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News Brief
June 5, 2025 |
By: Gavin McGough
Nodaway County has been honored as a Blue Shield Community
Nodaway County is one of the latest communities in the state to be honored by Governor Kehoe as a Blue Shield Community. The Blue Shield Program was created by the Governor's Office in January of this year to recognize communities which are "leading the way in making public safety a priority." Law enforcement agencies and local governments who receive the honor will have the opportunity to apply for grant funding to support their work. County Sheriff Austin Hann and the County Commissioners heard earlier this week they had received the designation. The Commissioners have been important partners in the process, Hann said.Hann explains his approach to public safety is something he calls 'proactive policing.'The communities they work with appreciate that presence, Hann said. As Grant funds become available through the Blue Shield Program, Hann hopes to acquire a narcotics analyzer to assist the Office when it encounters drug use and trafficking. The Governor's recognition comes at an encouraging time, Hann said.During the pandemic, Hann noted, his Office saw an increase in call volume and made frequent trips to homes related to mental health and domestic violence issues. Call volumes have eased somewhat since that period. The County still staffs a deputy around the clock.
