Allison O’Neill, Child and Family Service Specialist for the Department of Health and Human Services, has been selected to serve as York County Court clerk magistrate in York. O’Neill will begin work upon the retirement of current clerk magistrate Kathy Barnes on February 11, 2022. “Allison’s work...

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...

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. In addition to the specific data regarding the number of wards, types of guardianship/conservatorship cases, the capacity of...

Chief Justice Mike Heavican will give his annual State of the Judiciary address to the Legislature at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 21, 2022, in the Unicameral Chamber. Nebraska Public Media will air the speech online as part of its regular legislative coverage, which can be viewed: https:/...

Judge of the District Court, Fifth Judicial District, Robert R. Steinke, has announced his retirement effective February 2, 2022. In his letter to the Governor and the Chief Justice, Steinke noted, “It has been such an honor and privilege to have served the citizens of our great state, and in...

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...

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...

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...

Debra Hand, Assistant Clerk for Cherry County Court, has been selected to serve as clerk magistrate in Valentine. Hand will begin work as clerk magistrate on January 3, 2022. “Deb’s experience working in the county court under outgoing Clerk Magistrate Kay Morrison has prepared her for the...

LINCOLN –Melodie T. Bellamy, Kearney; Jason M. Bergevin, Lincoln; Sara J. Bockstadter, Kenesaw; Morgan R. Farquhar, Cambridge; Bryan S. McQuay, Alma; and Henry C. Schenker, Hildreth, have submitted applications for appointment as District Court Judge in the 10th Judicial District consisting of Adams...