WALTHALL, Miss. (WTVA) -- Deputy Circuit Clerk Wanda Robinson stands helpless as history crumbles before her.
"Oh. I've been here thirteen years. We've got a lot of memories-a lot of fun times. It's just really hard," Robinson said.
It was only recently she and others in the office were admiring the Circuit Clerk's newly-painted office.
"We're just devastated in this community. It holds some special memories. It's a great loss for Webster County and the village of Walthall," Webster County Court Clerk Deborah Hood Neal said.
"Well, it's like somebody said a whole ago. It's sort of like death. It's pretty sad," Webster County Justice Court Judge Jerry Jones said.
"Even though we needed a new courthouse probably, this is a terrible way to have to do that, so it's a sad time," Webster County resident Shirley Griffin said.
Before the State Fire Marshal could determine a cause and even before the smoke fully cleared, the effort to save what they could kicked into high gear.
Damage is minimal to records kept in vaults. There is some heat and water damage. Steps will be taken to dry them out. Officials say computer-related information is secure.
The next step will be to secure portable offices for the Circuit Clerk, Chancery Clerk, Tax Assessor and the Purchasing Agent.
