A recent series of news stories, “Unhealthy Nebraska” by Lee Enterprise newspapers, explains drug court benefits for both clients and communities. “One of the smartest steps Nebraska has taken over the past two decades is establishing drug courts across the state. These specialty courts make...

Lancaster County Veterans Treatment Court Officer Jared Baker routinely goes above and beyond when caring for his veteran clients. As Company Commander for the 1057th Military Police of the Nebraska Army National Guard, Baker was concerned that his COVID-quarantined client would feel isolated this...

Chief Justice Mike Heavican delivered his annual State of the Judiciary address to state senators on January 21, 2021, in the Legislative Chamber. The address was given at the invitation of the Speaker of the Legislature, Senator Mike Hilgers. The Chief Justice uses this time with the legislature to...

The following forms were added or improved in December 2020: County Court and District Court Petition to Set Aside Criminal Conviction, CC 6:11, added “community service” and “not over 1 year imprisonment” in the "sentenced to" statements per LB881. Order Setting Aside a Criminal Conviction, CC 6:11...

High praise was given to two Lexington probation officers following their intervention with a suicidal client in early November. Local police had responded to a man threatening to jump off the top of the pedestrian bridge spanning the Madison Street railroad crossing. According to law enforcement...

Do you need assistance or support due to the stresses of the pandemic or for any other personal or professional reason? The Judicial Branch’s Employee Assistance Program provides employees and eligible family members services anytime they are needed. Phone, in-person, and online counseling sessions...

The Legislature convened on January 6, 2021. Bills were introduced through January 20, and hearings began on January 25. The Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation is tracking many bills. The complete list will be posted on the intranet early in February on the Intranet home menu under...

Prior to the pandemic, Basic Parenting Education courses were offered in-person and online, and Second-Level courses were only available in-person. Second-Level courses were to be in-person in order to successfully meet the course objectives, which require interaction between the participants and...

As we all know, 2020 has been a year of firsts, some good and some not as good. One area of firsts, which many of us had to embrace, is an increased reliance on technology. Most of us were already using some technology daily (computers, cell phones), but the biggest change has been the necessity of...

New County Court Judge, Edward H. Matney, signed his oath of office January 7, 2021, in the Dakota County Courthouse in Dakota City. The oath was administered by Judge Douglas Luebe. Matney began his judicial duties immediately. His primary office is in the courthouse in Dakota City. He will also...