By MIKE CORN

mcorn@dailynews.net

WaKEENEY -- In four equal groups, Gove County residents will be heading to WaKeeney beginning Monday morning for the selection of a jury to hear the first-degree murder case against David A. Stevenson.

In something of an unusual move, the trial will be in the Trego County Courthouse because the Gove courthouse is too small. The move is not a change of venue because both counties are in the same judicial district.

About 200 prospective jurors will be called to the courthouse, in groups of 50, for questioning to determine if they can sit on the jury. Twelve members ultimately will be selected. Two alternate jurors also will be selected, but won't join in the deliberations unless one of the original 12 is unable to continue.

The murder charge was brought against Stevenson by the Kansas Attorney General's office. He was charged in connection with the March 13, 2008, death of his father, Walter A. Stevenson, 85.

Initially, the death was believed to have been a farm accident, but the investigation led authorities to think otherwise.

David Stevenson was bound over for trial in the case after a preliminary hearing.

In January, District Judge Ed Bouker started discussing the possibility of moving the trial to either WaKeeney or Oakley. The Oakley move soon was ruled out because it is not in the same district and would require a change-of-venue order.

"My plan would be to move it to WaKeeney, at least that would be one possibility, but still use Gove County jurors," Bouker said at the time.

Attorneys didn't voice any objections and Bouker ultimately sought approval from the Kansas Supreme Court for the change.

Permission to move the trial to Trego County ultimately was granted earlier this month.

Even though the case will be heard in Trego County, Bouker said Gove County residents will sit on the jury.

Many of the prospective jurors will ride in vans owned by the Gove County Sheriff's office from Quinter to WaKeeney for the selection process.

Once a jury is selected, Bouker likely will discuss travel arrangements with the jury at the time.

"We'll defer to them," Bouker said of making travel arrangements.

Arrangements also have been made for other more mundane issues, such as a high-output coffee pot for the jurors.

"You never know if you're ready, but it seems to be coming together," Bouker said of the trial.