Staff credited for potential growth of WEC

McCOOK, Neb. -- The McCook Work Ethic Camp is drawing attention as one of several expansion projects being considered and area community leaders are praising local staff for what could be an economic boon for the region.

The McCook facility was listed at the top of the list of seven Department of Corrections expansion projects included in Director Scott Frakes strategic plan released last week. The projects were slated for consideration in fiscal year 2018 through 2021.

District 44 State Sen. Dan Hughes praised the recognition WEC received and indicated it was a testament to the leadership of WEC Warden Pam Morello and professionalism of her staff.

"I am pleased that Director Frakes and other prison officials have recognized the value of WEC to the Nebraska prison system and have included it for possible expansion in the coming years. This is the result of a lot of hard work and foresight of those who brought WEC to McCook in the beginning and the continuing efforts from many of us in the area constantly reminding prison officials of the advantages and possibilities of WEC," said Sen. Hughes this morning.

"But most of the credit should go to Warden Mo and her staff for their outstanding operation of WEC and the professional manner with which they do their jobs for the state. A remodel and expansion to WEC would be a huge boost to the McCook and surrounding communities' economies. Construction jobs and purchase of materials for expansion would be the immediate impact, but most important would be the permanent good-paying jobs at WEC once the upgrade is completed," he said.

Sen. Hughes added a reminder that expansion of the Work Ethic Camp is not guaranteed and the project will require support to move forward.

"Expansion of WEC is not a certainty and will still require much effort from all of us to make sure the Department of Corrections understands the possibilities and value of WEC to DOC and Southwestern Nebraska," said Hughes.

McCook Community College has a symbiotic partnership with the Work Ethic Camp and praised the news of a potential expansion this morning, while similarly crediting WEC staff.

"We really appreciate our continued partnership with the Work Ethic Camp. The staff they have is great to work with," said MCC Vice President Andy Long.

Long said the college is graduating another six WEC inmates this Friday who completed a 12-week, 9-credit business program intended to provide them with improved computer skills for reentry into the workforce and some basic entrepreneurship skills.

"In the past the welding program also provided inmates with valuable skills. If there was a larger inmate population it could give us the opportunity to expand our partnership as we are already looking at ways to increase our technical skills training with the Work Ethic Camp," he said.

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services 2014 Master Plan Report touted the ability for WEC inmates to attend classes off-site at MCC. The report also listed long-term goals of the WEC facility to include creating an on-site space for expanded community college and vocational training.