Suspicious package forces evacuation of courthouse annex

The Hardin County Courthouse Annex Building was evacuated Wednesday morning after a suspicious package arrived at the Job and Family Services office.

John Folk, Director of JFS, said a business envelope addressed to the department was suspected of containing an unknown substance. He called the EMA office, which advised him to contact the sheriff’s office, said Folk.

Deputies evacuated the building as they inspected the scene. The employees were sent to the basement of the courthouse during the inspection.

Sheriff Keith Everhart said at the scene this morning the envelope was not opened and a bomb squad was being called to the building.

The evacuation was purely precautionary, he said.

“We have protocols in place and we are just following those steps,” Everhart said.

The evacuation of the building was orderly and swift, said the sheriff.

The Kenton Fire Department and Emergency Management Agency assisted in the evacuation and inspection of the building, said Everhart.

By DAN ROBINSON
Times staff writer