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December 31, 2007 . . . Residential Officer Melissa Mulholland receives the 2007 Employee of the Year Award for the Burlington Residential Correctional Facility. A 21-year employee of the District, Melissa has worked in many roles at the facility. Her ability to multi-task and take on additional duties are just two of the many reasons she received the honor.

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December 15, 2007 . . . Probation/Parole Officer II/Counselor Sundi Simpson, of Burlington, earns a master of arts degree in law enforcement and justice administration from Western Illinois University.

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December 14, 2007 . . . Kurt Rosenberg, Probation/Parole Officer II. A residential officer since 2004, Kurt has worked in both the Ottumwa and Burlington facilities and is a facilitator for the Reasoning Skills curriculum. He is also a field training officer for the West Burlington Police Department reserve unit and previously worked for the Tipton Police Department. Kurt attended Western Illinois University. He is assigned to the Fairfield office.

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December 12, 2007 . . . The staff of the Ottumwa Residential Correctional Facility is awarded the 2007 Team Excellence Award for its steadfast commitment to accomplishing departmental objectives, an achievement marked by a shared vision, individual character and outstanding leadership at all levels.

“It may sound cliché," Director Dan Fell said, "but each employee at ORCF understands the big picture; each offers a unique skill that is invaluable in achieving the Department’s mission.”

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December 2, 2007 . . . Community Treatment Coordinator Russ Fry, of Burlington, is featured in the Burlington Hawkeye as he approaches retirement after 33 years with the 8th District. Read the full story at http://www.thehawkeye.com/Story/52_Faces_Russ_Fry_11xx07.

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November 14, 2007 . . . Director Daniel T. Fell graduated from the Iowa Department of Administrative Services Certified Public Manager Program at Drake University. This 18-month program focuses on best-practice management strategies and enhancing personal leadership strengths. Achieving CPM certification impacts the workplace as well by developing the graduate’s skills in research, cost-savings analysis, problem solving, and planning. Fell is the first member of the Iowa Department of Corrections to graduate from this nationally accredited program.

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November 7, 2007 . . . Mark Smith is hired as a PPO II serving Grinnell and the surrounding area.

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October 9, 2007 . . . BEP Program Monitor Diane Buss is one of several persons recognized for volunteer work with the Crisis and Women's Shelter. More information . . .

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September 7, 2007 . . . Sandra Arendt, Probation/Parole Officer III/Drug Court Officer. An advanced certified addictions counselor for 19 years, Sandy was instrumental in the development of the first OWI Program in Iowa at the Fort Des Moines Correctional Facility where she served as a lead clinical counselor. She is also the lead investigator for the Iowa Board of Certification Ethics Committee and has served on the board of the Camel Club and the Harold Hughes Hall Alumni Association in Ottumwa. Sandy served as a residential counselor, probation/parole officer and pre-sentence investigator prior to her promotion to Drug Court officer. She is a 16-year veteran of the Department. Sandy holds an associate of arts degree in human services and a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

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September, 2007 . . . PPO Officer II Shawn LaRue earns a master of criminal justice degree from St. Ambrose University.

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September, 2007 . . . PPO Supervisor Vince Remmark earns a master's of science degree in youth development from Kansas State University.

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August 31, 2007 . . . Donn Lowney is sworn in as an HRU officer.

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July 20, 2007 . . . Matt Blanco is hired as a PPO II serving Centerville and the surrounding area. Blanco holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Wayne State College. He had been an Oskaloosa police officer since 1994 and is trained as a field training officer. He is married and has two children.

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July 13, 2007 . . . Director Dan Fell discusses evidence-based practices during an interview with a reporter from the Daily Gate City in Keokuk.

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July 13, 2007 . . . PPO II Nycole Harbison is profiled in the Fairfield Ledger. More information . . .

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July 9, 2007 . . . Tina Nupp joins the Ottumwa Residential Facility internship program.

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July 6, 2007 . . . Donn Lowney is hired as a High Risk Unit PPO II serving in Lee County and the surrounding counties. Lowney comes from the Fort Madison Police Department where he was been an officer for 12 years and its defensive tactics and chemical munitions instructor. He has an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, is ILEA certified, and worked closely with HRU while serving as a police officer.

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June 14, 2007 . . . The Eighth Judicial District is an active member of the Southeast Iowa Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition, which recently received national attention for its ongoing efforts to reduce teen pregnancies in Southeast Iowa during National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month in May. The area’s teen pregnancy rate is in the top three in the state and far greater than all but one or two urban areas.

Youthful Offender Program Officer Patrick Lacy and Residential Supervisor Ted Gutman are involved in the planning of area educational activities such as Band Jam ’07, which featured a series of seven teen musical groups performing at Burlington Memorial Auditorium. In addition, Lacy and Gutman help coordinate panel discussions, which include young fathers under the supervision of the Eighth District, at area middle schools.

Members of the coalition include the Great River Medical Center, GRADE A PLUS, area citizens, Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services, Red Cross, James Madison Middle School, Oak Street Middle School, Planned Parenthood, The Nest of Des Moines County, 8^th Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, Workforce Investment Act, Job Corps, Burlington Alternative High School, Public Health Des Moines County, Iowa Workforce Development, ResCare Mental Health Services, YWCA/YMCA, and Community Action.

For more information, go to http://www.teenpregnancy.org/national/pdf/2007/2007_ND_Overview.pdf

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May 2, 2007 . . . Residential Supervisor Ted Gutman is awarded the Applied Management Series Certificate by the State of Iowa Performance & Development Solutions. This certificate, signed by Governor Culver, is given to state employees in recognition of successfully completing 12 classes that focus on the state’s managerial concept, effective communications, teamwork, and quality initiatives.

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April 13, 2007 . . . Stuart Morrow is promoted to a high risk unit officer. Morrow began his law enforcement career in Bloomfield in 1990 as a patrol officer. He was involved in investigations and served as a firearms and rifle instructor. In 1996, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. In 1999, Morrow was hired as a residential officer at the Ottumwa Residential Facility. During his time at the facility, he received two letters of commendation for his conscientious efforts in dealing with incidents involving offenders. Morrow earned a degree in criminal justice from Indian Hills Community College.

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April 13, 2007 . . . Jennifer Glenn, Residential Officer, Ottumwa Residential Facility. A former intern at the facility, Jennifer is a graduate of Indian Hills Community College and will receive a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Buena Vista University in May of 2007.

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February 9, 2007 . . . Leanne Lund, Residential Officer, Burlington Residential Facility. Leanne holds an associate of arts degree from Southeastern Community College and graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in sociology. She formerly worked for the Des Moines County Sheriff at the county correctional center. Leanne and her family live in Wever.

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January 26, 2007 . . . Rob Humphrey promoted to a Probation/Parole Officer II position in Burlington. Rob attended the University of Northern Iowa and has been employed as a residential officer in the District since 1999. Rob also has previous case management experience in a juvenile treatment center and is and active member of the Iowa Corrections Association. _____________________________________________________________________________________

January 12, 2007 . . . Dustin Briscoe, Probation/Parole Officer II, Keokuk. Briscoe has been a detective with the Keokuk Police Department for four years and worked as a patrol officer in Keokuk for five years prior. He holds an associate of arts degree in criminal justice from Southeastern Community College and a bachelor of science degree in the administration of justice from Hannibal LaGrange College. He is also a USMC veteran. Briscoe and his family live in Keokuk.

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January 10, 2007 . . . Jennifer Glenn, Intern, Ottumwa Residential Facility. During her internship, Jennifer will be working with residential staff and dealing with federal and state clients on probation, work release, and those participating in OWI community-based programs. She is currently a senior at Buena Vista University pursuing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

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January 10, 2007 . . . Jesse Brown is hired as a residential officer at the Ottumwa Residential Facility. Brown is an Ottumwa native who graduated from Ottumwa High School. He received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice through William Penn and Buena Vista Universities. Brown comes to the District with a wealth of community corrections and human services skills. Most recently, he spent three years working as a probation/parole officer in Illinois and has experience as a child welfare case manager.

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December 20, 2006 . . . Mike Koval is named the 2006 Burlington Residential Correctional Facility Employee of the Year. Nominated by co-workers and selected by facility management, Mike has been a residential officer for 25 years and can be relied upon to get the job done. Mike is an STG Intelligence Officer and has expanded that program at BRCF beyond expectations. He also handles all drug testing in support of the Des Moines County Drug Diversion program. His computer expertise is drawn on by staff inside and outside the facility. He consistently leads the way in the performance of all duties. For those reasons, and many others, Mike is the BRCF Employee of the Year and was presented the award at the December 20 District Board meeting.

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December 1, 2006 . . . Ray Olson promoted to a full-time Residential Officer at the Burlington Residential Correctional Facility. Ray has worked on and off in corrections since 1982 as a sergeant and lieutenant at the Iowa State Penitentiary and a captain at the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women. He also worked as a correctional officer at the Iowa Medical Classification Center, and as a part-time residential officer in Burlington since 2003. He attended Robert Morris and Spoon River Colleges. Ray also took courses in personnel administration at Carl Sandberg College. _____________________________________________________________________________________

November 10, 2006 . . . Kelly Price promoted to a Probation/Parole Officer II position in Ottumwa. She is a 1999 graduate of Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa and completed an internship with the Ottumwa Residential Correctional Facility during the spring term of 1999. Kelly began her career as a full-time residential officer at ORCF in July of 1999. She is actively pursuing certification in the treatment of sex offenders.

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November 9, 2006 . . . Residential Officer Earnest Turner receives award for his work with the Disciplinary Committee at the Burlington Residential Correctional Facility. The accompanying citation reads, in part, “for the past four years Officer Turner has been a key member of the Disciplinary Committee, and he was nominated by facility management for his initiative in taking over the responsibility of Chief Disciplinary Officer since June, 2005. Officer Turner’s ideas regarding on-point sanctions have proven effective in changing behavior and his even handedness and thoughtfulness continually promote the hearings as fair and impartial."

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November 9, 2006 . . . Secretary Nancy Cutler of Fort Madison is awarded the District Director’s Certificate of Appreciation. Cutler was nominated by her supervisor for representing the District in an outstanding manner on a daily basis. She routinely goes out of her way to assist co-workers, offenders, and the public. Her positive attitude, steadfast work ethic, and caring disposition maker her an absolute joy to be around and work with.

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October 2, 2006 . . . Kristina White promoted to the Probation/Parole Officer II position in Mt. Pleasant. Kristina has a bachelor's degree from William Penn University with a double major in psychology and sociology. She has been employed by the district since 2000 and has worked as a residential officer at both residential correctional facilities. Recently, she became a facilitator for the reasoning skills curriculum. Kristina is an active member of the Iowa Correctional Association.

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August 10, 2006 . . . Jonathan Klodt, part-time Residential Officer, Ottumwa Residential Correctional Facility. A graduate of Indian Hills Community College and Buena Vista University, Ottumwa Campus, Jon has a degree in Criminal Justice. Jon is currently a member of the Army Reserve, attached to the Military Police Unit in Pocahontas, Iowa. Before coming to ORF, Jon completed an internship with the Wapello County Jail in Ottumwa.

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September 29, 2006 . . . Ray Ham is appointed to the American Polygraph Association’s (APA) National Post Conviction Sex Offender Testing Committee. The APA is the leading professional polygraph organization in the world, representing more then 3,200 experienced polygraph examiners in private business, law enforcement and government.

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September 27, 2006 . . . Residential Officer Ted Robinson is awarded the Director’s Certificate of Appreciation at the District Board of Director's meeting for the exemplary performance of duties in the absence of the residential supervisor. Officer Robinson took on many roles and responsibilities during this two-year period and his initiative and abilities were paramount in maintaining the orderly and secure operation of the Ottumwa Residential Correctional Facility.

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September 11, 2006 . . . Residential Supervisor Donn Bruess returns to work today at the Ottumwa Residential Correctional Facility after being activated by the U.S. Army for the last two years. Thank you for your service and welcome back to the District, Major Bruess.

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September 4, 2006 . . . PSI Writer Sue Stauffacher, Burlington, was recently praised in the Burlington Hawkeye for her participation in the Burlington/West Burlington Paint-A-Thon. This month marks Sue’s fourteenth year with the project in which hundreds of volunteers paint homes owned by low-income and elderly residents, or those who have a serious illness or disability. The full story can be found at http://www.thehawkeye.com/daily/stories/ln11_0904.html.

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September 8, 2006 . . . Ted Gutman, promoted to Residential Supervisor at the Burlington Residential Correctional Facility. A graduate of Ohio University with a bachelor's degree in journalism, Ted has previous management experience working in facilities for at-risk youth in Iowa and Arizona. He has worked as a residential officer and a residential counselor and is a member of the Iowa Correctional Association and the American Correctional Association. A Burlington resident of 20 years, he has also served on the Burlington City Council and was Mayor Pro Tem. Ted and his wife Nancy have two children, who are both in college. _____________________________________________________________________________________

September 8, 2006 . . . Vince Remmark, promoted to PPO Supervisor II of the High Risk Unit. Vince is Iowa Law Enforcement Agency Certified and has served as an HRU officer with previous experience as a police officer and a residential officer. Vince holds a bachelor's degree in political science and psychology from Buena Vista University and is currently working on a master's degree in youth development at Kansas State University.

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July, 2006 . . . Probation/Parole Supervisor Susan Howard is awarded the Applied Management Series Certificate by the State of Iowa Performance & Development Solutions. This certificate, signed by the Governor, is given to state employees in recognition of successfully completing 12 classes that focus on the state’s managerial concept, effective communications, teamwork, and quality initiatives.

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July 21, 2006 . . . Daniel T. Fell begins duties as the new director of the Iowa Eighth Judicial District of Correctional Services. Prior to being named director, Fell served as an intensive supervision officer, the residential supervisor at the Burlington Residential Correctional Facility, and the supervisor of the High Risk Unit.

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July 20, 2006 . . . Director Curt Campbell retires after 30 years of service to the Iowa Eighth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services.

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July 13, 2006 . . . Staff member Les Gruwell is named Drug Court Officer. Gruwell is an experienced substance abuse counselor, facilitator, and he has served as an officer in the Youthful Offender and Intensive Batterers Education Programs.

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July, 2006 . . . Probation Parole Officer III Bob Rogers is certified as an Iowa Sex Offender Treatment Professional I by the Iowa Board for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (IBTSA). Certification requires each applicant to attend a minimum of 120 hours of sexual offender treatment training.

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May 24, 2006 . . . Seven Eighth District employees are recognized at the annual Department of Corrections statewide Employee Recognition Event in Des Moines. The district has many employees deserving of this recognition and each year a group will be nominated for the statewide recognition. Congratulations to all for outstanding work in representing the district and corrections. The following is a listing of the staff and their contributions:

Team Award . . . The Domestic Abuse/Batterer’s Education Program Team goes above and beyond what is expected. Julie Trinkle, Kim Duque, and Diane Buss work tirelessly to ensure the Department does everything it can to assist and protect victims of domestic abuse, hold batterer’s and the system accountable, and to provide education to batterer’s in hopes of preventing further abuse. More importantly, and a significant contributor to their success, is the plight of victims is in each of their hearts. They are simply outstanding.

Special Recognition Award . . . Shawn LaRue is an exceptional probation officer and person. Shawn quietly and positively goes about his business of assisting offenders and his co-workers. Shawn is the type of employee that the citizens of his community would be proud to have their taxes support. He holds himself to a high standard. I am recommending Shawn for this award to officially recognize his great efforts on a daily basis to meet the Department’s mission and has true leadership potential.

Special Recognition Award . . . Cathy Leedom is an exceptional employee. She has total responsibility for the complete fiscal system of the District and does so without any additional staff. Being able to function exceptionally in her position without additional staff is truly remarkable and unheard of in public agencies. She has received stellar annual audits since assuming her position in 1993, without exception. She gives the Department 125%.

Manager of the Year Award . . . Gary Peitz is recognized as manager/supervisor of the year for his tenacity and patience in effectively dealing with several difficult situations in the last few years. He always has the Department’s mission in focus and always tries to make things better for both employees and residents. Gary has shown growth in his ability as a supervisor. I am recommending him for this recognition to officially thank him for all his efforts to make the facility a better place to work and live.

Employee of the Year Award . . . Karen Stewart was selected by her co-workers and supervisors at the Burlington Residential Correctional Facility as Facility Employee of the Year. Since her career began in 1983, Karen has performed her duties in an exceptional manner, no matter what was asked of her. She has earned the respect of her co-workers and they recognized her with this award. Karen is an integral part of the success of the facility and the district. _____________________________________________________________________________________

May 18, 2006 . . . Community Treatment Coordinator Russ Fry, is recognized as the Outstanding Correctional Worker by the Iowa Corrections Association. Russ has more than 30 years experience with corrections and is highly regarded for his work in cognitive behavioral interventions. In addition, he has authored a variety of articles and training curricula in the field.

December 22, 2005 . . . Secretary Karen Stewart, is recognized as the Employee of the Year at the Burlington Residential Correctional Facility. The facility, operated by the Eighth Judicial District, is staffed by 24 employees and houses 60 adult male offenders. Stewart is recognized for her continued willingness to do whatever it takes to accomplish the day-to-day operations. Her attention to detail and knowledge of the overall facility operations have directly benefited the offender population and the departmental staff in its mission to protect the public, the staff, and the offenders. Stewart has been a department employee for more than 22 years.

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December 21, 2005 . . . Julie Trinkle and the Burlington Youthful Offender Accountability Board are named the recipients of the 2005 Restorative Justice Awards for the Eighth Judicial District. Trinkle, the treatment coordinator for the Batterers’ Education Program, was acknowledged for her continued efforts in working with crime victims and offenders while employing restorative justice values and best practices. The accountability board, represented by George Rogerson and Becky Perry, has been actively involved in bringing the community perspective to district programming since 1999.

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December 16, 2005 . . . The District’s High-Risk Unit officers are officially sworn in as Iowa Law Enforcement Agency (ILEA) Certified Officers by Chief Judge James Q. Blomgren. New members of the HRU include Dan Fell, supervisor, Tom Cipolli, Vince Remmark, Tim Snyder and Jason Steil.

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November 30, 2005 . . . Sue Boggs, Andy Ferguson, Sally Rodeffer, and Sundi Simpson are certified as Iowa Sex Offender Treatment Professionals I by the Iowa Board for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (IBTSA). Certification requires each applicant to attend a minimum of 120 hours of sexual offender treatment training.

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September 14, 2005 . . . Seventeen employees, staff members and volunteers in the Eighth Judicial District receive awards at the first annual Iowa Department of Correction’s Employee Recognition Ceremony in Des Moines.

Mike Baker, manager of the Ottumwa Residential Correctional Facility, is named Manager/Supervisor of the Year while now-retired secretary Janet Thomassen receives Employee of the Year.

Dan Fell, High-Risk Unit supervisor, receives both the Excellence in Safety and Special Recognition Awards for implementing significant safety improvements in the workplace and the district’s new High-Risk Unit.

Members of the Sex Offender Treatment Program are recognized for Team Excellence included Sue Boggs, Alan Fabel, Andy Ferguson, Ray Ham, Nancy Renner-Jones, Ron Mullen, Linda Norton, Sally Rodeffer, Bob Rogers, Vicki Rosenkoetter, and Sundi Simpson.

In addition, Kelly (Cremer) Price, residential officer, is honored for her life-saving efforts while on the job. On July 4, 2003 she was directed to transport a resident of the Ottumwa Residential Correctional Facility to the Ottumwa Regional Health Center Emergency Room. While en route on a busy four-lane highway, the resident began to experience acute respiratory distress and stopped breathing. The officer immediately pulled the vehicle to the side of the road, called for emergency assistance, and administered rescue breathing to the resident until paramedics and firefighters arrived.

Volunteer Awards were received by Wilton (Leon) Wilkinson, of Bloomfield, and Sheldon Kongable, of Winfield. Wilkinson is an integral member of the Ottumwa Youthful Offender Accountability Board while Kongable is one of two citizen members of the district’s board of directors.

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June 2, 2005 . . . Chris Baker receives the Outstanding Victim Assistance Award from the Iowa Corrections Association. Baker is the victim-offender services coordinator for the Eighth Judicial District.