ST. PAUL, MN -The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today it is recommending three candidates to Governor Mark Dayton for consideration to fill the current vacancy in Minnesota's Fifth Judicial District. This vacancy was created upon the retirement of the Honorable David W. Peterson. This district court judgeship will be chambered at Redwood Falls in Redwood County in the Fifth Judicial District.

Patrick Rohland: Mr. Rohland serves as the Redwood Falls City Attorney, where he handles all aspects of criminal prosecutions as well as civil matters for the city. Previously, he served in the Redwood County Attorney's Office and practiced in real estate law at the firm of Fabyanske, Westra, Hart and Thomson, P.A. Mr. Rohland serves as a Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 97 and is a youth group leader with Cornerstone Christian Church. He is also actively involved with Venturing Crew 97 and Relay for Life.

Joel Solie: Mr. Solie currently is a solo practitioner at his law firm, Solie Law Office, where his general practice includes court appointments and public defense work as a part-time Assistant Public Defender in the Fifth Judicial District. Previously, Mr. Solie was a partner at the law firm of Estebo, Schnobrich, Frank, Solie and Gilk, Ltd. in Redwood Falls. Mr. Solie is a current member of the Redwood County Drug Court Committee, and a past president of the Redwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Redwood Area United Way.

Tricia Zimmer: Ms. Zimmer currently is an Assistant Lyon County Attorney, where she practices primarily in adult criminal prosecution, planning and zoning, civil commitment proceedings, child in need of protection cases, and forfeitures. She previously was an adjunct professor at Southwest Minnesota State University and a judicial law clerk for the Fifth Judicial District. Ms. Zimmer is a current member and former president of the United Way of Southwest Minnesota, and currently serves on the Marshall Police Advisory Board.

Minnesota's Fifth Judicial District consists of Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan Counties.

An announcement of the appointment will be made following an interview process over the next few weeks.