Courthouse entry plans move forward

Plans to develop a single point of entry into the St. Joseph County Courthouse moved forward Tuesday after a 3-1 vote by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners.
Construction of the 1,400-square-foot addition would cost an estimated $250,000, while project architect Landmark Design Group of Grand Rapids would add another $17,500 cost to the proposed project.
Drawings show the entry point would feed into a hallway that currently connects the older courthouse building and the newer courts building.
Commissioners in favor of the project said the single point of entry would provide a security benefit to county employees in the administrative building – the original courthouse building. A metal detector and security check are measures already in place for people entering the courts building.
Commissioner Allen Balog voted against the plan and said security for the administrative building is not as essential due to the nature of its business.