Judge Apt to retire

Allen County Magistrate Judge Charles "Chuck" Apt III will retire from the bench in June, bringing to an end a 46-year legal career. A nomination committee has been formed to find a replacement.

Local News

May 14, 2026 - 4:08 PM

Iolan Charles "Chuck" Apt III is retiring in June as magistrate judge for the 31st Judicial District. Register file photo

Charles (Chuck) Apt III, magistrate judge for the 31st Judicial District in Allen County, will retire June 10.

Apt worked as an Iola attorney for 43 years before being appointed to the judgeship in 2023.

His ascension meant the closure of Apt Law Offices LLC, one of the longest-lasting law firms in state history.

Apt’s great-great-grandfather opened the office in Pratt in 1885, before moving to Iola in 1903, where Apt’s grandfather, father and uncle eventually joined the practice.

A nominating commission was slated to meet Thursday to discuss the…

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