LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ Five attorneys have applied to replace a retired western Nebraska county judge.

Gregory Bartels of Omaha, Randy Cullers or Ord, Russell Harford of Chadron, Gregory Jensen of Ord and Vance Haug of Chadron turned in applications for the 12th Judicial District seat by Tuesday's deadline.

A hearing is set for July 14 in Gering to gather more information about the candidates. A state judicial nominating committee will then forward names to the governor, who is responsible for the appointment.

The state judicial resources commission met earlier this month and decided to fill the Chadron-based judgeship, rather than move the position somewhere else in the state.

The spot came open with the retirement of Judge James Hansen.