March 2025 Bar-o-Meter : simplebooklet.com

Bar-o-Meter (ISSN 0893-6056) is published monthly by the Wichita Bar Association, 225 N. Market,Suite 200, Wichita, KS 67202-2023. (316) 263-2251. Inquiries should be sent to 225 N. Market, Suite200, Wichita, KS 67202-2023.Non-member subscription rate is $25.Periodicals Postage Paid at Wichita, KSPOSTMASTER Send address changes to Bar-o-Meter, 225 N. Market, Suite 200, Wichita, KS 67202-2023©2024BAR-o-METER | MAR 20252Bar-o-MeterW i c h i t a B a r A s s o c i a t i o nOfficersPRESIDENT: MICHELLE MOE WITTEPRESIDENT-ELECT: CHRISTY CAMPBELLVICE PRESIDENT: KRISTEN WHEELERSECRETARY TREASURER: STEVE RUPERTBar-o-Meter Committee & Writing StaffMEGAN TOWNSLEY, CHAIR AND EDITORWichita Bar AssociationEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: VIRDENA GILKEYMEMBERSHIP AND OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR:LUPITA REYESSUZANNE DWYERMEL GREGORYJENNIFER HILLSCOTT HILLHON. KELLIE E. HOGANLAURA ICEJENNIFER MAGANAAMANDA MARINOBRIAN K. MCLEODAMBER NORRISMEGAN STORIEJESSICA SUHRELISABETH WILDERMARCIA A. WOODBoard of GovernorsJANUARY BAILEYKRYSTLE DALKEJEFF EMERSONHON. MICHAEL HOELSCHERDONALD PETERSONJESSICA SUHRInside the March Bar-o-Meter:Wichita Bar Association 2025-2026 Slate of Officers and Board Candidates ...............................................Ballot Voting Instructions ........................................................................................................................March Monthly Luncheon Flyer ................................................................................................................Naturalization Ceremony - February 2025 .................................................................................................February Monthly Luncheon Recap ...........................................................................................................Welcome Our 2025 Elected 18th Judicial District Court Judges ....................................................................18th District Judge Vacancy .....................................................................................................................Inside Every Issue:From the President .................................................................................................................................. Criminal Jury Summary ..........................................................................................................................Hearsay ................................................................................................................................................WBA Events Calendar .............................................................................................................................Classified Advertising .............................................................................................................................317181920 4 - 9101112151617

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From the President3Michelle Moe WitteBAR-O-METER | MAR 2025As your WBA President, I feel it’s only fitting to take a moment to reflect on one of my greatest passions —college basketball. March Madness isn’t just a time to cheer for your alma mater or fill out brackets withfriends; it’s a reminder of the values that shape both our favorite sport and our work as attorneys.In basketball, the game can change in a split second — a last-minute steal, a three-pointer at the buzzer,or a sudden shift in momentum. The same can be said about the legal world. Sometimes, despite all theplanning and preparation, the unexpected happens. Witnesses flake out, new evidence surfaces, or thejudge throws you a curveball. In those moments, adaptability is key.Attorneys, like basketball players, need to think on their feet, pivot when necessary, and adjust their gameplan in real-time. It’s this ability to adapt that often makes the difference between success and failure.After all, even the greatest players and teams must stay flexible to thrive in the chaos of a fast-pacedgame — and the courtroom can often feel just as intense.In March Madness, not every game ends in a victory. But even when the buzzer sounds on a loss, themost successful teams show resilience. They don’t dwell on mistakes; they learn from them, get back inthe gym, and work toward the next opportunity. For attorneys, setbacks are an inevitable part of the job.You may lose a motion or face a difficult trial, but the key is resilience. The best attorneys, like the bestbasketball players, use adversity as a springboard for future growth. In both sports and law, persistenceis often the deciding factor in long-term success.Watching a college basketball game during March Madness is a reminder of the laser focus and disciplinerequired to succeed. Every possession matters. Every pass, shot, and dribble is intentional. The bestplayers don’t just rely on talent; they consistently put in the work to hone their skills. For us as attorneys,discipline and focus are just as essential. The legal profession is demanding, and the work is oftennuanced. It’s easy to get distracted by a hundred different things, but it’s the attorneys who maintain theirfocus — on the details, on their clients, and on their professional growth — who truly stand out.Finally, while individual talent is crucial, March Madness is a reminder that teamwork winschampionships. On the court, no one player can win a game alone, and the same can be said in the legalworld. No matter how brilliant an attorney is, they rely on a team — paralegals, associates, clients,experts, and more — to secure the best possible outcome. March Madness exemplifies the importance ofevery player doing their part, even if they’re not always in the spotlight. The best basketball teams arethose that work together, supporting one another toward a common goal. As attorneys, we should neverforget the power of collaboration and the importance of lifting one another up.So, as we head into this year’s March Madness, let’s take a moment to reflect on the lessons the game ofbasketball can teach us about law: strategy, adaptability, resilience, focus, discipline, and teamwork.Whether on the court or in the courtroom, these principles can help us perform at our best — and whoknows, they might just lead us to a few victories along the way.Let's enjoy the madness, and may the best team — or attorney — win!MichelleMarch Madness: Lessons from the Court and Courtroom

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4Wichita Bar Association 2025-2026Slate of Officers and Board CandidatesPresident-ElectJANUARY BAILEY is a shareholder at Prelle Eron & Bailey, P.A..She was named after a character in a book, rather than the month(her Dad wanted to take the tax advantages of her Decemberbirthday). Other than college, January is a lifelong Wichitan (GoBlue Aces!). January has a B.S. in Accounting and Business Administration and aB.A. in French from the University of Kansas, as well as an M.B.A.and J.D. from the University of Cincinnati. Unfortunately, Januaryhas not continued to practice her French , so she mostly remembershow to say "bonjour" and "fromage". Professionally, her legalpractice focuses on bankruptcy, both debtor and creditor work.January is board certified in consumer bankruptcy by the AmericanBoard of Certification and was a member of the 2021 AmericanBankruptcy Institute's "40 Under 40" class. January is privileged to be involved in both local and nationalorganizations. She is currently on the WBA Board of Governors inan at-large position, was chair of the Bankruptcy Committee from2016 to 2022, and currently serves on the Bankruptcy and Service tothe Bar Committees. January has been serving on the District ofKansas Bankruptcy Bench Bar Committee since 2016. January wasthe President of the Wichita Women Attorney’s Association(WWAA) from 2022 to 2023, after serving as programming co-chair for two years. January is currently the treasurer for the WesleyE. Brown Inn of Court (IOC). For those that enjoy more acronyms,January is also a member of the ABI, NACBA, and IWIRC (allbankruptcy organizations). Although all of the organizations make January sound like aworkaholic, January has a few hobbies (in an effort to maintainwork-home life balance). She is a fair weather cyclist (aka anindoor/virtual cyclist in the winter). Ask January about her latestknitting project - she's usually knitting while watching KUbasketball games! In 2024, January climbed/suffered to the top of theManitou Incline. Like many bar associations, the WBA is going through an identitycrisis right now. What lawyers want out of the organization haschanged, both as a result of Covid and our newest practitioners.January would like to help usher in this new era for the WBA. Thefirst question for the lawyers: What does the WBA mean to you?JanuaryBaileyPrelle Eron & Bailey, P.A.KristenWheelerBoard of Tax AppealsKRISTEN D. WHEELER was appointed as Chair of the KansasBoard of Tax Appeals in July 2021, following two and a half years asLaw Clerk to United States District Court Judge J. Thomas Marten.Prior to that Kristen had a twelve-year career in private practice withRobinson Law Firm, LLC and Morris, Laing, Evans, Brock &Kennedy, Chartered, where she practiced in the areas of civillitigation, real estate, financial services, intellectual property, businesslaw, and municipal government. She earned her J.D. fromWashburn Law in 2006 and her B.S. in Biodiversity, Ecology, andEvolutionary Biology from the University of Kansas in 2003. Kristen has been actively involved in the WBA and WichitaWomen Attorneys Association since she moved to Wichita in 2006.She currently serves as the WBA’s Vice President, and previouslyserved as the WBA’s Secretary/Treasurer from 2021-2022, on theWBA Board of Governors from 2019-2021, and as WWAAPresident from 2018-2019. She loves dance and has been aperformer, dance captain, and choreographer in five Wichita BarShows and one mini Bar Show. In addition to her work with theWBA and WWAA, Kristen is a Board Member of the NationalConference of Women’s Bar Associations, the co-chair of theKansas Women Attorneys Association’s Archives & AwardsCommittee, an editor for the Kansas Bar Association’s AnnualSurvey, and serves on the KBA’s Board of Publishers. In her freetime, Kristen enjoys reading, volunteering with Ballet Wichita, andspending time with her family, including husband Phil, stepsonsGrey and Xander, 4-year-old Chloe Rose and rescue pup Ona. BAR-o-METER | MAR 2025

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Wichita Bar Association 2025-2026Slate of Officers and Board CandidatesVice PresidentNanette served for years on the Board of Wichita Women AttorneysAssociation, ultimately as president, focusing on networking,mentorship, and professional advancement for women in law. Earlyin her career, she was Vice President of Wichita Bar Association'sYoung Lawyers. A long-time Wichita Bar Association member, shehas served on the writer's committee of the Wichita Bar Show andperformed in several shows. She is also a member of the Kansas BarAssociation, Kansas Women Attorneys Association, United WE—anorganization advancing women's economic development andleadership—and other professional and community organizations.After clerking for U.S. District Court Judge Wesley E. Brown,Nanette transitioned to private practice. She has extensive experiencein complex litigation, including tort, personal injury, Title IX,medical malpractice, class actions, aviation law, employmentdisputes, commercial and civil litigation. Nanette shares her legal and industry insight through mentorshipand participation in many professional development events andorganizations. She spoke at the Wichita Business Journal's IgniteConference and is a speaker and mentor at its Mentoring Mondayprogram. She is a member of the Wichita Business Journal's CareerWomen program, participating in roundtable discussions on issuesfacing the city. A 2022 "40 Under 40" and Pat Ayars MentoringAward honoree, she was also named to the publication's 2021"Women Who Lead: Legal" list and a 2024 "Women in Business"honoree. Humbled to be nominated to run for this Wichita BarAssociation position, she looks forward to the opportunity tocontinue to serve the bar in new capacities.NanetteTurnerKalcik Stinson LLPMeganTownsleyFleeson, Gooing, Coulson& Kitch, L.L.C.Megan L. Townsley is an associate at Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson, &Kitch, LLC, where her practice focuses on a range of areas, with anemphasis in personal injury, insurance defense, and workerscompensation.Born and raised in the Wichita area, Megan attended the Universityof Kansas where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Journalismwith a Minor in Psychology. She received her Juris Doctor fromWashburn University School of Law in 2015.In law school, Megan authored a published Note, Is There AnyBody Out There? A call for a New Body of Law to ProtectIndividual Ownership Interests in Tissue Samples Used in MedicalResearch, 54 Washburn L.J. 101 (2015), and received the John F.Kuether Memorial Faculty Award for “Best Note.” Additionally, sheserved as the Research Editor for Volume 54 of the Washburn LawJournal. After practicing in the area of criminal defense for severalyears, Megan joined Fleeson Gooing in April of 2022.Megan has been a member of the Wichita Bar Association since shestarted practicing in Wichita. She is currently the president of theWichita Women Attorneys Association and the chair of the Bar-O-Meter in addition to having served in addition to serving previouslyas the WBA Secretary/Treasurer for 2023-2024 and the pastpresident of the Young Lawyers Section for 2022-2023. She alsoserves on the Professional Diversity Committee and the CivilPractice Committee.Megan is also a member of the Kansas Bar Association, the KansasWomen Attorneys Association, the Kansas Association of DefenseCounsel, and the Wesley E. Brown American Inn of Court. Ms.Townsley was also a member of the Wichita Business JournalEmerging Leaders for 2019-2020, the recipient of the KBA’sOutstanding Young Lawyer in 2023, a participant in the KBA’sLeadership Institute Class of 2024, and a recipient of the WBA’sPresident’s Award in 2024. Megan is also a member of the JuniorLeague of Wichita.In her free time, Megan is an avid hiker and camper; enjoysphotography, gardening, and puzzles; and is a committed fan of KUbasketball (some years are easier than others).5BAR-O-METER | MAR 2025

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6Wichita Bar Association 2025-2026Slate of Officers and Board CandidatesSecretary-TreasurerJennifer graduated from Kansas State University with a B.A. inJournalism and Mass Communications in 1990 and then earned herJ.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law 1992.After being a City Prosecutor for the City of Wichita for three years,Jennifer served in the Sedgwick County Counselor’s Office as anAssistant County Counselor and Deputy County Counselor. In2015, she moved back across Central Avenue to begin serving asWichita City Attorney.She has served in various positions with the WBA and the WichitaWomen Attorneys Association as a committee member, officer,and/or board member of both. She is a board member of the CityAttorneys’ Association of Kansas and has served on the NewmanUniversity Board of Trustees, Board of Directors for WichitaFestivals and as President and a board member of the CountyCounselors Association of Kansas. She has also served on the boardsof CASA of Sedgwick County, Women in Public Service and theKansas School for Effective Learning (KANSEL). Jennifer receivedthe Wichita Bar Association President’s Award in 2010 and 2021, theWichita Women Attorneys Association’s Louise Mattox Award, wasnamed as Wichita Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree andreceived the Sedgwick County Excellence in Public Service Award.She recently served as an Honorary Commander of the Kansas AirNational Guard 184th Wing at McConnell Air Force Base.She and her husband Chris are the parents of two daughters.JenniferMaganaCity of Wichita,Law DepartmentAmandaMarinoMartin, Pringle, Oliver,Wallace & Bauer, L.L.P.Amanda Marino is a partner at Martin Pringle. Her practice consistsprimarily of adoptions, surrogacies, guardianships, and CINC cases.Prior to joining Martin Pringle, Amanda worked at the SedgwickCounty DA’s office for 15 years. For over a decade, Amanda handledcases in the Child in Need of Care division with some work in theJuvenile Offender division. She has been an active member of theWBA for over 20 years, serving on the Bar-O-Meter committee andmost recently served as editor. Amanda has also served on the WBABoard of Governors, the Clean Slate committee, and the PublicRelations committee. Amanda was instrumental in the rebranding ofthe organization in 2014 and helped create the new WBA logo andlook for the Centennial celebration year. She is a member of theWichita Women Attorney Association and has served on its boardand as President. Amanda earned the WBA President’s Award in2015 and the KBA Courageous Attorney Award in 2015. She is apast member of the Wesley E. Brown Inn of Court and has servedon the board of the Inn and earned the Platinum distinction.Amanda loves the WBA Bar Show and has designed and developedthe last 5 Bar Show programs. She is usually found in the wingsbackstage assisting with props and costume changes. Outside of the work day, Amanda is married to fellow WBA lawyer,Andrew Marino, and they have 3 children who keep them on theirtoes. Amanda volunteers as a middle school girls’ basketball coachand has coached girls’ basketball for over 11 years. She has alsocoached some soccer and softball teams when asked, but has no ideawhat she is doing. Amanda served as den leader for Cub Scout Pack515 for several years. Amanda has served as the PTO President at herchildren’s school and is currently chair of the School Council. Shealso works with charities regarding domestic violence and assistingthe homeless. Amanda believes that the WBA is imperative to continuedcollegiality in our bar community and looks forward to anopportunity to serve as if elected. BAR-o-METER | MAR 2025

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Wichita Bar Association 2025-2026Slate of Officers and Board CandidatesBoard MembersGrant Brazill has a deep commitment to child welfare, juvenile law,and advocacy. Since starting at Morris Laing Law Firm in 2015,Grant has built a robust child welfare practice, focusing on biologicalparent representation, advocacy on behalf of other child welfarestakeholders, and service as a guardian ad litem for child in need ofcare cases. Grant is also the chairperson of the Wichita BarAssociation Juvenile Law Committee.Grant has contributed to various committees and work groups in thechild welfare space, including the Kansas Supreme Court Task Forceon Permanency Planning, and regularly participates as a panelist andfaculty member at local and state-level conferences. Grant's work hasincluded presentations at the Kansas Child Welfare Summit andservice as an ad hoc member on the Kansas Judicial Council'sJO/CINC Committee.He is a trusted voice in child welfare and juvenile law, oftenproviding ethical guidance and best practices in his presentations. Arecognized leader, Grant was honored as a Young Professional inLegal by the Wichita Business Journal in 2022. Grant has alsopublished articles on juvenile law and family law topics, includingco-authoring the Kansas Bar Association Juvenile Law Handbook,further contributing to the legal community’s understanding of thesechild welfare issues.GrantBrazillMorris, Laing, Evans, Brock& Kennedy, CharteredRebeccaBergkampHinkle Law Firm LLCRebecca Bergkamp is an associate attorney at Hinkle Law Firm LLCin Wichita, Kansas, and she primarily supports the firm in matters ofcommercial & complex litigation, transportation & motor carrierlitigation, medical malpractice, and construction litigation. She alsorepresents clients before various regulatory agencies, including theKansas Dental Board, the Kansas Veterinary Board, and the KansasState Board of Healing Arts. Prior to joining Hinkle, Rebeccaworked as an intern for the United States Attorney’s Office. Rebecca completed her undergraduate studies at NewmanUniversity where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administrationdegree in 2016. She then received her Juris Doctorate fromWashburn University School of Law in 2019.Rebecca has been chosen by her peers as a top attorney with herselection to the “Rising Stars” list by Super Lawyers for 2023 and2024. Additionally, she served on the executive board of the WesleyE. Brown American Inn of Court from 2022-2023 and as Vice-President of the Young Lawyers Section of the WBA from 2022-2024.In her free time, Rebecca enjoys kayaking, biking, playing boardgames, and spending time with her husband and son. Rebecca alsoserves on the advisory board for The Salvation Army and is an activemember of her church.7BAR-O-METER | MAR 2025

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8Wichita Bar Association 2025-2026Slate of Officers and Board CandidatesBoard MembersJeremy Koehler has been an associate in Foulston Siefkin’s litigationpractice group since 2019. Jeremy was born and raised in Wichita,and graduated from Wichita High School East before attendingBethany College and Washburn University School of Law.Jeremy served as the president for the WBA’s Young Lawyers’Section from 2023 to 2024 is currently the chair-elect for the PBSKansas Board of Trustees. Outside the office, Jeremy enjoys time exploring Wichita with hiswife and daughters, and cheering on the Royals, Chiefs, andShockers.JeremyKoehlerFoulston Siefkin LLPAndrewKovarTriplett WoolfGarretson, LLCAndrew Kovar practices municipal finance and economicdevelopment law with Triplett Woolf Garretson, LLC where heassists cities, counties, school districts, other local governmentalentities and private developers to finance infrastructure, publicamenities, and private projects that benefit our community. Andrewgrew up in Wichita, graduating from Kapaun Mt. Carmel HighSchool in 1999. He received his Bachelor of Business Administrationin Finance, with a minor in Economics, from Wichita StateUniversity in 2002, and his J.D. from The University of KansasSchool of Law in 2007. Andrew has received The Best Lawyers inAmerica©: Ones to Watch in Wichita recognition for Banking andFinance Law, Municipal Law and Public Finance Law for 2021,2022, 2023. and 2024.Andrew is a member of the American Bar Association, Kansas BarAssociation, Wichita Bar Association and National Association ofBond Lawyers. He enjoys getting involved in communityorganizations, especially those that promote his love of music and thearts. Andrew has previously served as President of the Board ofDirectors of Music Theatre of Wichita, as a member of the KBAAnnual Survey of Law Committee, and as Secretary and a memberof the Board of Directors of the Wichita Rotary Club. In his youth, Andrew was classically trained in vocal performanceand enjoys singing and performing when life allows, including inthe 2016 and 2023 Bar Shows. Andrew and his wife, Kristie, havetwo children: Lily, a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln,and Noah, a sophomore at Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School.BAR-o-METER | MAR 2025

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Wichita Bar Association 2025-2026Slate of Officers and Board CandidatesBoard MembersBrooks G. Severson was born and raised in Wyandotte County,Kansas. She attended undergraduate school at Kansas StateUniversity, where she earned a dual-major Bachelor of Sciencedegree in Business Administration and Accounting and Finance. In2005, she earned her Juris Doctorate, with Honors, from WashburnUniversity School of Law. Following law school, Judge Seversonjoined the firm of Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson & Kitch, LLC, inWichita, Kansas, where she practiced until her appointment to thebench.At Fleeson, Judge Severson was a trial attorney focusing on civillitigation within federal and state court, primarily in the areas ofinsurance defense, personal injury, employment law, governmentalliability, and education law. Prior to joining the bench, she hadrecently completed the Second Chair Training Program offered bythe Federal Public Defender’s Office. Judge Severson feels stronglythat individuals shall be afforded equal and fair opportunity topresent their case, have competent representation, and be treatedwith dignity and respect.Judge Severson is a member of the Wichita Bar Association, KansasBar Association, and Federal Bar Association. In 2020, JudgeSeverson received the Distinguished Service award from the KADCand in 2021 she was named as one of Wichita’s Women Who Leadin Legal Services by the Wichita Business Journal. She has also beenan active member of the community, serving as a Big Brothers BigSister mentor, a Wichita chapter board member of Get Your Rear inGear, and a board member of Together Wichita.Judge Severson was sworn in as a U.S. Magistrate Judge effectiveAugust 19, 2023, succeeding the Honorable Kenneth G. Gale.HonorableBrooksSeversonUnited States District Courtfor the District of KansasJustinWaggonerSedgwick CountyCounselor's OfficeJustin Waggoner serves as the Sedgwick County Counselor, wherehe is the primary legal advisor for the Board of CountyCommissioners and Sedgwick County as an organization. He joinedthe County Counselor’s Office in 2013 and was appointed CountyCounselor in 2023. Prior to working for Sedgwick County, Justinworked in private practice, handling criminal and traffic defense,bankruptcy, and general civil litigation. Justin earned his Bachelor’sDegree in Business from Kansas State University and a J.D. from theUniversity of Kansas School of Law.Justin has been active in the WBA in a variety of roles, includingformerly serving as Chair of the Law-in-Education Committee, anofficer for the Young Lawyers Section, and participating in anumber of WBA committees. Justin was a recipient of the WBAPresident’s Award in 2021 and the Benson-Batt Law in EducationAward in 2024. He formerly served as a board member for CASA ofSedgwick County and is currently a member of the Board ofGovernors for the Kansas Association of Counties.In his free time, Justin enjoys spending time with his family andcheering on the Kansas State Wildcats.9BAR-O-METER | MAR 2025

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102025 - 2026 CandidatesPresident-ElectJanuary Bailey and Kristen WheelerVice PresidentNanette Turner Kalcik and Megan TownsleySecretary/TreasurerJennifer Magana and Amanda MarinoBoard of Governors(Three open positions)Rebecca Bergkamp, Grant Brazill, Jeremy Koehler,Andrew Kovar, Honorable Brooks Severson, Justin WaggonerBallot Voting Instructionsfor Wichita Bar Association Officers and Board 2025 - 2026Being Conducted March 4th through March 11th, 2025The electronic ballot will be available on the WBA website (www.wichitabar.org) from Tuesday,March 4th through Tuesday, March 11th, at 12:00 p.m. Only Active and Life members areeligible to vote. If you are not an Active or Life member, please do not attempt toparticipate in this election.First, current WBA members must be logged on to the WBA website (wichitabar.org) using theirusername (supreme court number) and password. Second, WBA Members will click "2025-2026Election" on the homepage menu. Third, click on "Begin Survey." When your voting is complete,click on "Complete Survey" to submit your ballot.If you need username or password assistance or have questions, please contact Lupita,Membership and Office Administrator, at lreyes@wichitabar.org.*Note: If there is a tie, only members in attendance at theluncheon will be allowed to vote and break the tie.*Information on electronic balloting will go out to the membership via email. Paper balloting willbe available at the Wichita Bar Association Tuesday, March 4th through Monday, March 11th.Paper balloting will be available on election day ONLY during the luncheon. BAR-o-METER | MAR 2025

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12Naturalization CeremonyFebruary 2025The Wichita Bar Association is honored to partner with the US District Courts of Kansas and the UnitedStates Citizenship and Immigration Services Office to welcome new citizens to the United State. Every month,a WBA attorney or political guest provides the speech and two musical selections. USD 259 also provides theColor Guard. The culmination of the Naturalization process is the administration of the Oath of Citizenship.In the District of Kansas, approximately 2,500 petitioners take the oath of citizenship in a formal ceremonyevery year. It is a beautiful and heartwarming ceremony where people from various countries take the Oath ofAllegiance. There was 137 candidates who received their citizenship at the February ceremony.Speaker:Gabrielle AltenorMusical Selection:Honorable Kenneth GaleJudge:Honorable Angel MitchellTHURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18JUDGES' DAY 2025JUDGES' DAY 2025Golf TournamentBike Ride Clay Shoot Pickleball and Tennis Pool Tournament Trivia EventGolf TournamentBike Ride Clay Shoot Pickleball and Tennis Pool Tournament Trivia EventBAR-o-METER | MAR 2025

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Attendees at the WBA’s February luncheon received an abundance. We’re not talking about the Tex-Mexbuffet (although that was delicious), but about the bountiful wisdom and inspiration shared at that meeting.The luncheon, held on February 11, featured a panel of jurists – Hon. Jennifer Jones, Hon. Gwynne Birzer,and Hon. Jaqueline Kelly – moderated by the interim director of The Kansas African American Museum, AmyWilliams. The panelists were asked questions on an array of topics covering their professional lives.Judge Jones was the first Black woman to serve as a district judge in Kansas; she is currently Chief Judge ofthe Wichita municipal courts and serves in its drug court. Judge Jones has been an active Wichita Barmember throughout her career and is a driving force behind the Waller Fellowship program. Judge Jones wasinspired to pursue a judicial career by her desire to solve problems in the juvenile court system which sheobserved when serving as a guardian ad litem. She credits Judge Karen Humphreys and Judge Kay Royse asmentors.Judge Birzer serves as a magistrate judge in the United States District Courts for the District of Kansas. Thepath to Judge Birzer’s judicial career began when, during her first year of law school, she became guardian toher niece. Judge Birzer wanted to help people the way the judge in her matter helped her and her niece.Judge Birzer started her legal practice in Topeka, but moved to Wichita in 2006 and has been an activemember of the Wichita Bar ever since, including serving on the Board of Governors.Judge Kelly is just embarking on her judicial career, having taken office in January. Before running for judicialoffice, Judge Kelly worked as an Assistant Sedgwick County District Attorney, then as City Attorney for BelAire, then Derby. She recently finished a two-year term on the WBA Board of Governors and a year servingas president of the Wichita Women Attorneys Association. The seeds of Judge Kelly’s interest in the judiciarywere planted when she was adopted in Virginia by her aunt and uncle. Having been born in Zimbabwe andmoving to the United States at age four gave Judge Kelly a unique perspective. She says that watchingZimbabwe fall apart taught her the importance of the rule of law. Judge Kelly cites Judge Birzer and JudgeHernandez-Mitchell as mentors, but she also admired TV’s Claire Huxtable (don’t we all?). The pearls of wisdom the panel dropped are too numerous for this article, but to give a sampling:Judge Jones on what she wishes she knew then – that being a judge means “isolation, but you learn to livewith it.”Judge Birzer on handling the occasional disrespect from counsel or litigants: “We’re here because wehave the ability to control our temperament.”Judge Kelly, when asked how she “spreads the love” for the law: by getting involved in organizations and“speaking positively about lawyers in the community.”We will close this wrap-up with everyone’s favorite pearl of wisdom, which was Judge Jones’s advice to younglawyers appearing in municipal court (although it really applies in many situations): “Stand up, speak up, andthen shut up.” February Monthly Luncheon RecapMarcia Wood15BAR-O-METER | MAR 2025

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Welcome Our 2025 Elected 18th Judicial District Court JudgesHon. Jacqueline KellyHometown:Undergraduate & Law School -Graduation Dates & Degrees/Certificates:Prior Professional Experience:What made you want to be a judge?What qualities make for a good judge?Personal information/hobbies/fun fact:Hon. Eric YostWichita, Kansas Newport News, VAUniversity of Mary Washington, Bachelor of Sciencein Political Science 2006, Washburn UniversitySchool of Law JD, 2014Wichita State University; University of KansasSedgwick County District Attorney's Office.Specialized in: Traffic, Juvenile Offender, CivilCommitments City of Bel Aire, City Attorney. Specialized in:Transactional municipal work, real estate, humanresources, municipal ordinances City of Derby, City Attorney. Director of legaldepartment team and budget, transactionalmunicipal work, real estate, human resources,municipal ordinances I was a judge for 19 years, in every department inthe 18th judicial district and presiding judge inseveral departments. More recently, I have donemediation and domestic conciliation and now I amback on the bench. Work comp in the early 90s, I recognized that good, skilled practitioners whoare committed to our community need to step intojudicial roles. The local courts are essential tokeeping Sedgwick County healthy and keeping it agreat place to live. With several of our currentjudges set to retire in the next decade, our countyneeds the next generation of judges to step up toserve the public. Recognizing my proven skillset,dedication to the principles of justice, andcommitment to preserving the collegial barassociation we all value, I stepped up.An ability to LISTEN and to show respect the partiesbefore you regardless of the circumstance, and adecisive but reasonable consistent approach tocases. Outside of work and family time, I enjoy hiking,jogging, and spending time outdoors. Over time, I’dlike to visit all of the national parks, 3 down 60 togo. Hometown:Undergraduate & Law School -Graduation Dates & Degrees/Certificates:Prior Professional Experience:What made you want to be a judge?What qualities make for a good judge?Personal information/hobbies/fun fact:Being a judge gives you an opportunity to do whatyou think is right every day. I was off the bench fora little bit but I missed that and ran again. We need someone who shows up for work, treatspeople with respect, and makes fair and sensibledecision. If we can at least get that out of a judge, Ithink we are doing well.I shoot a lot of pool and I spend a lot of time withmy 8 grandchildren.BAR-o-METER | MAR 20252216

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17JUDGECASEPROSECUTORDEFENSE ATTYCHARGESRESULTKaufman19CR1825Alice OsburnBrad Sylvesterct 1-rapeGuiltyMagana23CR0460Josh StewardMoriah PlowdenJorge De HoyosHayley Wrightct 1-rapect 2-rapeGuilty;GuiltyKrier23CR1018Josh StewardChris Patect 1-agg. criminal sodomyct 2-rapeMistrial;MistrialSyrios23CR0940Aaron BreitenbachJennifer JamesonJ. MitchellT.R. Foxct 1-1st degree murderGuiltyRoush24CR1136Dan VigiliusJorge De Hoyosct 1-rapect 2-rapeNot Guilty;HungRundle20CR0005Atticus DisneyStephen Bravect 1-aggravated kidnappingct 2-robberyct 3-robberyGuilty;Guilty;GuiltyRundle20CR1768Atticus DisneyStephen Bravect 1-violate PFAct 2-violate PFAct 3-stalkingct 4-stalkingGuilty;Guilty;Guilty;GuiltyRoush23CR300463Alice OsburnJosh StewardMarlo HamrickSarah McKinnonct 1-2nd degree murderct 2-violate PFAGuilty;GuiltyBrown24CR0384Sophia BrunettiCasey Cottonct 1-agg. criminal sodomyGuiltySyrios24CR0476Daniel WellsS.McKinnonD.Van Houtenct 1-criminal threatNot GuiltyCriminal Jury SummarySedgwick County District Attorney’s OfficeOn February 13, 2025, the Governor received notice from the Clerk of the Appellate Courts regarding avacancy in the 18th Judicial District resulting from the retirement of District Court Judge David J. Kaufman,effective March 21, 2025. As this is a partisan, elective district, the Governor will endeavor to make the appointment to fill the vacancywithin 90 days pursuant to K.S.A. § 25-312a. To that effect, anyone interested may apply and be considered for appointment. The Governor’s Office willaccept written applications until March 28, 2025. Applicants may obtain the required written forms and other information by emailingjudicialapplications@ks.gov.18th District Judge VacancyBAR-O-METER | MAR 2025

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22Dustin DeVaughn (DeVaughn James) relaxed in PuntaMita, Mexico. Suzanne Dwyer (Kansas Legal Services)cruised the Carribean. Kurt Holmes (Law Office of KurtHolmes) enjoyed 82 degree weather in Aruba. JanJarman (City of Wichita) spent some time at a winery inSan Diego. Katie Gilman (District Attorney) traveled toLas Vegas, Nevada to see the Eagles in Concert at theSphere. Alice Osburn (District Attorney) visitedDisneyland. Matt Dwyer (Hutton & Hutton) braved thecold to take his sons to their first KC Chief’s game.Lyndon Vix (Fleeson Gooing) escaped to the Islands ofAntigua and Barbuda. Joni Franklin (Franklin Law)attended an annual girls trip in Steamboat Springs,Colorado. Linda Parks (Hite Fanning) was spotted inPalm Springs, California. Gaye Tibbets (Hite Fanning)spent a long weekend in Seattle, Washington. Hearsayby Gabby Tattl erWBA Members Giving Back...Morris Laing volunteered at the local food bank to fillbags for the Food 4 Kids program during the recentholiday. Mark Sevart (Law Office of Mark Sevart) andhis wife retired their whistles after 20 years of being theAthletic Directors of St. Thomas Aquinas CatholicSchool. Traveling attorneys...Attorneys Getting Together...Hite Fanning provided soup and sandwiches to it’sattorneys and staff so that they did not have to endurethe cold temperatures. Jessica Suhr, Lynn Ward, andMegan Storie (Ward Law), Tyler Laudick (US DistrictAttorney), Shannon Braun and Christina Silva (MorrisLaing), Jon Newman (Hite Fanning) and Hugh Gill(Hinkle Law) attended the Junior League of Wichita’s100th Anniversary Gala. The Honorables Eric andFrancessca Montes-Williams attended the RepublicanWomen United of Sedgwick County, Kansas InauguralBall. Linda Parks (Hite Fanning), Rachael Pirner(Triplett Woolf), Diana Stanley (Depew Gillan) andJoslyn Kusiak (Kelly & Kusiak) all attended the ABA midyear convention. Michelle Moe Witte (Martin Pringle),Christy Campbell (Franklin Law) and RichardSamaniego (Gibson Watson Marino) attended the BarAssociation’s Legislative Reception in Topeka. WardLaw had a Super Bowl Chief’s Tailgate get together forlunch before the big game. Hinkle Law also showedtheir pride for the Chiefs by having everyone wearChief’s attire to work. Congratulations are in order...Eric Barth (Hinkle Law) recently became a managingmember. Monnat & Spurrier, Chtd. has gone national!The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyershas published Dan Monnat & Gina Wehby’s article on“The Prosecutor’s Toxic Objection” in this month’s issueof The Champion magazine.18The friends, family, and former colleagues of theHonorable J. Patrick Walters who passed on February3, 2025. Our condolences also go out to the friends andfamily members of Jim McIntyre (Law Offices of JamesMcIntyre) who passed on January 25, 2025. Ourthoughts and prayers also go out to Paula Langworthy(Langworthy Law) on the passing of her father, JackPhillips, on February 16, 2025. Condolences go out to...Hinkle LawKurt Holmes Jeff and Jan JarmanKatie GilmanLyndon and Danielle VixHite FanningMichelle Moe Witte,Richard Samaniegoand Christy CampbellHonorable Eric Williamsand Francessca Montes-WilliamsMegan Storie, LynnWard and Jessica SuhrShannon Braun andChristina SilvaRachel Pirner andJoslyn KusiakBAR-o-METER | MAR 2025

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19M A r 2 0 2 5W B A e v e n t s C a l e n d a rAll committees meet at the WBA at Noon unless otherwise noted.A P R 2 0 2 5T/1 Professional Diversity Committee MeetingEstate Planning & Probate Committee MeetingService to the Bar Committee MeetingTh/3 Bar-o-Meter Committee MeetingT/8 Monthly LuncheonTh/10 Bankruptcy Committee MeetingExecutive Committee MeetingM/14 Legislative Committee MeetingW/16 Fee Dispute Committee MeetingTh/17 Board of Governors MeetingEthics Committee MeetingM/28 Legislative Committee Meeting T/4 Professional Diversity Committee MeetingEstate Planning & Probate Committee MeetingService to the Bar Committee MeetingTh/6 Bar-o-Meter Committee MeetingM/10 Legislative Committee MeetingT/11 Monthly Luncheon and ElectionsTh/13 Bankruptcy Committee MeetingExecutive Committee MeetingW/19 Fee Dispute Committee MeetingTh/20 Board of Governors MeetingEthics Committee MeetingM/24 Legislative Committee Meeting BAR-O-METER | MAR 2025

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Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered - Criminal DefenseCome alive! Are you weary of being just another face shackled to a computer or Zoom screen? Do you want to fight for the lives andconstitutional rights of people and businesses in courtrooms across the country? Do you want to develop the art of trial and a courtroomcareer that the 6th Amendment guarantees will never go away or shrink to the purely virtual?Look no further! Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered, a prestigious law firm in its 39th year, dedicated exclusively to criminal defense is seekingextraordinarily talented individuals to join our team!Positions available: ·Experienced Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer for the frequent preparation and trial of felony criminal cases ($90,000 to $150,000)Please submit resume to Firm President, Dan Monnat, at dan.monnat@monnat.com. For any questions, feel free to contact us at (316) 264-2800.CLASSIFIED ADVERTISINGJob OpportunitiesTHE LAW OFFICE OF SEAN M. DWYER handles all types ofemployment litigation for plaintiffs and defendants, includingdiscrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination matters, andfederal employee civil service or discrimination claims. I also serve as amediator of employment disputes. Please call 316/689-4268.Referrals AcceptedSANTO LAW OFFICE, P.A. handles copyrights, trademarks, tradesecrets, business/corporate law, and civil litigation. Please call316/689-4245 or visit www.santolaw.com for more information.Convenient east side location.Office SpaceSHARED OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE at 2121 W. Maple; use of copymachine, internet and conference room. Davis & Jack, L.L.C. ContactKenneth Jack at 316/945-8521.Sedgwick County Law CenterFor Lease 225 N. Market, Suite 230, 333 & 355, Wichita KSOFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE at the Sedgwick County Law Center, 225 N. Market St. Two officesavailable: Suite 333 – 920 sf including a kitchenette and Suite 355 – 3,648 sf including a kitchenette. Weigand-Omega Contact:Clay Morrow316-239-6633cmorrow@weigandomega.com20SCLC Contact:Virdena Gilkey316-263-2251 x 102vgilkey@wichitabar.orgBAR-o-METER | MAR 2025

March 2025 Bar-o-Meter

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