Jailhouse Update

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – In the wake of last month’s Masonic Temple fire, the neighboring County Jail building remains inoperable but can reopen in the coming days. 

After delays in demolition, re-engaging the utilities, and repairing the heating boiler, Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz said getting parts to make repairs is why the facility is still out of operation.

“Here recently, the holdup has been our backup generator. Our backup generator supplies the power if the electric goes off. It controls a lot of different functions of the jail,” Lutz said.

There were over 140 inmates that needed to be relocated to other facilities when the fire happened but transfer and transport operations have been very fluid.

“I think the frustration right now is that we’re really ready to go and we’re waiting on parts. So that’s very frustrating to know that we’re putting a burden on other counties,” Lutz said.

Lutz said days could turn into weeks depending on the supply chain’s ability to deliver the needed parts.