atop of the housing units, and beside the traditional staff as inmates were given their new bed assignments. To date each dorm held 12 inmates that belonged to the same ethnic group. Due to recent court decisions then Department of Prisons was forced to integrate at least one inmate belonging to another ethnic group into each dorm. It was believed that the inmates would not accept these changes. Rumors were rampant of widespread riots and violence against both staff and those being integrated. The outcome was much less sensational. One inmate barked at a guard dog and was transferred to the maximum security prison for the infraction of creating a disturbance. In October 1989, 48-year-old Kenneth James Meller took Dr. Karen Gedney hostage in the prison infirmary. Officers used a flashbang grenade to stun Meller and storm the room after negotiation efforts did not succeed. Meller was shot to death by the officers and Gedney was rescued. Though it was reported at the time that Gedney was unharmed, she has stated that she was raped by Meller during the ordeal. In 2004, a prison guard was prosecuted for impregnating a female inmate. The American Civil Liberties Union protested the decision to also prosecute the inmate. In August 2005, a dental technician and another corrections employee were fired after they were determined by officials to be involved in the escape of inmate Jody Thompson. Facilities Silver State Industries operates the prison manufacturing program at Northern Nevada Correctional Center. Services include metal, paint, wood and upholstery shops. Vocational programs include auto mechanics, computers, and dry cleaning. Educational services are provided by the Carson City School District and Western Nevada Community College. The Regional Medical Facility for the Nevada Department of Corrections is located at the site. Following the closure of Nevada State Prison Northern Nevada Correctional Center is the current location where Nevada's license plates are made. Energy usage In 2007, a $7.7 million biomass fuel plant was constructed at the correctional center to utilize renewable energy. However, the power plant was closed in September 2010 after it was found to be adding to the facility's energy costs. According to Jeff Mohlenkamp, deputy director of support services for the Nevada Department of Corrections: "This was a project that was well intentioned, but not well implemented." Notable inmates See also List of Nevada state prisons Nevada State Prison References External links Northern Nevada