News File Photo Judge Thomas LaCross is pictured in this 2020 News file photo. LaCross is set to retire in November and those who want to apply to be considered for the position of probate judge and 88th District Court judge in Alpena have until today at 5 p.m. to do so.

ALPENA — As a Friday evening deadline approaches, several Alpena attorneys have thrown their hats into the ring to be considered for the position of probate judge and 88th District Court judge in Alpena upon the pending retirement of current Judge Thomas LaCross.

Alpena County Prosecutor Cynthia Muszynski and Alpena County Family Division Referee Kimberly Schultz both stated their intent to submit an application to the office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to be considered for the judgeship.

In the event of a Michigan judicial vacancy, the governor appoints a replacement to fill the remainder of the judicial term through the next election.

Whitmer’s office would not confirm how many people have submitted applications for the Alpena position. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. today.

The governor will appoint someone as probate judge after a review process. Whoever the governor taps as probate court judge will automatically assume the District Court responsibilities, as well.

The appointment will last until the 2022 general election.

If the appointed judge wishes to continue serving, he or she must run for reelection to fill the remainder of LaCross’s term, through 2024.

After the window for applications closes, a team will review all applications and select candidates to be interviewed by the State Bar’s Judicial Qualifications Committee. The appointment process will continue until the team selects the most qualified individual to fill the vacancy, according to a representative from the governor’s office.

LaCross’s retirement takes effect November 1.

Julie Riddle can be reached at 989-358-5693, jriddle@thealpenanews.com or on Twitter @jriddleX.