Chief Judge Meryl Wilson to retire June 16

TOPEKA—Chief Judge Meryl Wilson of the 21st Judicial District will retire June 16 after 22 years of service. He has been a district judge since 1997 and chief judge since 2012.

"It has been an honor to serve the state of Kansas and the 21st Judicial District. I am grateful for the great staff, court reporters, and colleagues whom I have served with throughout all these years," Wilson said.

Wilson presides over cases in Riley and Clay counties. In addition to his judicial responsibilities, as chief judge he has general control over case assignments to the other judges in the district and general supervisory authority over administrative and clerical employees of the district.

Wilson is a graduate of Kansas State University and Washburn University School of Law. He had a private law practice in Manhattan from 1974 until 1997. He attended the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada, and has served as president of the Kansas District Judges Association. In 2011 Wilson was appointed by the Supreme Court to the Blue Ribbon Commission for the study of the Kansas judicial system.

"I look forward to spending time with my wife, Nancy, and our six children and three grandchildren, Wilson said.

District judges in the 21st Judicial District are appointed following a merit selection process. State statute requires a nominating commission to accept nominations, interview nominees, and forward the names of finalists to the governor, who appoints a replacement. After serving one year in office, the new 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.