Bighorn County Courthouse Cleaning Up Asbestos

Asbestos is the reason why the Bighorn County courthouse will remain closed for at least another week.

That’s according to a Facebook post from the Bighorn County Sheriff’s Office, which notes that the Courthouse, which was shut down unexpectedly August 8^th, will remain closed until at least August 26^th.

Officials explain that as a result of construction activities in the building, the County Commissioners were alerted to a possible asbestos exposure on August 8th. The Commissioners chose to close the courthouse until proper testing could be conducted.

According to County officials, testing results indicated that a minute amount of asbestos was detected in the building, measuring less than one tenth of acceptable levels. A qualified abatement team will begin the required cleaning of the entire courthouse facility next Monday, August 19^th, and offices within the building will be reopened immediately following cleaning and approval from the testing agency.

Initial estimates for the reopening of the Clerk, Treasurer’s and Assessor’s office will be Monday, August 26th. Completion of the entire courthouse is expected within 30 days.

Notice of office openings will be posted on the County Facebook Page, Website and building bulletin boards. Law Enforcement, County Attorney, Circuit and District Courts as well as victims advocacy will continue to operate and can be reached at their published phone numbers.