The Judicial Nominating Commission for County Court in Nebraska’s Twelfth Judicial District will hold a public hearing on March 17, 2026, at the Scotts Bluff County Courthouse in Gering. The hearing will begin at 10:00 a.m. and focus on reviewing the qualifications of candidates seeking to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge James M. Worden. The main office for this judicial position is located in Gering, Scotts Bluff County.
Supreme Court Justice Jason M. Bergevin announced that interested applicants can access the Judicial Vacancy Application package through the Nebraska Judicial Branch website at https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/administration/attorneys/judicial-vacancies-and-judicial-nominating-commission-information/judicial-vacancy-application-package. Completed applications must be submitted by 3:00 p.m., February 24, 2026, either electronically to nsc.jnc@nejudicial.gov or by mailing a hard copy as specified in the application materials.
Applicants are encouraged to confirm receipt of their submissions since late or misdirected applications will not be considered and may not generate an error notification. Candidates should include email addresses for all individuals listed in response to questions 25, 26, and 27 of the Personal Data Sheet.
Justice Bergevin stated: “Once the application deadline has passed, a separate public notice will be issued identifying the candidates for this judicial vacancy, and providing specific information on how to offer public testimony at the hearing and how to submit information to the Judicial Nominating Commission.”
A list of commission members involved in filling this vacancy is available on the Nebraska Judicial Branch website at https://nebraskajudicial.gov/administration/committees-commissions/judicial-nominating-commissions/judicial-nominating-commission-twelfth-district-countydistrict-court.
Those requiring accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act can contact Amy Prenda, ADA Coordinator, at (402) 471-3730 or admin.adacoordinator@nejudicial.gov.
The State of Nebraska Judicial Branch operates as a unified system overseeing appellate and trial courts throughout urban and rural areas. It manages court facilities statewide and provides resources such as electronic filing and self-help tools while emphasizing integrity and community involvement for equitable legal processes according to its official website.
