The main courtroom of the Coshocton County Common Pleas Court is encased in scaffolding so that workers can restore the decorative ceiling and balcony that have been covered for several decades.

The restoration project came about after a meeting between Judge Robert Batchelor and the county commissioners about the future of the 140-year-old building.

 “We decided together that we ought to preserve this building because it’s the iconic feature, or the anchor feature, of this community. And so together, we’ve attempted to do that piece by piece, room by room,” Judge Batchelor said.

New windows were installed and other repairs made with donations from several foundations and county funding.

Former Coshocton County Clerk of Court Irene Crouso Miller has become a passionate supporter of preserving historic courthouses.

“It’s very important to the people in the state of Ohio, not just in Coshocton County, that they understand how important it is to preserve the heritage of our government and of our people,” she said.

Coshocton County is one of several historic courthouses under renovation around the state.

Logan County’s tower is being reconstructed after major damage from a windstorm in June 2012. Other issues with the roof were uncovered, adding to the scope of the work. A web cam perched on a nearby building lets online visitors see the progress.

Crumbling steps are being replaced at the historic Butler County Courthouse, where previous efforts included restoring the rotunda skylight.

Hancock County is looking forward to a rededication this summer of its 1888 courthouse after a two-year renovation project.

Prep work on the Wayne County Courthouse foundation is only the beginning of what is expected to be a $5 to 6 million restoration project to the exterior of the 135-year-old building.