AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - A key Senate panel has endorsed the closure of a $54 million private state prison in North Texas that ranks among the most dangerous lockups in the state.
The 2,200-bed prison in Mineral Wells is run by Corrections Corporation of America and has been under lawmaker scrutiny for several years. The Senate Finance Committee on Monday upheld recommendations to let the contract expire in August.
Democratic state Sen. John Whitmire says there is plenty of room to transfer prisoners elsewhere because of 12,000 empty beds statewide. He said the Mineral Wells facility is so ill-designed that a golf net is being used to stop contraband from being tossed over.
Republican Sen. Craig Estes, whose district includes the prison, said the economic impact of closing the prison would devastate the community.
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Posted: 05/23/13 - Julie Luton of Bonham took home the top honor of the evening at the recent volunteer banquet hosted by the Fannin County Children’s Center. Luton was named the CASA Volunteer of the Year for her work in advocating for abused and neglected children in foster care. Read More
Posted: 05/22/13 - (Idabel, Okla.) – For anyone interested in learning more about building preservation, Idabel Main Street will host “Historic Building Maintenance,” a workshop on the care and maintenance of the historic district, June 25th, from 5:30pm – 7:00pm, at the Idabel Public Library. Read More
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