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Hi Community Members!

Hope everyone has been able to safely enjoy the snow. While drinking your next hot beverage, I’d like to recommend this commentary piece from Janice Ellis in today’s Arkansas Advocate, “The lessons of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life should give us hope today.”

- Christine

Local Events

  • Thurs., Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m. - Troublemaker Training: Comms 101 - Handling Tough Topics Like A Pro virtual conversation - In order to defeat extremism in our communities, we need to be able to effectively talk to our friends about tough topics. Hear from Jess McIntosh, a communication strategist, CNN commentator and former host of Signal Boost. She can help you with tips and advice on what to say (and what not to say) and how to connect with others. Register HERE.

  • Friday, Jan. 19th at 9 a.m. - Onward Ozarks Heartland Health Caucus zoom meeting - Joining the panel on Heartland Forward’s health and wellness work are Angie Cooper, EVP, Blake Woolsey, chief communications and development officer and Maria Rodriquez-Alcala, director of programs for health and wellness. Register HERE.

  • Wed., Jan. 24th at 5:30 p.m. - January Meeting and Candlelight Vigil for Gun Violence Survivors Week at the Rogers Public Library (711 S Dixieland) hosted by NWA Moms Demand Action Local Group. The January meeting will be dedicated to lifting survivor voices, gun violence survivor support, & a candlelight vigil to honor survivors. Register HERE.

  • Thurs., Jan. 25th at 6:30 p.m. - Updating Title IX: How Changes Will Protect LBGTQ+ Students virtual conversation - Did you know that the Biden administration is expected to make historic changes to Title IX regulations that will directly protect LGBTQI+ students on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity? Join Brian Dittmeier, Director of Public Policy, at GLSEN to learn how these changes will affirm students’ identities in the classroom, fight bullying and harassment, and ensure access to sports programs and school facilities. Register HERE.

  • Fri., Jan. 26th at 11:45 a.m. - Political Animals Club of Northwest Arkansas Meeting at Mermaids in Fayetteville (2217 N. College Ave.); David Couch, from the Arkansas Citizens for Transparency board, will be the guest speaker. This meeting is open to all and the only cost is the $15 at the door for the meal. Reserve your seat by emailing Judge John Threet.

  • Sun., Jan. 28th from 10 - 1 p.m. - Abortion Support Training by Ozark Circle for Choice in Fayetteville. Join this in-person training to learn about abortion and how to support yourself, friend or neighbor as they navigate this complex process. Register by direct messaging Ozark Circle for Choice on Instagram HERE and referencing your interest in the program.

  • Sun., Feb. 11th at 11 a.m. - Annual Galentine’s Brunch Celebration and Fundraiser for Emerge Arkansas in Fayetteville - Brunch with purpose, celebrating and supporting GalPower at one of Emerge Arkansas's most talked-about events of the year - the annual Galentine's Brunch fundraiser! This event is for the ladies - celebrating women friendships, women in leadership, and, yes, there will be waffles! All proceeds help us recruit and train more Democratic women to run for office in Arkansas. Reserve your ticket HERE.

Community Involvement Opportunities

Voice and Votes 2024 NWA Women’s Rally

NWA, it's time to come together to amplify the voices of women and champion the power of our votes! Join us for Voices and Votes 2024, a Northwest Arkansas Women's Rally on the front steps of the Fayetteville Town Center from 2 - 3 p.m., Sunday, January 28th. Be part of a powerful celebration of unity, empowerment, and action.

Let's build an Arkansas where the challenges women face are centered, women's rights are restored, and women's voices matter. Your presence is not just attendance; it's a statement to Arkansas that together, women can propel us to a better, brighter Arkansas.

Mark your calendars for an hour of inspiration, camaraderie, and the collective strength of women. All who wish to celebrate the power of women's voices and votes are welcome.

Soup’s on! NWA Soup Sunday Annual Fundraiser

Join me at my favorite annual fundraiser with our friends at Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (AACF) for Northwest Arkansas Soup Sunday on Sunday, February 18, 2024. This family-friendly event with delicious soups, live music, and an auction is not to be missed!

This year's event is co-chaired by DPBC steering committee member Clint Schaff and his wife Jessica, and they can hardly wait to see you and yours at the Rogers Convention Center on Sunday, February 18th, 4:30-6:30 pm. Get your tickets HERE.

AACF is a non-partisan non-profit organization with a mission to ensure that all children and their families have the resources and opportunities they need to lead healthy and productive lives and to realize their full potential.

Municipal Government Awareness

Bella Vista

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 5:30 p.m. (2483 Forest Hills Blvd) - Work Session

  • Items of Note:

    • Bella Vista plans to spend more than $11.2M in capital expenditures this year, including $4.5M on the Central Fire Station/Town Center Complex remodeling project. Read more from the NWA Dem Gazz HERE.

    • Recently State Senator Bryant (R-Rogers), asked the AG Tim Griffin whether municipalities can require property owners to connect to privately owned utilities. Griffin responded last week; read the write-up and the city’s response in the NWA Dem Gazz article from Samuel Clanton HERE.

    • Public Info sessions about the March 5th Millage Increase for Police Pensions will be held on Tues. Jan 23rd at 6 p.m. (Bella Vista Recreation Center - 3 Riordan Rd) and Tues. Feb 6th at 3 p.m. (2483 Forest Hills)

Bentonville

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. (305 SW A St.)

  • Items of Note:

    • Virtual coffee with mayor discussion highlighting the Bentonville Municipal Airport will be Tuesday, ,Jan. 16th at 8 a.m., register HERE.

Cave Springs

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. (134 N. Main St.)

  • Items of Note:

    • Last week the council unanimously voted to restore the city’s community building (opened in 1934 and closed in 2015). Read more about the meeting discussion and budget in Lydia Fletcher’s NWA Dem Gazz article HERE.

Centerton

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. (210 Municipal Dr.)

Gravette

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 5:30 p.m. (202 Main St. NE)

  • Items of Note:

    • During the City Council's General Session Meeting on Tuesday, January 23rd, there will be a Public Hearing held. This Public Hearing will cover the Hwy 59 & 72 Stoplight Project. This forum will be open to questions from the public about what this project will entail, details about the project, as well as any updates on the project.

Lowell

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m. (216 N. Lincoln St.)

Pea Ridge

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. (911 Weston St.)

Rogers

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. (301 W. Chestnut)

  • Items of Note:

    • The City of Rogers Community Blood Drive is coming up, and there are still spots available for pre-registration. Give the gift of life and make a real difference in your community! On Monday, January 22nd, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will be at the Rogers Activity Center.

Siloam Springs

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. (400 N. Broadway)

Springdale

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. (201 Spring St.)

County Government Awareness

Benton County Election Commission

Election Commissioners Melanie B. Hoskins, Russ Anzalone, and W. Greg Day cut the ribbon in the grand opening celebration on January 5th (Picture from the County)

Benton County hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony earlier this month to celebrate completion of the new Election Commission Building located at 1428 W Walnut Street in Rogers. The building is the first time the Benton County Election Commission will be officed in its own secure, standalone building.

The building contains a public lobby where early voting will take place for the first time in February 2024 for the Preferential Primary and School Election. The building has ample storage for election machines and equipment, and will be used for training for poll workers.

The Benton County Election Commission is a separate and independent unit of the county government. The Election Commission has the responsibility in conducting all Federal, State, County, and Local Elections occurring within Benton County. The Elections are administrated by and under the jurisdiction of the Benton County Board of Election Commissioners, in conjunction with State Election Laws, and State and Local authorities.

Benton County Quorum Court

  • Benton County Judge (our County Administrator) Barry Moehring and Administrative Judge Thomas Smith spoke with NWA Dem Gazz staff Chris Swindle and Tracy Neal about the proposal to sell two county buildings currently housing two courtrooms so the funds can be used to build two replacement courtrooms at the Juvenile Detention Center. Listen to the 30 minute conversation HERE.

  • Upcoming Meetings:

    • Committee of the Whole - moved to Jan. 18th at 6 p.m. (rescheduled from Jan. 16th due to weather)

    • Quorum Court - Jan. 25th at 6 p.m.

Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)

The NWACC Foundation recently added two new members to its Board of Directors for the nonprofit philanthropic organization. The two new members are Kelly Carlson, SVP at Arvest and current president of the Bentonville School Board, and Emily McCord, attorney at Mitchell Williams Law and current president at the NWA Children’s Shelter.

State Government Awareness

Arkansas Department of Transportation:

The Arkansas Department of Transportation is seeking public input on the development of a State Rail Plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide a guide for future investments in freight and passenger rail infrastructure and services in Arkansas and to position the state for railroad funding opportunities.

The plan will also establish a vision and priorities for freight and passenger rail in Arkansas. The public is invited to review an online presentation regarding freight and passenger rail in Arkansas and to complete a survey. The SURVEY is available now and will close on Feb. 13.

Arkansas’ Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan – 30-day Public Comment Period

Established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, the Digital Equity Act (DEA) established three grant programs to promote digital opportunity. NTIA states that these programs “…aim to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy.” The three grant programs include the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, and the State Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program.

As the next step in the process to access these funds, the Arkansas State Broadband Office (ARConnect) has developed Arkansas’ Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan (DSO). The DSO plan outlines the state’s vision for empowering Arkansans with the skills, technology, and capacity needed to self-determine success in the 21st-century digital economy. This draft proposal will be available for public review and comment, for a period of 30 days, through January 25, 2024.

ARConnect is seeking public review and comment on the draft proposal by all broadband stakeholders, including elected officials, nonprofits, business owners, and all interested residents. The public comment form can be found HERE.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders:

  • In the latest news on the escalating public fight between the Governor and the Arkansas Board of Corrections: the board voted last week to fire Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri. Following the firing, the Governor announced she will hire Profiri as a senior advisor. Read more about the ongoing issue from Hunter Field at the Arkansas Advocate HERE.

  • Read Neal Earley’s reporting in the NWA Dem Gazz, “Six months of protecting Sanders family costs Arkansas State Police $1.4M” - 93% of the costs were for regular salaries, overtime and fringe benefits

Election Information

Primary Election Information

  • Feb. 5th - Last day to register to vote as a new voter in Arkansas

  • Feb. 20 - 24, Feb. 26 - Mar. 2, and Mar. 4th - Early voting days - times locations can be found HERE

  • Mar. 1st - Last day to update existing Arkansas voter registration address with the County (COB)

  • Mar. 5th - Election Day from 7:30 - 7:30 - locations can be found HERE

Latest on the November General Election Ballot Initiatives

  • The Absentee Voting Amendment of 2024 - from Arkansas Voter Integrity Initiative has been approved by the AG to begin the signature collection process. ***Do research on this BEFORE you sign the petition.***

  • An Act to Exempt Feminine Hygiene Products and Diapers from Sales and Use Tax - from the Arkansas Period Poverty Project has been approved by the AG to begin the signature collection process. For those looking to help with the signature collection process, check out the group’s Facebook page for information.

  • Arkansas Abortion Amendment - from Arkansans for Limited Government submitted the third draft of the amendment to the AG last week; read more from Tess Vrbin at Arkansas Advocate HERE.

  • Arkansas Government Transparency Act & Arkansas Government Transparency Amendment - from Arkansas Citizens for Transparency submitted the third versions of the Act and Amendment to the AG (response due Jan. 24th and Jan. 23rd) — litigation is likely the next step; read more from Tess Vrbin at Arkansas Advocate HERE.

  • Arkansas Medical Cannabis Amendment of 2024 - from Arkansans for Patient Access submitted ballot language to the AG last Friday; read more from Hunter Field at Arkansas Advocate HERE.

  • Educational Rights Amendment of 2024 - from For AR Kids had their first proposal rejected by the AG last week; read more from Antoinette Grajeda at Arkansas Advocate HERE.

  • “Paper Ballots” - from Arkansas Voter Integrity Initiative has been rejected again by the AG. This is a good thing, but I expect the group to submit another version soon.

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