Courthouse closes temporarily to resolve sewer gas issue

City and county workers, along with staff from Hillier Pluming work to solve a problem with sewer gas entering the courthouse Wednesday afternoon. --Steve Moyer/Daily Mail

The Vernon County Courthouse was closed Wednesday morning because of a problem with sewer gas escaping into the building that causes discomfort to some inside the structure.

"There were some complaints about headaches yesterday and the commissioners decided to close the courthouse until the problem is taken care of," Tammi Beach, Vernon County Clerk, said.

City and county workers, along with Hillier Plumbing worked on the problem.

"I appreciate the way everyone pitched in to help, Darrell Hillier, owner of Hillier Plumbing said. "Especially the city, they didn't have to do it but they did."

By mid-afternoon the workers had uncovered the problem- a clay tile sewer pipe had become clogged outside of the courthouse. Drain augers run through a drain clean-out couldn't negotiate a turn and were unable to clear the clog so workers had to dig a hole to uncover the pipe.

Workers had a hard time locating the pipe, instead of running straight out or at an angle away from the building it went straight out for approximately 10 feet before turning 90 degrees to the north and running alongside the building.

By late Wednesday afternoon, repairs appeared complete. The courthouse will be open today for workers and the public.