Also, Commissioners sets meeting, holiday dates; Sheriff’s Trunk-or-Treat Oct. 27

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The Howard County Sheriff’s Office has a new deputy. Draven Browning, a Tri-Central High School graduate, joined the department last week after serving four years as a conservation officer with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Sheriff Jerry Asher introduced Browning at the Howard County Board of Commissioners meeting on Oct. 16.

“I’m originally from the Tipton County area,” said Browning. “I grew up on the county line, so I’ve been in the area my whole life.

“I’m a father, a husband, and had four years with the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division with a Conservation Officer. I worked around the sheriff’s department for the last four years, and I have been fortunate enough to have relationships with all the deputies, supervisors, and staff. I’m very excited to be here, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Browning also has experience as a K9 handler, a sonar operator, and as a field training officer.

“Deputy Browning could have chosen to continue his career anywhere, but he chose to make the Howard County Sheriff’s Office his home, a decision that speaks to the camaraderie, culture, and sense of purpose that define our team,” said Capt. Jordan Buckley.

Commissioners set meeting, holiday dates

The Howard County Commissioners set their meeting schedule for 2026 at their Oct. 16 meeting. With few exceptions, the board of commissioners will meet on the first and third Mondays of each month at 4 p.m. on the third floor of the Howard County Administration Center, 220 N. Main St.

The exceptions to this schedule are a meeting on Tue., Jan. 20, to avoid Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, and Tue., Sept. 8, to avoid Labor Day.

The commissioners also adopted a schedule of paid holidays for county employees. Howard County administrative offices and the courts will be closed on the following dates:

• Jan. 1, New Year’s Day
• Jan. 19, Martin Luther King’s Birthday
• April 3, Good Friday
• May 5, Primary Election Day
• May 25, Memorial Day
• July 3, Independence Day (observed)
• Sept. 7, Labor Day
• Oct. 12, Columbus Day
• Nov. 3, General Election Day
• Nov. 11, Veterans Day
• Nov. 26, Thanksgiving
• Nov. 27, Lincoln’s Birthday (observed)
• Dec. 24, Washington’s Birthday (observed)
• Dec. 25, Christmas Day

Sheriff Trunk-or-Treat Oct. 27

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office encourages the community to mark their calendars for Mon., Oct. 27, from 5-7 p.m., as it holds the third annual Trunk-or-Treat event in the Howard County Jail parking lot, 1800 W. Markland Ave.

Due to the response in 2024, the sheriff has expanded the area of the event so that there is space for all county offices to participate.

There will be music, fun, and treats for all in a safe, family-friendly environment, the office stated.