Maybe you remember the oak tree on the north side of the courthouse. It was healthy but had to be removed. It was removed for two reasons. (1) It was causing damage to the building! The limbs were damaging the wall and the roof. The roots were pushing on the foundation and plugging the drainage lines. (2) It was directly in the path of our new underground electrical service. Our courthouse will have 100% new electrical service throughout the building. I spent a career promoting the conservation of our natural resources in Perry County, and appreciate the value of trees more than most, but it had to be removed. It would be irresponsible to leave it stand and continue to damage the courthouse and the investment in this restoration work. (Katrina questioned the removal more than anyone- even she realized it had to be removed.) We did saw the oak log into lumber and will commission the construction of some benches to be placed in public spaces.
– Ben Carpenter, Perry County Commissioner
Originally posted to Facebook
