Labor shortages mean ex-cons get more opportunities for a second chance

It would be easy to pass Double J Manufacturing and Repair without giving it so much as a second thought. The welding, truck repair and fencing business sits at the top of a rise on a dusty rural highway that could be just about anywhere on any stretch of lonesome road around the state.

Sparks fly in the welding shop and wrenches crank in the garage as workers go about their day.

What few would re...