By Zach Killian
Bradley County Judge Klay McKinney held a dedication ceremony for the Bradley County Courthouse bell tower on Tuesday, October 3. The ceremony was dedicated to those who helped with the big bell tower project and helped the project see completion. Judge McKinney, members of the Bradley County Quorum Court, Blake Dunn from CADM Architecture, and Heather Carter and Katherine Nash from Arkansas Historical Preservation Program were in attendance. They helped in getting the project off the ground.
Judge McKinney gave a speech thanking everyone for their dedication and service to the project.
“In 1903, it took some great architects, it took some great engineers, it took some great skilled craftsman to build the courthouse,” said Judge McKinney. “120 years later, it did the same thing. It took some great architects, engineers, and craftsman to be able to do what was needed.”
The judge said it was a group effort to get the project completed.
Blake Dunn, who was the architect on the project, also spoke before the crowd.
“I’ve been very fortunate to participate in about 120 to 150 restoration projects,” said Dunn. “It’s a project type I enjoy.”
He said everyone went above and beyond on the project.
Judge McKinney presented a plaque stating, “On the 3rd day of October, 2023, the new Bradley County Courthouse Bell Tower is dedicated in honor and gratitude for the exemplary service, commitment, and dedication to the Arkansas Historical Preservation Program, CADM Architecture, Inc., Diversified Construction and Design, Bradley County Judge Klay McKinney, and the Bradley County Quorum Court.”
