Work began over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays to replace carpeting in the courtrooms of the Labette County Judicial Center in Parsons. The carpet was originally laid around 1980. The Home Store’s Rick Crockett (above right, in background) and Ernest Babcock (above right, foreground). worked on the final courtoom on Thursday. Court is expected to reopen on Tuesday but will be closed on Thursday for the national day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter. County crews on Thursday also began moving the new benches to Judge Fred W. Johnson’s courtroom, which already had the carpet installed. The Saw Shack Redemption of Altamont built the pew-style benches out of oak, and the work cost $19,716, paid for from American Rescue Plan Act funding. The final benches were moved in the spring last year. The carpet installation will cost $22,517, also paid for out of ARPA funds, when the final balance is paid. Ray Nolting/Sun photos
