SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The Minnehaha County Courthouse is closed to the public–including the media.
Under a new standing order by Second Circuit Presiding Judge Robin Houwman, only those involved directly with court business will be admitted to the Sioux Falls courthouse. The order does not apply to Lincoln County.
The media and public can only listen to telephonic hearings “or through alternative means with advanced arrangements,” according to Houman’s statement.
The Minnehaha County Clerk of Court’s Office is also closed to the public except for “emergent matters, such as temporary protection orders and involuntary commitments.”
Below is the notice from Judge Houwman.
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Good afternoon. In light of the recent declaration of a public health emergency in Minnehaha County, Presiding Judge Robin Houwman has issued a new standing order today addressing additional measures to be taken in response to the current pandemic. Please note, the Order does not apply to Lincoln County. The Order restricts the ability of visitors or spectators without business in the Courthouse to enter the Courthouse during the Declared Public Health Emergency in Minnehaha County. In recent weeks the Court has taken many steps to modify nearly every court process to follow CDC recommendations. As the attached Order outlines, the Public Health Emergency identifies a significant risk to the public health and safety of our community and the State of South Dakota, prompting this new standing order. Lawyers, litigants, defendants, witnesses, grand jurors, victims and their advocates, employees, probationers, and security officers will continue to have physical access to the Courthouse. However, while the Court remains open, the press and members of the general public who are not litigants themselves will only be able to witness proceedings via the phone or through alternative means with advanced arrangements. The Clerk’s offices will be closed to walk-in traffic with the exception of emergent matters, such as temporary protection orders and involuntary commitments. The Clerk’s Office, payments, and other court services remain available to the public online and by phone at the following numbers and website: http://ujs.sd.gov/second_circuit
