CARLTON — Minnesota Chief Justice Natalie Hudson and the Minnesota Judicial Council commemorated the opening of the new Carlton County Justice Center by presenting a plaque to the Carlton County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, Sept. 18.
“This justice center is far more than a new building — it’s a reflection of the community’s commitment to a fairer, safer, and more responsive justice system,” said Chief Justice Hudson during the presentation.
“It stands as a promise to every resident of Carlton County: it is a promise that the doors to justice will be open, equitable and welcoming to all.”
The new justice center houses probation, public defense, the county attorney, the sheriff’s department and the jail within the same facility as the courts. This intentional design facilitates communication and coordination across the justice system, while making it easier for people to access services, stay connected with legal representatives and navigate the process more efficiently, according to a news release.
The justice center also includes one courtroom specifically designed to support treatment court and child protection cases involving the Indian Child Welfare Act. The center of the courtroom features a custom-made roundtable meant to honor Native American traditions and beliefs while fostering equality, inclusion and open dialogue: ideals that are central to both the healing work of treatment court and the cultural practices respected in ICWA proceedings.
During her remarks, the chief justice thanked Carlton County’s Board of Commissioners, Sheriff Kelly Lake, County Attorney Lauri Ketola and Carlton County staff. But she also made a point of thanking people who live in Carlton County.
“Your trust and support made this project possible,” she said of Carlton County residents. “This justice center belongs to you. It is your investment in justice, and your legacy to future generations.”
-
Concentrated power in agriculture is a consistent rallying cry for small farmers, who say a handful of food producers are given too much leeway to control the marketplace. -
Contributed/Jerry Burnes / Iron Range TodayThe city faces increased costs from a police contract, repayment to the DNR of mining tax revenue the agency overpaid and a new fire truck. -
Nine Northern Minnesota electric cooperatives and municipal utilities were awarded state dollars for grid resilience, including Virginia and Clearwater-Polk Electric Coop. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe district plans to open a school-based health center by the end of 2026 using a state grant. The work is a continuation of efforts to meet students' needs. -
Pam Perry, our favorite retired non-game wildlife biologist, talks about the Christmas Bird Count and Pine Grosbeaks with Heidi Holtan and our Staff Phenologist John Latimer. -
Contributed/National Weather Service-DuluthThe potential for high winds in northwest Minnesota has diminished somewhat, but heavy snow rates and light, blowing snow are still risks for those traveling. -
Contributed/Minnesota Department of TransportationThe agency invites witty, unique and Minnesota or winter-themed names for snowplows each year, culminating in a public vote to select the winners. -
Contributed/Brothers Burn MountainRyan and Jesse Dermody of The Brothers Burn Mountain are building a nature-inspired recording studio near Cotton, MN, where they, and others, can be inspired by the natural beauty. -
Plus: Deer River's new telehealth program the first step toward school-based health center. -
Contributed/Nicole Neri/Minnesota ReformerThe incident has split Democrats between those who believe due process should play out for the accused and those who believe a personal scandal will derail the goals of the party in northern Minnesota.
