LAWRENCE CO. – Representatives from the Lawrence County Probation Department appeared before the County Commissioners Tuesday morning, outlining an ambitious funding strategy aimed at bolstering local rehabilitation and pretrial services.
Chief Probation Officer Nedra Brock-Fleetwood presented a series of grant applications totaling $453,224. These funds are designed to support a variety of specialized court programs and community safety initiatives.
The grants target specific areas of the justice system, ranging from juvenile intervention to veteran support:
| Program | Grant Source / Type | Amount Requested |
| Drug Court CRRP | IDOC Lawrence Superior Court II | $209,191 |
| Pretrial Services | State Funding | $91,551 |
| JDAI | Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative | $80,000 |
| Veterans Treatment | Specialized Program Support | $54,482 |
| Problem Solving Court | Indiana Supreme Court | $18,000 |
In addition to Brock-Fleetwood’s requests, Community Corrections Director Chad Shew confirmed he is pursuing further grant opportunities for both Adult and Juvenile Problem Solving courts to ensure continued operation of these diversionary programs totaling more than $100,000.
Commissioner President Jeff McKnight praised the department for their hard work.
“Thank you, your efforts are saving taxpayers from having to fund these programs,” he added.
Advisory Board Vacancies
Beyond fiscal matters, the department is looking to fill critical seats on its Advisory Board. Officials emphasized the need for diverse community perspectives to oversee the department’s initiatives.
For the educational representative seat, the department requested that the commissioners appoint either:
- Kimberly Webb, Principal of Lincoln Elementary School
- Todd Tanksley, Superintendent of Mitchell Community Schools
For the community representative appointment, the department recommended Scott Salm, Pastor of the Bedford Free Methodist Church. One other appointment remains open.
The commissioners took the requests under advisement
The commissioners took the grant requests and board recommendations under advisement. If awarded, the funds will provide the department with the necessary capital to maintain its “problem-solving” approach to local justice throughout the upcoming fiscal cycle.
