Dodge County Open House 2016

On Friday, September 16, area residents will have an opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the newly-renovated Dodge County Courthouse and the Government Services Building in Mantorville. The tour will give visitors the opportunity to see firsthand the results of a major remodeling project that updated and modernized the oldest active courthouse in the state, transformed the former Kasson-Mantorville Intermediate School into a contemporary Government Services Building for county officials and staff, and made it easier for the public to access their local court and county services. The public and media are invited to attend the event, which runs from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Open House event includes:

• A courthouse rededication ceremony featuring remarks by Minnesota Supreme Court Justice G. Barry Anderson, Dodge County District Court Judge Jodi L. Williamson, and members of the Dodge County Board of Commissioners;
• An opportunity to meet your Dodge County staff and local justice system partners;
• Self-guided tours of the newly-renovated Dodge County Courthouse and Government Services Building;
• Guided “behind-the-scenes” tours by Sheriff Scott Rose of the Dodge County Sheriff's Office, including the administrative offices, the new dispatch center, weapons screening, and the holding and booking areas;

The event is being held to help mark Constitution Day, a federal day of observance during which Americans reflect on the rights and freedoms granted to them through the signing of the United States Constitution. During the event, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about their local justice system from judges, attorneys, and members of law enforcement. Residents will also be able to learn about legal resources and other services available to them in the community.

The Constitution Day Open House event is being hosted by Minnesota’s Third Judicial District in partnership with Dodge County, the Dodge County Sheriff's Office, and other local justice system partners.

12:30 p.m. - Rededication ceremony for the renovated Dodge County Courthouse

The rededication ceremony will be held in the courtroom located on the second floor of the Dodge County Courthouse. The event will feature remarks by Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice G. Barry Anderson, Dodge County District Court Judge Jodi L. Williamson, and members of the Dodge County Board of Commissioners. Justice Anderson will present the county with a commemorative plaque marking the historic renovation project, on behalf of the Minnesota Supreme Court.
 
The ceremony is open to the public and media.
 

Noon to 4:30 p.m. – Informational tours of the Dodge County Courthouse and Government Services Building 

The public is invited take self-guided tours of the newly-renovated Dodge County Courthouse and the Government Services Building anytime between noon and 4:30 p.m. Building maps and informational brochures will be available at the entrances of both buildings.
 
Inside the courthouse, visitors will see the remodeled courtroom; the offices of the public defender, county attorney, and probation; court administration; the jury deliberation room; and the county law library. In addition, Dodge County Sheriff Scott Rose will give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the Sheriff’s office, including the administrative offices, the new dispatch center, weapons screening, and the holding and booking areas.
 
At the Government Services Building, visitors will tour the new county boardroom; learn what county services are available at the renovated building; and learn about services through the local University of Minnesota Extension office.
 
Throughout both buildings, guests will be able to learn about their justice system and county government by meeting with judges, attorneys, law enforcement, county officials, and staff.

If You Come

For the safety of all attendees, visitors will be required to pass through a security screening checkpoint before entering the courthouse.

Location and Directions:

Dodge County Courthouse and Annex 
22 6th Street East
Mantorville, MN 55955
Phone: (507) 635-6260
Directions

Dodge County Government Services Building
721 Main Street North 
Mantorville, MN 55955
Phone: (507) 635-6239
Directions

Parking:

Free public parking lots and street parking is available at both buildings.