Selection of chief judges. Not later than December 15 in each odd-numbered year the

chief justice, with the approval of the supreme court, shall appoint from the district judges of each district one of their number to serve as chief judge. The judge so appointed shall serve for a two-year term and shall be eligible for reappointment. Vacancies in the office of chief judge shall be filled in the same manner within 30 days after the vacancy occurs. During any period of vacancy the judge of longest service in the district shall be the acting chief judge. [Report 1969; Court Order October 31, 1997, effective January 24, 1998; October 27, 1999, effective January 3, 2000; November 9, 2001, effective February 15, 2002]