News Item
MN Supreme Court Announces Visit to Willmar Area

Posted: Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Hearing of Actual Case at Willmar High School, Dinner Open to Public Will Teach Students, Citizens About the Judicial Branch

Minnesota residents in the Willmar area are invited to meet the Minnesota Supreme Court and local judges during an informal community dinner on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, in Willmar, MN.  The “Meet Your Court” dinner is one of the events that are part of the Supreme Court’s fall visit to the Eighth Judicial District.  The Court is pleased to partner with the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce for the community dinner. 

The state’s highest court will also hear oral arguments of an actual case in the auditorium at Willmar High School on Wednesday, October 10.  Students from the Eighth Judicial District 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 at schools in the area.

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 Willmar High School program is focused on students, all members of the public are invited to the Willmar Conference Center in Willmar, MN, on October 9 to meet the Supreme Court justices and district court judges and ask questions over dinner.  Dinner will include an entrée of roast turkey, green salad, potato, vegetable, and dessert.

To order tickets, which are priced only to cover the cost of dinner, please contact the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce by September 27, 2012.  Those registering and paying by check should use the RSVP form.  Checks should be made out to “Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce” and sent with the form to: Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, 2104 Highway 12 East, Willmar, MN 56201.  You may also make reservations by emailing the RSVP form and your payment information to chamber@willmarareachamber.com or by calling the Chamber at (320) 235-0300. Tickets are non-refundable and will not be available at the door.  Seating is limited.  When you arrive at the Willmar Conference 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 2012 Willmar visit marks the 36th in-school oral argument throughout Minnesota for the Court.

Who:               The Minnesota Supreme Court and Eighth Judicial District Judges

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

When:             6:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Where:            Willmar Conference Center, 2100 E Hwy 12, Willmar, MN 56201

Tickets:          $15.00 - Send RSVP form to the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at chamber@willmarareachamber.com or call (320) 235-0300 by September 27 for reservations.  Seating is limited and tickets are non-refundable.