CARLISLE COUNTY, KY- With the match of an arsonist, residents watched their Courthouse burn the day after Christmas.

 "We're coming up on two years December 26th since the Courthouse burned," Judge Executive Greg Terry remembered.

In fact, it is the second time an arsonist has targeted the Courthouse.  The previous fire was set back in 1980.  Now, for the third time, the county is rebuilding. The task is tough physically and for Judge Terry it's an emotional one.

"I'm lost for words," he said Tuesday, walking around the construction site adjacent to Highway 62.

Roger Hayes with Codell Construction is overseeing the 12.9 million dollar project.  He says construction is right on schedule. Concrete has been poured, an elevator shaft is complete and jail cells look nearly ready for inmates.

"Everything is all filled concrete block with secured doors and we'll have separate entrances to transport inmates back and forth," Hayes said, pointing to a row of four cells.

For the past several weeks workers have focused on laying concrete blocks throughout the site. The real framework begins Wednesday when the first steel beam will be anchored.

"What it really means is people driving by on 62 can start to tell a big difference and notice we're building a courthouse," Hayes said.

But for Greg Terry the biggest difference is the courthouse itself- built mainly with steel and concrete.

"I'm not gonna say it won't burn down but it's gonna be really tough this time."

Jeremy Ellis was arrested in connection to the arson.  He is set to appear in court February 16th and 17th.  Ellis remains at the Fulton County Detention Center.