State funding helps Winona courthouse with $13,000 scanner

State gave out $1 million to 57 counties for security.

The state of Minnesota is helping dozens of counties with funding for courthouse security.

Government grants totally $1 million are being spread out to 57 counties in the state, including Winona and Fillmore.

The Winona County courthouse will use its $13,000 grant on a new scanner at the building’s main entrance.  

“I don’t know if it was on a waiting list but it certainly was on the radar,” said Jill Johnson from Winona’s courthouse security committee, which applied for the grant.

Johnson says the scanner being used now to screen people entering the Winona courthouse is over 10 years old and a new model was needed.

“Our courthouse is an old historic building and has just a small foyer in it,” Johnson said. “So, the new (device) is significantly smaller than the current type equipment.”

Johnson added that other security needs for the local courthouse could be funded through the state program in future years.