The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON - Columbia County District Court is moving to a new location to gain some much-needed elbow room.

Judge Scott Marinella, who presides over district court, said the office will be moving from its current home at the Columbia County Courthouse to the Port of Columbia Offices. The port had a vacant space and district court is preparing to move in soon.

"We are still working on a date, but we are hopeful it will be in mid-May or the first of June, dependent upon the work being done in the building," Marinella said. "We outgrew our current space some time ago, and the new space will be beneficial to the efficient operation of the court."

The new digs will have district court offices, a jury room, small courtroom, storage and juvenile court services.

"It's a way to consolidate the services offered," he said.

Superior Court will still be held and operated in the courthouse.

Marinella said the reason for the move is the courthouse just doesn't provide enough room for district court business. He said the current office is "relatively dangerous," and "uncomfortable" to work in.

Marinella also said the judges are working with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office to address security issues in the courthouse. A deputy is in the courtroom during court proceedings. The new courtroom at District Court's new home may have bulletproof glass to protect clerks.

District Court won't be held in the new building right away. For more information about the move or for those with questions, call District Court at (509) 382-4812.