Published: March 10, 2009 12:07 pm      

Offenders fill sandbags to help prevent flooding

BUNKER HILL — Miami Correctional Facility came to the rescue Monday when called by Miami County Emergency Management Agency to fill sandbags to be used to prevent flooding in the county.

With the anticipation of more rain in the area, the EMA is trying to be proactive in preventing flooding in the northern portion of the county around the Eel River. According to Superintendent Mark Sevier, the call came in Monday morning seeking assistance from offenders to fill sandbags.

Some 20 offenders filled 1,800 bags when two dump trucks full of sand were brought to the facility. The task took more than two hours to complete.

The facility has helped before in flooding relief both in Miami and Cass counties. It’s a time-saver for the counties, who otherwise would have to search for volunteers.

Sevier said he was glad the community felt comfortable in contacting the facility in a time of need.

“Miami Correctional Facility continues to strive to be a good neighbor and will help the community whenever possible,” he said in a news release.

In 2008, Miami Correctional Facility donated more than 24,000 hours in offender labor to the community for various tasks. The news release estimated that would translate to about $157,200 in labor costs.