Chief Judge Gary W. Rulon to retire from the Court of Appeals

TOPEKA – Kansas Court of Appeals Chief Judge Gary W. Rulon announced Wednesday that he would retire in January at the end of his term.

Rulon, 69, joined the Court of Appeals in 1988 and became chief judge in 2001. Prior to that he served seven year as the chief judge for the 5th Judicial District which includes Chase and Lyon counties.

During his time on as a judge in the 5th Judicial District, Rulon helped opened previously closed court records and helped pilot a program that allowed court proceedings to be televised.

“I just believe in open and transparent government if at all possible,” Rulon said.

During his time on the Court of Appeals he has never declined a media request for camera or audio coverage of an appellate proceeding.

Runlon also helped create the Senior Judge Program where some retired judges are allowed to work part time for reduced judicial salary. Some of the judges have helped the appeals court with its caseload while others work in district courts.

For more, read Thursday’s Wichita Eagle.

This story was originally published August 18, 2010 at 11:15 AM with the headline "Chief Judge Gary W. Rulon to retire from the Court of Appeals."