(KMZA)--Eight nominees are vying to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in Pottawatomie County.

The 2nd Judicial District Nominating Commission will meet Friday, January 9th to interview the nominees.  

The vacancy was created when District Magistrate Judge Erich Campbell died September 18.   

The 2nd Judicial District is composed of Jackson, Jefferson, Pottawatomie, and Wabaunsee counties.  

Among the eight nominees vying for the position are: 

Dan Brenner, of Holton, owner of Diamonds by Design and former Jackson County Commissioner  

Dennis Entrikin, of Hiawatha, who currently serves as Chief of Police of the Horton Police Department  

Mary Theis, of Havensville, who currently serves as deputy Jackson County Clerk.   

Interviews will take place at the Pottawatomie County Courthouse, in Westmoreland, beginning at 9:00 the morning of January 9th, and are open to the public.  

The commission will appoint one of the nominees to fill the district magistrate judge vacancy according to statutory qualification and residency requirements. 

After serving one year in office, the new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.