25th Judicial District Nominating Commission picks Harry Edward "Ed" Frock to fill magistrate judge vacancy in Scott County

TOPEKA—The 25th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Ed Frock to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Scott County.

The commission conducted public interviews of applicants for the position Friday, September 30, in Scott City.

Frock, of Garden City, currently is assistant public defender with the Western Regional Public Defender's Office. His new position as magistrate judge will be effective upon his swearing in.

The 25th judicial district includes Finney, Greeley, Hamilton, Kearny, Scott and Wichita counties. The vacancy was created by the October 3 retirement of District Magistrate Judge James Collins.

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 Supreme Court and become certified within 18 months.

The 25th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Dan Biles as the nonvoting chair; Lucille R. Douglass, Gene H. Gaede, William I. Heydman, John M. Lindner, Gerald O. Schultz, and Thomas M. Walker of Garden City; Robert H. Gale Jr. and Timothy C. Kohart of Syracuse; Ralph T. Goodnight of Lakin; Rita Wiles of Leoti; Christine Cupp of Scott City; and Brian F. Reuber of Tribune.