Retired Judge Cloyd Clark Plays Pivotal Role in Standing Bear Bust Unveiling
A bronze bust of Ponca Chief Standing Bear was unveiled September 16, 2011, in a federal court ceremony in Omaha in conjunction with Constitution Day activities.  Judge Cloyd Clark, former county court judge from McCook, brokered an agreement between the Nebraska State Bar Foundation, the Nebraska State Bar Association, and the Federal Court to accept the donation of the bust from an anonymous donor, which is on permanent loan to the Federal Court as a part of their Standing Bear display.

Ponca tribe members and dozens of law professionals honored the memory of the Chief who proclaimed in an Omaha courtroom in 1879, "I am a man." His arguments swayed a judge to rule in a landmark case that American Indians are protected people under the U.S. Constitution.

According to a September 17, 2011, article in the Omaha World Herald, Ponca Tribe Elder Marguerite LeClair Madrigal said, "The trial and outcome were good, but to this day native people still struggle for our rights."  She said she hopes people will look at the Standing Bear bust and be moved to learn more of his story.

The bronze head and shoulders of the Ponca chief were carved by North Platte artist Ted Long, who died in 2007.

Click here to view a slideshow of the Standing Bear ceremony.

Pictured:  Bar Foundation President Kile Johnson (left) with Retired Judge Cloyd Clark (right) at the unveiling.

Constitution Day Celebrated in Lincoln and Omaha with Visit from U.S. Supreme Court Justice
On Friday, September 16, 2011, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas travelled to Omaha and Lincoln to observe Constitution Day with students at Lincoln High School and at Omaha Northwest High School's Law, Government, and International Diplomacy Academy.  Justice Thomas was in Nebraska as the 2011 distinguished speaker for the Roman L. Hruska Institute. The previous day, Justice Thomas spoke at the UNL College of Law and attended the Husker football game with Chancellor Harvey Perlman the following Saturday.

High School Constitution Day celebrations are a joint project of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation and the Nebraska Supreme Court through the Foundation’s PEOPLE Committee. 

Click here to view the slideshow of celebratory activities with Justice Clarence Thomas in Lincoln and Omaha.

First in Series of Community Library Open Houses Held in Neligh
County Judge Donna Taylor of Neligh; Nebraska Library Commission Library Broadband project staff Mary Jo Ryan; and Richard Miller were featured speakers at the Neligh Public Library Open House on September 19, 2011.

The event was held to celebrate Neligh’s new public computer center which the library received through the Library Broadband Builds Nebraska Communities project. During her remarks, Judge Taylor noted that the courts are important partners in the effort to connect Nebraskans with e-government information.  She noted individuals who have access to computers and know how to use them are able to pay tickets, check court schedules, download forms, and renew their licenses online.  The Judicial Branch was well represented at the open house with Clerk of the District Court Judy Cole and Clerk Magistrate Barb Finn attending.

The next two open houses are planned for October 4, 2011, in Red Cloud with Judge Michael Offner and October 14, 2011, in Wayne with Judge Robert Ensz. 

Courts throughout the state are participating in library open houses with the idea that public computer centers will serve as important community gateways to government information.

Click here to view a slideshow of the Neligh Open House.

Pictured: Judge Donna Taylor explaining the benefits of public computer centers to the court system .

Back to top

Judicial Branch Education
Click here to view upcoming education opportunities (click on "calendar" located next to 'search for courses').

Contact Alicia at JBE if you have trouble using the online registration Web site or any other questions.

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

Contact Alicia Guerra, Administrative Assistant, 402-471-0275, alicia.guerra@nebraska.gov.

Trial Court Services
Conversion of Scanned Images to Microfilm
The Administrative Office of the Courts is pleased to announce a fee-for-service to convert scanned court images directly from JUSTICE to microfilm is now available.  The service is a result of a cooperative effort between the JUSTICE computing system, the Records Management Office of the Secretary of State, and Microfilm Imaging Systems.  The service will eliminate the need to handle paper documents and the price is competitive with current paper-to-microfilm services.   Please contact Sheryl Connolly, AOC, or Margaret Bohy, Document Imaging Service Center Manager, Secretary of State, Records Management, 402-471-9778, margaret.bohy@nebraska.gov for more information.   

Court Interpreter Program
First Russian Language Certified Court Interpreter
Chief Justice Mike Heavican is pleased to announce the addition of Victoria Welles to the roster of Nebraska Supreme Court Certified Court Interpreters. Welles is the first Nebraska court interpreter to be certified as a Russian interpreter. Nebraska now has certified interpreters in American Sign, Mandarin-Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.

Click here to read the press release (including photos).

Pictured: Judge Foster (left) explaining the Oath of Office to new Russian interpreter Victoria Welles (right).

Creighton Law School Hosts September Court Interpreter Orientation
Creighton University School of Law hosted the Nebraska Supreme Court’s orientation for court interpreters on September 10 and 11, 2011.

Twenty-three prospective interpreters attended orientation in the Doyle Trial Courtroom. They included speakers of Arabic, Croatian, French, Mandarin, Nuer, Serbian, and Spanish. The class was taught by Federally Certified Spanish Interpreters Laura Garcia-Hein and Jeck Navarrete, both of whom are also attorneys.

Click here to read the press release.

Skillsbuilding Class
A skillsbuilding class to help interpreters improve their interpreting skills and prepare for the oral certification exam will be given October 1 and 2, 2011, at the College of St. Mary in Omaha. 

Court Interpreter Testing
The Oral Certification Exam for Nebraska Court Interpreters will be given October 21 and 22, 2011, in Lincoln.  The oral exam is open to interpreters of Arabic, Cantonese, French, Haitian-Creole, Hmong, Korean, Laotian, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, or Vietnamese who have taken Orientation for Nebraska Court Interpreters, and have passed the written English comprehension exam.  Interpreters for other languages may apply for provisional certification under rules adopted by the Supreme Court in March 2011.

Contact Sheryl Connolly, Trial Court Services Director, 402-471-2671, sheryl.connolly@nebraska.gov.

Back to top

Employee Recognition Awards Presented to Exemplary Members of Judicial Branch
Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court, Mike Heavican, presented nine Employee Recognition Awards to individuals and teams on September 30, 2011, during the Nebraska Supreme Court’s third annual recognition event. 

The Employee Recognition Committee selected eight employees and an employee team from the nominations submitted for the Employee Recognition Awards.  Candidates for the awards were chosen and nominated by their supervisors and colleagues in the courts and probation offices where they work.  The purpose of the program is to provide a tool to recognize ongoing court and probation employee dedication, acknowledge exemplary contributions, and encourage employee commitment.

Click here to read the press release.

Photo: Nebraska Supreme Court Employee of the Year award presented by Chief Justice Mike Heavican to Linda Mitchell, Antelope County Court.

Interstate Compact Administrator Rumbaugh Receives National Award
Deputy Interstate Compact Administrator Kari Rumbaugh received the prestigious 2011 Interstate Compact Executive Director's Award in recognition of her outstanding work for the Adult Interstate Compact System. 

Each year during the national Adult Interstate Compact meeting, the Executive Director selects either a Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner who merits individual recognition for his or her exemplary contribution to the interstate compact system.  Rumbaugh trains on a national level, provides leadership, and serves on committees as both a Deputy Compact Commissioner and Nebraska's Interstate Compact Commissioner, pro tem.

State Probation Administrator Ellen Fabian Brokofsky remarked that the award is well deserved saying, “Kari is an excellent leader who routinely goes above and beyond the call of duty both in Nebraska and while serving on her national committees.  I am pleased that her national peers have also recognized her exemplary qualities.”

Rumbaugh oversees the probation program where over 1,000 individuals transfer in and out of Nebraska on an annual basis. Click here to view her Web page.

Upcoming Judicial Retirements
Hon. Charles Plantz, County Court, 12th Judicial District, December 31, 2011.

New Judges
Tom Stine, Judge of the Workers’ Compensation Court, to sign oath October 6, 2011.

New Court Personnel
Rena Alonso, Cashier, Lancaster County, effective September 1, 2011.
Stephanie Rhoads, Records Clerk, Douglas County, effective September 1, 2011.
Diona Hartwig, Administrative Assistant, JBE, effective September 12, 2011.
Patrica Gerlach, Records Clerk, Hall County, effective September 13, 2011.
Barbara Boland, Cashier, Douglas County, effective September 26, 2011.
Chelsea Moffett, Records Clerk, Hall County, effective September 26, 2011.
Elizabeth Napravnik, Cashier, Douglas County, effective September 26, 2011.

New Probation Officers Sworn-in by Chief Justice
A swearing-in ceremony for 28 new Nebraska State Probation Officers was held September 28, 2011, in the Warner Chamber of the State Capitol.  During the ceremony, State Probation Administrator Ellen Fabian Brokofsky remarked,  “As Probation Officers, we are committed to demonstrating the highest standards of personal and professional integrity by practicing honesty, respecting the dignity and individuality of human beings, and providing professional and compassionate service. We are resolved to conduct ourselves in a professional manner, so as to avoid the appearance of impropriety and increase the public trust and confidence in the Nebraska Probation System.”

Click here to read the full press release.

Pictured: Ellen Fabian Brokofsky (standing at podium) addresses the new Probation Officers.

New Chief Probation Officers
Sarah Rinne, Chief Probation Officer, District #1, Beatrice, effective July 1, 2011.
Michael Cantrell, Chief Probation Officer, District #4J, Omaha, effective September 19, 2011.
Shane Stutzman, Chief Probation Officer, District #5, Columbus, effective September 19, 2011.

New Probation Personnel
Lisa Cook, AmeriCorps Program Specialist, District #5, Seward, effective September 1, 2011.
Cynthia Edwards, AmeriCorps Program Specialist, District #1, Beatrice, effective September 1, 2011.
Charles Lieske, half-time AmeriCorps Program Specialist, Administrative Office, Lincoln, effective September 1, 2011.
Heather Millard, AmeriCorps Program Specialist, District #6, South Sioux City, effective September 1, 2011.
Elizabeth Miller, AmeriCorps Program Specialist, District #5, Columbus, effective September 1, 2011.
Nicholas Luchsinger, Probation Officer Trainee, District #5, Schuyler, effective September 6, 2011.
Robert Owens, Probation Officer Trainee, District #6, Fremont, effective September 6, 2011.
Lorelei Fox, Probation Officer Trainee, District #2, Papillion, effective September 7, 2011.
Jessica (Love) Coburn, part-time AmeriCorps Program Specialist, District #8, O’Neill, effective September 14, 2011.
Terisa Gilligan, Probation Officer Trainee, District #8, Broken Bow, effective September 15, 2011.
Alena Jackson, AmeriCorps Program Specialist, District #12, Gering, effective September 15, 2011.
Cristy Leonard-Rivers, Problem-Solving Court Coordinator, District #1, Beatrice, effective September 19, 2011.
Ivory Loftus, Probation Officer Trainee, District #5, Schuyler, effective September 19, 2011.
Damon Strong, part-time Assistant Probation Officer/part-time Probation Officer Trainee, District #4A, Omaha, effective September 19, 2011.

Back to top

Judicial Nominating Commission Hearings
The Judicial Nominating Commission for County Judge, 4th Judicial District, will hold a public hearing October 11, 2011, to review the qualifications of the 16 applicants. Click here to view press release.

The Judicial Nominating Commission for County Judge, 9th Judicial District, will hold a public hearing October 12, 2011, to review the qualifications of the six applicants. Click here to view press release.

Judicial Resources Commission
The Nebraska Judicial Resources Commission met September 28, 2011, and approved the replacement of District Court Judge John Hartigan in Omaha.  Click here to read the minutes.

PEOPLE Committee
Supreme Court Provides Orientation for Student News Service
The UNL College of Journalism has established a News Service to provide news and information about state government to media outlets around the state. The organization started in January under the supervision of Mary Kay Quinlan, college professor and former regional correspondent for Gannett News Service in Washington.
The five reporters were initially covering the Legislature, but are now beginning to turn their focus to the other branches of state government.  At this point, the News Service has more than 80 client news organizations, mostly medium-sized and small dailies and weeklies throughout the state.  They expect to continue growing their client base.

Robin Hadfield (center, photo above), Law Clerk to Supreme Court Justice John Wright, and Janet Bancroft, Public Information Officer, met with UNL College of Journalism professor Mary Kay Quinlan (far right) and her students on September 23, 2011, at the State Capitol.   Students were provided with an orientation of the Judicial Branch Web site including how to view oral arguments and where to find opinions and case descriptions; given a tour of the courtrooms; and provided instruction on where to find court files and the information contained in the file.

Back to top

Rules for Comment
Unauthorized Practice of Law
The Nebraska Commission on the Unauthorized Practice of Law has submitted to the Nebraska Supreme Court proposed amendments to Neb. Ct. R. § 3-1004(C)(2) and (3) to further clarify conditions under which a nonlawyer may represent others in an administrative proceeding.

Click here to read the full text of the proposed rule.

Comment to: lanet.asmussen@nebraska.gov, no later than December 1, 2011.

Newly Uploaded Rules
Workers’ Compensation Court Rules Available Online
The Workers’ Compensation Court's revised Rules of Procedure are now available in portable document format (pdf). Amendments to the court's adjudicatory Rules 1, 5, 7, 8, 10 through 22 were adopted at an August 10, 2011, public meeting and were reviewed and approved by the Nebraska Supreme Court on August 31, 2011.  Click here to view the rules.

Guardian Conservator Rules Amendments Adopted by Supreme Court

Changes to the Guardian Conservator Rules (Neb. Ct. R. §§ 6-1433, 6-1439, 6-1441 through 6-1443, 6-1445 and 6-1449 (Uniform County Court Rules of Practice and Procedure)) were adopted August 31, 2011, and are effective January 1, 2012.

Clerk Magistrates and probate staff met in Omaha in mid-September to discuss the changes.  Judges and attorneys are offered training during the fall annual meeting in Lincoln this October.

Pictured:  Judge Susan Bazis (right) and Judge Todd Hutton (left) consult with JUSTICE Business Analyst Sherri Dennis (middle) on the new screens under development for the Guardian/Conservator process.


Forms Updates
Decision-making Flowchart Added to Protection from Abuse Self-Help Page
Court clients who are unsure of which type of Protection Order to file (Domestic Abuse Protection Order or Harassment Protection Order) should refer to the online flowchart: How do I know which protection order to choose?

The chart is found online at the link above.

Petition for Waiver of Parental Notification and Instructions Updated
LB690 changed Nebraska’s law, which previously allowed a pregnant woman to come to the court for waiver of parental notification.  The changes became effective August 27, 2011. 

In response to the legislative change, new forms have been developed. Courts are instructed to destroy copies of the Petition for Waiver of Parental Notification and Instructions that are currently posted in a public location (as required by statute), and replace them with the following:

• Instructions for Waiver of Parental Consent

• Petition for Waiver of Parental Consent

• Parental Consent Notice of Appeal
  

As with the previous forms, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-6903(7) does require these forms be posted in a public place in each courthouse.  They are also available on the Supreme Court’s Web site. 

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

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