Alexander council considers allowing boxing club to use city building

The Alexander City Council heard a brief presentation from the owners of a boxing club. The non-profit A.F.B Arkansas Factor Boxing Club is located in Little Rock.

Club operators Marcos and Catherine Lopez are asking permission to use the metal building, formerly used by the American Legion Post 28, located at the former Human Development Center along Hwy. 111. The club caters to both teenagers and adults.

“We live here,” said Catherine Lopez. “We're very close, and he's (Marcos Lopez) been doing this for teenagers, and he's a coach.”

Lopez is the club’s only instructor.

Mayor Crystal Herrmann told council members this isn’t your usual activity that can use the larger Community Center #2.

“Because it is a boxing club, their items are so heavy and big and bulky, it really wouldn't work in our larger community center, because they wouldn't be able to just pick it up and put it away,” Herrmann said.

Council members gave City Attorney Chris Madison permission to explore the legal and any liability issues the city may incur.

In other news at the May 18 meeting

Permit amendment gets second reading

After approving a change in the list of the type of fencing material allowed to build a fence, the Alexander City Council had a second reading of the ordinance amending the city’s permit ordinance. The third and final reading is expected at the June meeting. The ordinance received its first public reading in April.

The amendment adds additional permits required for new fences, a road cut permit and regulations covering the rental and placement of permit boxes.

The cause of the delay in passage is concern over the description of the types of fence material to be allowed was too restrictive. The section describing allowed fencing materials states, “[W]ooden fencing materials and chain link.”

Council Member Christopher Prowes suggested adding the list of proposed fencing materials, provided to the council, in place of the original wood and chain link. That section will now include, “wood, chain link, aluminum, steel, vinyl (PVC), and stone/masonry.”

Will there be a gas station in South Alexander?

Mayor Crystal Herrmann reported to council members that a company has its eyes on the former Human Development Center property as a possible location for a gas station. She said they will only need a portion of the property along Hwy. 111. Any planning or construction is at least a year away.

City-wide yard sale Saturday

City of Alexander Community Yard Sale is Saturday, May 23, 2026. There are three ways to participate.

1. Set up a table at the Park or Community Center #2.

2. Have a sale at your house and get your address added to the map.

3. Donate your items for the City's Sale with proceeds going to the Parks Fund.

There is no fee to set up. Contact City Hall at 501-455-2585.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, June 15, at 6:00 PM in the courtroom of the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). Meetings are open to the public.

4 Honored with Life Saving Certificates from Alexander Fire and Rescue

The fire chief of the Northeast Fire Department District and three firefighters with Alexander Fire and Rescue were presented with certificates and medals in recognition of actions the took to save a heart attack victim. The presentation occurred at the May 18 city council meeting.

Prior to presenting the awards, Alexander Fire and Rescue Chief Ryan McCormick explained what transpired on the evening of February 21, 2026. According to Chief McCormick, C-shift responded to a call from the Northeast Fire Department on a cardiac arrest incident. Northeast Fire Department Fire Chief Edward Rinehart was already administering CPR. Alexander’s Captain Joe Rounsaville, Engineer Conner Roberts and Firefighter Tim Chilcote began to assist.

“By the time Pafford (Ambulance) arrived, the gentleman had a pulse,” Chief McCormick said. Pafford got him to the hospital. He was revived and talking to us. [I]n my 30 years of the fire service, it's been a handful or two, three times before I (witnessed) somebody going into cardiac arrest and walking out of ... the hospital.”

Chief McCormick presented Life Saving certificates and medals to Northeast Fire Department Fire Chief Edward Rinehart, Captain Joe Rounsaville, Engineer Conner Roberts and Firefighter Tim Chilcote.

Northeast Fire Dept Chief 

Edward Rinehart

Capt. Joe Rounsaville

Firefighter Tim Chilcote

Engineer Conner Roberts

 

Human remains identified

After only two weeks, human remains found in a wooded area of Alexander has a name. The remains have been identified as belonging to Samuel Camron of Judsonia, Arkansas.

 Samuel Camron

On May 6, 2026 the Alexander Police Department was notified, by an unnamed individual, that human remains had been found in the woods west of the industrial area along Hwy. 111. Since then DNA analysis has provided a name, but as of Monday evening (May 18) police had been unable to locate anyone who can identify the body.

During the May 18 city council meeting Police Chief Preator began his monthly report with an update on the victim. Describing the condition of the remains when they were found he said, “They have been there for a very long time.”

Chief Preator said there was an ongoing search for anyone who can identify the individual. He said they will ask the public for help if no one can be found.

“But as soon as we either figure out (who can identify the body), we can find somebody to make a death notification so we can make it public, we will,” Preator said. “But if not, then we may be reaching out for the public’s help to see if they knew this person.”

On Tuesday morning the Alexander Police Department did issue a press release providing the individual’s name and photo. The press release said in part, “If you know Mr. Camron or have any information regarding Mr. Camron, please contact the Alexander Police Department at (501) 274-4400 or Contact the Saline County Coroner at (501) 303-5658.