A special Town Council meeting was held today including Chief Burley, Sheriff Duesenberg, representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of the Navy.  Mayor O’Bannon opened the meeting with the announcement that a Pearlville site has been approved for a high-security prison for the detention of 25 terrorists currently held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  This group was captured in the mountainous Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan.  Known as Kushers, they are considered to be among the most radical of terrorist groups related to Al-Quaeda and the Taliban.  The DHS wants them separated from the other detainees, and feels that the Pearlville site offers the highest security of the potential locations.

The site was identified as Spirit Cave near Grassman Camp.  “The cave is the right size and has only one way in and out.  You can’t get more secure than that.  And the terrorists are used to living in caves, so we don’t see any problems from the ACLU and similar groups.”

DHS has approved the plan, as has the county.  The prison site is outside of Pearlville town limits, so Council approval is not required.  But DHS is conscious of public opinion, and will not move ahead without Pearlville’s approval.  “We will need the support of the whole community.  We’re bringing in Navy personnel to administer the prison, and there will be lots of government and military visitors flying into Pearlville Field.  This will mean a big boost to the local economy, but we don’t want to move in here and later find out that we’re not welcome, so at this point it’s all up to you.”  The Council agreed to solicit public opinion and vote on the issue next week.  Mayor O’Bannon suggested that public comments be submitted to the editor of the Post at doctordan@live.com.