Courthouse lighting to honor departing county judge, wife

The annual lighting of the county courthouse’s Christmas lights will be held Monday at 5:30 p.m., the Friends of the Garland County Courthouse said in a news release.

The nonprofit that raises money for courthouse improvements said seasonal music and community unity are the themes for this year’s event, which will honor retiring County Judge Rick Davis and his wife, Denice, the president of the nonprofit.

A ceremony will be held in Room 200 of the courthouse at 4 p.m. to honor Davis for her service to the organization and her eight years as “First Lady of Garland County,” the nonprofit said, noting that Davis is one of its charter members.

Limited edition brass and gold-plated ornaments depicting the 1905-13 iteration of the courthouse will be sold at the event, with all proceeds going toward courthouse improvements. Funds raised by the nonprofit have purchased new LED Christmas lights for the courthouse, refurbished the county courtroom, cleaned marble staircases and contributed to a life safety study on bringing the courthouse into compliance with the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.

This year’s event includes musical performances by the Fun City Chorus and Teen Challenge of Arkansas men’s choir. Cookies, hot chocolate and spiced cider will be provided by the Garland County Extension Homemakers Council.