Judge returns to fire-damaged office

A Eureka judge has finally returned to her office after a fire displaced her five months ago.

Justice of the Peace Stormy Langston’s office was last to reopen at the North Lincoln County Annex, heavily damaged by a late-night arson last October.

“We’re glad to be back,” she said, but added, “it’s just been hectic. We’re still in the process of unpacking.”

Since moving back March 24, she said Wednesday’s court session was the new courtroom’s first.

Langston had been renting an office from Big Sky Exxon during the interim.

Langston’s office was gutted during the fire that caused extensive smoke and fume damage to the rest of the building.

Although at the time she suspected the fire that started on her desk was a message for her, Lincoln County Sheriff’s  deputies determined it was related to a burglary.

Eric Haas, 20, has been charged with one count of felony arson and seven counts of felony burglary, as authorities believe he is connected to other business burglaries, four of which occurred the night of the fire. Haas has yet to post $300,000 bond and remains in custody in Lincoln County.

A pre-trial hearing in Lincoln County District Court in Libby is set for April 23.

Damage to the building housing 13 offices, a courtroom, conference room, waiting area and three bathrooms was extensive.

Although County Commissioner Marianne Roose said there is not yet a final damage cost, the building repairs so far have amounted to a little over $300,000.

“We’re not done yet, we’re still in the process of getting things finalized and replaced,” she said. Although the building repairs are wrapping up, she said the process of tallying up and replacing damaged items will take a bit longer.

There hasn’t been a settlement yet, and Roose is still working closely with the insurance adjuster. She said she hopes insurance will cover everything, but that the county does not intend to replace anything not covered.

Smoke and fire that spread through the building via heating ducts meant carpet had to be ripped out of every office and rooms had to be repainted.

“Remodeling was done to make better use of floor space, since everything had to be gutted out to begin with,” said Roose. And while they were at it, more energy efficient light fixtures were installed.

Local companies Complete Restoration and Brown Electric headed up the repairs and electrical work, respectively.

All departments are again operating out of the annex, which houses all of the county offices.

“The new office is great; I love the layout,” said Langston. “They did a great job in remodeling.”

The office is also more secure, including a new floor plan that prevents the public from entering the back office.

Clerk of Court Chrystal Stacy said the transition hasn’t been too bad. “We’ve been lucky and had gracious people who have understood what we have gone through,” she said.

Reporter Melissa Weaver may be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at mweaver@dailyinterlake.com.