The St. Croix County Community Justice Collaborating Council convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, including the introduction of new judicial personnel, recognition of community contributions, and updates on local programs.

The meeting began with the introduction of Judge Alex Mestad, who will officially take office on August 1. Judge Mestad, previously a public defender and most recently a deputy district attorney, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the council, highlighting his familiarity with its mission from his prior involvement.

Following the introductions, the council moved to approve the minutes from the March 13 meeting, which were accepted without amendments. There were no public comments during this session.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing two local attorneys, Teresa Beyer and Anjali Patel, who received the Secretary's Putting Families First Award from the Department of Children and Families. This award acknowledges their exceptional work in child welfare and advocacy. Both attorneys were praised for their dedication to serving children and families in St. Croix County, with Beyer noted for her role as a guardian ad litem and Patel for her work in child protection cases.

Beyer expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of collaboration within the county's legal system and the positive impact of their initiatives on children’s welfare.

The meeting concluded with an update from Kate Brewer on the adult treatment court program. Brewer reported an increase in referrals and participants, noting that the program has grown significantly since the previous quarter, with expectations to reach target population levels soon.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to community justice and the ongoing efforts to improve services for families and individuals in St. Croix County.