Without question, Sunday’s jail break of two individuals accused of murder – a third was recaptured – has once again left Austin residents looking over their shoulders and checking the doors at night.

Wednesday, March 28, 2001

Without question, Sunday’s jail break of two individuals accused of murder – a third was recaptured – has once again left Austin residents looking over their shoulders and checking the doors at night.

Nine months after Vernon Powers and Scott Christian allegedly gunned down two roofers staying at Austin’s Downtown Motel, the two again have managed to shake up this rural Minnesota community with their brazen escape.

Nine months ago when the murders took place, the city of Austin heeded the public’s outcry by hiring more police officers. Now both the city of Austin and Mower County face the further challenge of alleviating the growing concern residents have regarding their safety.

Monday morning the actions of at least two Mower County commissioners suggest the concerns are shared and they will work to address the jail issue immediately.

Newly elected Commissioner Garry Ellingson and Commissioner Len Miller both indicated the aging jail facility and jail procedures will be reviewed immediately. Both suggested it is a priority to see that such an escape never happens again.

This is a case where swift action needs to take place and the public’s trust in the ability of the jail to keep prisoners locked up needs to be restored.

The commissioners have an opportunity to make an immediate impact with procedural changes and possibly small structural changes. Long term, the commissioners need to develop a plan to modernize the existing facility, construct a new facility or enter into a joint agreement with a neighboring county.

The swift response by the Mower County Board of Commissioners is commendable. The issue of community security is paramount and needs the attention of those who can make a difference.