Governor John Hoeven has named Jamestown lawyer Thomas E. Merrick to the newly created District Judgeship in the Southeast Judicial District. He will asssume office on Jan. 1, 2010. The other finalist was Stutsman County Assistant State's Attorney Jay Schmitz.
Judge-designate Merrick, 59, is an Indiana native who received a bachelor's degree from the University of Toledo. He served in the United States Air Force, reaching the rank of captain. His final duty station was the Grand Forks Air Force Base.
Merrick attended the University of North Dakota School of Law, graduating in 1983. Since then, he has practiced law in Jamestown.
Merrick and his wife, Pamela, have three adult children. He has been active with Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Jamestown Optimist Club. He received a State Bar Association Community Service Award in 2006.
Oct. 21, 2009