Also, sheriff authorized to purchase overstock vehicles

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The Howard County Board of Commissioners had the honor to watch as a new deputy was sworn into the Howard County Sheriff’s Office at its Dec. 1 meeting. Logan Jarrett was welcomed to the department after being sworn in by Howard Superior Court II Judge Blake Dahl.

Jarrett, a Taylor High School graduate, served as a reserve deputy with the Town of Russiaville before being hired by the sheriff. He was accompanied by his two-year-old son TJ, his mother Lisa, and his sister Brandy as he took the oath of office.

“I couldn’t be more thankful and excited to start this journey here with the county,” said Jarrett.

Commissioner Jeff Lipinski, a former Russiaville Town Board member, gave his endorsement of the new deputy, having known the Jarrett family for years.

“I know how proud your mom and your whole family are, and I guarantee your dad’s looking down from Heaven and smiling today,” said Lipinski. “I know he’s very proud of you today.”

In other action, the commissioners approved the sheriff’s office to take advantage of overbid police vehicles and acquire the excess 2025 and 2026 models sitting on vendor lots. These vehicles are manufactured and made available through a statewide Quantity Purchase Agreement (QPA), and any municipality or county may purchase these vehicles at the lowest available price.

However, it is common for the manufacturer to put out more inventory than is ordered, or for some municipal orders to fall through, leaving unclaimed stock. The sheriff’s office will seek to acquire some of these vehicles, paying for them with money budgeted in 2026.