Menominee Tribal Court Closed Friday Jan. 23, Hearings Rescheduled, Staff Granted Leave

The Menominee Tribal Court is closed Friday, Jan. 23 after Chief Justice Long cited forecasted frigid temperatures as the reason for a one-day shutdown that affects court users across Menominee County. The closure pauses the court calendar for the day and shifts responsibility for rescheduling hearings to court administrators.

Per the court notice, "Per Chief Justice Long the Menominee Tribal Court will be closed for the day on Friday, January 23rd, 2026 due to the forecasted frigid temperatures." The announcement adds that "All scheduled hearings will be rescheduled and notice will be going out to all parties." The notice also states that "Chief Justice Long will grant Court Employees Administrative Leave for Friday, January 23rd, 2026."

For residents and legal practitioners, the immediate impact is logistical. Anyone with a hearing on the court docket for today should expect a formal notice of a new date from the court rather than appearing in person. Attorneys, witnesses, and litigants should monitor communications from the court or their counsel to confirm rescheduled times. The administrative leave for court employees reduces staff exposure to hazardous travel and supports continuity of staffing when temperatures moderate.

The closure highlights an operational reality for tribal and local justice systems in this region: extreme winter weather can interrupt in-person court services and delay case processing. While a single-day closure is targeted at safety, it adds to scheduling pressure in an already busy docket. Time-sensitive matters may require expedited follow-up when the court reopens; parties with urgent filings should contact their attorneys or the court as soon as possible to understand any deadlines affected by the closure.

This action was taken at the direction of Chief Justice Long and applies to the court facility for the day specified. Notices will be issued to the parties on affected dockets; the court’s message concludes with gratitude for public attention to the change. Residents who rely on tribal court services - including litigants, defense counsel, and victim advocates - should plan for delayed proceedings and confirm new dates before making travel plans.

What comes next is rescheduling and a return to normal operations once temperatures abate. Monitor official court communications for rescheduled hearing dates and follow instructions from attorneys or court staff to avoid missing new deadlines.