Missouri's highest-ranking judicial official, Chief Justice Mary R. Russell, stopped in St. Louis Circuit Court last Friday as part of her commitment to connect with court staff across the state. According to a news release from the Missouri Supreme Court, her statewide tour is an initiative to visit all 46 circuits in Missouri, and she has currently marked 34 off her list. Russell emphasizes recognizing the contributions of the judiciary's unsung heroes, a sentiment she shared during her visit.

While in St. Louis, the Chief Justice, together with Missouri Supreme Court Clerk Betsy Ledgerwood, engaged with various departments, including treatment court, criminal case initiation, and controllers, as well as clerks, detention and bond courtrooms, pretrial services, the facilities staff, and IT department. Russell's tour was not just about observation but also gratitude, as she expressed her appreciation directly to the court's backbone. "I'm just doing a tour of the state and thanking everybody behind the scenes for what they do," Chief Justice Russell told court staff. "I'm here to say thank you for all of your efforts. We may not see you in Jefferson City, but we know you're here and we appreciate you."

The St. Louis Circuit Court shared glimpses of Russell's tour, documenting the Chief Justice's commitment to acknowledge the tireless efforts of court staff across Missouri. Senators Karla May and Steve Roberts, familiar with legislative labors, joined Russell, witnessing the integral workings of the judicial system in person.