County hears about residential youth facility

By Sara QuamSouthwest Youth Services, Magnolia, has built a reputation for having a good program with residents who contribute to local organizations as volunteers.Executive Director Don Johnson said to county commissioners Tuesday that he hopes the county will use Southwest Youth Services for non-secure out-of-home placements when appropriate.Johnson said, "Just give us a chance because we really work hard for kids."Johnson was a part of the regular County Board of Commissioners agenda for informational purposes.Southwest Youth Services is a residential educational facility for boys who are sentenced there for minor crimes.The residents are often seen out and about in Rock County doing volunteer work for service organizations or government bodies.Commissioner Richard Bakken said he’s seen the students out in the community and known them to be polite and well-spoken as they are doing their valuable service work."Whenever we’re called upon, we try to bring the kids where we’re needed," Johnson said. "And we’re not going to bring kids into the community if they’re not appropriate."Southwest Youth Services has teachers and other supervisory staff and counselors who teach residents regular coursework and things such as anger management and manners.Johnson said, "We’ve done a lot of work to build the programs and feel proud of our facility."Johnson has been with the facility for four years. The facility averages about 30 residents daily. Most are from St. Paul or South Dakota, Johnson said.At a low point, the facility was struggling, with only about five residents. At that time, Omaha was a big user of the program, but Nebraska passed a state law forbidding out-of-state sentencing. Johnson had to sell the facility elsewhere and it’s caught on. He said they may increase their licensure to include more residents in the future.The Department of Corrections did a favorable license review on the facility. The state of Minnesota also makes sure the facility is meeting state education requirements."It makes me feel we’re doing a good job," Johnson said.In other business Tuesday, Rock County Commissioners:
Approved of posting a fish advisory sign at Schoneman Park south of Luverne. The sign will say something to the effect of "Be a sportsman. Release all walleyes less than 16 inches."The Department of Natural Resources is the only regulatory agency, but the county can post "advisories." Rock County wants this advisory to protect the current walleye population and allow them to become old enough to reproduce on their own.
Approved a one-time liquor license for the Luverne Community Foundation to serve alcohol at a fund-raiser at the Bowron bison ranch.