North Side Journal
January 2017
Section A
Page 7
JAIL WRAP UP
by Charlie Howell
Since opening the new jail/ sheriff’s office in July with 38 inmates, the numbers have increased over time. The highest number was 93 inmates at the beginning of December. Currently we are housing 72 inmates, 40 from Jerome County with the remainder coming from Lincoln and the State. State inmates pay $45 per day plus medical (set by the legislature) while Lincoln County is paying $60 per day. There has been discussion between the Sheriff and Commissioners of where to place the money from outside inmates. Currently the payments are being placed in the general fund in a separate line to keep track of the income. Some have expressed the idea of paying the bond down at a higher rate, saving the money for future expansion of the fa-
cility when needed or even just applying the payments to the operating costs of the facility to keep the budget down as well. The average cost of operating the new jail has not been established due to several billing errors on utilities, and not having a complete year of heating, cooling, and utilities. As with any new facility a couple hick ups have been encountered, an over use of water, heating issues in the jail itself, and a couple electrical circuits left off the emergency generator. The facility passed the first operational inspection performed by the state, and accompanied by staff and Commissioners, with only a few minor notes. The jail is inspected on a quarterly basis by Lt. Ibarra, and Commissioners Howell and Morley with the report passed
Northside Military Museum: A Place of Honor for Magic Valley Veterans
By Amanda L. Bolich
In November of 2016, the veterans from Jerome and across the Magic Valley celebrated the opening of the Northside Military Museum. The museum is the culmination of twenty-two months of dedicated work by area veterans and volunteers who dreamed
of providing a place of honor for veterans and to educate the public on the service and sacrifice of our armed forces. Holding their first meeting in January 2015, the group is made up of veterans and volunteers driven to protect and
on to the state, for follow up. The Sheriff’s dept is currently implementing the sexual harassment training, and policies from the State for the women’s section on the jail. This will qualify Jerome County to house state female inmates as well as males. All in all a satisfying opening for Jerome Counties state of the art jail facility. Once again my personal, as well
preserve the legacy of service members. “Our main focus is on preserving the memories of Magic Valley veterans who have served this country in times of war and peace,” said Eric Bolich, the museum chairman. “These are men and women who stepped forward to serve their country and deserve to be honored and remembered.”
Cont’d on Pg B8
as other elected officials, rome County for approving thanks to the citizens of Je- the monies for this facility.
This Month in History This Month in History will no longer appear in the North Side Journal. We will miss Marcia Luther’s contribution to the North Side
Journal and thank her for her hard work and considerable effort in assembling her several articles.