Michael Bew (center) hugs Celeste Thomas (left) goodbye on the final day of operations at the Illinois Youth Center Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, at 2848 McDonough St. in Joliet. The two worked as juvenile justice specialists at the facility. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
Kenneth Morgan (second from left), correctional food service supervisor 2, and Susan Lyday (second from right), educator, hug staff goodbye on the final day of operations at the Illinois Youth Center Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, at 2848 McDonough St. in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
A vehicle exits the parking lot on the final day of operations at the Illinois Youth Center Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, at 2848 McDonough St. in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
Andrew Zadlo talks about the final day of operations at the Illinois Youth Center Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, at 2848 McDonough St. in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
Rodney Baker talks about the final day of operations at the Illinois Youth Center Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, at 2848 McDonough St. in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
A sign states the date of closure for the Illinois Youth Center Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, at 2848 McDonough St. in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
Tim Graf (center) talks about the final day of operations at the Illinois Youth Center Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, at 2848 McDonough St. in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
Jackie Bogan talks about the final day of operations at the Illinois Youth Center Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, at 2848 McDonough St. in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
Michael Bew, who spent 25 years on the job at Illinois Youth Center-Joliet, said he and his colleagues were let down by state leaders. Friday was the last day for IYC-Joliet, which opened in 1959. It was the last prison used strictly for maximum-security confinement …
