(AP) — The Nebraska Supreme Court has named a new presiding judge for the 12th Judicial District in the Panhandle.

Judge Paul Wess will oversee the courts in 12 western Nebraska counties.

Wess was nominated by his fellow county court judges.

Wess just became a county judge last year. Before that, he practiced law in Chadron for over ten years.

Presiding judges oversee court services within their district and serve as the point of contact for state and local agencies. They’re also responsible for hiring and disciplining county court staff and setting local policies.