Grand Forks attorney James Hovey has been named as one of three finalists to possibly fill a vacant North Dakota district judge's seat.
The opening was created by the death of Judge James Bekken, who heard cases in the Southeast Judicial District, which covers Barnes, Dickey, Eddy, Foster, Griggs, LaMoure, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Stutsman and Wells counties.
Hovey, 46, grew up in New Rockford, a town in Eddy County, and graduated from high school there in 1982. He earned his undergraduate and law degrees at UND.
Since 1995, he has worked for the law office of Pearson, Christensen & Clapp in Grand Forks, where he handles criminal and civil cases.
A former president of the Greater Grand Forks County Bar Association, Hovey is licensed to practice in North Dakota, Minnesota, federal and tribal courts.
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Aside from Hovey, the other finalists for the judgeship are attorneys Ann Mahoney of Center, N.D., and Travis Peterson of New Rockford.
Gov. John Hoeven has 30 days to choose one of the finalists, request a new list or order a special election to fill the position. The person chosen will hold the position for at least two years and then will face voters in the subsequent general election.
Officials interviewed applicants Tuesday in Jamestown, N.D. The others who applied were Blake Hankey of Grand Forks, James Johnson of Stanton, Paul Murphy of Carrington, Jay Schmitz of Jamestown, Kathleen Trosen of Fessenden and James Wang of Minnewaukan.
Ingersoll reports on crime and courts. Reach him at (701) 780-1269; (800) 477-6572, ext. 269; or send e-mail to aingersoll@gfherald.com .
