Vernon County Jail Inmate Trash Cleanup
By: Melanie Huonker
Updated: January 25, 2013
NEVADA, MO.---- "I know I've done some pretty bad things and it feels nice to give back to the community that I've taken away from," states Charles Stewart, Vernon Co. Inmate.
With trash bags in hand, inmates from the Vernon County Jail got out and about in Nevada. Charles Stewart didn't think twice about joining the program.
"I volunteered right away. I signed the papers as fast I could, to come out here and help the community," says Stewart.
The public cleanup isn't mandatory. Dereck Page also volunteered because he wanted to pitch in.
"It just boosts your self-esteem a little bit to be able to give back and help people for all the wrongs that you've done," states Dereck Page, Vernon Co. Inmate.
Vernon County Sheriff Jason Mosher initiated the work day for inmates. In recent years, inmates haven't been allowed to get out to clean up.
"Most of them are charged with a crime or have committed a crime, and they're sitting in jail. So we've given them the opportunity to get outside, pick up some trash and do a little work," states Sheriff Jason Mosher, Vernon County.
Last week, several inmates picked up trash along Highway 54, this week it's the Vernon County Recycling Center.
"Go through the timber, pick up all the trash there towards the railroad tracks," says Page.
Mosher says getting the inmates out in the public is a way for them to take action.
"Jail shouldn't be a spot where you can lay around and not work. We want the inmates to be able to get out there and give back to the community for committing the crimes that they've done," says Sheriff Mosher.
The sheriff says the inmates have even thanked him for allowing them to do service.
"I'm just grateful to have the opportunity to come out here and give back to the community," states Stewart.
Next, the sheriff wants to clean up parks throughout the county. If you live in Vernon County and would like a public area cleaned, contact the sheriff's office.
Readers Feel...
hello


