Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Concern For Citizens Brings Vines Into Race

A concern for the people of Nevada County has brought Harold Vines, former sheriff, into the race for Nevada County Sheriff for a third time.

Vines said he has a deep interest in the families and their children here, and is concerned for the caliber of law enforcement the county has.

"A lot of people asked me to run," he said of making the decision, "and after much thought and prayer, I entered the race."

Should he be elected for a second term, Vines plans to continue his strong fight against drugs in the county and provide the residents with the type of law enforcement he served with during his term in 1995-96.

He would also implement a new program, Adopt-A-Senior-Citizen, which would see the deputies checking on senior citizens in the county on a regular basis to make sure they are all right and their needs are being met.

Vines has 291/2 years of law enforcement experience, and of the five levels of certification available in Arkansas, he holds the fourth highest level.

He worked with the Texarkana Police Department for 10 years and served 171/2 years with the Arkansas Highway Police. He also was the Nevada County Sheriff for two years.

"Certification, qualification and experience are important," Vines said.

"When I was sheriff, we had seven certified deputies with the NCSO."

Vines was born and raised at Bodcaw and currently lives in Prescott with his wife, Sharon, stepchildren and soon to be infant.

The Vines' attend Central Baptist Church, with Vines being active in the Boy Scouts, while his wife works with the Girl Scouts.

"All I ask the people to do is look at my qualifications, certifications and records versus those of my opponent and decide who could best serve Nevada County.

"This is an important position. When industry looks at places to move," he continued, "they check law enforcement. This is a very important decision. Voters need to look at records and qualifications."

The preferential party primary is Tuesday, May 19. Vines is running against current Sheriff Steve Otwell.