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TOPEKA—The 25th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Darrell Walters to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Kearny County.  
 
Walters’ new position will be effective on his swearing-in. He currently is a retired undersheriff for the Kearny County Sheriff’s Office. He fills a vacancy created when Judge Richard Hodson retires December 16.

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

District magistrate judge appointment process  
 
To be considered for district magistrate judge, a nominee must be:  

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

  • 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 to become certified within 18 months.  

The nominating commission selects whom to appoint to fill magistrate judge positions. 
 
Term of office 

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.  

Nominating commission  
 
The 25th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Dan Biles as the nonvoting chair; Jennifer Cunningham, Lucille Douglass, Walker Frey, John Lindner, and Zachary Schultz, Garden City; William Heydman, Holcomb; Ralph Goodnight, Lakin; Rita Wiles, Leoti; Christine Cupp, Scott City; Robert Gale Jr.; Megan Larkin, Syracuse; and Joyce Huddleston, Tribune.

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