Rumors have been running rampant about the courthouse.
Many fear what will happen to our downtown should the county offices be moved.
The courthouse has long been the heartbeat of our downtown.
What will happen to the downtown businesses who depend upon the patronage of courthouse employees and those doing business at the courthouse if it is moved from its current location?
Downtown businesses already face challenges due to the growth of the west side of town.
Many locals have a personal attachment to our old courthouse building, which was built in the 1920s. We hate to see another old building being torn down. Yet, the cost of restoration and the lack of needed space could prohibit remodeling the current structure.
Years ago, the town historic designation was removed from the courthouse. It is not currently listed on any national, state or local historic registry.
In a recent public meeting, an idea was discussed about the town trading some acreage where the sewer ponds are currently located for the courthouse in order for the county to build a jail in the location near the high school.
Why would you build a jail right next to a school campus? Some people would love to see all three of our schools on one campus and moved off of prime locations along the main thoroughfare through town. We would hate to see the jail built near our public schools.
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