In his courtroom at 745B E. Main St., New Holland, Judge Jonathan W. Heisse Magisterial District 02-3-06, sees a variety of cases daily.

"I may have a hearing today on a loose dog or I may have a murder (case)," said Heisse. In his role, Heisse sees how financial, mental health, and transportation problems affect the lives of those he serves in the greater ELANCO area, which includes New Holland, Terre Hill, East Earl, Earl, West Earl, and Brecknock. That firsthand witness has heightened his awareness of the need for services, with mental health issues being at the top of the docket. "In (the courtroom), where they have to pay fines and costs, we begin to hear the true problems of life," he said. "To a lot of people who come in here, $200 might as well be $100,000." The problem has caused Heisse to be creative in handing out fines. "We come up with alternatives under the law," said Heisse, who has given credit for community service or attending counseling sessions. "I think our community gets something out of that." He is also looking into solutions to help transport people to counseling sessions or to bring counselors to New Holland.

Heisse did not set out to become a judge, but he did always want to be a police officer. He remembers getting to know the four West Lampeter police officers in Willow Street when he was a child. "We lived on a corner, and they would stop and talk to me as a young kid," he recalled. "I probably drove them crazy, but they always took the time to stop at the house, and it got me hooked." After he graduated from Lampeter-Strasburg High School, a close friend suggested Heisse talk to the New Holland Police Department about a position. "I (did), and they gave me advice," said Heisse, who took the civil service test in early 1990. The New Holland department soon contacted him about attending the police academy, and he became the youngest full-time police officer in Lancaster County at that time. Heisse served the department for a number of years, working his way up to lieutenant and enjoying the job. When then-Magisterial Judge Rodney Hartman informed Heisse of his plans to retire from the bench, he encouraged the lieutenant to consider running for the position. "It took some time to make that decision," said Heisse. "After some serious thought and talking with (Hartman), I decided to pursue the calling." Heisse completed the necessary schooling and was elected in 2017. He retired from the force and began serving as judge in 2018.

Heisse turns to a number of local entities when assigning community service to those who come before his bench. The Sprouts for Peace Garden at New Holland Mennonite Church, the New Holland Re-Uzit shop, Freedom Thrift, and the Terre Hill Park are common choices. One area ministry stands out for Heisse, however. "CrossNet is the best thing in ELANCO," said Heisse, of the organization that combined the Cross Connection Youth Center with the ELANCO Social Services Network five years ago. "I use (CrossNet) for community service, and their resources help with landlords and tenants," said Heisse. "I have been here 32 years in New Holland law enforcement, and it's amazing what CrossNet has done."