In Nebraska’s 8th Judicial District, judges have chosen a new clerk magistrate for Greeley County. Michelle Soto will serve the county court as clerk magistrate and the district court as the ex officio Clerk of the District Court beginning March 21, 2022. 

Noting the county and district court responsibilities, Trial Court Services Director Sheryl Connolly remarked, “Greeley County is among pioneering counties which have initiated the transfer of the ex officio duties of the clerk of the district court to the county court clerk magistrate to improve efficiency and conserve county resources.  Michelle Soto brings a passion for detail and public service to the position and will serve the people and the courts of Greeley County well.”   

Soto previously served as an engineering technician for the City of Grand Island.

As clerk magistrate, Soto 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.

Soto 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 continue to identify and implement improved efficiencies in the combined county and district court offices.

Soto fills the new position, replacing Clerk Magistrate Lisa Bower, who has assumed responsibilities for county and district courts in Valley County. Other magistrates in the 8th Judicial District include Cristin Fay of Brewster; Roxanne Philben of Ainsworth; Roxanne Philben of Springview; Bert Meschke of Burwell; Debra Hand of Valentine; Lisa Johnson of St. Paul; Lisa Bower of Greeley and Ord; Janelle Mostek of Loup City; Debra Hansen of Taylor and Broken Bow; Laura Reynoldson of O’Neill; and Cathy Reiman of Butte and Bassett.