Melissa Trump went in front of the Clinton County Commissioners Thursday and requested the K-9 dog, Tiko who was taken from her earlier this year while she was being investigated and a Sheriffs Department Merit Board ruling was issued on her conduct. Trump started off the conversation by explaining she would purchase Tiko, she has arranged for another K-9 company to give the county a “ready to go” K-9 free of charge and she also said she felt and feel that all along this has been a vendetta against her. Here is Trump with her opening thoughts yesterday….
Something that wasn’t know until yesterday was that her attorney called her up a couple days after the Merit Board decision and said county assets such as a vehicle or a K-9 is determined who owns them by commissioners not the head of the department it’s issued to which is the sheriffs department in this case. She said her attorney told her not to say anything about it for fear of retribution from the sheriff. She said she was secretly celebrating inside the past few weeks but recently realized the commissioners may have got cold feet. As she explains here….
Next, Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly addresses all of the concerns and said the animal is a county asset and was purchased with grant money given to this community and therefore should work in this community. He said it’s not the dogs fault, it’s Trumps fault the dog is in this position….
Kelly goes on to share how long a dog can be effective and additional costs associated with this….
Next to speak was Detective Jon Greiner who spoke to the commissioners and was careful on what he shared…
Nic Hillman spoke next on his request to keep Tiko where he currently is and to not return the animal to Trump. Hillman is the father of Prestin Hillman a deputy who currently handles Tiko. He also says toward the end he empathizes with Trump as they have worked together in the past and he understands the bond.
Trump then took the opportunity to be a little more pointed on how she felt she has been treated…
Commissioner Bert Weaver had some harsh words for the alleged mismanagement on the part of Sheriff Kelly….
He made two motions in Trumps favor. He wanted to establish a policy for the future if they were to run into a situation like this again. They decided to come up with a policy and discuss it at the next meeting. He also made a motion to give the dog back to Trump. Commissioner Jordan Brewer said he wants another month to investigate but is comfortable making a determination of Tikos fate at the next meeting….
Trump late yesterday just received her documentation from the sheriff’s department nearly three weeks after the Merit Boards decision that she could keep her job with a 30 day suspension
As a concerned county citizen, it’s troubling to see Bert Weaver so quickly endorse M. Trump without any discussion about important issues, particularly the future of K9 Tiko. This move seems questionable, especially considering that Weaver and Trump’s lawyer were spotted in restricted areas during a merit board meeting. Is Weaver prioritizing the county’s best interests, or is he solely focused on aligning with Trump’s agenda, possibly at the expense of the community?
K9 Tiko is a valuable resource for Clinton County, and there’s no reason he shouldn’t continue serving as an active asset. Weaver’s recent remarks against the sheriff’s office raise questions about whether he’s acting out of retaliation. During the last meeting, Jordan Brewer, in a professional demeanor, challenged Weaver’s statements, making it clear Weaver’s conduct may need to be reviewed. Commissioner Uitts even backed Brewer, stressing that the matter should be re-evaluated for the benefit of the community.
If the county intends to retire or sell K9 Tiko, citizens would expect a fair and transparent process, possibly through a public auction at a starting bid that reflects his value. Many in the community are deeply concerned about potential retaliation surrounding this issue, and social media comments reveal a surge of support from Trump’s followers, who may not fully grasp the local implications. Disrespecting or undermining a fellow deputy should not factor into such a significant decision.