(KAIR)--An Atchison attorney is among six being considered to fill a judicial opening in Leavenworth County. 

According to a release from the Kansas Courts, the Leavenworth County district judge position became vacant due to the July 17 retirement of Judge Michael Gibbens. 

John Kurth, a private practice attorney and municipal Elwood judge, is seeking the position, along with four Leavenworth-area private practice attorney’s as well as a deputy Leavenworth county attorney. 

The 1st Judicial District Nominating Commission will convene at 9:00 on Tuesday morning, July 28, to interview all six nominees. 

The commission will select from three to five nominees whose names will be submitted to the governor to fill the position according to statutory qualification and residency requirements. If there are not three nominees who reside in the judicial district who are deemed qualified by the commission, the commission may consider nominees who reside outside the district. 

The governor has 60 days after receiving the names to decide whom to appoint.

After serving one year in office, the new 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.