Old jail to be demolished

The Laclede County Commission decided Tuesday to seek bids to remove the historical old jail that now sits in front of the Laclede County Government Center. Built in 1876 and added onto in 1913, the jail is believed to be one of the oldest buildings in town, but has fallen into serious disrepair over the years. The Laclede County Commission has said that it poses a liability issue as it stands now. “It’s deteriorated beyond what anyone would think would be a reasonable amount to try to restore,” Laclede County Presiding Commissioner Randy Angst said at Tuesday’s commission meeting. He said the interior floor and walls were rotting with no practical options for repairs. For more on this story see Wednesday's LCR.