12,000 sandbags filled by Du Quoin boot camp inmates, stored under roof on the fairgrounds

Approximately 60 of the 156 inmates at the Du Quoin Impact Incarceration Center (the boot camp) began filling 12,000 sandbags Thursday in preparation for spring flooding in Southern Illinois.

"We are being proactive," said boot camp superintendent Clem Campanella during an 11 a.m. news conference within eyeshot of the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds.

The work is being done at no cost to taxpayers. Instead an estimated $5,000 for 126 tons of sand and 12,000 sandbags have been donated by Nikki's Place video gaming lounged with 13 locations in Southern Illinois. Manager Ranessa Cunningham stood alongside Du Quoin boot camp superintendent, Du Quoin State Fair manager Shannon Woodworth and Pinckneyville Correctional Center warden Tom Miller as the project was discussed.

The bags will be stored on pallets in a large quonset hut behind the Southern Illinois Center on the grounds of the fair. They will have a shelf life of two-to-three years in dry storage.

This entire effort is to combat the potential effects of possible flooding and levee issues during the spring rains. Future donations of sand and bags can be made by contacting local emergency management personnel.