William E. "Dude" Hatfield has worked the metal detector at the Nelson County Courthouse for four years. He said he took the job because retired life was boring him.

Dude Hatfield gets in a quick smoke before the 8:30 opening of the old courthouse in Bardstown.

Dude Hatfield spends a day learning how to use the surveillance equipment at the new Nelson County Courthouse.

Dude Hatfield checked his watch ? and smoked another cigarette ? before opening the front doors at the old courthouse in Bardstown.

Dude Hatfield was given the task of telling people who came through the metal detector at the old courthouse in Bardstown, to "head out to the new courthouse" to take care of their business. "We'll call this the information desk today," Hatfield said. Most of the offices have moved out to the new Nelson County Courthouse in preparation for the opening the next week.

The back room of the old courthouse smells of coffee and cigarette smoke as Dude Hatfield gets ready for another day at the metal detector.

Dude Hand his wife Elizabeth have been married for 50 years and have lived in Bardstown for 46.

Dude Hatfield has been working the metal detector at the courthouse for four years. He said he took the job because retired life was too boring.