County prepares to close and move state court

HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — On Monday, Jan. 23, the Houston County State Court House will be closed. It will remain closed until the next day at noon, when it reopens — but in a new location. The Journal spoke with Community Planner Jake Cox for more details.

According to a court order signed by Judge Edward Lukemire, the state court will be temporarily closing as they move from the facility they currently reside in at 202 Carl Vinson Parkway, in Warner Robins, to their newly constructed home alongside the Houston County Superior Court, at 201 Perry Parkway, in Perry.

According to Lukemire, “circumstances of the move will make it impossible to conduct any business for the public during that time.”

Although the move will inhibit any constituent business, it’s not without its benefits. According to Cox, the consolidation of courthouses will reduce confusion for everyone.

“The idea is to make it easier, more convenient, and a lot less confusing,” Cox said. “What we have is folks who would come to state court when they actually need to be in Perry at superior court. With all the court systems being in Perry, outside of magistrate court, it’s just going to be a lot more consumer-friendly.”

In addition to the state court move, the Tax Commissioner’s Office and Houston County Sheriff’s Office will see an expansion of their offices within the building on Carl Vinson, as the inside is almost entirely rebuilt to accommodate their needs.

“It’s going to be a win-win situation for the county, Houston County citizens — it’s been a long time coming, and I’m glad, and a lot of other people are glad, that it’s finally here,” Cox said.

Cox thanked the citizens of Houston County for their support of the county and the SPLOST, allowing this project to take place.

“The county commissioners, the state court employees, the solicitor’s office — we all appreciate the citizens of Houston County, because without them, this move could not have occurred, could not have happened,” Cox said.

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