A judgeship in the North Central Judicial District that will become vacant July 17 should be retained, according to the North Dakota Supreme Court.

Judge Todd Cresap announced his retirement this month in May. His resignation triggered a Supreme Court review to determine whether the office is necessary or should be abolished or transferred to another judicial district.

The court considered comments from county commissions and attorneys, the district’s population and caseloads. The court determined vacating or moving the judgeship would create a shortage in the North Central District, which consists of Burke, Mountrail and Ward counties. The district has five judges chambered in Minot and one judicial referee.

The court’s decision allows for a judicial nominating commission to be formed. The commission will present a list of nominees to the governor for appointment to the remaining two years of Cresap’s six-year term.