FRANKFORT, Ky., Aug. 16, 2004 ¾ The public is invited to celebrate the official opening of the new Simpson County Justice Center on Friday, Aug. 27, at 10 a.m. CDT. The justice center is located at 101 N. Court St. in Franklin.

"We are very excited to unveil this new court facility," said Jim Henderson, judge executive for Simpson County. "While the Simpson County Courthouse has met the needs of the judicial system in the past, the new Justice Center will serve the future needs of a growing court system. The partnership between the state and Simpson County has resulted in a remarkable facility we can be proud of for generations to come."

The justice center contains approximately 32,000 square feet that provides space for Circuit and District courts, the Office of Circuit Court Clerk and ancillary services, according to Garlan VanHook, general manager of facilities for the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in Frankfort. The AOC is the fiscal agent for the Kentucky Court of Justice and oversees courthouse construction statewide. 

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 Simpson County courts through a single-point entry with magnetometers and security personnel. Security is further enhanced by segregating prisoner movement through separate entrances, corridors and elevators.

The Simpson County Justice Center was designed to meet the standards required by the Administrative Office of the Courts. CMW Inc. of Lexington served as the architect, Venture Contracting of Glasgow served as the construction manager and Ross Sinclair of Frankfort was the financial advisor.

Chief Justice of Kentucky Joseph E. Lambert will speak at the dedication. Others expected to be in attendance include state legislators, Circuit and District Court judges, county magistrates, AOC staff and local officials. For more information, contact the Simpson County Office of Circuit Court Clerk at 270-586-4241.