Mortensen selected Antelope district court clerk

Angela Mortensen of Neligh has been appointed clerk of the district court in Antelope County, effective July 1.

Mortensen, who has served as deputy clerk for more than 25 years, will serve the balance of the term of office, until January 2023, currently held by Judy Cole, who will retire June 30.

Mortensen was appointed by a panel of four Antelope County Commissioners Tuesday morning after applicants were interviewed.

Questions were directed to three applicants, Mortensen, Tabitha Kerkman and Desirae Wieneke, by commissioners Carolyn Pedersen, Dean Smith and Charlie Henery. Commissioner Eli Jacob sat on the panel as well, but asked no questions.

The commissioners each asked similar questions of each applicant, asking why they applied, how they would react to frustrating situations or negative social media comments, as well as their experience with budgets.

"There is so much training and every year we have to have more training and they are constantly changing the rules," Mortensen said. "It's very important to me to continue to get documents filed on time so the county doesn't get fined and get the money back that helps the taxpayers."

The commissioners all noted the positive qualifications of all three applicants before Pedersen moved to appoint Mortensen. Jacob seconded the motion, with a unanimous vote following.

Commissioner Regina Krebs was not present.

Mortensen will hire a new deputy clerk of the district court when she takes office. The commissioners agreed to urge her to consider the other two applicants when she makes her selection.