Burned Courthouse Topped Off Exterior Work Done On Fire-Damaged Site

Thu., June 27, 1996

Associated Press

A crane lifted a new cupola to the top of the Lincoln County Courthouse on Wednesday, replacing one destroyed in an arson fire that gutted the building six months ago.

The “topping out” ceremony with the small structure resembling a school bell tower marked the end of the building’s exterior restoration. Plans call for workers to occupy the building in November, nearly a year after the Dec. 21 blaze.

A Davenport youth, 17-year-old Will Hill, is scheduled to stand trial July 29 on a charge of first-degree arson.

County Commission Chairman Ted Hopkins said the restoration is expected to cost about $4.5 million, with another $750,000 to $800,000 for replacing contents.

The costs are being borne by the Washington Governmental Entity Pool, a private company that specializes in insuring government agencies.

Hopkins said the new cupola replaces one that was atop the original building built in 1897. It is waterproof and will have an improved flagpole, he said.

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Burned Courthouse Topped Off Exterior Work Done On Fire-Damaged Site

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