Towns County's new Sheriff
By BECKY LANDRESS Towns Sentinel Publisher

"I hope to restore confidence in the office of sheriff," was stated by Towns County Sheriff Neal Dover, after being sworn in on Monday, August 27 at noon.

Seventy-three-year-old Dover has been appointed sheriff to fulfill the term of previous sheriff, Rudy Eller, until a special election can be held in November.

Dover is a lifelong native of Towns County and has been semi-retired for the past few years. From 1996 to 2000, Dover served as Chief Deputy.

Dover took his Oath of Office and Oath of Loyalty by Judge Wayne Garrett in front of a handful of reporters, members of the sheriff's office and others.

"I will have an open door policy," stated Dover, "If you can't get in touch with me, someone will always talk to you." stated Dover in a speech he read after being sworn in and signing his oath.

"If a sheriff can't control himself, he can't control others." Dover said when asked later about what kind of sheriff he plans to be and his opinion of the office responsibilities.

He continued on to say that he hopes to work well with the commissioner, "The Commissioner and I are both working for taxpayers to do what's best for the county."

Dover also plans to probably keep the personnel within the Sheriff's office the same and he plans to run in the sheriff's election to be held in November.