Overton Commissioners Approve Courtroom Security Grant

Overton County commissioners approved a grant Monday providing additional funding to improve courtroom security.

County Executive Ben Danner said the improvements will be much needed.

“We’re still using the old courthouse which was built in 1869, and there were no security issues or anything built in for security,” Danner said. “Over the years we’ve tried to keep it updated and keep using the old courthouse. I know a lot of counties quit using [their’s] for court and I don’t ever want us to do that here. I want us to keep using this old building. It’s a beautiful building.”

The county will receive approximately $34,000 to install various security upgrades around the courthouse.

The money will be used to purchase new cameras and bulletproof window film. The grant also covers the cost of a new wheelchair ramp and will help limit entryways into the building.