FRANKLIN COUNTY — The Franklin County Board Monday night accepted the bid of $15,800 from McVicker Demolition of Herrin for the demolition of the Benton Evening News newspaper building on East Church Street.

County Board Chairman Randall Crocker says demolition work won’t begin right away.

The county bought the building late last year for $45,000. Once the building is demolished work will begin on a new parking lot to help with parking in downtown Benton especially when construction begins on the new courthouse on the Benton Square later this year.

The parking lot should be finished by early spring or summer.

The newspaper office closed in 2017. Its staff works remotely.