Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Judge's Corner

Although we have been extremely busy, it seems like there is always more to do than what we have done. No problem. Such is life.

I know that a lot has been said about the courthouse, and not a lot has been done that you as the public can see. However, there has been a multitude of decisions addressed and made.

There have been many changes made in the floor plans. Once everyone on the bottom floor was satisfied and we felt that these would be adequate offices for the next one hundred years, we started on the upper floor. This is where the court system will be. We met twice with the bar association. When I say we, I am speaking of myself, Jerry Simmons and the building committee. At the two meetings, we made changes to the judge's chambers and the jury room. Once this was done, the building committee voted to accept the plans.

We had hoped that we could have a ground breaking ceremony in June. Then we hoped we could do this in July. Now Jerry Simmons of Twin Rivers Architect said it would take 60 to 90 days to complete the plans and to get them to bidders. I do not know how long it will be in the hand of the bidders before they turn in the bids.

After the bids are in, it will go back to the Quorum Court for approval or disapproval. If it is approved, then an appropriation ordinance will have to be voted on.

The rest of the thoughts on this subject I will leave up to you. Will we ever have a new courthouse or not?

While some counties are optimistic and reach for the stars, we sometimes seem to be pessimistic and are content to play in the dirt. You will never see me give up or look down on any given situation.

I must cut this column short this time. After a year and six months, I finally took a week off for a short vacation. Now I am behind on a few things.

-- Clark County Judge Grady Runyan