Oct 9, 2008

A major renovation project is under way at the Douglas County Courthouse, and due to recent developments may not be completed for several weeks. Excavation began last week along the north side of the courthouse where county officials planned to install drain pipes to draw water away from the building, which was leaking during heavy rains. However, it was discovered that when the courthouse was constructed some 70 years ago, it was set on solid rock and the rock was literally chiseled out to make room for the basement walls. Presiding Commissioner Butch Linder said there is not enough space between the rock and the walls to install the needed drain pipes, so the rock had to be jack hammered away to achieve the needed space. Dirt was also removed from the exterior walls on the southwest side of the building. Linder said the walls will be cleaned and treated with waterproof materials, and rock and perforated pipe will be installed to keep the water out of the basement of the building. In the meantime, the north steps of the courthouse have been removed and the entire north side of the courthouse is blocked off to all pedestrian and vehicle traffic.