Local resident urges support (10/17/2008)

To the editor:

My husband and I just took a tour of the Jay County Jail. I was going to vote "no" on the expansion of the jail, but thought it was only fair to take the tour before I voted. Well, did I change my mind. I am definitely voting "yes" and hope you will read this so I can give you my reasons for this decision.

The jail was very clean, including the kitchen, and seemed to be well-kept but so crowded. Not only for the prisoners but for the staff. They are practically on top of each other and one of the detectives has to work out of his home because there is not enough room for him.

I am aware that they are asking for $7 or $8 million to do the expansion, but if all they do is remodel what they have it will be $2 or $3 million with the possibility the federal government will mandate that the jail is still not adequate and we will have to build a new jail.

The Jay County Jail is not safe for staff. Please contact the sheriff's department for a tour. If not, take my word for it. We need this expansion.

The jail was originally made for 27 prisoners. At the time we were there, they were housing 57 prisoners. In addition to that they had four prisoners that were housed out-of-county because of space. It costs $35 a day per prisoners to house them outside the county. In addition to that, we have to transport them to jail, back to court, back to jail, and the county pays for that.

We saw the plans for the expansion and it is what I would call bare bones. There is nothing fancy or elaborate, just necessary.

A concerned citizen.

Joy Scotten

Portland

Benefits

To the editor:

On Sept. 2 Alisha Flowers was brutally beaten in her rural Portland home. She was flown to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, where she spent the next several days. She has incurred several thousand dollars in medical bills. Alisha has no medical insurance and is still unable to return to work.

This Saturday (Oct. 18) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. registration for a benefit motorcycle ride will be starting at the Greazy Pickle, 211 W. Main St., Portland. Cost of the ride is $10. There will be several stops, ending at the American Legion Post in Portland (211 W. Walnut St.). There will be a fish fry from 5 to 7 p.m. at the legion. Cost is $7 for adults. At approximately 7 p.m. we will be auctioning off a lot of merchandise generously donated by local businesses.

Gary Loy will be donating his auctioneering services and all of the money raised will go directly to the Alisha Flowers family.

Following the auction two bands will perform. Run Amuck and Del Rio will be providing the entertainment to close out the evening.

The Jay County Trail Riders Association will offer camping Saturday night and a trail ride on Sunday. Saddle up and ride for Alisha.

A hog roast will be held Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. for a freewill donation at the grounds (6132 West 500 South, Redkey).

All of these are open to the public. Everyone is welcome any or all of the events planned. Please come and help a local family in need.

For more information call Tonya Upp (260) 726-7633, Jodi Mills (260) 726-9200, Neesha Anderson (260) 703-3519 or Beckie Paxson (765) 578-0317.

Thank you.

Tonya Upp

Portland

Good job

To the editor:

As grandparents of a JCHS varsity soccer player we would like to commend coach Bailey, his team and the Jay County fans for their conduct during the regional semifinal game.

The win was extra special as our team played, under less than ideal conditions, without complaining or being "mean."

Thanks team for a great season which we hope will not end for a couple weeks. You are a joy to watch.

Thanks also to (CR sports editor) Ray (Cooney) for his excellent coverage.

Sincerely,

Bill and Arlene Horn

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