A weekend construction accident at the Johnston County Courthouse damaged a nearly 100 year of statue. Some say the statue may be beyond repair.
Saturday afternoon, crews hired by the County to repair cracks in the original exterior of the 1921 courthouse, were using a lift that accidentally struck the statue on Market Street.
The statute is believed to be about 92 years-old. It is inscribed, “Presented to the Citizens of Johnston County by William Marsh Sanders 1923 In Honor of all those from Johnston County who participated in the World War.”
“There is significant damage to the monument,” said Johnston County Manager Rick Hester, who added, “I’m confident this situation will be resolved soon.”
Daniel Clifton, Director of Johnston County Building Maintenance said the statue included a fountain but the fountain-portion of the statue has not been in working order for many years.
Clifton said the company that caused the damage will be held liable, but because it was so badly damaged it may not be repairable.
In the meanwhile, work continues on making repairs to the exterior 94 year-old courthouse in preparation of its 100th anniversary in 2021.
