Vandalism forces closure of Webster County Courthouse
Vandalism forces closure of Webster County Courthouse
Judge says county needs to speed up progress on security
FORT DODGE (AP) — The Webster County Courthouse in Fort Dodge could remain closed through next week because of extensive vandalism.
Authorities determined an individual or group gained access to the courthouse about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday and sprayed fire extinguishers throughout the third and fourth floors, according to the Fort Dodge Messenger. Most space on the floors is used for judicial purposes.
Most offices were locked, but Supervisor Merrill Leffler said damage was extensive because a fine dust from the fire extinguishers spread extensively.
“I think the biggest threat to the situation is the computer system,” Leffler said. “This fine dust can get in there. If you turn on your computer it will suck it in there and cause a lot of problems.”
County information technology director Andy McGill said dust coated office computers, so they must be cleaned before being turned on. Machines in the main computer room appeared to be working.
“The computer room seems to be intact. I did not see any kind of dust in there whatsoever, even though they tried to blast it through,” McGill said.
Leffler said the building might reopen Friday, but Monday is more likely. County workers will move to other offices until then.
The courthouse, built in 1902, has no security system. It’s unclear how anyone gained access.
The county sheriff’s office is investigating the vandalism and may be helped by other agencies.
Webster County District Court Judge Thomas Bice said he’s concerned the vandalism could be a threat against judicial officers. Given that, Bice said investigators should examine whether a federal offense was committed.
Bice also said officials need to speed up a study of courthouse security, which has been progressing slowly for months.
“The white elephant in this room has to do with courthouse security,” Bice said. “Today is not the day we address those issues but, by golly, based on what happened last night it’s got to go to the top of the list in terms of priorities.”
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