Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility

After more than 120 years of operation the state of Kansas closed the Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility. The facility closed on August 28,2009. This is a great loss to the community and the many people who worked there.


Today we are looking to the future to see what may become of the buildings and land that are located just west of the Beloit Junior/Senior High School.



We have a new task force with representatives from the City of Beloit, Mitchell County Commission, USD 273, NCK Tech College and the hospital.



They have met with State Senator Janis Lee who plans to introduce legislation in January asking the state to "return" the property to our community. Representative Clay Aurand will introduce similar legislation on the Kansas House of Representatives.



The reason we say the legislation will ask the state to "return" the property is because the original Girls Industrial School was built on land given to the state. The Women's Christian Temperance Union started a reformatory school for girls in 1888. The Legislature approved $25,000 to start the state facility in Beloit but they wanted the city to secure a minimum of 40 acres at no cost to the state. The people of Beloit donated 80 acres of land and the state took over the facility and began construction a larger building.



The task force has been working to document the land that was given to the state as well as any donations that were given to start the facility. From what we have learned the donations originated from individuals and most likely those associated with the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Anyone with information that may assist us can call 785-738-2717.



While the task force is working to document the origins of the Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility to help build our case for asking the state to return the property. The group is also looking forward to prepare for receiving the property and find new ways to utilize the buildings and the land.



The main portion of the property or "campus" has roughly 12 building on 23 acres of land. Two buildings are currently occupied by the Mitchell County Partnership for Children and Early Learning Center. Other buildings include a school, gymnasium, cafeteria, administration building, dormatory style living units, a lock-down jail facility, greenhouse, shop buildings, a residence, barn and more.



Adjacent to the "campus" is 15 acres of agricultural land to the west and 28 acres of agricultural land to the north.



At this time the task force is preparing a budget and will discuss how the proeprty will be handled and expenses such as utilities and maintenance will be addressed. It is important that the community be prepared if the legislature does agree to return the property.



The task force is also considering how the buildings and ag land can be utilized in the future. They are balancing many options and want to do what is in the best interest of the community.



If all goes as planned our Legislators will introduce their bills in January and they will begin working their way through the legislative process. It is possible a decision could be made sometime by the end of March, 2010.



Updates on the status of the Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility will be provided here on the Mitchell County Community Development blog.