Vandalism creates security concerns at courthouse

The commissioners also set a 2006 meeting schedule.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Lawrence County commissioners said they are looking into stepping up security at the courthouse in response to recent acts of vandalism.
Authorities reported the outside wall of the county government center, beneath the county sheriff's office window, was sprayed with black paint sometime over the Christmas weekend.
The courthouse was closed Friday and Monday in observance of the holiday.
Officials said Tuesday that the sheriff's county-owned car also was spray painted.
Officials found no evidence that any obscenities or phrases typically associated with any hate crimes were painted anywhere, however, they noted. They said damage to the courthouse has been estimated at close to $5,000.
Commissioner Steve Craig said the county has not yet received an estimate for the damages to the sheriff's vehicle.
Meanwhile, commissioners said they are looking into moving several of the surveillance cameras used inside the courthouse to the outside of the building. They also are considering placing cameras in the parking areas.
Commissioners said they are also looking into whether the county can offer a reward for information about the crime or individuals who may be responsible. New Castle police said they have no suspects.
2006 meetings
Meanwhile, commissioners set their meeting schedule for 2006. They will continue having their regular public meetings at 10 a.m. Tuesdays in the commissioners meeting room, with the exception of March 28, July 4, Aug. 15, Nov. 21 and Dec. 26. Those meetings have been canceled because of holidays and other conflicts.
The commissioners also will conduct sessions one Tuesday evening of the month, from March through October, at various sites throughout the county.
The evening meetings will be at 6:30 p.m. March 21, April 25, May 30, June 27, July 25, Aug. 29, Sept. 26 and Oct. 24 at sites to be announced.
Commissioner caucuses will be at 10 a.m. Thursdays except on June 29 and Nov. 23.
The county salary board will continue meeting quarterly at 10:30 a.m., or immediately after commissioners' meetings, Jan. 10, April 18, July 18 and Oct. 17. The salary board also will meet at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday.
The county retirement board will meet quarterly after the salary board meetings on Jan. 10, April 18, July 18 and Oct. 17. The county elections board will meet Tuesdays, as needed, after commissioners' meetings.