Jail project near completion; sheriff reports inspection passed and staffing analysis planned

Commissioner Chad A. Blessinger told the Dubois County Commissioners on April 1 that the county’s jail construction project is roughly 95% complete but had been extended by about one month. Work remaining includes final tasks in the 911 area, sheriff administration, the emergency management area, the jail book-in area and exterior façade work; carpeting installation issues were addressed.

Sheriff Tom Kleinhelter reported that a jail inspection had been conducted with no issues found. Kleinhelter said Bill Wilson will conduct a jail staffing analysis on April 10, 2024.

Separately, 911 Director Stuart Wilson requested and received approval to hire Desiree Schepers as a telecommunicator; the motion carried unanimously and her tentative start date is April 9, 2024. The department plans to fill the vacant shift supervisor position internally, with interviews concluding at the June 911 Advisory Board meeting.

Why it matters: Near-complete construction, a clean inspection, and a pending staffing analysis shape operations and staffing levels for corrections and emergency communications in the county.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 056; topfinish SEG 127

Speakers quoted or attributed: Chad A. Blessinger (Commissioner), Tom Kleinhelter (Sheriff), Stuart Wilson (911 Director)