The Webster County Grand Jury that was empaneled June 21 issued this report:
“We, the grand jurors of Webster County, having been duly elected, empaneled sworn and charged at the June 2021 term of Circuit Court, do hereby submit the following report of our investigations.
“Having been in session for one day, we have investigated three reported violations of law and have questioned three witnesses, after which we have returned into open court three true bills recorded on three indictments.
“We have inspected the Webster County Courthouse, Justice Court Building, Webster County Health Department and the Webster County Jail, and we report as follows:”
WEBSTER COUNTY COURTHOUSE
“All fire extinguishers are expired. The swinging doors in the courtroom are very loud.”
JUSTICE COURT
“The building should be condemned. The building has electrical issues. The parking lot floods. The back roof leaks. There is mold on the tiles in the ladies restroom. The ceiling tiles have water stains and are loose and falling. The ceiling and A/C vents are filthy. There are broken receptacle covers and burned-out light bulbs. Toaster oven is a fire hazard. We did not see any fire extinguishers in the building.”
WEBSTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
“We were not allowed to inspect the building. Before being asked to leave we saw the fire alarm pull station was taped over. There were two broken windows in the lobby and the seal was missing.”
WEBSTER COUNTY JAIL
“A new building is needed. The main entrance door does not lock, not secure. Smoke alarms are disabled due to the shower causing a false alarm. A/C vents need cleaning. Office floor is bubbled up from leaking water in the deputy office. Hot water heater has corrosion and pipes are wet. Rotting boards all over and about to fall down. There is paper over the vents outside. All cell block windows are boarded up. Outside gutters are overflowing and rotten. The grounds need to be cleaned up. The fence needs to be updated and the entire department needs to be fenced in. The wash room needs work and cleaning. There is no place for visitation. There are cigarette butts and food inside cells. The showers are filthy. There are extension cords running everywhere. There are broken and uncovered vents in the ceiling. Kitchen cabinets need repair or be replaced. Refrigerator and stove need to be cleaned. Weight room/laundry needs to be cleaned. There is a broken window with a rag stuffed in it. The dog kennel was clean but wet. It is not much shelter and is hot in summer. Oil needs to be disposed.
“Cell Block A — Extension cord are running everywhere. Cells are cluttered. The shower is disgusting. There is water in the floor. Garbage bags hanging on cell.
“Cell Block B — Shower handle broke. Shower is disgusting and needs to be thoroughly cleaned or remodeled. Vent covered with cardboard. There is food in cells. Garage, portico is leaking and roof denting in. Water on floor and leaking from shower. Mats for prisoner is ripped. There are no sheets or linens. There is no handle in shower to turn water on. Paper plate on A/C vent. There is a hole in ceiling, bags stuffed in to keep bugs out. There is no outlet cover on electrical.”
Women’s cell
“There is false teeth laying on table. Empty food bags, food, wet towels and extension cords on the floor.
“Now that we have completed our investigations, and have reported the results to the court and to our fellow citizens, we request that we be discharged subject to recall.”
Foreperson John Herring signed the report.
