Corrections behavioral health unit praised by state advisory group

Rotary Club of Community Action Against Human Trafficking highlights jail's female inmate re-entry program

Decision on vacating minimum-maintenance road tabled amid safety and access debate

Public works awards $280,000 contract for bridge replacement

Corrections behavioral health unit praised by state advisory group

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — The Shawnee County Department of Corrections recently hosted the Governor's Behavioral Health Services Planning Council for a tour of its behavioral health unit. Corrections Director Brian Cole reported that the visitors were impressed with the county's financial investment in behavioral health practices for inmates and planned to champion the facility's design statewide. Cole noted that the jail has been inundated with requests for tours, positioning Shawnee County as a leading model for inmate mental health care in Kansas.

Rotary Club of Community Action Against Human Trafficking highlights jail's female inmate re-entry program

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — The Rotary Club of Community Action Against Human Trafficking recently visited the Shawnee County Jail to highlight the "Intersection to Care" program, an initiative specifically tailored for female inmates. The program aims to identify risk factors for re-entry, break the cycle of incarceration and identify and assist victims of human trafficking in coordination with the Shawnee County District Attorney's Office. Corrections Director Brian Cole praised the initiative as a model that provides crucial rehabilitative services, reduces recidivism and saves taxpayer money.

Decision on vacating minimum-maintenance road tabled amid safety and access debate

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — A contentious public hearing regarding the vacation of a portion of a minimum-maintenance county road in southeast Shawnee County ended with the issue being tabled until April 16. Representatives for a mining company requested the vacation, citing safety concerns over active mining operations that they claim have created steep, unprotected drop-offs along the road. However, a nearby township official and attorneys for a neighboring land trust opposed a permanent closure. They advocated for restricted access, such as a concrete barrier or gate, so property owners can still reach their farmland once the two-decade mining lease concludes. A tour of the site is planned before a final vote is cast.

Public works awards $280,000 contract for bridge replacement

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — A $280,516 construction contract was awarded to WCI Incorporated to replace an aging bridge with a culvert on NW 78th Street. Public Works Director Curt Niehaus noted that changed drainage patterns from earlier U.S. 24 highway construction allow for a smaller structure over a tributary to Halfday Creek. Funded by the county's 2017-2031 half-cent sales tax, the low bid came in substantially below the engineer's estimate. Construction is scheduled to begin this spring and finish between mid-August and early October.

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