55 minute read
Calendar of Events
April 26-27, 2010
Growing Arkansas’s Green Economy
Wyndham Riverfront Hotel
North Little Rock/Pulaski County
May 18, 2010
Preferential Primary and Nonpartisan
Judicial General Election
May 25-27, 2010
Arkansas Rural Development
Conference
Best Western Inn of the Ozarks
Eureka Springs/Carroll County
May 31, 2010
Memorial Day (AAC Offices Closed)
June 16-18, 2010
County Treasurers Continuing
Education Meeting
LakePoint
Russellville/Pope County
June 23-25, 2010
County Judges Association Annual
Spring Meeting
Holiday Inn of West Memphis
West Memphis/Crittenden County
June 25-July 2, 2010
International Association of Clerks,
Recorders, Election Officials, and
Treasurers 39th Annual Conference and Trade Show
Sheridan Chicago Hotel and Towers
Chicago/Cook County Illinois
July 26-28, 2010
Arkansas Sheriffs Association Summer
Convention
Best Western Inn of the Ozarks
Eureka Springs/Carroll County
August 6, 2010
Coroners Association Meeting 8-5; Site Pending
June 8-11, 2010
Assessors Summer Conference
Best Western Inn of the Ozarks
Eureka Springs/Carroll County
June 2-4, 2010
County Collectors Continuing
Education Meeting
Mount Magazine Lodge
Mount Magazine State Park/Logan
County
June 8, 2010
Primary Runoff Election
June 9, 2010
AAC Board of Directors Meeting
AAC Building
Little Rock/Pulaski County
June 9-11, 2010
Circuit Clerks Continuing Education
Meeting
Holiday Inn City Center
Fort Smith/Sebastian County
July 5, 2010
Independence Day Holiday Observed (AAC Offices Closed)
July 14-16, 2010
County Judges Association 2010
County Road Seminar
Norfork River Resort
Norfork/Baxter County
July 16-20, 2010
National Association of Counties
Annual Conference and Exposition
Reno-Sparks Conference Center
Reno/Washoe County Nevada
July 19-20, 2010
County Clerks Continuing Education
Meeting
AAC Building
Little Rock/Pulaski County
August 10, 2010
Annual AAC Golf Tournament
Course Pending
Hot Springs/Garland County
August 11-13, 2010
42nd Annual Association of Arkansas
Counties Conference
Hot Springs Convention Center
Hot Springs/Garland County
September 6, 2010
Labor Day (AAC Offices Closed)
September 22-24, 2010
County Judges Annual Fall Meeting Holiday Inn City Center Fort Smith/Sebastian County
September 20-October 1, 2010
County Clerks Continuing Education Meeting AAC Building Little Rock/Pulaski County
October 19-22, 2010
County Assessors Association
Fall Conference Hot Springs
– Compiled by David Morris AAC Assistant Director
Calendar activities are also posted on our website: www.arcounties.org
COUNTY LINES
County Lines is the official publication of the
Association of Arkansas Counties. It is published quarterly. For advertising inquiries, subscriptions or other information relating to the magazine, please contact Randy M. Kemp at 501.372.7550.
Executive Editor Eddie A. Jones ejones@arcounties.org
Managing Editor Randy M. Kemp
Association of Arkansas Counties
www.arcounties.org Executive Director Eddie A. Jones
David Morris, Assistant Director Jeanne Hunt, Executive Assistant Mark Whitmore, Chief Legal Counsel Jeff Sikes, Legislative Director Randy Kemp, Communications Director Cindy Posey, Accountant Brenda Hildebrandt, Accountant Brenda Emerson, Receptionist / Special Projects Coordinator AAC E-mail addresses: (initial of first name)(last name)@arcounties.org
Debbie Norman, Manager, Risk Mgmt Services Freda Taylor, Administrative Assistant Debbie Lakey, Workers’ Comp Claims Manager Cathy Perry, Administrative Assistant Kim Nash, Workers Comp Claims Examiner Cindy Calvert, Claims Examiner Becky Burnett, Administrative Assistant/Receptionist Barry Burkett, Loss Control Specialist RMS E-mail addresses: (initial of first name)(last name)@aacrms.com
If you want to write, call, or visit your AAC headquarters, here is the information you need: Association of Arkansas Counties 1415 West Third Street Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 372-7550 phone (501) 372-0611 fax
A blessed life and a rewarding career...
Like tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich on a cool, crisp day
Eddie A. Jones
AAC Executive Director
Remember when you would go to bed at night as a kid thinking, “I can’t wait until I wake up.” Oh, for the attitude of a 5 year old! That simple uncluttered desire for living that can’t wait for tomorrow. I not only remember that feeling as a kid – but that same feeling has prevailed through most of my professional career. It has been fun to get up in the mornings and go to work. I have truly had a blessed life. When I got into county government thirty years ago – I found my calling. There is no doubt in my mind that I have been serving where I was called to serve.
However, this is my final “From the Director’s Desk” column since I am retiring effective July 1 and AAC will have a new director when the July issue of County Lines is delivered to your office. I may ramble more than usual but I want to use this column to talk about leading, legacy and life.
Leading…….
County officials can and should choose to lead in these difficult times. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness...” It seems like Charles Dickens was writing about our nation’s current fiscal and political calamities when he penned those words in 1859. We are not living in an era like the one described in Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, but we are certainly in the midst of great economic and political struggles. And it certainly seems that we exist in conflicted times… dysfunctional but opportunistic… frustrating and maddening… historic and challenging… with hope and despair… everything before us, and nothing before us. These are tough times and it should bring out the best attributes of a true public servant. During my long tenure as an elected official and for the past three and a half years as Director of AAC it has been the tough times that have really challenged me and made me focus to find solutions.
Today’s political and economic climate calls for leaders who can develop a vision to prepare our counties for the future. We need leaders who can look down the road and discern what is really important to future generations, and then articulate that vision to a public that naturally does not like taxes. The current rhetoric about taxes fails to recognize that most of the taxes we pay today at the local and state levels are an investment in our future. And many local taxes will be passed by the electorate with a well-laid plan and trusted leadership. Trusted leadership comes with always being open and honest with your constituency – not telling them what they want to hear but the simple truth.
This economy will turn around, and when it does, county governments with leadership will be prepared for prosperity. Areas in which the focus has only been on trying to make everyone feel better today will continue to suffer because they won’t have the infrastructure or the plan in place to succeed. Yes, there will always be Red Seas, Jericho Walls and Goliaths to conquer – but good county leaders can do it. As I’ve said before, the key to success is more about passion than talent; it’s more about reaching potential than being gifted. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “We
must do the things we think we cannot do.”
As county leaders we don’t always get to choose the battle or issue, but we do get to choose how we will respond. In the best of times or the worst of times, people need someone to shoulder the task and lead the way. Maintain the focus. Make the choice. Be the leader you were elected to be.
Legacy…….
I believe county officials should start their service thinking about the leadership legacy they will leave. Thinking about your legacy will prove to be the impetus for your service and keep you on track. I “Thinking today about the legacy you can remember from the beginning of my service 30 years ago are leaving for others tomorrow will that I simply wanted to “make a difference”. I soon realized make you a better county leader today. that “make a difference” needed Building a legacy worth leaving begins further definition. How would I make a difference? Musing upon today and is made one decision at a the question was revealing. To make a difference I wanted to be time. Make a difference!” an elected official seen as a high standard example of ethics, work habits, knowledge of county government law, accuracy of facts and figures, and fairness. My hope is that Arkansas county government is better for my having passed its way. Was I successful? That’s not my call – but it kept me focused to be the best I could be.
In “Leaving a Leadership Legacy”, Dr. Randy Garner said, “Regardless of what you do as a leader, you will leave a legacy – the important thing is to consider how you would like to be remembered and to work toward those things that ensure the realization of that vision. When you think of your legacy now, it is much more likely that the legacy you actually leave will better match your goal. Legacy leadership is not accidental; it is intentional. It begins with self-reflection on how you see yourself, your role, and the way you want to influence others. Perhaps it might be more appropriate to talk about living your legacy rather than leaving a legacy, since the real challenge is to daily lead our lives in a way that positively influences those around us.”
Think back to the men and women who have shaped and mentored you. They planted seeds in your mind and heart – seeds of faith, hope and love – seeds of enthusiasm, action and service. They invested in your today so that you might pass on a legacy for someone else’s tomorrow. What lasting things will you plant today? What legacy will you leave? Thinking today about the legacy you are leaving for others tomorrow will make you a better county leader today! Building a legacy worth leaving begins today and is made one decision at a time. Make a difference!
Life…….
One of life’s greatest challenges is to find your true purpose in life. As Confucius said, “Choose work that you love and you’ll never have to work another day in your life.” I am so blessed to have spent the last 30 years in public service – something that I have a true passion for.
I have had a successful county government career – but in recent months I have been pondering Einstein’s words, “Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value.” To be a “man of value” right now I need to be with my family and take care of family needs. So, in defiance of those who believe I should continue – I am saying “no” to great things so I can say “yes” to the right thing: my current unique call. One of the Proverbs says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”
I trust that I can enjoy retirement as much as my Mother and Father did. Dad retired at age 62 and Mother was 59. Although Dad did some part-time work later in life – just because he wanted to be active and useful – they told me time and time again that retirement was such a “special time”. I am doing my best to remember that – retirement is a special time... a time to reflect on a job done... a time to look forward to new activities... and a time to pursue those things in life that mean the most to me. The wise man Solomon said, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” I have had my season – a good season for nearly 30 years – in county government. And I believe that I may be able to serve in some capacity again in years to come.
But for now – I want to enjoy what many people call the “little things” – which I have had a bad habit of not doing because I had “bigger things” to do. Things like “work”. But I have decided to play by the Robert Brault rule, “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”
The simple uncluttered desire for living that can’t wait for tomorrow – that’s the attitude I’m going to take into my new life of retirement. A blessed life... a rewarding career... a promising retirement!
Thank you for entrusting in me the leadership of this great organization for the past few years. What an incredible professional opportunity! When I ended my 30 year career in broadcasting in February, 2002 I ended my show with an old Bing Crosby song that I believe apropos to the ending of my 30 year county government career – “I’ll Be Seeing You”.
– EDDIE A. JONES AAC Executive Director
Juggling county time and duties during a campaign: Always take the high road
Now’s a good time to review some of the dos and don’ts of a re-election campaign...
With the political season in full swing, I thought it very timely to review the unlawful campaign activities as presented to the County Judge’s Association by attorney Mike Rainwater. The following excerpts are from his presentation:
Ark. Code Ann. 7-1-103 provides for the following: (a) The violation of any of the following shall be deemed misdemeanors punishable as provided in this section:
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to appoint or offer to appoint anyone to any office or position of trust or for any person to influence, attempt to influence, or offer to influence the appointment, nomination, or election of any person to office in consideration of the support or assistance of the person for any candidate in any election in this state;
(2) (A) It shall be unlawful for any public officer, deputy or assistant to devote any time or labor during usual office hours toward the campaign of any other candidate for office or for the nomination to any office:
(2) (B) It shall be unlawful for any public officer or public employee of the State of Arkansas or any county or municipality of this state to circulate an initiative or referendum petition in any public office of the state, county, or municipal governments of Arkansas or during the usual office hours or while on duty for any state agency or any county or municipal government in Arkansas.
(3) It shall be unlawful for any public servant, as defined in § 21-8-402(17) to use any office or room furnished at public expense to distribute any letters, circulars, or other campaign materials, unless such office or room is regularly used by members of the public for such purposes without regard to political affiliation. It shall further be unlawful for any public servant to use for campaign purposes any item of personal property provided with public funds;
(4) It shall be unlawful for any person to assess any state employee for any political purpose whatever or to coerce by threats or otherwise any state employee into making a subscription or contribution for any political purpose;
(5) It shall be unlawful for any person employed in any capacity in any department of the State of Arkansas to have membership in any political party or organization which advocates the overthrow of our constitutional form of government;
(6) It shall be unlawful for any campaign banners, cards, or campaign literature to be placed on any cars, trucks, or tractors belonging to the State of Arkansas or any municipality or county in the state.
By our very nature and positions, we are all politicians to one degree or the other. Please, for everyone’s benefit in county government, keep the above limitations in mind before you ask for support at the courthouse or in a county vehicle. Also, be mindful of the use of the telephone and computers that belong to the county.
Best wishes to each of you on your re-election efforts...
MIKE JACOBS AAC Board President
County Officials: “By our very nature and positions, we are all politicians to one degree or other. Keep these limitations in mind before you ask for support at the courthouse or in a county vehicle.”
The Hon. Mike Jacobs, Johnson County Judge AAC Board President
Now is the time to act to stave off
60 percent reduction in SRS funding Mount Magazine strategy session planned
JEFF SIKES AAC Legislative Director
In the June 2009 edition of County Lines I told you that your Association of Arkansas Counties was in the process of improving its service delivery as regards national issues and working with our members of Congress. I would like to report on our progress and give you a chance to assist in our efforts to stave off a proposed 60 percent reduction in the funding for the Secure Rural Schools & Community Self-Determination Act (SRS).
First, we have not been idle here at your Association. Since last June we have made a determined effort to work more closely with our congressional delegation on a range of issues from tax matters dealing with the use of county owned vehicles to determining, for IRS purposes, how to handle reporting for poll workers’ pay to lobbying our delegation to resist the efforts to reduce federal funding for the SRS.
Working with the IRS is tough because they are required to vigorously enforce our nation’s laws, rules and regulation as to taxation. Solving the issues with county vehicles and poll workers will likely take legislative intervention. We will let you know what you need to do in the way of lobbying our congressional delegation after we have had a chance to see the results of the coming elections.
Right now we need your help preventing the proposed cut in funding to the SRS.
For those of you who are not familiar with the SRS allow me to give you a brief overview. Almost 100 years ago President Teddy Roosevelt developed and implemented the policy of conserving lands for multiuse including the creation of national forests. President Roosevelt understood the challenges this placed on rural communities. To address this challenge he established a revenue sharing plan specifying 25 percent of all revenues from national forests would be returned to forested counties. This law worked for nearly a century. However, in the 1980’s national resource policies began to reflect the growing conservationist movement in the U.S. with one of the results being substantially diminished revenue-generating activity in the national forests.
In 2000 the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Public Law, 106-393) was enacted. The goal of the Act was to provide assistance to rural counties and schools affected by declining revenues from timber harvests on federal lands. These funds are dedicated for use by schools and by counties for rural road projects. Some 29 counties and more than 100 school districts share approximately $10.6 million dollars annually. If your county contains any national forests then your county and your schools should be receiving a portion of these tax dollars. The larger the area in your county covered by national forests the greater your county’s share of the SRS funding will be. If we sit back and do nothing, the $10.6 million will be cut and, beginning in 2012 Arkansas will receive $4.2 million – a reduction of some 60 percent at one of the worst times, financially, for the State of Arkansas.
Right now is the time to act.
We have joined hands with a national coalition, The Partnership for Rural America, www.partnershipforruralamerica.org in an effort to prevent this reduction in funding as well as reauthorizing the current level of
funding for the next 10 years. We have scheduled a meeting of the affected counties and school districts this April at Mount Magazine State Park so that we might assist our county judges in coordinating their response to this challenge with the superintendents of the affected school districts. We need your help, however. If your county contains national forest lands your county and your schools are affected. Put another way, if the SRS is reauthorized for ten years at the proposed reduced funding level that means a loss of more than $60 million to 29 counties and their schools here in Arkansas.
You should begin contacting your congressmen and congresswomen and asking them to support full funding of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act at current funding levels. You can find more specific information at the Partnership’s website or by contacting us here at your Association of Arkansas Counties.
We answer some of your Frequently Asked Questions!
Can counties have deficit-spending like our federal government?
David Morris AAC Assistant Director
QUESTION: Can a county government have deficit spending like our federal government? (In other words, how much of the revenues can a county appropriate each year?)
ANSWER: The county quorum court shall specify the amount of appropriations for each purpose in dollars and cents, and except as otherwise authorized, the total amount of appropriations for all county or district purposes for any one year shall not exceed 90 percent of the anticipated revenues for that year, except for federal or state grants overseen by counties for which the court may appropriate up to 100 percent of the anticipated revenues for that year. For revenues to qualify as a grant, the county must demonstrate that the state or federal agency characterized the revenues as a grant.
In any county in which a natural disaster, including but not limited to a flood or tornado, results in the county’s being declared a disaster area by the governor or an appropriate official of the United States government, the quorum court of the county may appropriate in excess of 90 percent of anticipated revenues. Provided, any appropriation of funds in excess of 90 percent of anticipated revenues shall be made only for street cleanup and repair, collection, transportation and disposal of debris, repair or replacement of county facilities and equipment, and other projects or costs directly related to or resulting from the natural disaster.
In any county in which sales and use tax revenues have been dedicated for a specific purpose, the quorum court of the county may appropriate up to 100 percent of anticipated revenues from the dedicated sales and use tax, provided that any appropriation of funds up to 100 percent of anticipated revenues shall be made and expended only for the dedicated specific purpose of the tax. However, this does not apply to dedicated revenues that have been pledged for bonds or include general sales and use tax revenues. ACA 14-20-103
QUESTION: Who may call a special meeting of the quorum court?
ANSWER: The county judge or a majority of the elected justices may call a special meeting of the quorum court upon at least 24 hours’ notice in such manner as may be prescribed by local ordinance. In the absence of procedural rules, the county judge or a majority of the elected justices may call a special meeting of the quorum court upon written notification of all members not less than two calendar days prior to the calendar day fixed for the time of the meeting. The notice of special meeting shall specify the subjects, date, time and designated location of the special meeting. ACA 14-14-904 (c)
QUESTION: How many justices of the peace must be present at either a regularly scheduled meeting or a special meeting of the quorum court to conduct business?
ANSWER: A majority of the whole number of justices composing a quorum court shall constitute a quorum and is necessary to conduct any legislative affairs of the county. ACA 14-14-904 (f)
QUESTION: Can a person work for the county government and also serve as a justice of the peace on the quorum court?
ANSWER: A Justice of the Peace shall not receive compensation as a county employee or deputy, nor shall any justice receive compensation or expenses from funds appropriated by the quorum court for any services performed within the county, other than as provided by law. ACA 14-14-1205 (c)
QUESTION: Is it lawful for a county employee to run for public office?
ANSWER: No employee of the state, a county, a municipality, a school district, or any other political subdivision of this state shall be deprived of his or her right to run as a candidate for an elective office or to express his or her opinion as a citizen on political subjects, unless as necessary to meet the requirements of federal law as pertains to employees. (ACA 21-1-207)
QUESTION: How are quorum court district boundaries determined?
ANSWER: The county board of election commissioners in each county shall be responsible for the apportionment of the county into quorum court districts. The districts of each county shall consist of the territory of the township established by the county board of election commissioners on or before November 3, 1975. Thereafter, districts shall be apportioned on or before the first Monday after January 1, 1982, and each ten (10) years thereafter.
All apportionments shall be based on the population of the county as of the last federal decennial census, and the number of districts apportioned shall be equal to the number to which the county is entitled by law.
These provisions shall not be construed to affect the composition of the county committees of the political parties, and the county committee of each political party shall designate the geographic area within the county from which county committeemen shall be selected. (ACA 14-14-403)
Treasurers meet for continuing ed, visit state Capitol
Arkansas County Treasurers met in Little Rock at the Courtyard Marriott on February 1718 for their first continuing education workshop of the year.
Programs were focused around office politics, the current legislative fiscal session and possible legislation to be submitted to the AAC legislative committee from the Arkansas Treasurers Association for the upcoming session of the General Assembly in 2011.
The association held their business meeting in the old State Supreme Court courtroom at the state Capitol and adjourned to visit legislators and visit offices around the Capitol. They ended their workshop by attending the legislative luncheon hosted next door by the Association of Arkansas Counties.
Judy Beth Hutcherson, Clark County Treasurer, leads the business meeting in the Old Supreme Court room
Treasurers open their meeting in the Capitol with the Pledge of Allegiance
Pulaski County coroner spends three weeks with Haiti recovery effort
Pulaski County Coroner Garland Camper spent three weeks with the recovery efforts after a massive earthquake rocked Haiti Jan. 12, killing nearly a quarter-million people.
Camper, who was working for Kenyon International Emergency Services, led a team that removed bodies from the wreckage of collapsed buildings. He also did some embalming, and spoke with the families of people who had died.
A spokesman for Kenyon said Camper was one of about 1,200 coroners, DNA specialists, anthropologists and others, who respond to disasters on behalf of the company when disaster strikes somewhere around the globe. “They’re very key to being able to successfully manage the recovery of human remains and the identification and repatriation process, which is very complex.”
“Everybody was basically just kind of in awe of what we were seeing, just large amounts of people basically just trying to get what they could, because they didn’t have anything,” Camper said. He added he frequently felt the trembles of aftershocks, including one that sent him running from the headquarters site to an open area where nothing could fall on him.
During his assignment, Camper spoke with Gerone Hobbs, his chief deputy in Little Rock, in the morning and evenings, and kept in touch with his staff using text messages throughout the day.
Pulaski County Judge Buddy Villines didn’t hesitate to approve the trip, Camper said. He said he used vacation days for the three weeks he was gone and considered the experience as training for the possibility that Arkansas will be hit with its own earthquake along the New Madrid fault.
“The time is now” to begin preparing for an New Madrid earthquake, Camper said. “I don’t think we need to wait another six months to prepare for what we will do.”
– Excerpts from story in Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Judge Gibson is Pope County Citizen of the Year
Pope County Judge Jim Ed Gibson was honored at the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet as the 2009 Citizen of the Year – but Judge Gibson said being nominated was an honor in itself.
Gibson, a lifelong resident of Pope County, is married to Mary Kay, with whom he shares two sons, four granddaughters, one grandson and one great granddaughter.
Gibson is a member of the several local and state organizations and has served on many boards throughout the Arkansas River Valley, including Child Development Inc., Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, ARVAC, Jackson-Burris Apartment president, Arkansas Valley Alliance for Economic Development, former president of the West Central Planning and Development board, Salvation Army, and former president of the River Valley Solid Waste Committee.
“He not only participates in Pope County, but he is involved in many organizations in other areas,” chamber of commerce spokesperson Felicia Turnbow said. “It is always a pleasure to work with Jim Ed. We are very appreciative and blessed to have him as a part of the community, not only as a judge, but because he truly cares about our community.”
Turnbow said after Gibson was nominated by community members, it was not hard to determine his commitment to the area.
Gibson was a member of the Pope County Quorum Court for 15 years before he became judge in 1999. He said he got involved in politics “just as a hobby” in the beginning.
Gibson’s office desk features several small, bright yellow road construction toys moving plastic boulders around. Gibson said one of his favorite aspects of being county judge is being involved with road work.
“I love the road work. Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate so much, but I like seeing the progress made,” said Gibson, who is seeking another term.” – Cindi Nobles Russellville Courier
AAC hosted a legislative luncheon in February, coinciding with the Legislature’s fiscal session. The luncheon provided fertile ground for county officials to visit with legislators and members of the state’s constitutional offices.
The Clark County Assessor's Office celebrated Black History Month in February. Posters of notable African Americans were displayed in the hall and a small table display featured items of interest that were from Ms. Zelma Knox. Ms. Knox has worked in the courthouse for over 35 years and some of the items belonged to her mother. The Assessor staff decorated their door with a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “The time is always right to do what is right.”
Pictured (from left): Kasey Summerville, Assessor; Sandra Watson, Jamie Hammond, Carla McDuffie, Sue Forthman, and Tosha Horton. Not pictured, Zelma Knox.
Baxter County’s only female sheriff passes away in March
Baxter County’s first and only female sheriff, Pauline Edmonds, died March 7.
She was the widow of former Sheriff Emmett Edmonds, who was killed in the line of duty in 1968. Mrs. Edmonds was appointed to serve the remainder of her husband’s term. The Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard participated in the funeral service March 10.
BRINKLEY – He put men in jail and he released men from prison. He saw his friends shot down in a jail break and he worked some of the largest criminal cases in Arkansas History. He treated everyone with respect and most everyone respected him.
Monroe County Judge Larry A. Morris, 69, died March 25 at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock with his family at his side. He was the longest-running sheriff Monroe County ever had, serving 26 years as sheriff prior to spending the past six years as Monroe County Judge.
He was born Aug. 30, 1940 in Monroe to Russell T. and Myrtle Crawford Morris and was the youngest of five children. He attended Brinkley high School and graduated there in 1958.
Morris served in the Arkansas National Guard where he worked his way up to the rank of Sergeant and was at Central High School in Little Rock protecting the famed Little Rock Nine in 1957. He farmed the family farm with his dad for over a dozen years.
He was a past president of the Arkansas Sheriffs Association, one of the founders of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch, a member of the Arkansas Department of Correction and a charter member of the East Monroe County Fire Department.
Judge Morris dined with U.S. Presidents, congressmen and congresswomen; governors asked his opinion; and actor Bill Paxton shadowed him for two weeks to gain insight on the thinking of a Southern sheriff for his role in the movie, “One False Move.”
A son, a little brother, a terrific uncle, an adored husband, a father, a (“BooBoo”) grandfather, a soldier, a farmer, a sheriff and a judge, but most of all a real man. Monroe County lost a leader and a friend.
Judge Morris was preceded in death by his parents, Russell T. and Myrtle Morris of Monroe; a son, Larry Don Morris of Judsonia; brother, Billy T. Morris of Brinkley; and a nephew Russell (Rusty) Teal of Monroe.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Henrietta McGinnis Morris of Brinkley; one daughter, Courtney Morris Dorman and husband, Dennis, of Beebe; one son, Adam Morris of Little Rock; five grandsons, Bryson Morris of Brinkley, Jordan Morris of California, Tanner Matone and Kale Dorman, both of Beebe and Landon Morris; one step-grandson, Blake Dyer of Clarendon; one granddaughter, Afton Morris of Sherwood; a very close nephew, Larry (Bosco) Teal of Monroe; many more nieces, nephews and cousins; three sisters, Marie Blundell of Pangburn, Francell Riegler of Little Rock and Bernice Morris of Brinkley; and a sister-in-law, Charlene Morris of Brinkley.
Funeral services were held March 29 at the Brinkley Convention Center. Burial was at Upper Cemetery. Pallbearers were the Sheriff’s Association Honor Guard.
Memorials may be given to the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch, P.O. Box 3964, Batesville, AR 72503. Arrangements were by Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home of Brinkley.
Monroe County’s Morris was longest-serving sheriff before taking helm as county judge
– Tricia Rogers, Co-Editor Central Delta Argus-Sun
Seven Arkansans help further goals of county government at NACo conference
Several Arkansans participated in the National Association of Counties 2010 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. March 6-10.
Arkansas participants were: • Mary Louise Williams, chair of NACo’s Arts and Culture Commission. Mrs. Williams, a member of the Pulaski County Quorum Court, is also a member of the NACo Board of Directors and of the Human Services and Education Steering Committee. Mary Louise Williams • Mike Jacobs, a member of the NACo Board of Directors and of the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Steering Committee. He is the Johnson County Judge. • H.O. Gray, chair of the Aging Subcommittee of the Human Services and Education Steering Committee. He serves on the Jefferson County Quorum Court. • David Hudson, chair of NACo’s Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee. Back home, he serves as Sebastian County Judge. • Haze Hudson, Miller County Quorum Court. • Jeff Sikes, Association of Arkansas Counties Legislative Director. • Wayne Blankenship, Washington County Grants Administrator.
The conference featured remarks from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Obama cabinet secretaries Kathleen Sibelius and Tom Vilsak.
One of the main objectives of the conference was to bring county officials face-to-face with federal government officials to discuss key county government priorities and specific legislation, regulations and funding levels affecting essential services and programs.
Jobs, economic recovery and Restoring the Partnership were the main themes of the conference for more than 2,000 elected and appointed county officials from around the country.
Craighead County Circuit Clerk Ann Hudson (right) recently presented a $30,000 grant to Cross County Circuit Clerk Rhonda Sullivan (center) and Cross County Chief Deputy Circuit Clerk Frankie Tabor. The grant, from the Automated Records Systems Fund, is designed to facilitate automation of the county recorder’s records. A total of $266,982 in grants was awarded last year to 13 counties in Arkansas. The intent of the grant – in conjunction with the Electronic Recording Act – is to enable counties to accept documents electronically, saving money and time for consumers as well as making the records more easily accessible
for the public. (As reported in the Jonesboro Sun)
Presenters at an Arkansas Coroners Symposium, conducted in February at the Arkansas State Crime Lab, were Kermit B. Channell, II, Executive Director Arkansas State Crime Lab; Mary Fran Ernst, B.S. Associate Professor of Pathology, Director of Medicolegal Education, Division of Forensic & Environmental Pathology Saint Louis University; and Dr. Charles Kokes, Chief Forensic Medical Examiner, Arkansas State Crime Lab. Arkansas Coroners President Leonard Krout said the symposium was very interesting and wellreceived.
Next IACREOT opportunity for county/circuit clerks and treasurers will be June 29-July 2 in Chicago
The IACREOT Mid-Winter Conference was held in the windy city of Chicago, Illinois, January 15-18. Arkansas delegation directors along with the Executive Board and officers were busy at work planning the summer conference to be held at the same location with the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers being the host for the conference June 29 through July 2.
“I enourage our county officials to make your reservations now. All meetings will be held in the hotel so you do not have to get out unless you want to,” said Cheryl Cochran-Wilson, Arkansas Delegation Director.
“The accommodations are wonderful and the price is right too! Internet connections are available free in the Linc Cafe, the Health center has free weights as well as treadmills, elliptical and other machines. Everyone in the hotel is so friendly and helpful, so you don’t have to be afraid to ask questions.”
Chicago offers a unique experience with the culture of the city: Free concerts, and the Navy Pier. You can go to the old Sears building and go up 105 floors or 95 floors in the Hancock building. From that vantage point you can see four states and Canada. The Magnificent Mile has anything and everything you can imagine. Stores and shops are up and down the mile. “If you like to shop then this is for you,” Cheryl added.
“The food is good and reasonably priced. Gina’s East offers the deep dish pizza Chicago is famous for, and everything is within walking distance.”
The Grand Opening of the Trade Show is scheduled following the opening general session on June 29 at 9:30 a.m. Then the division seminars will begin which includes workshops on identity theft, fraud, and scams; the lean office (eliminating waste without cutting people); staffing and funding issues; TIFF, PDF, now PDFA – what’s next and why do we care; bulk sale of records; conflict resolution; recruiting college students to be poll workers in 2010; changes in military and overseas voting 2010; grant writing processes; archival records; bankruptcy and other legal matters; outlook of the US and global economy and other seminars as well.
“There is something for everyone, whether you are a County Clerk, Circuit Clerk or Treasurer – IACREOT is for you. You will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, elevate standards through education, develop efficient ways to serve the public and promote the ethics of public service, while developing contacts in your field.
You can visit www.IACREOT.com to obtain registration and membership forms.
County Road Seminar planned July 14-16; judges, road foremen urged to register
The County Judges Association of Arkansas is hosting a “County Road Seminar” to be held July 14-16 at the Norfork River Resort in Baxter County. The seminar will begin at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14 and will conclude by 10 a.m. on Friday, July 16.
The County Road Seminar will be an intensive workshop targeted at county judges and county road supervisors to better equip them in county road and bridge construction and maintenance techniques. There will be no registration fee for the seminar, but it is recommended that each county send no more than a total of three people to the seminar.
Judge Joe Bodenhamer of Baxter County will be hosting this event and promises good food (grilled steaks, fried fish, country breakfast, etc.) and fellowship, in addition to a very educational workshop.
Lodging reservations should be made before April 30 by calling 870-499-5757, and be sure to tell the Norfork River Resort that you will be attending the County Road Seminar.
Three counties declared disaster areas due to March 10 storm system
Governor Mike Beebe declared Cleburne, Saline and White Counties state disaster areas due to damage caused by tornadoes and severe storms on Wednesday, March 10.
The declaration makes these three counties eligible for funds from the Public Assistance Program. The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management will oversee the use of these funds to help local governments defray costs related to storm response and clean up.
Ray Scott new coordinator for Health Information Technology
Governor Mike Beebe on March 15 appointed Ray Scott of Little Rock to serve as Arkansas's State Coordinator for Health Information Technology (HIT).
JPs pelt AAC staff with questions in ‘Stump the Staff’ at Quorum Courts annual meeting
The governing body of the Arkansas Association of Quorum Courts met in March at the Association of Arkansas Counties in Little Rock with President Gene Raible of Johnson County presiding. Forty-three counties were represented at the Saturday meeting with a total of about 60 attending.
The morning was packed full of information. AAC Executive Director gave a presentation entitled “Short and Sweet – First Ever Fiscal Session”, a recap of the 2010 fiscal legislation affecting counties.
Butch Calhoun, Director of the Arkansas Department of Rural Services gave a briefing on the upcoming Rural Services Conference to be held in Eureka Springs and the grant programs available through his department. State Representative John Edwards of Little Rock gave a report from the Task Force on Water Source Protection that was formed in the 2009 legislative session. Rep. Edwards provided the Quorum Court group the conclusions of the task force and recommended revisions of state law concerning the quality and safety of drinking water.
The morning seminar concluded with a “Stump the Staff – Question and Answer Time”. The panelists, AAC staffers Eddie Jones, David Morris, Jeff Sikes and Mark Whitmore were pelted with county government questions from the attendees. Collectively they were able to answer the questions and provide some good information for the Justices to take back to their respective counties.
Officers of the Arkansas Association of Quorum Courts are: President and AAC Board Representative Gene Raible, Johnson County; Vice-President Larry Gammill of Stone County; Secretary Carole Bulloch of Drew County; and AAC Board Representative Pat Dicker of Pulaski County.
The Arkansas Association of Quorum Courts was established to (1) aid in the improvement of county government by providing a medium for exchange of ideas and experiences of county government and county officials; (2) promote training and education for Justices of the Peace; (3) promote legislation for the practical development of county government so that it may provide better services; and (4) assist in developing and improving methods of financing county government.
The 75-member governing body of the Quorum Court Association will meet next at the AAC Annual Conference in Hot Springs during the month of August.
Sixty justices of the peace representing 43 counties attended the Arkansas Association of Quorum Courts annual March meeting at AAC facilities in Little Rock. (Photos by David Morris)
Rep. John Edwards (left) updated JPs on a Water Source Protection task force; Butch Calhoun, Director of the Arkansas Department of Rural Services, gave a briefing on the upcoming Rural Services Conference to be held in Eureka Springs and the grant programs available through his department.
Sheriffs Association meets, recognizes officers
Among the business that the Arkansas Sheriffs Association tended to at their annual meeting the last week in January was to honor three Johnson County deputies. The officers were recognized with the Sheriff’s Association Life Saving Award.
Gov. Mike Beebe was on hand at the Wyndham Hotel in North Little Rock to present the three with their awards; he also was the guest speaker for that meeting.
The three had all responded to an attempted suicide on County Road 3361 on March 1, 2008, where they found a young man who had hung himself with rope between two trees in his back yard, said Sheriff Jimmy Dorney.
“They immediately took steps to cut him down and began an assessment and first aid as the ambulance arrived. Deputy Morrison drove the ambulance to Johnson Regional Medical Center as paramedics worked to save the victim’s life.” The victim slipped into a coma for several days and was transferred to UAMS for further treatment. He somewhat recovered from his injuries but will require assistance for some time in his daily activities. “His mother is now taking care of him and is very happy to have her son with her still,” said Sheriff Dorney.
Gov. Mike Beebe has appointed several county officials to serve on boards or commissions since Jan. 1, including:
Johnson County Judge Mike Jacobs, Clarksville, to the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees. Appointment expires March 9, 2015. Replaces Larry Fratesi.
Lafayette County Sheriff Victor Rose, Lewisville, to the Arkansas Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence Commission. Appointment expires July 1, 2010. Replaces Michael Booth.
St. Francis County Sheriff Bobby May, Forrest City, to the East Arkansas Community College Board of Trustees. Appointment expires December 31, 2012. Replaces Collie Walker.
David Powell Jr. of Searcy, White County Coroner, reappointed to the Burial Association Board. Appointment expires Dec. 31, 2012.
Yell County Sheriff Bill Gilkey, Danville, reappointed to the State Crime Laboratory Board. Appointment expires January 14, 2017.
Web site vendors Renea Adams and Shannon Lane Brooks of Brooks-Jeffrey Marketing Inc. visit with Sam Sheffield Gov. Mike Beebe presented the Arkansas Sheriff’s Association Life Saving Award in January to Deputy Glenda Morrison, Deputy Jonathan Fetters and Deputy Todd Russell, all of Johnson County.
Sheriffs Larry Mills (Poinsett County, left) and Danny Russell (Little River County) visit with fellow sheriffs and guests over a meal in the Wyndham Hotel during the annual meeting of the Arkansas Sheriffs Association. At right, David Morris (AAC) visits with Cleburne County Sheriff Marty Moss (right) during a break in the vendor exhibit room.
Governor appoints several county elected officials to state board positions
Johnson County Judge Mike Jacobs (left) chats with John Suskie (center) and Rep. Monty Davenport in the Wyndham Hotel trade show facilities during the February meeting of the County Judges Association of Arkansas
Gov. Beebe trades smiles with Baxter County Judge Joe Bodenhamer, who introduced him as a guest speaker – to the delight of the other judges, due to a somewhat sharp exchange between the two at the height of the 2009 ice storm that paralyzed the northern third of the state, when Bodenhamer was trying to get generators and other emergency aid for his beleaguered county. County judges past and present listen to an after-lunch speech. From left: Dick Tallman, Sevier County; Melton Holt, Crittenden County; and Roy “Red” Bearden, Craighead County (retired).
County Judges take care of business
Lafayette County Judge (left) visits Mike Kelley at his Southbuild Team vendor booth at the CJAA meeting. AAC Risk Management staff members took turns during the trade show manning the AACRM booth and popcorn machine, including (from left) Cindy Calvert, Becky Burnett, and Kim Nash. Conway County Judge Jimmy Hart (right) shares a light moment with Gov. Mike Beebe as the governor prepares to take the lectern as the Feb. 25 breakfast speaker.
Gov. Mike Beebe reminded Arkansas’s county judges, gathered at North Little Rock for their annual winter meeting – and eager for any hint about state funding plans – “we are one of the few states in the nation that is a bright spot. There are states in this country that are in serious threat of being bankrupt.”
County government, while not getting some needed increases in funding, is faring far better in Arkansas than many other areas. Gov. Beebe encouraged them all to do as he has tried with citizens: Under-promise and over-deliver.
“Arkansas is no longer the tail of this dog. Arkansas no longer has to be a follower; Arkansas is a leader,” he said.
He implied his displeasure with the level of political rhetoric and posturing at the federal level. “There is not an issue that we in this country can’t fix,” he told the judges – a mix of Democrats and Republicans. “All it takes is courage, truth, working together, and a whole lot less partisan rhetoric.
“Arkansans notoriously have looked for pragmatic ways to solve problems,” he added.
The winter meeting was held Feb. 24-26 at the Wyndham Hotel. The annual spring meeting will be June 23-25 at Holiday Inn of West Memphis; room reservation cut-off date is May 14.
The annual fall meeting will be held Sept. 22-24 at Holiday Inn City Center, Fort Smith/ Sebastian County. The room reservation cut-off date is Sept. 1.
Baxter County to host Adam Walsh training session
“Why do all the sex offenders end up here
in Baxter County?” This is one of the most common questions that Sheriff John Montgomery hears from people.
The truth is, he points out, they don't. “There are fewer registered sex offenders today living in Baxter County than there were when I took office as Sheriff in 2005. The perception is false because we notify neighbors and publicize their pictures and their crimes in all of the media available to us. They were always here, but because of the publicity they are more noticed and talked about.”
He elaborated on this in a recent electronic “Message from the Sheriff” that goes to email subscribers. For instance, Baxter County, Arkansas has a population of approximately 42,000 people. In 2005 there were 72 known registered sex offenders living in Baxter County. Today the number is 59. “When you compare our numbers to neighboring counties our size, you see a dramatic difference:”
Sheriff Montgomery
Taney County, Missouri (Branson) 112
Howell County, Missouri (West Plains) 113
Greene County, Arkansas (Paragould) 120
Boone County, Arkansas (Harrison) 105
Benton County, Arkansas (Rogers) 350
Arkansas is considered by most to be one of the toughest states on sex offender laws and requirements. Baxter County is considered one of, if not the toughest county in Arkansas, he adds.
His office will be hosting ‘The Adam Walsh Act: Enforcement Training Session’ for area law enforcement in May. The training, sponsored by the U.S. Marshals Service, will highlight the most recent case studies and laws involving the Federal Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (AWA).
All registered sex offenders in Arkansas are required to submit to assessment by the Sex Offender Screening & Risk Assessment Program coordinated by the Arkansas Department of Correction. Each offender is assigned a risk level based upon the likelihood the offender will reoffend.
Level One: Low risk to re-offend
Level Two: Moderate risk to re-offend
Level Three: High risk to re-offend
Level Four: Sexually violent predator
“We at the Baxter County Sheriff's Office take a very aggressive approach in making sure the public is aware of who the sex offenders are and where they live. Our approach is within the confines of the law and our method of notification is based upon the sex offender's risk level and what the law allows us to do. We began this approach after I discovered that a bank employee was using a neighbor to babysit her two children. The neighbor, a 70 year-old man, was a Level 4 registered sex offender. The mother had no idea. We vowed to not let this situation happen again.”
For Level One sex offenders, the law allows us to notify only other law enforcement agencies. We cannot notify schools, day cares or the public. These offenders are considered low risk and are usually those who were convicted of the ‘statutory rape', i.e., 17 year-old and a 15 yearold consensual sex.
For Level Two sex offenders, the law allows us to notify other law enforcement agencies AND schools, day cares or any other places frequented by children.
For a high Level Two (offender was at least 18 years of age and the victim was 14 or younger) and Levels Three and Four, the law allows us to notify the public of their whereabouts.
All sex offenders are required by Arkansas law to come in every six months (three months for Level Four) to re-register with us. “Each time they register or re-register, we post their picture on our website. We issue a press release to all of the media with their name, address, picture, crime committed and where they work. We then have a deputy go door-to-door within a halfmile radius of their home and where they work handing out flyers with the same information. In addition we mail a packet out once a quarter to all of the schools of all of the sex offenders, Levels Two, Three and Four.
“This includes the sex offender's name, address, picture and the crime that was committed. We want to make sure all neighbors and the general public know who the offenders are, where they work and where they live. Our approach is not to instill fear, but rather we believe that an informed public is a safer public,” he said. The Sheriff’s Office web site can be seen at:
‘Most Wanted’ honors Baxter SO efforts
Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery was nominated for John Walsh’s America’s Most Wanted All Stars in March. The distinction included a segment on the popular national Saturday evening broadcast spotlighting the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office’s work in focusing attention and educating the public in northcentral Arkansas about sex offenders and sexual predators, among other things.
Sheriff Montgomery’s nomination from a local resident was made in recognition of his innovative use of technology in the apprehension of wanted persons, in crime prevention, and in the area of public safety.
A nominating citizen praised him for designing and implementing the Sheriff’s Office web site, which automatically notifies members of the public with email alerts including alerts for registered sex offenders who move into Baxter County neighborhoods, public notices of persons placed on the Most Wanted section of the web site, and breaking news.
The web site, which went online in November, 2007, averages about 75,000 visitors per month, and surpassed one million visitors last year. Since its implementation, over 600 persons appearing on the Most Wanted page have been arrested or turned themselves in. The Baxter County Sheriff’s web site has been used as a template for at least 19 other sheriff’s offices in Arkansas and in seven states, according to Capt. Jeff Lewis, Chief Deputy.
Sheriff Montgomery is the Legislative Chairperson for the Arkansas Sheriff’s Association and is a member of the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District and several local organizations. He has also been recognized for his public service accomplishments. These include receiving the 2006 Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce Presidential Award and the 2009 Morgan’s Choice Award from the Attorney General’s Office for his efforts in the protection of children.
Scott County’s Forester Community, then and now...
The once booming sawmill town of Forester, on Hwy. 28 East in Scott County, caused quite a stir but very little publicity when it was sold, dismantled, and totally moved away in 1952. Today it is stirring up interest and more publicity, this time with excitement instead of sadness of 57 years ago. The town site has been slowly growing into a forest of large pine trees and dense underbrush with only the log pond and concrete foundations as evidence that the mill, town, and its people were ever there. Built in 1930 by Caddo River Lumber Company, a self contained town with a population reaching 1,306 at one time, the sawmill was reportedly the largest and most productive of its kind in the state but fell victim to insufficient timber in the area for an operation of its size and capability.
A small park at the sawmill site has been maintained by the Forester Historical Society as a gathering place for Forester’s people to return every year for a reunion but the past year has seen growth and improvement there as never before, due to the work of a combined group including County Judge James Forbes, the US Forest Service, the Historical Society, several volunteer groups, friends of Forester, and former Forester residents.
Judge Forbes envisions the Sawmill Park as a much larger Recreational Park that will benefit the county and state by attracting hunters, campers, and visitors. The USFS has plans already in place for an interpretive walking trail, also beneficial to everyone for hiking and the study of history and nature, that will be assessable to the disabled. Forester residents and the park caretaker, with the support of the Historical Society, are working to preserve the historical value of the town by locating and marking all foundations of businesses, schools, church, etc to be signed along the walking trail for future generations to learn about their family’s beginnings, roots, and legacy. The volunteer groups work with Judge Forbes as caretakers of the earth and environment and have already improved the park with their work and time. Caretaker Candy Bliss’ landscaping adds to the natural beauty at the park. Judge Forbes has more projects planned for Forester’s Park in the near future for the benefit of the public such as R.V. hookups, restrooms, playground equipment, and a museum of Forester artifacts.
The people of Forester feel the town has just been waiting for the right time and the right people of vision to come along and Judge Forbes and USFS are the right people and now is the right time for Forester to begin its new life.
Arkansas becomes first state to offer smartphone payments
In mid-March, the Pulaski County Treasurer’s Office became the first county in the country to accept property tax payments with a mobile application via smartphone.
“At this point in time, a customer must have a parcel number in order to pay via smartphone but work is in process to add a search feature soon,” said Treasurer Debra Buckner.
With the launch of http://arkansas.gov/m, Arkansas is the first state to provide secure payment processing services available with any smartphone. The Arkansas.gov mobile Web site is part of the official Web site of the state of Arkansas. The Arkansas.gov mobile site features secure payments for three high-volume online government services: inmate trust account deposits; probation and parole supervision and restitution payments; and Pulaski County property tax payments.
These mobile applications provide a convenient, simple, and secure option for users to access government services and are available on all smartphone operating platforms, including iPhone, Blackberry, Google Android, Windows Mobile, and Palm.
“We are committed to using multiple delivery platforms to provide easy access to government services for all Arkansans,” said Claire Bailey, Chief Information Officer of the state of Arkansas. “With today’s launch, we are excited to be the first state to offer integrated online services and secure payments through a user-friendly Web site that is optimized for mobile users.” Arkansas.gov’s mobile site is the latest enhancement to the state’s eGovernment services for mobile phone users. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission’s Game Check service provides real-time game tagging for mobile devices and the state also provides iPhone apps for the Arkansas.gov Web site and the Recovery.Arkansas. gov searchable service to locate nearby recovery projects funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009.
ACD’s Debbie Asbury, Perry Rogers, and Angie Rhodes prepare 26 flat rate packages for shipping 3,500 individual packages of M&Ms to troops in Afghanistan.
‘Operation No-Melt’ is big success – and a big hit with troops
A booth was set up at the Assessors/ACD fall meeting for donations to send M&M’s to U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Thanks to all the associates and the association donation, more than $2000 was raised for “Operation No-Melt”, according to Odus Fulmer, Independence County Assessor.
Twenty-six flat rate packages with 3,500 individual packages of M&M’s were mailed by Assessment Coordination Department staff. These boxes included the notes that individuals had written during the meeting along with Christmas cards.
Debbie Asbury, ACD Director, said she and ACD’s Angie Rhodes got lots of great comments while getting postage and custom papers ready at the Post Office. She added that she hopes to do even more for the coming Christmas season. She would like to see the various county associations take up the challenge. Also, she is vice-president of the International Association of Assessing Officers board of directors, and she plans to challenge the ACD offices in other states to raise money for an ongoing “Operation No-Melt”.
“We are glad to do all the legwork to get it done once the money is collected.”
The idea came to her while her fiance was deployed last year; she originally went to Sam’s and bought and sent batches of M&Ms herself. “It was a big hit – everybody loves M&Ms,” she said. To donate for the next challenge or find out more information for your association, Debbie’s number at ACD is 501-324-9240.
Janice McEntire retires after 47 years with Craighead County
JONESBORO — It was a short 47 years for Janice McEntire, who retired April 2 after nearly a half-century of service to Craighead County.
McEntire began her carrier in the County Clerk’s office on March 1, 1963, at the age of 18. “I kind of grew up in the courthouse. The people here are like family, and they have all been great to work with,” the Clover Bend graduate said.
McEntire was asked to lead the county into the technology age as the county’s first Computer Services director.
Former County Judge Dennis Gillam asked her to start the department in 1980. “I didn’t know anything about computers, but neither did anyone else,” she said. “I just kind of learned by working on them.” McEntire has led the department ever since.
A highlight of her career, she said, came during a trip to New York City for a conference.
“We were on ‘Good Morning America.’ We got to meet the reporters, and it was just great.”
McEntire plans to do her fair share of traveling. She has a trip scheduled in May to Savannah, Ga., and Charlotte, S.C. “I’ve always wanted to go to Savannah. I’ll be going with two good friends,” she said. “I’m so excited.”
McEntire’s dream destination is Switzerland.
“I would love to see the Swiss Alps, but I doubt I will ever make it that far,” she said with a smile. “But that’s why I’m retiring now, because I still have my health, and I can do the things I’ve always wanted to do.”
Also on her list is spending time with her granddaughters, Sarrah Shackleford and Lexie McEntire. “One is at ASU, and the other is a sophomore at Westside [High School],” she said. “The youngest plays sports, and I’ll go see as many of her games as I can.
“I’m a Razorback fan, which I probably shouldn’t say around here,” she said, laughing. “But I love ASU too, and we always go to their home games.”
McEntire’s favorite professional baseball team is the St. Louis Cardinals, and she retired just in time to catch their season opener on TV the following Monday against Cincinnati.
McEntire was married to the late Ron McEntire. She has one son and daughter-in-law, Ron Jr. and Tammy McEntire.
A retirement party was held in her honor from 4-6 p.m. on her final day.
McEntire’s successor is Aaron Johnson, a network administrator in the county’s Computer Services Department.
– By Ray Whiteside Jonesboro Sun Staff Writer
