LINCOLN, BROADER NEBRASKA, SEEING RISE IN COVID-19 CASES

LINCOLN- Just as in past years, local Covid-19 cases are on the rise as schools across the state welcome students for a new fall semester. Lancaster County reported 163 official cases last week, which is more than double the previous week and four times higher than the start of last month.

While the official number is certainly lower than this same time last year, officials believe this may be due to more people testing at home or not testing at all. On top of that, wastewater analysis has shown a steady rise in viral particles detected. While the level of particles detected hit a pandemic-low in July, with only 35,600 viral particles per liter of wastewater, that number jumped significantly to 412,900 last week.

"We know Covid-19 remains a risk for many people, and the shift we're seeing in our local situation is concerning," said Pat Lopez, Nebraska's Health Director, "We're working with the long-term care facilities to reduce transmission. We're also in communication with our hospital partners as we determine how the increase in Covid-19 activity may further impact the community."

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NU COLLEGE OF LAW TO ESTABLISH CLINIC TO DEFEND FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS

LINCOLN- On Monday, the University of Nebraska College of Law announced that it would be establishing a law clinic, staffed by law students and supervised by practicing attorneys, to take on cases involving free speech, public records, and public meetings. "We will defend the First Amendment rights of our clients while at the same time educating students on the intricacies of the First Amendment law," said Daniel Gutman, an Omaha attorney who will direct the clinic.

Sydney Hayes, a former associate of Husch Blackwell, will act as assistant director. Eight third-year law students will be chosen to run the clinic, which, according to Gutman, is already seeking cases. The launch of the clinic was made possible by a recent $1 million grant from the Stanton Foundation, owned by Frank Stanton, a longtime president of CBS News. For now, however, the NU clinic will focus on local and regional cases involving freedom of speech, press, assembly, and petition, and will also help to educate the students running it.

"Our clinical programs help students develop skills as they work on real cases and are a highlight in many students' law school careers," said Richard Moberly, dean of the NU College of Law. The College currently runs several other clinics, including ones focused on justice for children, immigrants, and debtors. The stated goal of the Stanton Foundation in awarding NU with the grants is to "advance First Amendment and democratic values through an informed citizenry."

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PILLEN ALLOWS HOTTER WATER DISCHARGE FROM POWER PLANTS DUE TO 'EXTREME' DEMAND, THANKS FEDERAL AG DEPARTMENT

LINCOLN- On Friday, Gov. Jim Pillen signed an emergency order allowing power plants, which are facing higher demand due to last week's heat wave, to discharge hotter water from their facilities. In a press release, Pillen said the order is meant to allow Nebraska's power plants to "safely" exceed temperature limits while also allowing them to meet more "extreme" demands for power.

The order will remain in effect through September 15th. In another heat-related announcement, Pillen recently thanked U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for answering Nebraska's call for higher reimbursements for local cattle producers who lost animals due to the hot, humid weather present in the state this month.

Vilsack informed Pillen last week that the USDA would increase payments through the Livestock Indemnity Program from $1,244 per head to $1,618. Following this, Pillen urged cattle producers to report, in detail, their losses to their respective Farm Services Agency offices. While one Nebraska-based FSA office reported that official losses were estimated at about 1% per local feedlot, rumors have been swirling that some cattle producers lost closer to one hundred animals during the heatwave.

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NU FOCUSED ON PICKING SEARCH FIRM AND COMMITTEE TO HELP FIND NEXT PRESIDENT

LINCOLN- At its most recent meeting on Friday, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents sketched out a process for regrouping after last week's unexpected announcement that NU President Ted Carter would be leaving the University System. Board Chairman Tim Clare said that the board has begun mapping out the "first few steps" toward finding a replacement for Carter. "We talked about engaging the search," Clare said of the meeting, "We're going to start right away on the search."

For now, the first steps in the process will mean finding search firms willing to help identify potential NU President candidates to lead the system's four campuses. Clare said that this firm will very likely be selected at the next Board of Regents meeting, which has yet to be scheduled. The second step in the process involves forming a search advisory committee, which will be made up of NU system employees.

Clare, in an email to NU students and faculty, said the Board hopes to review search committee nominations in September, with a goal of establishing a committee that represents a broad swath of university constituencies. "We're going to be methodical," he said, "We're not going to rush this." Fortunately, Carter, who will soon become Ohio State's 17th President, confirmed that he intends to serve the remainder of the calendar year in his position.

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STATE LAWMAKER CHALLENGES GOV. PILLEN TO ACT ON 'DANGER' LURKING AT STATE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL

LINCOLN- State Sen. Carol Blood has recently stepped in on behalf of workers and patients at the Lincoln Regional Center, saying that the rise in assaults, equipment needs, and mandatory overtime at the facility all add up to unsafe conditions. The Bellevue-based senator challenged Gov. Jim Pillen to act swiftly in alleviating these concerns, claiming that it's "getting very dangerous."

On Monday, Pillen's office received a letter from Blood detailing all of the issues at the facility, which acts as the state's psychiatric hospital. A spokeswoman from the governor's office acknowledged the issues, and said that a "response will be provided to [Blood's] office in due course." Blood cited a recent correspondence between her office and the mental health specialists at the facility as reason for sending the letter to the governor. The specialists, or 'techs' as they are called, told Blood that conditions at the facility were less than sufficient.

A union representative for the mental health specialists at the Regional Center described the facility as a "corrections facility meets hospital," and said different and better training is necessary if the techs are to defend themselves from potentially violent patients. Mike Chipman, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 88, which represents the techs, said he's seen a substantial uptick in techs seeking hospital attention as a result of poor working conditions. "Nobody should have to be a punching bag," said Chipman.

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INSPECTORS GENERAL LIMITED IN THEIR ACCESS TO INFO AFTER NEBRASKA AG'S OPINION

LINCOLN- Quickly after the Nebraska Attorney General Office offered its opinion that the offices responsible for investigating the state's child welfare and prison systems are unconstitutional, inspectors general's access to those agencies' case management systems ended abruptly. It is the first time the office's have lost access to the system in over a decade of the systems use.

The Office of the Inspectors General, as well as the state's ombudsman office, were shut out of the online systems that track incidents, disciplinary actions, grievances and other reports for inmates, children in the care of the state, as well as employees who work with what officials describe as vulnerable populations.

The change in how the offices of the inspector general can access information from the agencies they are charged with performing oversight on comes on the heels of an opinion written by AG Mike Hilgers at the request of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Correctional Services. Hilgers, in the 38-page opinion, said the inspectors general's "untrammeled power to impede, control and access" information from other government branches violated the separation of powers clause in the Nebraska State Constitution.

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U.S. REP. DON BACON, A CONSERVATIVE WHO SPEAKS BIPARTISAN, LAUNCHES 2024 HOUSE BID

OMAHA- U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, a four-term Republican representing the Omaha area in Congress, announced his re-election bid at a fire union hall flanked by a pair of Nebraska governors and a fellow member of the House. The retired Air Force brigadier general faces the state’s closest federal races and routinely draws credible Democratic Party foes in Nebraska’s most politically divided congressional district.

Gov. Jim Pillen spoke at the rally, touting Bacon’s conservative beliefs and describing him as a man he trusts. Former Gov. Dave Heineman also spoke, lauding Bacon’s daily work in a district that needs someone who can win close races. U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, a former Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, said Bacon has helped show him the ropes in the House. Bacon’s campaign estimated that more than 400 people attended the event.

Democratic State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha, who is running for Bacon's seat again, has criticized the duality of Bacon’s public persona. Vargas says Bacon is less centrist than he portrays himself. Vargas called Bacon “out of touch with hardworking Nebraskans.” In 2022, Bacon beat Vargas by 2.7 percentage points. Abortion and the economy are now expected to be major factors in the upcoming race.

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NEBRASKA STATE AUDITOR TO EXPLORE $3 MILLION GRANT FOR RED WAY AIRLINES FOLLOWING THEIR DEPARTURE

LINCOLN- Citing concerns expressed to his office, State Auditor Mike Foley announced that his office will begin examining a $3 million grant given to Red Way Airlines earlier this year after the company announced, after just a short three months, that it would be ending service at the Lincoln Airport.

Foley, in a letter to the Lincoln Airport Authority, said his office has received numerous concerns about the substantial funding given to Red Way by the state. An audit of how the money was spent and used, Foley wrote, would provide "accurate information to taxpayers" and might clear up "misperceptions about government." Continuing, Foley said, "We will try to do so in a timely manner, believing this to be a valuable service to the state's citizens." Before it came to Lincoln, Red Way had received $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars.

Red Way announced last week that it would be ceasing operations in Lincoln, citing concerns that it had not been able to attract enough passengers. One official described Red Way, following their departure, as a "failed experiment." Foley, in his letter, pointed that state law will require the Lincoln Airport Authority to pay the costs of the audit.

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BIG NAMES INTERESTED IN BECOMING NEXT NEBRASKA STATE TREASURER

LINCOLN- Following the recently announced departure of Nebraska State Treasurer John Murante, who will now lead the state's Retirement Agency, rumours swirled about who will assume the role of the next state treasurer. In a press release announcing Murante's resignation, Governor Jim Pillen's office indicated that it would "announce an application process to find a well-qualified new treasurer." While this application process has yet to be formally enacted, several big names in the state have already shown interest in the role.

First and foremost, State Sen. Julie Slama, chair of the Banking, Commerce, and Insurance Committee flagged her interest, saying she is "interested and will be applying." Next, Sen. Theresa Thibodeau, a business owner who finished fourth in the 2022 GOP gubernatorial primary, also indicated that she would be throwing her hat into the race. "I think I could do the job well," she said. Sen. Ben Hansen, chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, also indicated his interest, but seemed reluctant. "I'm not saying yes, and I'm not saying no," Hansen said.

Taylor Royal, Murante's GOP primary election opponent in 2018 and an Omaha financial adviser thinks she's qualified for the job too, having said that she's "considering it." Finally, Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg, who received substantial praise for helping the city grow, said he's "heard from people" about the role, but is still mulling it over. Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb announced that she does not expect any high-profile members of her party to apply "because there is "no chance Pillen would pick one."

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'SPIRITUAL WARFARE': FORMER KENTUCKY SWIMMER ENCOURAGES NEBRASKA TO RESTRICT TRANS ATHLETES

LA VISTA- On Sunday, Riley Gaines, a now-infamous college swimmer who tied for fifth at the 2022 NCAA championship against Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer, told a large crowd Sunday to consider pushing for further transgender sports bans in Nebraska. Gaines has testified before Congress and various state legislatures, describing women's sports as one issue in a fight against what she called "textbook Marxism."

"Me, myself, as a Christian, what I see this as is entirely spiritual warfare," Gaines told the crowd of Nebraskans, "This really is no longer right versus wrong or good versus bad. This is moral versus evil." Other attendees at the event included state Sens. Barry DeKay, Carolyn Bosn, Tom Brewer, Rob Clements, Loren Lippincott, Myron Dorn, and Brad von Gillern, as well state Board of Education member Kirk Penner, former gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbseter, and multiple candidates for office next year.

Bill and Evonne Williams, owners of the nonprofit Patriot Productions, hosted the event, saying that it was "not about hating transgenders," but about a "common sense" topic. While Gaines' story centered around college athletics, Sen. Kauth's LB575, which is expected to be taken up next year in the Legislature, would define school sports as either male of female based on sex assigned at birth for K-12 Nebraska students.

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SEVERAL NEW NEBRASKA LAWS TAKE EFFECT SATURDAY

LINCOLN- During this year's tumultuous legislative session, a large handful of bills were passed and signed by Gov. Pillen. Many of these lacked emergency clauses, which means that they would go into effect come Saturday, including Sen. Tom Brewer's long-sought permitless concealed carry bill. Described by Brewer and supporters as a "constitutional carry" law, the now-passed bill will allow any Nebraskans over the age of 21 to carry concealed firearms without a state permit, which usually costs $100.

Beginning Saturday, however, firearm dealers will also be required to distribute information on suicide prevention, a change prompted by Sen. John Fredrickson's amendment contained within the now-passed LB50. LB77, the concealed carry bill, and LB50 are just two of a dozen laws taking effect over the weekend. Many 'Christmas tree' bills, including LB50, which provides for broad criminal justice reform, will take effect. Sen. Blood's LB157, which allows for the inclusion of household pets in domestic abuse protection orders, also begins on Saturday.

The killing of certain damage-causing predators by landowners will now also become legal over the weekend, as per Sen. Bruce Bostelman's LB565. Finally, Sen. McKinney's LB705 and Sen. Lou Ann Linehan's LB298 will also begin Saturday, disallowing the suspension of pre-K through second-grade students and requiring Nebraska school districts to report information relating to dyslexia, respectively. Many more bills don't go into effect until later this year or sometime in 2024, with a small handful only taking effect in 2025.

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LINCOLN TO END VOLUNTARY WATER CONSERVATION EFFORTS

LINCOLN- On Tuesday, Lincoln city officials announced plans to end the long-running voluntary water conservation efforts, which have been in effect all summer. The original plan encouraged residents and businesses to only water their lawns on designated days based on their address.

Put in place on June 2nd in response to extreme drought conditions detected earlier in the summer, the efforts will be officially canceled on Thursday. At the height of the drought, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Director Liz Elliott said the city's aquifers were only at 65% capacity. This was further exacerbated by a lack of substantial rainfall, causing Lancaster County to experience its first bout of exceptional drought conditions in the 23-year history of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Drought Monitor.

Thankfully, conditions in the city have improved significantly since then. While roughly 60% of Lancaster County is still facing severe drought, the area received above-average rainfall in June, July, and August, which has helped greatly to restore the city's water supply to levels typically seen last year. "Lincoln is in a good place right now thanks to the water conservation efforts our community put forth the last three months," said Steve Owen, Lincoln Water System Superintendent.

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MAYOR NOMINATES WOMAN TO FILL LINCOLN AIRPORT AUTHORITY SEAT

LINCOLN- On Tuesday, Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird announced that Vanessa Emlich will fill an open seat on the Lincoln Airport Authority, which was vacated after Nick Cusick resigned amid disagreements over the airport's budget. Emlich will still need to be approved by the Lincoln City Council.

"Vanessa's desire to support strategic innovations and good governance of the airport, coupled with her commitment to public service, make her the best candidate for this vacancy," said Gaylor Baird in a news release. Emlich, who currently serves as the director of pharmacy audit for Prime Therapeutics, and previously worked for Lufthansa Airlines, ran for one of two seats on the Lincoln Airport Authority in May, but finished third.

"I look forward to applying my experience in the airline industry and operations to service on the Lincoln Airport Authority Board," said Emlich, "I hope to use my unique background and skillset to expand opportunities for Lincoln and surrounding area residents to travel to other parts of the country and world." Cusick, the Board member who resigned, said he has met with Emlich and was impressed with the skills she will bring to the table. "I believe she will make a great addition to the Lincoln Airport Authority Board," he said.

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DIPLOMATS FROM SOUTH OF THE U.S. BORDER OPEN TO NEW CONSULATES IN OMAHA TO SERVE NEBRASKA MIGRANTS

OMAHA- In the coming weeks, a new Consulate of Guatemala will officially open its doors in Omaha, joining the nearby Consulate of El Salvador, which was established earlier this year, in serving migrants from those two nations. Once the Guatemalan Consulate officially opens, that will increase Nebraska's number to three diplomatic offices, as a Mexican Consulate has existed in the state since 2000. While they operate as separate entities, the three embassy-like satellites collectively reflect the growing influence of Latino immigrants in Nebraska, who account for half of the state's estimated 150,000 foreign-born residents.

"We know that Nebraska is an important state for our people," said Javier Prudencio, the interim Salvadoran Consul, "It looks like they've discovered the life you have here, the good life." Consulates, which are headed by government-appointed consuls, serve as a link for expatriates, providing them with official documents such as passports and IDs. According to several familiar with Omaha's Consulates, they are believed to open doors to business, academics, and labor markets for those coming from abroad as well as those already living in the state.

"It's going to be easier for us to approach the consuls and learn from them and to understand the challenges, say, of the entrepreneur from El Salvador," said Yesenia Peck, leader of the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. According to Billy Munoz, the Guatemalan Consul, the new Consulate in Omaha will help strengthen the existing embassies' outreach and advocacy efforts, and help more immigrants move to the state, a move that may argue will help the workforce shortage.

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RICKETTS ANNOUNCES RUN FOR ELECTION TO HIS APPOINTED SEAT IN U.S. SENATE

OMAHA- On Wednesday, and after much speculation and expectation, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts made it official that he would launch a campaign to retain his Senate seat, to which he was appointed by his successor, Gov. Jim Pillen. At a small gathering, Ricketts touted his business and government experience. "Nebraska is what America is supposed to be," Ricketts told a crowd, "We have the values that our founders demonstrated when they created this country."

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine introduced Ricketts at the event, and said that Nebraskans need him in the Senate since he has been an ally to both police and prosecutors. Kleine went on to state that Ricketts understands the threat posed by fentanyl, and will work in Congress to curb its sale and use in Nebraska.

"Nine years ago, he took that office (as governor) and showed us what Nebraska leadership really means," finished Kleine, "Lowering taxes. Cutting excess government. All the great things that are common sense for Nebraskans and leading in the Nebraska way." Up for his turn to speak, Ricketts told those gathered that Congress needs more people willing to push back against "the radical left," who he claimed attack the values of beliefs of Nebraskans. Following the announcement, Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb said they still plan on locating and introducing an opponent for both upcoming Senate races.

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NEBRASKA, DOUGLAS COUNTY OFFICIALS CELEBRATE LONGTIME POLL WORKERS

OMAHA- On Wednesday, Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse, and Douglas County Board Chair Mary Ann Borgeson held an event to celebrate the local poll workers who have served the state for over twenty years as Nebraska nears the 2024 general and primary elections. Seventeen poll workers were celebrated at the event.

"You are actually indispensable to our election process, and I know these last few years have been a little tough on not only election staff, but on poll workers themselves," said Borgeson, referencing the bouts of criticism poll workers have faced nationally since the 2020 presidential election. Borgeson went on to say that the poll workers' dedication to the state has fostered, over the years, an "honorable and honest election process."

As of right now, Douglas County alone still needs a few hundred more poll workers before the next election, and is seeking to train around 2,800 poll workers just for the Omaha area. "I encourage citizens all across our state, all across Douglas County...to consider serving as a poll worker," Evnen told the crowd at the event, "It's a grind. It's a long day, but it's a pleasure, isn't it? Because you are making democracy work."

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LINCOLN'S REDWAY CEASING OPERATIONS LESS THAN 3 MONTHS AFTER INAUGURAL FLIGHT

LINCOLN- On Wednesday, Red Way, the startup airline that had been providing flights from Lincoln to several desirable locations, such as Las Vegas and Orlando, announced that it would be ceasing operations on the final day of the month. "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the decision to cease operations," representatives from Red Way said in a statement, "After careful consideration and evaluation, we have come to the difficult conclusion that we must close our doors."

Lincoln Airport officials confirmed that Red Way had told them of the decision last week. "The Lincoln Airport Authority Board is disappointed by the ultimate outcome of Red Way's services in Lincoln," said Airport Authority Chairman John Olsson in a statement, "Board members have met to discuss the result of the service, actions necessary to both address this situation and chart future efforts and oversight on what's to come."

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners issued a written statement as well, echoing sentiments of disappointment at this unexpected turn of events. Lancaster County Commissioner Matt Schulte lamented the almost $3 million in lost American Rescue Plan Funds, which were given to Red Way after it had decided to reside in the Lincoln Airport. "I personally voted for this project believing that the air service would develop long-term service," said Commissioner Schulte, "Unfortunately, it didn't work."

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STATE ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST, FACING A DECLINE IN GRANT APPLICATIONS, SETS EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

LINCOLN- Following several months of decline in the amount of grant applications it receives, the Nebraska Environmental Tr4sut has scheduled three questions-and-answer events in an attempt to make clearer the grant process. The director of the Trust said the sessions are about the agency's "ongoing process improvement effort," and not solely about increasing the amount of grant applications.

Annually, the Trust awards around $20 million in grants for local recycling programs, environmental research, and habitat projects, but faced a bout of criticism last year for declaring many of the applications it had received "ineligible." This year, the Trust only awarded 81 grant applications, as opposed to last year's 118, a decline of nearly 31%.

The surplus of funding left by the decline in grant awards prompted Gov. Jim Pillen to obtain a controversial approval from the Nebraska Legislature to transfer $14 million of the Trust's funds to a fund run by the Natural Resources Commission. Advocates of the Trust called the transfer "a mockery," and argued that it might have even been unconstitutional. The three events will be held this Friday at 10:00am via Zoom, Monday at 10:00am via Zoom, and Monday at 1:00pm at the Environmental Trust's State Office.

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FORMER NEBRASKA SENATOR FROM GRAND ISLAND TO RUN AGAIN IN 2024

GRAND ISLAND- A former Nebraska Senator from Grand Island is announcing he is seeking election in 2024. Dan Quick announced that he is seeking election in 2024 to Nebraska’s 35th Legislative District, which encompasses Grand Island. Quick was originally elected to the District 35 seat in 2016, narrowly defeating Gregg Neuhaus. He lost his seat to current Sen. Ray Aguilar by about seven points despite beating Aguilar in the 2020 primary by about 25 points.

"I'm announcing my candidacy for state legislature because for me it’s about caring for the people you serve and introducing policy that will improve their lives," Quick said. “The last session of the legislature was difficult to watch and even more difficult to understand, especially with what could have been accomplished. We need to focus on policy that will benefit Nebraskans with issues they face each and every day. I will work to improve the economic wellbeing of our residents - supporting small businesses and bringing back manufacturing jobs to the area, lowering the cost of healthcare, and shielding Nebraskans from the impact of out-of-control property taxes and valuations.”

Quick currently serves on the Central Community College Board of Governors, a position he would have to step down from if elected. At the moment, the office of Sen. Ray Aguilar hasn’t commented on whether he is planning to run in 2024. The official campaign kickoff will be held on Sept. 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 pm at the Chocolate Bar in Grand Island.

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NEBRASKA DISTRICT JUDGE EARNS PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL JUDICIAL HONOR

DAWSON COUNTY- District Judge James E. Doyle IV has been named the recipient of the 28th Annual William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence, one of the highest judicial recognitions in the country. Doyle will receive the award from Chief Justice John Roberts at a recognition ceremony at the United States Supreme Court in November.

The award, presented by the National Center for State Courts, honors state court judges who demonstrate the outstanding qualities of judicial excellence, "including integrity, fairness, open-mindedness, knowledge of the law, professional ethics, creativity, sound judgment, intellectual courage and decisiveness." Doyle has spent his more than two decades of judicial service focused on solving problems for the people of central Nebraska.

Mary McQueen, president of the National Center for State Courts, said "The solutions he has developed have served as models for other courts across rural America." McQueen said he also has promoted the use of technology to allow people in his rural community to more easily access justice. Doyle is set to retire from the post on August 31st.

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