News Item
MN Supreme Court Announces Visit to Wadena Area

Posted: Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Hearing of Actual Case at Wadena Memorial Auditorium, Dinner Open to Public Will Teach Students, Citizens About the Judicial Branch

Minnesota residents in the Wadena area are invited to meet the Minnesota Supreme Court and local judges during an informal community dinner on Tuesday, October 8, 2013, in Wadena, MN.  The “Meet Your Court” dinner is one of the events that are part of the Supreme Court’s fall visit to the Seventh Judicial District. 

The state’s highest court will also hear oral arguments of an actual case at the Wadena Memorial Auditorium, Wednesday, October 9.  Students from Wadena-Deer Creek High School and surrounding schools will pack the auditorium to watch oral arguments and ask questions of the justices.  Following the program, the justices will eat lunch with students and visit classrooms.  The oral argument program will be broadcast live online. 

The visit is part of a biannual program that seeks to teach students about the court system and build the public’s trust and confidence in the Judicial Branch.

While the High School program is focused on students, all members of the public are invited to the St. Ann’s Parish Center in Wadena, MN, on October 8 to meet the Supreme Court justices and district court judges and ask questions over dinner.  Dinner will include braised beef, slow roasted chicken, balsamic salad, buttermilk mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetable, and dessert and beverages.

Tickets are available for purchase through the Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce.  To order tickets, please complete the registration form (PDF) and return it by September 30, 2013, to: Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce, 5 Aldrich Ave. SE, Wadena, MN 56482.  Checks should be made out to “Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce.”  You may also make reservations in person at the chamber office by bringing the RSVP form (PDF) and your payment.  Tickets are non-refundable and will not be available at the door.  The Chamber will not invoice for reservations.  Seating is limited.  When you arrive at Saint Ann’s Parish Center, please check in at the welcome table to receive your nametag, which will serve as your ticket to the event.

Since the Supreme Court convened oral arguments in Rochester, MN, in 1995, the school visits have taken center stage in the Court’s efforts to improve the public’s understanding of the judiciary’s work.  The 2013 Wadena visit marks the 38th in-school oral argument throughout Minnesota for the Court.

Who: The Minnesota Supreme Court and Seventh Judicial District Judges

What: “Meet Your Court” community dinner, open to the public

When: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Where: St. Ann’s Parish Center, 514 First Street SE, Wadena

Tickets: $13.00 – Mail response form (PDF) or visit the Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce in person by September 30 for reservations.  Seating is limited and tickets are non-refundable.