The Tribune from Seymour, Indiana • Page 1

Thursday, June 4, 1 992 35 -V-' A Freedom! Newspaper 1 Corrections may switch to in-house detention by DAN DAVIS Staff. Writer A proposal that would change a community cor-Erections program to' include in-house detention is expected to end squabbling over its effects on Jackson County Jail. But at least one key player in the' county's judicial system remains unconvinced. Jackson County Prosecutor Jeffrey Nierman said some persons convicted of crimes need jail time. "Conceptually I have a problem with a third-; time offender being able to be at home, sleep in his bed, be with his spouse or girlfriend," Nierman said.

"There are some people who absolutely ought to be in jail, period." Nierman said today he is not closing the door on in-house detention. "I think there's room for all types of options," he said. 1 like the jail-based work detail. I think that's appropriate. I think there are conditions when home-based detention is appropriate, and I have used it "Home detention is not a supplement to short-term imprisonment," he added, however.

"They are two entirely different types of sentencing and severity level. I use home detention, but I think it should be used sparingly. You should not just say that anyone convicted of something less than a felony will be placed on home detention," Ken Hodges of the Lawrence County Community Corrections Program agreed with Nierman that inmates should be judged on a case-by-case basis in determining whether they should serve jail time or be placed in in-house detention. But he said the program can work and keep a number of inmates out of county jails. The Jackson County Community Corrections Program plans to explore converting its jail-based work crew detail to an in-house detention program similar to those operated in Lawrence and Scott counties.

Complaints from Sheriff Herschel Baughman that the current program is causing overcrowding and more work at the jail have led to the re-evaluation of the program in order to keep it Baughman, who has resigned as chairman of the program's advisory board in light of his complaints, said Tuesday an in-house detention program would relieve problems at the jail. He added Wednesday he would no longer plan to seek funds to hire two additional jailers if the program is converted to an in-house arrest program. Hodges said persons assigned to community corrections program in Lawrence County are placed on in-house arrest, retain their jobs and do community service work on weekends. In-house detainees are monitored through ankle' bracelets that track whether are home as ordered in County. An Anderson firm monitors the devices, notifying Hodges of any alleged violations.

Hodges and Dave Gibson of the Scott County program recommended that Jackson County Community Corrections Director Karen Brooks consider an active rather than a passive monitoring system. f. Brooks said Wednesday she is now talking with 'three firms that offer monitoring systems and services. Jackson Circuit Court Bailiff Randy Miser said Wednesday he did not think a change in the program would affect an in-house arrest program he operates through Circuit and Superior courts. See CORRECTIONS Page 4 Quinco's execution per dollar paid out 41 -rav iZ Li el ff I in a psychiatrist only if the patient may need medication, he said.

To use psychiatrists for counseling "would not be good use of time," Williams said. In those cases, counselors, social workers, psychologists or other specialists are used. Williams said there is a shortage of psychiatrists throughout the country, but Quinco is trying to hire another out-patient psychiatrist this year. "We've built two new facilities down there (in Seymour)," Williams said. "We've made great strides down there.

"On an ongoing basis, we're jaot happy how we're perceived iri Jackson County. A lot is old, bad information. Our staff works hard and is well-trained." Quinco operates a group home and a professional building in a joint venture with Mark and Be-linda Hayes in Seymour. Williams attributed one problem to dumping practices by private doctors. When a patient is unable to continue paying for care by a private psychiatrist, some psychiatrists refuse to continue seeing the patient and "dump" the person on the public Quinco service, Williams said.

by RONALD HAWKINS Staff Writer The controversy over Quinco Consulting Services' performance resurfaced Monday at a closed, unannounced dinner meeting between Jackson County Schneck Memorial Hospital's Board of Trustees and doctors. The nature of the gathering became known when the Jackson County Commissioners discussed the doctors' complaints at Tuesday's commissioners meeting. Dr. Mark Bevers, one of the doctors who attended the dinner meeting, said the medical community "is not pleased with the service the county is receiving from Quinco for the. amount of money it pays.

"We feel we're not getting the service we deserve," he said. However, Quinco acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Robert J. Williams said Jackson County is receiving much more in return than it is spending. The county's contribution to Quinco this year is $129,000 and in return the payroll alone in Jackson County is $230,000 with the equivalent of 10.6 full-time employees.

"That doesn't include supplies, utility and property: taxes" for the two properties it operates in the county, Williams said. State law requires counties to have a minimum tax rate of 4 cents to 9 cents per $100 assessed valuation for Quinco. Jackson pays 4 cents. Bevers and others said the concerns about Quinco run deeper than return on the dollar. Some doctors believe referrals are released, too quickly and question whether they are properly evaluated, Bevers said.

Bevers said patients are not seen by a psychiatrist, "but by whoever is on call a counselor r' social worker. If a physician can't handle the patient, we feel they need a pyschiatrist." Williams said Quinco has only one psychiatrist, in Jackson County. It is Quinco policy to call TribaiM photo bjr Aabrcj Wooda Ballpark workout Seymour High School varsity baseball players, from left, Bobby Doriot, Jayson Sterling, Ben Stewart and Rob Wiethoff take time out from practice Wednesday to get Owl Field ready for the semifinals of Seymour's sectional Saturday. 5 days allowed for move City says trailer violates zoning code Board members agreed it would allow to conduct a parade ofchildren walking by RANDY PROFF1TT from Immanuel Lutheran Church to Staff Writer days to move the trailer A mobile trailer parked behind a house and then allow the city to move it at the at 223 S. Broadway must be moved as it is owners' cost violating a Seymour zoning code.

In other matters, the board: "That's a dump and we have no patience for that," Williams said. "If grumpy folks in the private sector are trying to dump, well fight back. "They don't have a leg to' stand on." Bevers said the problems with Quinco have been ongoing. He said he could remember a meeting 12 years ago at which similar concerns were raised. "They (Quinco officials) get too involved with their own staff to take care of patients," Bevers said.

"It's been ongoing and it's never been improved." The county commissioners have instructed county Attorney Rodney Farrow to look into the matter to determine what influence the commissioners can have on the process. Gaiser Park at 7 p.m. June 12. Granted a request from Mark Adams of Vpss and Son? Funeral Servicetore- move and replace a sidewalk along Fourth Street Directed Public Works Director Jerry Hartsell to repairs -pothole-onSixth-Street Granted four: sewer adjustment requests and one sewer connection request Signed an easement grant for Dogwood Manor. Members of Seymour Board of Works and Public Safety agreed Wednesday to give the owner of theirailer five days to move it untiF taking further action.

Seymour Building Commissioner David. Stark told the board the uninhabited trailer been parked behind the residence since at least May 15. Granted a request by Hank Olszewski of the Knights of Columbus to conduct a -lootsiei-RolI sale p.m,-June 13 at Chestnut, and Second streets. Proceeds will be used to aid mentally handicapped persons. Granted a request by Jean Johnson, Lutheran vacation Bible school chairman, Four agencies to share drugalcohol countermeasure fees Smith said the Drug-Free Council will use its $2,000 grant to finance Red Ribbon Week in Jackson County this fall.

'She said the requests meet state guidelines for disbursing countermeasure fees. The council reviews proposals and makes recommendations for funding by DAN DAVIS Staff Writer Four agencies will soon benefit from countermeasure fees paid drug and alcohol offenders. 3 -Following recommendations by the Jackson County Drug-Free Council Tuesday, County Commissioners agreed to appropriate $12,000 from the local School will receive $4,000 from the local fund. Other appropriations include $5,000. for Seymour Police Department, $1,000 to Jackson County PAY Inc.

and $2,000 to the Drug-Free Council itself, Chairman Judy Smith said. The Medora program will entail hiring a qualified counseling use its $1,000 to finance operations of its I Care Hotline, a 24-hour toll free service for young people to call. Students are encouraged to call the service when they need someone to speak with about any problem. Trained operators answer calls and listen or offer referral services. service to work with students returning from hospitalization and those at risk of encountering problems with alcohol and drug abuse and other social problems.

Seymour Police will use its $5,000 to finance drug purchases in undercover drug operations, Smith said. Jackson County PAY Inc. will countermea8ures fund for four local programs. The funds will finance various I projects, including a program aimed at, helping youths who have been treated for alcohol and drug abuse and providing counseling for at-risk students. The after-care and at-risk program at Medora Community Lvth-bl ansffrid-mn Freetown 9 slju Parade Rebecca Scott, Baby contest Joann Fish and Sarah Blaker.

AIDS spread Study predicts vast worldwide ADDS spread by end of decade. See page 10. the 1992 July 4th celebration are: General steering committee Greg Sutton and Rick Blaker. Queen pageant Debbie The Pershing Township VoV volunteer departments serv-unteer Firefighters are planning JngPershingJrownship.and.adja--- Free town's 1992 July 4th Celeb- cent communities. ration for July 1-4.

"We are grateful for the sup- -Activities-will include- the port that our community gives to Inside today Business 14 "Classified 7 Comics Crossword 7 Family 11 Markets IS Recordbook Sports 18 Weather Rouse and Donna Rouse, Parent-Teacher Organization 't tne celebration," said Pershing Assistant Chief Rebecca Scott. Auction Doyle Lyon, Mike Popcorn Lyle.Ault and Mar-. ilyn Ault Concessions Denver Edwards, Richard Blaker, Rebecca Rudolph and Joe McDermid. Work pays off. YTmm1 nAib fftaiM Ferguson Scott Greg Sutton, Laura Sut xxcutu wis-n.

pojv Seymour's Wingler, Ross. Gu nam IB 'prince and princess contest, July 4th queen pageant, flea markets, -auctions, concessions, carnival rides and free, stage 'entertainment. The annual celebrationis the primary fund-raiser for the all "Without that support we simply would not be able to continue to operate. I think everyone will be pleased with our plans for this "year's festival." Committee assignments for Fireworks JafT and Bob Ferguson Flea market wvv gf John ton, i om Ault, Steve Bevers, -Rick Stilwell, Walter Wayt, Tom Schryer..