TOPEKA — Kansas Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss announced Monday the Supreme Court has reappointed Judge Mike Keeley to a two-year term as chief judge of the 20th Judicial District based in Great Bend, effective Jan. 1, 2018, to Dec. 31, 2019.

Keeley has served as district judge in the 20th Judicial District since January 1993 and chief judge since 2004. He presides over cases in Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell, and Stafford counties.

“We are glad that Judge Keeley agreed to serve another two years as chief judge, providing continuity in capable leadership in the 20th Judicial District,” said Nuss.

“I appreciate and have enjoyed the opportunity to serve as chief judge,” Keeley said. “Even though challenging in these last few years due to the state budget, which has caused the judicial branch and our district to lose some very qualified people, the 20th Judicial District continues to serve the public in an efficient manner. I want to thank all those I work with for their support and continued dedication to their jobs and to our community.”

Keeley is a native of Larned and has lived in Great Bend since 1982. He graduated from Washburn University School of Law.

Each of Kansas’ 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to his or her judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.