Courthouse
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White County Courthouse has benefited from 10 AHPP restoration grants
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mong the many programs and services of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program is the County Courthouse Restoration Grant Program. Created in 1989, this grant program has helped to extend the lives of courthouses that hold vital links to community pride and local history. These grants are funded through the Real Estate Transfer Tax, administered by the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council. Since the beginning of the program, the AHPP has awarded more than $18.6 million to 69 historic courthouses and courthouse annexes around the state for use in rehabilitating, preserving and protecting these important historic resources. Since 1991, White County has received 10 grants totaling $293,204 for the White County Courthouse. FY1991 Waterproofing Basement $10,000 FY1992 Waterproofing Basement and Parapet Walls $21,075 FY1993 Repaint Exterior $7,500 FY1995 Restore Interior Walls and Ceilings $3,500 FY1997 Install Chairlift $20,250 FY1999 North/South Porch Roofs; Paint Clock Tower $35,679 FY2009 Exterior Painting $42,000 FY2012 Roof Restoration $80,000 FY2013 Finish Roof Restoration $48,200 FY2015 Repair Chairlift $25,000
The AHPP also awarded White County a $33,100 County Courthouse Restoration Grant in FY2002 to make the restrooms at the 1914 Searcy Post Office at Gum and Arch streets accessible to handicapped citizens and to install storm windows at the building, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 20, 1992. The building now serves as a courthouse annex: the Wilbur D. Mills Courts Building, housing the county’s circuit, chancery and probate court offices.
The White County Courthouse and its clock tower were designed by H.L. Baldwin of Memphis. The bell in the tower, which was refurbished in 1999 using a $35,679 Restoration Grant, dates back to 1855.
Desha County Collector named Woman of the Year in 2014
Photo courtesy of McGehee Times 30
Desha County Collector Vaughta Glover was named Woman of the Year by the McGehee Chamber of Commerce in a ceremony that took place in November 2014. In announcing the award, LeeAnn Reed, who works in the collector’s office, recounted Glover’s years of community service. Glover’s first term as county collector began in January 1997. She has organized reunions for many groups, including the 60th Anniversary Celebration at her church, Antioch Baptist Church. Glover also organizes the county courthouse team for the annual Desha County Relay for Life, and she is an active member of the McGehee Women’s Chamber of Commerce. In 2002, Glover was first elected by her peers to serve on the board of directors of the Arkansas County Tax Collectors Association. She has served as the association’s second vice-president. COUNTY LINES, WINTER 2015
