Big changes are taking place at the old Centre Municipal Airport property.

That property is now under the supervision of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office – and WEIS Radio News recently spoke with Sheriff Jeff Shaver about plans which are already being put into place – plans which include a new, large garden with produce which will be used to feed inmates thereby cutting costs at the jail.  Shaver also spoke about expanding the size of that garden next year and even introducing an orchard on the property.

The 60 plus acre site will allow the Sheriff’s Office to do a wide variety of things that previously couldn’t be done due to lack of space – there will be new offices and a headquarters for the Drug Enforcement Unit – plus a new training facility for Cherokee County firefighters.

We spoke with Centre Fire Chief Kevin Ware – who confirmed that the ISO ratings could indeed see an improvement with the construction and operation of such a training facility at the complex – which could, in turn, help to lower insurance rates.

That property also provides adequate space to store the surplus military vehicles that the sheriff’s office has been acquiring at no cost – some of which is brand new. The line-up currently includes a motor-grader, a front-end loader, a dump truck, a mobile office, a mobile kitchen, patrol boats, and more – along with several U.S. Army HumVees which will be a valuable asset during severe weather.

Shaver said some of the surplus equipment could also be sold at some point, with the funds going to fill other needs that may arise.

Sheriff Shaver also expressed his gratitude to all those who helped to move this project forward – including Mayor Tony Wilkie and members of the Centre City Council – and Probate Judge Kirk Day and the Cherokee County Commission.