Strange odor keeps victims assistance out

February 2, 2002

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By Stacey Creasy February 01, 2002

PLYMOUTH - There is something in the air at the Marshall County Victim's

Assistance office, which is why you will not find anyone there.

The victim's assistance office has been moved to the Marshall County

Court Services area until tests are conducted and county officials can

figure out what is behind the foul odor in the office.

Tests were to be done Thursday, but since the courthouse and Marshall

County Building were closed, the Pilot News could not confirm if they were

conducted.

The victim's assistance office was moved from the third floor of the

county building to the basement of the courthouse last year to free up some

space in the county building.

In December a pipe broke on the second floor of the courthouse, a pipe

directly above the victim's assistance office. The water from the pipe

flooded the office. Ceiling tiles caved in and the floor was soaked.

That was also the time for Toys for Tots. All of the toys were ruined

but that story had a happy ending. The toys were replaced.

This story will have a happy ending, if they find the source of the

odor. Until then, the office will remain vacant.

The water may have caused mold or bacteria in the office. County

officials will not be certain until the tests are done.

Victim's Assistance Administrator Quivey and victim's assistance

caseworker Mann hope to have answers soon. They want the people who

need them to be able to find them.

There is also concern some victims may not be willing to go to the

court services area. One key element to victim's assistance is it allows the

victims to keep a low profile.

Once the tests are done, county officials, Quivey and Mann will have a

better idea if, or when, they can move back in.

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