A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Edmunds County Detention Center was held Wednesday (May 6, 2026) in Ipswich.
Edmunds County Sheriff Jonathan Waldner said the jail will be an asset to the community, playing a critical role in “maintaining order, supporting law enforcement efforts and ensuring that those who pose a threat are held accountable.”
The 40-bed jail was designed with the plan being to partner with other law enforcement agencies. Walworth County, which borders Edmunds County on the west side, has signed an agreement to use eight of the 40 beds.
The jail not only has the technology to hold video court hearings, but also to digitize legal mail to save on continuing costs of prisoner transports.
Governor Larry Rhoden said keeping South Dakotans safe is the most important duty of government. He said similar to the new prisons the state is building at Sioux Falls and Rapid City, local jails play a key role in keeping communities safe.
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