Area quality of life took two steps forward Tuesday, with the awarding of old courthouse restoration bids and ground-breaking for an animal adoption facility.

Harrison County commissioners met at 10 a.m. to award nine bids for interior renovation of the historic building and, at 12:30 p.m., Humane Society of Harrison County turned the first shovels of dirt for The Pet Place, 1901 Jefferson Ave.

Each project requires a leap of faith.