The Illinois Supreme Court announced Thursday the appointment of Chief Circuit Judge S. Gene Schwarm to the Appellate Court in the Fifth Judicial District. Chief Judge Schwarm will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Appellate Justice James M. Wexstten, effective January 29, 2014. The appointment is effective April 1, 2014 and will expire December 5, 2016, when the position will be filled by the winner of the 2016 General Election. “I am honored to be selected to fill the vacancy in the Fifth District Appellate Court,” Chief Judge Schwarm said. “My humble thanks go to Justice Lloyd Karmeier and the Supreme Court for giving me this opportunity. The Fifth Judicial District is made up of 37 counties in southern Illinois including Clinton, Perry and Washington.