FRANKFORT, Ky., Dec. 6, 2004 ¾ The public is invited to celebrate the official opening of the new Cumberland County Justice Center on Friday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m. CST. The justice center is located at 112 Courthouse Square in Burkesville.

"This is an exciting time for Cumberland County," said County Judge Executive Tim Hicks. "The Cumberland County Courthouse has long played a central role in our community and I believe the new justice center will greatly enhance our ability to meet the needs of a growing court system. The state and Cumberland County have worked together to produce a facility we can all be proud of for years to come."

The justice center contains approximately 24,000 square feet and provides space for two courtrooms, judges’ chambers and the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk, according to Garlan Vanhook, general manager of facilities for the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in Frankfort. There are also offices for support staff such as pretrial services and the court designated worker.

The new court facility increases efficiency of services and public flow. It is equipped with modern computer, video and networking technology. The design also brings security to Cumberland County courts through a single-point entry with magnetometers and security personnel. Security is further enhanced by moving prisoners through separate entrances, corridors and elevators.

The Cumberland County Justice Center was designed to meet the standards required by the Administrative Office of the Courts, which is the fiscal agent for the Kentucky Court of Justice and oversees courthouse construction statewide. Lyle Associates, an architectural firm in Lexington, Ky., designed the building. Codell Construction Company of Winchester, Ky., served as construction manager for the project and Hilliard Lyons of Louisville was the financial agent.

Chief Justice of Kentucky Joseph E. Lambert will speak at the dedication. Others expected to attend include Kentucky Senate President David L. Williams, Cumberland County Circuit Judge Eddie Lovelace, Cumberland County Vice Chief Regional District Judge Steve D. Hurt, Cumberland County Circuit Clerk Hazel Jones, Court of Appeals judges, state legislators, AOC staff, Fiscal Court members and local officials. For more information, contact Dorothy Roach at 270-864-5600.