Court Staff Salary Increase Effective July 1
The Nebraska Supreme Court approved a staff salary increase of 1.5% effective July 1, 2010.  This increase applies to all Supreme Court non-judicial employees with the exception of top management positions whose salaries have been frozen.  All individuals whose salaries have been frozen have been notified.

Because of budget reductions during the 2009 special session and 2010 regular session of the legislature, the larger salary increase previously anticipated was not feasible.  The 1.5% will appear in paychecks at the end of July. 

Specialized Treatment and Recovery (S.T.A.R.) Court featured in Omaha Daily Record for Drug Court Month
In recognition of Drug Court Month in May, the Omaha Daily Record paid tribute to Judge Elizabeth Crnkovich’s drug court graduation picnic on May 25, 2010, in Elmwood Park. Click here to read the article from the Omaha Daily Record.

North Central Problem-Solving Court Takes Clients June 22 in O’Neill Program
The new North Central Problem-Solving Court has been established to provide problem-solving court services throughout the 15 counties of the 8th Judicial District. The court, also known as the Adult Drug Court, has identified the program’s first participants, and began operations in O’Neill on June 22, 2010.

The North Central Problem-Solving Court is under the Supreme Court, and is a collaborative effort between the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Office of Probation Administration, operating via local teams throughout the district. Counties served are Blaine, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Custer, Garfield, Greeley, Holt, Howard, Keya Paha, Loup, Rock, Sherman, Valley, and Wheeler. Each team is led by a judge serving a portion of the district.  Judges include Judge Karin Noakes (St. Paul) and Judge Mark Kozisek (Ainsworth) of the District Court, and Judge Alan Brodbeck (O'Neill), Judge James Orr (Valentine), and Judge Gary Washburn (Broken Bow).

Click here to read the full press release.

Collections Up in Douglas County Court
Nebraska’s fiscal woes make it critical that the courts effectively collect fines and costs ordered by the judges in order to enforce judgments of the court and support programs dependent upon these revenue sources.  Douglas County Court is leading the way in collections with its Traffic Collection Program.  Statistics shared with the Administrative Office of the Courts show that collections this fiscal year have reached over $450,000 from 7,500 individuals who received time to pay for traffic-related cases. This number is up almost 30% from the revenue collected during the first year of the Traffic Collection Program in 2007-2008.  The program procedures include every defendant completing the JUSTICE time pay application. A grant-funded staff member follows up with a phone call and postcard reminding the defendant that fines are due.  Lancaster County Court has implemented a similar collection program which includes both misdemeanor and traffic cases.  Courts interested in improving their collection of fines and cost should contact Sherri Dennis for more information on collection tools available in JUSTICE.  

Contact Sherri Dennis, JUSTICE Senior Business Analyst, 402-471-3036, sherri.dennis@nebraska.gov.

Library Pro Se (self-represented) Legal Resources Summit
Representatives from Nebraska Law Libraries, Lincoln Public Libraries, the Supreme Court Committee on Pro Se Litigation, and the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee met on June 4, 2010, in the Nebraska Court of Appeals Courtroom for the first legal resources summit on pro se litigation.

Agenda items included a welcome from Judge Richard Sievers, Court of Appeals and Pro Se Committee Chairman, and Marie Weichman, State Librarian.  Sievers outlined Supreme Court Pro Se Committee activities including the status of self-help desks, unbundling of legal services, and online forms.

A variety of Web sites with resources for pro se individuals were shared, followed by a discussion of better and more effective ways to share resources with each other and with pro se litigants.

Richard Leiter of the University of Nebraska College of Law Library organized a listserv for participants for future planning.

Click here to view a slideshow of the event.

National Reunification Day
This is Nebraska’s first year hosting local celebrations for Reunification Day via “Eyes of the Child” initiative teams.  The goal of National Reunification Day is three-fold:

• To celebrate the accomplishments of families who have overcome an array of challenges to reunify safely and successfully.
• To recognize the vital role community partners – including mental health and substance abuse providers, courts and judges, foster parents and others – play in helping to reunify, strengthen, and support families.
• To inspire other parents – particularly those going through the recovery process – it is possible to confront and resolve the issues that led to their separation and to reunify with their children.

Nebraska’s 2010 National Reunification Day events included:

• Proclamation signing ceremony with Judge Curtis Evans in the State Capitol on June 9. Click here to view slideshow.
  
  
• Omaha Reunification picnic and party on June 12, 2010, in Elmwood Park, with Judge Doug Johnson as host.. Click here to view slideshow.
  
  
• Fifth Judicial District Reunification Luncheon in York on June 16, 2010, with Judge Curt Evans as host. Click here to view slideshow.
  
  
• Coming next month: 10th Judicial District Reunification Party with Host Judge Michael Offner.

Back to top

Judicial Branch Education
New JBE Website
The new Judicial Branch Education (JBE) Web site is now uploaded and functioning.  Judicial Branch members who visit http://www.nebraskajbe.org will find a list of archived webinars, making it easier to see recorded sessions by simply clicking on the link to open the program.  On the top left-hand side of the page there is a place to register for upcoming education sessions and to check JBE transcripts for credits earned to date.  All employees need eight hours of education this year. 

The archived webinar section holds a great number of choices for additional court employee education.  Students who register in advance for an upcoming webinar will have their education history retained under the link for later reference.  Registering for a webinar, even if a user is unsure of their attendance, is permissible and makes the link easier to find at a later date.

Education Tracking for Juvenile Court Guardians ad Litem
A new education tracking system for Juvenile Court guardians ad litem has been developed.  Visit https://mcle.wcc.ne.gov/ext/ (no log in is necessary), then click the link on the left for “Search Guardian Ad Litem.”

Contact Carole McMahon-Boies, Director, JBE, 402-471-3072, carole.mcmahon-boies@nebraska.gov.

Contact Alicia Guerra, Administrative Assistant, 402-471-3137, alicia.guerra@nebraska.gov.

Probation R.I.S.E. Member Receives Points of Light Award
Annette McClure of Aurora, member of Probation’s Rural Improvement for Schooling and Employment (R.I.S.E.) AmeriCorps program received the Nebraska Governor's Points of Light Award at a ceremony Wednesday, June 9, 2010.  First Lady Sally Ganem and Gov. Heineman presented the award in recognition of McClure’s volunteer work through the R.I.S.E. program, giving her time, talent, and energy to help build stronger Nebraska communities. 

The R.I.S.E. AmeriCorps program is sponsored by Nebraska State Probation and provides education and employment guidance to those on probation in rural Nebraska. In her service role with Probation District #9 probation officers (Kearney/Grand Island), McClure has supported and reinforced probationers’ desire to change their lives for the better.  McClure, who operates out of Hall County,  now has 19 graduates, with 14 presently employed, 2 attending college, 1 participating in an English Language Learner (ELL) program, and 1 in outpatient treatment.  

McClure also recruits area business and community leaders to conduct mock interviews and host probationers in order to complete their 20 community service hours.  Including the active business community increases the probationer’s work experience and helps to build community support.  Currently, five volunteers from the business community have agreed to volunteer with mock interview experiences.   Click here to view the slideshow.

Contact Kari Rumbaugh, Deputy Compact Administrator, 402-471-2855, kari.rumbaugh@nebraska.gov.

Nebraska Probation’s 2008-2009 Biennial Report
Probation’s Biennial Report illustrates the accomplishments of the statewide probation system over the past two years.  The report focuses on the new evidence-based initiative including full implementation of the offender assessment and reassessment tools, progress in the development of effective case plans, the use of motivational techniques, and collaboration with both state government and community partners.

Click here to read the full press release.

Administrative Staff Directories Online
Click the links below for Staff Directories for both Court Administration and Probation Administration. They are located under the "Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation" button, then under the “Quick Links" menu on the right-hand side of the page.

• Court Administration Staff Directory
• Probation Administration Staff Directory

Reminder to County Courts Regarding Records Checks
The administrative policy page of the Judicial Branch has resources to assist with questions on records searches.  The purpose of the information is to identify alternatives available regarding court records searches in Nebraska county courts, to encourage the use of the JUSTICE search availability through Nebraska.gov, and to provide for search provisions for law enforcement and the media.

• County Court Records Search Policy
• Media Information and Court Coverage Protocol

Much of this information also links through the “Court Community” page under the title: Records Checks/Criminal Background Check:

• Court Case One Time Search
  The Court Case One Time Search is designed for easy access to information about court cases throughout Nebraska for a $15.00 per search fee.  The results of a search can provide information on up to 30 cases in Nebraska (with the exception of Douglas County District Court).
  
  
• Form Letter Records Retention
  For individuals applying to Pardons Board or other entity requiring verification of attempted record check.
  
  
• Nebraska State Patrol Criminal History Reports
  Individuals interested in a criminal background check should be referred to State Patrol for Arrest and Prosecution (RAP) sheet.

Back to top

Verify Benefits
Benefits elected during the open enrollment this past spring are effective July 1, 2010.  It is the employees' responsibility to check their July 30, 2010, paystub to verify all benefits selected during open enrollment are being deducted correctly.  If a discrepancy is found, contact your HR representative immediately.

All Judges, Appellate Court Staff, Court Reporters:
Kathy Moore, kathy.s.moore@nebraska.gov

County Court Staff other than Judges:             
Eileen Janssen, eileen.janssen@nebraska.gov

All Probation Staff:                   
Jacki Allensworth, jacki.allensworth@nebraska.gov
Thelma Smith, thelma.smith@nebraska.gov

Back to top

Deaths
Former Judge John J. "Jack" McGrath
Former Separate Juvenile Court Judge John J. "Jack" McGrath died at age 65 on June 10, 2010.  In 1983, then-Governor Bob Kerrey appointed McGrath to fill a vacancy on the Omaha Municipal Court, which later merged with the Douglas County Court.  Judge McGrath was subsequently appointed to the Juvenile Court. 

New Court Personnel
Chelsea Lowery, Cashier, Lancaster County Court, effective June 28, 2010.

New Probation Personnel
Scott Ripp, Assistant Probation Officer (part-time), District #11, Lexington, effective June 16, 2010.
Elizabeth McQueen, Probation Officer, District 4A, Omaha, effective June 28, 2010.
Tom Rathbun, Supervisor (former SSAS officer), District 3A, Lincoln, effective July 1, 2010.

Back to top

Judicial Nominating Commission
The Judicial Nominating Commission for County Court Judge in the 12th Judicial will hold a public hearing on Thursday, July 1, 2010, in the Scotts Bluff County Courthouse in Gering, Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska. Click here to read the press release.

Taskforce on the Status of Adult Guardianships and Conservatorships in Nebraska Court System
Chief Justice Heavican and Committee Chair Senator John Wightman presided over a fully attended initial meeting of the Guardian Task Force on June 11, 2010.  A featured part of the meeting included a court panel moderated by Judge Todd Hutton with Judges Bazis, Evans, and Yardley; Clerk Magistrate Kathy Jones; and Probate Chief John Dougherty. Three subcommittees will carry forward the work of making recommendations to the Supreme Court, the Legislature, and Nebraska State Bar Association by October 1, 2010. Subcommittees are: Legislation/Court Rules chaired by Judge Todd Hutton; Best Practices/Judicial System chaired by Judge Susan Bazis; and Best Practices/Guardians and Conservators chaired by Senator Colby Coash. Several members of the Judicial and Legislative branches have been actively engaged in the preparatory and ongoing work of the taskforce.

Click here to view a slideshow of the Guardianship Task Force inaugural meeting. 

Click here to view the Task Force committee listing on the Judicial Branch Web site.

The National Center for State Courts has created a new elder web page with information from Nebraska and other states. Click here to view.

Contact Debora Brownyard, Director, Office of Dispute Resolution, 402-471-2766, debora.brownyard@nebraska.gov.

Back to top

Small Claims Court Jurisdiction Increased
The Small Claims Court section of the Judicial Branch Web site has been updated to reflect legislative changes to the jurisdictional limit ($3,500) and the option to modify, vacate, or set aside the judgment.  Small Claims section: http://www.supremecourt.ne.gov/self-help/small-claims/resources-index.shtml

County Court Civil Jurisdiction Increased
The Nebraska Supreme Court has raised the county court civil jurisdiction from $51,000 to $52,000 effective July 1, 2010.

Child Support Guidelines
2009 Poverty Guidelines Remain in Effect
As of June 30, 2010, updated poverty guidelines have not yet been published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The 2009 Poverty Guidelines will remain in effect until further notice. Click here for more information.

Rule Amendments (made within the last 30-60 days):
Rules for Comment
At the request of the Nebraska Supreme Court, the Supreme Court Technology Committee developed minimum technology standards for trial courts. The Court invites interested persons to comment on the proposed “Technology Guidelines” in writing to the office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, P.O. Box 98910, Lincoln, NE 68509-8910, or via e-mail to lanet.asmussen@nebraska.gov

Click here for Proposed "Technology Guidelines"(comment period ends September 1, 2010).

Rule Amendments (made within the last 90 days)
Changes to District Court local court rules:

Rules of the District Court of the Second Judicial District
(approved June 3, 2010)

Rules of the District Court of the Third Judicial District
(approved June 23, 2010)

Rules of the District Court of the Sixth Judicial District
(approved June 3, 2010)

Rules of the District Court of the Seventh Judicial District
(approved May 12, 2010; effective July 1, 2010)

Rules of the District Court of the 11th Judicial District
(approved June 3, 2010)

Rules of the District Court of the Twelfth Judicial District
(approved April 7, 2010)

(All Local Trial Court Rules can be found on the External Rules page.)

Rule Amendments to the Uniform County Court Rules (made within the last 90 days):

Courtroom decorum:
Neb. Ct. R. §§ 6-1402 and 6-1403 (Uniform County Court Rules of Practice and Procedure)
(adopted June 9, 2010)

Uniform Waiver System:
Neb. Ct. R. § 6-1455(D) (Uniform County Court Rules of Practice and Procedure)
(adopted June 9, 2010)

Motions:
Neb. Ct. R. § 6-1417 (Uniform County Court Rules of Practice and Procedure)
(adopted May 20, 2010)

Trial Court Record and Bill of Exceptions

Bill of exceptions, making, preserving, transcribing, and delivery of record of trial or other proceeding:
Neb. Ct. R. §§ 1-201 to 1-219 (Court Reporting Personnel)
(adopted June 9, 2010)

Appellate Court Making and Preserving Record:
Neb. Ct. R.App. P. § 2-105 (Nebraska Court Rules of Appellate Practice)
(adopted June 9, 2010)

Transcript and bill of exceptions checkout:
Neb. Ct. R. § 6-1520 (Uniform District Court Rules of Practice and Procedure)
(adopted June 9, 2010)

Mandatory Continuing Legal Education

Limitations on credits based on class type and credit for activities other than attending accredited or approved courses:
Neb. Ct. R. § 3-401.8 (Mandatory Continuing Legal Education for Lawyers)
(adopted June 9, 2010)

The changes listed above are also incorporated into the full set of rules listed in the rule amendments section on the Web page.  All rule changes/additions are available at: www.supremecourt.ne.gov/rules/index.shtml.

Back to top

Filing and Reporting Requirements
• Statement for Payment of Interpreters: Interpreters to submit this between the 1st and 7th day of each month.
• Judges’ Cases Under Advisement Reports: Due by the 5th day of each month (reports are compiled and submitted to the Supreme Court).
• Court Reporter Timesheets: Due by the 5th day of each month (judges are to sign time sheets prior to submission).
• Permanently Assigned Vehicle Logs: Due by the 5th day of each month.
• Stenographer Transcription Reports: Due by the 10th day of each month.
• Report of Probate Cases Pending: Due by the 10th day of each month.
• County Court Time Sheets: Due by the 10th day of each month.
• Expense Vouchers: Submit on a monthly basis (rather than combining several months of expenses on one voucher).

Back to top

2010 Judicial Evaluation Poll Timeline
According to the Nebraska State Bar Association timeline, the results of the Judicial Evaluation will be released to the media and posted on the NSBA Website on July 16, 2010.  Judicial Profiles are due from judges standing for retention by August 13, 2010.  Bar Poll results, profiles, and photos are re-released to the media on October 11, 2010.

For a voter’s guide to Nebraska retention elections click here.

Scroll down to the resources section for a listing of judges slated for retention election in 2010 with an online judicial profile.

Contact Janet Bancroft, Public Information Officer, 402-471-3205, janet.bancroft@nebraska.gov.

Publication Ordering Available Online
Court staff may order publications from the Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation (AOC/P) online at www.nebraska.gov/courts/ordering/order.cgi. The AOC/P’s most frequently ordered publications are available through the online order form. The selection includes jury brochures, small claims guides, parenting act booklets, the Citizen's Guide to Nebraska's Courts, judge’s adoption cards, and AOC court staff timecards.

Back to top