Feeling safe, everyone?

See this morning's article in the Northwest Herald about Gary Welsh, convicted killer of a 3-year-old girl in Harvard in 1962? Welsh, 70, may be up for release, if all the ducks get lined up in front of Judge Sharon Prather.

Welsh was in prison for 31 years before being sent to a secure mental health facility. The ducks were flying out of formation this week, when Judge Prather was approached about a release that includes treatment and strict monitoring. Well, maybe ...

The article named, but did not identify, a Jerry Isikoff who told Judge Prather that the State (that's Illinois) hadn't found an apartment for Welsh, figured out what sex-offender treatment he needs or found a location for alcoholism treatment.

What? The guy has been in prison for more than 30 years and he needs alcoholism treatment? Isikoff apparently proposed that Welsh "be confined to his apartment and escorted in public." Whom was he trying to kid? Was there to be an armed guard there with him 24/7? What would happen when the guard needed sleep or a bathroom break? Welsh is going to just sit there in that apartment?

Welsh ought to be dried out by now, shouldn't he? Of course, I do realize that separation from alcohol doesn't necessary equal recovery, but what have they been doing for 30 years?

Judge Prather's response? "Now they (the State) come in and say they don't know anything about him. I find this completely incredible."

Good going, Judge.

Welsh's case will be back in court on April 8.