Cedar County judgeship needs to be maintained, for good of rural Nebraska

A recent article noting the retirement of County Court Judge Douglas Luebe brought to light the fact that replacing our county judge is not necessarily a forgone conclusion.

Reductions in staff and budgets have made this an all-too-familiar scenario across the state.

Unfortunately, with our proximity to Yankton, S.D., Gavins Point Dam and U.S. Highway 81, the only north-south road from Canada to Mexico, it is important to maintain a strong judicial presence in Cedar County.

While we understand the population base in rural areas across the state, and in particular Cedar County, has declined over the years, the proliferation of criminal activity in rural areas has not.

In just the first six months of this year, there has been a case of stalking, with several violations of protection orders requiring frequent return trips to Judge Luebe’s courtroom; not to mention four murders in Laurel toward the end of last year, and two months ago, a murder just north of Hartington. The murders are particularly significant because some of the individuals involved were not from the area.

Crime is not reserved for only the more populous areas of the state. Having a judge “in county” guarantees due process for the accused and relieves the economic expense to the county of housing and transportation of individuals to other locations. It also allows easier access for witnesses, family members and community members to participate in the judicial process.

The taxpayers of Cedar County have invested heavily in the courthouse, improving not only the facility itself, with a 2009 addition and renovation project, but also increasing security measures for the judges and other courthouse officials working inside the building.

As a former member of the Judicial Nominating Committee, Cedar County News Co-Publisher Peggy Year understands the elements being considered when debating the appointments of judges across the state.

As publishers of several newspapers in northeast Nebraska, we are also aware of the needs and considerations of the residents in this area, and access to the courts is of particular importance.

It is our hope that the committee reviewing the necessity of reappointing a judge to this area will take all of this into consideration when deciding the needs to be filled in Cedar County.

We urge area residents to share their views on this, as well. Those wanting to present verbal testimony during the public hearing may appear in person and sign in as a witness before 10 a.m. Friday, June 16. All testimony is made available to the public.

The public hearing will be available to view through a webinar at nebraska.gov.

If a vacancy is determined, the Judicial Nominating Committee is responsible for putting forth its best efforts in finding the most qualified individuals to accept nomination for judicial office.