Skunk forces unexpected closures of Fredericktown City Hall

FREDERICKTOWN, Mo. (KBSI) – A routine Monday in Fredericktown was disrupted when a skunk found its way inside City Hall, forcing the building to close unexpectedly.

As seen in a social media post, the city announced it would remain closed due to the skunk roaming the halls. The building was scheduled to be open as usual since it wasn’t a holiday, but the uninvited guest had other plans.

Fredericktown resident Dr. Branum, who arrived to pay his water bill, shared his surprise upon learning the reason behind the closure. “I was just coming in here today to pay my water bill, and I’ll be dang if a skunk didn’t close our city hall,” he said.

The staff quickly identified the source of the problem. The city’s Facebook post explained that the skunk’s odor was unmistakable, prompting the decision to shut down operations for the day.

Local experts say it’s likely that the skunk is a young male, which are particularly active during breeding season. “They’re moving around a lot, and the young males are looking for mates,” said one wildlife expert. “It probably came in the front door or through an opening in the building.”

City officials were unavailable for comment as many were enjoying an impromptu day off. However, speculation about next steps suggested that the building might need to close until a professional exterminator can safely remove the skunk.

“I don’t run the city hall, but I would speculate they might need to find a new location until they can get someone in here,” one local resident said.

City Hall is expected to reopen tomorrow once the skunk has been safely removed.