(KAIR)--An Atchison attorney is named as 1st District Judicial Judge, serving Atchison and Leavenworth Counties.

Appointed to the position by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is John Fresh, who Kelly says “will bring extensive legal experience and knowledge to the bench,” adding that his expertise, and commitment to the community, “will make him a valuable addition to the 1st District.”

Fresh, who currently serves as an Attorney and Partner for Farris, Fresh, and Werring LLC, says, in a release from Kelly- office, that he is “humbled and honored” by the opportunity, adding that he looks “forward to continuing to serve the local community and legal needs of the 1st Judicial District in this new capacity.”

The vacancy filled by Fresh was created through the retirement of Chief Judge David King.

District Court Judges in the 1st Judicial District are appointed by the governor and selected from nominees chosen by a district nominating commission.

Among the other two nominees whose names were forwarded to the Governor for consideration, but not selected, was Atchison attorney, and law partner to Fresh, Andrew Werring.

Judges in nominating commission districts are subject to retention elections every four years.