Officially, Merlin Wheeler is retired.
Wheeler served 32 years as Lyon County judge, including the last 25 as chief judge — and he was formally honored with a special retirement ceremony and reception at the County Courthouse on Friday.
Shortly after his retirement was announced, Wheeler told KVOE News about his emphasis on being prepared for every case he handled. He elaborated with KVOE News on Friday, saying preparation is the key to fairness.
Among those to honor Wheeler was local attorney Larry Putnam who says whenever you entered Wheeler’s courtroom you knew you were going to receive a “fair and honest judgment.”
Up next for Wheeler is actually more judicial work. He’s now a senior judge, where he will travel across Kansas as other judicial districts need. It means an increased amount of travel, but it also means a reduced workload overall.
Wheeler’s replacement as chief judge, Jeff Larson, has been on the bench since 2007. Larson calls Wheeler “a hard act to follow” and says he’s not planning any wholesale changes to District Court.
Before being appointed as Lyon County judge in 1990, Wheeler served as Emporia’s city attorney from 1977-1980. He then joined the private firm Perkins and Hollembeak, Chartered, and later owned Merlin Wheeler Chartered from 1988-1990. He has been serving as chief judge since 1998.
Meanwhile, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is still considering who will join the list of Lyon County judges, which currently includes Magistrate Judge Doug Jones and Judge Lee Fowler. Jones, Assistant Lyon County Laura Miser and Emporia defense attorney Jeremy Dorsey are the finalists.
