Carroll commissioners honor correctional officers, staff

Carroll County commissioners recognized local corrections officers and jail staff during their May 7 meeting by proclaiming May 3-9 as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week.

Commissioner Chris Modranski read the proclamation, which highlights the role correctional staff play in maintaining safety, security and rehabilitation within the criminal justice system.

“Correctional officers and employees play a vital role in the criminal justice system ensuring a safe, secure and humane operation of correctional facilities,” the proclamation states.

Officials noted the work is often performed under demanding and high-risk conditions, requiring professionalism and commitment to public safety.

Members of the Carroll County jail staff attended the meeting, including Warden Bart Sweebe, supervisor Patty Wood, Perry Grim, Sean Mullin, Rebecca Gaylog and nurse Linda Wilson, who is preparing for retirement.

Commissioner Robert Wirkner took time to recognize the experience of the staff, noting Wood has served 31 years in the jail.

“I’ve made a career in this,” Wood said. “It’s been very gratifying.”

Wirkner said correctional staff are often overlooked despite their critical role.

“The correction staff tends to be underrated in the amount of work that they do to keep everything moving,” Wirkner said. “That’s one of the 24/7 portions of the sheriff’s office.”

Sweebe said the recognition was meaningful.

“Almost 38 years in this, this is the first time I’ve ever been part of something like this, being recognized by the commissioners,” he said. “I greatly appreciate what you guys are doing.”

The board unanimously approved the proclamation.

Carroll County Home Administrator Dawn Faulk provided an update on operations, thanking the Carroll County Beef Club 4-H group for donating and spreading mulch around the facility.

Faulk also recognized National Nurses Week and said the facility plans to celebrate its staff and residents in the coming days. She noted the home is currently seeking employees, particularly for nurse aide positions, and is encouraging local residents, including students, to apply.

Faulk reported the facility ended April with 36 residents, including 14 males and 22 females, along with two new admissions and one respite stay.

Carroll County Transit Director Sonja Trbovich reported the agency logged 37,424 miles and provided 1,914 passenger trips during April over 22 days of service.

Trbovich said there were 30 declined rides and noted a slight increase in service compared to the previous month. She also thanked the county engineer’s office for assisting with a pothole repair at the transit facility.

In other business, commissioners:

—PAID bills totaling $119,164.48.

—HEARD Court Administrator Rachel Rinkes provide an update on fiscal year 2027 funding, noting anticipated changes in state funding formulas may impact future allocations.

—RECEIVED the monthly report from Dog Warden Merle Long, which showed 13 dogs impounded, two adopted and six redeemed, with no euthanizations. Citations included one for no license, two for failure to confine, one for a dangerous dog and three for rabies quarantine violations.

—APPROVED a right-of-way permit for Carroll Electric Cooperative for work on Bay Road and Apollo Road in Lee Township.

—ADOPTED Resolution 2026-21 authorizing the director of Carroll County Job and Family Services to request and sign intercounty adjustment agreements.

—APPROVED the purchase of six UPS battery backup units and related equipment for the county’s 911 system at a cost of $8,967 through Craig Electric to improve emergency system reliability.