Corrections Connections

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of Jan. 12.

Let's get started with project updates:

1. The Lancaster County, Pa., Board of Commissioners released preliminary designs for a new prison with cost estimates ranging from $434 million to $497 million.
2. Officials with the Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District in Louisiana have proposed building a new $75 million, 96-bed juvenile justice facility.
3. DLZ Architects presented conceptual renderings of a new $30 million jail to commissioners in Ashtabula County, Ohio.
4. The Cape Girardeau County, Mo., jail renovation project is on track, with renovation work expected to be completed by the fall.

Moving on to legislation and funding:

1. Commissioners in Oklahoma County, Okla., have proposed a permanent sales tax to support a new jail and other public safety operations, which could be on the April 7 election ballot.
2. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll have awarded $234,000 in grant funding to improve career and technical education programs in correctional facilities.

Next in People news:

1. Willo Products Company has promoted Russell Roberts to Chief Executive Officer.
2. JE Dunn has hired Sean Ahern as Client Solutions Director for the West Region.
3. Nadia Privara Brahms has been appointed as San Diego County's Behavioral Health Services Director.
4. Joanne Lynds has joined the Rhode Island Department of Corrections as Assistant Director of Rehabilitative Services.

Now for construction reports:

1. Construction Manager Ajax Building Company is accepting bids for the construction of a new Judicial Justice Center in Alachua County, Fla., with bids due Jan. 29.
2. Kraus-Anderson Construction and Contegrity Group are seeking prime contractor bids for the new $308 million Stearns County Justice Center in Minnesota, with bids due Feb. 5.

And finishing it off with Events:

1. The National Commission on Correctional Health Care is accepting presentation proposals for its Correctional Mental Health Care Conference (due Feb. 13) and its National Conference on Correctional Healthcare (due March 6).
2. The American Correctional Association's Winter Conference will take place next month in Long Beach, Calif., from February 5–8.
3. The Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators will also hold its Winter meeting in conjunction with the ACA Winter Conference.
4. Registration is open for the International Corrections and Prisons Association's inaugural Prison Design and Technology Conference in Rabat, Morocco, from April 21–24.

1. For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of January 5, 2026.

Let's get into it with Project updates:

1. Plans for a new jail in Dallas County, Texas, are moving forward, with initial cost estimates between $3 billion and $5 billion, though the project could take up to a decade to complete.
2. The design phase for a new 200-bed detention center in Flathead County, Mont., is underway, with officials hoping to start construction this year on the estimated $93.5 million project.
3. Colbert County, Ala., Sheriff Eric Balentine said that construction of the county's new $35 million jail and administration building is ahead of schedule and expected to be complete in 20 months.
4. An open house will be held this week to mark the opening of the new Koochiching County Jail and Law Enforcement Center in International Falls, Minn.

Moving on to legislation and funding:

1. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has awarded $5.3 million in grants for substance use disorder treatment in correctional facilities across the state.
2. Funding to address much-needed improvements at the aging jail in St. Louis County, Mo., was not included in the county's 2026 budget, despite an ACA audit revealing significant issues.

Next in People news:

1. DLR Group has named Justice + Civic Project Manager and Senior Associate Alexander Straughn as the company's Orlando office leader.
2. Correctional Healthcare Partners has appointed Dr. Olatunde Oshikoya as its Director of MAT Services and Rapid Response.
3. Drone detection and aerospace security company Airsight announced that Nick Glasnapp will be the company's Director of Sales for the Central Region.
4. Correctional News sends condolences to the family of industry veteran Bob Tointon, who passed away on Dec. 27 at the age of 92.

Next In Construction reports:

1. The Cole County Commission in Missouri is seeking specialty contractors and suppliers for the new $14 million Cole County Juvenile Center project, with bids due Jan. 20.
2. The Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works has issued an RFP for design-build services for a new juvenile court community correctional facility, with proposals due Jan. 29.
3. The Minnesota Department of Administration is accepting bids for security system upgrades at the Minnesota Correctional Facility at Shakopee, with bids due Feb. 3.

And closing out with events:

1. The American Correctional Association's winter conference will take place in Long Beach, Calif., from Feb. 5-8.

1. For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of Dec. 29.

Let's get into it with Project Updates:

1. In Ector County, Texas, plans for a new $200 million courthouse are moving forward after county commissioners approved a preliminary design, with completion expected by the end of 2029.
2. Officials in Cheatham County, Tenn., held an open house to mark the completion of phase I of the Cheatham County Jail Renovation and expansion project. Phase II is expected to be complete next summer.
3. A new women's detention and work release center, built in a renovated former Dollar General store in Fayette County, Ind., is now complete and will open early next year.
4. The new Greene County Justice Center in upstate New York is back on track for completion by March of next year.

Moving on to legislation and funding:

1. A new supplemental budget proposal from Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson would provide almost $12 million in additional funding to improve staffing and security at two juvenile rehabilitation facilities.
2. Miami County, Ohio commissioners have requested for a bond measure to fund the construction of a new county jail to be included on the May election ballot.
3. Officials in Belknap County, N.H., are considering including funds for a new jail study in the county's budget, with a new facility estimated at $50 million.

Next in people news:

1. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has appointed Eric Strauss as director of the Montana Department of Corrections. He will assume the role on Jan. 6.

Moving on to construction reports:

1. The city of Berkeley, Calif., is soliciting bids for jail automation upgrades at the city's public safety building, with bids due Jan. 8.
2. The Kentucky Division of Engineering and Contract Administration is seeking contractors for the Fayette Regional Juvenile Detention Center retrofit project, with bids due Jan. 27.
3. The Ada County Sheriff's Office in Oklahoma has issued an RFI to qualified vendors for a door control and security integration project at the Ada County Jail facility, with responses due Jan. 29.

And wrapping up with Events:

1. This is the last week for justice architects to submit their firm's information for inclusion in Correctional News' 2026 Justice Architecture List, with a deadline of Jan. 2.
2. The American Correctional Association's winter conference will take place Feb. 5–8 in Long Beach, Calif.

1. For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of Dec. 22.

Let's get into it with project updates:

1. A new youth correctional facility will be built in Fitchburg, Wis., after $130 million in funding was awarded. Construction is expected to start next September.
2. The Macon-Bibb County Commission in Georgia signed a contract with Warren Associates Inc. to begin pre-construction work for an upgrade project at the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center, which is expected to cost between $28.5 million and $31 million.
3. The ribbon was cut last week at the new $24.7 million Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court facility in Staunton, Va.
4. Commissioners in Liberty County, Texas entered into an agreement with DRG Architects to design a new county jail, estimated to cost about $100 million.
5. The Corpus Christi City Council approved a $4.85 million contract with South Texas Building Partners to construct a new city detention center, with construction starting in January.

Moving on to legislation and funding:

1. New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a new prison bill into law last week aimed at improving safety, security and accountability within the state's correctional system.
2. Last week, the U.S. Congress approved the Safer Skies Act, which authorizes law enforcement and correctional officers to address the threat of unauthorized drones.
3. Two lawmakers in Arizona have called on the state to allot $1.5 million to fund the newly created Independent Correctional Oversight Office.

Next in People News:

1. HDR recently announced the appointment of Brian Endler as Justice Principal and Renee Schoop as Business Development Director for its architecture practice in Pittsburgh.
2. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has nominated Tia Marcel Moretti to be the Director of the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health.

In Construction Reports:

1. The joint venture of J.E. Dunn Construction Company and Henry Carlson Construction is soliciting proposals for early trade partners for the new $650 million South Dakota Men's Correctional Facility, with submissions due Jan. 2.
2. The Kentucky Division of Engineering and Contract Administration has issued an RFP for security fence additions at the Kentucky State Penitentiary, with bids due Jan. 27.
3. The Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator is seeking architectural and engineering firms to assess and recommend security upgrades at the 5th District Court of Appeal building, with submittals due Feb. 11.

Finishing it off with Events:

1. This is the final week to nominate projects for Correctional News' 2026 Projects to Watch list, with submissions due by Dec. 29.
2. Looking ahead, the American Correctional Association's winter conference will be held Feb. 5–10 in Long Beach, Calif.

For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of Dec. 15.

Let's get into it with project updates:

• The Santa Cruz County, Calif., Sheriff's Office is advocating for a new mental health jail facility, with estimates rising to approximately $350 million. Link: Santa Cruz County Sheriff eyes new mental health jail facility 
• Ground has been broken on a major renovation of the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail in Charlottesville, Va., a project estimated at $49 million. Link: Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail breaks ground on renovations
• The Asotin County Justice Complex in Clarkston Heights, Wa., officially opened Dec. 6 with a successful transfer of 45 inmates. Link: Late-night inmate transfer marks seamless opening of new Asotin County Justice Complex 
• Lancaster County, Neb., officials are debating whether to include jail expansion planning in the county's 2026 strategic priorities as the jail population grows. Link: Could jail expansion be part of Lancaster County’s 2026 priorities?

Next up is legislation and funding:

• Leaders in Fond du Lac County, Wis., will hear a resolution to designate the future site of a new jail facility, with costs estimated at $393 million. Link: Fond du Lac County Jail decision on agenda for board of supervisors
• Comal County, Texas, commissioners are evaluating a potential expansion of the Comal County Jail in response to rapid population growth. Link: Comal County considers jail expansion for anticipated growth
• San Diego County leaders are warning that nearly $1 billion is needed to rebuild and repair county jail facilities, especially the Vista Detention Center. Link: Hundreds of millions needed to rebuild Vista Detention Center & to repair other jails in San Diego County
• The Michigan Department of Corrections has adopted a new policy, starting Jan. 5, 2026, requiring all confidential and legal mail sent to incarcerated people to be photocopied. Link: Michigan Department of Corrections adopts new mail policy in attempt to stop drug smuggling

Moving on to People News:

• The Texas Department of Criminal Justice announced Everett Dale Cox as the new Deputy Director of the Facilities Division. Link: Texas Department of Criminal Justice LinkedIn 

Next up is Construction Reports:

• The Teton County Justice Center Project is seeking a variety of bid proposals for its new $80 million public safety facility in Jackson, Wyo., with submissions due Jan. 7. Link: Teton County Procurement
• The community of Lusk, Wyo., seeks bids for a comprehensive upgrade of security, communications, and control systems at the Wyoming Women's Center, with bids due Jan. 14. Link: Bid Banana 
• Nabholz Construction is accepting specialty contractor and supplier proposals for the new $14 million Cole County Juvenile Center in Jefferson City, Mo. Link: Building Connected

And Finishing it off with Events for this Week:

• The early bird deadline to participate in ICPA's International Research and Corrections Conference is Dec. 22. The event will be held in Auckland, New Zealand from March 2-5, 2026. Link: International Research in Corrections Conference 
• Correctional News is compiling its 2026 Projects to Watch list, with submissions due by Dec. 29. Link: Nominate a 2026 Project to Watch

For more details or to access the links mentioned, please visit correctionalnews.com/podcast.

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of Dec. 8.

Let's get into it with project updates:

• South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and Department of Corrections Secretary Nick Lamb visited the site of the state's under-construction women's prison in Rapid City. The $87 million facility is expected to be complete by next July.
• Oklahoma County commissioners recently projected costs for the new Oklahoma County jail at $835 million, more than three times the amount voters approved in 2022.
• The new Liberty County, Fla., Jail and Sheriff's Office officially opened last week, replacing the oldest operational jail in Florida.
• Officials from Albemarle County and the city of Charlottesville, Va., recently celebrated the completion of the first phase of a $65 million court complex project.

Next in legislation and funding:

• Legislators in Erie County, N.Y., have cut $20 million intended to fund a study for a new county jail project from its proposed budget.
• A public hearing will be held this week to discuss plans for a new $750 million courthouse in Fresno County, Calif.
• Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon called on state legislators to release $9.3 million in emergency funding to address staffing shortages within the Wyoming Department of Corrections.
• St. Martin Parish, La., will move forward with plans to build a new jail, raising its capacity from 186 to 350 inmates.

Moving on to people and company News:

• The Delaware Department of Correction recently announced two promotions: Christopher Kearney to Warden of the Special Operations Group and Sean Milligan to Deputy Warden of Sussex Correctional Institution.
• Global access solutions company ASSA ABLOY recently acquired Sargent & Greenleaf, a manufacturer of high-security locking solutions.

Next in construction reports:

• The Bullock County, Ga., Board of Commissioners has issued an RFQ for firms to provide architecture and design services for the county's jail addition project, with submissions due Dec. 19.
• The Florida Department of Management Services is seeking bids for trade packages for the new Regional Juvenile Detention Center project in Hillsborough County, with bids due Jan. 8.
• Guadalupe County, Texas has issued an RFQ for architecture and engineering firms to conduct a jail feasibility study, with submissions due Jan. 13.
• The Indian River County Sheriff's Office in Florida has two open solicitations: one for an upgraded security system (bids due Feb. 16) and another for medical unit renovation (bids due Feb. 23).

And finishing it off with events for this week:

• The Correctional Leaders Association is convening in Scottsdale, Ariz., this week for its annual All Directors Symposium, from Dec. 8–11.
• The recording of last week's "Reimagining Corrections: Inside Arizona's Systemwide Transformation" webinar is now available.
• Correctional News is compiling its 2026 Projects to Watch list, with submissions due by Dec. 15.

For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of Dec. 1.

Let's kick it off with project updates:

• The design-build team for the new Lake County Public Safety Center in Painesville, Ohio, officially topped out the $205 million, 250,000-square-foot facility last week.
• A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Whitley County, Ky., Detention Center expansion project, an estimated $10 million effort that will add 100 beds.
• The Antrim County Board of Commissioners in Michigan has selected Abonmarche Byce to provide architecture and engineering services for the county's new $27 million public safety center project.
• Officials in Washington County, Utah, cut the ribbon at the new $25 million expansion to the medical, mental health and housing units at the Purgatory Correctional Facility.

• Moving on to Legislation and Funding:
• More than $24 million in grants were awarded through the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program to support projects at jails in Montgomery, Stark and Clark counties.
• The Portage County Board in Wisconsin authorized the county to borrow $160 million to fund the construction of a new jail and renovations to the county's courthouse.
• Legislators in Michigan approved the transfer of $26.1 million to the Michigan Department of Corrections, including $10 million for safety railings at two correctional facilities.
• Officials in Cleveland County, N.C., recently approved an $89 million loan, including $75 million for a new county justice center.

• Next in People news:
• Dewberry has hired Doug Ahmann as Senior Designer in the company's Sacramento office.
• Lone worker safety technology company OK Alone recently brought on Rob Camp as Senior Vice President.
• Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward will receive the 2025 Pillar of Excellence Award from the Addiction Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. this week.

• Moving on to Construction Reports:
• Marathon County in Wisconsin is accepting proposals for upgrades to the integrated security automation systems at the Marathon County Jail and Juvenile Facility, with bids due Dec. 9.
• Maricopa County in Arizona has issued an RFQ for construction manager at risk services for the expansion of the Southwest Regional Justice Center, with submittals due Dec. 16.

• And finishing off with events:
• Attendees can still register for the "Reimagining Corrections Inside Arizona's System-Wide Transformation" webinar on Wednesday, Dec. 3.
• Next week, The Correctional Leaders Association's annual All Directors Symposium will take place from Dec. 8–11 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

• For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of Nov. 24.

Let's get into it with Project Updates:

• Stakeholders for the new Allen County Jail in Indiana say the $320 million project is about 35% complete and on track for completion by December 2027.
• Renovation and expansion work is underway at the Montana State Prison, a $156 million project that will add 117 new beds and new security enhancements.
• Construction is advancing on the $155 million jail project in Midland County, Texas, with completion estimated at 60% and expected in November 2026.
• Last week, Governor Mike DeWine and officials in Greene County, Ohio cut the ribbon at the new $75 million Greene County Gene Fischer Justice Center.
• A topping out ceremony was held to celebrate the structural completion of the new $179 million Smith County Courthouse in Tyler, Texas.

Next in Legislation and Funding:

• The Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 338, also known as Andy's Law, designed to protect correctional facility employees and reduce inmate drug possession.
• Monterey County, Calif., has awarded a five-year, $139 million contract to Correctional Healthcare Partners to provide medical and mental health treatment services.
• The Arkansas Board of Corrections voted to spend $1.95 million on upgrades and repair work at the wastewater treatment plant that serves the Cummins and Varner prison units.
• The Johnson County Board in Iowa recently approved $3 million in funding to perform structural renovations at the Johnson County Jail as it considers plans for a new facility.

Moving on to People News:

• Correctional News joins the corrections community in mourning the loss of Virginia Department of Corrections Officer Jeremy Lewis Hall, who was killed by an inmate on Nov. 17.
• Dr. Keith Ivens is the new Chair of the National Commission on Correctional Health Care's Board of Representatives.

Next in Construction Reports:

• The Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking design services for a perimeter fence detection project at the Clallam Bay Correctional Center, with bids due Dec. 17.
• Richland County, S.C., has issued an RFQ for design-build services for expansion work at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, with bids due Dec. 18.
• The Eddy County Administration Department in New Mexico has issued an RFP to construct a new Eddy County Detention Center, with bids due Jan. 13.

And wrapping up with Events:

• On Dec. 3, Correctional News will host a free webinar titled "Reimagining Corrections: Inside Arizona's System-Wide Transformation." Register for this free webinar here!
• The Correctional Leaders Association's annual All Directors Symposium will take place from Dec. 8-11 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

• For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of Nov. 17.

Let's get into it with project updates:

• A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held last week at the new $333 million Osvaldo N. Soto Miami-Dade Justice Center in downtown Miami.
• The Alabama Department of Corrections announced that the opening of its new $1 billion Gov. Kay Ivey Prison Complex in Elmore County will be delayed six months to October of 2026.
• Construction is wrapping up on the Wayne County, Ohio, Jail Project, which will more than double its capacity to 200 beds and is expected to open early next year.
• The Brevard County Sheriff's Office in Florida celebrated the groundbreaking of the new $20 million Regional Law Enforcement Training Center in Viera.

Moving on to legislation and funding:

• A new Louisville Metro Department of Corrections report recommends building a new jail, with cost estimates ranging from $389 million to $530 million.
• A $75 million bond to build a new jail in Nacogdoches County, Texas, has been approved by voters.
• North Carolina officials announced a $9.5 million pilot program to provide intensive support to people with serious mental illnesses as they re-enter the community.
• Beginning next year, Knox County, Maine, will transfer its long-term incarcerated population from the Knox County Jail to the Two Bridges Regional Jail.
• Officials in Clark County, Ohio, will explore other options to build a new county jail after a proposed sales tax measure was rejected by voters.

Next in people news:

• Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has appointed Gina Kwon as Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

Moving along to construction reports:

• Commissioners in Grays Harbor County, Wash., have issued an RFQ for Architectural and Design firms for a new county criminal justice complex, with submittals due Dec. 1.
• Champaign County, Ill., has issued an RFP for architecture and engineering firms to provide condition assessments on various county facilities, with proposals due Dec. 5.
• The Renaissance Juvenile Detention District of Rapides Parish in Louisiana is seeking a CMAR for the new $39 million Central Louisiana Juvenile Detention District center, with submittals due Dec. 12.

And closing it off with events:

• The Correctional Leaders Association will host its annual All Directors Symposium from Dec. 8-11 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.

Jennifer Michalski, Business Development Manager with architectural manufacturer Construction Specialties, has more than 20 years of healthcare construction experience and works closely with stakeholders to establish healthcare design standards that address evolving needs. 

In this episode of the Healthcare Insider podcast, Michalski discusses how hospitals, health systems and senior living providers are addressing emerging trends related to patient comfort, employee experience, infection control, environmental impact, and more, offering tips for balancing safety, functionality and healing.

Learn more about Construction Specialties at www.c-sgroup.com.