Chief Judge Jerome P. Hellmer announced Wednesday he is retiring January 12 after serving 18 years on the bench in the 28th judicial district.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as judge in the 28th judicial district. I’ve enjoyed working with my fellow judges, my support staff and the people of this wonderful community,” Hellmer said. “I plan to continue to be active in law in some manner after I retire, but I also look forward to spending more time with my wife and our three children and five grandchildren.”

Hellmer added that he and his wife are Kansans by birth and Salinans by choice, and they plan to continue to be involved in the many activities and volunteer opportunities the community provides.

Hellmer was appointed district court judge in May 1996 by then-Gov. Bill Graves. In his time on the bench, he has had assignments in criminal, domestic, civil, probate, and juvenile cases, and he has also fulfilled administrative duties as chief judge.

Hellmer served on several committees and was named to the first federal audit commission that audited the state’s child welfare system. He served on the Client Protection Fund Commission for the Kansas Supreme Court, the Kansas Bar Association executive committee, and as a continuing legal education presenter for the Kansas Bar Association.

Hellmer served on several committees and was named to the first federal audit commission that audited the state’s child welfare system. He served on the Client Protection Fund Commission for the Kansas Supreme Court, the Kansas Bar Association executive committee, and as a continuing legal education presenter for the Kansas Bar Association.

Before he was appointed judge, Hellmer spent 22 years in private law practice in Salina.

The 28th Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking candidates to fill a judge vacancy in Saline County created by the retirement of District Court Judge Jerome P. Hellmer.

Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss, the Supreme Court departmental justice responsible for the 28th Judicial District, said nominees can apply or be recommended, but recommendations must come on a nomination form and include the nominee’s signature.

“Judicial nominations are an open process to find the most qualified candidates in a district. If you live in this community, and you know someone ideally suited for the job, encourage that person to apply, or volunteer to recommend him or her,” Nuss said.

Kansas law requires that a judge be a resident of the district, be at least 30 years old, be admitted to practice law in Kansas, and have actively practiced law for at least five years.

Recommendations must be accompanied by a nomination form available on the Kansas Judicial Branch website at www.kscourts.org under What’s New.