New government center officially opens in Evans
It was not a distinction lost on Chief Superior Court Judge William Fleming: Friday morning Columbia County was home to both the oldest and newest operating courthouses in Georgia.
Chief Superior Court Judge William Fleming speaks at the opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Columbia County Justice Center in Evans, Ga on Friday morning.
Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker
"Any citizen of Columbia County who sees this building will be proud of it," he said, standing in front of the county's Judicial Center in Evans.
Dozens of local leaders gathered beneath umbrellas to cut the ribbon, signifying the official opening of the facility.
"I hope y'all are half as excited as I am today," said County Commission Chairman Jim Whitehead. "This building is an excellent example of Columbia County's pursuit of excellence."
The opening of the center marks the first time that all Columbia County's courts are under one roof, said Fleming. Since mid-July, magistrate, probate, juvenile and superior courts, along with the clerk of courts office, have moved into the building. The first court session - a day of probate court - was July 31.
"This building will always stand as a grand sentinel of how much we respect law and order in this county," said the Rev. Bill Harrell, who opened the ceremony with a prayer.