The Knott County Judicial Center in Hindman has been shut down indefinitely. Historic flooding is being cited for making the facility non-operational for holding court, operation of court offices, and other essential court functions. Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John Minton said the judicial center has sustained significant water damage.
“We’re also concerned from our analysis that there’s been structural damage such that we don’t want to invite our employees or certainly not the public into the building until we’re satisfied the structural integrity of the building is there,” said Minton.
Minton noted the elevators are not operational. He added lawyers in the community are also impacted.
“The damage in downtown Hindman is such that most, if not all of the law offices have been destroyed and so the ability of lawyers to practice there in that courthouse is limited as well,” said Minton.
The chief justice said a Supreme Court emergency order gives Knott County judges the authority to extend deadlines as needed unless prohibited by substantive law or the constitution. Minton said Knott County judges might be able to conduct some business virtually as done during coronavirus.
