Seward County Court Clerk Magistrate Sheila Beins submitted her notice of retirement effective December 15, 2023.  She will retire with 41 years of service to the courts.

Beins began work with the Judicial Branch as a Records Clerk in 1982.  She was named Associate County Judge in 1985.  That position transitioned into the clerk magistrate position she holds today. 

Beins shared that in her time with the court, she has served only four judges:  Judge Robert Cattle, Judge Alan Gless, Judge Jerry Rouse, and currently Judge C. Jo Peterson. Under Beins leadership, Seward County Court participated in the initial testing of an electronic case management system which was a precursor to the current JUSTICE system.

Beins has been an active member of the Nebraska County Court Association.  She is a past president of the association and served for several years on the education committee.

“Sheila has been an advocate for change during her years with the court. She has participated in several projects and is always quick with questions and suggestions that ultimately become forms or procedures,” said Trial Court Services Director Sheryl Connolly. “She has never limited her assistance to one court or judicial district, volunteering regularly over the years to assist and train in other jurisdictions. Her inquisitive mind and quick wit will be missed.”    

Immediately prior to Beins’ retirement, a Clerk Magistrate or Interim Clerk Magistrate will be designated for the court.