When Barron County built a new Justice Center in 2004, designed with many security features, it was the envy of many other counties. Yet it lacked weapons screening at the entrance.
In November 2024, the Barron County Board of Supervisors approved the addition of a sworn Deputy to operate a weapons screening station at the Justice Center entrance. The vote to approve was 24-2, and it was the only full-time position approved by the Board for 2025.
Jim Babler, Presiding Judge for Barron County, reported that the position had the full support of Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald, who was instrumental in the Board’s approval. Weapons screening was the top safety request of the Justice Center staff for many years.
“The Circuit Court Judges, Clerk of Circuit Court, District Attorney, Sheriff, and all Justice Center staff are extremely grateful to the County Board for providing this critical position to enhance the safety of staff, attorneys, litigants, and citizens who frequent the Justice Center on a daily basis,” said Babler.
Third Branch eNews is an online monthly newsletter of the Director of State Courts Office. If you are interested in contributing an article about your department’s programs or accomplishments, contact your department head. Information about judicial retirements and judicial obituaries may be submitted to: Sara.Foster@wicourts.gov