Your Nebraska Judicial Branch

Lancaster County DUI Court graduate Mark VanWinkle reflects on how the program set him on the course of sobriety after years of alcoholism, and is joined by Trooper Benjamin Nguyen, who was his arresting officer and saw the impact the court makes by attending his graduation.

In commemorating May 2024 as Problem-Solving Court Month, successful Young Adult Court participant Marisela Morales-Padilla joins us to talk about the challenging and transformative power of the program.

As we wrap up Nebraska Trial Court week for 2024, catch up with the comments from Nemaha County Clerk Magistrate Cassondra Buethe, and Nuckolls County Clerk of the District Court Royce Gonzales.

Longtime probation officers Stacy Strohmyer and Danelle Reed join the show to discuss the impact the work has on not only clients but themselves, sharing their "why" and how they find fulfillment.

James Schulte joins us to discuss how probation shaped his life as a juvenile and inspired him to continue the cycle of success by working with the youth of Nebraska.

We are joined by Janetta and Thomas Albers who share their inspirational story of overcoming addiction, despite the odds, through the transformational power of Problem-Solving Courts.

On March 15, Chief Justice Heavican proclaimed the week of March 20-24, 2023 as Trial Court Week, urging Nebraskans to celebrate the important role that local courts and their personnel play in providing access to the civil, criminal, and juvenile justice systems.

The Chief Justice gives the State of the Judiciary address at the invitation of the Speaker of the Legislature, Senator John Arch. Since 2008 this address has been the judiciary's opportunity to highlight Judicial Branch priorities for the upcoming year and provide relevant information directly to lawmakers. Heavican will give an overview of the activities of the judicial branch of government including projects involving the state's 148 judges and over 1,400 non-judicial employees in courthouses and probation offices across the state.

Join us as we recap Chief Justice Heavican's Summer Tour. Each year, the Chief Justice and members of the Supreme Court visit courthouses and judicial branch offices throughout the state. This year saw the culmination of all 93 counties visited. Chief Justice Heavican discusses the importance of the Court's outreach efforts.

On the heels of last week's celebration of Probation Week in Nebraska, officers Mark Wagner and Latimer Perry joined the show to discuss the power of probation in their personal lives and in the communities they serve.

This episode, Kari Rumbaugh and Lindsay Meyer join us to preview what we can expect as Nebraska joins in celebrating National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week. They serve in the Juvenile Services division as Assistant Deputy and Program Specialist, respectively. 

Payton Hogan, joins us to reflect on his remarks at the May 2022 Nebraska Problem-Solving Court Month proclamation ceremony.

To close Nebraska Trial Court Week, Your Nebraska Judicial Branch presents the remarks from last week's proclamation ceremony, honoring our court workers statewide

Hall County Clerk Magistrate Sara Fowler and Lancaster County Clerk of the District Court Troy Hawk join us to discuss the role of County and District Courts in Nebraska and how the dedicated staff of all courts contribute to the success of the system. 

Damon Strong joins us to discuss his first year leading adult probation in Douglas County. Damon has relied on his unwavering commitment and strong relationships to navigate the global pandemic and “the great resignation” in serving his community.

Join us for an audio recording of Chief Justice Heavican's State of the Judiciary address. Delivered on 1/21/22, the address was given at the invitation of the Speaker of the Legislature, Senator Mike Hilgers. The Chief Justice uses his time with the legislature to highlight Judicial Branch priorities for the upcoming year, review the previous year, and provide relevant information directly to lawmakers.

Misty Flowers, Nebraska Indian Child Welfare Coalition (NICWC) Executive Director, and Jill Holt, NICWC Training and Education Director, join us to discuss the mission of their organization in education, advocacy, and bringing people together. Part of this mission is served by serving on the Consortium of Tribal, State, and Federal Courts, which comprises part of the Nebraska Supreme Court's Access to Justice Commission.The consortium was created in 2018 to improve the working relationship between the tribal, state, and federal courts and to improve the public's trust and confidence in the various court systems with the ultimate goal of improving access to justice for all court users in Nebraska.  

Melissa Koch with the Judicial Branch Peer Support Team joins us to discuss the changing conversation on mental health and support in the workplace. She brings to light how the pandemic has shaped some responses, as well as how the Peer Support Team provides a shoulder to lean on. 

Director of the Court Improvement Project, Deb VanDyke-Ries, joins Your Nebraska Judicial Branch to give an overview of how the Court Improvement Project advocates for the best interests of system-involved youth. Strategies involve a youth-centric approach through statewide Eyes of the Child teams, and using data-driven decision making to make informed choices.

Bob Denton joins us to discuss the various targeted services Nebraska Probation utilizes to realize the goal of safer communities statewide.

Join us for our first remote interview with Latasha Ramirez. She shares her story of the transformative power of probation, helping her reclaim a life derailed by the influence of drugs. Back on track now, she is re-engaged with her family and community.

Join us for a conversation reflecting on the successes of the JDAI strategies in Nebraska over the last 10 years, as well as looking forward to how the future will be shaped. Nebraska JDAI co-chairs, State Court Administrator Corey Steel, and State Senator Tony Vargas share their insight with Your Nebraska Judicial Branch.Nebraska JDAI website 

Join us for a discussion with Josh about his journey through Nebraska Problem-Solving Courts.

We are joined by Nebraska's Statewide Problem-Solving Courts Director Adam Jorgensen to discuss the unique role these courts play in reducing recidivism, and increasing positive outcomes.

Chief Justice Michael Heavican joins us to discuss issues of access to justice, and how courts and Judicial Branch services have remained operational during unprecedented times.

State Court Administrator Corey Steel joins Your Nebraska Judicial Branch to discuss the response measures employed statewide in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlights the essential role of judges and staff, and the critical role of all facets of Nebraska's Judicial Branch.

Statewide Language Access Coordinator Jennifer Verhein joins us to explain how individuals receive interpretation services. In addition, she discusses the processes and standards one must undergo to become an interpreter working with the program. Episode Resources:Oral Proficiency poster – shows language skill level necessary for court interpretersNebraska pre-K to grade 12 English Language Learners, 2018-2019 school year Judicial Branch Interpreter Directory Court Interpreter Training Program Addresses Growing Need (NET Article)Nebraska Program Trains Court Interpreters To Help Non-English Speakers Testify (NPR)Outstanding State Innovation of the Year Award presented to Nebraska Supreme Court Language Access Program by the Council on Adult Basic Education

Michelle joins us to discuss the role of the the Office of Public Guardian in protecting the vulnerable adults of Nebraska. Learn about the role of the office, experiences of Associate Public Guardians, and how you can get involved through volunteer opportunities.

Monica joins Your Nebraska Judicial Branch to discuss the philosophy and successes of the Juvenile Alternatives to Detention Initiative.

Deputy Administrator Jeanne Brandner joins us to discuss the current state of juvenile probation in Nebraska. She highlights some of the amazing work being done throughout the state, as well as the guiding principles of practices officers use daily.

ODR Director Kelly Riley joins us to discuss the life-changing power of restorative justice.

ODR Director Kelly Riley joins us to discuss the mediation process, Parenting Act, and other aspects of the Office of Dispute Resolution.

After speaking at the Nebraska Probation Week proclamation, Rhonda Nygaard sat down with us to discuss the transformative impact the Nebraska Probation system had on her life through Post-Release Supervision. Through this process she has charted a new course for her life, and she tells her powerful story.

In the inaugural episode of Your Nebraska Judicial Branch, State Probation Administrator Deborah Minardi discusses her career in probation, as well as the power of probation to impact lives.Music: josephmcdade.com