(KAIR)--Atchison County Attorney Jerry Kuckelman has resigned.

According to information released to MSC News by the Atchison County Attorney's office, Kuckelman's resignation was submitted to Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer Thursday and became effective at noon Friday.

Kuckelman's resignation was necessary as he steps into the role of Kansas 1st District Court Judge, with Kuckelman sworn into the role Friday afternoon in Leavenworth County.

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

He replaces District Court Judge Gunnar Sundby, who retired in June.

Atchison County Counselor and Assistant County Attorney, Patrick Henderson, will serve in the County Attorney's role in the interim, formally installed into the position Friday through the action of 1st District Court Judge's Robert Bednar and Martin Asher.

He will continue in that position until Governor Colyer appoints a replacement to serve out Kuckelman's unexpired term.

That person will be chosen through a vote of the Atchison County Republican Central Committee during a convention Thursday evening, November 1, at 5:30, in the District Courtroom at the Atchison County Courthouse.