Dodge City lawyer selected for district magistrate judge vacancy in Finney County

TOPEKA—The 25th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Timothy R. Woods, a Dodge City lawyer, to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Finney County.

The commission conducted public interviews of nominees for the position February 7 in Garden City. Six people had applied for the opening.

Woods' new position will be effective on his swearing-in.

The 25th Judicial District is composed of Finney, Greeley, Hamilton, Kearny, Scott, and Wichita counties. The vacancy was created when District Magistrate Judge Christopher Sanders was named to succeed District Judge Michael Quint, who retired December 27.

Kansas law requires that a district magistrate judge be:

• a resident of Finney 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 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 25th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Supreme Court Justice Dan Biles as the nonvoting chair; Lucille Douglas, William Heydman, John Lindner, Zachary Schultz, and Thomas Walker, Garden City; Gene Gaede, Holcomb; Ralph Goodnight, Lakin; Rita Wiles, Leoti; Christine Cupp, Scott City; Robert Gale Jr. and Timothy Kohart, Syracuse; and Deborah Kuttler, Tribune.