Chief Judge Joe Dickinson to retire after 19 years of service

TOPEKA— Chief Judge Joe Dickinson will retire September 17th from the 9th Judicial District after serving 19 years as a judge, including seven years as chief judge.

Dickinson was appointed district judge in 2002 and was named chief judge in 2015.

The 9th Judicial District is composed of Harvey and McPherson counties.

“It has truly been an honor to serve as judge in our district,” Dickinson said. “I have always tried to treat the people that appear in court with courtesy, dignity, and respect. People should come away from court feeling that they were heard and treated fairly, even if they disagreed with the decision.”

He also has a deep appreciation for those who have worked alongside him.

“Our district has a history of outstanding public servants who are the public face of our local judicial system,” Dickinson said.

Dickinson graduated from Washburn University and Washburn University School of Law. Prior to being named judge in 2002, he was in private practice for 20 years.

Dickinson and his wife, Sheryle, have three children and three grandchildren with a fourth on the way. They plan to travel and spend more time with friends and family after he retires.

District judges in the 9th Judicial District are appointed through a merit selection process. State statute requires a nominating commission to accept nominations, interview nominees, and forward names of finalists to the governor, who appoints a replacement. 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.