Amid the applause of family, friends, and distinguished guests, Chief Justice Mike Heavican bid farewell to his role as Nebraska's 31st Chief Justice. In an October 30, 2024, ceremony filled with complimentary remarks from some of Nebraska’s highest-ranking public officials, Chief Justice Heavican reflected on his 18 years of service. He highlighted the many accomplishments of his fellow justices and expressed deep gratitude to the members of his administrative team throughout his tenure.

Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court, Mike Heavican, presented Judicial Branch Recognition Awards to individuals and team members on October 29, 2024, during the Nebraska Judicial Branch’s 16th annual recognition event.

Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Funke has been named Nebraska’s next Chief Justice as Chief Justice Mike Heavican retires at the end of the month.

At a news conference held on October 25, 2024, Governor Jim Pillen announced the appointment, with Chief Justice Heavican, Lt. Governor Joe Kelly, and Justice Funke’s family present at the podium.

Judge Alfred Corey of the County Court in Grand Island and Judge Derek Weimer of the District Court in Sidney were honored with the Nebraska Supreme Court’s highest awards in early October at the Court’s 2024 meeting in LaVista. Corey received the Improvement of Community Relations award, and Weimer was awarded the Improvement of the Judicial System award by Chief Justice Mike Heavican at the Court’s annual judicial awards luncheon.

Nebraska trial judges installed new association presidents during their annual meetings in late October. Presidential terms began on October 11, 2024.

The associations and their newly appointed presidents are:

As I near the conclusion of my time as Chief Justice, one of the most expansive initiatives undertaken during my tenure is also nearing completion—the statewide upgrade of trial courtroom technology across Nebraska. In the fall of 2021, following the challenges we faced during the pandemic, our Supreme Court committed to ensuring that our trial courts are equipped with modern audio-visual (A/V) systems to meet the demands of the present and future.

Probation’s AC4E Award has been presented to Amy Champoux, Probation Supervisor from District 3J during the Probation Management Meeting in April 2024.

AC4E Award recipients personify the eight principles of evidence-based practice, four core values of AC4E, and one vision and mission. AC4E Award recipients create a culture rooted in the values and importance of AC4E and exemplify coaching for excellence, as evidenced by their team’s success.

County Court Assistant Clerk Julie Kuhl demonstrated her multifaceted skill set during the Chief Justice's Summer Tour visit to Auburn. Kuhl not only invited and hosted local guests but also prepared former Clerk Magistrate LaRita Weber's signature star-shaped cookies, a beloved tradition baked every year for Law Day.

Thank you, Julie, for your continued support and celebration of law-related education in your community. 

The Judicial Nominating Commission public hearing for Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court will be livestreamed beginning at 10:00 a.m. on October 4, 2024. During the hearing, the Commission will receive information on the qualifications of candidates to fill the vacancy in the office of Chief Justice due to the retirement of Chief Justice Michael G. Heavican effective October 31, 2024.

View the livestream on Nebraska Public Media here. 

The third Thursday of October is recognized as Conflict Resolution Day and the American Bar Association recognizes the third week of October as Mediation Week to promote mediation and the work of neutrals.

When you ask someone what is the first thing that comes to mind when you say conflict, it’s common for that first thought to be negative. People generally don’t like being in conflict because it’s uncomfortable. Tensions can be high and there may be mistrust, and usually there is poor communication.