A threat to the life of Judge Don Ash and a bomb threat closed the square and Judicial Building for about four hours Thursday. The call came in a little after 8:30 Thursday morning (5/31/2012). Courtrooms and offices were cleared and police stopped traffic on the north side of the square as well as on the College Street side of the building. 

Sheriff Robert Arnold told WGNS that three bombs were reported when the call was received.

Persons waited on the benches around the square, sat on the curbs and traffic was in a gridlock condition. Even though cars moved at a snails pace, there was an occasional fender bender. The all clear was given at 12:30pm and an investigation continues into the situation.