Sheriff Virts

Bob Yost introduced Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts to speak about the opioid epidemic and programs in the jail trying to help the inmates.
 
           Sheriff Virts has had a long career in law enforcement from Corrections Officer to Criminal Investigation Unit and now is in his third term as Wayne County Sheriff.  Barry noted that every family has a story about drug abuse, including his own.  Drug abusers can come from all types of families.  It is not a problem limited to the poor.  A program started in 1999 at the jail is working to help addicts.  Virts stated that only 5% of inmates end up in state prison.  That means 95% go back to the same place and need help to not return to the same habits.
            The jail can house 190 inmates and is regulated by the State Commission of Correction.  The jail must maintain school based program for inmates. In 1999 there was only a halftime teacher on duty.  There are now 2.5 teaching positions.  There are also several rehabilitation and educational classes offered including anger management, substance abuse, parenting and church related offerings as well as mental health services and GED programs.
            Upon admission to the facility inmates are screened for alcohol and drug issues and medical and mental health issues.  The jail has an open access center that can immediately identify and help anyone with a drug or alcohol issue.  Individual and group therapy sessions are available as is medication management.
            In 1999 the jail housed 189 inmates.  At present there are only 63.  The programs available seem to be having a positive effect on getting inmates on a better path and not returning to incarceration.
Sheriff Barry Virts and Rotarian Bob Yost
Guests:  Speaker Sheriff Barry Virts, Bob Daly and Nacho who got to go sledding and see an
            SU basketball game
 
Thoughts  and Prayers:  All the work done and volunteers for the Night to Shine
            Leslie’s mom is doing well after her hip replacement
            Bob Yost’s girlfriend Andrea’s mother is in hospice
 
Birthdays:  Babe Ruth, Ronald Reagan and Bob Marley all share Feb. 6
            We sang to Jim Bush and Charlie Ike
 
Anniversaries:  none
 
Fines and Happy bucks:
            Pam donated $20 after she and bill were stranded in Florida because of the snow here!
            Bob Sloan was happy for free tickets to the SU game where he saw Eric 2 rows away.
            Marie is happy for one more week of swim team and our diver going to states.
            Dianne is happy wrestling is over and that Rory made sectionals.
            Brian was stranded in Myrtle Beach with his dad who was given 3-5 years to live from
            ALS and is now in year 7!  Go Dad!
            Kim Clement paid a fine for asking trying to sell Girl Scout Cookies for Sophia.
            Bob Ike is looking forward to once again being the pronouncer at the Literacy
            Spelling Bee
            Leslie is happy for her mother’s recovery as well as her sister from New Zealand and
            college roommate being in town.
 
Announcements:
  • Gary announced that the foundation Board granted former inbound exchange student Julia Bos $500 towards her 12 week program with women’s health in Kenya
  • Pal-Mac Rotary also donated $300 to Night to Shine
  • Maurina is sending around a sign-up for Valentine balloons at the Wayne County Nursing Home
  • Brian sent around a sign-up for dictionary handouts at the Intermediate school on Tuesday Feb.12 at 12:50
  • A reminder that the Foundation Gala is Wed. Feb27 at 5:30 at Parkwood
  • Leslie noted that there is a committee working on Committee status
 
50-50  Eric Chapman       
 
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