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Board appoints David Whitmer to fill justice-of-the-peace vacancy; colleagues honor retiring Judge Higgins
Summary
The board unanimously appointed David Whitmer (transcript spelling variants present) to fill a justice of the peace vacancy effective Feb. 8, 2026, and held tributes for retiring Judge Higgins, who served more than 30 years in Navajo County.
The Navajo County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an appointment to fill a justice of the peace vacancy and recognized retiring Judge Higgins for decades of local service.
At the board’s request, Judge Higgins recommended David Whitmer (transcript contains minor spelling variants) to fill the remainder of the term effective Feb. 8, 2026, following Judge Widmeier’s retirement. Vice Chair moved to approve the appointment; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Following the appointment, Judge Bridal and multiple board members gave remarks honoring Judge Higgins’s 31-year tenure in Navajo County, citing his work as a superior court judge, justice of the peace and community mentor. Judge Bridal said Higgins was "the embodiment" of a mentor who lit other candles, recounting his leadership in court development and community service. Higgins told the board he retired with some sadness but looked forward to family time and volunteer work.
Board members noted Higgins’s role mentoring new judges, contributions to the South County court complex and long-standing ties to local civic and faith organizations. The board presented a token of appreciation and invited family and friends for photos.
