By Bill Grubb
News Editor

ROGERSVILLE - Employees and visitors at the Hawkins County Justice Center who want to use tobacco products will have to keep their distance.
    The county's Public Buildings Committee voted Tuesday to establish a "No Smoking Zone" around the building, which houses the sheriff's office, jail, courtrooms and related offices, that will keep anyone from using tobacco products within 20 of any entrance.
    Alana Roberts, of the county mayor's office, said employees and visitors are currently staying near the entrances to smoke and that no specific designated smoking areas have been established.
    "They (smokers) congregate right at the door and this allows smoke to get into the building," Roberts told committee members, adding that would be a violation of state law. "There is specific distance, we just can't let it (smoke) infiltrate through the doors. Someone can file a complaint if that happens."
    While committee members acknowledged some action needs to be taken to assure compliance with the law, Commissioner Charlie Thacker suggested the bans are discriminating against tobacco users.
    "I'm not a smoker but it seems to be these people that smoke, they've got rights, too," Thacker said.
    Commissioner Fred Montgomery noted he smokes a pipe but that "he knows where he should and shouldn't smoke."
    Montgomery suggested a ban that would require anyone using a tobacco product at the Justice Center to go to a vehicle, with that motion failing.
    The committee did approve a ban that would keep smokers or anyone using tobacco products at least 20 feet from the building.
    "If we put up a sign letting them know about the No Smoking Zone we can put the ashtrays right there and maybe that will help keep the area clean," Commissioner Larry Frost said.
    Committee members also suggested the sheriff's office should be responsible for enforcing the ban.
    In other business, the committee approved a motion to allow a Foundations Display to be added to the Justice Center.
    In June the committee discussed, but took no action on, a proposal by Juvenile Court Judge and attorney James "Jay" Taylor approached county officials to display documents "of historical interest" regarding the founding of our state and nation last month.
    The purpose of the Foundations Display is to recognize the exhibits and their historical contribution to the development of American legal and political traditions and is intended to comply with legal requirements of such displays, as authorized by federal courts.    
    The display would include the Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, Ten Commandments, Magna Carta, Star Spangled Banner, National Motto, Preamble to the Tennessee Constitution, Bill of Rights, a picture of Lady Justice, Benjamin Franklin's epitaph, George Washington's inaugural address and prayer at Valley Forge and National Pledge, Tennessee House Resolution 0815 (2004), Tennessee Senate Resolution 0158 (2006), and an explanatory text.
    Although ultimately authorizing the display, several committee members expressed concerns it might create legal problems.
    "I'm all for it but I think this is something the county attorney should look at," Commissioner Claude Parrot said.
    According to Taylor private funds will be used to create the display.  He also said for more information about the Foundations Display project individuals should contact him at his law office, 272-2711, or by e-mail at info@judgejamestaylor.com