Commissioners discuss sheriff transition

Commissioners discuss sheriff transition Brian Smith Tue, 06/11/2024 - 7:13 pm With Jack County Sher-iff elect T-Bob Hauger ready to take office, commissioners want to ensure a smooth transition next year. During the Monday, June 10 meeting, County Judge Keith Umphress said the last transition from Melvin Mayo to Thomas Spurlock didn’t go well. “It was pretty much a box with a key in it,” Umphress said. “We want to make sure things go very smoothly and that it’s a clean break.” Umphress said avoiding any animosity is important. Umphress said the present evidence locker needs to be updated with many items needing to be destroyed. Hiring over the next few months will be important as well. The Jack County Sheriff’s Office is short one in dispatch and five deputies, according to Chief Deputy Chris Reger. The jail is fully staffed at the present time, according to Jail Administrator Scott Simonton. Umphress suggested any potential candidates be approved by the Hauger before making a final decision. Hauger told the court that if the department was fully staffed, it would be three vehicles short.