Jail committee to meet Thursday

The next meeting of the steering committee studying options for a new jail is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Emergency Operations Center in the Gage County Courthouse.

Committee members recently attended a four-day training session entitled PONI, Planning of New Institutions, at the National Institute of Corrections in Aurora, Colo.

The course included classroom instruction, practical exercises, tour of a local jail and networking among the participants. The NIC’s main office in Washington, D.C., provided funding for transportation, lodging, training and most meals.

Committee members also traveled recently to Davenport, Iowa, to meet with administrative officials from the Scott County, Iowa, sheriff’s department and detention center.

Following an informational dinner meeting, the sheriff and jail administrator provided the committee with an extensive guided tour of the facility. The jail is currently undergoing a three-phase project. Those attending were Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson and committee members Dave Norton, Chris Henrichs and Steve Stedman.

The NIC provided technical assistance and funding for the visit.