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TOPEKA—The 25th Judicial District Nominating Commission selected Christopher James Velez of Garden City to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Hamilton County.

The commission conducted a public interview of the nominee May 10 at the Hamilton County Courthouse in Syracuse. Velez was the only nominee.

Velez's new position will be effective upon his swearing-in. He currently has a private law practice in Garden City.

The 25th Judicial District is composed of Finney, Greeley, Hamilton, Kearny, Scott, and Wichita counties.

The vacancy was created when District Magistrate Judge Meghan Houtsma resigned May 1.

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;

  • and 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 Dan Biles is the nonvoting chair of the 25th Judicial District Nominating Commission. Members are Lucille Douglass, Gene Gaede, William Heydman, John Lindner, Zachary Schultz, and Thomas Walker, Garden City; Ralph Goodnight, Lakin; Ann Wiles, Leoti; Christine Cupp, Scott City; Robert Gale Jr. and Timothy Kohart, Syracuse; and Debbie Kuttler, Tribune.

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