Active eastern St. Bernard resident Catherine Serpas is seen holding the ceremonial ribbon cutting scizzors at the Beauregard Courthouse on December 13. There were dozens on hand to cut the ribbon including Parish President Dave Peralta, Eddie Williams of FEMA, Jeff Amering of GOHSEP, Councilchair Guy Mc Innis, Councilman Monty Montelongo, Councilman Casey Hunnicutt, Councilman Ray Lauga, former Parish President Charles Ponstein, State Representative Ray Garofalo, Sheriff Jimmy Pohlmann, Judge Perry Nicosia, Justice of the Peace Bruce Jackson, Constable Tony Guerra, Assessor Jaylynn Turner and Chamber Board member Fred Sigur Jr. and Chamber Director Stephen Reuther.

Parish officials hosted a grand opening ceremony for the Old Beauregard Courthouse in eastern St. Bernard on December 13.

The 16,800 square foot building was built as a courthouse in 1916 but was most recently home to P.G.T. Beauregard Middle School until it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Local historian Bill Hylan noted that the land housing the courthouse was sold to the parish by one of Councilman Ray Lauga’s ancestors for $1.

Parish President Dave Peralta thanked the residents of eastern St. Bernard for their contributions and help with seeing the project to the finish line.

Eastern St. Bernard resident Catherine Serpas, who donated the flag out front of the courthouse in memory of her late husband, was given the task of cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

“The tenacity of the people got this done,” said Peralta.

Sheriff James Pohlmann announced that the building will function as a sub-station for the Sheriff’s Office in eastern St. Bernard, and will feature and library as well as reception and conference space for rent through parish government.

Pohlmann said he was excited to have a place to offer services for eastern St. Bernard residents, without them having to travel to Chalmette.

“We will soon be open here Monday through Friday,” said Pohlmann. “I think we will be operational in a couple of weeks.”