Thanks for reporting an error with the story, Recounts affirm election winners in Grand Isle-Chittenden and Bennington-1 House races, Recounts affirm Orange County sheriffs race and Rutland-2 house race; others still to come, Candidates call for recounts in 3 Vermont House races, Vermont sees record high midterm turnout in historic election year, Orange County sheriffs race to get recount, Windsor County states attorney willing to review cases after discovery, Residents will decide if Norwich Farm is granted property tax, Final Reading: Poetry, cat care and constituent work on lawmakers, Winter storm expected to move through Vermont beginning Friday night, House lawmakers weigh softer approach to independent schools, Leahy named a distinguished fellow at UVM, Police investigating shooting deaths of Colchester couple, Clean heat standard moves forward on 19-10 Senate vote, In search of balance: Conservationists wade into an age-old debate as they seek more protection for forests, Winooski poised to elect Vermonts 1st slate of all-LGBTQ+ city councilors, Windsor County states attorney willing to review cases after discovery of prosecutorial violation, Residents will decide if Norwich Farm is granted property tax exemption, Final Reading: Poetry, cat care and constituent work on lawmakers agendas for Town Meeting break, Northwest region 2022 Housing Needs Assessment shows challenges ahead, Black Lives Matter choral workshops April 15 and May 13, Are you 45? If he leaves the race, the two political parties could each choose different candidates to create a contested race in November. All three candidates told 40/29 News it's key to regain public confidence in the Franklin County Sheriff's Department. Franklin County sheriff candidate Chris Turner, for example, said he believes the elected sheriff has greater authority than the federal or state government. "I want to make absolutely sure that I have a south county officer that's there all the time, that will be seen in the south part of the county, because you go to the south part of the county and everybody says, 'Well, we're just the step-child of Franklin County because we're ignored most of the time,'" Hutchison said. I need people to see what's going on and to tell me what's going on." I have always listened to the citizens concerns and issues that are important. View Map. Get a selection of the Messenger's best reporting direct to your inbox each and every morning. He needs to be a leader. Lauer added he would absolutely be committed to unbiased policing should he get elected. As a post commander with GSP, I was responsible for a monthly budget for the operation of the patrol post. = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. At the time of the incident, Grismore was the only candidate officially running to be the county's next sheriff. He currently is a supervisor with the sheriffs department. Nov 08, 2022. . Christopher Jay Hagler, 41, was last seen at his home in rural Franklin County east of West Frankfort around 5:45 a.m. on Wednesday, March 1. A former Franklin County deputy sheriff who is currently facing an assault charge for allegedly kicking a handcuffed man is set to become the new sheriff of Franklin County. He kicked me. He is a journalism graduate of Boston University, with a minor in political science. Stories written from the answers provided have been published over the past few weeks. "I would like to expand that program throughout the whole county, not just martial arts, but kayaking, hiking, just get kids to see what right looks like to keep them from doing drugs at an early age.". The facility will not only save taxpayers money but will battle to reduce recidivism by providing the participant with a job/trade that can be maintained upon their release from custody, he said. The officers are currently some of the lowest paid in the area, he said. He also hopes to establish programs through the Sheriff's Office to mentor youth in an effort to dissuade them from taking drugs, something in which he has experience as the co-owner of Ozark Family Fitness in Ozark. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Shaun Robinson is a Report for America corps member with a special focus on issues of importance to Franklin and Grand Isle counties. Courtesy: FCSO. Democrat Roger Langevin of the St. Albans Police Dept. Site Links. John Grismore, the Franklin County Republican's Party nomination for sheriff, is the only candidate running for the position . Dont spam us. He can be reached at mpolhamus@vtdigger.org. Im well known in Franklin County. Hes also a reserve officer for the Ozark Police Department and is a member of the SWAT Team. Social Media. "I'll never lie to you. Three Republican candidates are hoping to be the next Franklin County sheriff. Crocker believes the time he served in leadership positions in the Army, a tenure that ended with him retiring as a sergeant major, would provide him the experience necessary to serve as sheriff. or attack others wont be allowed. She can be reached at tpache@vtdigger.org. VTDigger covers criminal justice issues including Vermont legal issues, Vermont courts and the Vermont Department of Corrections. = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. He won with 8,900 votes, according to the results released Friday. According to prior reporting, the arrested man who has not been named by investigators has been charged with assault with bodily fluids, simple assault on a police officer, disorderly conduct and unlawful mischief. "I feel that I'm the one with the most experience, my record shows that. She can be reached at tpache@vtdigger.org. I feel that, at least early on, the sheriff should be there at least 50 to 60 hours a week. He previously worked at the Vermont State Police for 27 years, according to his campaign website. J.D. 2023, Arkansas Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KHBS-TV. Grismore also faces an assault charge for kicking a man who was handcuffed and shackled. Thanks for reporting an error with the story, Recounts affirm election winners in Grand Isle-Chittenden and Bennington-1 House races, Recounts affirm Orange County sheriffs race and Rutland-2 house race; others still to come, Candidates call for recounts in 3 Vermont House races, Vermont sees record high midterm turnout in historic election year, Orange County sheriffs race to get recount, Windsor County states attorney willing to review cases after discovery, Residents will decide if Norwich Farm is granted property tax, Final Reading: Poetry, cat care and constituent work on lawmakers, Winter storm expected to move through Vermont beginning Friday night, House lawmakers weigh softer approach to independent schools, Leahy named a distinguished fellow at UVM, Police investigating shooting deaths of Colchester couple, Clean heat standard moves forward on 19-10 Senate vote, In search of balance: Conservationists wade into an age-old debate as they seek more protection for forests, Winooski poised to elect Vermonts 1st slate of all-LGBTQ+ city councilors, Windsor County states attorney willing to review cases after discovery of prosecutorial violation, Residents will decide if Norwich Farm is granted property tax exemption, Final Reading: Poetry, cat care and constituent work on lawmakers agendas for Town Meeting break, Northwest region 2022 Housing Needs Assessment shows challenges ahead, Black Lives Matter choral workshops April 15 and May 13, Are you 45? Franklin County was formed in 1883, and is named after Benjamin Franklin. When an officer leaves and he has built up time he has to get paid for that time. The final tally also included 2,965 blank votes. Though both parties have expressed a desire to support a single write-in candidate to challenge Grismore in what is likely to be an uphill battle, reaching consensus on an alternative is proving difficult. ', Holden Latimer aims for the stars; 9-year-old Alburgh girl models for Nike campaign. The sheriff oversees the county's law enforcement department, including deputies and administrative support. Grismore, who is under criminal investigation after he was caught on video last month kicking a suspect in police custody, is set to be the only candidate on the general election ballot for sheriff this November. His history in law enforcement extends back to 1987 when he joined the Vermont State Polices St. Albans Office. I have always believed in my deputies and will continue to support them in their duties as they make our community and highways safe for our citizens.. The sheriff said he would like to see the county agree to an expansion of the jail and remodeling some of the existing building. Most recently during the offseason when they weren't mowing grass, they have begun to walk county roads and pick up trash and debris along the roadways.. Nicely described the Franklin County Sheriff's Office as small compared to other departments, such as its counterparts in Sebastian, Crawford and Johnson counties. Wilson Ring. But he said this week he is withdrawing his bid and urged the local parties to support Lauer. Sheriff-elect John Grismore is facing another criminal inquiry, this time into the finances of the Franklin County Sheriff's Department. Erin Mansfield is VTDiggers health care reporter. Phone: (317) 736-7101 Okay. Lauer is one of two write-in candidates currently running for sheriff. He also imposed a $4,800 fine and a $200 special assessment. FRANKLIN COUNTY, Wash. - Primary Elections in Washington are tomorrow, with two candidates running for Franklin County Sheriff. As your sheriff, I have taken to heart your concerns and issues that are important to you. I will be a full-time, working sheriff for the people of Franklin County, he said. My father and grandfather both served as sheriff of Franklin County, he said. click here. I wouldnt say its impossible, but thats a tall order, Luneau told committee members. You have to train someone else and after the police academy, there is an eight-week field training within the Sheriffs Office.. He plans to help facilitate this by working a minimum of about 50-60 hours per week, rather than 40. Write-in candidate Marc Lauer, who is a lieutenant in the sheriff's office, received 5,281 votes. All eyes on Franklin County sheriff's race as embattled candidate wins vote. We cover the states hospitals, the states psychiatric care system, the Green Mountain Care Board, insurers, state health care policy, Medicaid and Medicare. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. He also pointed to the knowledge he's received by being from Franklin County and Ozark. ; Lockbourne, 43137, VACANT - Pending Appt. <> "CURRENT FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF RICKEY DENTON N CA NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION SIN CE HE WAS APPOINTED TO FILL T HE REMAINING TERM OF THE FORMER SHERIFF. All three candidates told 40/29 News it's key to regain public confidence in the Franklin County Sheriff's Department. After that, he plans to leave and will make a change in my career if thats necessary.. He argued being a current member of law enforcement has helped him keep track of any state legislation passed impacting the field. She can be reached at emansfield@vtdigger.org. VTDigger publishes a wide range of stories about Vermonts educational system from early childhood education issues to public and private K-12 schools to higher education. Erickson argued the social media posts he has seen suggest Lauer does not share the values of the Democratic Party. A jury in the U.S. District Court convicted Boen, 51, of two federal counts of deprivation of rights Aug. 9. I am praying for the health and safety of all Franklin County residents and that you continue to take care of each other. Signup today! He can be reached at jcraven@vtdigger.org. From correctional officer, deputy sheriff and a long career as a Georgia State Trooper.. water for saying it in public, then dont say it here. I got him, the man said to the remaining deputies in the room. Prior to moving to Vermont, he reported from Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio and Colorado. Receive our newspaper electronically with the e-Edition email. <> "knowledge is the be st thing you have in law enforcement, becausef i you don't have a ny knowledge of law enforcement or of the sheriff's departme, nt you're just kind of lost and you're relying on somebody else and I want the publico t know they can rely on me and not somebody under me." If youd be in hot There was a problem saving your notification. In an interview Wednesday, Lauer said he was aware that some Democratic committee members had raised concerns about his social media use but has been confused about the nature of their concerns. ALL THREE CANDIDATES WE SPOKE TO SAY RESTORING TRUST IN THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IS KEY." Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. If you have problems with the National Testing . Elizabeth Hewitt covers the criminal justice system for VTDigger. <> "SINCE THERE'S NO DEMOCRAT CANDIDATE, THE WINNER OF THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY WILL BE THE NEXT FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF UNLESS NO ONE GETS MORE THAN 50 PERCENT OF THE VOTES, THEN THEY'LL BE A RUNOFF ELECTION. Jack Thurston. Site Map . In 2005, my first year elected as Sheriff I promised all citizens that I would be accessible to them. I don't think Mark Lauer is the ideal candidate for sheriff, McCarthy said. The .gov means it's official ST. ALBANS Weeks after two major political parties called on John Grismore to pull out of the race for Franklin County sheriff, the local Republican committee has voted to back another candidates write-in bid, though Democrats have yet to do the same. Home. Kevin Hutchison, Johnny Crocker and Grant Nicely are running for the seat in the Republican primary election May 24. He explained Franklin County has two county seats, Ozark to the north of the Arkansas River and Charleston to the south. Nicely said another of his priorities should he be elected would be to make sure all Sheriff's Office employees get the proper level of training to do their job. As you know, as a building ages, the maintenance to keep it running effectively increases. Candidate Bruce Baker Larry McKeithan Kevin White Incumbency information for this election was not available. 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Also, more budget awareness and to make sure the sheriffs office is accountable to the citizens of Franklin County for its expenditures, he said. She can be reached at ehewitt@vtdigger.org. Lauer currently holds the rank of lieutenant support services commander with the Franklin County Sheriffs Office. "I want to know where our problems are and wt ha you need from us." At the outset of the Franklin County Democrats meeting on Tuesday night, Rep. Mike McCarthy, D-St. Albans, proposed endorsing Lauer. In the video, a man, who was arrested for disorderly conduct, is handcuffed and sitting inside the booking area of the Franklin County Sheriffs Office. The man kicked by Capt. Gale Messier has also announced a run. He served in the Army from 1996 to 2018, which included 20 years as a Green Beret in the 3rd Special Forces Group and training law enforcement both foreign and domestic. At the time, he said the publics reaction to George Floyds death was an opportunity to re-examine policing in a new light. Sheriff of Franklin County, Kyle Bacon The mission of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office is to work in partnership with our fellow citizens of Franklin County to enhance the quality of life in our community by raising the level of public safety through law enforcement and community service, and to work with other groups and organizations to accomplish these goals. Several members raised questions about posts they said theyd seen on Lauers social media, which they characterized as offensive and disqualifying for the local partys endorsement. We have to pay deputies (often paying overtime) to transport these inmates to the other facilities as well as picking them up for court appearances. Grismore did not respond to a request for comment Thursday afternoon. = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. Such professional relationships help investigators and deputies solve crimes quickly., Read Franklin County Citizen Leader, Lavonia, Georgia, Mailing Address: Erickson said he would feel unsafe protesting in Franklin County knowing that the sheriff had made a post questioning the utility of speaking out against injustices. <> "being a dispatch jailer, I've been a deputy, I've been a detective, I've been a bailiff." This means that we have to find places for these inmates to sleep, he said. Franklin County Sheriff. Three Republican candidates hope to be the next Franklin County sheriff, REPORTS FROM OZARK WHERE THE CANDIDATES WILL DEBATE EACH OTHER TONIGHT. The sheriff said he wants to continue to improve protocols that benefit enforcement of child abuse, violent crimes, crimes against senior citizens, domestic violence and white collar crime. Nicely told 40/29 News hes spent the past 26 years working in law enforcement. When you factor in the inability to get parts for items to repair them, the problem compounds.. Hutchison hopes to try to work with the county court system to get these people charged with habitual or harsher offenses that will result in longer jail sentences to act as a deterrent for such criminal activity. I'm currently working in law enforcement and the way the laws change and the changing dynamic of law enforcement, I believe you have to have somebody who's current with the times when it comes to enforcing the law," he said. Box 580, 12150 Augusta Road "Currently, I run a martial arts program here and have about 30 kids that train with me here," Crocker said. Since the March 2002 term of the grand jury, each Jury has recommended that money be set aside for improvements and expansion at the jail. The biggest challenge facing the sheriffs office is underpaid and overworked staff, Andrews said. Capt. Franklin County voters will choose a Republican candidate for sheriff in the June 28 primary. Messier told VTDigger that he wasnt surprised by Grismores win but had been aiming to at least finish second so that, if Grismore is removed from office, he would be well-positioned to replace him. Eventually, the man stands up and Grismore kicks him again in the groin and back onto the bench. As your Franklin County Sheriff, I serve as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in Franklin County. Associated Press. Lauer said in an interview Friday that he would remain in the sheriffs office through Jan. 31, just before Grismore takes office. VTDigger publishes daily stories on health care. Troy Wheless. He has since been removed from his position with the Franklin County Sheriffs Office. Two write-in candidates have emerged since Grismore's case popped up. troywhelessforsheriff@gmail.com (984) 297-4384 website Facebook. I think that this is going to be a great challenge and a great opportunity for me to prove all of them wrong, Grismore said, referring to those who didnt vote for him. In March, Boen was sentenced to four years in federal prison after he was convicted of using excessive force on two county inmates. The Franklin County Republican Committee, in a statement released via social media, condemned Grismores actions and called on him to withdraw from the sheriff race at this time.. P.O. JOHNNY CROCKER SAYS HE SPENT 22 YEARS IN THE AR MY WITH 20 OF THAT AS A GRE EN BERET. Let us know what's going on! He also has a resume of community leadership posts and a family history of service as well. Most recently, she has worked for MassLive covering abortion and the environment, among other topics. 2022 Franklin County Sheriff election is taking shape, check the candidates and their Facebook pages https://www.facebook.com/Troy-Wheless-for-Franklin-County-Sheriff . Deputies entered the room to try to help the man, who asked to be taken to the hospital. Jay Cook - Sheriff (Jay.Cook@franklincountyny.gov) Phone: 518-483-3304 Bruce Barney . Preliminary election results repeatedly alternated after polls closed Tuesday night, leaving the outcome of the race unclear for days. Stories written from the answers provided have been published over the past few weeks. Crocker said he believes the sheriff needs to get out and interact with residents in the community and always have an open door policy. News broke about an investigation into Grismore on Tuesday, Aug. 9, and the subsequent video of his actions was released a day later. Those results, posted Friday afternoon, will remain unofficial until the secretary of state certifies them next Tuesday. He spent 27 years with the agency in multiple roles revolving around cyber crime before retiring in 2013. The primary race pits Kyle Bacon of Franklin County Sheriff's Office again Zeigler Police Chief Knowledge is the best thing you have in law enforcement because if you don't have any knowledge of law enforcement or of the sheriff's department, you're just kind of lost and you're relying on somebody else and I want the public to know they can rely on me and not somebody under me," he said.The sheriff's race could be decided during the Republican primary election. VTDigger publishes daily stories on health care. Description. Things could be better, but they're just not; Union threatens strike at DFA creamery, GALLERY: St. Albans Town Hall opens its doors for ribbon cutting, Woman falls down shaft on Congress St.; 'You don't usually see it. For information about our guidelines, and access to the letter form, please Error! We cover the states hospitals, the states psychiatric care system, the Green Mountain Care Board, insurers, state health care policy, Medicaid and Medicare. I'll never break the law for you. Things could be better, but they're just not; Union threatens strike at DFA creamery, GALLERY: St. Albans Town Hall opens its doors for ribbon cutting, Woman falls down shaft on Congress St.; 'You don't usually see it. He needs to be a leader, doesn't need to be a police officer, he has to be the boss, he has to be the leadership position." An official government website. He needs to be a leader. Education:Bachelors of arts, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith; pursuing masters of arts through American Military University. Committee Chair Joe Luneau said anyone whos seen the video would have a hard time thinking that Grismores reaction was a reasonable one. I think just the older generation just went down and checked in the box, you know, and didn't know who was in the race. Print Headline: Franklin County sheriff candidates prioritize public interaction. If Grismore does not step down, voters could still choose a write-in candidate for the election. Next Election. Tel: 614.525.3100 Fax: 614.525.3489 Email. She can be reached at emansfield@vtdigger.org. He can be reached at mpolhamus@vtdigger.org. Hutchison, a retiree from the Arkansas Army National Guard, said he has almost 18 years of experience in law enforcement. A lifelong resident of Franklin County, Andrews graduated from Franklin County High School in 1985. He pointed to a recent post he made on Facebook showing him buying campaign merchandise from a Black person as evidence that he does not hold racial biases. Johnny Crocker (from left), Kevin Hutchison and Grant Nicely. Since the video was released, Jen Williamson, the chair of the Town of St. Albans Police Advisory Committee, reached out to residents via social media to remind people that they can report any concerns or comments about the Franklin County Sheriffs Office to the committee. Capt. Our education reporter is Tiffany Pache.