A judicial nominating commission has forwarded the names of two nominees to Gov. Dave Heineman for consideration to fill a judicial vacancy in western Nebraska.

Heineman will consider candidates Larry Miller, of Alliance, and Paul Wess, of Chadron, to serve as county court judge in the 12th judicial district. Heineman will schedule interviews with the nominees in the coming weeks.

The vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge Charles Plantz. The 12th Judicial District consists of Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden and Grant counties, as well as Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan and Sioux counties.

The judgeship was recently moved from Rushville to Alliance.