The Fulton County Courthouse built in 1890 is still used to this day in Salem. Although restored in 1973, it is in need of significant repairs.
Substantial water leaks inside the upstairs portion of the courthouse have caused major deterioration. Wooden boards surrounding some windows in the upstairs portion appear to be warped due to water damage.
According to KAIT, Fulton County Judge Kenneth Crow says he plans to work to restore the building while in office.
Crow states the roof is about 15 to 20 years old and installed without gutter systems. There was no overhang, and water was coming in on the inside of the walls. The county plans to replace the roof and install gutters soon. Once completed work on the inside of the building would begin.
As a longtime Fulton County resident, the courthouse is something Crow would like to see preserved. Crow states, “I can’t imagine this court square without this courthouse. This is really the heartbeat of the county, and the employees were the blood flow of it. We have to preserve it.”