Local

Crews implode former 16-story juvenile jail in Morganton to make way for new project

MORGANTON, N.C. — Channel 9 was there Saturday as crews in Morganton imploded a former juvenile jail to make way for a new project.

There isn’t much left of the 16-story Western Youth correctional facility.

We spoke with a woman who worked at the facility for a decade. She came out to watch the implosion with her grandkids.

“My desk was the first desk that you come into and I had to clear everyone that comes in,” said Jerlene Epley. “When they said they were gonna tear it down, I got to go over there and see it one more time because I’ve got a lot of memories over there.”

Crews will build a new North Carolina National Guard regional readiness center in its place.