HORTONIA, WI (WTAQ) – Many in Outagamie County feel things were done in the wrong order when it comes to the state’s idea to put a new youth prison facility in the county.
Putting the cart before the horse is leaving many in Outagamie concerned about plans in place.
Along with many residents, Outagamie County Sheriff Clint Kriewaldt says he was caught off guard when the plans came to his desk.
“The announcement was made and we got the email and it was like, holy man, thanks for the heads up on that one guys.”
He says he feels the communities response to the idea may have been more positive if a proposal was made with an opportunity for discussion before a decision was made.
“Residents were kind of blindsided by it. They are letting the residents ask questions and address their concerns now, but it is kind of reverse order.”
Sheriff Kriewaldt says he still would like to know, why Outagamie County? “Looking at where a lot of these kids will be coming from, they are not really local, so to have a facility here is kind of odd to me.”
While the youth prison group will be a separate entity, the Sheriff added he is also concerned that it is also unknown what would be expected of his team.
“Who is doing transport? Are they calling the Sheriff’s Department or are they handling that themselves?”
He says that might require additional staff or additional time spent.
The state owns the land where the youth prison site is being proposed.
According to the DOC, bids on the project will start this winter, with construction planned for next spring.
