Wabash Valley Correctional Facility 

SULLIVAN COUNTY - Offenders at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility are making masks to help limit the spread of COVID-19,  both within the prison walls and in the community. 

Offenders in the Purposeful Living Unit Serve (PLUS) program have produced over 15,000 masks!  Of those, 3,200 have been given to staff, contractors and offenders at WVCF, while 4,300 have been given to other IDOC Facilities.  In addition, they have touched the community by giving to first responders, hospitals, local emergency management agencies, law enforcement agencies, medical clinics, grocery store staff, pharmacies, and military personnel.  

PLUS Coordinator J. Storm said, "The requests for the masks continue to pour in;  We anticipate making a few thousand more in hopes of helping more individuals in the community." 

PLUS Participant Mitch Swallows was asked what being a part of making the masks means to those involved. 

He stated, "Being able to be a part of helping to produce more than 15,000 masks in such a short period of time has been very rewarding, to say the least.  Not only is the number amazing to me, but watching the men of PLUS work so seamlessly together with staff to accomplish our goal of mask production has been truly amazing.  Watching the pride in their eyes from being able to be a part of something bigger than their selves is beyond words.  I guess the best way to say it is, we are truly "in this together."
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WVCF's Joint Venture Partner, Indiana Correctional Industries (ICI), has joined in the mission as well, allowing volunteers from the offender population to set up a mask production site in their area.  They started production on April 8 and since then have produced approximately 6,000 masks.

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UPDATE- Silver alert canceled.
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The Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the disappearance of Deborah S. Pierson, a 64 year old white female, 5 feet, 101 pounds, black hair with green eyes.  Deborah was last seen wearing white pajamas (Pickle pattern) and capri style pants.

Deborah is missing from Universal, Indiana which is 89 miles west of Indianapolis and was last seen on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 2:00 am.  Deborah is believed to be in danger and may require medical assistance.
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If you have any information on Deborah S. Pierson, contact the Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department at 765-492-3838 or 911.
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