Scott McPherson selected for district magistrate judge vacancy in Harper County

TOPEKA—The 30th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Scott McPherson, a Sterling attorney, to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in Harper County.

The commission conducted public interviews of nominees for the position January 25 in the Harper County Courthouse in Anthony. Seven people applied for the opening.

The 30th Judicial District is composed of Barber, Harper, Kingman, Pratt, and Sumner counties. The vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge James Richard Biles. 

McPherson's new position will be effective upon his swearing-in. He previously served as a district judge in the 20th Judicial District, which is composed of Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell, and Stafford counties.

Kansas law requires that a magistrate judge: 

• be a resident of the county at the time of swearing-in and while serving.

• be at least 30 years old.

• have graduated from a high school, secondary school, or the equivalent.

• either be a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas or pass an examination given by the Kansas Supreme Court and become certified within 18 months.

After serving one year in office, the new magistrate judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.

Supreme Court Justice Carol Beier is the nonvoting chair of the 30th Judicial District Nominating Commission. Members are Sidney Burkholder, Phillip Unruh, and Elaine Esparza, Harper; Lance Dixon and Gregory Graffman, Kingman; Robert Eisenhauer and Jason Roberts, Pratt; Alan Goering and Richard Swayden, Medicine Lodge; and Melvin Matlock, Belle Plaine.