Daviess County Jailer Art Maglinger has announced he will seek re-election, saying he remains committed to serving the community with “integrity, diligence, and compassion.”
Maglinger, 44, said the decision came “after much reflection, prayer, and discussion” with his family. A Republican, Maglinger was appointed to the position in August 2017 and was officially elected in November 2018. He ran unopposed in his last term, and this marks his bid for a third elected term.
“Over the past 22 years, I have dedicated my life to the public safety of our community, spending the last 8+ years as our county jailer,” Maglinger said. “While this constitutional office does carry an immense weight of responsibility, it also presents a deeply gratifying opportunity to provide noble service to others.”
He said his tenure has focused on strengthening staff development, improving inmate reentry programs, and maintaining institutional order amid challenges such as the pandemic and workforce shortages.
“My team and I have prioritized training, professional development, and more equitable pay for our invaluable deputy jailers — who serve behind the walls every day,” Maglinger said. “I have collaborated closely with Fiscal Court leadership to address the critical facility needs through the careful study, design, and planning stages of the much-needed renovation and expansion of the Daviess County Detention Center main building.”
Maglinger highlighted several initiatives under his leadership, including the Reentry Success Program, which provides workforce certification opportunities for inmates through community collaboration. The program earned the Daviess County Detention Center the 2024 “Education and Workforce Development Institution of the Year” award from the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.
He also noted new partnerships with organizations like Matthew’s Table and the addition of several programs aimed at rehabilitation and life skills, such as Portal – New Direction, MRT Parenting, MRT Anger Management, and MRT Untangling Relationships.
Under his leadership, Deputy Chris Isbill was named the statewide 2025 “Deputy Jailer of the Year” by the Kentucky Jailers Association for his heroic actions in rescuing a trapped semi-truck driver. Maglinger himself was recognized as the 2024 “Jailer of the Year” and serves as a training coordinator, chaplain, and member of the association’s Board of Directors.
Looking ahead, Maglinger said he plans to continue expanding training opportunities, professional development, and mental health care within the detention center.
“There will undoubtedly be many challenges ahead as several key DCDC staff members approach retirement eligibility, and we will have to work diligently to replace their knowledge and experience over time,” he said. “I firmly believe that a facility or agency is nothing without its greatest asset – its dedicated people who serve.”
Maglinger said he’s eager to see the upcoming renovation and expansion project reshape the future of the detention center and the community it serves.
“I am excited to be a part of that development and growth, which will have a long-lasting impact on the DCDC and Daviess County,” he said. “In closing, I want to affirm my sincere gratitude for my family, friends, colleagues, DCDC staff, community supporters, and most importantly, my personal Savior and anchor of my soul, Christ Jesus.”
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