| Prison
to celebrate 30 years of operation
The North Idaho Correctional Institution opened for business in December 1974 when a bus arrived with 34 inmates. 
From 1974 to 1989 they had the Rider Program and from 1977 to 1984 women inmates were at N.I.C.I. In 1988 the “Boot Camp” program was introduced. In 2003 the “Boot Camp” program was revised and the march is step and other parts were dropped. From 1974 to 2004, 5,245 inamtes have been awarded GED’s through the school program. Programs have been used for drug and alcohol problems as well as living skills. The population as of Sept.1, 2004 is 429 with a reduction of 46 in the next week. This reduction will remove costs now in the gym. Warden Lynn Guyer adds that with the decrease inmate population should level off at 369-384. A larger population puts stress on the water, sewer and kitchen. Also, now the gym can be used again for exercise. On the same day list are a new school building and a new dormitory. With the tight state budget these items may not make it for several years. Lynn Guyer came on board in June 2003 as warden and he also started his career right after college at NICI. In 1986. Kevin Rehder has been added to the staff and he works with the vocational programs such as working in the kitchen and using this experience after they leave to get a future job. Other programs are masonery and maintenance work. The Anniversary is Wednesday, Sept. 29, with scheduled tours at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1 P.m. The anniversary program is at 2 p.m. with refreshments. |
 |
