Sheriffs buy youth ranch property

BRAZIL — Using private donations and no tax dollars, Indiana sheriffs and deputies recently purchased their previously leased Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch property.

Until now, the 62-acre property had been rented by Youth Ranch leaders for $1 per year from Tony and Sue Ardizzone, business leaders from Indianapolis who share ISYR’s vision of mentoring teens interested in public safety careers, bonding with underprivileged youth and comforting young survivors of crime – including sons, daughters and siblings of fallen first-responders.

Officials are now searching for in-kind donations of materials and services to help develop their academy for future law enforcement officers, at-risk kids, young witnesses and victims of crime.

“Our purchase is complete, our plan is in place and we’re ready to build,” Putnam County Sheriff Scott Stockton, a supporter of the not-for-profit project, said.

For decades sheriffs and deputies have hosted county and regional respect-for-law camps for teens.

The Youth Ranch will serve as a permanent home for weeklong leadership and career camps.

Because the nonprofit will own the property and facilities, weekend retreats can also be offered to comfort young witnesses and victims of crime.

Stockton said the closing on the property and change in weather mean sheriffs and deputies are ready to step up development of the Youth Ranch. He said materials and services will be needed and greatly appreciated from West Central Indiana business leaders and retirees, including :

• Trees, mulch, shrubs and flowers: Landscaping and gardening

• Concrete: Placing and finishing;

• Electrical Wiring: Installation and repairs

• Lumber: Framing and building

• Shingles and metal roofs: Repairs and installation

• Plumbing: piping and maintenance

To donate materials or to volunteer skilled services, business leaders and retirees should call the Youth Ranch toll-free at 833-IN-RANCH.