NASHVILLE (AP) — Three applicants will be considered for an upcoming criminal court vacancy in the 9th Judicial District.

The Governor's Council for Judicial Appointments will meet Sept. 25 in Harriman to consider the applicants to succeed Judge E. Eugene Eblen, who is retiring Dec. 31.

The district serves Loudon, Meigs, Morgan and Roane counties.

The applicants are Walter B. Johnson II and Porsche Lyn Shantz, both of Lenoir City, and Jeffery H. Wicks of Rockwood.

The council will interview the applicants in the Raider Room at Roane State Community College in Harriman, and a public hearing will be held at 9 a.m. EDT. The interview and hearing are both open to the public.

The state Supreme Court says the council will vote and forward the names to Gov. Bill Haslam for consideration.