(AP) — A former Hall County prosecutor has been named to fill an open district court judgeship in eastern Nebraska’s 5th Judicial District.

The office of Gov. Dave Heineman says he’s selected 43-year-old Rachel Daugherty, of Grand Island. She’s been in private practice in Grand Island since 2000. She holds a law degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln law school.

The opening was created by the retirement of Judge Michael Owens, who was appointed to the post in 1996.

The 5th Judicial District covers Boone, Butler, Colfax, Hamilton, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Polk, Saunders, Seward and York counties.