Weekly Connections June 15th, 2026

Weekly Connections June 15th, 2026

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of June 15. Let's get started with project updates: * Ground was broken last week for the new $308 million Stearns County, Minn., Justice Center, a 482,000-square-foot facility expected to be complete in 2029. * Williamson County, Tenn., officials broke ground last week on a new 230,000-square-foot adult detention center, slated for completion in 2029 as part of a larger Justice Campus project. * Hudson County, N.J., officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week for the new $350 million, 405,000-square-foot Honorable Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex. * Flathead County, Mont., officials broke ground last week on a new $90 million, 110,000-square-foot detention center, with completion anticipated in three years. * The Cherokee Nation held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new $40 million Justice Center in Tahlequah, Okla., which will house the Nation's Supreme and District Courts. Moving on to legislation and funding: * Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed an $18.3 billion budget package last weekend, which includes $55.8 million allocated to the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry for court-mandated healthcare staffing. Next, in people news: * Dewberry named Robert Williams President of its national design-build practice. * Willo Products Company has promoted Brian Foss to Chief Product Officer. * Moody County, S.D., Sheriff Troy Wellman was sworn in as the new president of the National Sheriffs' Association. And now for this week's construction reports: * Lucas County, Ohio has issued an RFQ for architectural and engineering services for a renovation project at the Lucas County Corrections Center, with submittals due June 26. * Richland County, S.C., has issued an RFP for design-build services for a new $30 million Emergency Operations Center, with bids due July 7. * The State of Wisconsin's Division of Facilities Development is accepting bids for the construction of a new $96.7 million Type 1 juvenile facility in Dane County, with bids due July 23. And finishing up with events: * The Correctional Leaders Association's 2026 CLA on the Hill event will take place in Washington, D.C. from June 22–25. Follow Correctional News’ CLA On the Hill Media Center [https://correctionalnews.com/event-coverage/] for coverage from the event. * Correctional News and Axon will host a free live webinar titled "AI in Corrections: Trends, Challenges, and the Future of Safer Facilities" [https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/203b55bc-2a88-4f3f-8890-27716fd0c7dc@c100efee-3c57-4cd7-a799-42ff7f49ae15?_fl_id=c813a39f-7bb7-4256-9848-ffc4c8df16ec&utm_campaign=Axon+Webinar%3a+Email+1%2c+Jun+11%2c+2025&em=Y2hhcmxpZUB3bWhtZWRpYS5jb20-] on Thursday, June 25th at 1:00 PM Eastern. * For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__correctionalnews.com_podcast&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=jKcJYSpbRmNiN_aYhV8wcC730HXZKl1CgK0WlQUahgI&m=Q_pp5ESjxaSCpT68Na9zNSHOfOn1Go-_NryTMyIlvSSJ8n96Ueg708r44OMdIzBO&s=UxXTmFQiAJv2WtTHUierY8XHHqvqw8GrPTHm68k1NAY&e=].

Weekly Connections June 8th, 2026

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of June 8. Let's get started with project updates: * Officials in Nashville and Davidson County, Tenn., have selected the joint venture of BELL Construction and Clark Construction, along with HOK, as the design-build team for the $410 million Davidson County replacement correctional facility project. * The Douglas County, Kan., Judicial and Law Enforcement Center Expansion Project is on track for completion next month, with an $81.9 million budget led by Treanor and J.E. Dunn. * Midland County, Texas, held a cornerstone laying for the new $170 million Gary Painter Detention Center, which will hold 880 beds upon completion. * The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners in Pennsylvania approved design changes to restore key features to their $500 million prison project, including an expanded medical unit and additional classroom space. * Daviess County, Ky., is facing rising costs for its detention center expansion, with estimates now reaching $56 million. * A new crisis care center opened last week in Lynnwood, Wash., providing a $20 million alternative for mental health and substance use crises. Moving on to legislation and funding: * Cole County, Mo., Sheriff John Wheeler is proposing a half-cent sales tax increase, potentially for the April 2027 ballot, to fund a 160-bed jail expansion. * FEMA has reopened the process for Cocke County, Tenn., to apply for federal funding to rebuild its jail following significant flood damage from Hurricane Helene. Up next in people news: * Gene Beasley has been named Deputy Director for Institutions at the Virginia Department of Corrections, effective June 25. Moving on to construction reports: * The Illinois Capital Development Board and the Illinois Department of Corrections have issued a pre-advertisement for the "RISE IDOC" initiative, seeking a progressive design-build entity for two new facilities in Crest Hill. * The Madison County Board of Supervisors in Mississippi has issued an RFQ for architectural services for the renovation and expansion of the Madison County Detention Center, with bids due June 25. * Winnebago County, Ill., is seeking bids for a $2 million mental health suite expansion at the county's juvenile detention center, with bids due June 23. And finishing up with events: * Correctional News and OK Alone will host a free live webinar, "Proactive Safety Strategies: Helping Corrections Leaders Build Trust, Reduce Burnout, and Improve Retention," this Wednesday, June 10, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. * The National Sheriffs' Association's 2026 Annual Conference is taking place this week in Omaha, Nebraska, from June 8–11. For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__correctionalnews.com_podcast&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=jKcJYSpbRmNiN_aYhV8wcC730HXZKl1CgK0WlQUahgI&m=UHG01x6CBQoM-2Zu_d4ECPXg7IqAHw23WjfxMwTohPPfyUy6qjyluEwH4NS8pmHO&s=L8exALDEDRgdpdmkVRAAmnHGHfnUPidld10BKhr6xO4&e=].

Weekly Connections June 1st, 2026

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of June 1. Let's get started with project updates: * A new $231 million Sonoma County Superior Courthouse will officially open in Santa Rosa, Calif., this week, featuring 15 new courtrooms and enhanced security. * The Monroe County Council in Indiana has rejected an $11.375 million land purchase for a proposed $224.5 million jail and justice center, forcing the county to seek alternate sites. * Commissioners in Aroostook County, Maine have selected SMRT Architects and Engineers to design a new county jail to replace the current facility built in 1889. * The Karnes County Commissioners Court in Texas advanced plans for a new $33 million jail expansion proposed by Burns Architecture, which would hold 107 beds. * The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners in Nebraska approved an agreement with HDR to conduct a medical and behavioral health assessment of the Lancaster County Adult Detention Facility. Moving on to legislation and funding: * The Boone County Commission in Missouri has decided to move a proposed 3/8-cent sales tax, which would fund a new 570-bed jail, to the Nov. 3 ballot. Up next in people news: * Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon announced that he will retire on June 30 after 30 years of service. * Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced two new appointments to the Florida Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises (PRIDE) Board of Directors. * Correctional News honors the life of William H. Dunn Sr., the former CEO of J.E. Dunn Construction, who passed away on May 31 at the age of 102. And now for this week's construction reports: * The City of Hutto, Texas has issued an RFQ for CMAR firms for the construction of a new $47 million Justice Center and Police Facility, with bids due June 16. * Storey County, Nev., has issued an RFQ to architecture and engineering firms for a new $65 million consolidated justice center in Virginia City, with bids due June 16. * Washington County, Pa., is seeking contractors for construction of a new public safety building, with bids due June 22. And finishing up with events: * Correctional News and OK Alone will host a free live webinar titled "Proactive Safety Strategies: Helping Corrections Leaders Build Trust, Reduce Burnout, and Improve Retention" on Wednesday, June 10 at 1:00 PM Eastern. For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__correctionalnews.com_podcast&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=jKcJYSpbRmNiN_aYhV8wcC730HXZKl1CgK0WlQUahgI&m=01K3nZSqZADgDiZm1tpMFZTOecNbCvbXEie6cy8WrF1OwyG7KvrINCUU2gFsn1gX&s=67lqP6DFL6qG9FPdT2GQaihrfOPQOaQeujvB3hzu4SM&e=].

Weekly Connections May 25th, 2026

This week’s episode is brought to you by Willoughby Industries, offering American-made plumbing, water management and locking solutions for demanding correctional environments since 1947. Visit willoughby-ind.com [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__willoughby-2Dind.com&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=jKcJYSpbRmNiN_aYhV8wcC730HXZKl1CgK0WlQUahgI&m=2gWn2MjEBYjpKndU61Ls9Lt4uXKRDkvY8yVBdzo0YiDwY-rzsSDHqzKshw3NsgqS&s=fImTw0ALlX8Y804DPvVq6GTy_-QcA6SIAUVbJE_5eX4&e=] or call 463-314-1043 to get started. Let's get into it with project updates: * Dallas County officials in Texas have agreed to borrow $350 million in certificates of obligation, with $60 million set aside to buy and develop land for a new jail. * The cost estimate for a new judicial center in Athens-Clarke County, Ga., has risen to $226 million, nearly triple the $77 million voters approved in 2020. * Phase 2 of a $50 million renovation at the St. Charles County, Mo., jail is nearing completion, adding behavioral health and substance abuse treatment space. * Sevier County, Tenn., held a grand opening ceremony for its new $34 million, 60,000-square-foot Rex Henry Ogle Courts Building. * Officials in Ashtabula County, Ohio updated residents on plans for a $30 million jail expansion project expected to add 209 beds and 55,000 square feet. * Officials in Stanislaus County, Calif., are considering a $6.75 million remodel of the county's two outdated juvenile justice courtrooms. Moving on to legislation and funding: * Miami County, Ohio officials are weighing repairs to its 54-year-old jail after voters rejected a sales tax levy that would have funded a new $90 million to $100 million facility. Next, in people news: * Architecture firm McMillan Pazdan Smith has hired Brad Ewing as a regional practice leader. * The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government in Georgia has appointed Charles Mason as the new Warden and Corrections Department Director. * The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections has appointed Tobie Lamy as its new Assistant Director for Probation and Parole. Moving on to construction reports: * Weld County, Colo., has issued an RFP to construction manager and general contractor firms for the Weld County Justice Center project, with bids due June 22. * The Washington, D.C. Department of General Services has issued a Request for Information for the new District of Columbia Correctional Treatment Facility Annex project, with responses due July 15. And finishing up with events: * The Correctional Leaders Association's Midwest Region meeting will take place this week from May 27–30 in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__correctionalnews.com_podcast&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=jKcJYSpbRmNiN_aYhV8wcC730HXZKl1CgK0WlQUahgI&m=iT5Yr8rFRR83_szcW1TS9c5lB1TXdKK3zodPB7ukDZtc8jmDIqEHJNwGUgn-d5FM&s=na-dre2CXfF_DRjCvlhVTlbx7ocLuih77kHPSFXM4aE&e=].

Weekly Connections May 18th, 2026

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of May 18. This week’s episode is brought to you by Willoughby Industries, offering American-made plumbing, water management and locking solutions for demanding correctional environments since 1947. Visit willoughby-ind.com [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__willoughby-2Dind.com&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=jKcJYSpbRmNiN_aYhV8wcC730HXZKl1CgK0WlQUahgI&m=2gWn2MjEBYjpKndU61Ls9Lt4uXKRDkvY8yVBdzo0YiDwY-rzsSDHqzKshw3NsgqS&s=fImTw0ALlX8Y804DPvVq6GTy_-QcA6SIAUVbJE_5eX4&e=] or call 463-314-1043 to get started. Let's get into it with project updates: * The Blair County Prison Board in Pennsylvania approved designs for a new 450-bed prison, with a cost estimate of about $100 million. * Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and other state officials broke ground on four new juvenile justice facilities designed to replace the Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility. * Officials in Teton County, Wyo., broke ground last week on a new $120 million, three-story justice center, with construction expected to finish in the summer of 2028. * Commissioners in Liberty County, Texas, have selected White Construction as the CMAR for the county's new $100 million, 600-bed jail project. * The Whatcom County Council in Washington state has approved a preliminary $240 million planning budget for a new jail project. Up next in legislation and funding: * Members of the Florida House of Representatives have cut their proposed correctional facility construction funding budget from $127 million to $80 million. * Officials in Boone County, Mo., have requested adding a 3/8-cent sales tax increase to the August election ballot to fund the construction of a new 570-bed jail. Moving on to people and company news: * Leo Technologies has been awarded a five-year, $106 million contract by the Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide AI-enabled translation and transcription services. * Macomb County, Mich., Executive Mark Hackel has appointed Sarah Gillies as director of the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center. And now for this week's construction reports: * The Maine Bureau of General Services is accepting bids for the construction of the new Hancock Judicial Center, with bids due June 16. * The Guilford County Purchasing Department in North Carolina has issued an RFP for firms to provide advisory and oversight for selecting and implementing a modern records management system and jail management system, with proposals due June 12. And finishing up with events: * The Correctional Leaders Association's Midwest Region meeting will take place in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., from May 27–30. For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__correctionalnews.com_podcast&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=jKcJYSpbRmNiN_aYhV8wcC730HXZKl1CgK0WlQUahgI&m=hsh-slypM4FtAJOT2y03caBJxEwjrev41phGswjTDlzpejBfMBgKV2hCG4zrSGES&s=_k6O4Ym-NO_w17Een7HZ9Gr-FnmN4fJntfPYat6YQ6M&e=].