Repairs are needed following storm damage to the Smith Building

Earlier this month, strong winds blew through Decorah and knocked down a large tree in front of Winneshiek County's Smith Building on Montgomery Street.

Winneshiek County Supervisor John Beard says the tree split in half, with one half falling on the lawn of the building, but the other half hitting the building and causing damages.  Masonry on the front entrance area was damaged, but the tree also destroyed a sheet metal cap on the roof of the building which was holding down the roof membrane.

Beard says that means county officials want to get the damages fixed as soon as possible so water doesn't come in the building when it rains.  Unfortunately, contractors are extremely busy this summer, so Beard is on the lookout for a roofing contractor and for a mason.

That's not the only part of the project.  Beard says he has been talking with the City of Decorah Forester about replacing the downed trees and will suggest to fellow supervisors that three or four new trees be planted in front of the Smith Building.