Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 26, 1946.
Ancient Jail Criticized By County Jury
The Porter County Jail, 75-year-old lockup, has been condemned again, this time by a circuit court grand jury.
Just how many times grand juries have pointed an accusing finger at the old building constructed back in 1871, the time of the great Chicago fire, is not known.
Anyway, every time a grand jury is called the old jail house is always inspected along with the county home or infirmary as it was called before a new name was created by the state board of charities. A state law enacted many years ago requires grand juries to visit these institutions in the course of their duties.
A circuit court grand jury, called Dec. 21 by Judge Walter M. Crisman at the instance of Prosecutor G.L. Burns, made its final report Friday and was discharged.
No indictments were returned against persons charged with crimes in the county and not under indictment. No complaints were brought before the body by citizens for investigations.
Urges Modernization
The main item in the grand jury report submitted to Judge Crisman was that the county jail should be modernized.
The report set out the jail is inadequate and contains absolutely no facilities for the segregation of prisoners and for confinement of female prisoners, juveniles and delinquents.
It was the opinion of the jurors that the jail could be modernized, and the body recommended the county commissioners take into consideration plans and suggestions made by E.T. Farnum, state inspector, who is now making a study of jail facilities.
The grand jury praised Sheriff Harry Borg for improvements made in the jail under his direction and also recommended purchase of additional equipment.
No recommendations were made for the county home as the institution was found in tip top shape. The jurors were high in their praise of the management of W. H. Dittman and wife.
Lester Ludington was foreman of the grand jury. Other members were: John W. Lidke, Pine; Russell G. Rowland, Center; Odin G. Larson, Westchester; William Gast Center, and Harry Atwell, Porter.
