Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Kaufman County Judge Hal Richards (center) and other county officials cut the ribbon signifying the grand opening of the Kaufman County Justice Center Nov. 17.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton. The new Kaufman County Justice Center on U.S. Highway 175 alleviates space issues at the current downtown courthouse and will house offices and courtrooms.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Kemp High School Stingerettes Olivia Palmer (from left), Addison Sillin, Cassidy McLaren and Natalie Orton tour a Kaufman County Justice Center courtroom. 

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Kemp High School Jacket TV reporter Ally Wilson interviews Kaufman County Criminal District Attorney Erleigh Norville Wiley.

KAUFMAN COUNTY–An exciting milestone in Kaufman County history was marked Nov. 17 as the ribbon was cut on the new Justice Center. The ceremony will conclude with self-guided tours of this four-story, 98,000+ sq. ft. facility that was approved by voters in the 2019 Bond Election.
“This facility marks a significant moment in history for Kaufman County,” said County Judge Hal Richards. “Not only will this building provide the necessary space needed to meet the challenges of our ever-growing county but it is a representation of our commitment to providing 21st century service for those who live in Kaufman County.” Construction began in late 2020 and was completed in just the past few weeks. Offices and courts now located in the historic courthouse in downtown Kaufman will move into the new facility in mid-December but the county wanted to celebrate the completion of construction before the holiday season. The new justice center will now house the following offices:
• 86th District Court offices and courtroom
• 422nd District Court offices and courtroom
• County Courts at Law offices and courtroom
• County Court at Law 2 offices and courtroom
• Ceremonial courtroom
• Jury Assembly rooms
• Public Law Library
• Court-Related Holding and Security
• Grand Jury/Mediation space
• District Clerk
• County Clerk
• District Attorney
• Public Defender
The 25,000 square foot justice center expansion which has an anticipated completion date of early fall 2023, will house the Precinct 1 and 4 Commissioner’s offices, Precinct 1 and 4 Constanble offices and the Adult Probation office. 
Dozens of high school students from Kemp ISD and Terrell ISD participated in the ceremony. “We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this historical moment for Kaufman County,” said Kemp ISD Superintendent Dr. James Young. “Our Kemp High School Fine Arts and CTE program students and sponsors are honored to serve and interact with county officials and community members, at the justice center ribbon ceremony. They will leave here with a meaningful life experience, knowing what this facility means to the future of Kaufman County, the place they call home.”
As guests arrived the Kemp High School band, cheer squad and drill team members greeted everyone with music, cheers and smiles. The Terrell High School acapella choir graced attendees with a performance of the National Anthem, after the Kemp FFA students presented the flags. Kemp High School videography and photography students documented this moment in time. The historical moment was also broadcast on Jacket Radio. The Kaufman County Justice Center is located at 1902 US Highway 175 in Kaufman and is equipped with handicapped parking located at the front of the building.