HUTCHINSON, Kan. — What can only be described as somewhat heated, we now have a name for the new county jail facility being built on the southeast side of the city.
Commissioner Dan Deming had earlier suggested signage that would include “Justice and Improving Lives.” That idea had mixed support and it appeared last week the commission was leaning toward just calling it the Reno County Jail.
In none of the other discussions was the sheriff included. That changed Tuesday when Sheriff Randy Henderson told the commission that there has been documentation showing that earlier on, the sheriff wanted it called “Reno County Correctional Facility.” Commissioner Deming was opposed to that, suggesting that would be political correctness and that it would be confused with the prison nearby which is called the Hutchinson Correctional Facility. The sheriff suggested that they could add sheriff to that if they felt there would be confusion.
The sheriff says this goes back to his philosophy of trying to correct behavior for those placed in his custody. He talked about drug peer mentoring and help for those with mental health. Randy Regehr, director of Community Corrections, also spoke in favor of what the sheriff is trying to do.
In the end, Commissioner Chair James Schlickau and Commissioner Brad Dillon went with what the sheriff wanted to call it, which angered Deming. He says he wanted a motion so he could vote against it. He says he thinks it’s a mistake.
So, the jail will be called the Reno County Correctional Facility once completed.