Yellow caution tape has been in place at the north and south ends of the courthouse for several days.

It's not a crime scene or a construction zone, although it could be the latter before long.

Cracks are beginning to show in the facades of both the north and south towers and there is reportedly some crumbling evident in the masonry.

The areas below the towers have been closed off as a precaution in case any debris should fall from the building.

Marshall County Mayor Joe Boyd Liggett said that a contractor was scheduled to examine the towers last week but had been unable to come at that time.

Brandon Williams, Marshall County Maintenance Director, said the Wasco, a contractor involved in the original renovations, would bring in a lift to get a better view of the area.

They will inspect the towers and try to determine the source of the damage, whether it is a roof drainage issue or some problem with the masonry itself.

Initial restoration work on the clock towers was completed in 2010 during the renovation of the now almost 90-year-old building.