MAHONING COUNTY COURT Renovations improve security

Public access to staff offices and the judge's chambers is restricted.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A project to improve security and public access at Mahoning County Domestic Relations Court is completed.
"This is something that we've needed for a long time," said Judge Beth A. Smith.
The renovation involved creation of a central reception area at the domestic-relations court offices on the fourth floor of the county courthouse.
The reception area limits public access to the court's administrative offices and to Judge Smith's chambers. In the past, the public had access to those areas from the hallway.
"I would be sitting and my desk, and all of a sudden I'd look up and see one of the litigants from a case standing in front of me," Judge Smith said.
"This has really secured the offices and my chambers."
Visitors must check in at the reception center, where they can gain access to the offices only by being buzzed through a locked door.
Access to the courtroom is unlimited during business hours, the judge said.
Reason for change
She said the change was necessary because of the emotionally volatile nature of cases that are heard in domestic-relations court.
"Sometimes people can get so angry over their circumstances, or they can get so excited about a decision," Judge Smith said.
"It's a very emotionally charged situation."
Judge Smith said the project, while improving security at the court, was done in a way that preserves the historical integrity of the courthouse.
The renovation was paid for primarily with a $26,000 grant from the Ohio Supreme Court, which was specifically for courtroom security.
The court added about $9,000 from its special projects fund, which comes from various court fees.
"There was no general fund money put into this," Judge Smith said.
The Aberdeen Corporation of Boardman was the general contractor for the project, and Arthur Einzig was the architect.
Sheriff Randall Wellington helped by providing security insight, the judge said.
bjackson@vindy.com