Baxter County Judge Mickey Pendergrass is scheduled to announce his response to a federal judge's ruling that a Nativity scene on the courthouse lawn violates the Constitution.
Pendergrass is to reveal his decision during a news conference Wednesday.
Judge Timothy Brooks ruled on Nov. 12 that the county must either stop placing any religious seasonal displays on the property or create a public forum allowing displays by all religions and viewpoints.
Pendergrass had leased a corner of the courthouse lawn to the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce for $1, and the chamber allowed a local attorney to place the Nativity scene there. The American Humanist Association and Mountain Home resident Dessa Blackthorn sued after Pendergrass denied at least two requests to place a "Happy Winter Solstice" banner on the lawn.
