Nebraska is home to some of the most innovative and effective problem-solving courts in the country, and on May 3, 2023, the state's Judicial Branch officially declared May as Nebraska Problem-Solving Court Month. This celebration of the state's diverse programming was marked by a proclamation signing ceremony hosted by Nebraska Chief Justice Michael G. Heavican and Justice Jeffrey Funke, streamed live from the Nebraska Supreme Court Courtroom.

Probation Management's Rising Star Award has been presented to Tara Bos, Problem-Solving Court Specialist, from the Administrative Office during the Probation Management Meeting in April 2023.

A Rising Star is relatively new to their probation position and exhibits burgeoning leadership qualities and characteristics. Award recipients offer a fresh perspective on existing programs and seek opportunities to grow professionally while actively striving to make a positive impact to move the system forward.

Judges Kale Burdick and Mark Kozisek, 8th Judicial District, spoke to students at O'Neill High School's auditorium on April 27 as part of the Law Day 2023 celebration. The Nebraska Supreme Court held two argument sessions on stage at the high school immediately following the speeches.

Performing as dual-clerks - Clerk Magistrate and Clerk of the District Court - Jonna Jasnoch and Joan Hansen welcomed the Chief Justice’s summer tour group in the historic courtroom of the Garden County Court on August 15, 2022. Together they organized a fantastic lunch to welcome the sizable crew of arrivals; their hospitality made the trip even more meaningful! Jasnoch and Hansen spoke with the justices and court community about the success and challenges of serving in both Nebraska’s county and district courts.

National Interpreter Appreciation Day falls on the first Wednesday of May each year and allows us to pause and recognize the experts who connect parties that don’t speak the same language.  Their ability to interpret is an awe-inspiring accomplishment and each day they help to ensure justice in Nebraska’s courts and probation.  The professional knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a court interpreter are highly complex.

The United States officially recognizes this day each year to celebrate the vital role of law in American society and to foster a deeper understanding of the legal profession. Across Nebraska, trial court judges and Judicial Branch staff participate in various activities to mark the occasion, such as the 5th Grade Job Shadow program, Supreme Court traveling argument sessions, and judges serving as guest speakers at educational institutions to educate students.

Nebraska Chief Justice Michael G. Heavican and Justice Jeffrey Funke will host a proclamation signing ceremony on May 3, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. to officially declare Nebraska Problem-Solving Court Month on behalf of the State Judicial Branch. The ceremony will be streamed live from the Nebraska Supreme Court Courtroom.

Stephanie Volkmer, Project Coordinator for the Nebraska Court Improvement Project (CIP), was critical in arranging the Nebraska CIP Children's Summit. She organized over 90 presenters for 50 breakout sessions and registered more than 400 participants. Her attention to detail is invaluable to the CIP team and Summit Advisory Committee.

Thank you, Stephanie, for your determination and dedication in coordinating a successful Summit where those who attended gained valuable insights.

To celebrate Law Day, the Justices of the Nebraska Supreme Court will create a courtroom on the stage of O'Neill High School on Thursday, April 27, 2023, for an oral argument session. This visit will be the first time the Court holds arguments in O'Neill, making it a unique community experience.

Papillion-La Vista Senior High School hosted oral arguments at the school on the afternoon of March 29, 2023. The event served as a homecoming of sorts for the Chief Justice, who taught at the school for three years beginning in 1969, and for Judge Robert O’Neal who attended the school and continued for many years to volunteer with the Monarchs Mock Trial Team.