By Staff Report
HANNAH COLLINS | hcollins@kentsmith.biz
On any given day throughout Holmes County, you may see a sign that reads “inmates working.” At the beginning of 2020, the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office instated a clean-up program starting with just one crew and which has now grown to four.
The program’s goal is to improve areas of the county that may otherwise go untouched or overgrown while county crews handle other matters. Many Holmes County residents have noticed the difference in the neatness of their highways and main streets.
“I am very impressed with the clean-up, and I appreciate the hard work of the inmates and Sheriff Tate,” said Bonifay resident Beth Gates. “I am happy to see people taking an interest in our county. They are working to make our county a more beautiful place not only for the citizens that live here but the tourists that drive through. I say Bonifay is a great place to live,” added Gates.
Not only is the program beneficial to our local community but to our inmates as well. Many have benefited from the program even after release. These work crews serve to give inmates valuable work skills while allowing them to contribute to our community.
Holmes County Sheriff’s Office states that several inmates that were in the program that have now since been released continue to stay in touch and are doing well. The program continues to grow and rehabilitate the Holmes County community.
Hannah Collins 
GARETT VALCOURT 
Jim Saunders 