Courthouse open house planned

Bell ringing, roof leaks, and a “wrap-up” of the year-long Courthouse restoration process took up most of an hour-long commissioners meeting on Tuesday morning, Nov. 13.

The elected officials also decided on a date for an open house to celebrate the completion of the extensive repairs, set for Monday, Nov. 26.

Repair Wrap

Alan Odom of Premier Metalwerks reported that he had scheduled a “water test” that morning for a recent leak in the third floor treasurer’s office, but because of the cold weather on Monday, it had been delayed.

Charlie Kearns of Komatsu Architecture, who was also present, suggested that Danish oil with UV protection be applied to the 20 or so shutters that are most exposed to the sun, and that are already showing signs of being dry.

Maintenance with the oil should be scheduled every year, he said.

At an estimated cost of $2,600, the commissioners opted to have the shutters professionally cleaned and oiled.

It was also decided that the lawn around the base of the Courthouse, where equipment, scaffolding, and fencing have been for the last year,  should be leveled prior to the open house.

Open House Plans

County treasurer Tammy Brown is working on details for the open house, with the Nov. 26 date approved by commissioners at Monday’s meeting.

Punch and cookies will be served for the event, which is set for 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. with plans to show the public the repairs and improvements made since the $1.3 million restoration began last October.

Representatives from the Texas Historical Commission, Premier Metalwerks, and Komatsu Architecture plan to be present for the open house.

Courthouse Bell

Ann King addressed the commissioners, asking that the long-awaited ringing of the Courthouse bell from the clock tower be turned back up so that people could hear it.

Pct. 3 commissioner Lanham Martin stated that he is continuing to adjust the volume slowly and that the bell is louder than it was a few weeks ago.

The volume has been programmed to be much softer at night.

Other Business

•Brown was given the okay to close bank accounts that had been opened for the construction of the weigh station and the Courthouse restoration.

•Votes were canvassed and approved for the Nov. 6 election.

•Incoming county judge Bob Skelton was appointed to the Shackelford County Appraisal Board, effective Jan. 1, 2019.