Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor traveled to Meigs and Jackson counties to award court technology grants.

The grants are designed for courts to promote innovations, modernization, and efficiency.

The Supreme Court awarded $3.2 million dollars in grants this year.

“It’s crucial today for courts to have updated technology, such as adding e-filing, video conference equipment, and have the ability to connect to the Ohio Courts Network,” Chief Justice O’Connor said. “These courts had the foresight to realize they needed upgrades to create easier access to justice.”

The first stop was Meigs County, where the chief justice delivered a $217,733 technology grant to the Meigs County Court to pay for a case management update. The chief justice also presented a $78,901 check to the Meigs County Common Pleas Court. The money will upgrade the computer programs and video conferencing systems.

“Our hope is that the instant access to the pleadings in our clerk of court’s office will assist with communications with our sheriff’s office, who are constantly facing transport scheduling issues for defendants in custody who need to appear for various hearings,” Meigs County Common Pleas Judge Linda Warner said.

“The technology upgrades and improvements will increase accessibility and transparency with the public we serve and that would not have been possible without the grant awards,” she said.

The chief justice also traveled to Jackson County to present a $148,940 check to Jackson County Common Pleas Judge Christopher Regan to pay for case management upgrades and a website overhaul.

In the past five years, the Supreme Court has awarded more than $17 million in grants.

View a complete list of grants recently awarded.