RICHLAND COUNTY, Ohio – The Richland County Sheriff’s Inmate Community Work Program crew works with the County Maintenance Department assisting with office renovations, moving furniture, painting, cleaning vehicles, and general cleaning.
Out in the townships, the crew helps with road work and cemetery maintenance, doing dry patch, guardrail maintenance and weed control. Dayspring, the County Home, is another frequent beneficiary of the work of these men.
In 2013, the Community Work Program contributed 3,522 man hours. In 2014, the group worked 4,056 hours in the community. At a conservative cost of $15 per hour, their work was valued at $60,840. This was up $8,000 over last year.
Maintenance Superintendent Chuck Minich is an integral part of this program, as well, since work details are often assigned under his direction. Lu Blankenship, Risk Management, assists with the reporting of hours and assists with the year-end report.
“We are off to another good year for the Inmate Community Work Program, and the community has benefitted greatly from all the work the crew has done,” stated a press release dated May 6.
Witzky supervises the inmates who work in the Community Work Program as they perform work in the different areas of the county. Witzky screens all the inmates before they are accepted and assigned to the program. According to the press release, he finds it a very rewarding program for the inmates whereby they can provide help and assistance to county and township government.
The press release noted Sheriff Sheldon appreciates Witzky’s service and dedication to the Sheriff’s Office and Richland County residents.
