Minnehaha, Lincoln counties need another judge to keep pace with population growth

New judges, staff, require remodel of courthouse

Judge Robin Houwman told Minnehaha County commissioners on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, that the courthouse will need to be remodeled to accommodate demand. (Jonathan Ellis/The Dakota Scout)

The Sioux Falls area needs another circuit court judge to keep pace with surging demand in the judicial system, Second Circuit Court Presiding Judge Robin Houwman told the Minnehaha County Commission on Tuesday.

Houwman said she expects to include funding for a new circuit court judge in her budget request to the Legislature next year.

“We do have a substantial caseload,” she said.

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