PRESIDENT ROB asked us to keep the following in our thoughts and prayers: BOB BROCK, ROY WHISTLER, RAY KAVANAUGH, and AL CHISCON. Also please keep the family of RALPH MORRIS in your thoughts and prayers; a eulogy will be offered next week.

LETA KELLEY introduced Judge Loretta Rush and Rebecca Humphrey, Tippecanoe County Your Services Executive Director, who spoke on the proposed Juvenile Detention Center for Tippecanoe County.
Judge Rush has served the residents of Tippecanoe County in Superior Court 3 for the past 10 years.
The Judge gave background on the type of cases that come before her court and the rise in incidences since she was seated in 1999. She said today there are 4 times as many offenders, these are younger and younger youth, and the crimes are more and more serious.
There is no center within 90 miles for our youth. When any child is arrested now, they are taken to our adult facility and handcuffed to a bench where they may be for up to 6 hours before transport. They must have a hearing within 48 hours, so they are returned here for that, but there is no assessment where they are detained.
The majority of kids are positive on drug screens; there is 3 times the THC/marijuana content in the screens today,
The average age of the offender in the system today is 14 years of age. Gang members are in her court daily. Her review of offender's My Space pages tells much.

Ms. Humphrey laid out the rationale and the construction plan as presented to the County. It may be reviewed on line by clicking here
The facility is proposed for 2600 Duncan Road. An offer to purchase this 26 acre parcel has been made and due diligence is under way. The facility would require 6 acres. The remaining acreage would be used to expand other government services. Costs and recoverable costs were outlined.
The main components for the new facility are 1) assessment and intake services, 2) secured detention housing, 3) alternative services such as non-secure and non-residential services, day reporting, individual and family counseling and after care services, and 4) outdoor recreation space.
We plan to show youth we have hope and they are valued as we help them with appropriate supportive, strategic, secure services.

Ellen Phelps, guest of LETA KELLEY; John Thurman, guest of MARK DAVIS; Sangita Handa, guest of ZBIG GRABOWSKI; Andy Woodall, guest of ARVID OLSON.

Money Collectors: RALPH GANN and ELDON ORTMAN; Piano: RAY PEETERS; Song Leader: BOB GRIFFITHS; Help with attendance and facilitating a smooth meeting: BARB REIF and TOM MORAN; Help with Ripples: BILL FULLER.

PRESIDENT ROB'S THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

"A people that values its privileges above its principals soon loses both."
Dwight Eisenhower

Go to Lafayette Rotary Home Page