Officials break ground in Enoch for new Iron County Children’s Justice Center

Written by Jeff Richards
October 19, 2023
Officials use shovels to break ground for the future home of Iron County Children's Justice Center, Enoch, Utah, Oct. 17, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Friends of Iron County Justice Center, St. George News / Cedar City News

ENOCH — Officials broke ground on Tuesday afternoon for a new building that will serve as the future home of Iron County Children’s Justice Center.

Iron County Children’s Justice Center director Wendy Jessen speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony, Enoch, Utah, Oct. 17, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Friends of Iron County Justice Center, St. George News / Cedar City News

Several dozen people watched as officials lined up to turn over the first shovelfuls of dirt at the site, located at 1622 E. 5250 North, near Enoch Park.

The project is expected to be completed by next summer or early fall, said Iron County Children’s Justice Center Director Wendy Jessen. 

Until then, the center will continue to operate as usual in its longtime location at 545 S. 225 East, Cedar City.

During her remarks, Jessen outlined the mission and purpose of the center, which she called a “one-stop shop” that consolidates services and support for victims of child abuse.

“Providing all these services in one location is the least we can do for one of our most vulnerable populations, children,” Jessen said. “Yes, it is horrific that children in our community are abused, but we have to focus on hope. Hope for justice. Hope for feeling supported. Hope to not feel alone. Hope to find healing.”

Iron County Attorney Chad Dotson also spoke, thanking the justice center’s staff and multidisciplinary team members, which include nurses, therapists, advocates, law enforcement officers, family services investigators and prosecutors. Collectively, he said, they help make justice for children possible.

Officials use shovels to break ground for the future home of Iron County Children’s Justice Center, Enoch, Utah, Oct. 17, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Friends of Iron County Justice Center, St. George News / Cedar City News

“Crimes against children are a high priority and are some of the most important cases we prosecute,” Dotson told Cedar City News afterward.

Others who spoke during the program included Enoch Police Chief Jackson Ames, who also is chair of the justice center advisory board; Iron County Commissioner Mike Bleak; Utah Attorney General’s Office’s state children’s justice center program director Tracey Tabet; Jennifer Davis, board president of Friends of the Iron County Children’s Justice Center; and Alex Meisner, the project’s general contractor.

Among those in attendance were chiefs and other leaders from local law enforcement agencies, including Cedar City Police, Parowan Police, Southern Utah University Police, Iron County Sheriff’s Office and Brian Head Marshal’s Office. State Sen. Evan Vickers and various other civic officials, including mayors, city managers and city council members, were also present, as were members of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah.

As she concluded her remarks, Jessen expressed her appreciation to all those involved:

This day would not be possible without the collaboration between Iron County and Enoch City for the land, to the state CJC Program and state legislators for working to preserve funding for victims of crime, to Intermountain Health for their continued generosity, to our Friends Board for their tireless fundraising efforts putting on our 5k Fun Run, CJC Golf Tournament and the upcoming Dancing with the Community Stars, to the CJC Advisory Board, and to the county officials – all these people who believe in the mission of the Children’s Justice Center.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Richards, a native of Salt Lake City with family roots in Panguitch, lived in Moab for 20 years before joining St. George News in 2017. Jeff is a longtime journalist and secondary school teacher. He and his wife Penny are the parents of five daughters. They also have three young grandsons and one granddaughter. Jeff and his family enjoy swimming, camping, sightseeing, reading, and taking pictures.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @stgnews@moabjeff@stgnewssports

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