Renovations force change of venue

SANDPOINT — First District Judge Steve Verby’s cases will be heard at Sandpoint City Hall this month because of extensive renovations to Bonner County’s 110-year-old courthouse.

Verby’s criminal and civil court hearings will be held 1123 Lake St. starting Monday.

A downstairs courtroom is being remodeled and an elevator is being installed that will ultimately displace an upstairs courtroom.

“We’re losing two courtrooms,” Chief Bailiff Mark Johnson said of the construction’s effect.

Although the elevator will eliminate a cramped upstairs courtroom, a second spacious downstairs courtroom is being added where the Treasurer’s Office used to be located.

Magistrate Court cases being heard by judges Barbara Buchanan, Debra Heise and Justin Julian will remain at the courthouse during the renovations, Johnson said.

Bonner County commissioners approved the expenditure of $600,000 to pay for courthouse renovations. The project is being paid for by a mixture of 1st District Court and county funding.

The upgrades will bring the building into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Another jury room will be added downstairs and space will be created for the public to view arraignments conducted via video link between the Bonner County Jail and the courthouse.