The Union County Quorum Court last Thursday accepted the appointment of former Justice of the Peace Gene Hamaker to fill the vacancy in the District 11 position through the end of the year.
The seat opened up in March, when former JP Ross Burton resigned because he moved to a new home.
Burton's new home is located in District 10, and he's currently running unopposed for that seat on the Quorum Court. Donald Brock currently holds the spot, but is running for Mayor of Smackover.
"I... look forward for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Union County again," Burton said in March.
Hamaker formerly served as JP for District 11; he left office in 2010. He was appointed to fill the vacancy by Gov. Asa Hutchinson.
His son, Phillip Hamaker, is currently running against Bobby Bryan for the District 11 JP position.
Other members of the Quorum Court voted unanimously to approve a resolution accepting Gene Hamaker's appointment.
"We welcome you to the Quorum Court," said District 1 JP Mike Dumas. "It's good to have a familiar face sitting down there."
The resolution also set a salary for Hamaker. According to the resolution, he will be paid $211.60 per pay period (every other week), which Jody Cunningham, administrative assistant to the county judge, said is the same as what other JPs make.
Hamaker was able to participate in the remainder of votes held during this month's Quorum Court meeting.
According to previous News-Times reporting, Gene Hamaker previously worked as an insurance agent, in the timber industry and as a poultry and cattle farmer. He has three children.