This interview was recorded Wednesday, Sept. 1, at the Henderson County Justice Center.
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This week, Sheriff Botie Hillhouse talks about extending the ban on visitation 14 days, K-9 Valco's first arrest, and Labor Day weekend.
I. Stats (:37)
There are currently 431 inmates in the jail with 105 of those being contract, out-of-county inmates.
II. Visitation (1:10)
While the number of inmates with COVID-19 has come down, there are still six inmates positive and two dorms on quarantine. Because of that, the current ban on in-person visitation has been extended 14 days.
"Visitation is still closed for a couple more weeks," Sheriff Hillhouse said. "Hopefully, with that being done, we can get the virus out of the jail and open it back up where folks can come see their loved ones."
Phone and video visitation are ongoing.
III. Valco's Arrest (3:16)
Friday, Aug. 27, a criminal trespass arrest turned into a chase when the suspect ran away from custody. The suspect entered a house and hid from officers.
Deputy Meagan Hogan and K-9 Valco were called and entered the house. Valco alerted on a closet where the suspect was found.
"He's only been here a couple of months, but he got his first arrest," said Sheriff Hillhouse. "It worked exactly how it is supposed to."
IV. Labor Day Weekend (5:44)
Monday, Sept. 6, is Labor Day and that means the Sheriff's Office is getting ready for extra visitors to the county, particularly to the lake areas.
"Labor Day weekend is usually a very busy weekend for us," Sheriff Hillhouse said.
Sheriff Hillhouse said the Sheriff's Office will have boats out on Lake Palestine and Cedar Creek Lake this weekend, and will have extra deputies patrolling the roads.
"If you need some help, we'll be out there," he said, "but we'll also be out there looking for violations of the law and trying to keep everybody safe."
