A Marion icon has died. I cannot relate as many personal stories about June Jost as lifetime residents can but I do know that he had a colorful history.

He was known for his down-to-earth, common sense approach to law enforcement. When high profile crimes occurred in Marion County, he never lost his cool or demeanor — just told it like it was, whether he was talking to the press or his neighbor.

Some recall how June would turn on his siren a mile or two from the location of a teen beer party. When he arrived on the scene, teens would have the “goods” hidden but he would read them the riot act — telling them what would have happened had he caught them with alcohol.

In the early years of his law enforcement career, the sheriff and his family would live in the jailhouse — cooking meals for inmates and managing the facility, 24 hours a day. Many middle-aged people can recall the Josts’ open-door policy at their “home,” inviting children to stop by for milk and maybe a treat.

There will never be another one like him, but we can hope to continue his attitude of treating everyone with respect and being a good citizen.

— susan berg