New video equipment, health services expected at Whitley Co. Detention Center

New video arraignment equipment and health services at the Whitley County Detention Center are expected to be put in place soon, both of which should help the county save a little bit of money.

During the Whitley County Fiscal Court’s regular monthly meeting last Tuesday, magistrates approved a resolution for a grant application to allow for an update to the jail’s video arraignment equipment. The jail has video arraignment capabilities, though the equipment currently being used is outdated.

Judge-Executive Pat White said that the county shouldn’t be out any additional money as the grant is expected to be a 100 percent grant. He also noted that the new equipment would help with costs at the jail.

“It saves them a lot on travel expenses, especially on some of the inmates that are out of the county,” said White.

If received, the grant would be in the amount of $15,000.

Additionally, the fiscal court awarded a bid for the jail’s health services to a new company during their monthly meeting. White said that Fast Access Healthcare submitted a bid that was lower than what the county has been paying for those services, also noting that they came “highly recommended” from several other counties in the area.

As part of the services, a nurse would be provided at the jail 12 hours a day, who would also have access to a doctor 24 hours a day. 

Fast Access Healthcare will take over the jail’s health services beginning July 1. 

In other fiscal court business:

– Nick Simpson was approved for reappointment as Whitley County Treasurer. Simpson took over the role in September 2022 following the death of Jeff Gray, who had served in that role since 1999. 

Simpson’s appointment is for a four-year term.