by Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

Polk County Commissioners agreed last week to form a committee to recommend upgrades to the courthouse’s acoustics and security.

Commissioners met Nov. 17 and heard from bailiff Bruce Odel, who detailed some of the issues with the current sound system in the historic, 1859 courtroom.

Odel first announced a new North Carolina state seal rug placed in the courtroom recently.

Commissioner chair Ted Owens said the first rug was donated to Polk County by state representative Dave Owens and the first rug disappeared during renovations to the courthouse.

Odel said the judges are constantly dealing with sound issues in the courtroom with poor acoustics.

He said judges often begin by apologizing to those in attendance for issues being able to hear in the courtroom and the jury has difficulty hearing testimony.

Commissioners agreed to appoint a committee, which will come up with recommendations for improvements and report back to commissioners.