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Shannon County, MO. Sheriff’s Office, 18078 2nd Street, Eminence, MO (2026)

06/18/2026

SHANNON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
PRESS RELEASE
Continued Obstruction and 100% Defunding Operations.
June 17, 2026

To the Citizens of Shannon County,

Last year, the Shannon County Sheriff's Office was forced to seek judicial intervention simply to continue operating and to ensure that our employees received the compensation they had earned. A court order was put in place regarding the payment of Sheriff's Office employees and the continued operation of this office.

So what happened next?

In my opinion, rather than learning from that experience and working collaboratively to support public safety, the Shannon County Commission chose a different path. The Sheriff's Office budget was gutted once again.

For the second year in a row, my office has been forced to operate under what I believe to be financially unsustainable conditions while still being expected to provide the same level of law enforcement services to the citizens of Shannon County.

The men and women of this office have continued to answer calls for service, transport inmates, investigate crimes, respond to emergencies, and put themselves in harm's way every single day. Yet they have been left wondering whether their wages, benefits, and compensation will be honored. These are not numbers on a spreadsheet. These are deputies, dispatchers, jail staff, and public servants with mortgages, utility bills, children to feed, and families who depend upon them.

In my opinion, years of poor financial management have also contributed to this situation. Bills have repeatedly gone unpaid or been paid months late, only to be rolled into subsequent budget years, in some instances resulting in late fees that taxpayers ultimately bear. Every dollar spent on avoidable penalties is a dollar that could have been used to support public safety. Taxpayers should ask why bills are allegedly being carried over from one budget year to another and why public funds are being consumed by unnecessary late fees.

During my first year as Sheriff, my office took a substantial financial hit. Furthermore, I have previously expressed concerns that municipal contract revenues intended to help fund manpower and public safety services were not reflected in the Sheriff's Office budget (at all) that would have accurately represented the resources being generated for this office.

But do not worry- the Commission has already effectively destroyed those municipal agreements. Contracts that helped provide additional manpower and cooperative public safety services for our communities have been dismantled, eliminating revenue streams and partnerships that benefited the citizens of Shannon County. Once again, the people who pay the price are not politicians- they are the taxpayers and the men and women who answer your calls for help.

Let me also make one thing abundantly clear- the services provided by the Shannon County Sheriff's Office have not cost the taxpayers of this county an extra penny out of their pockets. We have sought grants, partnerships, and municipal agreements to supplement our operations and maximize services. We have worked to do more with less while maintaining our commitment to public safety.

I am also well aware of how well the cherry-picked Road and Bridge budget appears to perform on paper. My statement is not a dig at the hard-working men and women of the Road and Bridge Department. Many of them are my friends and they do a superb job for this county. But when certain budgets are highlighted while others are gutted, the citizens deserve to ask questions.

As the old saying in Shannon County goes: Close your mouth and tighten up the bumper, or you'll lose it all.

I have been transparent with the citizens of Shannon County. Have the Commissioners been equally transparent?

Does anyone truly know how much money this county receives each year? I have never seen a complete and understandable picture presented to the public. Have you?

The citizens deserve answers. They deserve transparency. They deserve accountability.

I have also watched handwritten notes, rumors, and narratives circulate throughout the county, often disseminated by individuals who have openly advocated for reducing law enforcement resources and who appear more interested in attacking this office than supporting the deputies and employees who protect this community.

Politics over public safety is dangerous!

A Sheriff's statutory duties do not disappear because a budget is unlawfully gutted. Criminals do not stop committing crimes because politicians create financial chaos. Emergency calls do not cease because public officials decide to play games with funding. The citizens of Shannon County still expect law enforcement protection, and they deserve it.

There are laws in place that protect and fund the Sheriff's Office and ensure that essential public safety services continue. I remain firmly committed to upholding my oath and pursuing every lawful avenue available to protect this office, its employees, and the citizens we serve.

I did not seek this office to remain silent while the men and women who wear this badge are financially undermined. I took an oath to protect this county, enforce the law, and serve the citizens of Shannon County. That oath did not come with an expiration date, and it certainly did not come with an exception for political gamesmanship.

To my employees- I see your sacrifice, I appreciate your service, and I will continue fighting for you.

To the citizens of Shannon County- ask questions, review the public records, attend meetings, and demand accountability from those who hold the 'purse strings.'

I work for the citizens of Shannon County- not the Commission!

You can gut a budget, destroy contracts, and spread rumors and lies, but you cannot extinguish the oath of the men and women sworn to protect Shannon County. The badge does not stop answering 911 calls because politics gets in the way. The Sheriff's Office will continue to serve and will continue fighting through every lawful means necessary to protect the citizens of this county.

Stay tuned. I stand firm.

Your Sheriff,

Steven Hogan

06/16/2026

SHANNON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE PRESS RELEASE

Crime of the day! Payroll held hostage.

Today, the men and women of the Shannon County Sheriff's Office once again find themselves caught in the middle of political games being played with their livelihoods.

The Shannon County Commission is well aware that Missouri law provides strong protections for Sheriff's Office employees and public safety operations.

The Commission cannot unilaterally withhold earned wages, diminish employee pay, terminate Sheriff's Office personnel, or effectively shut down public safety functions simply because they claim budgeted funds have been exhausted. This position is supported by Missouri case law, including Kuyper v. Stone County, and by the judgment entered by the Honorable John H. Bloodworth in the case of Shannon County Sheriff v. Shannon County Commission.

Missouri law requires timely payment of earned wages and provides safeguards under the County Budget Law and protections against disproportionate cuts to law enforcement funding. The events unfolding today mirror what occurred in 2025- claims of exhausted funds, threats to employees, and warnings that deputies would not be paid. Last time, the courts intervened, and the Sheriff's Office prevailed.

Rather than addressing their legal obligations, the Commission appears to have tossed this issue like a hot potato and left the County Treasurer to play games with the livelihoods of my employees. These are Deputies who work nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies to keep Shannon County safe. They have families, mortgages, and bills that do not stop because of political disputes.

Public safety in Shannon County should never be used as a bargaining chip.

My employees have earned their pay. The citizens of Shannon County deserve uninterrupted law enforcement services. No county official should be permitted to hold either hostage.

I am asking the citizens of Shannon County to pay close attention to what is occurring. Demand transparency. Demand accountability. Demand that those entrusted with your tax dollars follow the law and place public safety above politics.

Despite these challenges, the men and women of the Shannon County Sheriff's Office will continue to perform their duties professionally, document everything, and stand united in service to this county. We have weathered this storm before, and we will continue standing for our employees, our office, and the citizens we proudly serve.

I stand firm!

Your Sheriff,

Steven Hogan

06/15/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

For anyone planning to attend Monday's Shannon County Commission meeting to ask questions, seek answers, or hold your elected officials accountable, you'll need to reschedule.

The meeting has been canceled due to "conflicting schedules." Interesting timing.

Transparency and accountability don't take a day off, but apparently County Commission meetings do.

Your Sheriff,

Steven Hogan

06/14/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shannon County Sheriff’s Office
Attorney Jason Coatney Addresses October 12, 2025 Civil Filing Regarding Commission Conduct and County Governance

On October 12, 2025, in my official capacity as Sheriff of Shannon County, I filed a civil action in circuit court concerning ongoing operational and fiscal disputes involving the Shannon County Commission.

This filing outlines serious concerns regarding the administration, oversight, and handling of county resources as they relate to the statutory duties of the Office of Sheriff and the broader obligation to protect taxpayer interests.

The petition, filed through my attorney Jason Coatney, includes claims and requests for relief involving allegations of:
Misuse of public funds
Breach of fiduciary duty
False records
Waste and mismanagement of public resources
Defamation
Declaratory and injunctive relief

These matters are now before the circuit court for judicial review.

It is important to emphasize that the purpose of this filing is not political theater or public spectacle, but accountability and the lawful resolution of ongoing disputes that directly affect the operation of public safety services in Shannon County.

Unfortunately, instead of focusing solely on resolving these issues through appropriate governmental and legal channels, the public discourse has at times been shaped by selective narratives and media attention. The citizens of Shannon County deserve transparency grounded in facts—not perception or political framing.

The Office of Sheriff remains committed to:
Maintaining uninterrupted law enforcement and emergency response services
Ensuring lawful stewardship of public safety resources
Operating within constitutional and statutory authority
Pursuing resolution through the courts where necessary

The Sheriff’s Office will continue to perform its duties without regard to political pressure, and will fully participate in the judicial process as this matter proceeds.

Further updates will be provided as appropriate and as permitted by court proceedings.

Below is the link to the aforementioned civil suit. Go to docket entry, then click on the very first entry 'pet. filed in Circuit Ct.'

https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=25AN-CV00236&inputVO.courtId=SMPDB0005_CT37

Your Sheriff,

Steven Hogan

06/13/2026

🌩 Be weather aware 🌩

The below weather alert (specifically wind) may be catastrophic. With the rain we have already received and the projected rain we may receive, the ground is saturated and top heavy trees could come crashing down.

If you have an emergency call the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office Central Dispatch at 573-226-3615 or 911.

I will be out monitoring the storm. Be safe and take care.

"Batten down the hatches!"

Your Sheriff,

Steven Hogan

06/13/2026

WEATHER ALERT FOR SATURDAY INTO SUNDAY

The Shannon County Sheriff's Office would like to make all residents and visitors aware of the potential for strong to severe weather across Missouri beginning Saturday and continuing into Sunday.

Current forecasts indicate that multiple rounds of thunderstorms may develop, with the potential for damaging straight-line winds, large hail, heavy rainfall, and isolated tornadoes. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and the exact timing and severity of storms may vary across our region.

As your Sheriff, my primary concern is the safety of our citizens, visitors, first responders, and their families. I encourage everyone to take the time now to review their emergency plans, ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, and remain weather-aware throughout the weekend.

Safety Reminders:
Monitor weather conditions closely throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Have a reliable way to receive warnings, especially during overnight hours.
Secure outdoor items that could become airborne during high winds.
Identify a safe shelter location in the event a tornado warning is issued.
Avoid driving through flooded roadways. Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown.
Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and those who may need assistance.

For the most current weather information and emergency updates, please follow:
The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) page
The Shannon County Emergency Management page
Your local Fire Department pages
Local television, radio, and National Weather Service weather updates

I will continue to monitor conditions and coordinate with emergency management and local fire agencies as needed.

Please stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe.

Your Sheriff,

Steven Hogan

06/12/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SHANNON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Understanding Missouri's Castle Doctrine and Self-Defense Laws

As Sheriff of Shannon County, I believe it is important for our citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities under Missouri law regarding self-defense.

Missouri's Castle Doctrine is designed to protect law-abiding citizens who are faced with unlawful threats in their homes, vehicles, and certain other locations. The law recognizes that individuals have the right to defend themselves, their families, and others when confronted with an imminent threat of serious physical injury or death.

Under Missouri law, a person may use physical force, including deadly force in certain circumstances, when they reasonably believe such force is necessary to protect themselves or another person from death, serious physical injury, or the commission of a forcible felony.

The Castle Doctrine generally removes the duty to retreat when a person is lawfully present in a location and is faced with an unlawful threat. However, every situation is unique, and the justification for the use of force is determined by the specific facts and circumstances of each incident.

Citizens should understand that self-defense laws are not a license to use force indiscriminately. Any use of force incident will be thoroughly investigated to determine whether the actions taken were lawful under Missouri statutes.

The Shannon County Sheriff's Office remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens while ensuring public safety throughout our communities. We encourage residents to familiarize themselves with Missouri's self-defense laws and to exercise good judgment in all situations.

If you have questions regarding Missouri's self-defense laws, please consult qualified legal counsel or review the applicable Missouri Revised Statutes.

"Protecting and Serving the Citizens of Shannon County"

Your Sheriff,

Steven Hogan

06/11/2026

Over the past several months, there has been no shortage of rumors, misinformation, and keyboard warriors offering opinions about the operations of the Shannon County Sheriff's Office.
While everyone is entitled to their opinion, opinions should be based on facts, not speculation.

Since taking office, my administration has worked tirelessly to improve law enforcement services, increase accountability, and provide the highest level of public safety possible with the resources available. Unfortunately, significant reductions to the Sheriff's Office budget have impacted staffing, equipment, training, operations, and our overall ability to serve the citizens of Shannon County.

There are several budget-related facts that taxpayers deserve to know. Please refer to the attached budget documents and supporting records when reviewing the following information.

The budget line item identified as "Equipment" does not represent entirely new funding available for equipment purchases in 2026. A portion of those funds was used to pay delinquent bills carried over from 2025. As a result, the amount appearing in the budget does not accurately reflect funds available for new equipment purchases during the current year.

The budget line item identified as "Fuel Expense" was also impacted by delinquent bills carried over from 2025. Approximately half of that budget category was consumed by prior-year obligations, including a late fee of $238.74. Taxpayers may be surprised to learn how much of their hard-earned tax dollars can be lost to unnecessary late fees when bills are not paid in a timely manner.

For transparency, fuel purchased during the 2026 budget year totals $15,560.62. Despite those expenditures, $14,298.25 remains in the fuel budget.

Likewise, the budget line item identified as "Office Expense" was affected by delinquent bills carried over from 2025. Therefore, a portion of the funding reflected in that budget category was used to satisfy outstanding obligations from the prior year rather than supporting current Sheriff's Office operations.

Taxpayers should also be aware of prior court findings and statutory protections concerning Sheriff's Office staffing and budgeting.

On July 29, 2025, a judgment was entered by the Honorable John Bloodworth. As stated in that judgment:
"The finding by the Court that said action is void is irrelevant in that the Shannon County Commission does not have the authority to terminate the existing staff nor diminish their existing pay pursuant to Kuyper vs Stone County Commissioner, 838 S.W.2d 436."

Based upon that judgment, it is my understanding that the Commission does not possess the authority to terminate existing Sheriff's Office employees or reduce the pay of existing Sheriff's Office personnel.

Additionally, Missouri law provides protections against disproportionate reductions in law enforcement funding. RSMo § 67.030.2 states that a taxpayer may seek injunctive relief if a political subdivision decreases the budget of its law enforcement agency by an amount exceeding more than twelve percent relative to the proposed budgets of other departments over a five-year aggregate period.

In plain terms, while a county commission may reduce a Sheriff's Office budget, Missouri law provides a mechanism for taxpayers to challenge reductions that disproportionately impact law enforcement when compared to other county departments over a five-year aggregate period. It is important to note the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office budget was cut 59% from the approved 2025 operations budget of $578,000.00 to the current budget of $338,137.51.

It is my opinion that these statutory protections exist for a reason. When budget decisions appear to target a single department disproportionately, taxpayers have every right to ask questions and demand accountability. It is also my opinion that county budgets should be developed in accordance with Missouri law and applied fairly across all departments rather than through what many would describe as selective or "cherry-picked" budgeting practices.

Public safety is not a political game. Every reduction in funding has real-world consequences. Fewer resources mean fewer tools available to deputies, less training, increased strain on personnel, and greater challenges in responding to emergencies across the second largest county in Missouri.

In addition to budget concerns, municipality agreements that provided manpower, equipment, and cooperative public safety services have not been honored. These partnerships were designed to benefit the citizens of Shannon County and maximize taxpayer dollars. When those agreements are not supported, the burden ultimately falls on the taxpayers and the deputies who continue to answer the call for service.

Despite these challenges, the dedicated men and women of the Shannon County Sheriff's Office have continued to report for duty every day.They continue to answer calls, investigate crimes, assist citizens in need, and put themselves in harm's way to protect our communities.

My commitment remains unchanged. I will continue to fight for the resources necessary to keep our county safe, operate with transparency, and be accountable to the citizens who elected me to serve as their Sheriff.

I ask the public to remain engaged, ask questions, review the facts, and hold all elected officials accountable.

Government works best when it operates in the open and when public officials remember that they serve the people.

The safety of our citizens should always come before politics.

Questions and concerns may be directed to your Shannon County Commission.

Your Sheriff,

Steven Hogan

06/09/2026

Shannon County Sheriff’s Office Officially Receives Missouri Blue Shield Designation

Today, the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office received official word from the Missouri Department of Public Safety that we have earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation for 2026. This honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate their commitment to enhancing public safety, investing in and supporting law enforcement and building partnerships between law enforcement and our community. The Shannon County Sheriff’s Office was also recognized with a Blue Shield designation in 2025.

The Missouri Blue Shield Program was created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03. In 2025, 201 Missouri communities earned the Blue Shield designation, recognizing local governments’ significant efforts to reduce crime and foster law enforcement – community partnerships to strengthen public safety. The opportunity to earn the Blue Shield designation for 2026 opened on February 4, 2026. Communities that earned the Blue Shield designation in 2025 had to reapply this year to be approved once again.

“The Blue Shield program has shown what’s possible when communities commit to prioritizing law enforcement and public safety,” Governor Kehoe said. “After awarding $50,000 grants to more than 200 communities last year, we’re continuing that work by welcoming new communities and renewing Blue Shield designations for counties, towns, and cities that remain committed to the program.”

“Strengthening public safety and committing to joint law enforcement community – citizen safety efforts is what the Blue Shield Program is all about and the Department of Public Safety is honored to work with communities like the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office, that have answered the Blue Shield challenge,” said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). “Last year, the essential equipment provided by Blue Shield grants included 388 mobile data terminals, 351 body cameras, 151 license plate readers (LPR), 102 ballistic vests, 91 interoperable radios and 56 vehicles. We look forward to getting additional important equipment and training to our partners in local law enforcement.”

Being awarded the Blue Shield Grant for the second straight year reflects the hard work, dedication, and professionalism of every member of our agency.

Eligibility and Program Details:
Communities are eligible for a Missouri Blue Shield designation based on their dedication to reducing crime, making substantial investments in public safety, and developing strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. Each participating community’s commitment is reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with the program’s goals.

Participation Incentives:
Communities that earn a Missouri Blue Shield designation will receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of Governor Kehoe’s Recommended Budget for the State Fiscal Year 2027, provided the General Assembly approves the funding. The Governor’s FY 2027 budget appropriated $10 million to the program for equipment and training grants. Communities will also be featured on Governor Kehoe’s social media pages as well as the DPS website to highlight their participation in the program. A map of 2025 Blue Shield communities is available.

The Shannon County Sheriff’s Office earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation because of its exceptional commitment to public safety. Through specific initiatives from application, such as officer recruitment efforts, partnerships with community stakeholders, etc., the community has demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to protecting its residents.

This designation affirms the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office’s effort to create a safer, more secure environment for all who live and work here.

Your Sheriff,

Steven Hogan

06/06/2026

A few highlights of May 2026.

Shannon County, MO. Sheriff’s Office

06/18/2026

06/16/2026

06/15/2026

06/14/2026

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

06/12/2026

06/11/2026

06/09/2026

06/06/2026

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