. Vaughan, who resigned effective May 31.

This is the second slate of candidates to be considered by the judicial nominating commission. The commission couldn’t decide on two names to advance to the governor after a July 9 hearing.

The district covers Burt, Cedar, Dakota, Dixon, Dodge, Thurston and Washington counties. The judge would be based in Dakota City, Ponca or Hartington, although the new judge would hear cases in Dakota, Dixon and Cedar counties, especially Dakota City.

The candidates who will have a public hearing before the judicial nominating commission are Pamela L. Hopkins of Fontanelle; Thomas J. Klein of Wahoo; Robert W. Kortus of Lincoln; Bryan C. Meismer of Fremont; Brendan M. Kelly of Omaha; Matthew M. Munderloh of Omaha; Mark D. Raffety of Omaha; and Christina L. Thornton of Omaha.

Hopkins and Kelly both applied during the first round of consideration, along with Theodore P. Arndt of Elkhorn and Melinda B. Wicks of Sioux City, Iowa.

A public hearing will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, in the District County Courtroom of the Dakota County Courthouse, 1601 Broadway St., Dakota City.

The eight candidates will have their applications reviewed at the hearing. The public can present information concerning the candidates for the judicial opening.