Nick Matney is excited to take on new role here

HARTINGTON — Cedar County’s new County Attorney may have only been on the job for a short time, but he is no stranger to the Cedar County Courthouse.

Nick Matney took over Nov. 1 as Cedar County Attorney, replacing his brother, Ed, who resigned the position in order to spend more time with his private practice. Ed Matney has agreed to continue helping the Cedar County Attorney’s office, though.

Nick Matney said he chose law as a profession after seeing how much his brother enjoyed it. “Obviously, the respect I have for my brother had an influence in my decision to pursue this profession,” he said.

The 2002 Sioux City East High School graduate picked up courtroom experience when he worked with former Cedar County Attorney George Hirschbach during a 2013-15 externship as part of his studies at the University of South Dakota Law School.

Matney said working with Hirschbach taught him a great deal. It also gave him an appreciation for criminal law.

“The court room experience is something I really enjoy. You have to think on your feet. You have to be ready to respond. You have to know the relevant cases,” he said.

Matney said Hirschbach gave him quite a bit of advice over the years. The one thing he will always remember is Hirschbach’s admonishment to, “get in here and do the best you can.”

“He told me as a prosecutor, you always need to do what’s best for the state and the county,” Matney said.

Matney said when he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing guitar. Matney and his wife, Jessica, have three children.