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Bismarck, N.D. (AP) North Dakota's Supreme Court says it will keep a district judgeship in Dickinson.

Incumbent Judge Allan Schmalenberger is retiring July 31. When a judgeship vacancy opens up, state law gives the Supreme Court authority to transfer the job elsewhere.

But the court says in a unanimous order on Tuesday that the job will remain in Dickinson. Now, Gov. John Hoeven will have to appoint someone to serve out Schmalenberger's term. It ends in 2012.

Schmalenberger is one of three trial judges in the Southwest Judicial District. It includes Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope and Stark counties in southwestern North Dakota.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-16-09 1749CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list