County prepares for extended vacancy following Judge Ed Steenberg's departure

Keith County is set to face a significant transition in its judicial system following the departure of County Court Judge Ed Steenberg. During the Keith County Board of Commissioners meeting on February 26, 2025, officials discussed the process for filling the vacancy left by Steenberg, who is expected to be completely off the bench by August. The timeline for appointing a new judge includes a meeting to assess the need for a judge in the jurisdiction, followed by a period for applications and interviews before the final decision is made by the governor's office.

The absence of a permanent county court judge is anticipated to create challenges for the local judicial system, particularly in scheduling court dates. Currently, judges from other jurisdictions are stepping in to cover cases, but this arrangement is proving difficult, especially for civil cases that require firm scheduling. The board acknowledged that the juggling of court dates could lead to delays in legal proceedings, affecting both civil and criminal cases.

In addition to judicial matters, the meeting touched on infrastructure developments, including discussions about the ongoing construction of a temporary casino building and the potential for new subdivisions in the area. The board noted that as construction progresses, interest in local development is likely to increase, with expectations of new housing projects emerging.

The meeting also included updates on technology improvements within the county's administrative functions, with plans to implement new payroll and payables software. This transition aims to enhance data processing capabilities, although it has faced some delays.

Overall, the Keith County Board of Commissioners is navigating a period of change, with the judicial vacancy and ongoing infrastructure projects poised to impact the community significantly in the coming months. The board's proactive approach to these challenges reflects its commitment to maintaining effective governance and community development.