New jail opens to public

The Marshall County Sheriff's Office opened their new jail to the public Saturday afternoon.

"I'm really, really impressed with the building and the construction, and I think its a good thing we have it." Marshall County resident Eric Bridgman said.

Bridgman was one of dozens who toured the new Marshall County jail Saturday, where his wife will soon be working as a jailer.

"I know their life is on the line, but somebody's got to do it, and the good Lord called them to do it." Bridgman said.

That's why he feels so comforted by the new facility, with state of the art security equipment, a control room that can see into all the cells and seven large cells fitted with one-way glass.

"Marshall County has been needing this as a face lift for inmates and law enforcement for a long time." Bridgman said.

The vote for the $5 million jail passed in 2016 by a mere 12 votes. And while the new jail offers video visitation, natural sunlight and more space, Sheriff Danny Cryer says its not about the inmates.

"I'm doing this for the safety of my staff," Cryer said. "We're one of the lower paying occupations in the state, absolutely in the county. And for the risk that these guys take dealing with the inmates, they need a safe environment to work."

Cryer says the 40 year old jail was deteriorating, and plagued by overcrowding. The new jail nearly doubles inmate capacity.

"I'm overwhelmed with how nice this thing turned out, and I really enjoy showing this off to the public." Cryer said. "I don't know if its the free soda pop or the jail, but everyone's left here with a smile on their face."

And that includes Bridgman.

"It's a nice comfort to have," Bridgman said. "A really nice facility for Marshall County, and for law enforcement to be able to put the criminals off the street."

Cryer estimates the jail will be open in the next couple of weeks, pending approval by the State Fire Marshal and Department of Health.