Join Your Nebraska Judicial Branch for an audio recording of Chief Justice Heavican's State of the Judiciary address. Delivered on 1/21/22, the address was given at the invitation of the Speaker of the Legislature, Senator Mike Hilgers. The Chief Justice uses his time with the legislature to highlight Judicial Branch priorities for the upcoming year, review the previous year, and provide relevant information directly to lawmakers.

Chief Justice Mike Heavican delivered his annual State of the Judiciary address in the Unicameral Legislative Chamber on January 21, 2022.

The address was given at the invitation of the Speaker of the Legislature, Senator Mike Hilgers. The Chief Justice used his time with the legislature to highlight Judicial Branch priorities for the upcoming year, review the previous year, and provide relevant information directly to lawmakers.

Awarded to: Linda Smith, Clerk Magistrate, District 11 - Hitchcock County

Exemplary performance by a County Court Clerk Magistrate is acknowledged through the Outstanding Clerk Magistrate Award. The honor is presented to those with a record of exceptional efficiency, superior performance, and dedication beyond standard expectations. 

The Office of Public Guardian has issued their 2021 annual report, outlining information about the individuals served and programs hosted through the Nebraska Judicial Branch. 

The Southeast Nebraska Adult Drug Court’s December 20, 2021, graduation served as the final problem-solving court event for Presiding Judge Vicky Johnson, who retires January 31, 2022. 

During Johnson’s graduation remarks, she noted that that her experience with Drug Court has been the most rewarding part of her work as a Judge. She has worked with just under 140 graduates from 2007 through 2021. 

Awarded to: Linda Veerhusen, Administrative Assistant, Operations Division

The Jean Miller Memorial Award recognizes exemplary performance by probation support staff with a record of exceptional efficiency, superior performance, and dedication beyond standard expectations.

Nebraska District Court Judge Julie D. Smith of Tecumseh, Nebraska, was invited to sit with the Nebraska Supreme Court on January 6, 2022.

Smith heard arguments in the case of Nationwide Transportation, Inc. v. Navistar, Inc. (S-20-0579). The case is a contract dispute involving the purchase of trucks where Navistar disputes the judgment entered in favor of Nationwide and Jasper on their claims of fraudulent concealment and breach of warranty, while Nationwide and Jasper dispute the damages awarded for not conforming to the jury’s verdict.

Awarded to: RayLynn Coble, Assistant Clerk, District 8 - Custer County

Exemplary performance by non-supervisory county court staff is acknowledged through the Outstanding Court Staff Award. It recognizes those whose accomplishments or suggestions exhibit extraordinary efficiency or superior performance beyond standard expectations.

Nebraska District Court Judge Stefanie A. Martinez of Papillion, Nebraska, was invited to sit with the Nebraska Supreme Court on January 5, 2022.

Martinez heard arguments in the case of Spratt v. Crete Carrier Corporation (S-21-0530) where the Workers’ Compensation Court awarded an employee of Crete Carrier Corporation future benefits for a lumbar spine injury.  When the employee was later treated for thoracic back pain, the Workers’ Compensation Court granted Crete’s petition to limit its liability for the injury.

Nebraska District Court Judge Michael E. Piccolo of North Platte, Nebraska, was invited to sit with the Nebraska Supreme Court on January 4, 2022.

Piccolo heard arguments in the Estate of Blan Larson (S-21-0290). This probate case involves the apportionment of inheritance taxes and the use of estate funds to pay inheritance taxes, attorney fees, and real estate taxes.

He sat in place of Chief Justice Mike. Heavican who was recused from the cases. The Court session was held in the Supreme Court Courtroom of the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln.