Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel and Court Security Officer Duane Culp asked the county commissioners for approval to apply for a matching grant to purchase a new X-ray machine at the courthouse's main entrance and to relocate the security table.
On Monday, the commissioners approved their request to apply for a matching grant to improve court security.
Culp is working with Marshall Superior Court III Judge Matthew Sarber on the interior courthouse improvements. He said the current X-ray machine is 15 years old. The new machine he would like to purchase can detect not only metal but also explosives.
Commissioner Kevin Overmyer asked about the grant amount, and Culp said it would be $40,000 to $45,000. The required 50% local match will be the new cameras previously approved by the commissioners for improved court security. No additional funds will be needed.
Culp also explained that, as the first line of defense, officers currently sit with their backs to the front door. They will rearrange the security table at the lobby entrance so officers don’t have their backs to the door.
Sheriff Hassel also brought up the 2024 agreement with Quality Correctional Care (QCC), the company hired to handle medical care at the county jail. While the county has been paying the 2024 monthly fees, a new contract was never sent for signatures. During some litigation, it was discovered the new agreement hadn’t been executed, so the sheriff asked QCC to send an agreement for 2024. When the agreement arrived, County Attorney Jim Clevenger tried for several months to add language that would make it easier for the County to enforce the indemnity provisions of the contract and tried to require QCC to maintain higher insurance liability limits. His requests went unanswered by QCC.
“To clean this up, the commissioners and the Sheriff should complete the 2024 contract, ” said Clevenger.
The commissioners approved the current agreement with QCC agreement through December 31, 2026.
Oakland City University releases statement on rumors of closing
Indiana Natural Resources Commission to hold public hearing for bobcat rule changes
Illinois State Museum Route 66 exhibit to open May 23
Lawrenceville votes to raise sewer rates and hire engineering firm for new sewer plant
Two sentenced to prison in Lawrence County
May 15 is National Peace Officers Memorial Day
St. Francisville City Council takes action on annual budget
Unit #10 Special Education meeting
Chevron hosts annual former Texaco refinery open house
Bill signed to prohibit cell phones, wireless devices in schools
Sumner in line for federal funding for planned Christy Avenue project
Neimerg calls for IDOC changes at Lawrence County and Crawford County prisons
110th running of the Indianapolis 500 a sellout, local TV delay lifted
Lawrence County issued tentative property multiplier
Ash retires as Bridgeport Police Chief
USDA requires SNAP authorized retailers to carry more real food
Vincennes paving work continuing
Rep. Niemerg calls for immediate your of correctional facilities following inmate death
Congressman Yakym's staff to hold mobile office hours in Plymouth this month
