Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office

09/11/2026

08/27/2026

Update: Road is now open

🚨 ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE 🚨

N60 through Rodman is CLOSED due to a water main break.

Please use alternative routes and avoid the area until further notice.

We will provide updates when the roadway reopens. Please use caution and allow extra time for travel.

08/14/2026

The Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office would like to congratulate Deputy Matt Veon on his upcoming retirement after an incredible 26 1/2 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, including the past 11 years with the Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office.

Throughout his career, Deputy Veon has served with honor, integrity, professionalism, and distinction. During his 11 years with the Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office, he has been a tremendous asset to our agency and the citizens we serve. His experience, work ethic, and willingness to go above and beyond his duties, have made a lasting impact.

While we are excited for him as he begins this next chapter in his life, his retirement will leave a significant void within our sheriff's office. Over the years, Deputy Veon has developed a tremendous level of knowledge and expertise that has made him an invaluable member of our team. As an ALICE instructor, Fi****ms Instructor, Multi-Agency Response Team Member, and Standardized Field Sobriety Instructor, he has not only excelled in these areas himself, but has taken the time to share his knowledge and experience with other members of our agency and agencies within our Multi-Agency Response Team.

Deputy Veon is extremely knowledgeable, highly skilled, and very good at what he does. His contributions have helped make our deputies better prepared, more confident, and safer in carrying out their duties. We are very grateful for the years of service he has given to protecting and serving our communities. Congratulations on your retirement Deputy Veon. You have earned it!

I would like to cordially invite the public to a come and go retirement celebration for Deputy Sheriff Matt Veon on September 22nd from 1PM-3PM at the Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff John King

08/11/2026

Otto with Southwest International has obtained a Peddler's Permit and has been approved by the City of Emmetsburg to go door to door selling books. Otto is a college student from Europe, here for his summer internship.

08/06/2026

JOIN OUR TEAM AS A DEPUTY SHERIFF!!!

Are you looking for a career where your work truly matters? The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a motivated, professional individual to serve our community with integrity, courage and compassion. We are looking for someone who wants more than just a job. We are looking for a future leader committed to protecting our citizens and making a positive impact every day.

We Offer:

Competitive Salary – Up to $81,946.80 for a currently certified officer

Excellent Health & Dental Insurance

IPERS Retirement

Paid Training and Continuing Education

Modern Equipment

Opportunities for specialized assignments: Drone Program, DRE, Fi****ms Instructor, Taser Instructor, Multi-Agency Response Team, ALICE Instructor

Supportive Leadership and a Team Oriented Work Environment

Original completed application, resume and cover letter must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. September 4, 2026.
Application and resume must contain the applicant’s social security number for testing purposes. Applications can be picked up 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday – Friday at the Sheriff’s Office, 2002 10th Street, Emmetsburg IA 50536 or by emailing [email protected].

Palo Alto County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Send a message to learn more

07/31/2026

07/23/2026

Phone lines are working. Please call 712-852-3535 for non emergencies. Thank you!

07/22/2026

The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office is currently experiencing phone issues on our non emergency land line. Please call 712-887-5040 for non emergency’s. 712-852-3535 is not currently ringing through. For emergencies dial 911.

07/04/2026

As we look at the American flag we are reminded of the freedoms we enjoy and the sacrifices made by the men and women who have defended them.

On behalf of the sheriff’s office, we wish everyone a safe 4th of July and holiday weekend. Whether you are spending time with family, attending community events, or traveling, please celebrate responsibly.

The American flag represents unity, service, and the enduring spirit of our nation. We are honored to serve this community and are grateful for the trust you place in us each day.

From all of us at the sheriff’s office, thank you to our veterans, active-duty members, first responders, and all of you who keep our communities safe and strong.

God Bless America 🇺🇸

Sheriff King

06/02/2026

The Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office received a phone call today from a concerned person, in regards to a call they received from an alleged employee that worked at Bank Plus. The phone number came up as the Bank Plus bank in Estherville and the male subject advised the reporting party, that their bank account had been compromised. At this point, the male subject asked the citizen for all passwords associated with their account. No passwords were given out in this situation. This is a public notice to NOT give out any personal information to anyone over the phone. Bank plus did not call this reporting party in this situation. With technology today, a person can use their computer to spoof the phone number and make it appear that it comes from a legitimate business. If anyone receives any calls like this and has any questions, please reach out directly to your bank or even the sheriff's office. Do not give out any of your personal or private information to anyone that calls or texts you.