Todd Fiscal Court hears update on bicentennial, Historic Courthouse upgrades

Todd Fiscal Court heard updates on bicentennial celebrations in 2020 and on planned work at the Historic Todd County Courthouse during its first meeting of February Friday morning.

Architect Gary Violette says while the ultimate goal is making the upstairs of the 1835 courthouse on the Elkton Public Square into a museum and classroom, that has to start with an elevator and upgrades to the electrical and heating and cooling systems.

Estimated cost of just the first phase is just over $300,000 and Violette says Historic Todd County, Inc. will be working on additional fundraising efforts in the coming months.

Meanwhile, Darlene Groves is coordinating bicentennial events for Todd County this year and says they’re working on ways for the entire community to be involved in the celebration.

Fiscal Court approved a $5,000 donation to the bicentennial celebration fund. The kickoff event is set for Saturday, April 18 at the Todd County Central High School football stadium.

Magistrates approved a resolution giving Novelis 109 additional acres on the north side of its property near US 79 in Guthrie. Judge-Executive Todd Mansfield says the land was part of original incentive plans and he’s hopeful it will eventually allow additional expansion of the plant.

In other action, two ordinances were approved to reduce the speed limit to 35 mph on Beckham Road and B. Hall Road south of US 68.