Flag Retirement Ceremony September 12

Alexander American Legion Post 28 will conduct a Flag Retirement Ceremony on Saturday, September 12 at 7 PM in the City of Alexander Park. The Post will be aided by East End Boy Scout Troop 108.

If anyone has an American flag, that is in no condition to be flown, you may contact Harold Timmerman at (501) 813-4694. He will provide additional information concerning the inclusion of your flag in the ceremony.

The park is located along the west side of Highway 111 (Alexander Road) across from Dollar General.

Hamburgers and hot dogs will be available for donations.

No opposition in Alexander November elections

Ten incumbents holding positions in the City of Alexander are unopposed in the upcoming November 3 elections. This year the eight council members, the city recorder and city treasurer positions were available for this election cycle.

Current members of the city council are Joe Pollard (Ward-1: Pos-1), Elizabeth Bland (Ward-1: Pos-2), Joy Gray (Ward-2: Pos-1), Juanita Wilson (Ward-2: Pos-2), Harold Timmerman (Ward-3: Pos-1), Dan Church (Ward-3: Pos-2), Lonny Chapman (Ward-4: Pos-1), and Jeffery Watson (Ward-4: Pos-2). The City Recorder is Sharon Bankhead. JoAn Churchill is currently serving as interim treasurer and submitted a petition to be placed on the ballot. These positions will be listed in the “Unopposed” category on the ballot.

During the council’s August 17 meeting Mayor Paul Mitchell congratulated everyone for being unopposed. He contributed the lack of opposition to Alexander citizens being satisfied with the city’s progress during the past few years.

Council members serve two-year terms while the city recorder and city treasurer serve four-year terms. In 2022 the council positions and the mayors seat will be on the ballot. The mayor serves a four-year term.

Alexander property tax rate remains at 1.5-mills

For the third year in a row the Alexander City Council has approved a tax rate of 1.5-mills (0.15-cents) on real and personal property. The tax rate will be levied for the 2020 tax year to be collected in 2021.

In 2017 council members agreed to lower the tax rate from its normal 5-mils to 3-mills in anticipation of the passage of a one-cent sales tax in a November 2017 special election. Lowering the property tax rate was a promise made to voters in exchange for passage of the one-cent sales tax increase. Passage of the one-cent sales tax allowed the council to reduce the property tax rate to 1.5-mills in 2018.

Mitchell said Alexander’s property tax rate remains below Benton and Bryant.

During the announcement portion of the August 17 meeting;

Mayor Paul Mitchell asked council members to consider whether the city should hold its annual fall festival this year. Normally, it’s held in October at the city park. But, with issues surrounding CoVid-19 he is asking council members for their input.

CoVid-19 is also causing Mitchell to consider whether he should reschedule the annual Mayor’s Award Dinner. That usually takes place in September and is held indoors.

Former Alexander Council Member Daisy Hill dies at 78

Daisy Jane Hill, 78, died in her Alexander home Monday, August 17, 2020 at 4AM surrounded by family members. She was born March 13, 1942 in Paris, Arkansas to William Arthur and Corine (Grady) Sewell.

Photo taken from family flier.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years Albert "David" Hill. He died August 29, 2017 at age 72.

Hill served as a member of the Alexander City Council. She was appointed in November 2006 following the annexation of Woodland Hills (south Alexander). She resigned in 2011.

The visitation and funeral will be held Thursday August 20, 2020 at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home (4212 Hwy 5 North; Bryant, Arkansas). Visitation begins at 10:00 AM followed by the funeral at 11:00 AM. A graveside service will be held at 12 Noon.

For a complete obituary, and to sign the online guest book, visit the Dial and Dudley website at https://www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com/obituary/daisy-hill.