County detention center reopens

After months of being closed, the Mineral County Detention Center if finally back in full operation. On March 5, the center began accepting prisoners again after it was shut down in late October due to staffing issues.

Two jailers had quit, leaving the facility understaffed and was forced to close. A jail advisory committee was formed and set in motion a list of tasks to get the center reopened and re-staffed. Roni Phillips, who is the dispatch supervisor, was hired as the new jail administrator in December. She splits her duties between the two positions. Four detention officers have been hired to fill the six member detention team.

Roni, who is also the mayor of Superior, said in a previous interview that she is enjoying her new position and that things are currently going well. As of March 23 the jail had eight prisoners, down from 11 earlier in the week. Before being reopened, the jail was painted and refurbished.