Chief Justice Mike Heavican will give his annual State of the Judiciary address to the Legislature at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 21, 2022, in the Unicameral Chamber. Nebraska Public Media will air the speech online as part of its regular legislative coverage, which can be viewed: https:/...

Judge of the District Court, Fifth Judicial District, Robert R. Steinke, has announced his retirement effective February 2, 2022. In his letter to the Governor and the Chief Justice, Steinke noted, “It has been such an honor and privilege to have served the citizens of our great state, and in...

Nebraska District Court Judge Julie D. Smith of Tecumseh, Nebraska, was invited to sit with the Nebraska Supreme Court on January 6, 2022. Smith heard arguments in the case of Nationwide Transportation, Inc. v. Navistar, Inc. (S-20-0579). The case is a contract dispute involving the purchase of...

Nebraska District Court Judge Stefanie A. Martinez of Papillion, Nebraska, was invited to sit with the Nebraska Supreme Court on January 5, 2022. Martinez heard arguments in the case of Spratt v. Crete Carrier Corporation (S-21-0530) where the Workers’ Compensation Court awarded an employee of Crete...

Nebraska District Court Judge Michael E. Piccolo of North Platte, Nebraska, was invited to sit with the Nebraska Supreme Court on January 4, 2022. Piccolo heard arguments in the Estate of Blan Larson (S-21-0290). This probate case involves the apportionment of inheritance taxes and the use of estate...

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...

LINCOLN –Melodie T. Bellamy, Kearney; Jason M. Bergevin, Lincoln; Sara J. Bockstadter, Kenesaw; Morgan R. Farquhar, Cambridge; Bryan S. McQuay, Alma; and Henry C. Schenker, Hildreth, have submitted applications for appointment as District Court Judge in the 10th Judicial District consisting of Adams...

Cherry County Clerk Magistrate Kay Morrison, Valentine, submitted her notice of retirement effective December 31, 2021, after just over 29 years of service to the Judicial Branch. “Kay was promoted to clerk magistrate of the Cherry County Court in 1998,” commented Nebraska County Court Services...

LINCOLN -- According to Supreme Court Justice William B. Cassel, the Judicial Nominating Commission for District Judge in the 10 th Judicial District (consisting of Adams, Clay, Franklin, Harlan, Kearney, Nuckolls, Phelps, and Webster counties) will hold a public hearing at the Adams County...

MEDIA ADVISORY: Problem-Solving Court Graduation and Celebration WHAT: The Southeast Nebraska Adult Drug Court is pleased to announce that five (5) participants have successfully completed the Adult Drug Court Program. We are proud to honor the Adult Drug Court graduates through this demonstration...