Ron Werkmeister, Clerk Magistrate and Deputy Clerk of District Court of Frontier County, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his nearly 50 years of service to the Nebraska Judicial Branch on August 1, 2017. Chief Justice Michael Heavican visited Frontier County Courthouse to present the award.  

Judge Kent Turnbull outlined Werkmeister's history of service beginning with his election as county judge in 1968, his 1973 appointment as Associate County Judge, and his 1976 appointment as Deputy Clerk of the District Court.    

Judge Turnbull remarked that there are very few people who exemplify living history in the way that Ron Werkmeister does. "He has worked long, he works hard and is extremely dedicated." He continued that Ron "is an extraordinary human being that really typifies, and is the face of, the criminal justice system in Frontier County."

In his shared position between county and district court, Werkmeister has served both courts for (number of) years. This arrangement, pioneered in Furnas County, is being recommended to rural courts across the state as a way to conserve resources.

When handing Werkmeister his award, the Chief Justice remarked, "Teamwork is everything, and no one personifies teamwork as much as you.  Thank you, Ron."

Werkmeister noted that he was pleasantly surprised by the honor.  He thanked his family for all of their support, and the clerk's office for the celebration.  He concluded by thanking all who came to celebrate his award noting that, "It is great that so many people came to Stockville because it is always nice to see a lot of cars on Main Street." He said that it doesn't happen very often, but when it does, "it means that something is going on at the courthouse."

The Chief Justice, Justice William Cassel, State Court Administrator Corey Steel, and administrative staff toured the court facilities with Judge Turnbull and local attorney Jon Schroeder.