The Pennsylvania Senate yesterday confirmed the appointments of Irene Hudasky of Lansford and Bruce Appleton of Palmerton to magisterial district benches previously held by Joseph M. Sverchek and Willard Steigerwalt, respectively.

The two new district justices were earlier nominated for the positions by Gov. Dick Thornburgh.

Hudasky will officially become the first female district justice ever in the county, succeeding Sverchek, who retired on Jan. 6. Steigerwalt’s retirement took effect on April 7.