Public Notice Detail
Chief Justice Blatz, Justice Alan Page to Visit West Central Minnesota During “Court Innovations Tour”
Posted: Monday, April 7, 2003
ST. PAUL, MN (April 7, 2003) – Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Kathleen A. Blatz and Justice Alan C. Page will visit West Central Minnesota’s Eighth Judicial District Wednesday, April 16, and Thursday, April 17. They will highlight local court innovations and critical resource needs for area courts, meet with community leaders and hear citizens’ feedback about the judiciary.
“These tours give us a chance to learn from the experiences of jurors, litigants, victims and concerned citizens throughout the state,” said Chief Justice Blatz. “We welcome the opportunity to hear from the people we serve, especially in this time of the state’s budget crisis.”
The Justices will visit the cities of Benson, Montevideo, Willmar and Litchfield. During the tour, they will:
- Address pressing budget concerns for local courts.
- Congratulate local participants in the criminal justice system for their cooperative efforts to work efficiently while better serving citizens.
- Speak at a Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast about Minnesota Judicial Branch accomplishments.
- Address the importance of fairness, independence and integrity of the courts.
- Recognize the Meeker County Board and Meeker County citizens for their support of their courthouse renovation.
- Visit with high school students about the Judicial Branch.
The tour through the Eighth District is the Chief Justice’s sixth “Court Innovations Tour.” Since fall 1999, she has visited the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Seventh and Ninth Judicial Districts.
All events are open to the media. The April 16-17 schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, April 16
1:25 – 2:15 p.m.
Benson High School, Benson, MN
Chief Justice Blatz will speak to Melanie Boe’s business law class of high school juniors and seniors about the First Amendment and other legal issues.
Wednesday, April 16
3:30 p.m.
Courtroom 1, Chippewa County Courthouse, Montevideo, MN
Press Conference: Tri-County Arraignment Program, Court System Budget Crisis
The Chief Justice, Justice Page and representatives from the Eighth Judicial District, the County Attorney’s Offices and the Public Defender’s Offices will talk about how the Tri-County Arraignment Program provides greater efficiency and better service to citizens. Also, court officials will discuss how the looming budget deficit will impact local citizens.
Thursday, April 17
7:30 – 9 a.m.
Willmar Holiday Inn, Willmar, MN
Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Breakfast
Chief Justice Blatz and Justice Alan Page will speak about how the court system has worked to better serve Minnesotans and how the impending budget challenges will impact local citizens. They will take audience questions following their formal remarks. For reservations, contact Liz VanDerBill, Director of Member Services at the Chamber, at (320) 235-0300.
Thursday, April 17
2 p.m.
Courtroom 1, Meeker County Courthouse, Litchfield, MN
Meeker County Ceremony of Appreciation
Chief Justice Blatz, Justice Alan Page, Eighth District Chief Judge Steven Drange and Meeker County officials will participate in a ceremony of appreciation for the Meeker County Board and residents for their support of the courthouse renovation. The renovation resolved space, security and other issues, allowing the courts to better serve Meeker County residents.