(KNZA)--A magistrate judge vacancy in Doniphan County has been filled.

Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday the appointment of Laura Johnson-McNish, of Marysville, to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of longtime 22nd Judicial District Magistrate Judge Roy Roper, of Troy.

Roper retired effective March 31 after serving the past 18 years on the bench.

Johnson-McNish has spent the last eight years as the Marshall County Attorney.  Before working in Marshall County, she was a deputy director of the Kansas Department of Revenue's Division of Property Valuation.

In making the appointment, Governor Kelly said Johnson-McNish, who grew up in Doniphan County, brings an extensive understanding of the law and law enforcement, and knows the 22nd Judicial District inside and out.

Johnson-McNish said she's honored Governor Kelly chose her for the position and is excited to be back full time in Doniphan County.

The magistrate judge position will be on the ballot in 2020.