The grand finale of the 2024 Chief Justice’s summer tour took place in Lancaster County, featuring tours and discussion of new and improved programming.

The morning consisted of probation office tours and a review of services led by Chief Probation Officers Jeff Curry and Bev Hoagland.

At midday, Presiding Judge Laurie Yardley, along with Lancaster County trial court judges, provided a luncheon program for representatives of the Lancaster County Commissioners and members of the Nebraska Supreme Court. Yardley introduced Chief Justice Heavican, who thanked the commissioners for their support of the courts and their role in ensuring access to justice for Lancaster County citizens.

Throughout the luncheon, presiding judges Yardley, Jacobsen, and Ryder, along with the chief probation officers, discussed innovative court programs and their commitment to continued service to the community. The county court highlighted topics such as case management, employee turnover, the use of Zoom technology beyond COVID, night court, and collaboration with county offices.

Judge Ryder discussed the improvements in juvenile court services, made possible by technological advances and changes in court authority. A young probationer named Felicity spoke during juvenile probation's presentation, expressing gratitude for the court and probation's support, saying, “They are truly doing all they can to help me become successful.”

Judge Jacobsen reviewed district court cases specific to Lancaster County and emphasized the need to expand the pool of court-appointed attorneys with increased reimbursement rates. He also highlighted the growth of problem-solving courts. Chief Probation Officers Curry and Cindy Wohlers-Green contributed personal and professional insights on adult probation.

After the presentations, Lancaster County’s presiding judges guided the group through remodeled courtrooms, stopping to greet staff along the way. During the juvenile court visit, Sara Hoyle, Lancaster County Human Services Director, presented on the new Square One Youth and Family Crisis Center, underscoring the importance of community and court collaboration in ensuring public safety and community well-being.

The grand finale of the 2024 Chief Justice’s summer tour was held in Lancaster County with tours of probation offices and review of services hosted by chief probation officers Jeff Curry and Bev Hoagland.

Midday, Presiding Judge Laurie Yardley from the county court, along with the full group of Lancaster County trial court judges, welcomed representatives of the Lancaster County Commissioners and members of the Supreme Court for an informative luncheon. Yardley welcomed Chief Justice Heavican to the podium to thank the commissioners for all they do to support the courts and access to justice for the citizens of Lancaster County. throughout the lunch, presiding judges Yardley, Jacobsen, and Ryder along with the chief probation officers outlined creative programming within the court system and addressed the court’s hopes for continued service to the community.

County Court highlighted case management, employee turnover, use of Zoom technology beyond COVID, night court and, working cooperatively with county offices like jail.

Ryder contrasted prior services available to the juvenile court that have now expanded with the advancement of technology and changes in the authority of the court. Juvenile probation invited a young probationer named Felicity who expressed her appreciation for the court and for opportunities through probation. Speaking of the judge and probation office she volunteered, “They are truly doing all they can to help me become successful.”

Jacobsen reviewed the types of cases heard in district court including those cases unique to Lancaster County and discussed the need to expand the pool of court appointments with an increase in reimbursement rates.  He also reviewed the establishment and expansion of problem-solving courts. Both Curry and Cindy Wollers-Green joined the presentation to discuss adult probation.

Following luncheon presentations, Lancaster County presiding judges hosted the group on a tour through remodeled and enhanced courtrooms, stopping at offices along the way for Supreme Court members to greet staff. During the juvenile court visit, justices stopped to listen to Sara Hoyle, Lancaster County Human Services Director’s presentation about new Square One Youth and Family Crisis Center in Lancaster County, which served to further highlight the importance of community/court cooperation in providing community safety and citizen wellness.