Old jail demolition begins

The jail and sheriff’s quarters that opened in 1916 and which stands behind the courthouse will soon be gone and, in its place, a new sally port and space for the Sheriff’s Department.  Plans have been in the works for this change for years beginning as far back as 1997. 

Sheriff Joe Konrath said, “The addition to the jail includes a sally port, improvement to the current kitchen and detective offices. The sally port is used when handling prisoners coming into the jail. It is an enclosed area that provides safety and security for the incoming prisoners and staff. It is the prebooking area away from the public before prisoners are brought into the jail. The improvement to the kitchen is going to provide space to store and prepare food in one area. The detective offices are needed to protect the confidentiality of the sensitive work they do and provide room for their equipment.”

The Marquette County Historical Society, along with the Sheriff’s Office, held an open house and event in the old jail in May.  The county Property Department has salvaged several items and delivered them to the Marquette County Historical Society and the Montello Historic Preservation Society in order to preserve some of the history of the old jail.  

Paul Van Treeck, Property Manager, expects the new addition to completed by July of next year. 

(Photos by Kathleen McGwin)