According to Logan County Coroner Mary Givens, the county’s new morgue has proved to be very useful. She said Tuesday, at the fiscal court meeting, she has used it a great deal these past few weeks. She did say, however, that she would like to see a few improvements to the property including running water, a sink and a privacy fence.

After several months of searching for a place to put a morgue, the county turned to the City of Russellville asking mayor Mark Stratton if the city could spare room that fit the needs of a morgue. Stratton, after talking with Sexton Kenny Gregory, offered the perfect site in the back of Maple Grove Cemetery where the Sexton’s maintenance garage was once located. There is a concrete floor, electricity and 24-7 access to the coroner, which is what was requested.

Water was also part of the offer, and although some work has been done to bring it into the building, it still hasn’t happened. Judge/Executive Logan Chick told Givens he would get in contact with Stratton and see if there were anything the county could do to expedite the process.

A privacy fence would be very helpful as well, said Givens on Tuesday. She said some of the funeral homes have expressed their discomfort when having to load a body and the lack of privacy there is. The morgue is located beside Nashville Street and those who sit back at the traffic light have full view of the building where the loading takes place.

The judge said he would look into a fence as well.