Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor joined members of the Maumee Municipal Court judiciary as they celebrated today the court’s golden anniversary.

Serving as the keynote speaker, Chief Justice O’Connor talked about the history of the Maumee Municipal Court and how it almost never came to light due to one state representative who wanted to expand the Toledo Municipal Court rather than create individual municipal courts in the suburbs.

Chief Justice O’Connor recognized Judge Gary Byers, who is serving his 21st year as judge at the Maumee Municipal Court, and acknowledged how municipal and county courts are the busiest courts in the state.

“Municipal and county courts are the face of justice that most Ohioans see,” Chief Justice O’Connor said. “In fact, for many Ohioans, their first – and maybe only – experience with the judicial system comes in municipal/county court.”

Chief Justice O’Connor said the court will continue to make history and praised the Maumee Municipal Court for its 50 years of service.

“For establishing the administrative controls to effectively manage one of Ohio’s high-volume courts and still delivering individual justice for individual cases, Judge Byers and his staff have our thanks,” Chief Justice O’Connor said.

“Congratulations to the Maumee Municipal Court on fifty years of administering justice and assisting litigants in court. I look forward to the next fifty years of accomplishments,” Chief Justice O’Connor added.

During the ceremony, the Maumee Municipal Court gave special recognition to attorney volunteers who work with the Maumee Court’s Mediation Program. The court said it resolves around 80-90 percent of all cases mediated. Judge Louis J. Fulop, who served from 1970 to 1975, and the widow of Judge Wendall P. Allen, who served from 1976 to 1993, were also recognized during the event.