Ford to add role of jail manager

The recent reappointment of the sheriff’s chief deputy Rob Bicknell will see him take on more duties.
Jay County Sheriff’s Merit Board met Tuesday afternoon and was informed by sheriff-elect Dwane Ford that Bicknell will be filling the newly created role of Jay County Jail manager in addition to his chief deputy position.
Ford said he doesn’t yet know what that job may entail but that the extra resource in the jail will work along with jail commander Nathan Keever on the day-to-day duties. He could be a go-between for Keever and his sergeants, commented Ford.
“We’re short back there with people anyway … this will give us one,” said Ford. “I think that’s going to be a big plus, that’s going to solve a lot of problems we have between the jail and the courts.”
The extra hand is also seen as a way to help keep liability down by having another set of eyes on how the jail is run.
Ford said he’d have a better idea of exactly what the job entails when Bicknell begins his work in the jail at the start of the new year.
In other business, Ford set the board’s next meeting for 1 p.m. Jan. 21, and reappointed Bill Horn as a member.
Board members Jim Bruner, Larry Bubp, Jim Olvey, Jack Robbins and Horn also thanked sheriff Ray Newton for his eight years of service.
“You’ve done a very good job,” said Horn. “On behalf of the board, Ray, I want to thank you for what you’ve done.”