Jail and Bail Nets Over $3,000

A two-day fundraiser sponsored by the Breathitt County Museum raised more than $3,000 to help the local organization move into its newly remodeled building.

The event, held on Friday, April 17, and on Monday, April 21, saw twenty-six area residents “arrested” and locked up in the two surviving cells at the old jail site on College Avenue.

With the volunteer help of several Jackson Police Department officers, “offenders” with outstanding warrants were rounded up and taken before Judge Cluster Howard, who meted out “fair judgments” for the listed crimes.  The crimes included: spitting on the sidewalk, poaching, stealing livestock, speeding, theft of political signs, grave robbing, and other offenses.

Each offender had to raise the bail set by Judge Howard to be released or serve out their time.

Many offenders simply paid the fees to be released early, with the funds assisting the museum's remodeling and relocation efforts.

Director Janie Griffith said the event was a huge success, and the Breathitt County Museum Board expressed its appreciation to all who supported the effort and to those who volunteered.