Pillen appoints Michael Long of Norfolk to district judge position

LINCOLN — A longtime county judge is moving a district judgeship in northeast Nebraska.

On Wednesday, Gov. Jim Pillen appointed Hon. Michael Long of Norfolk as district court judge in the 7th Judicial District. The district consists of Antelope, Cuming, Knox. Madison, Pierce, Stanton and Wayne counties.

Long started as a county judge in the 7th Judicial District in 2013. Before going to the bench, he worked as a deputy county attorney in both Madison and Scotts Bluff counties. He also spent time as a criminal justice instructor at Northeast Community College and provides regular training to area law enforcement officers on a variety of legal topics.

Long attended Kearney State College and earned his juris doctor at Creighton University School of Law.

Long replaces Judge Mark Johnson, who announced his retirement in December. Pillen also considered attorney Ryan Stover for the position.