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The chief judge of the Ninth Judicial District has ordered the closure of the Portage County Family Court Commissioner hearing room due to safety concerns.

The room was deemed inadequate for its lack of an emergency exit, poor ventilation and insufficient space between participants.

Portage County Circuit judges acknowledge the closure will cause delays but state the safety of citizens and staff is the top priority.

STEVENS POINT − The Ninth Judicial District chief judge has ordered the Portage County Family Court Commissioner hearing room closed.

The current space for the court commissioner is and has been inadequate, Chief Judge Ann Knox-Bauer stated in her order closing the hearing room. There is only one door for entrance and exit; the commissioner, litigants,

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