WHAT IS GOING ON?
Judge Stacey Zimmerman Announces Retirement
In an unexpected turn of events, Honorable Circuit Judge Stacey Zimmerman announced her retirement on Friday, February 28, 2025, effective the very next day. Judge Zimmerman, who has served as the Juvenile Court Judge in Washington and Madison Counties for an impressive 34 years, has been a steadfast advocate for children and families. Her sudden departure marks the end of an era, and she will be greatly missed by colleagues, families, and the community at large.
Throughout her career, Judge Zimmerman has been known for her compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of young people. She has been a beacon of hope for countless children and families, always seeking justice with a heart of gold. Her work has left an indelible impact on the juvenile justice system, ensuring that the best interests of children remain a priority in the courtroom.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has appointed Dawn Egan of Lowell to complete Judge Zimmerman's term. While the community welcomes Egan’s leadership, it is undeniable that Judge Zimmerman’s departure leaves big shoes to fill.
In a heartfelt statement, Judge Zimmerman shared the reason behind her sudden retirement, stating, "My 82-year-old mom needs more help than I can give while working full time." This deeply personal decision underscores her lifelong dedication to family—both in and out of the courtroom.
Her legacy as a caring and passionate advocate for children and families will live on, and her influence will continue to be felt in the lives of those she has helped over the years. While many will miss Judge “Z,” there is also immense happiness for her as she embarks on this new chapter, prioritizing her loved ones as she has always encouraged others to do.
I want to extend my gratitude to Judge Zimmerman for her years of service and wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement. Her impact on the community will never be forgotten.
County Meetings
No county meetings are scheduled for the week of 3/2/25 as of 3:00 PM on 3/1/25.
The March County Services Committee meeting has been rescheduled from 3/3/25 to 3/11/25 due to the National Association of Counties Legislative Session in Washington, D.C.
The zoning map and ordinance will be discussed at this meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 6:00 o’clock PM, Washington County Courthouse.
The Finance & Budget Committee will meet immediately after.
Washington County Election Commission
The Washington County Election Commission met 2/25/25. I was unable to attend this meeting, but you may watch it here.
JP David Wilson Resigns as Chair of County Services Committee
JP David Wilson, District 2, resigned as chair on 2/27/25, effective immediately. You can read his resignation letter [here].
JP Butch Pond, District 15, is currently the vice chair. It is unclear whether he will step into the chair position or if a vote will be held. Stay tuned.
Mental Health Court Launching 3/6/25 @ 1:00 PM, Courtroom at Historic Courthouse.
Washington County’s Mental Health Court is expected to start this week, thanks to the leadership of Judge Terra Stephenson. This initiative is funded through a grant from the Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance, providing $100,000 in the first year and $225,000 in both the second and third years. The program is aimed at providing better alternatives for individuals facing mental health challenges within the justice system.
A huge thank you to Judge Terra Stephenson for agreeing to take this on along with her other duties as Fayetteville District Court Judge.
The award requires an escalating percentage or in-kind match. The federal money may not cover more than 80% of the total project costs in the first two years and no more than 60% in the third. The planning phase of the grant award is expected to last no more than the first 12 months, though I think ours has been longer than that. The counties can reapply for money beyond the initial three-year grant period.
Is the Proposed Zoning Ordinance “The Freedom and Property Preservation Zoning Act of Washington County” Legal?
Read this 2/17/25 legal opinion from Attorney Steve Zega and tell me what you think? Also, here’s a letter that Mr. Steve Green (Green requested the opinion from Zega) sent to JPs last week concerning this matter. Quoting Zega’s letter: “It is my opinion that the provisions granting decision-making power to the County Judge are likely illegal and unconstitutional, and would be overturned if a Circuit Court or an Arkansas appellate court were to review them…”
Washington County JP Beth Coger Named “Elected Official of the Year” by the National Association of Social Workers.
I am honored to be chosen as “2025 Elected Official of the Year” by the National Association of Social Workers, Arkansas Division, as an elected official “embodying social work values.” Here’s a link to the notification and information on purchasing tickets for the awards luncheon 3/14/25, 12:00 - 2:30 PM, Little Rock Marriott, 3 Statehouse Plaza, Little Rock, Arkansas.
It's exciting and I appreciate this recognition so much.
🌟 DETENTION CENTER INFORMATION 3/2/25
At least 733 individuals are currently detained in the Washington County Detention Center.
An estimated 80-100 additional detainees are not publicly listed due to "restrictive bookings."
65 detainees list their addresses as either "homeless" or "1832 S School Street" (Seven Hills Homeless Shelter).
I’ve downloaded an Excel Spreadsheet here where you can play around and gather all kinds of information, from the amount of bonds to time spent in jail, and by clicking on each individual, the number of prior arrests. There’s much more. Check it out.
Here’s the link to the Detailed Charge Report:
You can check the “Calls for Service” board here.
Here’s a list in alphabetical order to search for people.
READ AND STUDY THE 2020 CRIMINAL JUSTICE ASSESSMENT STUDY PREPARED BY THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR STATE COURTS HERE. READ AND LEARN WHY WE DO NOT NEED TO SPEND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON JAIL EXPANSIONS TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE!
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County Bid Postings (as of 3/2/25)
New Bid: 30 Cisco C9300L-48P-4X. H-A Switches.
Posted: 2/28/25
Bids Due: 3/17/25 (by 4:00 PM)
Bid Opening: 3/18/25 (9:00 AM)
View all current RFQs and bids [here].
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County Job Openings (as of 3/2/25)
Docket/Records Assistant for Judge Joanna Taylor
Salary: $19.95 - $21.98/hr (Pay Grade 7)
Requirements: High school diploma/GED, two years of office experience (court/legal preferred)
More Info: [Click here]
Part-Time Law Clerk Positions (Prosecutor’s Office & Public Defender’s Office)
Salary: $16/hr
Requirements: Must be a law student
The Road Department (479-444-1610) and Sheriff's Office (479-444-5700) are consistently hiring.
Below is the link for all posted job openings in Washington County. The road department and sheriff’s offices are almost always hiring. The road department is 479-444-1610. The sheriff’s office is 479-444-5700.
with both congratulations and appreciation!
JP Coger, Thank you so much for your timely updates. I appreciate every one and know the time and energy this requires. Congratulations on your "Elected Official of the Year" award. You deserve that.