Courtrooms reopen with guidelines

By JOHN RECH

Courtrooms at the Crittenden County Courthouse reopen Monday May 18, but it wont be business as usual. Restrictions are in place for those entering the building. Wear a mask. County Judge Woody Wheeless announced details as courts line up dockets and begin rescheduled sessions.

“Courts should be back in session with limited numbers,” said Wheeless. “Everyone that is part of court will be required to wear a mask.”

Bailiffs in the building were tasked with enforcing social distancing in addition to their normal duties.

Other county employees need to keep a mask handy for the foreseeable future according to the man that runs the courthouse.

“County employees will wear masks when having contact with people coming in the building,” said Wheeless.

In Judge Fred Thorne’s District Courtroom, preventative measures will be in place as hearings resume in West Memphis and Marion.

“As we prepare for in-person hearings at the end of the month, we will follow these guidelines,” said the judge:

■ ■ Temperature screening at each entry.

■ ■ Maintain social distancing upon entry.

■ ■ You MUST wear a mask upon entry.

■ ■ Hand sanitizer will be available as well.

“Please arrive early and be prepared to follow all guidelines,” said Thorne from behind his mask.

Who’s that masked man dressed in black? It’s not Zorro, it’s Judge Fred Thorne. Judge Thorne is letting everyone know that in addition to his normal rules of the court, there are COVID-19 guidelines to follow for the duration as well.

Photo courtesy of WM District Court