New County Court Judge is appointed

LINCOLN – A new judge has been appointed to serve Cedar County Court.

Gov. Jim Pillen appointed Sara Bauer, Fremont, as county court judge for the Sixth Judicial District including Burt, Cedar, Dakota, Dixon, Dodge, Thurston and Washington counties.

Bauer fills the judicial vacancy due to the resignation of Judge Douglas Luebe. Luebe, of Ponca, retired earlier this summer. The Judicial Resources Commission met and determined the position needed to be filled.

Bauer said she received the news last week while attending a conference.

“I am honored by Governor Pillen’s appointment and excited to get started,” Bauer said. “I have some matters that I will be wrapping up over the next few weeks in Council Bluffs, and then will have some orientation before taking cases. But, I will be there as soon as practical. I look forward to serving the people in the Sixth Judicial District to resolve the legal issues presented with thoughtfulness and integrity.”

Seven people – including Cedar County Attorney Nick Matney and Keelan Hollway, Randolph – applied for the position and appeared before the Judicial Nominating Committee, made up of attorneys and lay people. Four finalists were then forwarded to the governor who then conducted interviews and made his selection.

Bauer is currently an assistant city attorney in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She has worked in numerous firms, particularly in Omaha; and helped establish and grow the local office for Gurstel Law Firm.

Bauer has a strong background in civil law. During her time as an associate at Copple & Rockey P.C. in Norfolk, she handled juvenile, criminal, and domestic law cases, as well as civil issues.

Bauer received her bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. She has a doctorate degree from Creighton University School of Law.