District court working to replace Judge Lympus
The selection process is under way to replace the current longest-serving Flathead County District Court judge.
Judge Ted O. Lympus announced his retirement in early July. His final day on the bench will be Aug. 31.
The state’s Judicial Nomination Commission is taking applications for a new judge through Aug. 12. A monthlong public comment period will come after that, followed by interviews and finally an appointment by Gov. Steve Bullock.
The appointment deadline falls on Nov. 7, meaning the local court likely will name an interim judge when Lympus steps down.
“By the end of August, we’ll have someone in place,” District Court Administrator Marcy Hall said.
The interim judge would be approved by Chief Justice Mike McGrath of the Montana Supreme Court.
Two likely candidates are Flathead District Court’s two most recent retirees, Stewart Stadler and Kitty Curtis. Both judges chose not to run for re-election in 2012.
Curtis is already being tapped to assist. She is scheduled to retake the bench on Aug. 7 to hear a parenting plan case. She’s also scheduled for other civil matters that month.
As for the future of Lympus’ spot, one applicant so far — Kalispell attorney Amy Eddy — has submitted a resume, according to the nomination commission.
Eddy currently runs her own private practice handling civil cases.
Eddy is a former president of the Montana Trial Lawyers Association and former trustee for the Whitefish School District. She is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Law.
In 2014, Eddy was among 15 candidates vying for an open spot on the Montana Supreme Court. Current Justice Jim Shea was appointed to that position.
Lympus will step down after 23 years in Flathead County District Court. A press release said that he plans to spend more time with his family and his “beloved Montana Grizzlies.”
The appointed successor will be subject to the general election in 2016. After that, the elected judge will serve the remainder of Lympus’ term, which expires in 2019.
Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailiyinterlake.com.