Ongoing renovations to the building that housed the Poplarville Chamber of Commerce and Poplarville Historical Preservation Society’s museum have had some setbacks in recent weeks.
In September 2015, the Poplarville Board of Aldermen was informed about termite damage to the city-owned building, located at 101 North Main Street, previous coverage states.
Poplarville Chamber President and Alderwoman Maggie Smith said renovations to the building began about two months ago.
City Clerk Jane O’Neal said the city has spent about $17,560 for exterior renovations and to repair the termite damage.
However, Smith said they discovered more termites in the bathroom last week.
It appears the exterminators, Fischer Environmental Services, didn’t properly bore the walls in the bathroom, Smith said.
The oversight allowed the termites to return to that area of the building, Smith said.
Smith said she is meeting with representatives of Fischer Environmental Services and the Poplarville Public Works Department on Friday to assess the damage.
After the Aldermen met Tuesday night, when the termite issue was discussed, Smith said a log truck struck the side of the building, causing additional damage.
Poplarville Police Chief Butch Raby said that around 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 3, a truck traveling south on Main Street attempted to make a right turn onto W. North Street.
Due to the presence of another vehicle on W. North Street, Raby said the log truck couldn’t make a wide enough turn, causing the rear tires to run over a steel post near the curb.
The top racks of the truck struck the building, causing damage to the corner of the newly repaired roof, Raby said.
The driver was not charged for the damage, Raby said, which resulted in the need for minor repairs.
Other renovations to the building are coming along, Smith said.
“We’re very anxious to get back in,” she said.
The building was closed in 2015, so the chamber and museum have relocated their daily operations and storage since that time, according to previous coverage.
Smith said other upgrades to the building include furniture donations from Bank Plus. Inside, new flooring, ceilings and the application of a fresh coat of paint have also been completed with the help of the community, Smith said.
Overall, the chamber has contributed about $1,000 to the renovations, she said.
With additional work to be done, it’s unclear when the chamber and museum will reopen, Smith said.