Scott County celebrates grand opening of new Justice Center

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SCOTT COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) – Scott County officials celebrated the grand opening of the new Scott County Justice Center on Friday, marking the completion of a project designed to modernize the county’s court system.

The new facility was developed through a partnership between the Scott County Commission and the 33rd Judicial Circuit to provide a secure, technology-equipped space for court operations. The project was funded through the one-half-cent law enforcement sales tax approved by Scott County voters in April 2024.

The Justice Center includes a 14,361-square-foot addition to the existing judicial building and sheriff’s department, bringing the total size of the complex to 22,230 square feet. The design was created to complement the historic 1912 Scott County Courthouse.

The facility features two new courtrooms for Divisions 3 and 4, consolidated court clerk offices, private offices for circuit and associate circuit judges, a secure jury assembly room, attorney-client meeting rooms and a historical gallery highlighting Scott County’s history.

During the grand opening ceremony, county officials thanked voters, elected officials, court staff, Dille Pollard Architecture, Zoellner Construction, the Scott County Historical Society, the City of Benton and the Sikeston Regional Chamber for their roles in completing the project.

County leaders said the new Justice Center is intended to serve Scott County’s judicial system for decades while preserving the legacy of the historic courthouse.