1st Judicial District forwards judicial nominations

TOPEKA—The First Judicial District Nominating Commission today certified the names of three area attorneys to fill a judge vacancy that was created by the October retirement of Hon. Frederick N. Stewart.

Nominees include Gerald R. Kuckelman, Atchison County Attorney; Michael F. Willcott and Danny K. Wiley, who are in private practice in Leavenworth.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius will have 30 days in which to make the appointment.  The Nominating Commission interviewed 15 applicants last month for two vacancies in the First Judicial District; one created by the retirement of Hon. Philip C. Lacey, and the second by the retirement of Judge Stewart.  The Governor selected Michael D. Gibbens, Tonganoxie, to fill Judge Lacey’s position.

Kuckelman, who also was among nominees for the first vacancy, has been Atchison County Attorney since 2001 and has maintained a private practice since 1987.  Before that, he served as an assistant Harvey County Attorney and as an assistant attorney general.  He is a graduate of Washburn University and the WU law school.

Willcott, who resides in Tonganoxie, has a Leavenworth law office and has been in private practice since 1977.  He is a 1969 graduate of Washburn University and a 1976 graduate of the WU law school.

Wiley has been a member of the firm of Murray, Tillotson & Wiley since 1993.  He also has been Municipal Judge for the City of Leavenworth since 1997, and has served as a judge pro-tem of Leavenworth District Court since 2003.

The First Judicial District Nominating Commission includes Justice Eric S. Rosen as the nonvoting chair; Robert D. Beal, Leavenworth; John R. Kurth, Atchison; J. David Farris, Atchison; E. Roger Horsky, Leavenworth; Rosemary Niles, Atchison; Mildred G. McMillon, Tonganoxie; Julie A. Clem, Atchison; and Dr. Roy A. Braum, Easton.