Commissioners allow temporary memorial for 'Break the Stigma' courthouse event, restrict sponsor banners

Christina Benedict, speaking for Community Pathways and New Roots, asked to use the courthouse lawn for a Sept. 26 overdose-awareness event called "Break the Stigma," including a temporary memorial display and space for sponsors during the event.

Benedict described prior years' memorials and asked to use fencing near the monument for a week or a few days before the event. Commissioners expressed concern about permanent displays and advertising on courthouse property, and limited approval to temporary memorial crosses or a removable memorial wall placed a few days before the event and removed at the event’s conclusion. The board voted to allow the temporary memorial and asked organizers to avoid sponsor banners on courthouse fencing; organizers were advised they could display sponsorship materials elsewhere if needed.

County staff and the building coordinator also confirmed security and interior access arrangements for the event (limited interior use, single-door entry/exit patterns and barricades) and agreed to leave current barricades in place to control flow during the ceremony.