Group wants to save old North Dakota courthouse

WASHBURN, N.D. (AP) — Some Washburn residents hope to save the McLean County Courthouse from demolition.

Dennis Kost tells the Minot Daily News that he and others have formed a nonprofit corporation called The McLean County Heritage Preservation Foundation. The foundation wants to buy the old courthouse buildings, property and building contents for $1, so they can be preserved.

The group plans to meet with county commissioners Tuesday. Members say their proposal would save the county about $1 million in demolition costs, relieve the county of liability and save taxpayers the expense of upkeep on the property.

County voters in November 2010 approved spending up to $5.5 million for a new courthouse in Washburn. It's to be done this summer. The older portion of the old courthouse dates back a century.

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