Hall County unveils temporary courtroom

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - While plans for a new courthouse are being discussed, the fifth judge Bryan McQuay revealed his temporary workspace on Tuesday.

McQuay joined the staff in September and due to the lack of space in the current courtroom the temporary courtroom is inside the Hall County Veteran’s office separated from his peers.

There is a security checkpoint and a waiting room, but McQuay is worried about a specific aspect of his courtroom.

”One of my biggest concerns was space, especially for juvenile cases. Sometimes we’ll have a large number of parties participating,” McQuay said. “Two council tables with a total of four chairs is practical.”

For spectators or public members there is only ten seats available in the temporary courtroom. McQuary is also worried about confusing people.

“If you don’t know what courtroom you are supposed to be in, you can have people going to the wrong place, which can lead to delays,” McQuay said. “Maybe more time off for them to have a day in court. We do appreciate the county for setting this facility up, it is not ideal.”

Hall County Commissioner Pamela Lancaster shared her concerns about the environmental factor and what message it can send.

”They got to know where they are and why they are there and what’s happening,” Lancaster said. “I think with as much as we have done here, which I am saying is a great job. It still doesn’t give the feel of this being a place where you can be sentenced to jail or the prison.”

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