Courthouse returns to Phase 2 protocols

By Buck Collier, Special Correspondent
Posted 1/6/21

HERMANN — The Gasconade County Courthouse has returned to Phase 2 in its efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Under Phase 2, a deputy sheriff will be stationed at the main entrance …

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Courthouse returns to Phase 2 protocols

Posted

HERMANN — The Gasconade County Courthouse has returned to Phase 2 in its efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Under Phase 2, a deputy sheriff will be stationed at the main entrance to check visitors’ temperatures only on the days that Circuit Court is in session. Under Phase 1, a deputy has been stationed at the door every day the courthouse is open for business.

The change to Phase 2, announced Monday by 20th Circuit Court Presiding Judge I.I. “Ike” Lamke, comes at a key time for county government. As County Clerk Lesa Lietzow noted during last Wednesday’s County Commission session, having a deputy stationed at the door every day would be costly to county taxpayers with the end of the CARES Act funding.

“On Jan. 1, you’re talking General Revenue money” to pay a deputy, she said.

Dec. 30 was the deadline set by the federal government for counties to use the CARES Act money it received earlier in the year or lose it.

If the situation regarding the coronavirus worsens, court officials could return the courthouse’s safety measures to Phase 1, which means a deputy would be stationed at the door during business hours each day to scan visitors.