Courthouse suspends health screenings at entrance

     Beginning July 1, security at the west entrance of the Jones County Courthouse will cease.

     Throughout the pandemic, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office had been providing security at the door, the only entrance open to the public. Upon entrance, people’s temperatures were checked and they were directed to where they needed to go.

     During the June 22 Jones County Supervisor meeting, Sheriff Greg Graver explained to the board and department heads that the deputies who were screening the public at the door are now needed to fill other duties.

     “We’ve reached a point where we need to fill other roles within the department,” Graver said.

     He asked the supervisors to suspend the door security starting July 1.

     “Our (jail) transports have increased significantly because we’re having to move inmates (to other county jail facilities) and committals,” continued Graver.

     He said he’s had to pull patrol deputies off the road to transport inmates.

     “This leaves us short-staffed on the roads,” he said. “It’s not an ideal situation.”

     With the Great Jones County Fair and RAGBRAI fast approaching, Graver said he’ll need as many of his deputies as possible come July.

     “We play a huge role in security at the fair. We’re booking inmates from the fairgrounds, which allows us to stay on site and maintain the peace.”

     Graver said he knows for some county employees and members of the public, having health screenings at the door made them feel more comfortable. But this is what it’s come to because they’re short staffed.

     Three sheriff’s deputies filled the role of door security for a year and a half. Graver said the county as a whole owes them all a debt of gratitude for the work they did throughout the pandemic.

     “They faced the unknowns and danger to protect us,” he praised.

     Graver urged the board of supervisors to send them a letter as a token of their appreciation.

     Despite removing door security, the public will still only be allowed to enter the courthouse through the west entrance and exit through the north door into the parking lot.

     “Everyone has gotten used to it,” Graver said of not having every exterior door open for the time being. “It’s good to have the public come in one area.”

     County Auditor Whitney Hein, Treasurer Amy Picray, and Recorder Sheri Jones were all supportive of Graver’s recommendations.