New Scott Jail Won't Open Without Funds

But that's a minor fix for a major problem TIMES RECORD * [e-mail] A proposed sales tax to fund Scott County jail operations failed for the second time Tuesday, and now the funding ball lies squarely in the Quorum Court's collective lap, the ... via Times Record

[concerned citizen]

When we were asked to support the tax to build the jail, we were told they would house inmates from other counties to pay for maintaining the new jail so we said we would give up tax to build it then when the ballot came out it had a tax to run it. We are taxed to death now and every time they want something new they say new tax, when dose it stop.
Take the deadbeats who wont work and are drawing checks from the ones who are working and paying taxes and put them to work and you'll have more money.

[armybound]

The problem for the Scott County and Waldron is that most of itt population goes out of town to shop. Greenwood or Mena for the Supercenter. They get Gas there because its 10 to 15 cents cheaper there. Kids go to Ft Smith for something to do because Waldron let everything go. Then everyone who does like to have a drink now and then goes to Ft Smith or Heavner. So the ones who do work in waldron spends their money elce where. No tax money comeing into the town. that makes property taxes so high. Mine is almost 200 a year for just one truck.

[jessica p]

As a mother of three, I refuse to raise my children in a town that has let the chaos grow worse over the years. I lived in waldron as a teenager and thought that it was the best place in the world to live. We all would hang out on main street or cruise. Then as I got older the fun seem to turn to nightmares as my friends found drugs, followed by a life that noone would wish for their worst enemy. Then when we thought that it coundn't get worse something tragic would happen to them. I was 18 and pregnant before I realized that I had to get out of there. The justice system in scott county blame the poverty and criminal activities on the addictions that most residents have, but if you were to ask anyone that remains in that town they would say that there addictions became a problem as a teenager. They would also fill you in on how they became addicted.There is absolutely nothing for kids down there. Yeah they have the boys and girls club, but what's going to happen to it when they realize they don't have the money to support it. I recall reading an article in the newspaper about the 55 churches in Scott county, and was curios as to why they don't donate 1 percent of their annual revenue to help support the new jail. If the system would allow new companies to come in and open business' that would keep the kids busy(skating rink, bowling,etc.) it would help out alot.Not to mention the revenue would help finance the new jail. So until the straighten out all their kinks, they can't expect the tax paying citizens of scott county to help. I also believe that if they would elect hardworking people like Randy Shores into office something would get done around there

[bobservations]

I graduated from WHS in 85. I wasn't aware of any drug stuff back then, but I wasn't part of any 'in groups' either. I have long moved away from Waldron, but I still try to visit Scott County and Waldron at least once a year. There's nothing to do there. It's slowly turning into a ghost town. I feel sorry for the directionless youth there.

[PTA Martha]

I know why no one wants to pay for the jail there! For one the police and sherriff would have no excuse not to use the jail to lock them criminels up in it then. I been hearin bad stuff about that place for most of 20 years now.They dont put them druggers and baby molesters in jail over there. That Mason man been doin that bad stuff to kids for years and they just now arrestin him. People over there know Mason was turned in by the school over there years ago for doin the same thangs to them other little kids but they never did put him up in jail back then neither like they shoulda.I figure the police and judges in that place will just let him go like they do all the rest of them so he can molest or rape some more of them. That place is just bad for all that kinda stuff.Them police dont care that it even happens to them kids. Ever time I think things are bad in Mena or Potter or Mt Ida I just thank God it aint bad as Waldron cause that place is a resort for thugs druggers illegal mexcans and child molesters. I think them people over there are afraid to tell anyone bout what goes on in their town. If you fit that bill then thats the hometown for ya right there.