Howard County Sheriff Bryan McJunkins announced this week that as filing time for the upcoming election nears and new candidates for office start their announcements, “it is an appropriate time to announce that I will not be seeking re-election for the upcoming term for Sheriff/Collector of Howard County.”
At the end of his current term, McJunkins will have 28 years with the county sheriff’s office with 12 of those years as sheriff.
“I will be retiring at that time. With a little more than a year left before retirement and many new projects going on, it will continue to be a busy time,” he said. “It has been and continues to be an honor and a privilege to serve as your sheriff.”
In his announcement, McJunkins also endorsed two longtime county employees, including his Chief Deputy Joey Davis to replace him, and Jana Tallant, his current jail administrator, who is seeking the office of Howard County Circuit Clerk.
Davis, who will run on the Republican ticket for sheriff/collector also official announced his plans this week.
“I have served the great citizens of Howard County since graduating from high school in 2003,” Davis announced.
Shortly after graduating, Davis started my career with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, serving as a dispatcher/jailer under then-Sheriff Butch Morris. After two years, he was promoted to patrol deputy, where he spent “the next 11 years patrolling day and night, learning the county, and building relationships with citizens throughout the county.”
In April 2017, Davis assumed a new role as a criminal investigator. For the next four years, “I spent countless hours investigating all types of crimes including homicides, violent crimes, sex crimes, residential burglaries, and other property crimes. Helping bring justice to victims of crimes by making arrests or returning property to the rightful owners was very rewarding.”
He was promoted to chief deputy in 2021, by Sheriff McJunkins.
“I am honored to say that I have spent over half my life working for the citizens of Howard County and have held almost every position in the department. I believe that I have the experience needed to lead this department. I kindly ask for support and a vote to continue moving our great county forward,” Davis concluded.
Davis and his wife of 14 years, Daron, are the proud parents of three daughters, Raylie, Emma, and Kirklynn.
Tallant, who also officially announced her plans this week to run for Howard County Circuit Clerk, began her career at the Howard County Sheriff’s Office in May 1997, under Sheriff Butch Morris. She was promoted to jail administrator in January 2006 and is still employed with the department.
“During my time of employment, I have been able to interact with and help citizens of Howard County,” Tallant said. “I have also worked with the circuit and district courts, as well as built a relationship with the Judges. I would graciously ask for the support and votes from the citizens of Howard County.”
Tallant, who is running on the Republican ticket, is married to Howard County Deputy Todd Tallant and has been for 18 years.
