Circuit Clerk's Office Announces Jury Trials Will Resume In May, Office Still Appointment-Only

Darren Doyle, story:
After being suspended for COVID, jury trials are resuming in May, according to Edmonson Circuit Court Clerk Tanya Hodges.

Hodges said that letters for potential jurors will be going out in a week or so. She has issued the following statement in regards to these letter:

 As you may know, when court cases require a jury here in the Edmonson County Courthouse, our office has to request a jury panel from Frankfort. I, nor anyone in our office has any control as to who is mailed a jury summons. We simply request a certain amount of names, and then the names are randomly selected from a database stored in Frankfort.

It has come to our attention that in the past, several families have received a summons in the name of a deceased loved one. We know this is frustrating, and sometimes painful. We deeply apologize for these incidents and we are working hard to keep this from happening in the future. 

A new jury panel is currently being selected and the summons' will be mailed out soon. Again, we do not select these names locally, but we ask that if you or a family member receive a summons for someone who has passed, to please contact our office immediately so that we can notify Frankfort in order to remove that name from the database. 

We are here to serve you with respect and dignity, and we deeply care about our responsibilities, our credibility, but most importantly, you, the people of Edmonson County. Please contact our office with any needs for our services, it is our pleasure to serve you. Thank you so much."

The office is still closed to the public under KY Supreme Court Order, despite the fact that the courthouse is open; however there are still options available for those who need to see someone at the office in person, according to Clerk Hodges.

"People can come in by appointment-only for emergency filings," she said. "Also, CDL drivers and out-of-state drivers transferring in can make appointments to come in for renewal. People who need to to take written tests can also make appointments, which can be done by calling the office at 270-597-2584. All other transactions including regular driver renewal can be done by mail or drop box."

Driver’s license renewal forms can also be found at drive.KY.gov.