Marshall County Commissioners support request to change courthouse entrance for additional security

Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 3:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

The Marshall County Commissioners heard a request of Sheriff Matt Hassel and Security Officer Duane Culp to modify the main entrance into the courthouse for safety.

They explained that Superior Court III Judge Matt Sarber was awarded a grant for the Indiana Office of Court Services Court Reform Grant. The purpose of the grant funding is to improve court security ($40,000) and technological innovation ($5,260).

Culp explained the need to modify the layout of the entrance and the new equipment he wanted to purchase. The current scanner is 13 years old and the new one not only will see inside but can detect explosives. Culp said packages delivered to the building must go through the scanner and the new one has a bigger opening, making the process easier.

The project will move the security officers so their backs will be toward the county clerk’s office. They will purchase a new custom-made desk and shade the front door windows with reflective material. Culp said they will keep the same body scanner because it is only three years old.

It was explained that even with the grant funding the project will have a shortfall of $15,000 to $20,000.

Commissioner Jesse Bohannon motioned to send a favorable recommendation to the Council suggesting they support the funding shortfall using the Special LIT. His motion passed 3-0.