ASHDOWN, Ark. Cloudy skies and a cold wind could not dampen the sense of pride and achievement for Little River County officials Friday as Sheriff Bobby Walraven cut the ribbon on the new detention center.
ASHDOWN, Ark. - Little River County, Arkansas is getting a new jail.
The detention center is being built off U.S. Highway 71, just north of Ashdown. County leaders say the $8 million facility will not only be a cost savings, but will serve the county s future needs.
The current jail does not meet state jail standards. It s been a hot-button issue for several years. They could have shut us down about four years ago. We had to have a plan in place, said County Judge Mike Cranford, who was concerned construction might never happen.
The State Jail Standards Commission gave the county a deadline to come up with a long-term solution. In 2018, a large committee of citizens and elected officials was appointed to study the operation of the jail and consider improvement options.