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

 
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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.