Aging facility means multiple maintenance projects at county jail

The aging dishwasher at the Callaway County Jail cleans only five trays at a time. After multiple issues with the appliance, the county commission has approved purchase of a new one, which will handle twice the load.
The aging dishwasher at the Callaway County Jail cleans only five trays at a time. After multiple issues with the appliance, the county commission has approved purchase of a new one, which will handle twice the load.

A facility that is more than two decades old stocked with aging equipment has led to a series of small but expensive projects at the Callaway County Jail recently.

Over the past several weeks, the Callaway County Commission has approved replacement of several pieces of equipment.

The commission approved a bid for $9,5000 for a new water softener Tuesday- according to Western District Commissioner Doc Kritzer, the current water softener is 25 years old.

They also have ordered a new sanitizer dishwasher for $12,000.

"We've had a number of problems with it over the last few years," Kritzer said, noting the new dishwasher will accomplish the job of washing up after meals in half the time - partially because it will hold twice the trays. "Then, once we get that installed, we're putting a new floor and new tables in the kitchen area."

He said the tile has been peeling up in that room due in part to the humidity generated by the dishwasher. That project will cost an estimated $10,000.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.