WALTHALL — The Webster County Grand Jury that was empaneled Jan. 13 issued this report of its investigations:
“We, the grand jurors of Webster County, having been duly elected, empaneled, sworn and charged at the January 2020 term of Circuit Court, do hereby submit the following report of our investigations.
“Having been in session for one day, we have investigated two reported violations of law and have questioned two witnesses, after which we have returned into open court two true bills recorded on two indictments.
“We have inspected the Justice Court Building, Webster County Health Department, Webster County Jail and Webster County Courthouse and we report as follows:
JUSTICE COURT
BUILDING
“The storage room light fixture needs a cover and tiles need to be repaired. Ceiling needs to be repaired. Board on desk in office needs to be fixed. Air conditioning ducts need to be repaired in break room.
“The entire building needs to be updated. The floors need to be stripped and refinished. The steps by handicap access need to be repaired. Paint is peeling. The ceiling tiles are sagging in Judge Jones’ office. Ceiling in the courtroom needs to be repaired. The tile needs to be repaired in the men’s restroom.
WEBSTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
“Outside there is a broken-down spout. Exterior security lights are needed. Room 5 and 7 have window issues. Entire building needs cleaning.
“Lobby needs to be painted. Utilities are unsafe. Lobby needs a water fountain. Roof is leaking. Ceiling tiles throughout the building need to be replaced. Kitchen windows need to be repaired.
WEBSTER COUNTY JAIL
“Windows are boarded. Security lights need updating. Facia is rotting. Front entrance needs remodeling. Catwalk needs upgrading; inmates can talk and pass things. Main office is inadequate and needs to be remodeled.
“There is no security for the workers. Jail needs better inmate handling, A better gate and fence is needed in east yard. There is exposed wiring. There are draining problems. Wood on cell windows in east yard. Septic needs major upgrade. Facia is rotting and broken. Illegal wiring on outside of chapel. Jail needs new fencing.
“A new wash room building is needed. There is exposed insulation. Cameras are needed. Cell Block A cells are cluttered. Shower is disgusting and needs to be thoroughly cleaned. It is moldy and windows need to be replaced. Smells of urine.
“Maintenance shop needs oil disposal. There is broken wood, trash, cigarette butts, unsafe wiring, and tools not put away. Check trustees after being outside. Shop needs a fire extinguisher.
“The pantry needs a door, storage, flooring and fire extinguisher. Fly paper is exposed. Vent hood needs to be replaced. Kitchen needs replacing and cleaning top to bottom. Knives exposed to chemicals under skin. Staff restroom — shower does not work and tile needs replacing. The sink leaks.
“The deputies’ office needs expanding and cleaning. Vents need to be upgraded. Ceiling needs to be painted. The door does not lock to sheriff’s office. Office needs air control. Exterior door has gaps. Bookkeeper’s office is closet size and needs flooring. Jail needs a system for crime lab and evidence storage.
WEBSTER COUNTY COURTHOUSE
“Light bulb in courtroom (224) is out. Need swinging door in all of the rooms. Doorstops are needed.
“Water fountain downstairs needs to be cleaned. The handicap button at the back door does not work and front on the outside door.”
Foreman Joe Embry signed the report. The grand jury will reconvene May 19. The previous grand jury returned 25 indictments when it was recalled Dec. 9.
