BENTON, Ill. (WJPF) – For the first time in nearly 150 years, a new courthouse will be dedicated Friday in Franklin County.

A dedication ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. and run until 1:00 p.m. and will include guest speakers, courthouse tours, and a free lunch. The Benton square will be closed to motor vehicle traffic from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Those in attendance will receive a commemorative booklet and a medallion coin as a souvenir.

The new courthouse was paid for by voters approving a 1% sales tax, which is expected to sunset by the end of the decade.