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Courthouse security discussed at county meeting

By Greg Bebermeyer

01/23/2025

Brown County Courthouse

(KNZA)--Courthouse security was discussed when the Brown County Commission met Tuesday.

On hand for the discussion were Sheriff John Merchant, District Judge John Weingart, District Judge Laura Johnson-McNish and County Attorney Kevin Hill.

The topic was placed on the agenda after Commissioner Bill Pollock brought up the subject at last week's meeting.

Currently, a security guard is stationed at the front entrance and the public is required to go through a metal detector.

Pollock would like to see changes made to the security measures, which have been in place since 2018. He argued not everyone needs to be checked and would like to see the security guard to be allowed to move about the courthouse.

Hill said there have been several incidents in the past that have warranted the security steps. He noted a survey of courthouse personnel showed overwhelming support for continuing with security at the front entrance.

Commission Chairman Lucas Heinen said he heard some legitimate concerns from the public about the security measures.

Commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl said he supports the courthouse security. He voiced liability concerns if the Commission was to make a change and something happened.

Heinen invited Merchant back to next week meeting to further discuss the issue.

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