(KNZA)--The Brown County Courthouse was back open Monday after temporary repairs were made to a sewer line.

The courthouse was closed around 2:00 Thursday afternoon and remained closed Friday after courthouse employees noticed a strong odor due to a plugged sewer line.

St. Joseph-based Waldinger Corporation made temporary repairs to the sewer line Friday.

However County Commissioners say the entire line from the courthouse to the street will have to be replaced.  The line was installed when the courthouse was built in 1925.

Commissioners Monday declared an emergency based on public health and safety, which allows the county to proceed with the project without soliciting bids.

Commissioners took the action on the advice of County Attorney Kevin Hill based on state statute.

Waldinger began work Monday on the replacement of the sewer line.