Topeka ? Republican leaders in western Kansas will be meeting in upcoming weeks to name someone to fill vacancies in the House and Senate.

The 121st District House seat became vacant last month when longtime Representative Jim Morrison died. At least three people have expressed interest in filling the western Kansas post, which includes Thomas, Sherman and Sheridan Counties and part of Graham County. The meeting to appoint a replacement is Dec. 19 in Colby.

The vacancy in the Senate’s 23rd District is due to Sen. Karin Brownlee’s nomination by Gov.-elect Sam Brownback as the state’s secretary of labor. Johnson County Republicans will meet at Spring Hill High School on Dec. 20 to elect her replacement.