Scott County officials are surprised with an early 'gift'

Scott County Commissioner Dennis Ziegenhorn pulls up carpet in the former court reporter office to reveal tile beneath which, when the carpet glue is cleaned off, will match the tile in the hallway, pictured in the foreground. The court reporter office's is being moved to the third floor so that room can be used to hold prisoners just before their court appearances while remaining under observation by bailiffs through a window in an adjacent room, according to Ziegenhorn. (Photo by Scott Welton, Staff)

scottw@standard-democrat.com

BENTON -- Christmas came early at the Scott County Courthouse.

"The court reporter who works for Judge Dolan discovered some red tile under the carpet behind the courtroom," Commissioner Dennis Ziegenhorn said during the regular County Commission meeting Tuesday. "It's like a Christmas present for the county."

Ziegenhorn explained this discovery by the court reporter, Elaine Matthews of Charleston, fits in perfectly with the Commission's ongoing project to put new flooring in high-traffic areas of the courthouse.

"We are finishing up putting ceramic floors in all the offices at the courthouse which is just a great improvement," he said.

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