Gov. Mike Beebe filled a list of judicial vacancies created by election, retirement and at least one disciplinary-related resignation. The top appointment is that of current Court of Appeals Judge Cliff Hoofman, a former colleague of Beebe when both served in the state Senate, to replace a retiring Supreme Court justice until the next election. He also named another former Senate colleague, Bill Walmsley, to a Court of Appeals seat.
The appointments:
* Judge Cliff Hoofman, Enola, to the Arkansas Supreme Court. Appointment expires December 31, 2014. Replaces Justice Robert Brown.
* Bill Walmsley, Batesville, to the Arkansas Court of Appeals. Appointment expires December 31, 2014. Replace Judge Jo Hart.
* Doug Martin, Fayetteville, to the 4th Judicial District, 2nd Division. Appointment expires December 31, 2014. Replaces Judge Kim Smith.
* H.G. Foster, Conway, to the 20th Judicial District, 1st Division. Appointment expires December 31, 2014. Replaces Judge David Reynolds.
* Will Feland, Cabot, to the 23rd Judicial District, 2nd Division. Appointment expires December 31, 2014. Replaces Judge Phillip Whiteaker.
* P. Luevonda Ross, Monticello, to the Drew County District Court. Appointment expires December 31, 2014. Replaces Ken Harper. [He resigned facing a disciplinary proceeding.]
* Jason Duffy, Yellville, to the Marion County District Court. Appointment expires December 31, 2014. Fills a vacancy in office.
All judicial appointments are effective on January 1, 2013, except for Ross, who will be sworn in immediately.
