• Article Photo. The temporary fence surrounding the new LEC has been removed; the building will soon open.
    The temporary fence surrounding the new LEC has been removed; the building will soon open.
  • Article Photo. A worker prepares the area above the entry for its decorative finish.
    A worker prepares the area above the entry for its decorative finish.
  • Article Photo. Concrete workers pour part of the sidewalk on the south side of the LEC.
    Concrete workers pour part of the sidewalk on the south side of the LEC.
  • Article Photo. The front entry contains a reminder of the Flood of 2008.
    The front entry contains a reminder of the Flood of 2008.
  • Article Photo. Finishing the entry: decorative sheet metal will cover the wall over the door.
    Finishing the entry: decorative sheet metal will cover the wall over the door.
  • Article Photo. Pouring the sidewalk around the LEC is one of the final steps in the year-long construction process.
    Pouring the sidewalk around the LEC is one of the final steps in the year-long construction process.

     For Benton County Sheriff Randy Forsyth and his staff of deputies and jailers, the nearly three-year challenge of doing their jobs in a small temporary location is nearly over.

     The new Benton County Law Enforcement Center is nearly complete. On May 18, county officials plan to make their walk-through and "punch list" of small details to finish before the project is declared complete.

     An open house is still being planned for mid-June, at the anniversary of the 2008 flood that destroyed the old LEC. 

     The sheriff and his stafff have been working in a few rooms at the old West elementary building; part of the Lincoln building has been used as a temporary jail.