New judge position approved for Sedgwick County

TOPEKA—Chief Justice Kay McFarland today notified the Secretary of State of the establishment of the newly created 26th Division of Sedgwick County District Court.

The notification paves the way for the election of a judge at this year's primary and general elections. The incumbent would assume the office in January.

The Supreme Court certified the creation of the judgeship in April contingent upon funding by the legislature. "I am pleased to report that the legislature came through with suitable funding that will make this badly needed position a reality," Chief Justice McFarland said in announcing the official notification of the vacancy.

She noted that the April order included findings that the Sedgwick County District Court has experienced a dramatic increase in filings for Children in Need of Care under the Kansas Code for Care of Children. "While statewide, such filings have increased by 48 percent in the last 10 years, the Sedgwick County District Court has seen an increase of 158 percent," the court's order stated.