Ding-dong the bats are gone.

It’s been a long time coming, but finally last week Northampton County Courthouse was rid of those pesky, winged-creatures only the best nightmares are made out of.

Clegg’s Termite & Pest Control, Inc. of Durham came to Jackson to carry away the vermin taking residence in the attic of the circa 1858 facility.

In a three-day period the Clegg’s crew removed live and dead bats as well as guano (bat waste), sanitized, deodorized and installed exclusion to keep the bats out. The Northampton County Commissioners authorized the $12,800 contract just before Christmas.

For more than a century, the breathtaking sight of the courthouse has dazzled natives and visitors alike. However, as of late it’s been the symbol of conflict.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve seen a rollercoaster of contention between court and county officials during Facility and Security Committee meetings (a group convened under the advisement of the Rural Courts Commission).

The debates between the two groups have range from protecting taxpayers’ dollars to safeguarding the employees and public from the ills plaguing the building.

Hopefully, county and court officials can look to the future in an amalgamated and focused way. Both parties need to regard the others’ concerns and procedures, and keeping in mind the mainstay they are representing: the citizens.

It’s a good start to the New Year sans bats, but it will be even better to start it with consideration.