Douglas County Juvenile Probation Officer James Bankhead regularly demonstrates his dedication to his young clients. Recently, on his own time, he visited a probationer on the anniversary of the violent death of his brother. Bankhead visited with his client and his mother bearing flowers and cookies – reaching out to see if they needed anything.

James, thank you for understanding that probation work is so much more than just supervision, and recognizing the importance of relationships.  

Nebraska Chief Justice Michael Heavican announced August 14, 2023, as the day the Judicial Branch has set aside to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Language Access in the Courts across the state.

Heavican declared the anniversary during a proclamation signing ceremony in the District Court at the Colfax County Courthouse in Schuyler. The ceremony was a featured event during the Chief Justice’s 2023 Summer Tour the second full week in August.

A court-related scam has surfaced in central Nebraska, notifying individuals of non-existent court fine/fee balances.

In response to the ever-changing number of email and phone scams perpetrated against the public, the Attorney General's Consumer Fraud Division created a reporting system for those who receive false information.

Clerk Magistrate Laura Reynoldson coordinates the Holt County Court’s Law Day Celebration with assistance from Court Reporter Kami Hooey. They both were presented with Law Day Job Shadowing Certificates of Appreciation by Chief Justice Heavican and Nebraska State Bar Foundation President Steve Seglin during a recent legal community celebration in O’Neill.  Courts need knowledgeable court employees to bring civics education to the leaders of tomorrow.

Probation’s AC4E Award has been presented to the AC4E team: Shane Stutzman, Sara Quiroz, Eric Maly (Administrative Office), Melanie Berry (District 2), and Julia Evers (District 4J).

AC4E Award recipients personify the eight principles of evidence-based practice, four core values of AC4E, and one vision and mission. AC4E Award recipients create a culture rooted in the values and importance of AC4E and exemplify coaching for excellence, as evidenced by their team’s success.

Your Nebraska Judicial Branch is back with two episodes celebrating Probation Week 2023. James Schulte joins us after speaking at the Proclamation and dives into his story about how probation as a youth shaped him into the officer he is today. Next, Stacy Strohmeyer and Danelle Reed share their stories and delve into their "why" and how their roles are fulfilling to them.

The Court recognizes that building rapport with probationers is essential for achieving success. Probation Officer Derek Faller consistently embraces this principle, evident in his work. A recent demonstration of Faller's exceptional level of engagement with the individuals under his supervision occurred when a client approached him to report inappropriate activity taking place in a residence. The individual was aware that allowing such behavior to persist could jeopardize her own sobriety, but she also understood that reporting could have consequences.

Nebraska Chief Justice Michael G. Heavican will hold a proclamation signing ceremony commemorating the 50th Anniversary of language access in Nebraska’s Courts on Monday, August 14, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at the District Court of the Colfax County Courthouse in Schuyler, NE.

Schuyler is identified as one of the cities in Nebraska with the greatest language diversity per capita and one of the top 10 cities in racial diversity.

The State Judicial Branch celebrated Nebraska Probation Week from July 16 to July 22, 2023, an event that highlighted the crucial role of probation services within the state's legal framework. Chief Justice Michael Heavican officially declared the week, urging all citizens, especially those in the legal community, to observe and acknowledge the occasion.

Probation’s Above and Beyond Award has been presented to Susan Huber, Problem-Solving Court Coordinator, from District 9 during the Probation Management Meeting in April 2023.

Probation Above and Beyond award recipients consistently embody probation’s vision and mission with exceptional leadership qualities. Award winners routinely build relationships, use a team approach to complex problems and make data-driven decisions. Recipients identify opportunities to take initiative and lead by example.