Becky Guffy, warden of the Bill Johnson Correctional Center (BJCC), told the Community Advisory Committee Tuesday at noon that the inmate count at the Alva facility that day was 556 offenders. She said about a dozen leave each day and another dozen arrive. She said the physical plant is in good shape, and they are doing okay financially.

"We could always use more money, but we're doing okay," she said.

The warden mentioned news reports of teachers walking out on April 2. She said, "That also includes public employees. Many public employees (OPEA) are talking of a work walk-out beginning on April 2, 2018, in support of teachers and others who have not had pay raises in many years."

However, Guffy said, "I want to re-assure the public that our first priority is the safety of the public. This place will be staffed. BJCC will run normally; there's no question there. I do encourage my staff to support the movement, though. I have worked for DOC for 14 years and never had a raise. I make my own raises by applying for promotions.

"With that said, there are hard working people who deserve raises and I hope they get them," she concluded.