Move makes more space for Dayton courts and cops

The Lyon County Sheriff's substation moved this week from the Dayton Courthouse into new digs five miles east, and courthouse tenants were giddy over the prospect of more room.

"We've been hurting for space for so many years now - both the sheriff and ourselves" said Camille Vecchiarelli, management assistant for Justice of the Peace William Rogers.

Since 1989 when the former bluestone manufacturing plant was converted into the courthouse and substation, every inch of the second story of the circa 1860 building was taken up by the justice court's ever-growing caseload. A narrow hallway doubled as a waiting room and a small courtroom.

Downstairs in the basement was a small office for the district attorney, office space for deputies, and two inmate holding cells.

"(The county) told us in 2000 we would have the entire building, and we waited and waited and waited," Vecchiarelli said. "Then when (deputies) said they were moving out, I told them I would believe it when I saw them taking boxes out. Monday, they were gone."

Vecchiarelli said plans to expand the courthouse are in the works, but that there are historical and logistical issues to contend with, such as how much change will affect the esthetics and the possible installation of an elevator if both levels are for public use.

Lyon County Undersheriff Joe Sanford said the department is proud of its new substation at 801 Overland Loop in Occidental Square.

Built specifically for the sheriff's department, the space is three times larger than their previous 800 square feet.

Now the substation's 10 deputies, lieutenant and sergeant have a training room, interview room, break room, a fenced sally port, booking area and access to the district attorney who shares the space.

Lt. Jim Cupp, substation and area commander, said the new building is an indisputable improvement from the dank underbelly of the courthouse.

"I actually have a window now," he said. "I'm happy."

• Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.