Judges in Nebraska’s 8th Judicial District have chosen a new clerk magistrate for Greeley County. Lisa Bower will serve county court as Clerk Magistrate and district court as the ex officio Clerk of the District Court beginning February 8, 2021. 

Noting the county and district court responsibilities, Trial Court Services Director Sheryl Connolly remarked, “Greeley County requested transfer of the ex officio duties of the clerk of district court to the county court clerk magistrate to improve efficiency and conserve county resources.  This new position was created to ensure staffing to effectively accomplish those goals, and Lisa’s experience with district court work will serve her well as she assumes her new responsibilities.” She added, “The Judicial Branch encourages and supports a unified court clerk’s office in locations where the county is agreeable.”

Bower previously served as deputy clerk of Valley County, where she did the work for the ex officio clerk of district court there. 

As clerk magistrate, Bower will work under the general direction of County Court Judges Kale Burdick, James Orr, and Tami Schendt; as ex officio clerk, she will provide support to District Court Judge Karin Noakes.

Bower will be responsible for providing public service and managing the records, finances, and general operation of the courts. She will also work with the Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation to identify and implement improved efficiencies in the combined county and district court offices.

Bower fills the new position, replacing Clerk Magistrate Roberta (Bert) Meschke who continues to serve in Valley, Garfield, and Wheeler Counties.  Other magistrates in the 8th Judicial District include Cristin Fay, Brewster; Debra Hansen, Taylor and Broken Bow; Lisa Johnson, St. Paul; Kay Morrison, Valentine; Janelle Mostek, Loup City; Roxanne Philben, Ainsworth and Springview; Cathy Reiman, Bassett and Butte, and Laura Reynoldson, O'Neill.