In last week’s Gasconade County Republican the Save the Courthouse committee had several good questions in their weekly ad to try and keep the courthouse in Hermann. I am not an expert on this matter, but I believe I can address a few of their questions and put them to ease.

Construction of an annex addition encircling the existing courthouse and upgrades to the 110-year-old building is the most expensive of three options Gasconade County voters will eventually face.

Floorplans for either a renovation and construction of an annex to the existing county courthouse, an entirely new government center at an unspecified location, or creating one in the former OES 3-5 Center were presented Thursday before the Gasconade County Commission.

GERALD EBKER, a member of the citizens committee charged with developing a list of options for either refurbishing the current courthouse, or building a new government center, shows a drawing Thursday to county commissioners during their meeting at Owensville City Hall. The drawing reflects an architect’s rendering of a an annex to the existing Gasconade County courthouse. Two other option were also presented. Photographs of all three options and the committee’s complete report appears on this web site.