Governor Gary Herbert has appointed Cedar City attorney Keith C. Barnes to fill a judgeship in Utah's fifth district court. Barnes fills the vacancy created by Judge Michael Westfall who is moving to St. George to fill another seat, formerly occupied by Judge James Shumate.
Evan Vickers is the state Senator for Beaver, Washington and Iron counties in Utah, and is therefore the representative from the same area as Barnes.
"I look forward to the confirmation process with Keith and as he moves forward, he has an excellent reputation amongst the legal profession in southern Utah, and I'm sure that that will go smoothly. But I am excited, I'm excited about that and working with him and helping him through that confirmation process," Vickers said.
The governor's appointment is pending confirmation by the Utah State Senate.