The Stoddard County Courthouse will soon see cupola repairs thanks to a partial grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and State Historic Preservation Office.
The county was awarded a grant for $60,000 while putting in $40,000 for cupola repairs including sheet metal cladding restoration and application of an elastomeric finish coating, sealant replacement and painting. Construction is expected to be completed by Sept. 1.
Robert Stearns and Associates, Inc., and President Dale Rogers will serve as the architect for the project and contractor bids will be accepted Monday, April 9 at 10 a.m. in the Commission Chambers.
A pre-bid meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, March 26 in the Commission Chambers.
All contractors and subcontractors proposing to submit a bid proposal are encouraged to attend the meeting for a review of project bidding requirements, work scope and tour of the building.
While on the subject of cupola improvements, Maintenance Supervisor William Dowdy spoke to commissioners about repairing the clock on the courthouse.
The clock on top the Stoddard County Courthouse is not the original, but the man who integrated parts into the original time piece has volunteered his services to get it back to working order once again.
Scott McDowell described the clock as "his baby," Dowdy said when originally speaking with him several years ago.
"He designed and built it," Dowdy added.
McDowell, who works on clocks as a hobby, takes care of several others in the area, including the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse, as well as in New Mexico and Arizona.
"He just does this as a hobby and isn't looking to get paid," Dowdy said.
He added he thought this would be a good time to address the clock in conjunction with the cupola project.
"I don't know if you are going to do this now or in the future, but Scott is your guy," Dowdy told commissioners.
Commissioner Steve Jordan said several people expressed to him they would like to hear the clock chime once again.
One obstacle for the projects at hand is the ladder to access the cupola and clock. Its condition is a safety concern, according to Dowdy.
Modern improvements can be made to the ladder, Dowdy said, while still in accordance with historical preservation.
"This (cupola) got into bad condition because you can't get to it safely," he said citing no one wanted to risk climbing the unsure ladder.
Dowdy went on to say no matter how much money is put into the project, repairs can't be made if the space can not be accessed.
A filing update for the Aug. 7 election saw two new candidates file for offices announced last week which the incumbents would not be running for reelection.
Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis announced he would not be seeking reelection. Danny Talkington and Brock W. Williams have filed for the position.
County Clerk Joe Watson also announced he would be retiring and not seeking reelection. Cecil Weeks and Michael Watkins have filed to run for the office.