(AP) — A Lancaster County prosecutor has been selected to fill a district court judgeship opening in Lincoln.

Gov. Dave Heineman’s office announced Friday that Lori Maret was chosen. The opening was created by the retirement of Judge Karen Flowers on Dec. 31.

The two other finalists were Richard Rice and Melanie Whittamore-Mantzios, both of Lincoln.

The governor’s office says the 45-year-old Maret has been deputy Lancaster County attorney since 2002. She was awarded her law degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.