November 29, 2011 • Page 10 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Introducing Jim Valahakis My name is Jim Valahakis I was born and raised in Yankton, and after graduation from Yankton High School I began a full time job as an Emergency Medical Technician for the Yankton County Ambulance Service in 1978. In November of 1978 I took a civil service exam in Norfolk, Neb., and was hired as a patrol officer with the Norfolk Police Department. In the State of Nebraska, at that time, you could be a law enforcement officer at the age of 19 while in South Dakota the minimum age was 21. After reaching the age of 21 I was offered a job with the Yankton Police Department and returned to my hometown. A short time later I was offered a job with the Yankton County Sheriff's Office where I worked for the next 9-1/2 years and served as the Chief Deputy Sheriff. While working full time at the Sheriff's Office I became a non-traditional student attending college at the University of South Dakota and Mount Marty College. In 1989 I began a 20 year career with the South Dakota Attorney General's Office Division of Criminal Investigation. As a special agent I worked the majority of my career out of the Yankton Field Office covering the counties in Southeast South Dakota assigned to the investigation of felony crimes. I held several positions with DCI over the years including Special Agent, Supervisory Special Agent, Assistant Director for Field Operations and then was appointed by the Attorney General as Director of the Division of Criminal Investigation. I retired from DCI in 2008. I continued working part time for the Attorney General's Office assisting in the management and implementation of the statewide 24/7 program for the next two years. I was elected Sheriff of Yankton County in November of 2010 and took office in January of 2011. It continues to be an honor and privilege to serve as your Sheriff in the county that has been home for my wife Joyce and I our entire lives. I am fortunate to have a dedicated and professional staff that works hard to keep our communities safe. I encourage any citizens with questions or concerns about their Sheriff's Office to feel free to contact me at anytime. Office: 605-668-3567 Home:605-665-8312 sheriff@yanktonlaw.com Salute Our Guardians with the Phone: 605-665-5884 Fax: 605-665-5882 216 W. 4th Street Yankton, SD 57078 Salute Our Guardians with the Phone: 605-665-5884 Fax: 605-665-5882 216 W. 4th Street Yankton, SD 57078 certified public accountants Harry Lane, Electrical Contractor • Commercial • Residential • Farm Wiring • Prompt Service • Quality Work • Competitive Prices New Construction or Remodeling • Home 665-6612 2809 Broadway Ave., Yankton, SD 1-800-759-5275 Fax: 605-665-8908 T R U S T E D F O R G E N E R AT I O N S DIRECTORS: Jim Wintz • Jerry Wintz • Paul Wintz • Steve Wintz www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com 2901 Douglas Yankton, SD 57078-4841 605-665-3644 Fax 605-665-3646 1-800-765-6213 212 Walnut Street, Historic Downtown Yankton 605-665-2067 If you would like to support our Guardians and advertise your business call us at 605-665-5884. 605-665-9884 NOW OPEN AT 11 a.m. FOR NOON LUNCH – MONDAY-SATURDAY SUNDAY 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. A Proud Salute to our Guardians DAKOTA ARCHERY & OUTDOOR SPORTS 605-665-8340 2305 E. Hwy. 50 • Yankton Open every night ‘till 9:00 p.m. A Proud Salute to our Guardians 2100 BROADWAY • YANKTON, SD 605-665-3412 PHARMACY: 665-8261 • FLORAL: 665-0662 A Proud Salute to our Guardians A Proud Salute to our Guardians Yankton Office 207 Douglas Avenue • PO Box 1018 Yankton, SD 57078 605-665-4401 • Fax: 605-665-0592 RESTAURANT 1000 Cattle Drive • Yankton, SD For Flooring with a Professional Touch A Proud Salute to our Guardians 501 Summit • Yankton, SD (605) 668-8000 FIRST CHIROPRACTIC CENTER A Proud Salute to our Guardians “Where understanding is a way of life.” 601 West 21st Street, Yankton Locations in Yankton, Tabor & Menno 605-665-9679 • 800-495-9679 2507 Fox Run Parkway Yankton, SD 57078 • (605) 665-8073 www.firstchiropracticcenter.com M.T. & R.C. Smith Insurance, Inc. 204 West 4th • PO Box 1077 Yankton, SD • 605-665-3611 Toll Free: 1-888-665-3611 Fax: 605-665-2560 www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com If you would like to support our Guardians and advertise your business call us at 605-665-5884. FRED HAAR COMPANY, INC. 605-665-3762 • 800-952-2424 2200 E. HWY. 50 • YANKTON, SD 57078 Yankton, SD • 605-665-3762 Freeman, SD • 605-925-4241 Wagner, SD • 605-384-4580 ??????????????????????????????????