REPM Recognizes 3 Elected Sheriffs With Winston County Backgrounds

Joe Wylie presents REPM & State of Ms Certificates
 to Mike Arledge,Steve Gladney & Jason Pugh

It wasn't very long ago that Winston County was recognized as the home of three top SEC Basketball coaches. Now Winston County can lay claim to another group of three who are tops in their field of law enforcement. The past election brought in new Sheriffs in Winston, Oktibbeha, and Lowndes County; all with their roots in Winston County and the Louisville School System.

The Winston County Group of Retired Educational Personnel (REPM) hosted Jason Pugh -Winston County Sheriff, Steve Gladney - Oktibbeha County Sheriff and Mike Arledge - Lowndes County Sheriff on Thursday (Feb 2) at the Louisville City Hall. Each sheriff was presented with recognition certificates not only from REPM but also the Louisville Municipal School District and from the State of Mississippi. (see photos)

Mike Arledge, the newly elected sheriff of Lowndes County, graduated from LHS in 1973 and has been in law enforcement for 31 years. Incoming Oktibbeha County Sheriff, Steve Gladney, graduated from LHS in 1974. Gladney and Arledge spent time working together as members of the Miss. Highway Patrol. Jason Pugh, who took office in January as Winston County Sheriff, is a 1990 graduate of LHS as well.

Each sheriff spoke to the group about growing up in the area and particularly about school experiences. They also provided background as to why they sought the office and new programs and ideas that they are implementing or pursuing within their administrations.

Norma Jackson presents certificates
 from Louisville Public Schools 

One of the more interesting and concerning aspects of the discussion surrounded budgets for each office. While there are considerable differences in population size for the three counties;  geographic area and office requirements are similar.  The retired educators were concerned to note that while the Sheriff's Department in Lowndes had a budget in the $6.2 million range and the Oktibbeha Department had a budget around $3.5 million, the Winston County Sheriff's Department was operating on a $560,000 budget or 1/6 the size of Oktibbeha and about 1/11 the size of Lowndes.


w. mccully