Jerome County Sheriff George Oppedyk to retire April 18 after 22 years

Sheriff George Oppedyk told the Jerome County Board of Commissioners on March 12 that he will retire on April 18, 2026, after 22 years with the department. The board recorded receipt of a written retirement letter and later voted to accept it.

The announcement came after a brief executive session. Commissioners Charles Howell, Ben Crouch and Art Watkins each offered appreciation for Oppedyk’s years of service. Commissioner Charles Howell stated that he has worked a long time with the sheriff and “appreciates the hard work and dedication of the sheriff and his staff.” Sheriff Oppedyk said he would remain available during the transition: “I will be available during the time of transition to a new sheriff in case there is anything that comes up.”

Following the remarks, Commissioner Charles Howell moved to accept the retirement as stated in Oppedyk’s letter; Commissioner Ben Crouch seconded. The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. The minutes note that a copy of the retirement letter was attached and include signature lines for County Clerk Cy Lootens and the three commissioners.

The board did not set an interim or successor at the March 12 meeting; the minutes record only the retirement notice, the acceptance motion and that the letter was filed with the meeting records. Next procedural steps, including any process to name an interim sheriff or fill the vacancy, were not specified in the recorded minutes.