Animal Shelter Recognized by Corrections Program

Ginger Valentine (left), director of the Mackinac County animal shelter, was presented a certificate by Mackinac County Deputy Robert St. Louis.

The Mackinac County Animal Shelter in St. Ignace was recognized with a certificate by the EUP Community Corrections Advisory Board Tuesday, September 11, for providing work opportunities for offenders through community service work.

The I-500 Committee in Sault Ste Marie also earned recognition.

Ginger Valentine, director of the animal shelter, was presented a certificate by Mackinac County Deputy Robert St. Louis, who supervises the community work crews. Offenders contributed many hours of repairs, painting, cleaning, erecting fences, and maintenance work at the animal shelter. Offenders who are eligible to participate in work crews are given credit for their work, which can reduce their jail time.

From October 1, 2006, through August 31, 2007, 38 offenders participated in community service work in Mackinac County, saving $82,344 in reduced jail costs, and saving local agencies $42,591 in work-related expenses.

Public Act 511 of 1988, known as the Community Corrections Act, encourages local communities to reduce the number of nonviolent felons sentenced to prison through the use of community service work and electronic monitoring, or tether, through the county jail. A 15-member public board oversees the EUP Community Corrections program, which covers Mackinac, Chippewa, and Luce counties. The program receives an annual state grant of $129,279, which pays for community service programs, electronic monitoring in Mackinac and Chippewa, and a drunk driver treatment program in Luce and Mackinac. Mackinac County receives $26,325 for community work crews and electronic monitoring, Chippewa County receives $51,463, and Luce County receives $13,200, but only uses community service work crews.

Offenders are deemed eligible for participation by the judge at time of sentencing. Agencies, government, and community programs can request community work crews by contacting the sheriff's office.