Debra Hand, Assistant Clerk for Cherry County Court, has been selected to serve as clerk magistrate in Valentine.  Hand will begin work as clerk magistrate on January 3, 2022.

“Deb’s experience working in the county court under outgoing Clerk Magistrate Kay Morrison has prepared her for the challenges of this position,” says Trial Court Services Director Sheryl Connolly.   “She also brings a passion for customer service and has experience in both probation and law enforcement, which broadens her perspective on the legal system and those we serve.”      

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. Hand will be responsible to ensure the efficiency of the court’s administrative functions and for investigating and evaluating potential procedural changes.

Hand will work in the 8th Judicial District with fellow clerk magistrates  Cristin Fay, Brewster, Roxanne Philben, Ainsworth and Springview, Bert Meschke, Burwell, Bartlett, and Ord, Lisa Johnson, St. Paul, Lisa Bower, Greeley,  Janelle Mostek, Loup City, Debra Hansen, Taylor and Broken Bow, Laura Reynoldson, O’Neill, and Cathy Reiman, Butte and Bassett.  Judge James Orr, Judge Tami Schendt and Judge Kale Burdick direct the operations of the county courts of the 8th judicial district.