Letters to the editor: Legislature must save Willow River program

It was very sad and discouraging to hear the Challenge Incarceration Program in Willow River will be closing.

On Aug. 6 I had a good conversation with the Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell.

The Willow River CIP is a very efficient, successful correctional program. It has helped many male offenders turn their lives around and become contributing members of society. Compared to other correctional programs, Willow River has a lower recidivism rate.

The CIP has become a big part of our community. I remember when the floods hit our area, the men there were helping to fill sandbags...