Appeals Court Judge Retiring

Judge Anthony Powell plans to retire from the Kansas Court of Appeals at the end of the month, the court announced.

Powell has served on the state appeals court since January 2013.

Prior to his appointment, he was a district judge in Sedgwick County for 11 years.

He also served four terms in the Kansas House of Representatives while he was in private practice.

During his time on the court, Powell, of Wichita, heard more than 2,000 cases and wrote 672 opinions.

Powell was the first judge on the Court of Appeals to continue to live and primarily work in Wichita after being appointed.

Governor Laura Kelly has 60 days after June 30 to appoint a replacement, although the appointment process can begin immediately.

A majority of the Kansas Senate must approve the appointment.

The new judge must stand for a retention vote in the first general election after serving one year in office.