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- Bioterror | Franklin County
Bioterrorism Agents Contact Information Tony Buel Health Department Director (636) 583-7309 DHSS MO Dept Situation Room 1-800-392-0272 Biological Nat'l Response Center 1-800-424-8802 Hazardous Chemicals 911 Anthrax Read More Botulism Read More Plague Read More Smallpox Read More Tularemia Read More Bioterrorism Franklin County Public health is working to ensure that we are prepared and will help to minimize the impact of an attack should it occur. A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make a person sick. Many agents must be inhaled or eaten, while others may enter through a cut in the skin. Some biological agents, such as anthrax, do not cause contagious diseases. Others, like the smallpox virus, can result in infectious diseases. This web page gives information on common bioterrorism agents and what you need to know – and do – should a bioterrorism event occur.
- Municipal Court | Franklin County
Franklin County Uniform Traffic Fine Schedule IMPORTANT: If your charge is not listed below, please contact the Municipal Court Clerk at (636)584-6286, FRANKLIN COUNTY HISTORIC COURTHOUSE, 15 S. Church Street, Room 306 Union, MO 63084 to inquire about the standard fine and/or payment arrangements. COURT BEGINS AT 4:30 PM To Plead Guilty and Pay Your Fine Sign citation and return it along with a check or money order (in US Dollars) for full amount due payable to Franklin County Municipal Court. Write citation number and daytime phone number on front of local check/money order and mail to address at top of page. See front and back of this sheet for fine amounts and more information. To Plead Not Guilty You must appear in Court at the address above. It is not the policy of this Court to accept not guilty pleas and continue the case by phone. If an attorney represents you, the attorney should submit the not guilty plea and an entry of appearance to the Franklin County Municipal Court. Municipal Court Contact Us 15 South Church St Room 306 Union, MO 63084 Telephone: 636-584-6286 Fax: (636) 584-6229 municipalcourt@franklinmo.gov About the Court The Franklin County Municipal Court was established in 2012. The Court handles: Traffic Citations Planning and Zoning code violations Health and Building code violations When is Court Held? Court is held every first and third Thursday of the month (other Thursdays as needed) at 4:30 p.m. in the Historical Courthouse on the 3rd floor in the Edward A.Stierberger Memorial Courtroom. Paying Fines and Costs You may also pay in person with a credit card, money order, cash or check at our office in the Franklin County Historical Courthouse. To pay by mail, make checks payable to the Franklin County Municipal Court, 15 South Church Street, Room 306, Union, MO 63084. If your ticket was received prior to June 2022 click here to pay it . If your ticket was received after June 2022 click here to pay it . Attorneys If your case was from prior to June 2022, forward your Entry of Appearance and request for recommendation to the Franklin County Municipal Court by mail or facsimile (636) 584-6229 . If your case was after June 2022, please e-file through casenet . Available upon request The following documents are available upon request. Commercial Motor Vehicle Traffic Code Franklin County Municipal Court Code Notice of Rights in Municipal Division Offense Fine and Court Costs Cut in on Overtaken Vehicle $141.00 Driving Wrong Way on One Way Road $121.00 Driving while cancelled, suspended or revoked- MANDATORY COURT APPEARANCE Fail to Display Lighted Lamps $104.00 Fail to Drive on the Right $121.00 Fail to stop at red light/failure to yield $121.00 Fail to stop for stop sign at stop line/Before cross $121.00 Failed to register vehicle $111.00 Failure to Signal $121.00 Failure to Yield to emergency vehicle $211.00 Failure to Yield to right of way $211.00 Following to Close $121.00 Increased Speed While Being Passed $141.00 NO INSURANCE-MANDATORY COURT APPEARANCE No Helmet (on motorcycle) $25.00 No child safety restraint/child booster seat $110.00 No seat belt $10.00 Parking in Prohibited Location $111.00 Speeding 01-05 mph over posted speed limit $111.00 Speeding 06-10 mph over posted speed limit $121.00 Speeding 11-15 mph over posted speed limit $141.00 Speeding 16-19 mph over posted speed limit $181.00 Speeding 20-25 mph over posted speed limit $261.00 Speeding 26 MPH or More – Court Appearance Mandatory or any violation which involves an accident
- WIC Visit | Franklin County
Appointment Types: Certification/Recertification (C/RC). Required yearly. All individuals that are enrolling into the WIC program or who are to be recertified MUST be present. You MUST bring in your proofs: If any of the required proofs are missing, your appointment may need to be re-scheduled. Nutrition Education or Class: You or your named alternative representative will need to be present. Call us about online nutrition education. 6 month Midcertification / Midcertification (6MC/MC): Reassessment of the infant or child's height & weight and HGB check as needed. The infant/child will need to be present unless you can bring in ht/wt measurements from the doctor (no more than 60 days old). You will also need to bring a current shot record. Finger stick/hemoglobin testing (FS/HGB): The individual needing the test will need to be present. Usually, this is done for the post-partum mom who is 4-6 weeks post-partum, the 9-11 month old, or every 6-12 months as needed based on test results. eWIC Benefit Issuance / VO: You or your named proxy or alternative representative will need to be present. High Risk (HR): If the participant is an expectant or post-partum mom, they will need to be present. If the appointment is for a child, the alternative representative can come with the child for the appointment. REMINDERS… If you cannot keep an appointment, please call in ADVANCE. (636) 583-7307 Failure to provide necessary information may require rescheduling. If you need special formula, please make sure you have your special formula form with you OR that your physician has faxed it prior to your visit. No prescriptions can be accepted - the specific Medcial Documentation Health Care Provider Authorization (WIC-27) form must be completed. Prepare for your WIC visit In order to enroll in the WIC Program we must complete state and federal requirements. To help make your appointment go as smoothly as possible we ask that you review the information below to make sure you bring all of the required paperwork to your appointments.
- Nursing Services | Franklin County
Nursing and Clinic Services We provide a variety of Nursing Services for all residents in Franklin County of all ages. We encourage appointments but we do accept walk-ins if scheduling permits. Health information and other programs are at your disposal. Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the services and programs we offer by selecting from any of the links on the left. Nursing Services include immunization administration, blood pressure screenings, Tuberculosis (TB) testing, Hepatitis C testing and case management, lead testing and case management, STD testing and treatment and more. Adult Immunizations The Franklin County Health Department provides services to the uninsured, underinsured and to those with private insurance for a variety of services including immunizations. Please call the Health Department for service and pricing information. Childhood Immunizations The Franklin County Health Department provides services to the uninsured, underinsured and to those with private insurance for a variety of services including immunizations. Please call the Health Department for service and pricing information. **A physician’s order is NOT required for immunizations through the Health Department. Parental or guardian permission is needed for all children under the age of 18 to receive immunizations. **To ensure your child receives the proper immunizations, it is important that you bring your child's most recent immunization record. Blood Pressure Screenings Blood pressure screenings are provided free of charge during regular clinic hours walk-ins are welcome. Hepatitis C Testing Hepatitis C testing is available through the Missouri State Public Health Lab while funding is availble. To qualify for this program, clients must have an identified risk factor and be uninsured. Please contact one of our nurses at (636) 583-7311 or (636) 583-6378 to see if you qualify. Clients may be referred to an alternate lab site for testing. An appointment is required to complete the risk assessment and paperwork needed to obtain the testing. Please call (636) 583-7300 to schedule an appointment. Lead Testing Lead-based paint and lead contaminated dust are the main sources of exposure for lead in U.S. children. Lead-based paints were banned for use in housing in 1978. All houses built before 1978 are likely to contain some lead-based paint. However, it is the deterioration of this paint that causes a problem. All children under the age of 6 years old are at risk because they are growing so rapidly and because they tend to put their hands or other objects, which may be contaminated with lead dust, into their mouths. Filter paper lead testing for children under the age of six years is available by appointment during regular clinic hours. Please call (636) 583-7300 to schedule an appointment. Billing is available for those children who are Medicaid eligible please call for pricing. Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Testing Confidential testing is available by appointment for the following STD’s only: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV, Trichomonas. Please call (636) 583-7300 for an appointment. Blood and urine specimens are obtained for testing. No physical examinations or assessments are performed. If other testing is requested or indicated, referrals will be made as appropriate. Treatment will be provided for clients with positive test results. Cost for services is dependent on signs and symptoms, risk factors, and tests requested. Tuberculosis (TB) Testing TB skin testing is available by appointment on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays during regular clinic hours. TB testing is available for school or work requirements or if someone has been identified as a contact to TB disease. Basic Tuberculosis Facts can be found at CDC TB is short for tuberculosis. TB disease is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attacks the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. Basic Tuberculosis Facts can be found at CDC . HIPPA Privacy To learn about your privacy under HIPPA, please see this document by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services . Home Guide for Proper Disposal of Needles and Lancets The state of Missouri publishes a guide for the proper disposal of needles. Please follow this link to view the state's guidelines .
- EMA | Franklin County
Emergency management is a systematic, organized approach to analyzing, planning, making decisions, and assigning resources to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from all hazards, manmade or natural. The goal of emergency management is to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect property and the environment if an emergency occurs. The Franklin County Emergency Management Agency (FCEMA) is responsible for the emergency management of the unincorporated areas of the county and helps municipalities in their emergency management activities when requested. During a major emergency or disaster, the FCEMA coordinates private and public sector resources to focus efforts on response and recovery. Should local and county resources and capabilities be exhausted, FCEMA then requests assistance from state and federal emergency management organizations. The FCEMA works closely with the state and federal emergency management organizations to begin the process of recovery. It is the goal of the FCEMA to provide detailed information to the state and federal emergency management organizations to assist them in the possible implementation of assistance programs if the President makes the assistance available. For more information, feel free to contact us. Emergency Mangement Contact Us Abraham Cook Director Stephanie Norton Deputy Director 3 Bruns Drive Union, Missouri 63084 Phone: (636) 583-1679 FAX: (636) 583-4146 Experience a Disaster? Click here to apply for assistance. Stay Informed NOAA: River Levels NOAA: Weather Service Emergency Operations Plan Contact us for a copy of Franklin County's Emergency Operation Plan. LEPC Learn about the Local Emergency Planning Committee. Emergency Notification CodeRED by Crisis24 is available to anyone for emergency notifications. Sign up today!
- Land Records | Franklin County
Land Records Search Search and Print To search for land records, click here . This system holds records back to 1865. Bulk Searches If you or your organization need to perform large number of searches, you should consider subscribing to Laredo. Laredo is a download tool that makes searches more efficient. To subscribe to Laredo, please contact the Recorder of Deeds office for a copy of the Laredo Connect Agreement.
- County Clerk | Franklin County
County Clerk Tim Baker County Clerk 400 E Locust Room 201 Union MO 63084 Phone: 636-583-6355 FAX: 636-583-7320 Email: clerk@franklinmo.gov Office hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday thru Friday Elections Sunshine (FOIA) Request Become a Notary Liquor License Auctioneer's License About the Clerk’s Office Clerk of the County Commission: RSMO-Chapter 51 The office of Clerk of the County Commission was established by State Statute in 1946. Not to be confused with the Office of the Circuit Clerk which deals in Court related issues. General Office Duties Chief Election Authority County General Ledger: manage the general ledger of the several funds of the County. Accounts Receivable: record all receivables other than miscellaneous to general ledger. Accounts Payable: issue all warrants on invoices through general ledger. Other Responsibilities Certify Assessed Values: compile and calculate values submitted by Assessor and State, submit final values to State and to taxing entities within the County. Grant Monitoring: monitor all revenues and expenses of Federal and State grants and reimbursements as required by law. Financial Statement: Compile and publish the annual financial statement as required by law and assist in gathering data for annual audit. Board of Equalization: Secretary to the Board, duties include recording minutes of meetings and hearings of appeals. TIF and CID: Franklin County has entered into agreements with the City of Washington regarding (or in regards to) Tax Increment Financing area and a Community Improvement District. The County Clerk monitors and disperses funds for these areas per the agreements. Flood Lease Properties: Flooding in Franklin County has resulted in Federal buyouts of some flooded areas that become the property of the County and under Federal guidelines can be leased. The County Clerk is responsible for tracking these leases.
- Missouri Property Tax Credit | Franklin County
Missouri Property Tax Credit Missouri does not exempt the property of disabled or senior citizens, but it has two programs for seniors and disabled persons with limited incomes that offer some property tax relief. Missouri Property Tax Credit (MO-PTC) and The Homestead Preservation Act. The Homestead Preservation Act requires a legislative appropriation to fund the credit and is not funded at this time. The Missouri Property Tax Credit (MO-PTC), senior citizens and disabled persons on limited incomes may qualify for refunds or income tax credits based upon property taxes paid or rent paid on their residences. The “rent“ includes money paid for a home, a room in a nursing home, an apartment, or a mobile home unit. This law provides the eligible taxpayer with indirect property tax relief, but many people are unaware that this assistance is available. Information for MO-PTC can be found at: www.dor.mo.gov/personal/ptc or call Aging Ahead at (636) 629-3143 .
- Auditor | Franklin County
County Auditor The Franklin County Auditor’s position is an elected, four-year term and is held by Angela Gibson. Ms. Gibson has been the County Auditor since 2020. The Franklin County Auditor is responsible for establishing, implementing, and monitoring the County accounting and budget systems. The Franklin County Auditor is responsible for preparing the County’s official financial statements and coordinating the annual financial audit. As budget officer, the County Auditor is responsible for preparing and submitting a proposed annual budget to the County Commission, and preparing all related budget documents and schedules. The County Auditor also monitors compliance with internal control procedures, monitors and evaluates the condition of County budgets and funds, and certifies contracts and expenditures. The Franklin County Auditor also maintains property records and conducts an annual physical inventory of County assets. The County Auditor voluntarily participates in the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Excellence in Financial Reporting Program and has received a certificate of achievement since 1992. Contact the Auditor Angela Gibson Auditor Anne Barry Deputy Auditor 400 E Locust Union, MO 63084 636 583-6350 auditor@franklinmo.gov Available on Request Per RSMo 50.600 and 50.622 – County Budget Law, the 2025 Budget Amendments have been made available for public viewing and are posted in the Franklin County Government Center, 2nd floor, notification board. A copy can also be requested from the Auditor’s office by emailing auditor@franklinmo.gov . Copies of past year Budgets and Audit Reports are available upon request from the Auditor's Office. Click Here to see the Fiscal 2026 Budget
- Disaster Assistance | Franklin County
Volunteer time log Name of organization or person who volunteered* Locations of volunteer activity* Number of hours volunteered* What day did this service occur?* Please upload sign-in sheets or other information on the service Upload File Summary of volunteer tasks* Information on Submitter First name* Last name* Email Phone* Submit Neighbors helping neighbors Tell us about the act of service. Who performed this act of kindness, donations, or support?* Provide a brief description of how this person or organization helped. How did this person’s actions positively affect you or the community?* When did this service occur?* Please upload photos, videos, or documents supporting this recognition. Upload File Please share any additional information. Who is submitting this recognition? First name* Last name* Email Phone* Submit Apply for Disaster Assistance Visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov Call 800-621-3362 Have the following information Ready Social Security Number (one per household) Address of the damaged home Description of the damage Information about insurance coverage Telephone number Mailing address Bank account and routing numbers of direct deposit funds Request Help Individual Assistance through FEMA Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance with temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses. Individuals who sustained damage or losses due to the March 14-15 severe weather may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s toll-free application line at 1-800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Click HERE for more information. Public Assistance through FEMA The President's action also makes the FEMA Public Assistance program available to local governments and qualifying nonprofits for the repair of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure as well as reimbursement of emergency response costs. May 23, 2025 - President Trump Approves Governor Kehoe's Requests for Major Disaster Declaration to Assist Missourians Impacted by March 14-15 and March 30-April 8 Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding Full press release can be found here. Business and Homeowner Loans through the Small Business Administration In response to a Presidential disaster declaration issued May 21, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Missouri small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and wildfires occurring March 14-15. Click HERE for more information. 2-1-1 United Way Non-Emergency Assistance Call 1-888-421-1266 2-1-1 is an easy to remember FREE telephone number that connects callers to a specialist who can assess the caller's needs and link the caller to the right service/services using a comprehensive database of services, whether federal, state, local government, faith based or non-profits. Missouri 988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call 988 Call, Text, Chat, Videophone. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 to offer you free and confidential support whenever you need it. When you call 988, you will hear an automated greeting message that will prompt you to make a selection. You can either stay on the line for a crisis specialist, press one for the Veterans Crisis Line, press two for the Spanish network, or press three to speak with a LGBTQ+ affirming crisis specialist. 988 offers crisis support in English and Spanish, as well as translation services in over 240 languages. After you’ve made your selection, you will hear music while being quickly routed to a trained crisis specialist in Missouri. The crisis specialist will answer the phone, introduce themselves, and listen to you to understand what you are experiencing and how it’s affecting you. They will work with you to address your immediate needs, offer support, and connect you to local resources.
- Smallpox | Franklin County
Smallpox Smallpox is a serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal infectious disease. There is no specific treatment for smallpox disease, and the only prevention is vaccination. Smallpox outbreaks have occurred from time to time for thousands of years, but the disease is now eradicated after a successful worldwide vaccination program. The last case of smallpox in the United States was in 1949. The last naturally occurring case in the world was in Somalia in 1977. After the disease was eliminated from the world, routine vaccination against smallpox among the general public was stopped because it was no longer necessary for prevention. The symptoms of smallpox begin with high fever, head and body aches, and sometimes vomiting. A rash follows that spreads and progresses to raised bumps and pus-filled blisters that crust, scab, and fall off after about three weeks, leaving a pitted scar. Is there any treatment for smallpox? Smallpox can be prevented through use of the smallpox vaccine. There is no proven treatment for smallpox, but research to evaluate new antiviral agents is ongoing. Is smallpox fatal? The majority of patients with smallpox recover, but death may occur in up to 30% of cases. Many smallpox survivors have permanent scars over large areas of their body, especially their face. Some are left blind. How is smallpox spread? Smallpox normally spreads from contact with infected persons. Generally, direct and fairly prolonged face-to-face contact is required to spread smallpox from one person to another. Smallpox also can be spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing. Indirect spread is less common. Rarely, smallpox has been spread by virus carried in the air in enclosed settings such as buildings, buses, and trains. Smallpox is not known to be transmitted by insects or animals. If someone comes in contact with smallpox, how long does it take to show symptoms? After exposure, it takes between 7 and 17 days for symptoms of smallpox to appear (average incubation time is 12 to 14 days). During this time, the infected person feels fine and is not contagious. How many people would have to get smallpox before it is considered an outbreak? One confirmed case of smallpox is considered a public health emergency. Should I get vaccinated against smallpox? The smallpox vaccine is not available to the public at this time. Healthcare Worker and Provider FAQ What should I know about smallpox? Smallpox is an acute, contagious, and sometimes fatal disease caused by the variola virus (an orthopoxvirus) and marked by fever and a distinctive progressive skin rash. In 1980, the disease was declared eradicated following worldwide vaccination programs. However, in the aftermath of the events of September and October, 2001, the U.S. government is taking precautions to be ready to deal with a bioterrorist attack using smallpox as a weapon. As a result of these efforts: There is a detailed nationwide smallpox response plan designed to quickly vaccinate people and contain a smallpox outbreak. This plan includes the creation of smallpox health care teams that would respond to a smallpox emergency and the vaccination of members of these teams. There is enough smallpox vaccine to vaccinate everyone who would need it in the event of an emergency. If people had smallpox previously and survived, are they immune from the disease Yes. If they had smallpox before and survived, they are immune to the disease. When are cases of smallpox infectious? A person with smallpox is sometimes contagious with onset of fever (prodrome phase), but the person becomes most contagious with the onset of rash. The infected person is contagious until the last smallpox scab falls off. Is there any treatment for smallpox? Smallpox can be prevented through use of the smallpox vaccine. There is no proven treatment for smallpox, but research to evaluate new antiviral agents is ongoing. Early results from laboratory studies suggest that the drug Cidofovir may fight against the smallpox virus; currently, studies with animals are being done to better understand the drug’s ability to treat smallpox disease (the use of Cidofovir to treat smallpox or smallpox reactions should be evaluated and monitored by experts at NIH and CDC). Patients with smallpox can benefit from supportive therapy (e.g., intravenous fluids, medicine to control fever or pain) and antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infections that may occur. Why are we sending smallpox patients to the hospitals instead of keeping them at home? With good infection control practices and rooms with the appropriate air handling features, we can treat patients in the hospital without risking transmission to other patients and staff. The appropriate care and management of smallpox patients will probably require hospitalization. What kind of personal protective equipment is needed? Airborne and contact isolation precautions should be followed. Can a makeshift isolation room be created by bringing a portable HEPA filter into a regular private room? Yes, HEPA filters do remove smallpox virus. HEPA filters are 99.97% efficient at removing particles that are greater than or equal to 0.3 microns in size, but their use will not create an airborne infection isolation room (the precautions recommended for smallpox patients). The HEPA filter will not change the pressure relationship to the corridor unless the portable filter is set up as a negative pressure device. Self-closing doors will help to maintain the conditions and windows should be closed and sealed. If the HEPA filter is being used only to purify the room air, its effectiveness will vary depending on the size of the room and output of the device. A portable HEPA filter that produces 8 or more air changes per hour results in a 90% reduction of particles in 17 minutes in a room with the doors and windows closed. However, to be consistent with current guidelines for airborne infection isolation rooms, the goal should be 12 or more air changes per hour which would produce a 90% reduction in particles in 11 minutes. Once a smallpox patient has been identified should they be quarantined? Until a case is confirmed, the recommendation is the same as for any rash illness, such as measles. Get the suspect patient into a negative air pressure room and gather the name and locating information for those exposed to the patient. If they don't have a negative air pressure room, get them to a facility that does. State and local governments have primary responsibility for isolation and/or quarantine within their borders. Should vaccinated caregivers wear a N95 mask? Anyone caring for a smallpox patient should wear an N95 mask. Should providers at high risk for infection treat an infected patient? Ideally, these providers should not be in the vicinity of the patient or performing any patient care. What are the HIPAC recommendations for health care workers ? For smallpox, it is advisable that caregivers use a N95 mask respirator. For plague, a standard surgical mask is fine, and negative pressure rooms are not needed.
- Decorum Order | Franklin County
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF FRANKLIN COUNTY STATE OF MISSOURI STATE OF MISSOURI, Plaintiff, v. KENNETH SIMPSON, Defendant. Cause No. 23AB-CR02735 Division No. I DECORUM ORDER The Court enters this Decorum Order pursuant to its inherent authority to control the proceedings and maintain order and decorum throughout the trial. The Order establishes standards of conduct for those attending the jury trial in this case, which is scheduled to begin January 20, 2026. The objectives of the Order are to: Secure the Defendant’s right to a fair and impartial jury trial; Protect against unfair prejudice to the parties; Permit the public access to the trial; Allow media coverage of the trial; and Ensure the orderly and efficient management of the trial. To achieve these objectives, the Court Orders the following: This Order (and any amendments or attachments) shall govern the conduct of all court personnel, attorneys, news reporters, family and/or friends of the defendant or the alleged victims, and members of the public attending the trial. The term “courtroom” as used in this Order includes courtroom 302 in the Franklin County Judicial Center and the courtroom in the Historic Courthouse. The terms “Spectator” or “Spectators,” as used in this Order, shall include all persons attending the proceedings, including members of the media, but excluding court personnel, counsel and their staff, and security personnel. Courtroom 302, although a larger courtroom, has limited seating. The number of occupants shall not exceed courtroom capacity of 155: The first row behind the prosecution table shall remain unoccupied, except for security personnel; Seating in rows two, three, four, and five behind the prosecution table shall be reserved for family members appearing in support of the alleged victims, members of the prosecution team, and Spectators, if seating is available; The first row behind the defense table shall remain unoccupied, except for security personnel. Seating in rows two and three behind the defense table shall be reserved for family members appearing in support of Defendant, members of the defense team, and Spectators, if seating is available; Seating in row four behind the defense table shall be reserved for members of the media, and Spectators, if seating is available; The remaining rows shall be open to general seating for Spectators; and, In the Historic Courtroom, the number of occupants shall not exceed courtroom capacity of 93. All individuals entering the courtroom shall be subject to search. Entering and exiting the courtroom shall occur without disruption or distraction. While Court is in session, anyone who leaves the courtroom for any reason shall be barred from returning until the next recess. This does not apply to court personnel, counsel or staff, or security personnel. No electronic devices or cell phones are permitted in the courtroom. This does not apply to court personnel, counsel or staff, or the security personnel. No private cameras are allowed in the courtroom. There will be no drinks, food, or gum allowed in the courtroom. This does not apply to court personnel, counsel and staff, the jurors, witnesses, and security personnel. All Spectators shall be quiet and orderly. No Spectator shall make audible comments of any kind during the trial or related proceedings. No Spectator shall engage in provocative, disruptive, distracting, or uncivil behavior of any kind. No Spectator shall wear or display pins, buttons, signs, clothing, apparel, or photographs expressing support for or against Defendant or the alleged victims. No Spectator shall be permitted to pass the bar or enter the well of the courtroom without judicial authorization. If, for any reason, a Spectator is escorted from the courtroom, they shall be barred from the courtroom for the entirety of the proceedings. All law enforcement Spectators shall refrain from wearing their service uniform, clothing, apparel, or badge. This does not apply to law enforcement who are witnesses providing their testimony or security personnel. Jurors shall not be approached, questioned, or otherwise influenced by any party, attorney, or member of the public. Copies of this Order shall be posted outside the courtroom and be made available through the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Website. All Spectators shall read and comply with the terms of this Order. As with all of this Court’s Orders, anyone who violates the terms of this Order shall be subject to contempt sanctions. FIRST AMENDED DECORUM ORDER On the Court’s own motion, and pursuant to the Court’s inherent authority to maintain order, decorum, and the integrity of judicial proceedings, the Court hereby issues the following First Amended Decorum Order. In addition to the prohibitions set-out in this Court’s Decorum Order of September 29, 2025, the Court Orders the following: 1. PROHIBITED DEVICES. The following devices are strictly prohibited from being brought into or used within the courtroom, jury rooms, and any adjoining areas designated for courtroom proceedings: Smart watches (including, but not limited to, Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and similar devices); Smart glasses or wearable augmented-reality devices (including, but not limited to, Google Glass, Meta/Ray-Ban smart glasses, or comparable devices); and, Any device capable of recording, transmitting, or live-streaming audio, video, still images, or text, regardless of form or brand. 2. SURRENDER OF DEVICE. Any person entering the courtroom who possesses a prohibited device must: Surrender the device to courthouse security. Devices may be returned upon the individual’s departure, subject to security protocols. 3. EXCEPTIONS. Exceptions may be granted only upon express written authorization of the Court. Authorized individuals must ensure that any permitted device is set to airplane mode, disabled from recording, and used solely for court-approved purposes. 4. ENFORCEMENT. Court security personnel are directed to enforce this Order. Any person who violates this Order may be: Removed from the courtroom; Subject to confiscation of the device during proceedings; Held in contempt of court; and, Subject to any other sanctions the Court deems appropriate. 5. PURPOSE. This Order is issued to protect the confidentiality of proceedings and Defendant’s right to a fair and impartial trial, safeguard jurors and witnesses, preserve the dignity and integrity of the judicial process, and prevent unauthorized recording or dissemination of courtroom activities. Sentencing Decorum Order Click on the title or the button to read the Decorum Order Decorum Order
