photo by: Mike Yoder

Douglas County District Court Judge Paula Martin confers with attorneys during the murder trial of Ramona Morgan, in this 2008 Journal-World file photo.

The public is invited to a retirement reception honoring Douglas County District Court Judge Paula Martin.

The reception is planned for 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 14, in the Douglas County Commission Room at the old courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St. Martin’s announced retirement date is June 15.

Martin has been on the bench 25 years, since being appointed by Gov. Joan Finney in 1994.

She has presided over some of Lawrence’s most notorious trials, including those of former carpenter and Christian school leader Martin Miller, who killed his wife, Mary Miller, in 2004; and local pizza restaurant employee Sarah B. Gonzales McLinn, who killed her boss and roommate, Harold Sasko, in 2014.

Gov. Laura Kelly is expected to appoint a new judge to replace Martin by late July. The 7th Judicial District Nominating Commission interviewed nominees May 23 and recommended four names to the governor.