Scott County security system survives its first power outage

BENTON, Mo. -- Scott County's upgraded security system worked well during its first power outage since being implemented.

During severe storms that swept through the region March 1, the Scott County Courthouse in Benton was among the businesses and residences that experienced a power outage for several hours, from around 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The emergency back-up generator and security system kept the courthouse doors locked prior to it opening to the public and the phones working until Ameren could get the power restored, the Scott County commissioners said.

"That was just a small part of our security project, but it worked the way we hoped it would work," said Presiding Commissioner Jamie Burger during Tuesday's regular county commission meeting. "We were pleased, and with our phone system being hooked up to our generator now, at least we could access our phones and let people know we were still here and still operational."

Also on Tuesday, Burger along with First District Commissioner Dennis Ziegenhorn and Second District Commissioner Donnie Kiefer praised the Oran High School boys basketball team for winning the district's first-ever boys basketball state title in the Class 2 division Saturday in Columbia; the Oran High School girls basketball team which took fourth place at state in the Class 2 division Friday in Columbia; and the Sikeston High School boys basketball team which made it to the Class 4 quarterfinals Saturday in Hillsboro.