N.C. Department of Correction--Correction News--April 1997

Dan River Prison Work Farm Dedicated

Dan River Prison Work Farm DedicationState and local officials prepare for the ribbon cutting at Dan River Prison Work Farm. From left, front row are DOP Command Manager Jennie Lancaster, Caswell County Commission chairman John Foster, Secretary Mack Jarvis, Commissioner Billy Taylor, Commissioner Bobby Aldridge, Sheriff J.I. Smith, Prisons Director Dan Stieneke and Dan River Superintendent Wayne Moore. On the back row are Deputy Secretry Theodis Beck and Deputy Prisons Director Patsy Woodlief.

Yanceyville - Threatening skies moved the dedication ceremonies of the new Dan River Prison Work Farm inside, but did not dampen the spirits of those attending. Hundreds of people came to take part in the event.

Correctional Sergeant Jenifer Rayl welcomed the group and the Bartlett Yancey High School Band and Color Guard performed before the speeches began.

Dan River Prison Superintendent Wayne Moore thanked former Senator George Daniel for getting the prison cited in Caswell County, bringing hundreds of new jobs to the county. Moore also thanked those who helped build and open the new 500-bed minimum custody prison.

Dan River Prison Work Farm is the first prison built with inmate labor since Central Prison in Raleigh was built in 1890. Of the 187 acres, inmates will grow produce on a six-acre tract of land behind the prison as well as apple orchards. Correction Enterprises will oversee these operations as well as run the largest group of greenhouses designated for vegetable production in the state. Dr. Paul Nelson of N.C. State University, a nationally-known greenhouse expert, helped on the design and developmental stages of the greenhouses.

Correction Secretary Mack Jarvis said that the prison would not only be for the harvesting of crops, but for the development of man's humanity to man. He quoted the book of Isaiah, "We ALL are the work of Thy hand."

Jarvis talked about the accomplishments of Gov. Jim Hunt's first term in office when 11,000 prison beds were added to the system, paroles have dropped 54% and inmates are serving longer sentences.

"Our job doesn't end there," Jarvis said. "Education is the key to eliminating crime and that's why Gov. Hunt, in his second term, is pushing hard to pass the Excellent Schools Act."

Jarvis said the first three years of a child's life is the most important to his development. The governor wants Smart Start in every county, safer classrooms and higher teacher pay for more accountability.

"Let's dedicate this new prison to the hopes of developing stronger character for all it touches," Jarvis said.

Dan River Superintendent Wayne Moore, (R) discusses construction by inmates of the prison housing unit with Prisons Director Dan Stieneke (L) and Secretary Jarvis.

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