Thirteen apply for Supreme Court vacancy

TOPEKA—Thirteen persons applied by the noon deadline today to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court that was created by the retirement of former Chief Justice Robert E. Davis.

The Supreme Court Nominating Commission will interview applicants for the position on September 27 and 28, and then submit three names to Governor Mark Parkinson for appointment.

Applying are:

• Karen Arnold-Burger, Judge, Overland Park

• Michael B. Buser, Judge, Overland Park

• Nancy L. Caplinger, Judge, Topeka

• Jeffery L. Carmichael, Lawyer, Valley Center

• Robert J. Frederick, Judge, Lakin

• Cynthia F. Grimes, Lawyer, Lawrence

• Jeffry L. Jack, Judge, Parsons

• Donald D. Jarrett, Lawyer, Leawood

• Thomas E. Malone, Judge, Topeka

• Robb W. Rumsey, Judge, Wichita

• Kim R. Schroeder, Judge, Hugoton

• Steven P. Smith, Lawyer, Wichita

• Merlin G. Wheeler, Judge, Emporia

Members of the Nominating Commission include Anne E. Burke, chairman, Overland Park; Kerry E. McQueen, Liberal; Janet A. Juhnke, Salina; Patricia E. Riley and Dale E. Cushinberry, both of Topeka; Matthew D. Keenan, Leawood; Katherine DeBruce, Shawnee Mission; and Jay F. Fowler and Paul F. Babich, both of Wichita.