I'm sorry if this is off topic, but I'd like to confirm a story that I heard as a boy. My step-father told me that the land for the courthouse was donated to Vinton county with the stipulation that nobody could be sentenced to death there. Has anyone else heard this story, or have a reference to confirm or refute this claim? If this is true, it could have some bearing on the current murder trial in McArthur. In case you haven't heard, Judge Simons decided to not pursue the death penalty for economic reasons. His decision is being appealed. I think it would be interesting to learn if there is a history lesson here. Sincerely Rick Holbert