Problems continue to plague the Shelby County Jail, known as 201 Poplar. The jail, built in 1981 for $58 million, has a capacity of 2,400 inmates. Recently, the facility has had an average daily population of 2,758. 

In addition, at least seven inmates have died this year, due to a variety of reasons. And intake is currently taking, on average, three days, with the daily jail population “soaring.” 

Today, editorial director Mary Cashiola and public safety reporter Aarron Fleming talk about the challenges the jail is facing, a local initiative to get nonviolent criminals released and what the long-term solutions to a number of jail issues could be. 

Also, Desoto County leaders look to mitigate financial impact on residents by reducing the millage rate and a strong start for the local industrial real estate market leaves brokers optimistic for the future.