The verdict was handed down emphatically Wednesday afternoon.
Judge Thomas Saxton — a courtroom mainstay for more than a generation — will be missed.
Saxton is retiring this week, putting an end to his 27-year career as magistrate judge for the 31st Judicial District, and the past 25 years as Iola Municipal Court judge.
He was honored Wednesday with a District Courtroom packed with family, friends, fellow judges, attorneys and other well-wishers.