TOPEKA—The Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association presented its annual Lee Nusser Award for Outstanding Magistrate Judge to Judge Brendon Boone of Gove County during a recent statewide conference for judges.
Boone serves in the 23rd Judicial District, which is composed of Ellis, Gove, Rooks, and Trego counties. He has been a district magistrate judge since 2015.
Boone said he was honored and surprised to receive the award and credits the judges and court staff for their guidance and support.
“This award reflects the teamwork, mentorship, and community that surround me every day and create success in our district,” he said. “The chief judges I’ve worked under have kept me grounded in proper legal direction and professionalism, and the clerks in our four counties are, in my opinion, the best in the state.”
Boone also credits the leadership of his fellow magistrate judges in helping him become the judge he is today.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from some of the best, including past Nusser Award recipients Judges Richard Flax and Douglas Bigge, whose wisdom, patience, and guidance have shaped how I approach this role every day.”
One of Boone’s roles is presiding over the assisted outpatient treatment court in Ellis County. Flax, who nominated Boone for the award, said Boone was instrumental in launching the specialty court program as one of five pilot sites in 2021.
The court is part of a community program to help people with mental health and substance use issues who have had frequent encounters with law enforcement. Rather than go to jail, program participants can enter a voluntary court-monitored treatment plan to aid in their recovery and independence.
"The program’s success is truly a reflection of the incredible team behind it,” Boone said. “Their dedication and compassion drive that court’s impact, and I’m grateful to be part of it. It has been one of my greatest joys as a judge.”
Boone graduated from Kansas State University and Fort Hays State University. He taught junior high school math and video production for 17 years before becoming a judge.
Boone served on the Supreme Court Language Access Committee. He also served on the governing board of Northwest Kansas Community Corrections and Northwest Kansas Juvenile Services. He is a past president of the Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association.
The award is named for Lee Nusser, who served as a district magistrate judge in Stafford County from 1976 to 1999. He died in 2003. The award is given to a judge who has exhibited support of the Kansas judiciary and the dignity and integrity of the magistrate judges association.