Murphysboro's mayor says a strong thunderstorm knocked down trees and contributed to the partial collapse of a downtown building Monday.
Mayor Will Stephens says the Gillenburg Furniture Building suffered a partial collapse. No one was injured, but he says it was affecting some business downtown Tuesday.
"That building adjoins the building that houses the Jackson County Supervisor of Assessments' Office. I believe that office is closed at least 'till noon ... while they await a structural engineer to come in and take a look at things, and make sure those employees are safe to go back to work."
In the meantime, emergency crews have closed off part of South Ninth and Tenth Streets to allow for cleanup in the area.
Stephens says the city is continually working to ensure the safety of older buildings.
"It's a problem. We see it all across the country honestly, in small town America, with these old buildings that just don't have the strength in them that they used to."
Stephens says the city works with the Fire Department and other agencies to make sure older buildings are safe, while still respecting property owners' rights.
