(MANHATTAN, KS – July 2, 2025) — City Manager Danielle Dulin announced today that Sarah Smith Barr has been hired as Manhattan’s new Municipal Court Judge, starting this week.

Judge Barr will replace Municipal Judge James R. Kepple, who retired June 30 after three years of service to the City of Manhattan’s Municipal Court.

Barr, who recently retired from Kansas State University after serving 23 years as Student Legal Services Attorney, will perform the judicial function of the City.

The judge is authorized and empowered to exercise independent judgment in all cases brought before the court, without influence or interference by any elected or appointed City official.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Judge Barr’s experience and qualifications right here in Manhattan,” Dulin said. “As we transition to Judge Barr, we are grateful for Judge Kepple’s dedication to the community for the past three years as Municipal Judge, and before that as a District Magistrate Judge for five years, and wish him well in his retirement.”

The municipal judge hears all cases brought into the Municipal Court, and works with the Court Administrator and City Attorney to ensure the orderly, efficient, and fiscally responsible operation of the Municipal Court.

“Being a judge is a sacred trust and I am humbled to be asked to serve the community as municipal judge,” said Judge Barr. “I am looking forward to working alongside the excellent City court staff as we continue to provide the high standard of justice and fairness that Manhattan is known for.”

She was born and raised in Dodge City. Her grandfather, William A. Smith, served as Attorney General of Kansas and also on the Kansas Supreme Court, retiring as Chief Justice. Her father, Don C. Smith, was an attorney and district court judge in the 16th Judicial District in southwest Kansas.

Judge Barr is married to Curtis Barr, and they have a son, Luke Henson. They have lived in Wamego since 1995.

Barr graduated from Fort Hays State University and earned her law degree at Washburn University School of Law. She is a member of the Kansas Bar Association.