News

    News

    Everyday Heroes: Judge Timothy Hoeft Honored

    Everyday Heroes: Judge Timothy Hoeft Honored

    November 25, 2020
    Positivity, cooperation, and communication are three of the hallmarks of Judge Timothy Hoeft’s leadership and management style and each has been successfully demonstrated over the past several months. During COVID-19’s ever-evolving regulations, he prioritized communication with the staff and the legal community. More importantly, he made staff and courtroom safety a top priority. According to staff, his positive attitude inspires those around him to tackle the new challenges that come each day...Read more

    Form Revisions and Additions

    Form Revisions and Additions

    November 23, 2020
    The following new and revised forms were recently uploaded to the website. In response to legislative changes effective on November 14, 2020 : Plaintiff’s Claim and Notice to Defendant (Small Claims) Ch6Art14App4 (CC4:1). LB1028 removed the requirement for a notary to witness the plaintiff’s signature on a small claims form, but failed to remove the language requirement on the form that refers to the notary. Transitional language was added to the form to explain that a notary is not required...Read more

    Office of Public Guardian Launches Holiday Card Drive

    Office of Public Guardian Launches Holiday Card Drive

    November 23, 2020
    The Office of Public Guardian (OPG) is launching a holiday card drive to spread a little holiday cheer to the people they serve. Many of their clients have been isolated since March to combat the spread of COVID-19. Nursing homes, assisted livings, homeless shelters, and other congregate living settings continue to have strict restrictions. Currently, the office serves as guardian and/or conservator for just shy of 300 people. The OPG invites individuals to send cards, treats, or trinkets to...Read more

    Outreach Continues While National Adoption Day Celebrations Delayed

    Outreach Continues While National Adoption Day Celebrations Delayed

    November 20, 2020
    Vernon Daniels, Separate Juvenile Court Judge in Douglas County, appeared virtually at the Governor’s weekly press conference on November 9, 2020, to discuss and promote adoptions through the foster care system. In introducing Daniels, the Governor remarked about the judge, “He has seen cases of neglect, he has seen the joys of adoption.” Daniels noted that November is a very happy month in all of the juvenile courts where adoption day ceremonies are held. He added that he will miss the...Read more

    Legislative Judicial Relations

    Legislative Judicial Relations

    November 19, 2020
    With the election over in Nebraska, the Judicial Branch is again reaching out to new and returning senators to arrange visits with local judges and chief probation officers. Legislative term limits make it even more essential to educate senators on the Judicial Branch’s role and importance. The Branch has designed a three-part program for New Senator Orientation: The ‘Trial Court Legislative Judicial Relations Program’ where the new senator’s local judge invites them to spend the day observing...Read more

    Merrick-Hamilton County Adult Drug Court Graduation

    Merrick-Hamilton County Adult Drug Court Graduation

    November 19, 2020
    The Merrick-Hamilton County Adult Drug Court celebrated graduation on November 2, 2020. For the graduates, Darbi Ketchum and Cynthia Borgheiinck, the ceremony marks the completion of an intensive program of comprehensive mental health treatment, intensive community supervision, and full accountability. Presiding Adult Drug Court Judge Rachel Daugherty (pictured) hosted the ceremony. Problem-Solving Court Coordinator Morgan Campbell is very proud of the graduates and stated, “Celebrating the...Read more

    Loker Oath of Office Ceremony Held in Stockville

    Loker Oath of Office Ceremony Held in Stockville

    November 19, 2020
    Traci Loker was sworn-in as Clerk Magistrate of Frontier County Court in Stockville on November 18, 2020, by County Court Judge Kent Turnbull. Loker continues the tradition of combined Clerk’s offices in Frontier County, serving as both clerk magistrate of the county court and ex officio clerk of district court under an agreement with the county. She will work under the general direction of County Court Judge Turnbull and provide support to District Court Judge David Urbom. As clerk, Loker is...Read more

    Everyday Heroes: Skyler Brouwer Honored

    Heroes award

    Everyday Heroes: Skyler Brouwer Honored

    November 19, 2020
    Guided by empathy and compassion in his day-to-day work, Special Populations Probation Officer Skyler Brouwer creates opportunities to assist with clients' social and emotional needs whenever possible. Recently, when making a routine home visit to a transitional living house, he found a visibly emotional resident. When approached, the individual revealed that he had just suffered the loss of a good friend. Sensing that he might need additional support, Skyler immediately located the individual’...Read more

    Retired District Court Judge William Colwell Passes Away in Pawnee City

    Retired District Court Judge William Colwell Passes Away in Pawnee City

    November 18, 2020
    Judge William F. Colwell, Pawnee City, District Court judge in the 1st Judicial District from 1963-1981, died November 7, 2020, at the age of 104 at Premier Estates in Pawnee City. Omaha World Herald: https://images.apollo.ai/articles/pdfs/2841611_937_11-11-2020.pdf Wherry Mortuary Funeral Home: https://www.wherrymortuary.com/obituary/JudgeWilliamBill-Colwell Photo: Judge Colwell’s 100th birthday celebration in 2015 with Judge Curt Maschman and Chief Justice Mike Heavican in Pawnee City.Read more

    Retired District Court Judge Jim Macken Dies in Scottsbluff

    Retired District Court Judge Jim Macken Dies in Scottsbluff

    November 18, 2020
    Judge James Macken, Scottsbluff, County Court judge in the 12th Judicial District, died November 2, 2020, at the age of 91. Macken was first appointed as county judge for Scotts Bluff County in 1969 and elected county judge for the then-seventeenth Judicial District in 1972. His service began before the current Merit Selection System for Nebraska Judges was implemented and continued throughout the many retention elections that followed. Scottsbluff Star Herald: Retired Scotts Bluff County judge...Read more

    Pages