Clallam Commissioners Seek Public Input on Honoring Late Justice Susan Owens

Proposals range from a monument to renaming the courthouse or a courtroom after the longtime Clallam County resident.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Clallam County Commissioners are inviting the public to weigh in on how to permanently honor the legacy of the late retired Supreme Court Justice Susan Owens, who served nearly 20 years on the county's District Court before being elected to the Washington Supreme Court in 2000. The commissioners have scheduled a public hearing on March 10 to gather input on proposals ranging from a monument or statue on county property to renaming the courthouse or a courtroom in her honor.

Why it matters

Justice Owens was a longtime Clallam County resident who dedicated decades of service to the local and state legal system, including work in tribal courts. Her supporters, including tribal leaders and legal colleagues, believe a significant memorial is warranted to honor her legacy, and the commissioners want to ensure a full public record before making a decision.

The details

The commissioners are considering several options to honor Owens, including a commemorative plaque at the Clallam County Courthouse or at District Court II in Forks. They are also open to proposals for a monument or statue on county property, or renaming the courthouse or a courtroom after Owens. County Administrator Todd Mielke says the goal of the hearing is to receive public comments on the best way to recognize Owens' contributions.

  • The public hearing is scheduled for March 10, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Owens retired from the Washington Supreme Court at the end of 2024 and died in March 2025.

The players

Susan Owens

A longtime Clallam County resident who served nearly 20 years on the county's District Court before being elected to the Washington Supreme Court in 2000, where she served until her retirement at the end of 2024. She died in March 2025.

Todd Mielke

The Clallam County Administrator, who says the goal of the public hearing is to receive comments on how best to recognize Justice Owens' work and contributions.

Mark Ozias

A Clallam County Commissioner who says the commissioners have heard from a band of supporters and want to hear more broadly from the public before making a decision.

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What they’re saying

“This is for the purpose of receiving comments on how best to recognize Justice Susan Owens for the work that she has done, and as a person who spent most of her life in this area. We say 'public hearing,' but really this is to receive public comments.”

— Todd Mielke, Clallam County Administrator (myclallamcounty.com)

“This is certainly interesting, hearing from the advocates. I know there are a lot of competing opinions out there, and I'm really looking forward to hearing more broadly from the public and taking their testimony into account.”

— Mark Ozias, Clallam County Commissioner (myclallamcounty.com)

What’s next

The Clallam County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on March 10, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. to gather input from the community on how to best honor the legacy of the late Justice Susan Owens.

The takeaway

The commissioners' decision on how to honor Justice Owens will be guided by legal review and community feedback, ensuring a full public record before any final decision is made. This process highlights the importance of community input in recognizing the contributions of local leaders and public servants.