Interior improvements planned for courthouse

BENTON, Mo. -- Scott County Commissioners looked over invitations to bid on installing central heating and air conditioning for the courthouse during their regular meeting Tuesday. A pre-bid conference will be held May 13; bids are due and will be opened at 11 a.m. May 25. The system will be used to heat and cool the first two floors of the courthouse including the circuit courtroom. "We're trying to get our courthouse more cost-effective by putting in new heating and air," said Martin Priggel, presiding commissioner. Priggel said it is also part of a larger plan to get rid of all window air conditioner units, radiators and exterior conduits at the courthouse. Tied in to the removal of the boiler-radiator heating system is the removal of asbestos insulation on the system, which is reported on schedule.