The Sixth Judicial Circuit, which includes Champaign, DeWitt, Douglas, Macon, Moultrie and Piatt counties, has opened the application process for two vacancies.

The vacancies are a result of the retirement of Judge Jeffrey B. Ford on March 25 and Judge Heidi Ladd on July 1. Both were Resident Circuit Judges.

According to a Supreme Court of Illinois press release, the Supreme Court will appoint the new judges and applicants will undergo an evaluation and screening process.

The deadline for applications is Feb. 18.

The League of Women Voters of Champaign County is hosting a candidate forum Thursday for the Sixth Circuit Judge Primary for attendees to meet and ask the candidates.

The forum will be at the Champaign City Building and will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Circuit Clerk Robert Burkhalter and Susan McGrath; Champaign County Circuit Judge Troy Lozar, David Moore, Ramona Sullivan and Ruth Wyman; and members of County Board 8 Emily Rodriguez and Giraldo Rosales will be in attendance.

The News-Gazette and NAACP Champaign County are co-hosting the event.

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