All Pennington County buildings and facilities are closed to the public effective at 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 20 until 8 a.m. Monday, March 30, or until further notice. The Justice Center will remain open for scheduled super high and high priority court hearings during that time. However, individuals entering the Justice Center for such purposes will need to provide the name of the case or the case number.

In taking these measures, Pennington County remains in line with guidance for social distancing strategies recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Gov. Tim Walz; and the Minnesota health commissioner.

This action will also help protect staff and the general public from being exposed to potentially sick individuals and spreading the virus to friends and families.

While the buildings will be closed to the public, normal county services and operations will continue to be provided to the community on the same schedule, through both phone and email.

Many services can also be done online if necessary, and citizens are encouraged to explore those options. A listing of department contacts can be found on the county website at co.pennington.mn.us or by calling the Emergency Management Department at 683-7087.

Court hearings
According to an order signed by Judge Tamara Yon on Friday morning, “efforts will be made to accommodate remote appearances for every scheduled court hearing. Those persons necessary to conduct a litigant’s super high or high priority hearing, and other persons with prior approval of the court, may enter the Pennington County Justice Center.

“The Pennington County Justice Center will remain open to the public. The front door located on the east side of the Pennington County Justice Center shall be used, and persons must identify the purpose of their visit to the Pennington County Justice Center, such as providing the name of the case or case number.

“For persons who have business with the court other than super high or high priority hearings, eFiling, U.S. Mail, and telephone access will be available. Efforts will be made to accommodate remote appearances for every scheduled hearing.”