Historic courthouse destroyed by fire

MIO (AP) — Officials say a fire has destroyed a historic courthouse in Michigan’s northeastern Lower Peninsula.

Sheriff’s officials say the blaze started last Wednesday evening at the Oscoda County Courthouse in Mio and broke through the roof within an hour.

They describe the structure as a total loss, though the walls are still standing.

Nobody was in the building, which housed the offices of the county clerk, treasurer, equalization and others.

County officials are working on plans to get employees back to work in other locations.

The county’s website says the courthouse was built in 1888.