Gov. Terry Branstad has filled a local judicial vacancy with an Iowa City attorney.

Last week, Branstad appointed Chad Kepros as a 6th District judge, which covers six counties: Benton, Iowa, Jones, Johnson, Tama and Linn.

Kepros, of North Liberty, serves as a magistrate judge, a position whose jurisdiction includes simple misdemeanors, in Johnson County along with private practice work as an attorney Bray and Klockau PLC, 402 S. Linn St.

Branstad’s appointment fills a vacancy left by Judge Stephen Jackson, who was appointed as a federal magistrate for the Southern District of Iowa — which covers 47 counties and is centered in Des Moines.

Kepros received an undergraduate degree from Coe College and a law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law.

— by Brent Griffiths