Wilkinson Prison is Featured in American Jails Magazine

#MTCChangesLives

WOODVILLE, Miss. -- Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF) is featured in two articles in the May/June 2021 issue of American Jails magazine. The national publication is the official organ of the American Jail Association (AJA).

The main article about WCCF highlights a new training program at the Woodville facility. It is titled, “How an Inmate-Led Class Is Helping Staff Learn Spanish” (pages 28-32). The second article appears in the “Notes from the Field” section. It is titled, “Wilkinson Facility Turns Pallets into Bookcases” (pages 61-63). Both articles include photos of WCCF staff and residents.

Earlier this year, WCCF appeared in the January/February 2021 issue of the nationally-published Corrections Today magazine, the official publication of the American Correctional Association (ACA). The article was titled, "Witness the Fitness Walking Club: How the staff of a Mississippi prison fights stress and stays fit in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic." Read the two AJ articles by following the links below.

“How an Inmate-Led Class Is Helping Staff Learn Spanish” (pages 28-32) Visit: https://www.academia.edu/47761334/How_an_Inmate_Led_Class_Is_Helping_Staff_Learn_Spanish

"Wilkinson Facility Turns Pallets into Bookcases” (pages 61-63) Visit: https://www.academia.edu/47761354/Wilkinson_Facility_Turns_Pallets_into_Bookcases

WCCF News (4/2021): What's Happening at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD
Chaplain/PIO, Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

#MTCChangesLives

This newsletter will appear in the April 22, 2021 issue of "The Woodville Republican," a weekly newspaper in Woodville, Miss.

 

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WCCF News

 

What's Happening at

 

Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

 

(April 2021)

 

 
 
 Vanessa Turner and Danesha Selvage Promoted
 
Vanessa Renay Turner, who previously worked as a Zone Sergeant, has been promoted to Unit Manager; and Danesha Selvage, who previously served as the Armory Sergeant, has been promoted to Training Lieutenant.
 
Turner is a 1987 graduate of Wilkinson County High School. She began working at WCCF in January 2000. She is the mother of two children, Brittney and Terrence Jr. “In my role as Unit manager, I plan to continue to be a team player, and always be fair, firm and consistent, and keep God first in everything I do,” Turner said.
 
Selvage has been an employee at WCCF for 14 years. According to Warden Scott Middlebrooks, she has “been an integral force” at the facility. “Her calm demeanor and expertise in corrections will be a tremendous asset to our training program,” he said. “I look forward to working with Danesha in her new role.”

WCCF Welcomes Visit by School Officials
 
Officials of Wilkinson County School District visited Wilkinson County Correctional Facility in February. Superintendent Chavis Bradford and Principal Curtis Ross of William Winans Middle School toured the facility’s Education Department, as well as the gym, and the art class. The art class donated a banner by Robert Stepro to the middle school with the words, “Every Life Matters.” Pictured from left are Ross, Stephro, and Latoya McPipe, secretary for the middle school.

Vernon Guy Earns GED
 
Vernon Guy is the most recent student at WCCF to earn his GED. He recently passed all of his required courses and received his diploma. The Alabama native said he felt great about the milestone. “I feel really proud about this achievement, and I hope to go on and expand my education,” he said.
 
13 Men Baptized
 
Chaplain Dwyane Anthony and Chaplain Roscoe Barnes III had the honor of baptizing 13 men in February. All of the men will become part of a discipleship class, where they can learn and grow in their faith as born-again Christians.
 
Kelley Jenkins Named Supervisor of the Quarter
 
Warden Scott Middlebrooks recently recognized Captain Kelley Jenkins as Supervisor of the Quarter. Kelley has done an outstanding job overseeing her shift and is continuously trying to improve our facility operations,” he said. “She leads by example and operates in a firm, fair and consistent manner.” Middlebrooks said he and the staff are grateful to Kelley for all of her hard work.
 
Three-Day Revival Held Before Easter
 
WCCF held a three-day revival from March 30 – April 1. Guest speakers included the Rev. Nelson Fears of Alabama, Rev. Adrian Fairchild of Valley Park, and Rev. Allen Handy of Woodville. A total of 18 men came forward to receive Christ and be baptized.
 
WCCF Names Employees of the Month
 
The facility honored Disciplinary Hearing Officer Shunlekee Pendleton as Employee of the Month for February. C.E.R.T. Sgt. William V. “Rambo” Bonds received the recognition for the month of March. Speaking of Pendleton, Warden Scott Middlebrooks said she has done “an amazing job conducting hearings” and continues to keep up with the work load. Bonds, Middlebrooks noted, “is an exceptional employee with a great work ethic.” Middlebrooks said he is a vital member of the CERT team.
 
Easter Celebrated with Baskets
 
Students in the Education GED class crafted Easter baskets and presented them to the warden and WCCF staff. The colorful creations contained candy and eggs.

  

 #PrivatePrisons #Corrections #MTCChangesLives

 
  ---------------------------------

ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com.

Former Gulfport Resident Robert Stepro Donates Artwork to Centreville School

#MTCChangesLives

Pictured from left are William Winans Middle School Principal Curtis Ross, Robert Stepro, and Latoya McPipe, secretary for the middle school. 

WOODVILLE, Miss. -- Robert Stepro, a former Gulfport resident, recently donated a piece of his artwork to William Winans Middle School in Centreville. Titled, “Every Life Matters,” the piece is a banner done in paint and marker. He originally created the work for a Martin Luther King Day display at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF).
 
Stepro is a 1982 graduate of Biloxi High School.
 
Principal Curtis Ross and Latoya McPipe, secretary of the middle school, were on a tour of the facility in February when they saw the banner in the Hobby Crafts/Arts classroom, where Stepro works as the orderly.
 
They appeared moved by the work which depicts children of several different races together, with a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “…They will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
 
McPipe immediately asked if they could have the banner. “It depicts every shade not just one,” she said. “Our school has a mix of Hispanic, black, and white. Our school is all about unity. It caught my eye and we wanted it.”
 
McPipe said it would be laminated and placed in the entryway of the school where everyone can see it.
 
Stepro seemed touched by the request. “I was really surprised that they wanted it,” he said. “I was totally shocked. I hope the children and the parents who see it get the message that Dr. King shared to look past skin color and see people for who they are.”
 
Recreation Specialist Emily Guth supervises the Hobbycraft program. “I’m very proud of Stepro’s work on the banner,” she said. “I am very happy and thrilled that he is able to give something positive to the community.”
 
Warden Scott Middlebrooks said, “We are really proud of the work coming out of our art class, and especially Stepro’s work. He has contributed to a lot of projects for us.”
 
Stepro has worked in the Hobby Craft/Arts class for the past year. Prior to that, he was a GED tutor for 16 years. He said that he went 26 years without doing any art before taking the current job.
 
WCCF is managed by Management & Training Corporation or MTC of Utah.
 

Mobile, Ala. Native Vernon Guy Earns GED

#MTCChangesLives

Vernon Guy

WOODVILLE, Miss. – Mobile native Vernon Guy recently earned his GED at the Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF). Guy is the son of Carmen Guy and Vernon Dean, both of Mobile.
 

Guy said he is really excited about his achievement. “To be honest, Mr. [Branton] Lewis and Mrs. [Tracey] Arbuthnot had more confidence that I would pass than I did,” he said.
 

Branton Lewis, the Education Supervisor, said Guy was a good student. “Guy’s persistence paid off, and we are all proud of him.”
 

His instructor, LaKeisha Tolliver, said, “Guy is one of my most outstanding students, and he always motivates others to do well.” Tolliver went on to say that he has been a huge help in assisting other students.

Programs Director Tracey Arbuthnot said, “It is always good to see one of our men getting their GED. This is going to open a lot of doors for him in the future.”

When asked about his future plans, Guy said, “I plan to expand my education and help others prepare for their GED tests.”

WCCF is managed by Management & Training Corporation or MTC of Utah.

Program Director Tracey Arbuthnot, Vernon Guy, and
Education Supervisor Branton Lewis

Felicia Williams: What She and the Board of Aldermen Have Accomplished for the Town of Centreville

By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD

#FeliciaWilliamsforMayor 

Felicia Williams

NOTE: This is a continuation of my interview with Felicia William, who is running for mayor of the town of Centreville. In this post, she explains what she and the Centreville Board of Aldermen have done for the citizens of their community. She addresses such issues as financial management, service improvements, facility improvements, and personnel management.

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What did you accomplish in your previous position as alderwoman?

As Alderwoman, I used an inclusive style of leadership to bring parties together to work toward a common goal. Giving due consideration to the challenges facing our town today and into the foreseeable future, I believe that style of leadership will serve us all well.

 

During my tenure as Alderwoman, the Board of Aldermen focused on four main areas, Financial Management, Service Improvements, Facilities Improvements and Personnel Management. I am proud of the improving services that the town of Centreville provides and I appreciate the opportunity to highlight a few of those improvements. 

Financial Management:

 

Finances are really the base of everything, so that is a good place to start. When the Mayor and Board of Aldermen took the oath of office almost four years ago, our Town was in poor financial condition. In addition to delinquent employer retirement and sales tax payments, our town owed garbage collectors and gas suppliers $100,000 for past due bills and late charges and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) $35,500 for unpaid 2014-2017 taxes.

 

Here are some of the things that were done to ensure that the Town of Centreville maintains a strong financial position:

* Purged non-operational and non-owned vehicles from town’s insurance policy.

* Adopted measures to ensure accountability in internal spending practices.

* Changed our health insurance policy to provide for better coverage for employees and a lower cost to the Town.  This change resulted in a $10,000 savings.

* Acquired $857,000 in additional insurance coverage for town property at a cost that was lower than our existing payment.

* Audited garbage collection services and made adjustments to ensure that the Town was not overcharged.

* Restructured town finances and accounting procedures to comply with state law and sound business practices.

* Limited overtime expenditures.

* Established contingency funds as required by law and sound business practices.

* Established cemetery fund to ensure proper maintenance of the Town’s cemetery.

* Collected $16,400 in unpaid franchise fees dating back to 2016.

* Approved $40,000 grant from Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

*Completed Audits from 4 prior fiscal years; (2014-2015), (2015-2016), (2016-2017); (2017-2018; the 2018-2019 Audit is in progress at this time.

* Balanced the Town’s budget with no increase in taxes or utility services fees.

Service Improvements:

 

The Board of Aldermen and employees of the town of Centreville are committed to improving the services we provide. This commitment to continuous improvement lays the foundation for service improvements and policies that focus on our community and for us to realize the Centreville we all want and deserve. Towards these ends, the Board of Aldermen:

 

* Established practices to ensure legality and impartiality in providing utility services to residents and businesses.

* Developed computerized work order system to track customer complaints and completion.

* Adopted Ordinance to improve maintenance and appearance of town cemetery.

* Developed and implemented plan to remove dangerous trees from roadways.

* Worked with the county supervisor to help repair potholes in town streets.

* Implemented the Immediate Response Information System (IRIS) system for utility customers.

* Provided uniforms for utility service and street department personnel to ensure that they are readily identified as Town employees.

* Developed the Town of Centreville’s Website.

* Updated the Town’s email address cityclerk@centrevillems.org.   

* Renamed street to honor the sacrifice and contributions of Centreville native Anne Moody.

* Implemented a policy for adjustments in water and sewer bills due to cold weather damaged pipes.

Facilities Improvements:

 

The town of Centreville’s facility improvements vary in scale and type which range from resolving small maintenance issues to space renovations. These projects also provide opportunities to improve accessibility so that programs and services are available to everyone.

 

Below is a list of improvement projects approved by the Board of Aldermen.

 

* Installed up-to-date security surveillance system in town hall.

* Installed emergency generator at the town hall to ensure continuous operations during power outages.

* Installed safety partitions in police department and town hall to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

* Replaced air conditioning unit in town hall.

*Made repairs to the restroom, flooring and emergency exit door of the town hall.

* Entered into a maintenance agreement for the repair and painting of the town’s water towers to maintain the quality of our water supply. The downtown water tower has been cleaned and painted and the town hall water tower has been cleaned and is being prepared for painting.

* Approved maintenance contract for emergency generators that operate water services in the event of a power outage.

* Updated computer system for utility services, police, court and clerical personnel. 

* Purchased vehicle for Utility Services Department.

* Coordinated with State Representative to acquire vehicle for the police department through State Homeland Security Grant.

* Relocated police department providing for reduced operating expense and increased efficiency.

* Installed WIFI in civic center to increase local training opportunities.

 

Personnel Management:

 

Personnel management involves the administrative tasks that address the hiring and compensation of employees. Its objectives are to recruit, train and retain the quality workforce necessary for the town of Centreville to meet its goals. As part of its personnel management, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen:

 

* Developed a comprehensive personnel policy manual for Town employees.

* Established hours for police department personnel to increase accountability.

* Established pay scale for police department personnel

* Implemented the Senior Community Service Employment Program for seniors 55 years and old older.

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ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com.

Conversation with Felicia Williams

Candidate for Mayor of Centreville, Miss.

By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD
 
#FeliciaWilliamsForMayor

Felicia Williams

NOTE: This blog post presents an interview I recently had with Felicia Williams, who is running for mayor for the town of Centreville. Williams currently serves as an Alderwoman on the Centreville Board of Aldermen. In addition to being active in her community, she has spearheaded numerous programs and activities that benefit Wilkinson County and Centreville. As a resident of Centreville, I have sought her input on a number of issues, including “boil water” notices, among other things. Each time, she promptly answered my questions and provided the help that I needed. Williams uses Facebook and other means to keep her constituents informed about issues that matter to them. I am personally grateful to her for her leadership, her vision, and her compassion. I have known her -- and have worked with her – for a number of years, and I can truly say that she knows how to get things done.

 
When I learned that Williams was a candidate for mayor, I reached out to her for an interview. What follows is her reply to the following questions:

Why are you running for mayor?
Why should people vote for you?
How are you qualified for this position?
What are the top 3 issues that you would like to address as mayor?
What other elected positions have you held?
What is your educational background?
What types of jobs have you had over the years?
 
In answering my questions, Williams was clear and thorough, holding nothing back. She went the extra mile to show how she is uniquely qualified to serve as mayor for the town of Centreville. I trust that you will find her information both helpful and enlightening.

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Why are you running for mayor?

 
I want to be mayor because I know Centreville is moving forward. I could not sit on the sidelines when so much is at stake for our town. Centreville needs an experienced leader who can maintain our momentum. Centreville cannot afford inexperience leadership at this time.  Centreville is a great town and great towns continuously seek improvement.  Great towns think about what they will look like 20 years from now.
 
I have taken bold steps to improve Centreville’s finances and essential services and there is more work to do. When it comes to our Town's budget, I have continued to look at every dollar requested, allocated and spent to insure continued fiscal accountability. I’m excited about where we are going, and for this reason I am seeking election as Mayor.  I will continue to keep a diligent eye on our town’s finances, make sure we have a balanced budget, and see that the town spends money wisely. I will work even harder to reduce water rates and to improve rubbish collection services.
 
In July, I will end my tenure as Alderwoman, I do so with pride and with the satisfaction of knowing that our town is moving in the right direction. During my tenure, I worked diligently with the Board of Aldermen to ensure that the town of Centreville is moving forward.  I am proud of our collective accomplishments.  During my tenure as Alderwoman I also learned that the place to make the greatest impact is in the Mayor's office because the Mayor has to be a community vision facilitator, communicating concepts to our staff and our community.
 
It has been said that, “You’re either part of the solution or you are part of the problem.”   I want to be mayor because I have the hands-on experience and vision needed to be part of the solution. Centreville is truly at a crossroads, but we’re not going to get to the next level unless we have experienced leadership to ensure that we are advocating on behalf of all the people of Centreville, not just a few. Regardless of your ethnic background; your economic status; your personal preferences; whom you know or where you live, if you have an idea, a concern, or an interest in our town, I will listen and work with you to help make our town the great place to live that it once was and shall become again.
 
On a personal note, I want to be mayor and serve as a source of inspiration for young women who will come after me. I encounter so many little girls who are excited to think I could be their mayor and that they too, could be mayor one day. Centreville is where I was born and raised and where I chose to raise my daughter.  Centreville is the best town in Southwest Mississippi and I look forward to continuing to represent the people of Centreville as Mayor.
 
How are you qualified for this position?
 
I am a leader. I am a careful decision-maker, able to hear all sides and make informed decisions.
 
I have during my service as Alderwoman been able to garnered support of the Board of Aldermen in spite of political or philosophical differences.
 
I take great pride in my ability help the Board of Aldermen put differences aside, rise to the occasion and provide services to our residents that are among the best in the area at a cost that is lower than other towns.
 
I am a member of the Mississippi Municipal League (MML) where I became certified in Financial Management for Small Water Systems, a Certified Mayoral Health Council coach, Certified by MS State Fire Academy for Elected and Public officials, studied Municipal Law, Municipal Finance, Community Development, Economic Development, Professional Development, and Municipal Organization becoming a Certified Municipal Official. I am also a member of MS Black Caucus for Local and Elected Officials (MBC-LEO).
 
During my service as Alderwoman, I have had the opportunity to learn how municipal government really operates.  That knowledge will be needed to help Centreville rise above where we are today and bring everyone with us. Centreville can meet its potential if it has an independent leader with knowledge and experience. I know I am that leader because I can work with anyone, I listen to everyone, and I am beholden to no one.
 
Why should people vote for you?
 
If Centreville is honest in its thoughts concerning the best candidate for mayor, then Felicia Williams is the obvious choice.
 
Residents should vote for me because I have the experience and passion to lead and build a high-performing town government, and because I know I can unite the community in support of our children.  I am a proven leader who solves problems and seizes opportunities. I want to make a difference in the town that I love.
 
While the last four years were certainly not without its challenges. I was unable to accomplish some of the things that I wanted to do and others took longer than I thought it should. Nonetheless, it has been my great pleasure to serve as Alderwoman.  This was my first term and if I have learned anything, it is to remain committed and positive. There are many reasons I am optimistic about the years ahead. Our collective vision of a Town that is a great place to live, work and raise a family and our willingness to roll up our sleeves and get things done sets us apart from other communities in the area. I will continue to work to solve our problems and reach new heights.
 
I am ever encouraged by the innovative and exciting things happening in Centreville daily.  I point to the work that is being done to renovate the Field Clinic building to house the Southwest Mississippi Mental Health Complex.
 
I believe in a Centreville that doesn’t just talk about positive change, but takes action by creating and supporting programs and policies that ensure everyone in our Town has the opportunity they need to be successful and to achieve economic success.
I have demonstrated my ability to be an effective advocate for the town of Centreville on the Board of Aldermen, and now is not the time to stop and restart. There is more work to be done, and I am ready, willing and able to keep Centreville moving forward. I ask for your support on Tuesday, June 8, 2021.
 
What are the top 3 issues that you would like to address as mayor?
 
With the understanding that what is good for business is good for all of us, I will work to create a business-friendly environment for our town.  I will work to ensure that our commercial areas are clean and safe.  
 
Expanding our commercial tax base is a good way to ease the burden on all taxpayers as well as to create employment opportunities for our citizens. I will work with residents, local business, county and state economic development entities to determine the best way to attract new businesses as well as to keep current businesses. With that said, let me be very clear, I consider keeping our existing businesses just as important as attracting new ones.
 
I will work to improve the functioning and productivity of Mayor/Board of Alderman by establishing bi-weekly reports to better serve our community. This will allow the Mayor and Alderman become more actively involved in our community. This will also ensure that both the public and the board receives information in a timely manner.  Additionally, I will work to create weekly newsletters to be posted on our Town web-page to keep the community residents updated on matters of concern to them.
 
I plan to work closely with the Southwest Mississippi Mental Health Complex to improve the quality of community mental and substance use disorder treatment services to residents in our community.  The Southwest Mississippi Mental Health Complex has a lease agreement for the Field Clinic located on Main street in Centreville.
 
I will continue my work to reduce water and sewer rates.  To suggest that a reduction of the rates should be done by a simple vote of the majority of the Board of Aldermen absent a veto by the mayor is unwise, without the consideration of the impact on the town’s operations.  The largest and most consistent source of revenue for the town of Centreville come from its utility services department.
 
I will continue my work to eliminate wasteful spending in our garbage collection services. Last year our town paid approximately $130,465 for garbage collection services. The cost continues to rise as the quality of services continue to fall; inconsistent pick-up times, failure to collect garbage on designated days and not collecting items as required by the contractual agreement are just a few of the complaints from our citizens.  Research indicates that bringing the garbage collection services back to our Town will enable the Town to address the complaints, save money and create employment opportunities for our citizens.
 
What other elected positions have you held?
 
* I served as Policy Council Representative for AJFC Head Start from 2014-2019.
* I served on the Board of Directors for Southwest Mississippi Opportunity (SMO) since 2020
* Champs Peer Mentor for Ashford University and the University of Arizona Global since 2017
* 1st Ward Alderwomen for Town of Centreville since 2017
  
What is your educational background?
 
* I am a 1994 graduate of Wilkinson County High School
* Studied Law Enforcement at Southwest Mississippi Junior College 94-95
* I am a 2018 graduate of Ashford University with a BA in Criminal Justice and Minor Political Science
* I am now attending Belhaven University pursuing a Masters in Teaching (MAT)
 
What types of jobs have you had over the years?
 
* Corrections Sergeant State of Louisiana Jetson Correctional Facility 1998-2002
* Diesel Truck Driver Swift Transportation 2002-2004
* Nuclear Technician holding title of Senior General Foreman for Chicago Bridge and Iron (Local #1177),
* Junior Radiation Protection Technician for Bartlett Nuclear and Senior Decontamination Technician for DZ Atlantic/The Southern Company from 2006-2015. Traveled to refuel Nuclear Power Stations across the Continental United States.
* Corrections Lieutenant/Captain at MTC/WCCF 2015-2018
* Corrections Lieutenant Therapeutic at Eastern Louisiana Mental Health 2019-2020
* 1st Ward Alderwoman Town of Centreville 2017- Present
* Currently Emergency Manager for Town of Centreville
* Currently Corrections Captain at MTC/WCCF

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ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com.