Judge Maxwell Appointed as New Salina Municipal Judge

30-year legal veteran brings experience from Kansas and Oklahoma to new role

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The City of Salina has appointed Jason Maxwell as its new Municipal Judge. Maxwell, who currently serves as a Municipal Court Judge and Treatment Court Judge in Liberal, Kansas, will bring over 30 years of legal experience to the role. He has also served as a part-time Municipal Judge in several other Kansas and Oklahoma cities, as well as the County Counselor for Haskell County, Kansas.

Why it matters

The Salina Municipal Court handles a variety of local legal matters, from traffic violations to misdemeanor criminal cases. Maxwell's extensive background in municipal court proceedings and treatment programs will be valuable assets as he takes on this new leadership role in the community.

The details

Maxwell received his bachelor's degree from Oklahoma State University and his law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He is a member of the Kansas Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, and Seward-Haskell County Bar Association, and has held leadership roles in the Kansas Municipal Judges Association. He will be relocating to Salina with his wife, Lara, to begin the new position within the next month, succeeding the retiring Brenda Stoss who served for 22 years.

  • Maxwell will begin the new role within the next month.
  • Brenda Stoss is retiring after 22 years of service as Salina's Municipal Judge.

The players

Jason Maxwell

An experienced municipal court judge with over 30 years of legal experience in Kansas and Oklahoma, who has been appointed as the new Municipal Judge for the City of Salina.

Jacob Wood

The City Manager of Salina, who appointed Jason Maxwell to the Municipal Judge role.

Brenda Stoss

The retiring Municipal Judge of Salina, who served in the role for 22 years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Jason's demonstrated leadership and law experience will be an asset for Salina's Municipal Court. We were fortunate to have several strong applicants for this role, but his background and approach made him a great fit for this position. We're excited to have him join our community.”

— Jacob Wood, City Manager, Salina

What’s next

Maxwell will begin his new role as Salina Municipal Judge within the next month, succeeding the retiring Brenda Stoss.

The takeaway

Salina has appointed an experienced and respected municipal court judge in Jason Maxwell to lead its local judicial system, bringing over three decades of legal expertise to the community.