FRANKFORT, Ky., July 28, 2004 -- The public is invited to celebrate the official opening of the new Knott County Judicial Center on Wednesday, Aug. 4, at 11 a.m. The judicial center is located at 53 W. Main St. in Hindman.

"The Knott County Courthouse has historically played a special role in the lives of local citizens," said Eddie Campbell, finance director for the Knott County Fiscal Court. "The new judicial center and the renovation were constructed to serve the future needs of our court system and are facilities we can be proud of for generations to come."

The judicial center contains approximately 36,000 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, 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 Knott 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 Knott County Judicial Center was designed to meet the standards required by the Administrative Office of the Courts. Codell Construction of Winchester 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 circuit judge's office at 606-785-3842 or the Knott County Office of Circuit Court Clerk at 606-785-5021.