Peggy Carr Kittel new chief judge of 7th judicial district

TOPEKA—Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss announced today that Judge Peggy Carr Kittel has been appointed chief judge of the 7th judicial district to replace Chief Judge Robert Fairchild, who retires today.

Chief judge appointments are for two-year terms that begin January 1 in even-numbered years. Kittel's appointment will end December 31, 2017.

The 7th judicial district is composed of Douglas County.

"I'm pleased that Chief Judge Kittel accepted this appointment and I look forward to her leadership in the Kansas judicial branch of government," Nuss said.

Kittel has been a judge in Douglas County since 2008. Between 2001 and 2008, she served as a temporary judge in the district.

"I am honored to serve as chief judge for the 7th judicial district," Kittel said. "I look forward to working in this capacity with the Supreme Court and the dedicated court employees of Douglas County."

Kittel graduated from the University of Kansas School of Law and was in private law practice before becoming a temporary judge in the 7th judicial district in 2001.

Each of Kansas' 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to his or her judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.