photo by: Mike Yoder

Douglas County District Court Judge Paula Martin, right, shows her retirement cake to daughter Kate Falkenstein, center, and son-in-law Rich Boltizar, left, both of California, Friday, June 14, 2019, in the Douglas County Commission Room at the old courthouse.

Family, friends and colleagues of retiring Douglas County District Court Judge Paula Martin attended a reception in her honor Friday at the old county courthouse.

Martin, whose announced retirement date is Saturday, has been on the bench 25 years and presided over some of Lawrence’s most notorious trials.

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.

Photos by Mike Yoder/Lawrence Journal-World

photo by: Mike Yoder

Douglas County District Court Judge Paula Martin, right, receives a gift from Douglas County District Court Judge Peggy Kittel during a retirement reception for Martin, Friday, June 14, 2019, in the Douglas County Commission Room at the old courthouse.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Retiring Douglas County District Court Judge Paula Martin, left, visits with former Douglas County District Court Judge Michael Malone during a reception in honor of Martin’s retirement, Friday, June 14, 2019, in the Douglas County Commission Room at the old courthouse.