Buena Vista County Sheriff's Office

09/01/2026

As the seasons change, we take time to recognize and appreciate the dedication of those who continue to serve our community:

Sgt. Bill Sankey – 16 Years (since 2010)
Deputy Jacob Nelson – 11 Years (since 2015)
Deputy Hesduardo Garcia – 11 Years (since 2015)
Jailer Kellee Barnett – 5 Years (since 2021)
Reserve Kyle Bailey – 2 Years (since 2024)
Reserve Steven Cross – 1 Year (since 2025)
Dispatcher Madlin Wipperling – 1 Year (since 2025)

Your commitment, service, and dedication help strengthen the safety and well-being of Buena Vista County each and every day.
Thank you for the role you play in serving our community—we appreciate you.

08/19/2026

On behalf of BV County-Thin Blue Line promo with New Century FS the Newell Community Garden was presented with a donation that will be used to purchase and build a new shed for the community as well as repair garden boxes.

08/11/2026

Stay weather aware throughout the night and into the early morning.

9:56 PM Monday August 10, 2026: We're watching isolated storms currently over northwestern South Dakota that are expected to gradually grow into a line as it moves southeast. Here's the latest look at timing for our area.

Ping pong ball sized hail will be possible with these storms mainly near and west of the James River, but the greater concern will be damaging wind gusts to 70+ mph as storms move towards I-29 by the early morning hours.

Not everyone gets a storm, but remain weather aware tonight!

08/10/2026

🚨 WE’RE HIRING! 📞 🚨

Ever wanted a job where “It’s been a quiet night” is basically the fastest way to make the phone ring? 😂

Our Communications Center is looking for someone to join the team!

Dispatchers are the calm voice on the other end of the line, answering 911 and non-emergency calls and sending the right help when people need it most — Police 🚔, Fire 🚒, and Ambulance 🚑.

One minute you might be helping someone with a routine question, and the next you could be coordinating multiple emergency responders to a serious call.

📞 You’ll:
• Answer 911 and non-emergency calls
• Dispatch Police, Fire & EMS
• Talk to people on some of their worst days
• Help coordinate emergency responses
• Juggle multiple things at once — sometimes ALL at once
• Become exceptionally good at saying, “What is the location of your emergency?” 😎

This job isn't for everyone. It takes patience, communication skills, quick thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm when everyone else is anything but calm.

But if you're looking for a career where you make a difference every single shift — even when the public never knows your name — this might be the job for you.

🎧 Come join the voices behind the badge.

👉 We’re hiring! Apply today and become an important part of the team that keeps our communities safe.

08/03/2026

Join us in celebrating the dedication and years of service of our team members recognized this month:

Dispatcher Amy Koth – 11 Years (since 2015)
Deputy Brian Schreck – 10 Years (since 2016)
Deputy Austin Selk – 3 Years (since 2023)
Jailer Nate Ramirez – 3 Years (since 2023)

Each year of service represents commitment, resilience, and a continued dedication to serving our community.

Thank you for the time you’ve given, the work you do, and the difference you make every day.

07/30/2026

🍧🚔 Come cool off with the Buena Vista County Sheriff Reserves! 🚔🍧

If you’re planning on attending National Night Out in Newell, be sure to stop by and grab a FREE popsicle!

The Buena Vista County Sheriff Reserves will be handing out popsicles at Newell City Park. Take a few minutes to cool off, say hello, and visit with the volunteers who donate their time to support the Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office.

📅 Tuesday, August 4
📍 Newell City Park – Newell, IA

We look forward to seeing everyone at Newell City Park and helping make this year’s National Night Out another great community event!

07/29/2026

🌭🚔 Join us for National Night Out in Alta! 🚔🌭

The Buena Vista County Sheriff Reserves will be firing up the grill and serving FREE hot dogs, chips, and water during National Night Out!

Stop by, grab something to eat, say hello, and take a few minutes to get to know the volunteers who proudly support the Buena Vista County Sheriff's Office. National Night Out is a great opportunity to bring neighbors together, build relationships, and strengthen our community.

📅 Tuesday, August 4
🕔 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 810 S. Main St., Alta, IA

Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or spending the evening at the event, we'd love to see you. Be sure to stop by our booth, enjoy a hot dog, and visit with us for a while.

We look forward to seeing everyone and helping make this year's National Night Out another great community event!

07/27/2026

As a community awareness message, we'd like to let everyone know that Roland, a student from Europe, will be going door-to-door in Storm Lake and Lakeside over the coming days.

Roland has obtained all of the required permits from the City of Storm Lake to conduct door-to-door sales.

As always, residents are under no obligation to make a purchase or answer the door. If you choose to speak with a solicitor, use the same good judgment you would with anyone you don't know.

Never feel pressured to buy anything, and don't hesitate to politely decline if you're not interested and Roland will bid you a good day and move on.

If you ever have concerns about someone going door-to-door who does not appear to have the proper permits or is acting suspiciously, please contact the Buena Vista County Sheriff's office at 712 749-2525.

Thank you for helping us keep our community informed and safe.

07/21/2026

A big shout out to each and everyone of our donors for their generous donations this year. Without awesome donors our tournament wouldn’t be possible.

We’d also like to give a shout out to Alta Golf and Country Club for hosting our Tournament again this year. We look forward to coming back next year.

Thanks to everyone for another wonderful year.

07/07/2026