Nine apply to fill vacancy in 11th Judicial District

TOPEKA—Nine attorneys applied to fill a district judge vacancy created by the retirement of District Judge Donald R. Noland by Monday's deadline set by the district's Judicial Nominating Commission.

Applicants include David S. Brake, Girard; David K. Markham and Steven W. Wilhoft, both of Parsons; Lori A. Bolton Fleming, Randel L. Messner, and John G. Mazurek, all of Pittsburg; Kathleen M. Cerne, Frontenac; Frederick R. Smith, Farlington; and Darian P. Dernovish, Lawrence.

Interviews are scheduled for April 24 in the Crawford County Judicial Center, Pittsburg.

The seven-member nominating commission is responsible for submitting the names of two or three nominees to the Governor for the vacancy which was created by the April 2nd retirement of Crawford County District Judge Donald R. Noland. The law requires that the commission submit at least two names, but not more than three, to the Governor who may appoint any of the suggested nominees.

The 11th District judicial nominating commission includes Justice Lee A. Johnson, as the nonvoting chair, and Sara S. Beezley, Girard; Hon. Oliver K. Lynch, Columbus; Richard G. Tucker, Parsons; James K. Cook, Parsons; John W. Lehman, Girard; and Charles W. Sweeton, Baxter Springs.