HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - A longtime county court judge serving central Nebraska has announced his retirement.

The State of Nebraska Judicial Branch announced that Judge Arthur S. Wetzel of the ninth judicial district will retire effective Jan 2, 2026.

Wetzel has served Hall and Buffalo counties since his appointment to the bench in 2011.

In his letter to the governor, Judge Wetzel praised his court staff for their dedication to the citizens they serve.

During his time on the bench, he twice served as presiding judge of the ninth district, in 2014 and again in 2021. He’s also been regularly retained by area voters, most recently in 2020.

The judicial resources commission will next meet to determine whether his retirement creates a vacancy on the county court for the ninth judicial distr

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