April 14, 2021
Writing a new chapter
Around Town Lake Saint Louis Police Department giving back with Red Cross Blood Drive. Pg. 5
Special Section Healthy Living. Pg. 4
Business
Great Southern Bank recognizes recipient of 2021 Bill and Ann Turner Distinguished Community Service Award . Pg. 6
Features
Submitted photo Inmates at the St. Charles County Department of Corrections are taking virtual HiSET classes that will allow them to take the HiSET exam and earn a high school equivalency diploma.
St. Charles County Department of Corrections launches educational and behavioral programs to better prepare inmates for success after incarceration By Brett Auten The answers were plaintive but buoyed by hope. “I want to have a better future.” “I want to make my mother proud.” “To have a stronger foundation.” These are the reasons why inmates of the St. Charles County Department of Corrections are taking part in a first-of-its-kind program at the institution. In March, 16 inmates took part in the launch of the department of corrections’ educational and behavioral programs. The motive is simple. Approximately 95 percent of the inmate population will be returning to county neighborhoods. These programs were set forth in order to better
prepare these citizens for release and to give them every opportunity for success after incarceration. The new programming began with High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) testing. Robert is one of three inmates interviewed for the story. “The biggest challenge has been refreshing my memory, staying focused and remaining persistent,” he said. “The formulas and processes have been made easier from what I recall when I was in school 15 years ago. Also, my teacher (Cindy Link) has been very helpful and resourceful.” For Gage, his biggest challenge is staying focused. “Because one moment I’m in the classroom learning for two hours, then I have
to return to the housing unit where I’m reminded about my charges and being in jail,” he said. “I’m trying to better myself so I’m not constantly in and out of jail. This is my first time being in jail and I’m not trying to come back.” Dan Keen, Director of Corrections, said the HiSET classes have been held virtually and will conclude after a 10-week period. “Idle minds can be dangerous, so we thought, let’s establish an evidence-based program,” Keen said. “We knew there was going to be interest and we’re excited for it to continue.” Then, the inmates take the HiSET exam, which if passed, demonstrates academic See ’CHAPTER’ page 2
Serving St. Louis, St. Charles and Lincoln Counties | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol.23 No. 15 | 636-379-1775
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