LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) _ Small pieces of metal are falling from the Tippecanoe County Courthouse and officials say its dome and pillars need repairs.

Tippecanoe County Commissioner David Byers says he noticed the rust and damage several weeks ago. He says the damage doesn't pose any safety risks and there are no holes in the courthouse dome or roof. He mentioned the damage at Tuesday's Tippecanoe County Council meeting.

Byers says he thinks the dome needs to be sandblasted and repainted but the damage is possibly worse. He says he hopes to have professionals appraise the damage in the coming months and present the council with a cost estimate for repairs.