ATHENS —
Users of the courts in Limestone County should be able to pay their fines and conduct business as usual on Wednesdays.
Last month, Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore issued an order allowing all Circuit Court clerks in the state to close their offices to the public on Wednesdays beginning March 20 to give workers more uninterrupted time to handle the workload. State budget cuts over the past few years have left court offices short statewide, but that shortage created even more strain on North Alabama offices where the caseload is higher. At the time, Moore said his order applied to all Circuit Courts unless the presiding judge from a county requested an exception. Presiding Limestone Circuit Judge Jimmy Woodroof Jr. sought the exception for several reasons. Circuit Clerk Brad Curnutt was already closing his office to the public five hours a week at lunchtime because he does not have enough staff to cover office duties. Curnutt also believed closing to the public on Wednesdays might inconvenience the public, reduce court revenue and shorten the 14-day appeal window to 13 days, he said.
“Judge Anderson and Judge Batts have misdemeanor dockets on Wednesdays, and most of those people will come right downstairs and pay their fines,” Curnutt said. “So, if we are closed, that will deprive them of an opportunity to pay right then and they will have to come back a different day. That could also cost us a lot of revenue.”
Although court officials had not yet received official word from the chief justice Wednesday, Curnutt believes Moore will grant the court’s request to remain open to the public Wednesdays.
Circuit Court clerks in Morgan and Lawrence counties opted to close their offices to the public on Wednesdays to handle the workload.
Local News
UPDATE: Limestone court hopes to remain open to public Wednesdays
- Local News
-
-
27 county schools contracts not renewed
Limestone’s annual payroll of approximately $58.2 million is 72.5 percent of the $80.3 million operating budget for the 2013 fiscal year, according to the system’s chief financial officer Jonathan Craft.
-
2 charged in slayings of 6 on Tenn.-Ala. border
The two men are currently incarcerated in Alabama on unrelated charges. Lincoln County is seeking extradition.
-
Car rolls over on U.S. 72
At least three people were transported by ambulance from the location ...
-
3 arrested at local motels on drug charges
-
Tests: No common germ behind Alabama illness cluster
Nine people suffered a flu-like illness with symptoms like fever, cough and shortness of breath.
- City pool to open this weekend
- Pryor, Beaty streets closed today
-
Franklin residents start tornado relief effort
It was April 27, 2011, when a tornado hit Franklin, Lawrence and Marion counties, leaving death, injuries and miles of destruction.
-
Athens Parks & Recreation prepares for summer lineup
Starting this Saturday, the pool at the Athens Sportsplex will be open from noon until 5 p.m. every Monday through Saturday.
-
Retiring Pond Spring director reflects on job, home’s restoration
The Wheeler home is full of original furniture, clothing and portraits, each with a unique story that Beasley tells with a smile, like it is her first time to ever recount the piece of history to a visitor.
- More Local News Headlines
-
27 county schools contracts not renewed
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
