Two from Kalispell nominated for judge

 HELENA (AP) — A judicial panel has nominated three attorneys, including two from Kalispell, to fill the vacant state worker’s compensation judgeship.

The Judicial Nomination commission voted Tuesday to forward to Gov. Steve Bullock the names of Kay Lynn Lee of Kalispell, David Michael Sandler of Kalispell and William Dean Blackaby of Helena.

Bullock has 30 days to appoint a person from the list. 

The judgeship became vacant when Jim Shea resigned to accept Bullock’s appointment as a Montana Supreme Court justice.

The workers’ compensation judge appointee must be confirmed by the state Senate. The appointee will fill Shea’s term, which runs until September 2017, and will be eligible for a full six-year term.

The position pays $117,600 a year.