Habersham moving to new judicial center Oct. 12-14

CLARKESVILLE - Most elements of the Habersham County judiciary will move to the county's new judicial center over Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 12-14.

But the new facility will not house a murder case set to begin Oct. 15.

During an informal meeting between three Habersham County commissioners and numerous judicial officials on Friday, Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court Chief Judge Chan Caudell said officials don't want a case of that magnitude to be the first in the new facility.

Caudell and District Attorney Brian Rickman said lesser cases should be heard there first so any logistical issues such as proximity of involved parties, use of new technology, and others can be worked out.

A tentative ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the new facility is set for Friday, Oct. 4, and is expected to include remarks from Gov. Nathan Deal. Guided tours of the judicial center will be offered during that special event, though not all furnishings will be in place due to the move the following weekend.

Commissioner Andrea Harper, who led the discussion at Friday's meeting, said the county is hiring a professional moving company to handle relocating larger items from the current courthouse to the new judicial center on Llewellyn Street.

Clerk of Court David Wall suggested county employees move their own personal items, which is what he has advised his staff to do.

Habersham County Maintenance Director Mike Bramlett said the moving company will work with each department involved to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.

The new judicial center will house superior court, juvenile court, state court, probate court, magistrate court, and the clerk of court's office. Additionally, the four members of the Habersham County Sheriff's Office Courthouse Security division will relocate to the new facility. Not only will each person entering pass through a metal detector, bags and purses will pass through a scanner similar to those used in airports.

Work is continuing at the new judicial facility, located near the Habersham County Board of Education office.