Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman has chosen former state Sen. Lavon Heidemann of Elk Creek as his new lieutenant governor.

Heidemann , a University of Nebraska regent, took the oath office during a public ceremony Wednesday at the Capitol.

The 54-year-old Heidemann served as chairman of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee during his eight years in the Legislature. He left because of term limits.

Heidemann, a Republican, replaces former Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy. Sheehy resigned earlier this month following news that he had made thousands of calls to women, other than his wife, on his state-issued cellphone.

Heidemann is a farmer and livestock producer. He also is a volunteer firefighter.