(KAIR)--The City of Horton has appointed a new municipal judge.

The Horton City Commission during their October 15 meeting voted to appoint Patrick Henderson to the position.

Henderson currently serves as County Counselor for Atchison County, as well as assistant Atchison County attorney.

Jerry Kuckelman will no longer be able to serve as the city’s municipal judge due to his recent appointment as district judge for the 1st Judicial District.

Horton City Attorney Kevin Hill and Interim Administrator/Police Chief John Calhoon both recommended Henderson be appointed to replace Kuckelman.

Atchison County Republicans are set to determine who will fill the office of Atchison County Attorney.

That comes as Kuckelman prepares to step into the role of District Court Judge.

According to a release from Atchison County GOP Central Chair Derek Franklin, a Republican Convention to elect Kuckelman's replacement is set for next month.

Addressed to the Committeemen and Committeewomen of the Atchison County Republican Central Committee, the notice, from Franklin, says the convention will be held Thursday evening, November 1, in the District Courtroom at the Atchison County Courthouse, beginning at 5:30.

At that time, the Republican Party County Bi-Annual Organizational Meeting will be held, followed by the election to fill the role of Atchison County Attorney.

Whoever is selected through the votes cast that evening will then be appointed to the role by Governor Jeff Colyer.

Until that is finalized, an interim County Attorney will be selected by 1st District Judges Martin Asher and Robert Bednar.

Kuckelman was selected to fill the role through a process overseen by the 1st Judicial District Nominating Commission

The vacancy was created through the June retirement of Judge Gunnar Sundby.

The Kansas 1st Judicial District is comprised of Atchison and Leavenworth Counties.