Go-zebo

Despite creaks and groans and a couple of hair-raising moments, the gazebo was successfully moved across the courthouse lawn on Wednesday to rest in its new home, where it will offer a better view of town for those looking to enjoy an al fresco lunch hour and for visitors to town.

It was by no means an easy task, with no guarantee of success. Moving the gazebo took a great deal of planning to accomplish, with the county's Facilities department led by Director Larry Schommer enlisting the help of Road and Bridge Foreman Morgan Ellsbury, two skid steers and a backhoe.

The gazebo was boarded up and the structure fortified before any attempt was made to lift it, as it would not have been possible to safely remove the roof and transport it across to its new home in pieces.

Timing was key, as the top-heavy building had to be lifted equally on all sides and moved slowly and steadily from its concrete platform across to the new pad. The county commissioners couldn't resist coming out to watch the progress during a break in their regular meeting, with Commissioner Fred Devish sticking around to help guide the convoy around trees and into position.

As the gazebo landed safely on its pad, with no significant damage other than a slight bend to the weather vane caused by an errant branch, a collective release of breath could be heard from the crew.