Jail expansion spurs mixed emotions

Watching the construction of the Kootenai County jail expansion, Sheriff Ben Wolfinger had bittersweet thoughts during Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the $12.4 million project.

“The jail expansion is a much-needed addition,” Wolfinger said. “But, at our current population numbers, we will be full the day that it opens.”

The expansion is expected to be completed in October 2018. It will not increase taxes because it’s being paid for with the county’s fund balance money.

The current jail has 327 beds, yet on Wednesday, there were 445 total inmates. Eighty-two percent have been charged with felonies/ Brian Walker , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here.