Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court, Mike Heavican, presented 28 Employee Recognition Awards to individuals and team members on December 12, 2022, during the Nebraska Judicial Branch’s 14th annual recognition event.

The Employee Recognition Committee selected 11 individuals and one team from the nominations submitted. Candidates for the awards were chosen and nominated by their supervisors and colleagues in their courts and probation offices. The program aims to recognize the ongoing court and probation employee dedication, acknowledge exemplary contributions, and encourage employee commitment.

Employees were honored by members of the State Supreme Court, State Court Administrator Corey Steel, and State Probation Administrator Deb Minardi outlining the individual contributions of each award recipient. The awards are the highest honors given by the Nebraska Supreme Court, recognizing meritorious performance by court and probation employees in the Nebraska Judicial System. There are over 1,600 employees in the judicial system in court and probation offices statewide. 

Award Recipients for 2022 include:

• Employee of the Year - Bert Meschke, County Court Clerk Magistrate for Garfield, Wheeler, and Valley Counties. 
• Outstanding Administrative Employee - Renee Faber, Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation Rehabilitative Services - Lancaster County 
• Outstanding Customer Service - Julie Schuyler, Probation Reporting Center Support Staff in Hall County
• Outstanding County Court Staff - Anne Palser, Merrick County Court 
• Outstanding County Court Supervisor - Stephanie Smith, Hall County Court 
• Outstanding County Court Clerk Magistrate Award - Laura Reynoldson, Holt County Court 
• Outstanding Probation Officer Award - Shannon Ontiveros, Hall County Probation
• Outstanding Probation Office Support Staff Employee - Stacey Langmack, Platte County Probation
• Outstanding Probation Supervisor - Kurt Stevens, Dawson County Probation  
• Outstanding Clerk of the District Court - John Friend, Douglas County District Court 
• Innovation Award - Amoreena Brady, Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation Juvenile Services - Lancaster County 
• Outstanding Team Award - District 9 Adult Probation Team – Buffalo County Adult Probation Office: Jeri Brown, Isaac Obermiller, Jodi Wilke, Mary Shultheis, Jennifer Dozler, Tim Williams, Shawn Maloley, Tina Wilson, Madison Sanford, Casey Weekley, Shawn Anderson, Denise Stark, William Murray, Tamara Amesbury, Callie Eddie, Julie Jones, and Shayla Foster 

Photo: 2022 Award Recipients

Not pictured: Amoreena Brady, Administrative Office; District 9 probation team members: Tamara Amesbury, Shawn Maloley, Mary Shultheis