Grimes and McPherson Units Join Together for Newport Christmas Parade
This year, for the first time since the opening of the Grimes and McPherson Units in 1998, staff from both facilities took part in the annual Newport Christmas Parade on December 16, 2018.
Combining the units made for an impressive staff showing at the event, which also included a public favorite of four perfectly-groomed horses (ridden by Lt. Smith, Lt. O’Mellia, Lt. Clark, and Sgt. Craig) and A number of ADC vehicles, several of which were equipped with lights, sirens, and plenty of candy that brought smiles to the faces of many children in attendance! And thanks to the ADC, Christmas in Newport was saved with the McPherson Unit’s “Whoville Jail” parade float entry. Consisting of a prison cell that housed the Grinch – and thereby preventing him from stealing Christmas – the unit took away a SECOND-PLACE win in the Commercial Division for their whimsical design!
ADC’s involvement in the parade was well received by community members who have taken notice over the past year of a more engaged civic presence with both inmate regional maintenance efforts and staff volunteer activities benefiting the area. Many waves and handshakes of support were exchanged between ADC staff and the public. Newport Mayor David Stewart and Jackson County Judge Jeff Phillips took time to personally thank staff members for the work they’re doing in the community and the example that’s being set by the Department.
A local citizen commented to Deputy Warden Steven Ricketts that the ADC has really stepped up their game in Newport this year. It will be exciting to build on that momentum in the coming year!
ADC Represented in England Christmas Parade
The town of England hosted their annual Christmas Parade on December 3, 2018, and staff members of the ADC didn’t let the opportunity to show support for their community pass by. For the first time ever, the parade was kicked off with the ADC Honor Guard in the lead! Additionally, the Training Academy teamed up with the England Youth Athletic Association’s first and second grade football champions to enter a parade float. Featuring Training Academy Director Randy Callas as Santa Claus, along with a couple of cute elves, the float won FIRST PLACE!
Grimes Unit Employees Help Their Own Through Food Drive
In their ongoing efforts of striving for excellence, the employees of the Grimes Unit in Newport collected more than 1,000 food items for the ADC’s annual Santa Central Food Drive! Each year, the food drive benefits Department employees in need of a little extra assistance during the holiday season. Way to show you care, Grimes Family!
Grimes Unit Employees Take Part in “Donuts for Dads” Event
Several employees from the Grimes Unit took part in a “Donuts for Dads” breakfast event held for male students of the Newport School District in grades 7-12 on November 16, 2018.
Since some fathers were unable to participate, the Grimes Unit representatives, as well as officers from the Arkansas State Police and the Newport Police Department, stepped in to fill the void.
The event fostered a time of encouraging fellowship among the students and members of law enforcement. Perhaps the interaction even sparked an interest in some of the students to one day pursue a career in corrections!
We appreciate our employees for going the extra mile to volunteer their time and serve as positive role models in the community!
Max Unit Hosts Inmate Town Hall Meeting
Warden Culclager conducted a Town Hall Meeting with inmates housed in the Maximum Security Unit’s Barracks 1 on November 6, 2018 and Barracks 9 and 11 on November 8th. The purpose of the event was to discuss issues of concern within the inmate population, including the use of K2, unit jobs, and visitation. The inmates were also invited to share suggestions that they feel could help the unit.
The events were held in the unit’s gym and refreshments, provided by the unit kitchen, were served to all participants.
Warden Culclager plans to hold future Town Hall Meetings with other representatives of the unit population in a desire to build unit morale and trust, as well as address problem solving and the fostering of mentors to work with inmates who struggle with addictions.
Staff who attended the November 6th event included Deputy Warden Todd Ball, Major Randle, Unit Accreditation Specialist Faith Willoughby, Grievance Officer Brendetta Tucker, and ADC Chief Deputy Director Dale Reed.
Warden Culclager, Deputy Warden Todd Ball, Major Randle, Captain Westmoreland and Grievance Officer Brendetta Tucker served as the staff panel for the November 8th Town Hall Meeting.
EARU Inmate Council Sponsors Veterans Day Program
On November 8, 2018, the East Arkansas Regional Unit (EARU) Inmate Council sponsored a Veterans Day program honoring inmates at the unit who formerly served in the military.
Chaplain Arlene Parham, who is also in the military reserve of the United States Armed Forces, served as the master of ceremonies for the event, which was held in the chapel.
EARU Lieutenant Tyrone Allison, who is also a sergeant in the Army Reserve, served as the program’s guest speaker. William Brewer, an Inmate Council member and veteran, also spoke. The event concluded with the inmates being served lunch as they viewed the movie, Hacksaw Ridge.
