The value of a county jail in Roberts County

by Mimi Larsen, Staff Writer When Roberts County built its jail in 2006, it avoided the plight of several counties around the state that were forced to close their jails. They now house their prisoners in counties with modern jails like Roberts County’s, spending many thousands of dollars in transportation costs, and forcing county residents to travel far to see family or loved ones.

The $7 million 20-year bond for the jail will be paid off in 2025. The project began with the ground breaking in October of 2005, and was completed in 2007.

Before the jail was built, 20 to 30 county prisoners per day were housed in a dilapidated 1934 jail whose electrical wiring had never been updated, and whose plumbing could not serve all cells. Everyone entering the prison had to use the same small entrance lobby, which brought prisoners into direct contact with visitors.For more on this story and many more please purchase a copy of the Sisseton Courier on news stands now or purchase a copy of the E-edtion on this website.