SIDNEY -- What started as a way to adapt to COVID restrictions has evolved into efficiency in the Cheyenne County courts.

Cheyenne County Sheriff Deputy Ron Kissler, assigned to courtroom security, has been recognized for implementing virtual and computer systems in the county and district courtrooms, and the county jail, providing access to the legal process without managing transportation.

On January 3, Kissler updated the Cheyenne County commissioners on technology supporting the jail and sheriff's office, and the county. He said the main server for the Sheriff's Office was outdated and no longer supported for secure communications. The server was replaced at a cost of $5,253.40. The county received a grant from the Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (NIRMA) to pay for the server.

Kissler said the county also received grants for the county and district courtrooms to enhance virtual appointments.  A grant in the amount of $57,368.43 was awarded to county court and $76,992.52 for district court. The funds will be used to expand the virtual system now in place. Kissler said the will be installed by CTI Conference Technologies Inc. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will then be signed by the State of Nebraska and Cheyenne County transferring ownership of the equipment to Cheyenne County. The package will include labor to install the technology, training of staff and a five-year maintenance agreement.

"It's just phenomenal how it works," Kissler said.

He said the technology in place and proposed will reduce the amount of time court officials -- including witnesses -- commit to driving to what can be a short hearing. 

"We're looking at hopefully July 1 we have all this in place," he told the commissioners.

County Commissioner Randy Miller commended Kissler, the sheriff's office staff and court staff for their efforts.

"I'm very comfortable with what you and Adam [Frerichs, Cheyenne County Sheriff] have done," Miller said. "You've saved us tons of money."

The grants require the county to purchase the equipment and then be compensated for the costs.

Kissler said transporting inmates can be dangerous and costly. Reducing the amount of time traveling also cuts costs and increases efficiency of the courts. He said virtual hearings are an option unless it is an evidentiary hearing, or the judge or attorney requests an in-person appearance. He added the public can still attend hearings at the courtroom, or check in or log in virtually.