Inmates Celebrate Final Thanksgiving at Asotin County Jail

UPDATE: Inmates at the Asotin County Jail celebrated their final Thanksgiving meal at the downtown facility on November 23, 2023, marking a poignant farewell to a longstanding tradition. The event, organized by the prosecutor’s office, provided 48 inmates with a holiday feast reminiscent of home, creating an emotional atmosphere against the backdrop of their confinement.

The festive meal featured classic dishes such as turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, served by local officials and volunteers, including Prosecutor Curt Liedkie, who has taken the helm of this cherished event. “This started over 25 years ago,” Liedkie remarked, honoring the legacy of his predecessors. “It reminds us all that people deserve dignity and are worthy of our time and service.”

As the holiday music played, inmates lined up for the meal, some reflecting on missed family gatherings. Thomas Krogman, a former coach facing charges for allegedly stabbing his brother-in-law, expressed gratitude for the meal. “I think this is really nice,” Krogman said. “It’s special, and I appreciate it. I’m unhappy with myself for being here.”

The festive gathering served not only as a reminder of the inmates’ circumstances but also highlighted the importance of compassion during the holidays. Sheriff John Hilderbrand emphasized the positive impact of the event on inmate morale, stating, “Being separated from family over the holidays would be extremely depressing. This is just a nice thing that the prosecutor’s office has spearheaded.”

This year’s meal was primarily homemade, thanks to a glitch at the grocery store, which allowed three inmate trustees to showcase their culinary skills, preparing the feast from 6 a.m. onward. “This is our best meal of the year,” one inmate commented, showcasing the bittersweet nature of the occasion.

As the inmates prepare to transition to a new justice complex in Clarkston Heights, where a modern kitchen awaits, the future of this Thanksgiving tradition remains uncertain. However, the spirit of the event will likely continue, adapting to new surroundings.

Lisa Webber, office manager and coroner, has been pivotal in maintaining this tradition for over two decades. She noted, “The men and women in jail are people, too. Treating them with dignity is the right thing to do.”

As the last Thanksgiving meal at the old jail concluded, inmates expressed a mix of gratitude and longing for home, embodying the human experience of the holiday season.