Students at Hackler Intermediate School celebrated "Unity Day" on Wednesday October 23rd. In 2011 Unity day was organized and is normally held on the 2nd or 3rd Wednesday of October during National Bullying Prevention Month. Students wear orange to visibly show that young people should be safe from bullying.

Students hold up "Be Kind" during Unity Day Rally

Norfork 5th grade students were joined by friends and family last night to celebrate their D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) graduation.

School Resource officer Deputy Billy Cox lead commencement and introduced Essay winners; Emma Richard and Arrine Woody.  One very special young lady Harmony Buck was recognized as the best student of the year.

Sheriff John Montgomery spoke to the graduating class about how making good choices can affect the rest of their lives.

Nelson Wilks Herron Elementary School Students had the chance to visit with the Baxter County Sheriff's Office today.  Students toured 5 stations that gave them a chance to see the equipment and hear about what the Sheriff's Office does.

Sheriff John Montgomery meets the students.

Students toured the 5 stations while deputies explained how the equipment was used.

Lieutenant Brad Lewis talked to students about boating, water safety and water patrol.

PC (Patrol Car) spoke about being safe at home and in the car.

Deputy Mike Holland informed students about the Sheriff's Office Dive Team.

Deputy/Pilot Benny Magness talked about what to do if you are lost and the importance of the Helicopter in law enforcement.

Lieutenant Rick Lucy explained the use of the Sheriff's Office underwater camera.

Students from the Cotter 5th grade participated in their (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) D.A.R.E. graduation yesterday afternoon. Family and friends were in attendance to help them celebrate.

School Resource Officer, Deputy Matthew Guthrie introduced guests at the graduation, Instructional Facilitator Misty Haynes, Superintendent Vanessa Jones Thomas, Librarian Chris Jaeger, and Sheriff John Montgomery.

Several students were recognized for their individual achievements during the year: River Harris, Abigail Kasinger, Sebastian Knight, Joey Harber and McKenna Collins.

Guest Speaker Sheriff John Montgomery spoke to the graduating class about respect and congratulated them on their accomplishments this year.

Over 300 Mountain Home 5th Grade students crossed the stage last night at Dunbar Auditorium to celebrate their graduating the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. Numerous family and friends were present to support the class of 2019.  

Students were presented with awards for their achievement in the program along with recognizing the teachers for their support.

Guest speakers were Hackler Intermediate School Principal Allyson Dewey, Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery, Prior Sheriff and current Deputy/Pilot for the Sheriff's Office Benny Magness.  Deputy Magness was presented with a plaque for being a founder and strong supporter of the D.A.R.E. program in Baxter County. 

Students at Nelson Wilks Herron Elementary School enjoyed getting to visit with the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office Deputies as they explained the equipment on display. Students rotated through five stations and got to see the Sheriff's Office, Helicopter, Patrol Boat, Underwater Camera system, Scuba Dive Team and PC (Patrol Car)

Helicopter and what to do if your lost is explained by Deputy/Pilot Benny Magness

Water Patrol and boating safety are explained by Lt. Brad Lewis

Underwater Sonar and Camera are explained by Lt. Rick Lucy

Water Safety and Dive Team are explained by Sgt. Lee Sanders

PC and McGruff talk to students about being safe

Norfork School District celebrated their 6th Grade Students graduation from DARE last night. Deputy Billy Cox lead the commencement for the students that he has worked with all year.  DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), and GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) were provided by Deputy Cox this year.  Friends and family were in attendance to help celebrate the event.  The Norfork SADD students (Students Against Destructive Decisions) provided a cook out after the graduation for all that attended.

Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery addressed the graduating class on how choices they make now can have an effect on the rest of their lives.

 Individual students received awards for their achievement during the year!

 Individual students received awards last night.  Dunbar Auditorium was almost full as family and friends participated in honoring the students. DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is the primary program but students learn much more during the year from their School Resource Officer.

Commencement began with Mrs. Jackson (5th Grade Music Teacher) and her daughter Cate singing the National Anthem.

Individual students were presented with awards for their achievement along with hearing some words of encouragement from the guest speakers which included, Hackler Principal Sondra Monger, Assistant Principal Steve Morris, Assistant Principal Kevin Roach and Sheriff John Montgomery.

Deputy Danielle Campfield presents Principal Monger a Plaque from the Baxter County Sheriff's Office for her years of support and participation with the DARE Program. After 34 years, 8 as a Principle, Sondra will be retiring at the conclusion of this school year.  Thank you for all you have done for the youth of our community!

Over 60 5th grade students from the Cotter School District graduated from the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office Drug Prevention Program yesterday afternoon.  DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is the primary focus for the program, but students learn a number of different skills while participating in the classes.  Deputy Matthew Guthrie conducted the graduation and introduced the guest speakers, Superintendent Vanessa Thomas Jones, Principal Airl Cheek, and Sheriff John Montgomery.

Students walked across the stage and met the guest speakers

Cotter School Resource Officer, Deputy Matthew Guthrie presented his Essay winners for the 2018 graduation from left to right, Makayla Ligon, Morley Cranfill, and Konnor Winclif, the overall winner was Taylee Harvey.

The Baxter County Sheriff's Office applied for and was awarded a grant for the Norfork School District from the Arkansas Sheriff's Association for "Red Ribbon Week".  Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country.  The campaign is to help our children make a personal commitment to live drug free lives.

 Red Ribbon week started in 1985 when DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, died at the hands of drug traffickers while undercover in Mexico fighting the battle against illegal drugs.

Baxter County Sheriff's Office School Resource Officer Billy Cox applied for the grant and is shown here presenting the check for $1,793.25 to Norfork School Counselor Ms. Carla Dollard.  Red Ribbon week will be October 23rd through the 31st, we encourage everyone to support the youth of our community in their choice to live a drug free life.

The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office will have Seven Vehicles for Auction.

Date: September 5th 2017

Time: 6:00 pm

Location: Walkers Auction Service 1209 S. Main, Mountain Home

(2 blocks north of the fairgrounds)

Vehicles to be sold

2004 Black Ford Explorer

2002 Silver Ford Explorer

2009 Silver Ford Crown Victoria

2007 Silver Ford Crown Victoria

2004 Silver Ford Crown Victoria

2005 Silver Ford Crown Victoria

2005 Silver Ford Crown Victoria

 Dunbar Auditorium was packed Tuesday night with Parents family and friends of the 5th grade DARE graduating class.  Students from Hackler Intermediate School joined almost 10,000 students that have graduated through the DARE program in Baxter County since 1997.  Students throughout the county this year are wearing their DARE graduation T-Shirt with the big 20 on the back, which marks 20 years of DARE in our area schools. 

 Tuesday night Dunbar Auditorium was packed for the 2017 DARE Graduation

Lieutenant Ralph Bird presents John Browning of the Mountain Home Elks Lodge with a plaque thanking them for 20 years of support

Sheriff John Montgomery presents Mountain Home School Superintendent Dr. Jacob Long with a plaque thanking them for supporting our school resource officer and DARE program for 20 years

Students cross the stage and are congratulated on their graduation

Final words of support are provided by Sheriff John Montgomery, Hackler Principal Sondra Monger, and Mountain Home School Resource officer Deputy Daniel Campfield

The 2016-2017 Cotter School D.A.R.E. graduation started off with an amazing performance of the Pledge of Allegiance by Cotter 8th grade student Aimee Tardif, guest speakers were, Elementary Principal Airl Cheek, Local Business owner Nathan Buck and Sheriff John Montgomery. Mr. Buck spoke about making good choices and gave the students some insight as to how D.A.R.E. had helped him. Mr. Buck was in the class from 1997 when D.A.R.E. was first offered in Baxter County.

Graduating D.A.R.E. Class

Principal Cheek, Mr. Buck and Sheriff Montgomery speak to students

Top student, Jillian Wilkinson, Best Essay, Brooks Cheek, 2nd Place Essay, Ryenn Lawing

The Chairman of Community Quilts Jo Ann Moore met with Captain Jeff Lewis and Lieutenant Ralph Bird at the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office to provide a new supply of quilts for Sheriff’s Deputies. Community Quilts has provided comfort quilts to the Sheriff’s Office for a number of years.  Deputies give them out to individuals that they are assisting when coping with a stressful situation.

The Sheriff’s Staff and Deputies would like to thank all the ladies that devote their time and talent to providing these quilts to our office. You can see the difference they make when you look into the eyes of a young person that receives one.

 Sheriff John Montgomery is sworn in as the Sheriff for Baxter County by District Court Judge Jason Duffy. Judge Duffy also administered the oath of office to Sheriff’s Office Deputies and other public officials at the Baxter County court house.

The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer Program is very grateful to the Mountain Home Elks Lodge #1714 for their generous donation of $900.00. This money will help support the programs offered in all three School Districts in Baxter County.

Pictured above from left to right; Deputy Jeremy Melton, Cotter, Deputy Danielle Campfield, Mountain Home, Cathy Schweer, President,  Elks Lodge #1714, Deputy Billy Cox, Norfork and Lieutenant Ralph Bird, SRO supervisor.

  Norfork School District’s first grade class visited the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office for a tour of the facility with Sheriff Montgomery.  The Students brought a Banner stating “Norfork 1st Graders Back Blue”, they also provided a cake for the officers. Everyone here at the Sheriff's Office wants to thank the students and staff at Norfork for their support!

  Field Representative Stetson Painter for Senator John Boozman's office presents Deputy Billy Cox with a certificate and Congressional Record for the Proceedings and Debates of the 114th Congress, Second Session.

Deputy Cox was recognized during the 114th Congressional Session by Senator John Boozman. Senator Boozman stated during the second session,

"I rise today to pay tribute to the Baxter County Sheriff's Deputy Billy Cox, the American Legion Department of Arkansas Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award recipient.

  Deputy Cox has dedicated 13 years to Law Enforcement and currently serves as the Norfork School Resource Officer.He provides a law enforcement presence, but also uses his skills and experiences to help students learn and grow in a safe environment through D.A.R.E. and other youth safety programs. Having worked as a Paramedic for two decades, he also teaches CPR to high school students.

Known as "Officer Billy" to the students and educators around the Norfork School District, Deputy Cox is a positive role model for the students. Students rely on him to listen to their problems and he is always patient and willing to listen.  Norfork High School Principal Bobby Hulse says Deputy Cox means a lot to the students and staff.

His dedication to Law Enforcement has earned Deputy Cox certifications in drug abuse education and gang resistance education. He is a state-certified Drug Recognition Expert.

The American Legion Department of Arkansas Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award recognizes Law Enforcement Officers who exceed their responsibilities in uniform and show a commitment to community service.  Deputy Cox was nominated for this award by his supervisor, Lt. Ralph Bird because of the huge impact he's had on students and the citizens in the county.

Deputy Cox is well-deserving of this recognition. His dedication, devotion and commitment to Baxter County and Norfork School District are apparent every day.

I offer my congratulations to Deputy Cox for receiving this honor and wish him continued success in his law enforcement career".

The Baxter County Sheriff's Office is proud of Deputy Cox and appreciative to Senator John Boozman for recognizing him during the 114th Congressional second session.

 School Resource Officer Deputy Edward Elliott graduated 45, 5th grade D.A.R.E. students at Cotter Elementary May 6th. Deputy Elliott, Principal Airl Cheek, Superintendent Don Sharp and Sheriff John Montgomery spoke to students about what they had learned in D.A.R.E. and how those lessons would help in the future.

           Baxter County Deputy Elliott Congratulates the Graduating Class

on their accomplishments during the year.

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Chapter President Whitney

Barkes Spoke to students about how D.A.R.E.

can help prepare them for life.

Lieutenant Bird, Sheriff Montgomery, Superintendent Sharpe

and Principal Cheek shake hands with students as they cross the stage to

receive their D.A.R.E. diploma.

     The Sheriff's Office hosted training this week for the Field Officer Training (FTO) Course.  This is a 32 hour class that certifies officers to be FTOs for newly hired officers after they have graduated from the basic academy class or have been hired after having worked for other agencies. 

     Field Training focuses on evaluation and documentation of the performance of new officers, as well as getting new officers accustomed to the operational procedures and policies of the law enforcement agency they will be working for.  Field Training gives the agency an opportunity to identify strong points in the officer's performance and character as well as to identify and correct deficiencies or weaknesses.  Officers are required to satisfactorily complete field training before being released for solo patrol duties.

     Those officers graduating are pictured with Sheriff Montgomery.  They are Corporal William Altazan, CID Sergeant Brad Hurst, MHPD Corporal Jonathan Griffin, Corporal Sheri Lewis, Deputy Tracy Munson, Investigator Scott Thrasher, and MHPD Sergeant Robert McCoy.

Cotter School District Head Start Students got a visit Friday from Sheriff John Montgomery.  Sheriff Montgomery read “The Biggest Snowman Every” a story about accomplishing anything you put your mind to.  About 15 Head Start Students enjoyed the story and the chance to spend some time with the Sheriff.

Mountain Home Elks Lodge 1714 made a generous donation to the Cotter High School SADD chapter. Cotter SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) hosts the “After Prom Lock In”.  This donation will help provide more for the graduating High School Students that participate. 

Photographed from left to right: Elks Lodge President Stewart Friend, SADD President Whitney Barkes, SADD Secretary Shawna Martin, SADD Treasurer Samantha Hodges, SADD Vice President Alex Hyde, Baxter County Cotter SRO, Deputy Edward Elliott and Elks Lodge Drug Awareness Chairman John Browning.

Sheriff John Montgomery along with all Deputies and Jailers, started the New Year with the swearing in ceremony.  All employees’ present that were required to take the oath raised their right hand as Circuit Court Judge Shawn Womack administered the oath of office.

For the second year in a row Students from Cotter and Mountain Home School Districts showed their support for the National "Unity Day" by spelling out letters in the word Unity and wearing Orange.  October is National Bullying Prevention Month.  Baxter County Sheriff's Office School Resource Officers helped coordinate some of the events that help the schools remind students that bullying will not be tolerated.  We encourage parents continue with what the schools have started and talk to students about bullying. With their help we can make our schools a happier and safer educational environment!

UNITY!

The weather held off during the Parade and most of the morning during the “12^th Annual Gassville in the Park”.  Numerous Vendors, Civic Organizations, and Businesses were on hand to help celebrate.  An Antique/Classic Car show and a 5k Run were just some of the events that were provided during the day.  The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office provided their D.A.R.E. trailer and Reserve Deputies to fingerprint youth and provide handouts. 

Mountain Home Elks Lodge #1714 made a donation of $600.00 to the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer Section.  This donation will help all three School Resource Officers in providing programs to students in Mountain Home, Cotter and Norfork.   

Pictured from left to right: Stu Friend, Mountain Home Elks President, Sheriff John Montgomery, Lieutenant Ralph Bird Division Commander, Deputy Billy Cox, Norfork School Resource Officer, Deputy Mandee Love, Mountain Home, School Resource Officer, Deputy Eddie Elliott, Cotter School Resource Officer

Americanism, what does it mean to you? When asking local Pinkston Middle School student James Swartz it means a lot.  James along with over 200 other local students entered the Elks Lodge Americanism Essay contest and explained what it means to them.  James wrote an essay entitled “What Veterans Day Means to Me”.  His along with 3 others were submitted to the state wide competition where James essay won. It was then sent on to the National competition where his words about Americanism won again.  We are very proud of his accomplishment and would also like to commend all the students that volunteered to submit an essay!  Thanks go to the Mountain Home Elks Lodge and all they do for the youth of our community.

Pictured from left to right: Dick Day, Elks Americanism Chairman, James Swartz, essay winner, and Stu Friend, Mountain Home Elks President.

Norfork 6^th grade students graduate from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. Deputy Billy Cox, Norfork’s School Resource Officer provided several educational programs to students in the Norfork School District this year.  Norfork students join the over 500 students that completed the program in Baxter County this year. 

Norfork Graduating D.A.R.E. students

Deputy Billy Cox speaks to parents and teachers during the opening ceremony. SADD students and distinguished guests are (from left to right) Scott Bradshaw, Taylor Due, Sheriff John Montgomery and Elementary Principal Stacey Bradbury.

Sheriff John Montgomery hands Ethan Chapman his certificate.

Deputy Billy Cox and SADD student Taylor Due present Andrew Ruegsegger, the overall top class graduate with Darren the D.A.R.E. mascot along with the first place medal. 

Students at Nelson-Wilks-Herron Elementary School were able to attend a presentation by the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office on May 20^th.  Sheriff’s Deputies talked to students about some of the equipment they use and were reminded about safety this summer.  

McGruff gets a hug from a student as other students meet PC and learn about vehicle safety

Lieutenant Ralph Bird and Lieutenant Rick Lucy spoke to students about water patrol and how the Sheriff's Office uses underwater cameras

Sergeant Lee Sanders talked to students about the Sheriff's Office Dive Team and water safety, while Deputy/Pilot Benny Magness informed students about the Sheriff's Office Helicopter and flight operations

The Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class spent the day with the Baxter County Sheriff’s Deputies.  During the day members were able to gain some insight on the day to day operations of the Sheriff’s Office.  Members were given tours of the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, Aviation section, Underwater Operations/Dive Team, and received some hands on training with the Criminal Investigations Division in processing a mock crime scene.  After lunch the group went to the firing range and had the chance to fire department weapons under the supervision of Sheriff’s Office range instructors.  Upon returning to the Sheriff’s Office the class had the opportunity to negotiate the golf cart through a driving course while wearing drunk goggles. 

Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class

Investigator Brad Lewis and Investigator Eric Neal go over crime scene protocol

Class members learn how to collect evidence

Lieutenant Danielle Campfield and Corporal Rocky Morrell provide the tour of the Detention Center Tower

Lieutenant Ralph Bird, Sergeant Lee Sanders and Corporal Scott Thrasher give a safety briefing to class while at the range

It was mixed emotions at Dunbar Auditorium during the Mountain Home School District’s 5^th grade D.A.R.E. graduation.  Family and friends attended as over 300 students from Hackler Intermediate School crossed the stage and were recognized.  Along with the graduation came the announcement that Deputy Mandee Love, the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office Mountain Home School Resource Officer, for the past 9 years would be leaving Baxter County.  Cheers from the graduating students soon turned to tears as past and present students came to the stage to hug Deputy Love and wish her well.  Deputy Love will be moving with her family to relocate to the Quitman area due to her husband’s relocation with the Corps of Engineers.

Sheriff John Montgomery spoke to the graduates

Students and Teachers were recognized during Graduation

Students are congratulated as they crossed the stage

Sheriff Montgomery presents Deputy Love with a plaque and gifts from the teachers.  Students lined up to hug Deputy Love and wish her well

The Cotter School District recognized their fifth grade students during the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) graduation ceremony.  Parents, teachers, staff, and guest speakers were in attendance to show support and talk to students about making good choices in their future.  Deputy Eddie Elliott of the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office has instructed the students on the 10 key topics of the program which covers numerous areas from bullying to illegal drug use. 

 2014 Cotter 5th grade D.A.R.E. graduating class

 Sheriff John Montgomery, Lieutenant Ralph Bird, Superintendent Don Sharp, Elementary Principal Airl Cheek and SADD Chapter President Kaitlyn Dewey congratulate graduating students.

 Baxter County Deputy Eddie Elliott Cotter's School Resource Officer and the top five graduation students. (Top left to lower right) Over all top student, Anna Haynes, Over all top essay, Kally Benedict, Essay Class winners, Cailyann Froyck, Skyy Voss, Lane Cox.

Cotter High School SADD students recently interviewed Sheriff Montgomery.  The interview was based on a video that the SADD students are doing on underage drinking.  Sheriff Montgomery was able to address questions from the students, and help provide them with information about state laws concerning underage drinking and drug abuse.  The video will be presented to the Cotter High School students prior to the High School prom.

It was a beautiful evening for everyone that attended the Baxter County Government day at the Courthouse on the square.  Thursday April 17 between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm citizens of Baxter County had the chance to enjoy a live band, free hotdogs, popcorn and meet with County Officials.  Booths were set up from area businesses and county employees were available to give tours of the Courthouse, and other government offices.

 Moose Lodge Governor-Elect, Dennis Paterson,  returned  to resupply the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office Deputies with Tommy the Moose.  Last year local Moose Lodge #1953 became involved with the Sheriff’s Office by providing Tommy the Moose.  The National program has been providing the stuffed Moose for 11 years. They go out to Law Enforcement, Fire and other Emergency workers to provide to children during traumatic situations that help overcome fears and anxiety during times of stress.

Sheriff John Montgomery and Moose Lodge #1953 Governor-Elect Dennis Paterson

Tommy the Moose

Students from Cotter and Mountain Home School Districts showed their support for the National "Unity Day" by spelling out the words Unity Day and wearing Orange.  October is National Bullying Prevention Month and October 9th is when everyone shows their united support by wearing orange. Baxter County Sheriff's Office School Resource Officers helped coordinate some of the events that help the schools remind students that bullying will not be tolerated.  We encourage parents continue with what the schools have started and talk to students about bullying. With their help we can make our schools a happier and safer educational environment.

Students at Hackler Intermediate School spell out the words "Unity Day" dressed in Orange

Students at Cotter showed their support for the National Bullying Prevention Month

Students at Pinkston Middle School gather at the front of their School surrounding the Marquee that reminds people that October is Bullying Prevention Month

Deputy Eddie Elliott was assigned to the Cotter School District at the beginning of this school year and has started the year in high gear.  Deputy Elliott has started the DARE program (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) of instruction again and has a new SADD chapter to help with his programs.  SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) a national program that was started over 30 years ago to us peer to peer youth education to help students avoid alcohol and other drugs. 

The New SADD chapter officers are from left to right: Alex Hyde (Vice President), Shawna Martin (Secretary), Samantha Hodges (Treasurer), and Kaitlyn Dewey (President).

Friday the 13^th has an ominous meaning for some but came as a well-deserved day for Ms. Maryanne Edge as she retires today from the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office.  Maryanne has been with the Sheriff’s Office for 9 years and seen numerous changes in records management and administrative requirements during her time with the administrative division. Maryanne has helped foster one of the best Sex Offender registration and tracking programs in Arkansas. Due to her diligence with this program the Sheriff’s Office has received state wide recognition.  Maryanne has been a valued member of the Sheriff’s staff and will be missed.  But from the Staff and Deputies we all wish Maryanne as happy retirement and good luck in all of her future endeavors.

Maryanne's Retirement Cake

Maryanne receives a plaque in recognition for her years of service to the Sheriff's Office and the Citizens of Baxter County.

Sergeant Tim Phillips retired from the Baxter County Sheriff's Office on Friday, July 26, 2013.  Sergeant Phillips had been in Law Enforcement for 25 years.  Sgt. Phillips served as the Chief of Court Security and Senior Bailiff for the Sheriff's Office.  Tim is credited with being the driving force behind numerous advancements in security for the Court Complex.  Tim was not only a bailiff, he also performed duty as the Assistant Supervisor of the Support Services Division of the Sheriff's Office.  This involved public presentations on Neighborhood Watch and helping maintain and train other agencies on Project Lifesaver. Also, as a Law Enforcement Instructor, Tim has trained and helped mentor numerous other officers. 

 Sergeant Phillips retired due to the effects of a debilitating stroke that he suffered earlier this year.  We here at the Sheriff's Office and for those that know and love Tim understand that Baxter County is a better place for his selfless service to our community.  We wish him well and hope that he enjoys a well deserved retirement.

Tim and Joy Phillips at his retirement.

Capt. Lewis presents Tim with a plaque honoring his service to Baxter County.

Sheriff Montgomery congratulates Tim on his retirement.

Baxter County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Captain Jeff Lewis was presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the Arkansas Gravestones Project for the work that he has done on our local cemeteries. For the last several years Captain Lewis has worked diligently on locating and cleaning up sites that have been neglected over the years.

Sheriff’s Deputies are part of the 41 participants that braved the cold water at Lake Norfork this year during the “Polar Bear Plunge”.  This year’s participants helped raise approximately $5500.00 dollars to help with Special Olympics.

Lt. Ralph Bird getting ready for the participants to plunge

Everyone dive in!

41 Participants braved the 41 degree water.

It did not take long for everyone to get out.

From left to right: Sgt. Mike Holland, Sgt. Sheri Lewis, Deputy Julie Tilley, Capt. Jeff Lewis, Reserve Deputy David Foster, and Reserve Deputy James Morgan.

Sheriff John Montgomery is pictured with just a few of the stuffed Moose presented to the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office by Dennis Paterson Junior Governor of the Mountain Home Moose Lodge #1953. 

 “Tommy the Moose”

 A National program started in 2003 and sponsored by Moose International to help aid children in overcoming fears and anxiety during times of stress. They are donated to Law Enforcement, Fire and other Emergency workers to provide to youth during traumatic situations.

 Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery led his Officers in the swearing-in ceremony at the Baxter County Court House January 2nd.  Circuit Court Judge Shawn Womack swore in Sheriff Montgomery first, then the remaining Deputies, Jailers, Reserves and staff.

While at the Court House, Lt. Ralph Bird received a plaque from Sheriff Montgomery honoring his 13 years of service to the Sheriff’s Dive Team. 

     Baxter County Inmates continue to perform community service work projects at area cemeteries.  On Monday, July 9th, inmates cleaned-up the small Beuhler Spring Cemetery on Baxter CR 123 and placed a sign there to mark its location.  Later in the afternoon, inmates erected a new sign at the Cooper Cemetery, which is located at the end of Kinsdale Lane in the Midway area.  The signs are made by an inmate using donated materials.

     Jail Inmates under the supervision of Sheriff's personnel continue to routinely mow, weed-eat, and maintain the following cemeteries in Baxter County, most of which would otherwise receive little or no care and upkeep:  Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Williams Cemetery, Hart Cemetery, Talburt Cemetery, Nelson Cemetery, Horn Cemetery, Reed's Grove Cemetery, Buzzard Roost-Tracy Cemetery, Old Sales Cemetery, Hutcheson Cemetery, Casteel Cemetery, Lone Rock Cemetery, Curtiss-Acklin Cemetery, Ward Family Cemetery, and Cooper Cemetery.  All inmate work is strictly on a voluntary basis.

Mr. Tim McKeough, Owner of D&T Bargain Center, made contact with the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office and wanted to see what he had to do to make a donation to the Arkansas Youth Ranch.  The Sheriff’s Office made contact and coordinated the donation of athletic uniforms and equipment from D&T.  Mr. David Ferguson was the representative that accepted the uniforms for the Arkansas Youth Ranch.  The estimated value of the donation was $10,000.00. 

The annual Chamber of Commerce Leadership Day was recently held at the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office.  Community leaders were given the opportunity to spend the day with different divisions in the Sheriff’s Office.   They were able to see the Detention Center, Aviation Section, and Administrative offices.  Attendees got some hands-on experience at the pistol range, worked a crime scene, saw firsthand the effects of driving while intoxicated and ate jail inmate food for lunch. 

Hackler Intermediate School recently held their first 5^th grade DARE graduation at Dunbar Auditorium.  These students joined a long list of 5^th grade students that had until this year graduated from Pinkston and Guy Berry schools in the Mountain Home School District.  Most of the auditorium was filled with parents and friends of the students.

Mountain Home students voted for the Sheriff of Baxter County in their annual Kiwanis Club sponsered mock election at Pinkston Middle School.  Daylen Johnson, a 6th grade student, won and was able to spend the day with Sheriff John Montgomery and see what it’s like. 

1^st grade students meet Sheriff’s Deputies and get to check out some of the equipment they use.  For over 20 years Deputies have been coming to Nelson Wilks Herron Elementary School in the Mountain Home School District to display equipment and explain how it is used.  Sheriff’s Deputies set up 5 separate stations that students with their teachers were able to rotate through and ask questions.

Norfork students in 9^th grade participate in a mock election and are selected by their classmates for different elected offices that they run for.  Riley Rhymer was elected Sheriff and was able to spend the afternoon with Sheriff Montgomery and find out what being the Sheriff of Baxter County is all about.

Cotter graduated 52 5th grade students through the DARE program that is offered by the Baxter County Sheriff's Office.  These students learned about how to say no to drugs, avoid violence and deal with peer pressure and bullying.

Norfork's 4th grade DARE students, 5th grade GREAT students, and 6th grade Stop Bullying classes graduated from their programs that were sponsored by the Baxter County Sheriff's Office.  These students join the over 5000 students county wide that have participated in the Sheriff's Office school programs.

Ballistic Vests Donated by Local Attorney

Local Attorney and businessman, Rick Spencer recently donated funds to purchase five ballistic vests.  Mr. Spencer donated the money to the Baxter County Sheriff's Foundation who in turn purchased the bullet proof vests for Deputies with the Baxter County Sheriff's Office.

Attorney Rick Spencer (left) speaks to the Deputies.  Sheriff John
Montgomery (center) and Foundation President, TC Carter (right)

Baxter County Sheriff's Deputies  receive new ballistic vests

Attorney Rick Spencer hands a check to Baxter County Sheriff's
Foundation President TC Carter.  The Foundation purchased the
Ballistic Vests for the Deputies.

Sergeant Kevin Boucher holds up his old vest manufactured in 1999

 From left to right:  Deputy Brian Davis, Sgt. Kevin Boucher, Rick Spencer
TC CarterDeputy Kris Savino, Deputy Scott Thrasher, Deputy William Altazan