(Guthrie Center) Ten years ago, Guthrie County Sheriff Marty Arganbright envisioned building a new jail. On Saturday, the new 14,000-square-foot facility became officially open at a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside the facility.
Sheriff Arganbright said in March 2020, Guthrie County voters went to the polls and voiced their opinion on the new facility. The $8.7 million referendum passed with 80.60 percent casting yes votes.
Sheriff Arganbright recalled ten years ago; he realized the need for a new jail, and maybe more importantly, when the State Jail Inspector, in his annual reports, recommended Guthrie County Build a new facility.
The construction project began in the fall of 2020. Sheriff Arganbright admitted they experienced about every issue imaginable, including supply chain and workforce issues.
Sheriff Arganbright wanted to invite the community to an open house to see what their taxpayer’s money paid for. The former facility housed a maximum of ten inmates and usually had 15 or more. Some went to other facilities; others were housed on the floor. The new facility holds a maximum of 48 inmates.
Sheriff Arganbright stated the former facility did not protect dispatchers and civil clerks from harm. The new facility has safety in features, such as a sally port. A sally port is a secure, controlled entryway to an enclosure, fortification, or prison.
Arganbright ended by saying the future is bright for the Citizens of Guthrie County.
Guthrie County Sheriff’s Deputy Kent Gries served as the Master of Ceremonies, and several other dignitaries spoke at the ceremony, including Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Director Brady Carney, Iowa State District 24 State Senator Jesse Green, and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird.
