FRANKFORT, Ky., May 10, 2005 ¾ The public is invited to celebrate the official opening of the new Clay County Justice Center on Thursday, May 19, at 11 a.m. EDT. The justice center is located at 316 Main St. in Manchester.

"I would like to express my appreciation to everyone who contributed to the construction and operation of the Clay County Justice Center,” said Clay County Judge Executive James Garrison. “This is a beautiful building and one that the citizens of Clay and surrounding counties can enjoy for many years to come.”

The judicial building contains approximately 38,000 square feet which 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, which 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 Clay County courts through a single-point entry with magnetometers and security personnel. In addition, prisoners will be segregated from the public through the use of separate entrances, corridors and elevators.

The Clay 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 Sinclair of Frankfort was the financial advisor.

Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert will speak at the dedication. State legislators, circuit and district judges, county magistrates, AOC staff and local officials are also expected to attend. For more information, contact Judy Maricle at 606-598-5251.

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