PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- The candidates for Hughes County Sheriff engaged in a candidate forum in Pierre Friday.  Sheriff Patrick Callahan and challenger John Weber both say the Hughes County Jail is an important piece of keeping Hughes County afloat financially.  Callahan says the jail is critical to keeping the county out of bankruptcy.

Weber says he has a plan to return the jail to its mode of operation from 2015 to 2019, under former Sheriffs Mike Leidholt and Darin Johnson.

Callahan says he didn’t cancel any contracts.

Callahan did not elaborate on Weber’s accusation and says he was appointed Sheriff 18 months ago to replace Johnson specifically to tackle issues with the Jail.  Weber has served two four-year terms as Jones County Sheriff.