Corrections superintendent and long‑term care staff report on training, staffing and resident programs

At the April 30 meeting department heads gave operational updates that touched on staffing, training and resident services.

The superintendent reported an increase in facility counts and said the county will launch a Field Training Officer (FTO) program to restore basic training and mentorship for corrections staff. "The FTO program is gonna be put out next week," the superintendent said, adding that turnover has eroded some institutional basics and the program is intended to help new staff learn core corrections work.

The superintendent also outlined planned Corrections Week events, including community donations and staff appreciation activities.

Andrea, speaking for Chantelle during her vacation, reported the county nursing home census at 142 and assisted living at 47, said there were no active COVID cases in either center, and described a recent resident shopping event and plans for Nurses Week and LNA Week.

Staff and commissioners discussed recruitment efforts, including outreach to schools and possible high‑school apprenticeship/universal‑worker ideas tied to a rural grant the county is exploring. Finance and HR will continue to coordinate on staffing and training needs.