CAPTION: Several Grand River Technical School students have made a safety grid which has been installed at the Livingston County Courthouse to prevent anyone from falling from the second to the first floor through the opening. Pictured are, from left: Chase Bonderer, Garrell Gardner, Aaron Manning, Cory French and Dustin West. Not pictured are Coty Fordyce and Chris Henderson.

C-T Photo / Laura Schuler

Several Grand River Technical School welding students have had a hand in making the Livingston County Courthouse safer thanks to a safety grid they created and helped install at the historical building last week. The Livingston County Commissioners contacted instructor Lee Caughron in January about the project, which involved covering the approximately 8-foot by 12-foot opening between the first and second floor of the courthouse.

“We (the commissioners) were always aware that (the opening) could be hazardous — especially with children,” presiding Livingston County Commissioner Eva Danner said yesterday (Monday). She said that the commission wanted the opening covered to prevent anyone from falling through the opening, but also wanted air to flow through it. However, she added that the commission was unsure this year’s lean budget would cover the cost of the project. Western District County Commissioner Todd Rodenberg proposed contacting the Grand River Technical School and asking for input about a project and its related cost.

After meeting with the commissioners, Caughron proposed installing three panels, approximately 4-feet by 8-feet each, made from angle iron with expanded metal mesh and tub steel cross supports. The commissioners approved the plan, and advised Caughron to have the panels’ powder coat painted both for durability and appearance. The total cost of the project was approximately $500.

Teaching assistant Justin Frazier and students Garrell Gardner, Chase Bonderer, Cory French, Aaron Manning, and Dustin West installed the safety grid on Friday, February 20. Other students not present were Coty Fordyce and Chris Henderson.

Bonderer, Gardner, and Fordyce will be competing as a team at state SkillsUSA contest in welding fabrication. Chris Henderson will be competing in the welding contest.

Caughron offered his appreciation to Ronnie Kincade from the dPowder Shoppe (DPS) in Trenton, Mo., for his help on the project.

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