BLUE EARTH– With Tom Hennis vacating his position as the Sentence to Service crew leader in the county at the beginning of June, the Faribault County Board of Commissioners met for their regular meeting on Tuesday and discussed whether or not they wanted to continue with the program.

“Tom left on June 4 to take the same position in Martin County,” Sarah Eischens of the Department of Corrections told the board through a video link. “He now works a lot closer to where he lives. This is a State position and if the board decides to fill the position, I would begin advertising immediately.”

Eischens explained the position would be listed internally but she did not have anyone in mind for the position.

“We have utilized the Sentence to Serve program in the past to help us get ready for the Faribault County Fair,” chairman Bruce Anderson commented. “They have played a crucial part in helping us prepare for that event. If the position is not filled, can other Sentence to Serve crews come to Faribault County to assist?”

Eischens replied, “We can reach out to other counties and have done so before. However, it is not a 100 percent guarantee that it would work out for them to be able to provide assistance.”

Commissioner Bill Groskreutz wanted to know if a 30-day out clause was still part of the agreement.

“Yes, if the board provides a 30-day notice they can get out of the program,” Eischens answered. “I would caution that it is tough to get back into a contract if you give it up. I’m not saying it’s impossible, it just might not be easy to do.”

Eischens reminded the board the state pays for 25 percent of the cost while the county is responsible for the remaining 75 percent.

“I am strongly in favor of continuing this program,” county attorney Cameron Davis said. “I know our prison population is down right now, but that’s a good thing. The Sentence to Serve program is a very valuable tool when used as a probationary requirement.”

Commissioner Tom Loveall stated he would also support continuing the program.

“It would be a knee-jerk reaction to pull out now,” he commented.

On a motion by commissioner Greg Young and a second by Loveall, the board voted unanimously to continue the Sentence to Serve program.

The board also:

— Approved the request of School Resource Officer Barry Meyers of the Sheriff’s Department to attend a New School Resource Officer Course.

— Granted the request of Vincent Do of the Sheriff’s Department to attend a Glock Armorer’s Course.