Beech Tree News Network

A new judicial center is still on the horizon for Butler County as local citizens move forward with plans for the facility.  

“The $11.5 million project has been a long time in coming to our county,”  said Butler Circuit Clerk Melissa Cardwell.  “I am honored to serve on the Project Development Board for the new judicial center.  This is a great opportunity for Butler County and one I've looked forward to for 26 years.  I'm so glad to be a part of this project becoming a reality that we can be so proud of in our community. “

The Project Development Board has been working on this for 18 months.  The board consists of Judge-Executive Tim Flener,  Judge Tim Coleman, Judge John McCarty,  Attorney Colten Givens , Citizen-at-Large Kevin Phelps (2nd District Magistrate) and Vice Chairperson Melissa Cardwell. 

Kentucky State Senator C.B. Embry and State Representative Steve Sheldon have both put their support behind Butler County receiving this project.

Butler County Attorney Dick Deye  and Judge-Executive Flener wrote many letters to state officials promoting the county’s bid to get a new center. 

The Project Development Board and the Kentucky Administrative Office of Courts have agreed to advertise for bids in January and the review of bids in February will be open to the public. 

The architect/contractor will determine the location of the new center.  The project is estimated to take 3-4 years to complete. 

The circuit clerk’s office , judges’ chambers and courtroom will be in the new building.  It has been eight years since a new judicial center has been built in Kentucky.  Barren County is also beginning the bidding process for a new judicial center. 

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Story by Don Lindsey, for Beech Tree News