Court Returns to the Historic Courthouse

Closed to official county and court business since 1975, official court proceedings will once again be held in the courtroom of the Historic Courthouse on Friday, June 2, 2107, with Washington County District Court Judge Greg Galler conducting a calendar with a variety of civil and criminal cases. The public is welcome to attend and observe the proceedings. County Attorney Pete Orput will be appearing on cases involving Washington County and Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry will personally take part in security. A number of local officials will be participating. Local attorneys participating include Stillwater City Countil member, Mr. Tom Weidner; Washington County’s Examiner of Titles, Mr. Ed Simonet, III; and Mr. Jack Walsh. Mr. Walsh practiced in this historic building and was Washington County’s first Chief Public Defender. He served in that role for nearly 30 years.

Much has changed since the Historic Courthouse closed 42 years ago. However the desire of citizens to peaceably settle disputes, according to law, has remained unchanged. This event on June 2 recognizes the hard work done by our ancestors to establish and preserve the justice system that we have today.