Opinion ID: 2083741
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: claims hearing

Text: The claims hearing was held on May 30, 2002, and continued on May 31. Fifty-seven claims, totaling $4,529,654.47, had been filed with the PSC. The PSC hearing was governed by the PSC's rules of procedure, 291 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 1 (2001), and its grain warehouse rules and regulations. The rules of procedure provide, inter alia, that although the PSC is not bound to follow the technical rules of evidence, the record will be supported by evidence which possesses probative value commonly accepted by reasonable men in the conduct of their affairs. 291 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 1, § 016.01. Furthermore, in accordance with the PSC's rules of procedure, the claimants had the option of appearing before the PSC on their own behalf or being represented by counsel. 291 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 1, §§ 002.01 and 002.02. At the outset of the hearing, the PSC indicated that cross-examination of witnesses would not be permitted. The record does not reflect that any party objected to the PSC's announcement regarding cross-examination. Thirty-three individuals testified during the claims hearing. In addition, 57 affidavits were submitted in support of claims by individuals or business entities. Sixty-eight exhibits, consisting of approximately 2,000 pages, were admitted into evidence. On September 18, 2002, the PSC entered its Order Determining Claims. In summary, the order reviewed the various claims which had been filed and the evidence in the record relating to such claims, and made findings. In the order, the PSC approved or denied the claims, in total or in part, based on the PSC's determination as to whether the record demonstrated that on March 11, the date the PSC took title to the grain in storage at AEI, the claimant was an owner, depositor, or storer of that grain. Appellants are among those persons or entities whose claims the PSC denied, in total or in part, in its September 18 order. With respect to the subject matter involved in this case, pursuant to statutes then in effect, timely motions, styled as motions for rehearing, were filed with the PSC. See Neb.Rev.Stat. § 75-137 (Cum.Supp.2000) (repealed by 2003 Neb. Laws 187). Those motions came on for hearing on October 24 and 30, 2002. In an order entered November 19, the PSC overruled the motions. The instant appeal was filed in December, pursuant to Neb.Rev.Stat. § 75-136 (Cum.Supp.2002), which statute we observe has been subsequently amended. See § 75-136 (Reissue 2003). Additional facts will be set forth below where pertinent to our analysis of appellants' arguments on appeal.