Sound so loud “you can hear a pin drop”

For much of the time of Oconee’s 13-year old courthouse, hearing has been problematic if you are trying to follow what’s been happening in the courthouse’s largest courtroom.  There, on the fourth floor spectators and, at times, court officers haven’t been able to hear what’s said among the witnesses, the lawyers, and the judge.  But the clerks of court believe the problem has been licked with the installation of 10 to 12 speakers positioned throughout the courtroom to amplify the sound.  As one court officer told us, it’s so loud you now can hear a pin drop.  Clerk of Court Beverly Whitfield said the money for the speakers was part of her budget and the upgrade was accomplished by putting the work out to bid.  The true test of how good the new sound system is likely to come the week of March 21 during General Sessions Court.