Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

New Sheriff Makes Changes; Issues Warning To Drug Offenders

Nevada County's new sheriff has a lot to learn about his new job, and freely admits this.

Steve Otwell upset first term sheriff Harold Vines in the primary election in June, and beat independent opponent Johnny Campbell handily in the Nov. 5 General Election, for the office.

He took over as the county's head law enforcement officer on Jan. 1, 1997, being sworn in at midnight, Dec. 31, along with all other elected officials.

Otwell was able to begin his first term with a quiet New Year's holiday. There were no accidents, fatalities or serious problems in the county.

"You can't ask for a better New Year's Day than that," he said. "Everything is going right along on its normal course. There are no major problems, but I'm still organizing personnel, talking with them as I get the time."

The reorganization included naming a new chief deputy. Morris Vines was terminated, as was secretary Sharon Vines.

These two were replaced with Wayne Kisselburg as the new chief deputy, and Judy Gregory in the secretary's position.

Maxine Covington, a cook, and Christine Dalton, a dispatcher, were also released by the new administration.

Otwell also hired Bernard Box, from Rosston, as a new deputy to replace Roy Frazier.

"I have advised everyone of what is expected from them and how the department will run," Otwell said. "Everyone has cooperated, and I have full confidence in every one of them."

Otwell said he has reminded his staff this is a public service job and they are all public servants.

"This department has fine people working in it," he said. "The job they do makes mine as smooth as could be at this point.

"I still have a lot to learn, and appreciate the people giving me time to make the adjustments."

In discussing the personnel, Otwell said Jim Westmoreland will remain as the criminal investigator, while Wally Hulan and Jason Arrington stay on as deputies. The same goes for the reserve deputies.

As soon as possible, Otwell plans on attending the Arkansas State Law Enforcement Training Academy in Camden to become a certified officer himself. Because sheriff's are elected by the people, they do not, by law, have to be certified law enforcement officers beforehand.

"I don't know how long it will take," he said, "but I want the Nevada County Sheriff's Office to be as efficient and effective as the county has ever seen.

"I want it to be one where the public feels welcome and a part of the department. They (the public) are an extension of this department, and I expect them to come forward with any information they may have. Their names will be kept as confidential as possible."

Otwell wants the public to know it can come forward without fear of names being mentioned.

He also gave those who use and deal drugs a warning to clean up their act or have it cleaned up for them.

"I'm giving them a warning," he said. "Things are changing in Nevada County. I advise them if they are doing drugs now to stop. The same goes if they're selling drugs."

Otwell said if anyone is hooked on drugs and wants help getting off, the NCSO will do everything in its power to help them without prosecution. However, if they get caught using, they will be arrested and tried.

"We will show no mercy on drug dealers in the county," he said. "They are destroying the next generation. I have no pity for dealers."

Otwell said the NCSO will continue working with other law enforcement agencies, such as the Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Highway Police, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Drug Task Force. He said the department will also work closely with Eighth Judicial District Attorney Brent Haltom and deputy prosecutor Danny Rodgers.

He thanked them for the advice they've already given him and for the future advice he anticipates receiving over the next two years.

"I haven't forgotten what I said during my campaign," he said. "I will cooperate with other departments and communicate with them. I've talked to most of them already and told them I'd work with them.

"I am dedicated to this county."

In discussing the personnel, Otwell said Patsy Glass had originally been hired as his secretary, but decided to spend more time being grandmother to her grandchildren. He offered her thanks for the effort she put in before making this decision, though.

Otwell also expressed confidence in Gregory, saying he feels good about having her in this position.