Countys move to new courthouse looming

Nez Perce County is set to move operations to a new courthouse by June, with the transition beginning now as records are relocated. Patty Weeks, the county auditor, is managing the move of 1,314 volumes, some weighing as much as 45 pounds, to a climate-controlled environment designed to protect these vital documents. The $50. 6 million courthouse will open in phases, starting with the prosecutor's offices on June 5 and followed by courtrooms on June 12. County officials expect the new facility to reduce heating and cooling costs due to upgraded systems.

After the relocation, the old courthouse will be demolished, making way for additional parking space. The records, including marriage licenses and land transactions, are crucial for county operations and must be preserved indefinitely. The marriage licenses span from 1863 to 1965, representing significant historical value. This move symbolizes a modernization effort for Nez Perce County's infrastructure while ensuring the protection of its archival materials.