Times are tough in Phillips County. Despite some recent successes — a new tenant at the Helena Port and the good work done by some nonprofits there — obstacles remain.
The latest? The closure of the Phillips County Jail, a 30-year-old building that’s falling apart and now deemed unsafe. The move leaves 18 employees out of work and 60 inmates transferred to other areas.
According to THV 11 News’ Max Seigle:
The county has hired consultants to look at the jail and find out what can be done; they will present their findings a quorum court meeting May 14. Those possibilities could include renovating the existing facility or building a new one.
Seigle has more reporting and video here.