Dana Ritchheart, a sergeant in the Nebraska City Police Department, has been selected to serve as Otoe county court clerk magistrate in Nebraska City, Ritchheart will begin work as clerk magistrate on August 22, 2022.

“Dana brings strong people skills and experience in supervising staff, records management, and technology applications to her new role with the courts,” according to Trial Court Services Director Sheryl Connolly.  “Her background also demonstrates her desire for public service and to respond positively and effectively to potential conflict or crisis which occasionally arises in the courts where people’s families, lives and finances may be in turmoil.”    

County court clerk magistrates work under the general direction of the presiding county judge supervising, assigning, and directing the work of all staff within the county court. The position carries a high level of responsibility for the people, paperwork, finances, and records of the court. Ritchheart will be responsible to ensure the efficiency of the court’s administrative functions and for investigating and evaluating potential procedural changes.

Ritchheart will work in the 2nd Judicial District with fellow clerk magistrate Cindy Cich, Cass County, and Judicial Administrator Barb Pousson, Sarpy County. The 2nd Judicial District consists of Cass, Otoe, and Sarpy Counties.