Darla Engel recognized for dedicated service in annual State of the Kansas Judiciary address

TOPEKA—Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss recognized Clerk of the District Court Darla Engel in his State of the Kansas Judiciary address delivered February 3 in the Supreme Court courtroom in Topeka to an audience of Kansas legislators, judicial branch employees and key constituent groups.

"The judicial branch is fortunate to employ so many faithful professionals who have dedicated their entire careers to providing Kansans fair and impartial courts," said Nuss. "It is my pleasure to recognize a few, like Darla Engel, who is just one example of the state's many judicial branch employees committed to public service."

Engel has been a clerk of the district court in Norton County for 39 years.

"Attending the State of Kansas Judiciary address and the recognition for 39 years of service to the State of Kansas Judicial Branch is a privilege. Reflecting on all the changes in those years and the variety of judicial and non-judicial staff I have worked with makes it clear to me that the Judicial Branch has employed dedicated and hardworking employees. It is an honor to be recognized as a member of this group," said Engel.

The Kansas judicial branch is made up of one Supreme Court, one Court of Appeals, and more than 100 district courts. Its courts employ more than 250 judges and 1,600 court administrators, court clerks, court reporters, court services officers, and other support staff in communities all across Kansas. Together, they process nearly 400,000 cases a year such as criminal, civil, juvenile, probate, child in need of care, domestic, traffic, and adoptions.