Doughboy statue said in need of repair

One of the iconic monuments marking the Putnam County Courthouse Square may soon need a facelift.

Or perhaps in this case -- a leglift.

A crack was recently located in one of the legs of the "Doughboy" World War I memorial statue on the southeast corner of the courthouse lawn.

The bronze "Spirit of the American Doughboy" was sculpted by E. M. Viquesney. A Spencer resident, Viquesney produced more than 150 of the statues between the 1920 and 1940s.

Heritage Preservation Society of Putnam County president (and Putnam County councilor) Phil Gick looked into some firms that could repair the statue, and has given their names to Commissioner David Berry.

One of those, a sculptor out of Indianapolis, sent a quote to Berry of $3,700.

However, learning of the problem, courthouse head custodian Brian Smith told county officials he could do the work required to repair the statue, which he said would only involve brazing the bronze.

If Smith did the work, the only cost to the county would be $345 for supplies.

Smith was unavailable to attend Tuesday's commissioners meeting, but Berry and fellow commissioner Don Walton will speak with Smith and consider how to proceed.

Tuesday's meeting was notable in as the first since the passing of District 2 Commissioner Nancy Fogle. At the beginning of the night, Walton asked all in attendance to observe a moment of silence in Fogle's honor.

Later in the meeting, a discussion came up regarding a caucus to fill Fogle's position. Tentatively, the Republican Party plans to have a 10:30 a.m. caucus on Saturday, Sept. 7.

GOP officials are hoping to host the event in the Superior Courtroom on the third floor of the courthouse. They want a venue that will accommodate all 31 Republican precinct committeemen, candidates for the position, party officials and any other interested individuals.

However, a final decision on the location depends upon the approval of Judge Denny Bridges and the legality of using a county-owned location, as it is technically a political party event.

Berry, a Republican, said he hoped it would not be an issue, as he would have no objection to Democrats using the courtroom for a similar purpose.

"I was thinking along the lines of if it was the other party, it wouldn't matter to me," Berry said.

In other business:

* County Highway co-supervisor Mike Ricketts reported chip and seal work is done at Heritage Lake, along with the Victory Hill Drive pipe.

Paving work on County Road 850 West, south of State Road 236 was set for completion Wednesday.

Highway workers are doing paving work on 900 East, north of State Road 240.

* Joey Clampitt was appointed to the Roachdale Fire Protection District Board.