In observance of the holiday, Court and Probation Offices will be closed on 5/27/2024.

Awarded to: Vickie Prince, Pierce County District Court  

Judge Gregory E. Mize, Senior Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and who has worked with the National Center for State Courts Center for Jury Studies was the keynote speaker for the 2024 meeting of the Chief Justice’s Leadership Conference, held May 10. Judge Mize shared his experiences in implementing transformational change in the courts sharing with the judges how leadership and stakeholder engagement facilitated substantial reforms in jury management.

As an outgrowth of the Chief Justice’s Annual Leadership Conference (held each year in May), Judicial Branch Education sponsors a judicial leadership development program bringing together trial court judges to develop their leadership skills and apply this to serving as project lead on an emerging issue facing the court. These judges meet regularly over the course of a year to develop an understanding of the issue, bringing together stakeholders familiar with the issue, and providing recommendations for ways the courts can work for the betterment of the Judicial Branch.

Adult Specialized Populations Officer Jennifer Allen is the embodiment of dedication and selflessness within the District 4 Adult Probation Office. With a high-volume caseload on her plate, she routinely goes above and beyond by volunteering for a myriad of job duties to ensure the smooth operation of the office.

Awarded to: Kalie Lindsley, Platte County Probation

In honor of Law Day in Nebraska, observed nationally on May 1 each year, the Nebraska Supreme Court held oral arguments in the Sidney High School auditorium on May 3, 2024. The visit marked the first time the justices heard court arguments in Sidney, adding a novel way to celebrate Law Day at the school.

High School argument sessions are a crucial element of the Nebraska Supreme Court's ongoing efforts to raise awareness about court processes and the importance of civics education in American society.

District 4 Juvenile Intake Coordinator, Rich Crall has done a superior job as the new coordinator in the largest juvenile probation district in Nebraska. He has a natural instinct for the role and is excellent at supporting staff in determining individualized intake decisions.  He balances utilization of the intake tool, as well as ensures both family and youth clearly understand the decision made during a critical time in the juvenile justice system.

Many thanks to Rich, for his leadership regarding the intake process.

Nebraska, known for its innovative and effective problem-solving courts, highlighted the work of the courts on April 30, 2024, when the state's Judicial Branch officially declared the month of 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, broadcast live from the Nebraska Supreme Court Courtroom.

Awarded to: Julie Schuyler, Support Staff in Hall County