2018 News Releases

	12/28/2018 Kansas Supreme Court establishes policy to give employees paid parental leave TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court announced today it has established policy to give judicial branch employees six weeks of paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child."To effectively compete for employees, the judicial branch must offer benefits and pay comparable to what is currently available on the job market," said ...
	12/17/2018 New chief judge appointed for 16th Judicial District TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has appointed District Judge E. Leigh Hood as chief judge of the 16th Judicial District from January 1 through December 31, 2019.Hood will succeed Chief Judge Van Hampton, who is retiring.The 16th Judicial District is composed of Clark, Comanche, Ford, Gray, Kiowa, and Meade counties."We are glad that ...
	12/10/2018 Sedgwick County District Judge John Kisner Jr. to retire TOPEKA—Sedgwick County District Judge John Kisner Jr. will retire January 14, 2019, after more than 15 years on the bench.Kisner was appointed to fill a judge vacancy in the 18th Judicial District, which is composed of Sedgwick County, in July 2003. He currently is assigned to the criminal division. Kisner previously served as presiding judge ...
	12/07/2018 Law student joins Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program board TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed Kyler Wineinger to the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Board.Wineinger, of Tribune, is a student at Washburn University School of Law, Topeka. He will serve a six-year term ending June 30, 2024.The Supreme Court created the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program to help lawyers seek treatment for physical or ...
	12/04/2018 District Judge David Rogers to sit with Kansas Supreme Court December 12 TOPEKA—District Judge David Rogers of the 31st Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in one case on the court's December 12 docket. After hearing oral arguments, Rogers will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.“I am pleased that District ...
	12/04/2018 District Judge David Debenham to sit with Kansas Supreme Court December 11 TOPEKA—District Judge David Debenham of the 3rd Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear one case on the court's December 11 docket. After hearing the case, Debenham will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.“I am pleased that District Judge Debenham is ...
	12/03/2018 Sedgwick County District Judge Warren Wilbert to retire TOPEKA—Sedgwick County District Judge Warren Wilbert will retire January 11, 2019, after 24 years on the bench.Wilbert currently is the presiding judge in the civil department of the 18th Judicial District, which is composed of Sedgwick County. He also oversees the district's drug court."I have enjoyed presiding over complex cases ...
	12/03/2018 With exceptions, state courts to close Wednesday for national day of mourning TOPEKA--With some exceptions, state courts will close Wednesday, December 5, to observe a national day of mourning for former President George H.W. Bush, in concurrence with actions taken by the federal government and Governor Jeff Colyer.In its order observing the day of mourning, the Kansas Supreme Court gave chief judges of each of the state' ...
	11/28/2018 Nominees sought for district magistrate judge vacancy in Harper County TOPEKA—The 30th Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking nominations to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in Harper County created by the January 15 retirement of Judge James Biles.The 30th Judicial District is composed of Barber, Harper, Kingman, Pratt, and Sumner counties.Justice Carol Beier, the Supreme Court departmental ...
	11/28/2018 16th Judicial District Chief Judge Van Hampton to retire TOPEKA—Chief Judge Van Hampton of the 16th Judicial District will retire December 31.Hampton has been a district court judge since 1995 and chief judge since 2015. He presides over cases in Clark, Comanche, Ford, Gray, Kiowa, and Meade counties.He was appointed district judge in August 1995 and has been re-elected every four years since 1996. ...
	11/16/2018 12th Judicial District Nominating Commission appoints magistrate judge for Jewell County TOPEKA—The 12th Judicial District Nominating Commission today appointed Kevin Phillips as the district magistrate judge in Jewell County.The 12th Judicial District is composed of Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Republic, and Washington counties.The district magistrate judge may be given assignments anywhere in the district.Phillips, of ...
	11/14/2018 District Magistrate Judge Cheryl Allen to retire from Reno County position TOPEKA—District Magistrate Judge Cheryl Allen, who serves in the 27th Judicial District, will retire November 30.Allen has been magistrate judge in the district, which is composed of Reno County, since 2015."I enjoyed my time as a magistrate judge and hope that I made a difference," Allen said. "I tried to look at each case and ...
	11/09/2018 New chief judge appointed for 14th Judicial District TOPEKA—Chief Justice Lawton Nuss announced today the Kansas Supreme Court has appointed District Judge Jeffrey Gettler as chief judge of the 14th Judicial District from January 13 through December 31, 2019.Gettler will succeed Chief Judge William Cullins, who will continue to serve as a district judge in the 14th Judicial District.The 14th ...
	11/08/2018 Supreme Court forms task force to examine pretrial detention practices TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has formed an ad hoc task force to examine pretrial detention practices in Kansas district courts and report its findings and recommendations to the court within 18 months.The 15-member task force was created by a November 7 Supreme Court order signed by Chief Justice Lawton Nuss. Its membership includes judges ...
	11/06/2018 Judge Patrick McAnany to retire from Kansas Court of Appeals TOPEKA—Court of Appeals Judge Patrick McAnany will retire January 14 after 24 years on the bench.McAnany was appointed a district court judge in the 10th Judicial District, composed of Johnson County, in 1995 and was named a Court of Appeals judge in 2004.He was a trial lawyer for almost three decades before becoming a judge, and he said it ...
	11/06/2018 Five reappointed to juvenile justice committee TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court reappointed five people to two-year terms on the Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee.The committee, formed in 2016 at the direction of the Kansas Legislature, reviews and oversees improvements to the juvenile justice system in the state. Membership includes representation from all three branches of government ...
	11/01/2018 Kansas Court of Appeals panel to hear oral arguments in Dodge City TOPEKA—A three-judge panel of the Kansas Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments Tuesday, November 13, at Ford County Courthouse, 101 W Spruce St., Dodge City.Judges Anthony Powell, G. Gordon Atcheson, and Kathryn Gardner will hear oral arguments in two cases starting at 9:30 a.m."Traveling to Dodge City to hear cases is part of the ...
	10/30/2018 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission submits nominees for district judge vacancy in Geary County TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has sent the names of three nominees for district judge to Governor Jeff Colyer, who has 60 days to decide who will fill the vacancy created by the January 1 retirement of Judge Maritza Segarra.The 8th Judicial District is composed of Dickinson, Geary, Marion, and Morris counties.The ...
	10/25/2018 Nominees to be interviewed for district judge vacancy in Geary County TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission will convene at 9 a.m. October 29 in the Geary County Courthouse, 138 E Eighth, Junction City, to interview nominees to fill a district judge vacancy in Geary County created by the January 1 retirement of Judge Maritza Segarra.Interviews are open to the public. The 8th Judicial District ...
	10/19/2018 Supreme Court-appointed committee presents recommendations on municipal court practices TOPEKA—An ad hoc committee appointed by the Kansas Supreme Court a year ago to review bonding practices, fines, and fees of Kansas' municipal courts presented its recommendations at a news conference Wednesday.The 18 committee members were appointed by Chief Justice Lawton Nuss in an order signed September 6, 2017.Of the 18 members, 16 ...
	10/17/2018 12th Judicial District Nominating Commissions seeks nominees for magistrate judge TOPEKA—The 12th Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking nominations to fill a district magistrate judge position in Jewell County that will become vacant January 14, 2019.The 12th Judicial District is composed of Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Republic, and Washington counties. The district magistrate judge may be given ...
	10/16/2018 Chief Judge Glenn Braun to sit with Kansas Supreme Court October 23 TOPEKA—Chief Judge Glenn Braun of the 23rd Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in one case on the court's October 23 docket. After hearing oral arguments, Braun will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.“I am pleased that Chief Judge ...
	10/16/2018 District Judge James Vano to sit with Kansas Supreme Court October 25 TOPEKA—District Judge James Vano of the 10th Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in one case on the court's October 25 docket. After hearing oral arguments, Vano will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.“I am pleased that District Judge ...
	10/16/2018 District Judge Robert Burns to sit with Kansas Supreme Court October 26 TOPEKA—District Judge Robert Burns of the 29th Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in one case on the court's October 26 docket. After hearing oral arguments, Burns will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.“I am pleased that District ...
	10/03/2018 Kansas Court of Appeals panel to hear oral arguments at Chanute High School ​TOPEKA—A three-judge panel of the Kansas Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments Tuesday, October 16, at the Chanute High School auditorium at 1501 W. 36th St. in Chanute.Judges Kathryn Gardner, G. Gordon Atcheson, and Anthony Powell will hear oral arguments in four cases. Two will be heard starting at 9:30 a.m. with the remaining two ...
	09/24/2018 New attorneys to take state and federal oaths in September 28 ceremonies TOPEKA—Successful applicants to the July 2018 Kansas bar examination will be sworn in as Kansas attorneys during two ceremonies Friday, September 28, in the Kansas Supreme Court courtroom at the Kansas Judicial Center, 301 SW 10th Avenue, in Topeka.The ceremonies will be at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.Chief Justice Lawton Nuss will preside over the ...
	09/18/2018 Longtime court reporter named honorary bailiff for Supreme Court's special session in Manhattan TOPEKA—For 30 years, Molly Kujawa has focused on every word during court proceedings.But as honorary bailiff for the Kansas Supreme Court's special session Monday in Manhattan, she finally will have a chance to relax.Kujawa (pronounced kee-AH-vah) has been a court reporter for Riley County District Court since 1988. Her job—to ...
	09/17/2018 Fort Hays State University to host Court of Appeals hearings marking Constitution Day TOPEKA—A three-judge panel of the Kansas Court of Appeals will hear five cases September 20 and 21 at Fort Hays State University in Hays as part of the court's observance of Constitution Day.The court will hear cases in two sessions beginning at 9 a.m. both days in the Black and Gold Room, 2nd Floor, Memorial Union, 700 College Drive ...
	09/17/2018 University of Kansas to host Court of Appeals hearings marking Constitution Day TOPEKA—A three-judge panel of the Kansas Court of Appeals will hear six cases September 20 at the University of Kansas in Lawrence as part of the court's observance of Constitution Day.The court will hear cases in two sessions beginning at 9 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m. in Burge Union, 1565 Irving Hill Road. Judges Steve Leben, Henry Green Jr., ...
	09/17/2018 Wichita State University to host Court of Appeals hearings marking Constitution Day TOPEKA—A three-judge panel of the Kansas Court of Appeals will hear five cases September 20 at Wichita State University in Wichita as part of the court's observance of Constitution Day.The court will hear cases in two sessions beginning at 9 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m. in the Campus Activity Center Theatre, 1845 Fairmount.Judges David Bruns ...
	09/11/2018 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission seeks nominees for judge vacancy TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking nominations to fill a district judge vacancy in Geary County created by the January 1 retirement of Judge Maritza Segarra.The 8th Judicial District is composed of Dickinson, Geary, Marion, and Morris counties.Justice Marla Luckert, the Supreme Court departmental justice ...
	09/10/2018 Topeka attorney joins Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program board TOPEKA—Chief Justice Lawton Nuss of the Kansas Supreme Court appointed James Benfer III to the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program board.Benfer, an attorney in private practice in Topeka, will serve a six-year term ending June 30, 2024.The Kansas Supreme Court created the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program to help lawyers seek treatment for ...
	09/10/2018 Geary County district judge to retire after 15 years on the bench TOPEKA—District Judge Maritza Segarra will retire January 1 after 15 years on the bench in the 8th Judicial District.“It has been the greatest honor of my legal career to serve as a judge for the 8th Judicial District, and I am grateful to the community for entrusting me with that position,” she said.Segarra served as a magistrate ...
	09/10/2018 Wyandotte County district judge to retire after 30 years of service TOPEKA—District Judge J. Dexter Burdette will retire September 30 after serving more than 30 years on the bench in the 29th Judicial District.Burdette, a Wyandotte County native, was appointed to fill a vacancy in the district court and was sworn in June 7, 1988. He subsequently won a contested election to retain his position and has been re ...
	09/07/2018 District Judge Jeff Goering to sit with Kansas Supreme Court September 14 TOPEKA—District Judge Jeff Goering of the 18th Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to review a case on the court's September 14 docket. Goering will join Supreme Court justices in reviewing a case on the court's summary calendar and in the court's deliberations and decision drafting.Cases on ...
	09/07/2018 Chief Judge Oliver Kent Lynch to sit with Kansas Supreme Court September 13 TOPEKA—Chief Judge Oliver Kent Lynch of the 11th Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in one case on the court's September 13 docket. After hearing oral arguments, Lynch will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.“I am pleased that Chief ...
	09/07/2018 Chief Judge Thomas Kelly Ryan to sit with Kansas Supreme Court September 13 TOPEKA—Chief Judge Thomas Kelly Ryan of the 10th Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in one case on the court's September 13 docket. After hearing oral arguments, Ryan will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.“I am pleased that Chief ...
	09/06/2018 Kansas Supreme Court announces amendments to Rule 712 TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court announced today it has amended Rule 712 to allow attorneys who perform legal services for a single employer under a restricted license to provide pro bono legal services through organizations the Supreme Court approves for that purpose.Pro bono services are professional services provided by attorneys without ...
	09/06/2018 Chief Judge Mike Keeley to sit with Kansas Supreme Court September 11 TOPEKA—Chief Judge Mike Keeley of the 20th Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in two cases on the court's September 11 docket. After hearing oral arguments, Keeley will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.“I am pleased that Chief Judge ...
	09/06/2018 Chief Judge Kevin Berens to sit with Kansas Supreme Court September 12 TOPEKA—Chief Judge Kevin Berens of the 15th Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in one case on the court's September 12 docket. After hearing oral arguments, Berens will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.“I am pleased that Chief Judge ...
	09/06/2018 Chief Judge William Mott to sit with Kansas Supreme Court September 12 TOPEKA—Chief Judge William Mott of the 30th Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in two cases on the court's September 12 docket. After hearing oral arguments, Mott will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.“I am pleased that Chief Judge ...
	09/05/2018 New member appointed to Kansas Child Support Guidelines Advisory Committee TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed Elizabeth Cohn to the Kansas Child Support Guidelines Advisory Committee.The 13-member Kansas Child Support Guidelines Advisory Committee includes parents who either pay or receive child support, and attorneys, judges, and tax professionals with expertise in child support.Cohn, Lawrence, is an ...
	08/29/2018 Attorneys appointed to state disciplinary board TOPEKA—Five attorneys were reappointed to four-year terms on the Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys.Chief Justice Lawton Nuss of the Kansas Supreme Court made the appointments. Their terms end June 30, 2022.In addition, Nuss appointed three attorneys to complete vacant terms on the board.Those reappointed to four-year terms:Stephen ...
	08/24/2018 Seven appointed to Kansas Child Support Guidelines Advisory Committee TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed three people to the Kansas Child Support Guidelines Advisory Committee and reappointed four others.The 13-member Kansas Child Support Guidelines Advisory Committee includes parents who either pay or receive child support, and attorneys, judges, and tax professionals with expertise in child support ...
	08/23/2018 Leavenworth attorney named executive director of Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program TOPEKA—Longtime attorney and Leavenworth resident Louis Clothier has been named executive director of the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program beginning August 27.KALAP helps lawyers seek treatment for physical or mental illness, substance abuse, or emotional distress. Created in 2001, it operates under the direction of the Kansas Supreme Court ...
	08/23/2018 McDonald retires as head of Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program TOPEKA—Anne McDonald is retiring as executive director of the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program, created by the Kansas Supreme Court to help lawyers seek treatment for physical or mental illness, substance abuse, or emotional distress.McDonald was named interim director of KALAP in 2009, then hired as its executive director. Her affiliation ...
	08/17/2018 District magistrate judge selected for Barber County TOPEKA—The 30th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Candace R. Lattin of Iuka to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Barber County.The commission conducted public interviews of nominees for the position today in Medicine Lodge. Five people had applied for the opening.Lattin's new position will be effective upon her ...
	08/10/2018 1st Judicial District Nominating Commission submits nominees for district judge vacancy in Leavenworth County TOPEKA—The 1st Judicial District Nominating Commission has sent the names of four nominees for district judge to Gov. Jeff Colyer, who has 60 days to decide who will fill the vacancy created by the June 16 retirement of Judge Gunnar Sundby.The 1st Judicial District is composed of Atchison and Leavenworth counties.The nominees are:Terri L ...
	07/26/2018 Supreme Court announces cases for September special session in Manhattan TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court announced the two cases it will hear in a special session Monday, September 24, at Manhattan High School, the next destination in the court's ongoing outreach to familiarize Kansans with the high court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary.The court will be in session from 6:30 p.m. to ...
	07/20/2018 30th Judicial District Nominating Commission announces nominees for district magistrate judge TOPEKA — The 30th Judicial District Nominating Commission released the names of five people who applied to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in Barber County.Judge Richard Raleigh vacated the position July 6.The commission will convene at 9 a.m. August 17 in the Barber County Courthouse courtroom, 118 E. Washington, Medicine Lodge, to ...
	07/19/2018 1st Judicial District Nominating Commission to interview nominees for district judge vacancy TOPEKA — The 1st Judicial District Nominating Commission will convene at 9 a.m. August 8 to interview nominees to fill a district judge vacancy in Leavenworth County created by the June 16 retirement of Judge Gunnar Sundby.Interviews are open to the public. They will take place at Leavenworth County Justice Center, 601 S. Third St ...
	07/18/2018 Wichita attorney appointed to Kansas Judicial Council TOPEKA—Chief Justice Lawton Nuss of the Kansas Supreme Court appointed F. James Robinson Jr., Wichita, to a vacancy on the Kansas Judicial Council.His term on the Judicial Council will expire June 30, 2021.Robinson is a senior partner with the law firm of Hite, Fanning & Honeyman, Wichita. He joined the firm after graduating from the ...
	07/18/2018 Longtime member of Kansas Judicial Council steps down TOPEKA—Nick Badgerow, an Overland Park attorney, has stepped down after serving 24 years on the Kansas Judicial Council, which reviews the administration of justice in the state.“I have been proud and happy to serve the council over these decades, as it has allowed me to interact with the finest judges, lawyers, legislators and ...
	07/13/2018 Kansas Supreme Court reappoints eCourt Steering Committee members TOPEKA—Chief Justice Lawton Nuss of the Kansas Supreme Court reappointed members to the eCourt Steering Committee, which is overseeing implementation of a centralized case management system that will allow all district and appellate case data to reside on a single web-based platform, transforming the way state courts serve the people of ...
	07/06/2018 Kansas Supreme Court appoints new members to Access to Justice Committee TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed five new members to the Access to Justice Committee and reappointed two others.Four of the new members have terms that began July 1 and end June 30, 2021. They are:Chief Judge James Fleetwood of the 18th Judicial District, composed of Sedgwick County.Christie Campbell, Wichita, Kansas Legal Services ...
	07/03/2018 Kansas Supreme Court appoints three to Language Access Committee TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed Oscar Marino, Lawrence, and Maura Miller, Olathe, to the Language Access Committee.The court also reappointed District Judge Teresa Watson, who serves in Shawnee County of the 3rd Judicial District. Their terms began July 1 and end June 30, 2021.Marino and Miller are Spanish-language interpreters.The ...
	07/03/2018 Kansas Supreme Court appoints three to Municipal Court Clerks Education Committee TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed Kathy Bounds, municipal court clerk for the city of De Soto, to a three-year term on the Municipal Court Clerks Education Committee.The court also reappointed Nicole Armstrong, municipal court clerk for the city of Lenexa, and Greg Nickel, municipal court clerk for the city of Newton. Their terms ...
	07/03/2018 Kansas Supreme Court appoints two judges to Municipal Court Judges Education Committee TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed Municipal Judge Nancy Muck and Municipal Judge Jason Maxwell to the Municipal Court Judges Education Committee.Muck is municipal judge for the city of Osborne. Maxwell is municipal judge for the city of Liberal. Their terms began July 1 and end June 30, 2021.The committee recommends and organizes ...
	07/02/2018 Seven appointed to Alternative Dispute Resolution Council TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed five new members to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Council and reappointed two more. All will serve from July 1 through June 30, 2021.New members are:Denise Parker, court services officer and approved mediator for the 16th Judicial District, composed of Clark, Comanche, Ford, Gray, Kiowa, and ...
	07/02/2018 Supreme Court appoints members to Permanency Planning Task Force TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed four people to the Supreme Court Permanency Planning Task Force and reappointed two others. Their four-year terms begin July 1 and end June 30, 2022.The new members are:Deb Dickerhoof, coordinator, citizen review board, 5th Judicial District, composed of Lyon and Chase countiesDistrict Judge Mary ...
	06/27/2018 Anderson reappointed to District Magistrate Judges Certification Committee TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court reappointed District Magistrate Judge Deb Anderson to the District Magistrate Judges Certification Committee. Her four-year term begins July 1 and ends June 30, 2022.Anderson serves in Norton County of the 17th Judicial District, which also includes Decatur, Graham, Osborne, Phillips, and Smith counties.The ...
	06/27/2018 Six judges appointed to Judicial Education Advisory Committee TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed five judges to the Judicial Education Advisory Committee and reappointed a sixth judge.Appointed to three-year terms beginning July 1 and ending June 30, 2021 were:District Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell, serving in Pawnee County of the 24th Judicial DistrictDistrict Judge Steven Hornbaker, serving in ...
	06/26/2018 Four appointed to Judges Manual Committee ​TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed District Magistrate Judge Renee Henke to a two-year term on the Judges Manual Committee. Her term begins July 1 and ends June 30, 2020.Henke serves in Osborne County of the 17th Judicial District.Reappointed to two-year terms were:District Magistrate Judge Kristin Hutchison, who serves in Elk County ...
	06/26/2018 Two appointed to Client Protection Fund Commission TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed Christopher Sook, an attorney from Hays, and David Trevino, an attorney from Lawrence, to three-year terms on the Client Protection Fund Commission. Their terms begin July 1 and end June 30, 2021.The two succeed Charles “Ed” Watson, an attorney from Wichita, and Aaron Kite, an attorney ...
	06/25/2018 Supreme Court announces decision in Luke Gannon, et al. v. State of Kansas TOPEKA—In its decision released today, the Kansas Supreme Court held the State has not shown that the school finance laws enacted during the 2017 and 2018 legislative sessions meet the adequacy requirement in Article 6 of the Kansas Constitution. But if the State chooses to make timely financial adjustments in response to problems identified ...
	06/21/2018 Nominees sought for district magistrate judge vacancy in 30th Judicial District TOPEKA—The 30th Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking nominations for a district magistrate judge opening in Barber County that will become available when Judge Richard Raleigh vacates the position, effective July 6.The 30th Judicial District is composed of Barber, Harper, Kingman, Pratt, and Sumner counties.Justice Carol Beier ...
	06/19/2018 Nominations sought for judge vacancy in Leavenworth County TOPEKA—The 1st Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking nominations to fill a district judge vacancy in Leavenworth County created by the June 16 retirement of Judge Gunnar Sundby.The 1st Judicial District is composed of Atchison and Leavenworth counties.Justice Eric Rosen, the Kansas Supreme Court departmental justice responsible ...
	06/18/2018 Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association elects officers TOPEKA—District Magistrate Judge Douglas Bigge was re-elected president of the Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association.The organization, open to all state district magistrate court judges, elected officers to serve in the fiscal year that begins July 1. Officers were elected at a statewide conference for judges in Overland Park.Bigge ...
	06/18/2018 Kansas District Judges Association elects 2018-19 officers TOPEKA—The Kansas District Judges Association, an organization open to all state district court judges, has elected officers to serve the organization in the fiscal year that begins July 1.Judge James Fleetwood was elected president. He is chief judge of the 18th Judicial District, a one-county district composed of Sedgwick County.Fleetwood ...
	06/18/2018 Shawnee County judge receives honor from state judges association TOPEKA—The Kansas District Judges Association presented its Award for Judicial Excellence to District Judge Nancy Parrish of Topeka.Parrish received the award during KDJA's recent annual meeting in Overland Park."I was totally surprised. It very much touched me, and I am humbled by it," she said.Her colleague, District Judge ...
	06/14/2018 State judges organization honors Rooks County judge TOPEKA—District Magistrate Judge Douglas Bigge of Rooks County received the Lee Nusser Award for Outstanding Magistrate Judge of 2018.The award was presented June 8 in Overland Park at the annual meeting of the Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association."I am honored and humbled to receive this award." Bigge said. "I know ...
	06/12/2018 Supreme Court to conduct special evening session in Manhattan TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court will conduct a special evening session September 24 at Manhattan High School in Manhattan as part of its ongoing outreach to familiarize Kansans with the high court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary.The court will be in session from 6:30 p.m. to about 8 p.m. Monday, September 24, in the ...
	06/01/2018 Electronic filing mandate in Kansas courts to take effect June 25 TOPEKA—Beginning June 25, all Kansas-licensed attorneys who are permitted to practice law under Supreme Court Rule 208(a) must electronically file documents in cases before any state court.Self-represented parties will continue to file paper documents.The Kansas Supreme Court amended two rules to support this mandate:Supreme Court Rule 119 ...
	05/31/2018 Judge Richard Walker appointed to Kansas Guardianship Program board TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed Senior Judge Richard Walker to an unexpired term on the board of directors of the Kansas Guardianship Program. His term will run through June 30, 2019.Walker succeeds Judge Frank Yeoman Jr., who retired from the Shawnee County District Court in September.Walker has served as a senior judge for the ...
	05/30/2018 Leavenworth County judge to retire, accepts senior judge status TOPEKA—District Judge Gunnar Sundby will retire June 16 after 20 years of service in the 1st Judicial District but will begin serving as a senior judge for the judicial branch.The Kansas Supreme Court appointed Sundby as a senior judge effective June 17.Sundby is a graduate of Washburn University and a 1977 graduate of the Washburn University ...
	05/30/2018 New member named, three reappointed to Kansas Commission on Judicial Qualifications TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed Diane Azorsky, Leawood, and reappointed three other members to the Kansas Commission on Judicial Qualifications. Their terms end June 30, 2022.Azorsky is a nonattorney representative on the commission. She is executive director of Gift of Life, Overland Park. She succeeds Valdenia Winn, a nonattorney ...
	05/25/2018 New chief judge appointed for 25th Judicial District TOPEKA—Chief Justice Lawton Nuss announced today the Kansas Supreme Court has appointed District Judge Robert Frederick as chief judge of the 25th Judicial District beginning July 1.Frederick will succeed Chief Judge Wendel Wurst, who will continue to serve as a district judge in the 25th Judicial District.The 25th Judicial District is ...
	05/21/2018 Four individuals appointed to Kansas Sentencing Commission TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed two new members to the Kansas Sentencing Commission and reappointed two others.Kansas Court of Appeals Judge Stephen Hill and District Judge Benjamin Sexton will serve two-year terms ending June 30, 2020.The court reappointed District Judge Lee Fowler and Chris Mechler of the judicial branch's ...
	05/18/2018 Two new members appointed to Kansas Continuing Legal Education Commission TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed two new members to the Kansas Continuing Legal Education Commission and reappointed two others.The commission oversees continuing legal education requirements for lawyers licensed to practice in Kansas. Attorneys must earn a minimum of 12 credit hours each year.Joslyn Kusiak of Independence, Megan ...
	05/18/2018 University of Kansas School of Law honors Court of Appeals chief judge TOPEKA—The University of Kansas School of Law honored Chief Judge Karen Arnold-Burger of the Kansas Court of Appeals with its 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award.The law school recognized Arnold-Burger and two other recipients April 7 in Lawrence.The award celebrates graduates for their professional achievements, contributions to the legal field, ...
	05/17/2018 3rd Judicial District Nominating Commission submits nominees for district judge vacancy in Shawnee County TOPEKA — The 3rd Judicial District Nominating Commission has sent the names of three nominees for district judge to Gov. Jeff Colyer, who has 60 days to decide who will fill the vacancy created by the July 31 retirement of Judge Joseph Johnson.The 3rd Judicial District is composed of Shawnee County.The commission interviewed 16 nominees May ...
	05/17/2018 Two reappointed to Judges Assistance Committee TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court reappointed District Judge Ben Burgess and Municipal Judge Amie Bauer to four-year terms on the Judges Assistance Committee. Their terms will run through June 30, 2022.The Judges Assistance Committee provides help to any Kansas judge in need due to mental or physical disability, or addiction.Burgess, who serves ...
	05/17/2018 New member appointed, another reappointed to Kansas Board of Law Examiners TOPEKA–The Kansas Supreme Court appointed Kansas Court of Appeals Judge Melissa Taylor Standridge and attorney Molly Wood to five-year terms on the Kansas Board of Law Examiners.Standridge will succeed Court of Appeals Judge Henry Green Jr., whose term is expiring.The court reappointed Wood, a partner at Stevens & Brand, Lawrence.Both ...
	05/16/2018 Retired justice reappointed to Judicial Ethics Advisory Panel TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court reappointed former Justice Edward Larson to a four-year term on the Judicial Ethics Advisory Panel. Larson will serve until June 30, 2022.He was a justice on the Supreme Court from 1995 to 2002 and a senior judge from 2002 to 2014. He served on the Kansas Court of Appeals from 1987 to 1995 and previously was a ...
	05/16/2018 Lyon County judge appointed to child welfare task force TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed District Judge Jeffry Larson to the Child Welfare System Task Force. Larson will complete the unexpired term of District Judge Daniel Cahill, who serves in Wyandotte County of the 29th Judicial District.Larson serves in Lyon County of the 5th Judicial District. His term on the task force ends January ...
	05/16/2018 Lawrence attorney reappointed to Attorney Admissions Review Committee TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court reappointed Sherri Loveland to a three-year term on the Attorney Admissions Review Committee.Loveland will serve until June 30, 2021. She is an attorney at Stevens & Brand in Lawrence.The committee, composed of three practicing attorneys, reviews applications of individuals seeking to practice law in the ...
	05/10/2018 Kansas Supreme Court amends court rules to accommodate mandatory electronic filing in all courts effective June 25, 2018 TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court announced today that it has amended two rules to facilitate the requirement that all attorneys must electronically file documents in all state courts effective June 25, 2018.The requirement applies to all Kansas-licensed attorneys who are permitted to practice law under Rule 208(a), and it applies to all case ...
	05/09/2018 Osage City lawyer selected for district magistrate judge vacancy in Osage County TOPEKA—The 4th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Osage City lawyer Shannon D. Rush to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Osage County.The commission conducted public interviews of nominees for the position May 9 in Lyndon. Five people had applied for the opening.Rush's new position will be effective upon her swearing-in ...
	05/07/2018 3rd Judicial District Nominating Commission sets interview schedule for vacancy in Shawnee County TOPEKA—The 3rd Judicial District Nominating Commission will convene at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 17, in the Shawnee County Courthouse to interview nominees to fill the vacancy created by the July 31 retirement of District Judge Joseph D. Johnson.The 3rd Judicial District is composed of Shawnee County. Interviews are open to the public.The nominees ...
	05/07/2018 Four reappointed to Kansas Board of Examiners of Court Reporters TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court reappointed four people to the Kansas Board of Examiners of Court Reporters.The members, who will serve three-year terms that begin July 1, 2018, and end June 30, 2021, are:District Judge Jeffry Jack, who serves in Labette County in the 11th Judicial District.Sheila Lyons, a certified court reporter for the ...
	04/25/2018 New attorneys to take state and federal oaths in April 27 ceremony TOPEKA—Successful applicants to the February 2018 Kansas bar examination will be sworn in as Kansas attorneys at 10 a.m. Friday, April 27, in the Kansas Supreme Court courtroom at the Kansas Judicial Center, 301 SW 10th Avenue, in Topeka.Chief Justice Lawton Nuss will preside over the Supreme Court, and Chief Judge Janice Miller Karlin of the ...
	04/23/2018 Chief Judge Glenn Braun to sit with Kansas Supreme Court May 1 TOPEKA — Chief Judge Glenn Braun of the 23rd Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in one case on the court's May 1 docket. After hearing oral arguments, Braun will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.“I am pleased that Chief Judge Braun ...
	04/20/2018 4th Judicial District Nominating Commission to interview nominees for district magistrate judge vacancy in Osage County TOPEKA—The 4th Judicial District Nominating Commission will convene May 9 to interview five nominees to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in Osage County.The vacancy was created when the former magistrate, Taylor J. Wine, was appointed district judge and chief judge of the 4th Judicial District.The commission will convene at 9 a.m. in ...
	04/17/2018 Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert honored by Washburn University Alumni Association TOPEKA—Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert received the Distinguished Service Award from Washburn University.The award was presented April 7 by the Washburn University Alumni Association. The award recognizes alumni who have made personal and professional contributions to society, demonstrated exemplary support to the Washburn University ...
	04/11/2018 Kansas Court of Appeals to hear oral arguments at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park TOPEKA — A three-judge panel of the Kansas Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments Tuesday, April 17, in the Hudson Auditorium at Johnson County Community College.Hudson Auditorium is located on the second floor of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park.Judge Patrick D ...
	04/11/2018 Kansas Court of Appeals to hear oral arguments at Newman University in Wichita TOPEKA — A three-judge panel of the Kansas Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments Tuesday, April 17, at the Dugan Gorges Library Conference Center at Newman University.Newman University is located at 3100 McCormack Ave., Wichita.Judge Thomas E. Malone will be joined by Judges Michael B. Buser and Kathryn A. Gardner to hear oral arguments ...
	04/11/2018 Kansas Court of Appeals to hear oral arguments at Washburn University in Topeka TOPEKA—A three-judge panel of the Kansas Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments Tuesday, April 17, at the Robinson Courtroom at the Washburn University School of Law.Washburn University is located at 1700 SW College, Topeka.Judge David E. Bruns will be joined by Judge Stephen D. Hill and Senior Judge Richard Walker to hear oral arguments ...
	04/11/2018 Kansas Court of Appeals to hear oral arguments at the University of Kansas in Lawrence TOPEKA — A three-judge panel of the Kansas Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments Tuesday, April 17, at the University of Kansas School of Law.The panel will meet in Green Hall, Room 201, 1535 W. 15th St., Lawrence.Judge G. Gordon Atcheson will be joined by Judges G. Joseph Pierron Jr. and Melissa Taylor Standridge to hear oral arguments ...
	04/06/2018 Shawnee County District Court Judge Joseph D. Johnson to retire TOPEKA—Shawnee County District Court Judge Joseph D. Johnson will retire July 31 after 13 years on the bench.Johnson is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina and the University of Kansas School of Law.He began work in the Topeka public defender's office in 1975, then opened his private practice two years later ...
	04/05/2018 3rd Judicial District Nominating Commission seeks nominees for Shawnee County district judge vacancy TOPEKA—The 3rd Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking nominations to fill a district judge vacancy in Shawnee County created by the July 31 retirement of Judge Joseph D. Johnson.The 3rd Judicial District is composed of Shawnee County.Justice Marla J. Luckert, the Supreme Court departmental justice responsible for the 3rd Judicial ...
	03/26/2018 Longtime judge to serve as honorary bailiff for Kansas Supreme Court TOPEKA—Judge Jack Burr has overseen countless trials in his 40 years on the bench, but he will be doing something new when the Kansas Supreme Court comes to Colby.Burr was selected to be the honorary bailiff at the special session of the Supreme Court, which starts at 6:30 p.m. CDT April 9 in the Colby High School Auditorium."That's ...
	03/19/2018 4th Judicial District Nominating Commission seeks nominees for Osage County district magistrate judge TOPEKA — The 4th Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking nominations to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in Osage County.The former district magistrate judge, Taylor J. Wine, was appointed district judge and chief judge of the 4th Judicial District, which is composed of Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, and Osage counties.Justice ...
	03/13/2018 Anne McDonald receives Johnson County Bar Association’s 2018 Justinian Award for Professional Excellence TOPEKA — Anne McDonald, executive director of the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program, received the Johnson County Bar Association’s Justinian Award at its annual conference March 7.The Justinian Award is the premier award for members of the Johnson County Bar Association and is presented annually to attorneys who have exemplified ...
	03/05/2018 Supreme Court announces cases for April 9 special session at Colby High School TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court announced the two cases it will hear in a special session Monday, April 9, at Colby High School, the next destination in the court's ongoing outreach to familiarize Kansans with the high court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary.The court will be in session from 6:30 p.m. to about 8 p ...
	03/02/2018 Taylor J. Wine appointed chief judge of 4th Judicial District TOPEKA — Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss announced today the Supreme Court has appointed Judge Taylor J. Wine as chief judge of the 4th Judicial District, effective through December 31, 2019.Wine was appointed a district judge in January to succeed Judge Phillip Fromme, who retired. Fromme had served as chief judge of the 4th Judicial District ...
	03/01/2018 Chief Judge Peggy Carr Kittel to sit with Kansas Supreme Court on March 6 TOPEKA — Chief Judge Peggy Carr Kittel of the 7th Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in one case on the court's March 6 docket. After hearing oral arguments, Kittel will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.“I am pleased that Chief ...
	03/01/2018 Chief justice receives award from Sons of the American Revolution chapters TOPEKA — Chief Justice Lawton Nuss of the Kansas Supreme Court received the Silver Good Citizenship Medal from the Kansas City Area Chapters of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution during the group's 32nd annual George Washington Birthday Celebration.Nuss also was the guest speaker at the February 24 celebration at ...
	02/26/2018 3rd Judicial District Nominating Commission submits nominees for district judge vacancy in Shawnee County TOPEKA — The 3rd Judicial District Nominating Commission has sent the names of three nominees for district judge to Gov. Jeff Colyer, who has 60 days to decide who will fill the vacancy created by the March 31, 2018, retirement of Judge Larry D. Hendricks.The 3rd Judicial District is composed of Shawnee County.The three nominees are:Thomas G. ...
	02/16/2018 3rd Judicial District Nominating Commission to interview nominees for district judge vacancy TOPEKA — The 3rd Judicial District Nominating Commission will convene at 9 a.m. Friday, February 23, at the Shawnee County District Court courthouse, to interview nominees to fill a district judge vacancy created by the March 31 retirement of Judge Larry D. Hendricks.The 3rd Judicial District is composed of Shawnee County. Interviews are open ...
	02/09/2018 Kansas Court of Appeals to hear oral arguments at Wichita Northeast Magnet High School TOPEKA — A three-judge panel of the Kansas Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments Tuesday, February 13, at Wichita Northeast Magnet High School at 5550 N. Lycee St. in Bel Aire.Judge Anthony J. Powell, Judge Henry W. Green Jr. and Senior Judge Daniel Hebert will hear oral arguments in six cases.Four will be heard starting at 9 a.m. with ...
	02/07/2018 Kansas Supreme Court observes National Court Reporting and Captioning Week February 10-17 TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court issued a proclamation today recognizing February 10 through 17 as National Court Reporting and Captioning Week and encouraged all Kansans to join the state court system in its observance of the week."In ancient Egypt, scribes were considered the literate elite, recording laws and other important ...
	02/02/2018 Supreme Court to conduct special evening session in Colby TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court will conduct a special evening session April 9 at Colby High School in Colby as part of its ongoing outreach to familiarize Kansans with the high court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary.The court will be in session from 6:30 p.m. to about 8 p.m. Monday, April 9, in the auditorium at ...
	01/30/2018 District Judge Larry D. Hendricks to retire in March TOPEKA — Shawnee County District Judge Larry D. Hendricks will retire in March after 11 years on the bench and a 25-year career as a lawyer. His retirement is effective March 30.Serving as a district judge was "a rewarding job," Hendricks said. "It was very interesting. There is something new every day. I've certainly had ...
	01/30/2018 3rd Judicial District Nominating Commission seeks nominees for Shawnee County district judge TOPEKA — The 3rd Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking nominations to fill a district judge vacancy in Shawnee County created by the March 30 retirement of Judge Larry D. Hendricks.The 3rd Judicial District is composed of Shawnee County.Justice Marla J. Luckert, the Supreme Court departmental justice responsible for the 3rd ...
	01/19/2018 Griffith appointed to the Municipal Court Judges Education Committee TOPEKA — Wichita Municipal Court Judge Ted Griffith was appointed to the Municipal Court Judges Education Committee.Chief Justice Lawton Nuss of the Kansas Supreme Court appointed Griffith to a term ending June 30, 2019, that was vacated by Jason Geier. Geier had served as a Topeka Municipal Court judge and was appointed a district judge for ...
	01/19/2018 11th Judicial District Nominating Commission submits nominees for district judge vacancy in Crawford County TOPEKA — The 11th Judicial Nominating Commission has sent the names of three nominees for district judge to Gov. Sam Brownback, who has 60 days to decide who will fill the vacancy created by the December 18, 2017, retirement of Chief Judge A.J. Wachter.The three nominees are:Mary Jennifer Brunetti, Frontenac, who is in private practiceJudge ...
	01/18/2018 Chief Judge F. William Cullins to sit with Kansas Supreme Court on January 26 TOPEKA — Chief Judge F. William Cullins of the 14th Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in one case on the court's January 26 docket. After hearing oral arguments, Cullins will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and opinion drafting.“I am pleased that Judge ...
	01/17/2018 Supreme Court announces rollout plan for statewide centralized case management system TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court today released its rollout plan for the judicial branch's new centralized case management system that will allow all district and appellate case data to reside on a single web-based platform, transforming the way the state court system serves the people of Kansas.“Implementing statewide case ...
	01/11/2018 Chief justice to give State of Kansas Judiciary address January 17 in House chamber TOPEKA—Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Lawton Nuss will deliver his 2018 State of the Kansas Judiciary address to a joint session of the Legislature at 3 p.m. Wednesday, January 17, in the House chamber of the Statehouse.Nuss will update members of the House and Senate — as well as the public — on the current state of Kansas ...
	01/05/2018 11th Judicial District Nominating Commission to interview seven nominees for vacancy in Crawford County TOPEKA — The 11th Judicial Nominating Commission will convene January 18, 2018, to interview nominees to fill a district judge vacancy in Crawford County created by the December 18, 2017, retirement of Chief Judge A.J. Wachter.The commission will convene at 9 a.m. in the Law Library of the Crawford County Judicial Center, 602 N. Locust ...
	01/04/2018 Kepple appointed to District Magistrate Judges Certification Committee TOPEKA — District Magistrate Judge James Kepple of Riley County was appointed to the District Magistrate Judges Certification Committee.Chief Justice Lawton Nuss of the Kansas Supreme Court appointed him to fill a term ending June 30, 2020, that was vacated by District Magistrate Judge Sheila Hochhauser, also of Riley County, who retired in ...