(KLZA)-- The Judicial Nominating Commission for County Judge in Nebraska's First Judicial District has presented two names for Governor Pete Ricketts to consider for the current vacancy in the District which consists of Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Johnson, Gage, Jefferson, Saline and Thayer counties.

The Commission has submitted Diane L. Merwin of Humboldt and Richard R. Smith of Cook for the position.

The primary office location for the judicial vacancy will be either Richardson County, Nemaha County or Pawnee County, to be determined by the Nebraska Supreme Court after consultation with the judge appointed to the position.

The vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge Curtis L. Maschman.

Merwin is an attorney with the Fankhauser, Nelsen, Werts and Merwin law firm in Humboldt. Smith is currently serving as Johnson County Attorney.