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Temporary Move for Lee County Conservation

Jason Parrott
/
Tri States Public Radio

The Lee County Conservation Board will have a new home for the foreseeable future.

The Board of Supervisors held an emergency meeting at the Conservation Board’s office Tuesday afternoon.

Members got a first-hand look at the damage caused by an indirect lightning strike over the weekend. 

A brief tour included the lamp-post that was struck, the hole in the wall where the electricity came through, and charred insulation and boards in the basement.

After the tour, the supervisors voted to allow the Conservation Board to work out of the North Lee County Office building.

Information Technology Director Luann Schmitt will set up several computers in the former meeting room for the Board of Supervisors.

Chairman Ernie Schiller says this will give the board time to consider its options.

“Moving the conservation board out will give us the latitude that we can then step back, take a look and not rush into anything.”

Credit Jason Parrott / Tri States Public Radio
/
Tri States Public Radio
What remains of a clock that was on the wall where the lightning entered the building.

Schiller says one possible option is a new building, which the Conservation Board has been pursuing for years.  He says it will depend on the cost and timeframe for repairs.

Conservation Director Tom Buckley says he will try to have at least one employee at the office during the day to address walk-up customers.

The lightning strike knocked out the building’s power plus its internet and phone services.  It also destroyed a wall clock, damaged several pieces of equipment and tipped over furniture.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.