DIXON – Lee County Board members on Tuesday responded to a resident’s criticism of a Nativity scene in the front lawn of the Old Lee County Courthouse. 

Last week, Dixon resident Matt Fichter contended the county was effectively endorsing a religion by allowing the display, which a local church has set up in front of the courthouse for more than three decades.

“We have religious freedom. That’s what our country was based on,” County Board member Judy Truckenbrod, R-West Brooklyn, said at the board’s monthly meeting. “It’s Christmas. It’s been a federal and state holiday. I don’t see that it [Nativity scene] is offensive. I wouldn’t be opposed to a large menorah out there.”