TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today appointed Elizabeth L. Henry of Wichita to the vacant district magistrate judgeship position in the 18th Judicial District.

“Elizabeth Henry brings a wealth of experience to this role by having served over 15 years as a pro tem judge in Sedgwick County,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am confident she will continue to serve Sedgwick County with considerable knowledge, impartiality, and patience in this role.”

Henry is a pro tem judge for Sedgwick County District Court. Prior to that, she worked as an attorney at Henry & Mathewson, P.A. and Fletcher & Mathewson, P.A. and as a research attorney for Judge Sherman Parks on the Kansas Court of Appeals.

“I am greatly honored to have received this appointment as district magistrate judge and to have the chance to continue my service to the citizens of Sedgwick County in a judicial position,” said Elizabeth L. Henry. “I look forward to bringing the breadth of my legal experience to fairly and impartially resolving the issues brought before me and I thank the governor for this opportunity.” 

District magistrate judges in the 18th Judicial District are elected and serve four-year terms. The person appointed to fill the vacancy shall serve until a successor is elected and qualified at the next general election to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.

Governor Kelly Appoints John Mazurek to Fill District Court Position in the 11^th Judicial District

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today appointed John Mazurek of Pittsburg to a judgeship position in the 11^th Judicial District. The vacancy was created by the appointment of Judge Lori Bolton Fleming to the Kansas Court of Appeals.

“John Mazurek has a wide breadth of experience working in private practice and in public service that will serve the 11^th Judicial District well,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I look forward to the impact he will have on the community as a district court judge.”

Mazurek is currently an attorney and owner of The Mazurek Law Office, LLC. He is also a prosecuting attorney for the City of Pittsburg and has served as assistant county attorney for Crawford County and as judge pro tem for the 11^th judicial district.

“I’m honored by the appointment and grateful for the trust placed in me,” said John Mazurek. “Crawford County has been my home for thirty years and I truly love this community.  I am committed to continue serving the people of the 11^th Judicial District with fairness, integrity, and respect for the law.” 

District court judges in the 11^th Judicial District are appointed by the governor and selected from nominees chosen by a district nominating commission. Judges in nominating commission districts are subject to retention elections every four years. The two other nominees selected by the district nominating commission were Sarah Elnicki and Mandy Johnson.