Questions and complaints about a planned wind-turbine development have dominated quorum court meetings in 2024. Several ordinances in opposition to the turbines have been introduced at the table since Spring 2023, and each failed. Even after the JPs rejected the last of those ordinances in June, people continued to voice concerns during public comments.
At last week’s meeting, the agenda did not include anything regarding the wind farm, but Caroline Rogers took a turn at the microphone to warn that other wind farms are currently under consideration in the Oak Grove area. Rogers has been a vocal opponent of the wind farm, which will bring some 30 wind turbines to an area south of Green Forest.
Rogers lives near the development, and has warned of threats to groundwater, wildlife, and health concerns for people in the immediate area. Last week, she said the turbine blades shed “forever chemicals” that would further contribute to environmental degradation. In November, Rogers was elected as JP for District 11, the affected area. She will take a place at the table in January.
Arturo Calvillo has leased part of his land for wind turbines and thanked the JPs for resisting calls to outlaw the wind turbines. “We cannot be scared of progress,” he said. He particularly thanked JP John Howerton, who lost his re-election bid to Rogers. “I appreciate John. He stuck to his beliefs even when it cost him,” he said.
Howerton began his service in 2007 and was presented a plaque by County Judge David Writer. JP Roger Hall also received a plaque. JP Frankie Pedraza has filled a vacancy in District 8, and he received thanks for his service.
The agenda included a long list of resolutions, and JP Craig Hicks asked to read them by title only. The following resolutions were unanimously approved:
- A vacancy was declared in the office of constable for the Southeast township, which covers the precincts South Hickory and South Carroll.
- Chris Trask’s reappointment to the Eastern Carroll County Ambulance District was confirmed.
- Judy Horton’s appointment to the Green Forest Library Board was confirmed.
- JPs confirmed the reappointment of Erick Diaz as a board member to the Berryville Public Library Board of Trustees.
- Appointments of Kate Ambach Wood, Fran Carlin, and Martha Fargo to the Eureka Springs Library Board were confirmed.
- JPs confirmed the resignation of Joe Hill from the ES Library Board and Fargo’s appointment to fill that vacancy.
- Appointments of Stacee Nuckolls and Carrie Reece as board members of the Carroll County Library Dept. Board of Trustees were confirmed.
- Willie Daniels was confirmed as a commissioner for the Lake Forest Subordinate Service District.
- Appointments of David Henke and Chris Clifton to the Inspiration Point Fire Protection District Board were confirmed.
- Terrance MacGowen was confirmed as a commissioner for the Sylvan Shores SSD.
In other business
- The 309 program identifies low-risk prisoners who are allowed to work outside the detention center. During the meeting, a presentation was made to two 309 prisoners for their role in assisting Deputy Corey Spain. The deputy had collapsed while working outside at the detention center, and the two prisoners responded with immediate attention. Spain had no pulse, but the quick action of first responders averted a disaster.
- An emergency ordinance allocated funds received from Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Funding to eligible reimbursable activities. The $100,000 LATC grant will be applied to election costs.
- An emergency ordinance allocated funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act. Those Covid funds must be designated by the end of this year, and JPs had a variety of ways they could have allocated the money. They voted to use that money to pay salaries for county employees.
- A supplemental ordinance appropriated ARPA funds for the completion of the Emergency 911 Tower Project. The $713,000 remaining from ARPA funds will become part of the $1.9 million final payment on the project.
- As he acknowledged Howerton’s last meeting, JP Jack Deaton said, “We’re losing a very valuable person on this board. I’ve worked with him for years.” Deaton expressed his disappointment that the issue of wind turbines overshadowed the other contributions Howerton has made in his 18 years of service. The other JPs and the elected officials in attendance added their plaudits.
- During public comments, Robert Anderson renewed his complaints about the state of Carroll Road 966. He said he understood that heavy rains had caused problems throughout the county, but this road has severe problems. Anderson also said the area has become a trash dump. JP Kellie Matt asked if there was a place to conceal a game camera to monitor the area. Writer asked Anderson to call him directly, since the JPs have no responsibility for county roads.
- The second and third readings of the 2025 budget ordinance were approved, along with the second and third readings of an ordinance to set the salaries of elected officials.