District Court Judge Thomas Stockard knew the day was inevitable when his court administrator would retire. Sue Sevon, who had been with the Churchill County courts for 30 years — most recently as the court administrator for 20 years — recently retired. When Stockard became the district court judge a decade ago, changes were occurring. The Third Judicial District Court that encompassed both Churchill and Lyon counties had been separated by the state Legislature. Churchill County inherited the newly formed Tenth Judicial District Court. “We became a one-judge district,” Stockard told a small crowd who gathered for Sevon’s retirement. The late David Huff became the sole judge of the Tenth Judicial District Court, but the jurist fell ill and died on March 12, 2012, two months after the court began its new year. “We went six months without a judge,” said Stockard, who was Churchill County’s chief deputy district attorney. From 1994 to 1999, Stockard was in private practice. “I came in on my first day, and everything was organized,” he said, attributing the orderliness to Sevon. “I don’t know how she did it for six months without a district judge.” For half a year, Sevon ensured the court ran smoothly as substitute judges presided from the bench. Former Gov. Brian Sandoval appointed Stockard to become the first permanent judge for the Tenth Judicial District Court on July 2, 2012. For the past decade, Stockard said he has benefitted from Sevon’s candidness and support as well as her leadership in the office. Once Sevon, who grew up in Southern California before coming to Nevada, announced her plans to retire, Stockard said other judges noted it was a pleasure to work with the Churchill County court. “She was always willing to work for me and the rest of the court,” Stockard added. Mayor Ken Tedford has known Sevon for years, and they have served together in the Rotary Club of Fallon. Tedford kidded Stockard and referred back to his first year as a judge.
Steve Ranson/LVN Mayor Ken Tedford reads a proclamation to Sue Sevon upon her retirement.
“I told him not to worry … Sue will tell you what to do,” Tedford said. The mayor said Stockard always spoke highly of the employees who worked in the court’s office. Tedford also read a proclamation that declared June 14 as Sue Sevon Day. It read in part, “Whereas, Sue Sevon started her career at the Justice Court under Marilyn Craig before transitioning to District Court as the chief court clerk; and Whereas, Sue Sevon became the 1st Court Administrator for the Tenth Judicial District Court and has worked with five different District Court Judges; and Whereas, Sue Sevon, due to her commitment and hard work, has garnered the respect of her staff, fellow court administrators and personnel, attorneys, judges, County and City officials; and Whereas, Under the leadership of Sue Sevon, the Tenth Judicial District Court is recognized as one of the most customer-friendly District Courts in Nevada; and Whereas, Sue Sevon, throughout her career; has helped develop policies and procedures for court staff that are also used by other Courts; and Whereas, Sue Sevon has served in leadership roles on numerous committees, including NACE (Nevada Association of Court Executives); and Whereas, the City of Fallon wishes to honor Sue Sevon for her many and faithful service to Churchill County Courts with thanks.” Sevon, who has taken an active role with CASA program — Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers who are trained to speak in court for the best interest of abused and neglected children — thanked everyone for attending her retirement party. “It’s been a pure pleasure working with everyone here,” she said. Sevon said she had received call from district judges from around the state and cards from other people reaching out to say goodbye. Sevon has two adult children, Jessica, who lives in Fallon, and Robert, a senior military leader with the U.S. Coast Guard stationed in Tennessee. She also has six grandchildren. One of the first tasks Sevon undertook upon retirement was visiting her son and his family.
Steve Ranson/LVN