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New Desha County Judge introduced; citizen asks for appointment records
Summary
At the Aug. 21 meeting the court formally introduced newly appointed Desha County Judge Wayne Smith and a citizen letter requesting the procedures and minutes for his appointment was read; JP 3 said she would forward executive-session minutes to the county for release to the requester.
The Desha County Quorum Court introduced newly appointed County Judge Wayne Smith during its Aug. 21 meeting, and a citizen asked the court to release records describing the process used to make the appointment.
JP 2 G. Lynn Weatherford introduced Wayne Smith at the start of the meeting. Later, Flora Simon submitted a letter asking for the procedures the court followed when appointing the new judge; County Clerk Valerie Donaldson read the letter aloud.
JP 2 asked whether JP 3 had taken minutes during the executive session related to the appointment. JP 3 Patricia Watkins responded, "I would forward the minutes to the county, and the county would release the information to Ms. Simon at that time." The minutes indicate the court will provide the records through the county after JP 3 forwards what she recorded.
County Clerk Donaldson also read Ordinance 2025-11, which amends the Desha County Sheriff's Contribution Fund; no action on the ordinance is recorded in the minutes. The meeting concluded with routine approvals of the July minutes and financial reports and an adjournment motion by JP 5 Hollis Mankin.
