The new grand jury that was empaneled Jan. 14 has reported the results of its investigations to Webster County Circuit Court.
The grand jurors investigated 19 reported violations of law, questioned three witnesses, and returned 19 true bills recorded on seven indictments. They reported these findings after inspecting county buildings:
Justice Court Building
“There are tiles hanging down at the entrance to the Extension office. There is no hot water and the light fixture is hanging down in the women’s restroom. The ceiling tiles need to be repaired due to water damage. There are two tiles hanging down in the hallway in front of the Chancery Clerk’s office. New chairs are needed outside the Chancery Clerk’s office.”
Webster County Health Department
“The water fountain is leaking. The wallpaper in the women’s restroom needs replacing. The walls and floor and nasty in the women’s restroom. There is not enough exterior lighting. Kitchen cabinets need painting. The smoke alarm in the halls needs a battery. The hall ceiling is peeling off. CPS hall has a wall in need of repair. The glass is broken in window.”
Webster County Jail
“There is a leak and a loose light in the canopy in front of the jail. The bulbs under the canopy need to be changed. The kitchen is very filthy. The ice machine is leaking water and does not work well. The back door is nasty. There is exposed insulation. The wash room needs work and cleaning.
“Trustees are allowed to stay in a camper. Several old vehicles need to be sold for junk. There are stray animals in cages. The grounds need to be cleaned up. Staff restroom is disgusting. There is a window with wood over it. There is a broken light in the deputy office. The ceilings are dirty.
“There are no lights in sheriff office. The computer has to be shaken. The lights do not work in the main office. There is no place for visitation. Water and sewer is backing up. Smoke alarms need batteries. The fence needs to be updated. The whole department needs fenced in. Jail is inhumane.
“Men’s Cell: There are cigarette butts inside cells. There is food sitting in the cells. The outlets do not have covers. The cells are filthy. The smell is disgusting. Garbage is everywhere.
“There is no light. The showers are filthy. The floors are nasty and need to be swept. There are extension cords running everywhere. There are uncovered vents in the ceilings.
“Women’s Cell: There are extension cords across hall to cell. The lights in the women’s cell does not work.
“There are broken air vents. The attic access is coming down. The doors do not work properly in the front office. The entire building is filthy and dangerous. The jail needs to be shut down and bleached.”
Foreman James Hill signed the report, which the Board of Supervisors voted Jan. 22 to spread on the minutes.
The board responded as follows in its minutes: “We, the Board of Supervisors of Webster County, take notice of the problems of the buildings as pointed out by the Grand Jury. We will address these issues and will repair them as funds are available.”
