FRANKFORT, Ky., Aug. 24, 2004 ¾ The public is invited to celebrate the official opening of the new Carter County Justice Center on Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 11 a.m. EDT. The justice center is located at 100 E. Main St. in Grayson.

"This is an exciting time for Carter County," said Charles Wallace, judge executive for Carter County. "The Carter 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 Carter County have worked together to produce a facility we can all be proud of for years to come."

The justice center contains approximately 34,000 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 Carter 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 Carter County Justice Center was designed to meet the standards required by the Administrative Office of the Courts. Brandstetter Carroll of Lexington served as the architect, Codell Construction of Winchester served as the construction manager and Ross Sinclaire 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 Carter County Circuit Court Clerk Larry D. Thompson at 606-474-5191.