Mike Campbell

06/02/2026

Over the past several weeks, our department has responded to multiple reports of possible wildfires that ultimately turned out to be residents conducting controlled burns. Unfortunately, these burns had not been reported prior to ignition.

When a fire is reported, we must treat every call as a potential emergency and respond accordingly. Each unnecessary response ties up firefighters, apparatus, and resources that may be needed for actual emergencies elsewhere in the county.

If you plan to conduct a controlled burn, please take a few moments to notify the Clay County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 940-538-5611 before you light the fire. A simple phone call can help prevent unnecessary emergency responses and ensure our resources remain available for those who truly need them.

It is also strongly recommended that all controlled burns be completely extinguished before sunset. As daylight fades, smoke becomes more difficult to evaluate, visibility decreases for motorists, and reports of unattended fires often increase, leading to additional calls for service.

Safe burning isn't just about following regulations—it's our responsibility as a community to help protect valuable emergency resources and keep our firefighters focused on real emergencies.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our community safe!

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

Ready to make a difference in your community? Join a team committed to service, integrity, and professionalism. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is looking for dedicated individuals to step up and serve. Start your law enforcement career today!

05/28/2026

I have been asked for a copy of my remarks during the American Legion Memorial Day Ceremony. Here they are:

The Greatest Sentence Ever Written
Other than the Bible, what is the greatest sentence ever written? Who wrote it and when? Why did they write it?
Our 250th anniversary as a country is fast approaching. So, I’ve been brushing up on our history. I recently read a book with that premise, "The Greatest Sentence Ever Written."

Today, I will give you my book report.

The U.S. Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the historic document officially severed the 13 American colonies' political ties to Great Britain and established a new, sovereign nation built on the principles of natural rights and self-governance.
The armed conflict of the American Revolutionary War began in April 1775. Initially, colonists were fighting for their rights as British citizens, but as tensions escalated, the push for total sovereignty grew.
It was largely about taxation without representation, private property rights, and religious freedom. On June 11, 1776, Congress appointed a committee to draft a formal statement of separation: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman served on that committee. Jefferson was the primary author, writing the initial draft between June 11 and June 28. Can you imagine the government getting something that big done in 17 days today?

So, what is the greatest sentence ever written?

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Since July 4th, 1776, Americans have fought and died for that sentence. That was long before Clay County was organized in 1873, but since then, the memorial behind me lists the names of those who agree with that sentence. That is what we are remembering today!

The final sentence is this: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

We are indeed grateful to them and their families who made the ultimate sacrifice. Our prayer today is that we don’t add any more names to this monument. But I feel confident that, if needed, Clay County will respond.

05/26/2026

Regular meeting
5/26/2026