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July 2, 2009

BENCH SITTIN' — Courthouse study a step in right direction

By Randy Cowling, Managing Editor

July 2, 2009 — Progress can be slow when it comes to anything that involves government.

It is apparent there is forward movement to consider a new Rogers County Courthouse. Whatever form it winds it being, and no one knows at this point what the end result will be - the fact that a group is now studying and considering the county’s options is promising.

Eleven people comprise the committee that will begin its work at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 9 in District Judge Sheila Condren’s courtroom on the second floor of the courthouse. The public is encouraged to attend.

Once commissioners approved the committee, they watched a presentation by the group that built the Mayes and Craig County Courthouses. BKL is one of many firms commissioners and the newly formed Courthouse Committee will hear from in the coming days. BKL officials told commissioners the Mayes County Courthouse has a $12.6 million budget. BLK architect Billy Knowles said all of that amount was not utilized.

Among the issues facing the Courthouse Committee will be how to fund such a project. Maybe a more contentious issue facing the group will be whether to relocate from its downtown location.

Anyone who has spent much time in the courthouse quickly realizes space is a valuable commodity. In fact, there is no space left. Entrances and exits from courtrooms present serious security issues with defendants and victims rubbing shoulders in the hallways. Now is the time for something new and expanded.

The Courthouse Committee has the opportunity to change the face of Rogers County with their work. We look forward to the outcomes of their deliberations.

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