Texas County Sheriff Scott Lindsey’s monthly update

July has been a very busy month for the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office has investigated several property crimes and recovered stolen property. One suspect has been charged and incarcerated, and the other investigations are ongoing.

On July 1, a Texas County deputy was assigned to a full-time position with the South Central Drug Task Force. I am excited about this opportunity for the county. The deputy will work with the task force to investigate anything related to illegal drugs. The sheriff’s office has not had a dedicated drug investigator since state funding for a position ran out in 2006.

Did you know the sheriff’s office patrols the Mark Twain National Forest? The Texas County sheriff’s office has a contract with the forest service to provide additional patrols in northwest Texas County around the paddy creek wilderness. Deputies routinely check areas around Slabtown, Buckner’s Bottom, Paddy Creek and Roby Lake.

On July 11, I attended the opening of the new TCMH clinic in Licking at the former Sturgeon Chevrolet building. Over the years, I purchased several cars at the dealership, and it was amazing to see it transformed into a clinic. The Sturgeon family assisted many people over the years at the dealership and it is great to see that property converted to a new purpose to continue to serve people in the Licking area.

I recently attended an online meeting about a new program we hope to implement in Texas County called “handle with care.” In short, the program provides a means for law enforcement officers to give an alert to local schools about any potential traumatic incident that children may have experienced. Officers that respond to any incident that has school aged children may provide a “heads up” to that child’s school. The alert contains no details about the contact and just provides the school with a chance to provide additional support for the student if needed.

Domestic assault is the most prevalent report type for the month of July followed closely by stealing. A quick reminder to help us identify and recover your property if you should become a victim. Taking pictures on your phone or writing down serial numbers is extremely helpful. If your equipment or property has unique identifying marks take a picture of that or write it down as well.