Office of Governor
TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly on Monday appointed Richard Hanks of Ellis to a judgeship position in the 23rd Judicial District. The vacancy was created by the retirement of Magistrate Judge Richard Flax.
“Richard Hanks is a proven community leader who served Trego County as sherriff from 2013 to 2022,” Kelly said. “His decades of law enforcement experience and his dedication to impartiality will allow him to excel as a magistrate judge.”
Hanks currently serves as a deputy sheriff in Ellis County, where he works as court security.
Prior to this, Hanks led the Trego County Sheriff’s Office for almost a decade. He oversaw the day-to-day operations of the office, prepared written reports to the county attorney, wrote and implemented policies and procedures for the office, and enforced federal, state, and local laws. Hanks is a member of the WaKeeney Lions Club.
“It is an honor and privilege to be appointed by Governor Kelly for such an important role,” said Hanks. “I look forward to serving the citizens of Trego County and the 23rd Judicial District in my new role. The outpouring of community support I received through this process has been completely overwhelming.”
District magistrate judges in the 23rd Judicial District are elected and serve four-year terms. The person appointed to fill the vacancy shall serve until a successor is elected and qualified at the next general election to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.