While business has been going on for over a month, the dedication for the Washington County Judicial Center was held yesterday in front of the new building.  Resident Circuit Washington County Judge Dan Emge welcomed everyone and gave a brief judicial history on Washington County, including how Covington was to be the county seat and have the courthouse.  Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier also talked about Covington’s history, as well as how things developed with the new building.  Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, Judge Rita Garman, is the first Chief Justice to speak in Washington County in approximately 50 years and she liked how the County Board put it together for the future with the new building, but also is keeping the past alive by renovating the Courthouse building.  Chairman of the Washington County Board, David Meyer, said the discussions for the new building began about 20 years ago and picked up in the recent years.  The need was because of the three s’s.  That is for office space, much needed storage, especially for the paperwork and files, as well as for security.  He said security needed more attention with the new building and it provides it.  Also, Meyer mentioned that the building is paid for at this time.  Tours were then given in groups of 8 to 10 throughout the entire building.  Also, flying was the new Washington County flag with the seal.  It shows the outline of the county with a wagon wheel and yellow grain, surrounded by a blue circle with “Washington County, Illinois, established January 2, 1818.  It is based on a drawing by resident Carole Moeller.