Briefs for Feb. 26, 2025
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Gov. Gianforte announces Advisory Council for 20th Judicial District vacancy
News from the office of Governor Gianforte
HELENA – Governor Greg Gianforte recently announced an advisory council to assist in reviewing qualified candidates to fill the district court judge vacancy in the 20th Judicial District (Lake and Sanders Counties).
“The members of 20th Judicial District Advisory Council will support me in identifying qualified candidates to serve as their new district court judge,” Gov. Gianforte said. “The advisory council will identify candidates who are committed to the fair, consistent, and objective application of the law and who will interpret laws, not make them from the bench.”
Members of the 20th Judicial District advisory council include:
Craige Couture, CSKT Chief of Police
Becky Dupuis, business owner in Lake County
Casey Emerson, attorney in Lake County
Susan Lake, ag producer in Lake County
Ann Marie McNeel, director of CASA of Lake and Sanders Counties
Ann Miller, CSKT attorney
Cynthia Neste, Sanders County Clerk of Court
Don Strine, former Sanders County Justice of the Peace
Lori Thibodeau, former parole officer in Lake County
Ben Woods, Lake County Undersheriff
Gov. Gianforte announced in December that he was accepting applications and nominations for the 20th judicial district vacancy of any lawyer in good standing who has the qualifications set forth by law for holding the position of district court judge. On Jan. 13, 2025, the governor announced he received five applications.
From Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, to Wednesday, Feb.12, 2025, the public was given the opportunity to provide letters of support or other comments regarding the applicants. Applicants had to receive at least three letters of support to be considered for appointment by the governor.
