(KLZA)-- Ben Beethe is the new Johnson County Attorney.

Beethe was appointed during a special meeting of the Johnson County Commissioners and will replace Rick Smith who resigned to accept the appointment as First Judicial District Judge.

Beethe has served as Deputy County Attorney in Johnson County since 2015. He has been an attorney since 2008.

Rick Smith will be sworn in to office at County Court Judge in the First Judicial District on September 30.