The Choctaw Plaindealer

The announcement that Choctaw County finally received funding through the Community Heritage Preservation grant to make necessary repairs to the Courthouse came as a welcomed surprise to county officials.

According to Don Threadgill, Chancery Clerk, the county has applied for the grant four times, each time feeling like they had a good chance at having the project approved. He explains that to finally hear that we actually received the grant was a surprise.

On December 15, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History announced it would award nearly $4 Million for use in 32 separate preservation projects. Of that $4 Million, Choctaw County will receive $169,200 for replacing the windows and installing central heat and air throughout the Courthouse. Several of the current windows are cracked or even have broken panes. The existing double paned windows also have a hazy appearance that makes it difficult to see in or out of the windows.

The building's heating and cooling system will also be updated with the addition of central heat and air to the entire building. Currently portions of the courthouse have a central heat and air system, but the grant will allow for the entire courthouse to be included in the system.

According to Threadgill, the announcement of the grant approval comes at a perfect time, because they can now work on the already ongoing renovation project while installing the central system and the windows.

One phase of the work included in the renovation underway is already completed. The drywall in the Forestry Department was peeling and chipping. Contractors recently completed the repairs and a fresh coat of paint was applied.

The current renovation project included installing central heat and air to the forestry department and neighboring office, which will be converted into a law library.

"The Courthouse will look so much better once we get all of projects completed," said Threadgill. "It will definitely enhance the beauty of one of Choctaw County's oldest buildings."

Only county or municipal governments, school districts, and nonprofit organizations granted Section 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service may submit applications. In reviewing and evaluating the grants, the Board of Trustees of MDAH attempted to balance the geographical distribution of grant awards.