HUTCHINSON, Kan. — County Administrator Gary Meagher updated the commission Tuesday regarding lightning damage.

The courthouse chimney was directly hit by lightning over the weekend:

 

The strike also damaged the phone system, but it is being fixed.

Some of the older radios used by 911 dispatch were also affected, according to 911 director Michelle Abbott. The potential cost to fix it is said to be between $50,000 and $70,000. However, Abbott says it may not be that much:

 

Meagher says an insurance adjuster is expected this week. Because the courthouse is considered a historic structure, the commission will need to see if the state wants the chimney rebuilt, or if it can be torn down.