ISLAND CITY Union County’s Justice Court is about to accept cases. Doors to the new court will open Monday at Island City City Hall.

Rick Dall, a La Grande attorney, was sworn in as justice Tuesday by Union County Circuit Judge Russ West.

Dall was appointed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski to the post Oct. 29.

As the new Justice Court starts, it will handle only violations. At some point in the future, the court may expand to deal with matters such as small-claims cases, misdemeanor criminal matters and other legal issues, Dall said.

All initial court appearances will be planned for evening sessions of the court, with the date and time specified by law enforcement officers on the citations they issue. The sessions will be held at Island City City Hall.

Making an initial court appearance by mail will also be an option in many matters, Dall added.

The new Union County Justice Court office will be open between 8 a.m. and noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, it will be open from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The court office is located at City Hall, behind Island Express Lube and Car Wash.

If there are any questions about Justice Court, Dall invites people to stop in during office hours, or send in written correspondence to Union County Justice Court, 10605 Island Ave., Island City 97850.