A  few years ago, Cass County residents in a survey voted overwhelmingly to keep the Cass County courthouse. After years of sitting vacant, repairs were done and it was re-roofed. Now it sits waiting to be made pretty and useful again.

The current board of commissioners is divided on what comes next. Some say sell it, some say vote on a millage, some are unsure which way to go. Some support the Cass County Economic Development Council plan for forming a not-for-profit (501c3) as the next step. Just like is being so successfully done with the Bonine House (Underground Railroad), a not-for-profit will open the courthouse to a wide array of grants. No cost to residents. The board of directors for the 501c3 would include community members along with representation from the Board of Commissioners.

If you care about the future of the Cass County courthouse, these are the Republicans running in the Aug. 7 primary who have publicly endorsed the EDC plan: Ann File, Bob Ziliak, Roxanna Hall and Bernie Williamson.

As for the rest running I would encourage residents to ask them personally where they stand on this issue and vote accordingly. The courthouse belongs to each of us and I, for one, do not want to see it torn down.

Judy Ashley

Edwardsburg