(KMZA)--An area district judge vacancy has been filled.

According to a news release, Governor Laura Kelly Thursday appointed Christopher Etzel, of Havensville, to the 2nd Judicial District vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Judge Gary Nafziger.

The 2nd Judicial District includes Jackson, Jefferson, Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee Counties.

Etzel has been in private practice since 2004, handling a wide variety of civil and criminal cases. He also serves as the City Attorney for Onaga, Havensville, and Wheaton.

He graduated from Kansas State University in 2000 and earned his law degree from Washburn University School of Law in 2004.

Etzel was among three nominees selected by the 2nd Judicial District Nominating Commission, whose names were submitted to Governor Kelly. The other two nominees were Jackson County Attorney Shawna Miller and Jefferson County Attorney Joshua Ney.