Speculating on Waupun Correctional Future

RIPON, Wis (WRPN)- Waupun’s Mayor says no matter how Waupun Correctional Institution is used in the future keeping it as a prison is a big win for the city.

Rohn Bishop says the city had to lobby hard when the Governor and state legislators talked about closing both Green Bay and Waupun Correctional Institutions.

Green Bay Correctional will be closed but the Governor wants to see Waupun Correctional remodeled to become a vocational village for medium security inmates teaching them a trade before they get out of prison.

Bishop says with a strong manufacturing component the area is well suited for the vocational option. However, he says Republicans in the state legislature question where the maximum security inmates from Green Bay and Waupun will be moved to. Bishop says when he’s asked he would rather see Waupun Correctional remodeled as a maximum security facility something it has been for over 180 years.

He says staying in his own lane he’s just pleased the prison will stay in Waupun.