Demolition of old church on hold pending abatement estimate and relocation of artifacts

A question about the status of the planned demolition of the old church drew an update that demolition is on hold while the county sorts out abatement and protects items inside the building. "Really, the only update we have a cost estimate for the, abatement of the caulking," Highway Superintendent Tom Windes told the Space Deans Committee on Aug. 6, 2025. Windes said there were two items requiring attention but he could not recall the second item's specific name at the meeting. Windes said crews had not removed caulking because doing so might cause the windows to leak and risk damaging items inside. "We didn't dare take the caulking off in case the windows started leaking, and we didn't wanna ruin all of Mallory's treasures," he said. He said the county was waiting until officials found homes for artifacts inside the building before proceeding with demolition. Why it matters: the county cannot safely proceed with abatement and demolition until it addresses both hazardous-material abatement and the disposition or relocation of items inside the building. Delays affect project schedules and any related funding or contractor work. Meeting context and next steps: a committee member asked that demolition remain an ongoing item under unfinished business so the group can receive future updates. The transcript records no formal vote or authorization to demolish; Windes said the county will make a plan once artifacts are rehomed and abatement details are settled.