Owen to Step Down as Sheriff at End of December

Sheriff Kevin Owen will be stepping down from his duties as the Grant County Sheriff at the end of this month. Owen took office in January 2011. Previously, he served as a South Dakota Highway Patrol officer and in the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. 

The commissioners tapped Owen from amongst nine applicants to hire him as the new county administrator and commissioner assistant effective January 1, 2026. Owen will replace Karen Layher, who plans to retire on March 30.

According to Layher, the Grant County Commissioners will hold their regular meeting on December 16, when they will appoint an interim sheriff to fill Owen’s remaining term. The Grant County Sheriff, an elected position, will appear on the ballot during the November 2026 election. Petitions will be available after January 1.

Owen said, “I have appreciated the opportunity to serve Grant County and its citizens as their sheriff for the last 15 years. I look forward to continuing to serve in a different capacity.”