The Sunflower County Justice Court Building, located at 119 N. Chester Ave. in Ruleville, has undergone extensive repairs and renovations aimed at improving services for residents of the northern end of the county.
The project was funded with a budget of $5,000, and the county maintenance supervisor, Daniel Kent, managed to complete the work under budget, spending approximately $3,200 and saving the county around $1,800.
Initially, there had been discussions among county officials and the board of supervisors about possibly demolishing the building and constructing a new one. However, the county decided to give the maintenance department an opportunity to restore and repair the existing structure instead.
This decision allowed the renovation project to proceed, preserving the building’s historical significance while upgrading its facilities.
The renovation included interior updates and structural modifications, such as the removal of a wall to create a larger courtroom space, complete with a new judge’s bench. Additionally, all restrooms within the building were fully renovated to meet modern standards. One of the most significant improvements involved repairing a room that had suffered extensive mildew damage; the damaged walls were replaced and thoroughly repaired to ensure a safe and clean environment.
The upgrades were carried out by the county’s maintenance supervisor, Daniel Kent, and his crew, who were given the opportunity to restore the historic building rather than demolish it, as had been previously considered.
On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, officials—including Honorable Judge Lisa Bell, District 5 Supervisor Gloria Dickerson, County Administrator Mary Hart, and Chancery Clerk Gloria McIntosh—inspected the upgraded facility. Judge Bell expressed her satisfaction with the renovations, stating, “I’m very happy with the improvements made to serve our citizens better.”
The building now features a welcoming interior with functional courtroom space designed to streamline judicial proceedings and improve public access. Photos from the inspection show the interior of the courtroom, which now includes a modern judge’s bench, as well as the updated restrooms and the room that was previously suffering from mildew damage. The county officials emphasized that these renovations are part of a broader effort to enhance public services and maintain the historic integrity of the building. The project underscores the county’s commitment to providing accessible and efficient judicial facilities for the residents of Sunflower County’s north end.
For more information, contact the Sunflower County Administrative Office.
