Chanute lawyer selected for district magistrate judge vacancy in Woodson County

TOPEKA—The 31st Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Thomas Mikulka, Chanute, to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Woodson County.

The commission conducted public interviews of nominees for the position November 19 in Yates Center. Four people had applied for the opening.

Mikulka's new position will be effective upon his swearing-in. He is a lawyer practicing in Chanute.

The 31st Judicial District is composed of Allen, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties.

The vacancy was created by the October 30 retirement of Judge Leo Gensweider.

Kansas law requires that a district magistrate judge be:

• a resident of Woodson County at the time of taking office and while holding office;

• at least 30 years old;

• a graduate of a high school, a secondary school, or the equivalent; and

• either a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas or able to pass an examination given by the Supreme Court to 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.

The 31st Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Supreme Court Justice Caleb Stegall as the nonvoting chair; Timothy Brazil and Richard Pringle, Chanute; Nancy Burns, Fredonia; James Immel and Ryan Sparks, Iola; Douglas Depew, Neodesha; James Keath, Stark; and Nick Hay, Yates Center.