Tufte lone candidate for Sheridan County State’s Attorney
Tufte lone candidate for Sheridan County State’s Attorney
By ALLAN TINKER
Jerod Elton Tufte is the only candidate on the ballot for the primary election this year and will likely become the new state’s attorney for Sheridan County when the election is held.
Tufte was present at the last Sheridan County Commission meeting on August 12 to introduce himself to the commissioners and the courthouse staff. He stated he had not been able to contact current State’s Attorney Walter Lipp that morning in order to visit with him also.
He noted some of the issues of concern in both Kidder and Sheridan County and found the counties share many. The population drop has been a huge issue, with a loss of 20 percent of the population in the last ten years. Wind farms, right of way issues, severance, and taxation fairness are all mutual concerns for the two counties, the commissioners and Tufte agreed.
The commissioners heard assurances from Tufte that his needs are minimal: secure file storage; a plug-in for his laptop; and a budget request for clerical help. He thought that would be about 10 hours, with Kidder County covering 20 hours. “Skilled help makes a difference to handle routine items,” he stated.
He noted that he feels it is the right thing to do, to prosecute cases and make sure that the sheriff isn’t “spinning wheels” in getting the investigative work done and then not going to court. He also noted that it is hard to get a prosecution in drunk driving and deer shooting violations but that it is the right thing to do, to enforce the laws that the legislature has enacted.
“I like to hear what people are saying,” he added. He also noted that it would take a year or so of working together to get the “kinks” worked out.
