Hon. Merlin G. Wheeler

Merlin G. Wheeler is the chief judge of the Kansas Fifth Judicial District Court, Division 3. He has served in this capacity since his appointment in 1997 and was retained in both the 2012 and 2016 retention elections with 77.7% and 79.25% of the vote, respectively. Wheeler earned his undergraduate degrees from Dodge City Community College and Emporia State University before obtaining his J.D. from Washburn University School of Law. He began his legal career as city attorney for Emporia, served in private practice until his appointment to the Lyon County court in 1990, and was later appointed chief judge of the Fifth Judicial District. In 2010, his name was submitted for consideration to the Kansas Supreme Court. Wheeler is licensed to practice law in Kansas.