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Warden reports full staffing, new deputy warden, training and grant activity that could cut medical costs
Summary
Warden Joe Eichenlaub told the Bedford County Prison Board the facility is fully staffed, will welcome Rob Harper as deputy warden on Feb. 2, 2026, and is pursuing grants (including a medicated substance use treatment grant estimated at about $200,000) that the minutes say could reduce county costs; the board also heard program and maintenance updates.
Warden Joe Eichenlaub gave the board an overview of first-quarter activity at the Bedford County Correctional Facility (BCCF) on Jan. 22, 2026, reporting that staffing is fully covered and that Rob Harper will join as deputy warden on Feb. 2.
Eichenlaub outlined training milestones: one staff member became certified as an Axon Taser 7 instructor and the first academy class is planned for March 2026. Commissioner JR Winck asked whether grants exist to cover taser purchases and suggested partnering with other departments for pricing and contract reviews; Sheriff Wayne Emerick said he would be interested in acquiring six tasers if grant funding is not available.
The warden reviewed treatment and reentry work: programs carried out in late 2025 included an Incredible Years parenting class, a Day of Responsibility event, development of peer support, a GED graduation and outreach with the Rotary Club. New programs listed for women inmates include a music therapy initiative and partnerships with New Life for Mothers and Children and the Maternal Addiction Resource Center; District Attorney Ashlan Clark noted the importance of treatment for pregnant women and said such programs reduce births occurring at the facility. The minutes record that 30 individuals reentered the community through the aftercare program.
Training and partnerships include peer support training, a ServSafe class with four attendees, team-building and community events, and coordination with Blair County Treatment. The minutes list a “Trauma Art Narrative” class for female inmates (the original minute text contained a transcription error reading “email inmates,” corrected here for clarity).
On facilities, the warden described recent repairs (dryer, debris grinder and water-loss issues, rooftop heating unit updates, RTU heating and fire alarm repairs) and said the maintenance team is proactively addressing concerns; he said he and Deputy Warden Lisa Conklin are meeting with the county grant writer to pursue infrastructure grants.
On medical cost containment and grants, the minutes state the facility applied for a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) extension grant and that Deputy Warden Lisa Conklin applied for a medicated substance use treatment program grant with an estimated award of about $200,000; the warden told the board that the grant could reduce county medical expenditures by about $500,000. The minutes also note the facility is reviewing medical suppliers to lower costs; the amount listed for potential supply savings in the minutes appeared incomplete, so this report describes that potential additional savings as not specified in the minutes.
Eichenlaub also reported a population increase driven largely by drug-related cases and said medical and mental-health services were operating at capacity. The minutes note a Title 37 state audit scheduled for Nov. 2026. The board recognized staff, naming Michael Haluska employee of the quarter.
The board took formal action on a separate policy item (Section 5 Body Worn Cameras) later in the meeting and adjourned at 11:45 a.m.; the minutes show the next meeting is set for April 23, 2026.
