Awarded to: Creston Ashburn, Problem-Solving Court Coordinator, District 2 - Sarpy County

The Bob Keller Memorial Award recognizes exceptional performance by a probation supervisor. Recipients exhibit exemplary leadership, effective guidance of change, achievement of sustainable results, or strength in coaching and mentoring.

Damon Strong joins Your Nebraska Judicial Branch to discuss his first year leading adult probation in Douglas County. Damon has relied on his unwavering commitment and strong relationships to navigate the global pandemic and “the great resignation” in serving his community.

Awarded to: Chelsie Tasso, Clerk Magistrate, District 12 - Box Butte County

Recipients of the innovation award are recognized for their contribution of effectiveness, efficiency, or economy of Nebraska Judicial System operations.

Recognizing Chelsie Tasso’s creativity and her understanding of the court and technology to improve communication with the public prompts the presentation of the Innovation award.

Link to: Article 20: Rules for Expanded News Media Coverage in Nebraska Trial Courts.(adopted December 21, 2016, effective March 1, 2017)

Awarded to: Melissa Ireland, Judicial Branch Education Training Manager, Judicial Branch Education

Commendable performance by an administrative employee in the Nebraska Judicial System is recognized through the Outstanding Administrative Employee Award. Recipients exhibit exemplary leadership, effective guidance of change, achievement of sustainable results, or strength in coaching and mentoring.

Awarded to: Adolescent Development Workgroup, District 3J - Martin Jensen, MaKayla Parriott, Michelle Lindhart, Jennifer Manning, Amoreena Brady

The Outstanding Team Award recognizes workgroups that promote a collegial, supportive environment characterized by positive morale. An accomplished team exhibits collaborative problem solving or the creation of new relationships that improve work processes marked by efficiency and superior performance.

Awarded to: Diane Wells, Clerk of the District Court, District 1 - Gage County

The Marjorie Schaffer Memorial Award recognizes commendable performance by a clerk of a district court. Recipients exhibit exemplary leadership, effective guidance of change, achievement of sustainable results, or strength in coaching and mentoring.

Nebraska District Court Judge J Russell Derr of Omaha, Nebraska, was invited to sit with the Nebraska Supreme Court on February 2, 2022.

Derr heard arguments in the case of Florence Lake Investments v. Berg (21-350). In this garnishment action, the district court found Zoetis as Plan Administrator was not liable as garnishee and declined to enter judgment against Zoetis.

 He sat in place of Justice Jonathan Papik who was recused from the case. The Court session was held in the Supreme Court Courtroom of the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln.

Nebraska District Court Judge Kevin McManaman of Lincoln, Nebraska, was invited to sit with the Nebraska Supreme Court on February 1, 2022.

McManaman heard arguments in the case of State v. Surber (S-20-0856) which is a direct appeal from a conviction and sentence for first degree murder. Surber has been sentenced to life in prison.

He sat in place of Justice Freudenberg, who was recused from the case. The Court session was held in the Supreme Court Courtroom of the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln.

Awarded to: Erin Curran, Probation Treatment Officer, District 2 - Sarpy County

The Ladonna Snell Memorial Award recognizes the exemplary performance of a probation officer. The award is presented to officers with a record of exceptional efficiency, superior performance, and dedication beyond standard expectations.