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The circuit courtroom at the Baraga County Courthouse is scheduled to receive a significant technological upgrade today.
A state-of-the-art recording and video projection system will be installed. One of the benefits will be the ability to display relevant exhibits and documents on a video screen.
At last night’s county board meeting, Prosecuting Attorney Joseph O’Leary said that will help jurors follow trial evidence.
Commissioners approved the appointment of Jill Beeler to the county Department of Health and Human Services Board, and named former commissioner Bill Menge and Jayne Walbridge to fill two unexpired terms on the Baraga County Memorial Hospital Board.
The board also approved the sale of 2.5 acres of land the county owns on the Abbaye Peninsula. The parcel is landlocked, preventing any use by the county. The owner of some adjoining property will purchase it for $20,000.
Commissioners approved a proposed settlement in a major lawsuit against Purdue Pharma over its alleged role in the opioid abuse epidemic. Numerous states and local units of government are involved. O’Leary said the county will eventually receive a fraction of the approximately $5 billion dollar payment, but added that it’s too early to project how large the local portion will be. Additional money may also become available as Purdue Pharma reorganizes in bankruptcy, and is sold to a new owner.
