Legislative Audit report discussed; Annual county jail agreement approved

City of Alexander Mayor Crystal Herrmann provided council members a verbal summary of the annual Legislative Audit report, for the calendar year 2024. The audit is conducted annually by the State of Arkansas. The audit for 2024 was performed in 2025. Council members received a copy of the report.

City officials listed in the report for 2024 are, “Mayor: Crystal Herrmann, Recorder: Sharon Bankhead, Treasurer: Vacant, District Court Clerk: Janet Guess, and Police Chief: Robert Burnett (resigned December 17, 2024).”

Anyone who follows news out of city hall knows Chief Burnett, and two other officers, were fired by Herrmann the Tuesday following the December 16, 2024 council meeting. Former treasurer JoAn Churchill resigned in December, 2023. This was Herrmann’s second year as mayor.

The report states, “During our evaluation, noncompliance with state law and accepted accounting practices was noted in the office of the Treasurer.”

The report states, “Accounting procedures for municipalities are set forth in Ark. Code Ann. §§ 14-59-101-14-59-119. The City was not in compliance with these Code sections and other accounting procedures as follows: Prenumbered receipts were not issued for all funds received. Cash receipts journals were not properly posted and reconciled with bank deposits. Monthly bank reconciliations were prepared but were not accurate. A detailed fixed asset listing was not maintained to include additions, deletions, and a control total. A similar finding was noted in the previous two reports.”

Since a bookkeeper is not listed, it is unknown who was maintaining Alexander’s accounts. Herrmann did not elaborate clearly who was performing the duties of treasurer, or bookkeeper, in 2024 after the resignation of Treasurer JoAn Churchill. She did, however, discuss the performance of District Court Clerk Janet Guess.

“So with Miss Janet, our court clerk, God bless her,” Herrmann began. “She's had this rotation of the same timing. I think judge for and like a lot of it, they came out. They've done some different training and literally just is a receipt deposit. There's nothing missing. It was literally just one of the way that I just saw her receipt and her deposit at a certain time.”

As stated in the report, the purpose of the annual audit, “(I)s to assist local government officials by promoting sound financial management and accountability of government resources. The Legislative Auditor reports on the fiscal affairs of local governments, as well as compliance with relevant state laws and observance of good business practices to provide accountability for tax dollars expended to support government operations.”

The report also states, “Management of the City is responsible for maintaining the financial records and complying with state laws and accepted accounting practices.”

The audit does not involve a financial reconciliation of the budget.

Council members voted to accept the audit report as required, which will appear in the minutes as proof of receiving the report.

Resolution entering into jail agreement for 2027 approved

The Jail Cost Sharing Agreement between the Saline County Detention Center and the City of Alexander was approved. The agreement establishes the cost Alexander will pay to house its inmates during the calendar year 2027.

The monthly cost will be $4,218.54. The annual total is $50,622.40. The cost for 2026 was much lower at a monthly payment of $2,564.18; $30,769.39 annually. In 2025 the monthly cost was $3,011.59; $36,139.04 annually. For 2024 the monthly cost was $2,527.85; $30,334.18 annually. The costs are based on the actual cost for housing Alexander's inmates the previous year.

Under the agreement the city will still be charging a fee of $20, "[T]o be paid by each defendant upon conviction, plea of guilty, plea of nolo contendere, or bond forfeiture for all misdemeanors, traffic violations, or other first or second-class fines, to defray the cost of incarcerating City Inmates."

Police Chief Timothy Preator did offer a suggestion to lower these costs. Even though most of the prisoners brought to the county jail are there to be booked and then released, the city is still charged for an entire day. Preator said those costs could be eliminated if the city had its own fingerprint machine to book those prisoners who don’t need to be jailed. Preator said he has been talking to the Bauxite Police Department about purchasing a fingerprint machine they are no longer using.

Other news from the September 21 council meeting

Park is popular; Clean-up day “a little slow”

During the Mayor’s Report Mayor Crystal Herrmann said the city park is attracting many visitors. Also, the city-wide cleanup was “slow” but various types of waste was collected.

About the city park she said, “I cannot tell you the amount of visitors that are parked. It is really good. ... The parking lot seems to be staying very full throughout the rotations of the day.”

About the city cleanup Herrmann said, “It was a little slow, but we did fill up two large dumpsters with waste. ... I wish we could have gotten more out of the city. We filled up three bins of e-waste televisions and things to the nature.”

Herrmann is considering doing another cleanup in six months when the weather is more appealing.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, October 19, at 6:00 PM in the courtroom of the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). Meetings are open to the public.

Subdivision request tabled; New PD position established

The Alexander City Council tabled a request to re-plat three lots down to two. The lots are located on the north side of 3^rd St. (Hwy 111) between Alexander Road, Main Street and an alley.

According to the written request the new owner, Zuleima Hernandez, wants to combine existing lots 7, 8 and 9 into two lots labeled 7R and 8R. There is also a variance request for an existing building, which is eight feet from a boundary line instead of the now required 20 feet.

Each of the existing three lots have homes located on them, however, zoning limits lots to one main structure each. Therefore, something will have to be done with the two homes to bring the new Lot 8R into compliance. The request states use of the subdivided properties will remain residential, but makes no mention of the plans for Lot 8R.

At the September 21 council meeting Mayor Crystal Herrmann reported on the public hearing held prior to the council meeting that night. Since posting the subdivision request and public hearing Herrmann said, “We had no worries. We had no complaints.”

They also had no one at the public hearing or council meeting who could answer questions about their plans. It’s for that reason the request has been tabled until October in hopes of getting a representative present who can answer questions.

Also at the September 21 meeting

Police Department needs a helper

The Alexander council approved Police Chief Timothy Preator’s request to change an unused police officer position to administrative assistant. Since the position is already in the budget it’s merely a change in labeling. That reduces the budgeted 11 officer positions down to 10.

Preator said he wants to hire a “civilian” but they will have to be trained and certified to access all the systems the other officers do without being an actual police officer.

“This civilian is not going to be just a regular run-of-the-middle person,” Preator said. “I'm going to have to send this person to ACIC (Arkansas Crime Information Center) certification schools because they can look at warrants, they can help with all the stuff that we've got there. We have an ACIC terminal in our building, and with that being said, like none of you guys can even go into my building unless one of us are there, unless you are an ACIC certified. So, I have to send this person to school, I'll have to send them to FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) schools. … I can't just hire the cheapest person on the market and make it work.”

The position has already been posted on the department’s Facebook page. A description of the job includes; Public contact and non-emergency calls, Accurate records and report filing, Data entry and database management, Support command staff and operations, and Provide excellent citizen service. Requirements are Strong clerical and computer skills, Discretion and confidentiality, Background check and drug screen required, and Excellent communication skills. The application form is available at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall) across from the Post Office.

Police Department receives permission to sell golf cart

Council members approved an ordinance giving Police Chief Timothy Preator the authority to sell a golf cart that had been used to patrol city events. The battery powered golf cart is described as a 2009 RTEV, Inc. Ruff and Tuff Event Cart.

Preator said he wants to take whatever he gets for this golf cart and put it towards a newer model. He also mentioned possibly getting one with a gasoline engine.

You can call 501-274-4400 to contact Chief Preator however, it may already be sold. During the meeting a member of the Alexander America Legion said they may be interested in buying the golf cart.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, October 19, at 6:00 PM in the courtroom of the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). Meetings are open to the public.

Public hearing to precede September Alexander council meeting

The Alexander City Council, serving in its role as planning commission, will have a public hearing prior to its regular September council meeting. The public hearing is scheduled for 5:30 PM on Monday, September 21. The council meeting will be held at 6:00 PM. Both the public hearing and council meeting will be held in the courtroom in the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall).

The public hearing concerns a request to subdivide property located on the north side of 3^rd St. (Hwy 111) between Alexander Road, Main Street and an alley. According to the written request the new owner, Zuleima Hernandez, wants to combine existing lots 7, 8 and 9 into two lots labeled 7R and 8R. There is also a variance request for an existing building which is eight feet from a boundary line instead of the now required 20 feet.

Each of the existing three lots have homes located on them. The request states use of the subdivided properties will remain residential.

This request is on the agenda for the council which follows the public hearing. The public is invited to attend both the public hearing and council meeting.

Also on the agenda is the, “2024 Legislative Audit Results (See article), Permission to change Police dept. positions, Ordinance to sell City property, and Resolution entering into a jail agreement for 2027” with Saline County. The jail agreement is an annual exercise to establish how much the city will be charged to house prisoners.

Arkansas Legislative Audit releases Alexander’s 2024 report; Accounting errors listed

The City of Alexander’s annual Legislative Audit report, for the calendar year 2024, has been published on the agency’s website. The audit is conducted annually by the State of Arkansas. The audit for 2024 was performed in 2025.

As stated in the report, the purpose of the annual audit, “(I)s to assist local government officials by promoting sound financial management and accountability of government resources. The Legislative Auditor reports on the fiscal affairs of local governments, as well as compliance with relevant state laws and observance of good business practices to provide accountability for tax dollars expended to support government operations.”

The report also states, “Management of the City is responsible for maintaining the financial records and complying with state laws and accepted accounting practices.”

The audit does not involve a financial reconciliation of the budget.

City officials listed in the report for 2024 are, “Mayor: Crystal Herrmann, Recorder: Sharon Bankhead, Treasurer: Vacant, District Court Clerk: Janet Guess, and Police Chief: Robert Burnett (resigned December 17, 2024).”

Anyone who follows news out of city hall knows Chief Burnett, and two other officers, were fired by Herrmann the Tuesday following the December 16, 2024 council meeting. Former treasurer JoAn Churchill resigned in December, 2023. This was Herrmann’s second year as mayor.

The report states, “During our evaluation, noncompliance with state law and accepted accounting practices was noted in the office of the Treasurer.”

The report states, “Accounting procedures for municipalities are set forth in Ark. Code Ann. §§ 14-59-101-14-59-119. The City was not in compliance with these Code sections and other accounting procedures as follows: Prenumbered receipts were not issued for all funds received. Cash receipts journals were not properly posted and reconciled with bank deposits. Monthly bank reconciliations were prepared but were not accurate. A detailed fixed asset listing was not maintained to include additions, deletions, and a control total. A similar finding was noted in the previous two reports.”

Since a bookkeeper is not listed, it is unknown who was maintaining Alexander’s accounts.

The 2024 audit report should be a topic of discussion at the council’s September 21 meeting.

Abatement grant denied

In its first attempt at receiving a Brownfield Grant, Mayor Crystal Herrmann reported the grant request was denied. Since becoming mayor of Alexander in January, 2023 the city has been following the numerous steps necessary to receive a Brownfield grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The grant program is funded by the EPA and is used to clean properties where the presence, or potential presence, of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant makes development difficult.

Herrmann has been attempting to acquire a Brownfield grant in order to make the former Alexander Human Development Center (AHDC) property safe for development. The expectation is the former hospital building contains asbestos, lead paint and potentially other unknown hazards.

It wasn’t a total loss. We now have an estimated price tag for just removing the health hazards before demolishing the building.

At the August 17 council meeting Herrmann said, “But, considering after visiting with some contractors as far as just the abatement, that's not getting rid of the building, but just the abatement, we're looking at the $800 to $900,000 by itself. Just to (sic) abatement.”

When asked about razing the building without going through the abatement process Herrmann explained all of the rubble will be disposed as hazardous waste, instead of a smaller amount when abated first. There is a cost to disposing hazardous waste.

“So you do want to abate it before you knock it down, if there's any way possible, because if you do not abate it first, once it's knocked down, then all of the materials they get pulled off have to be treated as hazardous waste,” Herrmann said.

The city will submit another grant request, but the mayor noted as time goes on the cost will probably increase. Herrmann said the city will have to fund a portion of the cost. Although, she didn’t say what percentage would be the city’s share.

Herrmann said she will continue to look for other funding options. She also suggested that they begin budgeting for the matching funds and the possibility of having to go it alone.

The AHDC property, located along Highway 111 in South Alexander, was originally the site of the first tuberculosis sanitarium for African-Americans in Arkansas. Eventually, it was converted into a home for any adult with special needs that required care and training from professionals.

When the Arkansas Department of Human Services no longer had a use for the property it was deeded to Alexander in 2018. Under state law the property could not be sold to an individual. It could only be taken over by another government entity such as a municipality or county. The goal has been to find a developer who can turn it into a commercial center.

After the city took ownership of the 65-acre property the building was mostly destroyed by fire. The fire was ruled as arson but no one has ever been charged.

Mayor to spend $3,000 for street survey

Mayor Herrmann reported to council members she is hiring Argon, a company that will survey city streets and rate their condition from good to bad. She says the information will be used to establish a street maintenance schedule.

“Argon, and they offer a service to come in and do an assessment on all of our city streets,” Herrmann began. “And it will rate the streets. And it will give us a good, ... bad, like the worst grades. They offer multiple services, but they might actually be able to also give us like culvert counts, conditions and things to that nature as well.”

Herrmann said the survey will be limited to the older areas of the city. St. Joseph’s Glen and Meadow’s Edge streets won’t be included. For their basic services she estimated the cost around $3,000.

“So I think just from the basics of it was like around $3,000, and I felt like it's a very good tool that we can use for the street department,” Herrmann said. “Because then we can start a schedule of maintenance, sealing a lot of places. So we can take a look at what we want to do repairs on and also start that maintenance schedule.”

In November, 2015 Alexander paved the first set of streets funded by a grant that’s part of the State Aid City Streets program. Cities are offered access to this program as part of a gasoline tax passed by voters to upgrade interstate and state highways along with city and county streets and roads. The last set of streets paved under this grant program, which was approved in 2022, were paved in 2023.

A city or county is allowed to submit a request every three years. During the three-year gap Alexander paved additional streets using revenue in the street fund. Herrmann said the grant program may not serve the city’s needs much longer.

“[W]e're on every three years of the highway program,” she said. “And that's not going to work for very long. Like it officially, we're going to end up with more bad roads than good. So if we start a maintenance schedule and you lost this tool (the grant), it'll keep us on track to keep the things that we have in good standing. And then be able to also move more of the other places.”

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, September 21, at 6:00 PM in the courtroom of the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). Meetings are open to the public.

Variance for manufactured home approved, Property tax rate unchanged, Budget line item increased $40,000

The Alexander City Council approved a variance request that will allow a manufactured home to be place on a lot with less than the required square footage. However, placement of the home will still meet all the setback requirements.

What started out as a large single lot went through a variance process in 2024. Back then property owner H. Erick Montoya received permission to have the single large lot divided into two smaller lots. The variance was needed because the minimum lot size allowed is 8,000 square feet. Splitting the lot left one half with 6,916.5 square feet and the other 6,901.5 square feet.

The two lots are located at the corner of Regency Drive and Charles Street in South Alexander. One lot only fronts Regency Drive, while the other faces both Regency Drive and Charles Street.

At the 2024 variance hearing Montoya proposed building two site-built homes. Because of unforeseen drainage issues he now wants to place a manufactured home on the lot at 14916 Regency Drive. He plans to leave the second lot, which borders Regency Drive and Charles Street, vacant. Since the zoning in this area allows both site-built and manufactured housing a change in zoning will not be needed.

At the August 17 council meeting Council Member Angela Griffin expressed concerns that something else may come up later concerning the proposed vacant lot, requiring another variance.

“When you're saying that you're probably, eventually put (sic) another home with that other lot, I'm just a little hesitant because something different came up this time,” Griffin said.

At the time of the 2024 variance request an old-style trailer/mobile home sat in the middle and to the rear of the large lot. Montoya said it hid the drainage area.

“Well, the drainage difference,” Montoya said. “When there was the old home (trailer) that was there, it was almost sitting back almost where the drainage is.”

At the previous July council meeting Montoya told council members he attempted to level the property with multiple dump truck loads of dirt. However, in his written request for the variance, he has come to the conclusion the amount of water run-off expected will not be suitable for a site-built home. Because manufactured homes are designed to be setup above ground, he feels this would be a better solution.

Prior to the August council meeting a public hearing was held to give residents the opportunity to express any concerns they may have about the requested variance. No one from the public spoke in favor of or against the variance. Mayor Crystal Herrmann reported that no one submitted any comments in writing. This portion of South Alexander is mostly made up of manufactured housing.

Other agenda items at August 17 meeting

Real Estate and Property tax rate unchanged

Two ordinances were approved setting the annual real state and property tax millage rate at 1.5 mills. The ordinances establish the millage rate to be collected by Saline County and Pulaski County in 2027 for the 2026 taxing year. The 1.5 rate, lower than the maximum five mills, was reduced while Paul Mitchell was still mayor in exchange for passage of a 1-cent city sales tax for the General Fund in 2017.

Budget line item increased $40,000 to replace HVAC units

Council members approved amending the general fund portion of the 2026 budget to pay for replacing five HVAC units in several city buildings. The Building Maintenance line item will be increased from $10,000 to $50,000.

Three of the buildings include the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex and two cottages at the former Alexander Human Development Center (AHDC). The courtroom HVAC system crashed right before the July council meeting, which caused the meeting be moved to the Community Center #2 at the AHDC property.

Mayor Herrmann said the HVAC units didn’t breakdown at the same time. The requested $40,000 increase is an accumulation of repairs over several weeks. She said bids were submitted for each project.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, September 21, at 6:00 PM in the courtroom of the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). Meetings are open to the public.

Public hearing to precede Alexander August council meeting

A public hearing will be held in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall) at 5:30 PM on Monday, August 17. The regular monthly council meeting will follow at 6 PM. Members of the public are welcome.

The purpose of the hearing is to hear a proposed change in plans for two lots at the corner of Regency Drive and Charles Street in South Alexander. Property owner H. Erick Montoya received permission in 2024 to have the single large lot divided into two smaller lots. However, the minimum lot size allowed is 8,000 square feet. Splitting the lot left one half with 6,916.5 square feet and the other 6,901.5 square feet. Allowing the smaller lots was the reason for the 2024 variance.

Instead of building two site-built homes, as proposed during the variance hearing, Montoya now wants to place a manufactured home on the lot at 14916 Regency Drive and leave the second lot, which borders Regency Drive and Charles Street, vacant. Since the zoning in this area allows both site-built and manufactured housing a change in zoning will now be needed.

At the July council meeting Montoya told council members he attempted to level the property with multiple dump truck loads of dirt. However, according to his written request for the change, he has come to the conclusion the amount of water run-off expected will not be suitable for a site-built home. Because manufactured homes are designed to be setup above ground, he feels this would be a better solution.

This variance request is listed under New Business for consideration at the August 17 council meeting. Also listed on the agenda under New Business are two ordinances levying the annual Saline County mileage rate for 2027 and the Pulaski County mileage rate for 2027 to remain at 1.5 mills and a proposed resolution to amend the budget for HVAC repairs.

Two incumbents challenged in Alexander municipal elections; One a three-way race

Two elected positions, in the City of Alexander, have challengers vying to unseat two incumbents. One is Ward-4 Position-2 Council Member Juanita Wilson. The other is Mayor Crystal Herrmann.

Wilson is being challenged by Stephanie Beck and Trevis Bentley. Wilson has been charged with forgery in the second degree. The charge, a felony, is related to Wilson obtaining a city credit card for the use of then Police Chief Robert Burnett. No trial date has been set.

Mayor Herrmann is being challenged by former Mayor Paul Mitchell. Mitchell lost to Herrmann in a run-off election in December, 2022. Herrmann has been mayor since January 1, 2023.

The remaining incumbents unopposed in the November General Election are Wayne Smith (Ward 1, Position 1), Joe Pollard (Ward 1, Position 2), Joy Gray (Ward 2, Position 1), Christopher Prowse (Ward 2, Position 2), Daniel Bates (Ward 3, Position 1), Amy Lyons (Ward 3, Position 2), and Angela Griffin (Ward 4, Position 1).

Longtime Power Technology, Inc. Employee Glenn Sullivan to Retire After More Than 53 Years of Service

ALEXANDER, Ark., August 10, 2026 — Power Technology, Inc. today announced the upcoming retirement of longtime employee Glenn Sullivan, who will conclude more than 53 years with the Alexander-based company on August 28, 2026.

Glenn Sullivan

Sullivan joined Power Technology on May 22, 1973, just four years after the company was founded. Beginning in engineering, he helped develop early Power Technology products before moving into customer support and sales, where he went on to consistently lead the company’s sales team in volume.

During his career, Sullivan worked with customers across the United States and around the world in industries including defense, aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, medicine, science and industrial technology. His ability to combine engineering knowledge with practical customer support made him a trusted resource for customers working on challenging technical applications.

“Glenn’s career represents a remarkable level of commitment to a company, its customers and the people he has worked alongside,” said Walter Burgess, Co-CEO of Power Technology, Inc. “For more than half a century, he has been part of Power Technology’s history and helped build relationships that have lasted for decades.”

Sullivan’s career also spanned dramatic changes in technology. When he joined Power Technology in 1973, the laser industry was still relatively young. Over the decades that followed, he saw lasers become smaller, more capable and increasingly important to applications ranging from manufacturing and medicine to scientific research and national defense.

For decades, Sullivan represented the Arkansas company at trade shows, technical conferences and customer meetings throughout the country, while remaining a familiar presence at Power Technology’s Central Arkansas operations.

“Glenn has always represented what we want Power Technology to be known for: technical knowledge, responsiveness and a willingness to help customers solve difficult problems,” Burgess said. “His retirement is a major milestone for our company, and we are grateful for everything he has contributed.”

Power Technology will honor Sullivan at a retirement celebration on August 26, 2026. The company is also inviting former coworkers, customers, industry colleagues, friends and community members who have known Sullivan over the years to contribute messages to a virtual retirement card that will be presented to him at the celebration.

Messages, memories and notes of thanks may be submitted at: https://www.powertechnology.com/glenn-sullivan-retirement/

Alexander council considers variance request: Council accepts high bid for Kent property

The Alexander City Council is considering a variance request to change the planned construction of a site-built home to a manufactured home. This will be the second variance for the property at 14916 Regency Drive in south Alexander. The lot is at the corner of Regency Drive and Charles Street.

Property owner Heman E Montoya received permission in 2024 to have the single large lot divided into two smaller lots. However, the minimum lot size allowed is 8,000 square feet. Splitting the lot leaves one half with 6,916.5 square feet and the other is 6,901.5 square feet. Allowing the smaller lots was the reason for the 2024 variance.

The plan included building a single-family site-built home on each lot as rental units. After leveling the property with multiple dump truck loads of dirt, Montoya says the lot that faces Regency Drive won’t handle the weight of a site-built home. He still plans to place a site-built home on the lot that faces both Regency Drive and Charles Street.

City Attorney Chris Madison said Montoya will have to provide something in writing that states specifically what is being requested. This will provide something for council members to vote on at a subsequent meeting.

Council accepts $25,100 bid

Sealed bids to purchase the property located at 14805 Kent Drive, in Alexander, Arkansas were opened July 6 at Alexander City Hall. The property is owned by the city and was relinquished to Alexander in lieu of paying fines for property maintenance violations.

There were three bids. Council members accepted the high bid submitted by Teresa Canchola for $25,100.00. The other two bids were from Manuel Beza for $18,500.00 and Joaquin Avarodo for $9,000.00.

In other news at the July 20 meeting

Little Rock boxing club moves to Alexander

The Alexander City Council approved a user agreement that allows the owners of the Arkansas Factor Boxing Club (A.F.B) to use a vacant building near Community Center #2. Both buildings are on the property formerly known as the Alexander Human Development Center along Highway 111 in South Alexander.

The non-profit A.F.B is operated by Marcos and Catherine Lopez. The club caters to both teenagers and adults.

City to submit grant application to renovate Community Center #2

The Alexander Council approved submitting a grant request to renovate Community Center #2. The grant is provided through the Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program.

Council approves use of unused building for animal control

Alexander Police Chief Timothy Preator told council members that Alexander, Bauxite and Shannon Hills officials have been discussing the formation of a regional animal control. But, Preator said they don’t want to get too deep in their planning without a building to operate from.

Council members approved use of the brown, brick building for animal control. The building is on the former Human Development Center property along Highway 111 in South Alexander.

Preator said the building would mainly serve as a place to temporarily lockup strays. He even suggested Alexander would charge Bauxite and Shannon Hills for keeping their strays until they are released.

Totaled police car requires amending 2026 budget

A resolution, moving $20,000.00 from the General Fund to the Police Fund, was approved by the city council to replace a police car totaled in an accident. The insurance company is covering $33,000.00 of the $49,000.00 needed to buy and outfit a new vehicle.

On July 1 a police car was involved in an accident, which totaled the vehicle. The officer driving the police car survived. He was responding to a reported accident at Main St. and Highway 111.

Street Department selling tractor

Council members adopted an ordinance allowing the sale of a 2018 Mahindra tractor. The ordinance states the tractor, “[I]s no longer necessary for the use by the Alexander Street Department.”

Back To School Blast Saturday

The Back To School Blast will be held Saturday, July 25, from 5PM to 8PM at Community Center #2. School-age children will be provided backpacks and school supplies along with water slides and free haircuts.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, August 17, at 6:00 PM in the courtroom of the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). Meetings are open to the public.

Alexander’s Power Technology, Inc, to participate in UK airshow

PRESS RELEASE

ALEXANDER, Ark., July 20, 2026 — Power Technology, Inc., a laser manufacturer headquartered in Alexander, Arkansas, announced today that it is participating in the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow as part of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ Arkansas delegation. The company will join state economic development leaders and Arkansas aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing organizations in representing the state on the international stage.

The Farnborough International Airshow will take place July 20–24, 2026, in Farnborough, United Kingdom. Power Technology will join Team Arkansas at Booth 3125, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) booth. Walter Burgess, Co-CEO of Power Technology, will represent the company during the delegation’s Farnborough activities and meet with aerospace, defense, aviation, and technology organizations interested in U.S.-manufactured laser solutions.

Power Technology’s participation gives Arkansas another advanced manufacturing story to share at one of the world’s most visible aerospace and defense gatherings. Founded in 1969, the company designs and manufactures laser modules, pulsed laser sources, power supplies, and custom laser systems used in aerospace, defense, OEM, and advanced technology applications.

“Power Technology has been manufacturing laser technology in Arkansas for more than 50 years, and Farnborough gives us an opportunity to show global aerospace and defense partners what advanced manufacturing in Arkansas looks like,” said Walter Burgess, Co-CEO of Power Technology, Inc. “When Arkansas manufacturers win new aerospace and defense programs, the impact extends beyond a single company. It supports skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs, strengthens local suppliers, and creates opportunities for continued investment and job growth here in Arkansas. Companies like ours are part of that foundation.”

At the show, Power Technology will meet with companies and organizations seeking U.S.-manufactured laser solutions for defense systems, aerospace platforms, sensing, alignment, inspection, testing, optical systems, and advanced technology programs. The company supports customers with laser source selection, wavelength options, optics, electronics, thermal management, mechanical packaging, wiring, documentation, and integration support.

Power Technology’s participation supports Arkansas’ broader effort to promote the state’s aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing capabilities to international companies, investors, and industry partners. Arkansas’ aerospace and defense ecosystem includes manufacturers, technical suppliers, workforce resources, military-connected infrastructure, and economic development organizations working to expand the state’s presence in global markets.

“For us, attending Farnborough is about more than a trade show,” Burgess said. “It is an opportunity to stand with Team Arkansas and show that highly technical manufacturing, engineering responsiveness, and long-term customer support can come from right here in Arkansas.”

Power Technology invites Arkansas delegation members, media representatives, aerospace companies, defense contractors, optical system integrators, and technology partners to connect with the company during Farnborough International Airshow 2026 at Booth 3125.

Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Alexander, Arkansas, Power Technology, Inc. designs and manufactures laser modules, pulsed laser sources, laser power supplies, and custom laser solutions for aerospace, defense, OEM, and advanced technology applications. With more than five decades of laser manufacturing experience, Power Technology supports customers through wavelength selection, optics, electronics, thermal control, mechanical packaging, testing, documentation, and integration support.

Alexander to hold public hearing for grant application

Alexander Mayor Crystal Herrmann has scheduled a public hearing to be held before the July council meeting. The public hearing will be held on July 20, 2026 at 5:30 PM at the Alexander Municipal Complex (Alexander City Hall) located at 15605 Alexander Road, Alexander. Everyone is invited to attend.

According to the public hearing notice, the purpose of the hearing is to identify and prioritize, “the community needs of the City of Alexander, determining whether an application for Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program (ACEDP) funds should be developed and if so, for what community need.”

The notice does not specify the city is seeking funding for a specific project. Rather, Herrmann is asking for project ideas. “Also, comments on proposed project activities will be discussed, especially those with possible impacts on the community, should the project receive funding.”

The notice also states, “ACEDP funds are federal assistance received by the State of Arkansas and administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. These funds will be made available to cities and counties according to need and can be used for housing rehabilitation, community facilities, or economic development, but must address one of the following objectives:

l. Provide benefit to low and moderate income families,

2. Aid in the prevention of slum and blight, or

3. Meet other community needs, which pose a serious, immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community where no other funding is available to meet such needs.”

“All residents of the City of Alexander are encouraged to attend the hearing and participate in the community development process,” the notice continues. “The City of Alexander will provide technical assistance in developing proposals by groups representing low and moderate income persons.”

Bids opened for Kent Drive property

Sealed bids to purchase the property located at 14805 Kent Drive, in Alexander, Arkansas were opened July 6 at 1:00 PM at Alexander City Hall. The property is owned by the city and was relinquished to Alexander in lieu of paying fines for property maintenance violations.

There were three bids and they were unsealed by Mayor Crystal Herrmann in the following order.

1- Manuel Beza - $18,500.00;

2-Joaquin Avarodo - $9,000.00;

3-Teresa Canchola - $25,100.00.

The bids will be presented to city council members at the July 20 council meeting for review and approval.

Double accidents connected

A vehicle accident at Main St. and Highway 111 (3^rd St.), in Alexander, resulted in another accident at Cornerstone Dr. and Highway 111. The accidents occurred on July 1.

According to a statement by Police Chief Timothy Preator, a city street department vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle at the Main St./Highway 111 location. A police officer, responding to the first accident, was struck by a semi-tractor trailer at the Cornerstone Dr./Highway 111 intersection.

The police car came to rest in the ditch along Highway 111. According to a radio dispatch, at the time of the accident, the officer was able to extract himself from the vehicle.

Arkansas State Police responded and worked the accident involving the police unit.

Alexander council member surrenders to authorities

 After a nearly two-year investigation by Arkansas State Police, Troop-A in Little Rock, Alexander Council Member Lou (Juanita) Wilson was charged with forgery in the second degree. The charge, a felony, is related to Wilson obtaining a city credit card for the use of then Police Chief Robert Burnett.

Lou (Juanita) Wilson

Wilson turned herself in to the Saline County Sheriff’s Department July 1, 2026. She was released the same day on a signature bond.

Council members first learned about the credit card issue at the August, 2023 council meeting. The existence of two unauthorized city credit cards was reported by Administrative Assistant Jennifer Hill. The second card was held by then Treasurer JoAn Churchill. This was reported in the 2023 State Audit released in 2024.

Burnett returned the card to the mayor. Churchill destroyed her card.

Wilson said in 2023, "I have not spent one dime on it for the city. I gave it to someone to use in the city because they didn't have access to the other credit card that was supposed to be already here."

At the September, 2023 council meeting, council members were read a letter from the bank admitting they didn’t follow their own policy of requiring a resolution approving who can receive one of the three cards allowed for city use. A 2022 resolution, establishing who can sign checks for the city, was mistakenly identified as the method Churchill and Wilson used to obtain the credit cards. (Read article here.)

Trying to untangle the confusion Mayor Crystal Herrmann said, at the September, 2023 meeting, "That's a different situation. That was for them to actually be (check) signers."

Wilson’s hearing is scheduled for August.

Editor's Note: The fourth and fifth paragraphs have been edited based on new information.

Alexander to seek appraisal of 3 lots for sale

The City of Alexander will be getting an appraisal of three lots currently owned by the Saline County Water Works and Sanitary Public Utilities Board (SCWW). Two of the lots have playground equipment and a basketball hoop. The third lot has trees. The lots are located between Birch Drive and Mathews Drive near West Azalea Drive.

The three lots as shown on
the Saline County GIS site.

During the discussion Mayor Crystal Herrmann said, “Well, we would have to have an appraisal before we could purchase it. So, if there was a dollar amount that y'all had in mind if you purchased it, we could make that offer and then get an appraisal.”

Council Member Joy Gray definitely wants an appraisal from a real estate appraiser, not a Realtor.

“So, what the Realtor wants and what an appraiser is going to say are two vastly different things,” Gray said. “And I need you to give me the appraiser number, not the Realtor (number).”

In an E-mail exchange, SCWW General Manager Jammie Reagan said, “We are still researching this topic.”

The park was established decades ago as part of a legal settlement with one of the developers of what eventually became the Woodland Hills Community. According to Saline County records, SCWW took ownership of the park in 1992. Woodland Hills was annexed into Alexander in 2006.

In other news at the June 15 meeting

New permit categories adopted

An ordinance, which will amend an existing ordinance establishing additional permit types and fees, received its third and final public reading by title and then was adopted by the Alexander City Council. For the past two months the council has been fine-tuning the description of what types of fences will be allowed in the city. This new permit category will only apply to either new fence construction, or replacing an old fence with a new one.

Acceptable fencing material will include standard wooden fence material, chain link, aluminum, steel, vinyl (PVC), and stone/masonry. The amendment also adds language which establishes a new type of permit for road cuts and a fee and regulations covering the rental and placement of permit boxes to display all permits.

The fence permit is $25.00. The road cut permit fee is $25.00 plus, “$10.00 a square foot for cut (This price includes asphalt/gravel replacement, man hours and equipment).” The permit box rental fee is $50.00. Upon returning the box to city hall $45.00 of the deposit will be refunded. The remaining $5.00 is a “non-refundable administrative fee.” It is required the permit box be placed on the left side at the end of the driveway.

Armed suspect was illegal immigrant

Police Chief Timothy Preator provided council members an update on an incident, which occurred in the parking lot of the Knollwood Mobile Home Park office on the morning of May 8, 2026. (See article here.) The incident involved 24 year old Alan Valenciano Hernandez who tried to pull a gun on an officer while attempting to arrest Valenciano Hernandez.

Preator said, “The subject over here was federally indicted and he was deported out of the country.”

To get Valenciano Hernandez to stop struggling, Preator used a pepper ball pistol hitting Valenciano Hernandez in the face injuring his right eye. Officers in the immediately vicinity were also covered with mist from the pepper ball.

While some officers were treated for over spray from the pepper ball Preator said, “One of the officers (said he) didn't have to get treated. And another one of the officers hurt his hand during the fight or struggle with the bad guy.”

Park report

The splash pad is open.

Sealed bids for property sale due June 26

Sealed bids are now being accepted to purchase the property located at 14805 Kent Drive, in Alexander, Arkansas. The property is owned by the city.

Sealed bids are required to be turned into City Hall no later than June 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM. The live bid opening will begin at 1:00 PM on July 6, 2026 at the Alexander City Hall. For more information contact Jennifer Hill at 501-455-2585.

Mayor Herrmann told council members the bids will be presented to them for inspection and approval.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, July 20, at 6:00 PM in the courtroom of the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). Meetings are open to the public.

Alexander Council to discuss property purchase; Third and final reading for permit amendment

Alexander council members will be presented with a proposal to purchase three lots currently owned by Saline County Water Works and Sanitary Public Utilities Board (SCWW). The lots are the home of a park, located between Birch Drive and Mathews Drive.

Park between Birch and Mathews.

Photo from Google Maps.

The park was established decades ago as part of a legal settlement with one of the developers of what eventually became the Woodland Hills Community. According to Saline County records, SCWW took ownership of the park in 1992. A dollar amount for the purchase has not been provided.

Woodland Hills was annexed into Alexander in 2006.

Under Old Business; this is expected to be the third and final public reading, and adoption, of an ordinance which will amend an existing ordinance establishing additional permit types and fees. For the past two months the council has been fine-tuning the description of what types of fences will be allowed in the city. This new permit category will only apply to either new fence construction, or replacing an old fence with a new one.

Acceptable fencing material will include standard wooden fences, chain link, aluminum, steel, vinyl (PVC), and stone/masonry. The amendment also adds language which includes a permit requirement for a road cut and regulations covering the rental and placement of permit boxes to display permits.

The council meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). The public is welcomed.

Suspect wounded by pepper ball during struggle with Alexander Police

An individual was arrested after threatening a tow truck driver with a small handgun. Alexander Police officers responded to a 911 call from employees at the Knollwood Mobile Home Park office on the morning of May 8, 2026. The suspect has been identified as 24 year old Alan Valenciano Hernandez.

Alan Valenciano
Hernandez

According to a police report, filed by East End Towing driver Adam Kincer, Valenciano Hernandez allegedly “brandished a small pistol” when Kincer tried to tow one of his vehicles. Kincer stated he told Valenciano Hernandez “go talk to the office” about his cars being towed. Kincer says when Valenciano Hernandez walked away he called the Knollwood office to warn them Valenciano Hernandez was on his way and he was armed.

In her statement to police Knollwood employee Heather Weyler said, “I called East End Towing around 9:00 AM to tow 3 vehicles. This resident has been given multiple violations for registering and removing vehicles.”

Responding to the 911 call from a Knollwood employee, Alexander Police Officer Mendez arrived to the scene about 9:31 AM. In his Use of Force report Officer Mendez states, “I exited my patrol vehicle and drew my service pistol and issued verbal commands instructing Mr. Valenciano to turn away from me with his hands in the air.”

After Officer Mendez repeated the command several times, “Mr. Valenciano turned away with his hands in the air. I approached Mr. Valenciano to detain him when he reached into his right rear pocket, I quickly grabbed his hand to avoid him pulling anything out.”

It was at this point the struggle began.

“I attempted to take him to the ground to gain control,” Officer Mendez states in his report. “While I continued to gain control a bystander attempted to assist by holding one of Mr. Valenciano's arms. Sgt. Myers arrived shortly thereafter and assisted me using soft hand control techniques to subdue Mr. Valenciano.”

Police Chief Timothy Preator arrived while the officers were still trying to handcuff Valenciano.

“I yelled to the officers that I was deploying JPX pepper system,” Chief Preator states in his Use of Force report. “I discharged my JPX pepper system from approximately 4.5 to 5 feet way to the suspects facial area.”

“I pulled the suspect to the ground by his hair and he continued to resist arrest,” Chief Preator continued. “I performed knee strikes to the suspects rib area and gave verbal commands to stop fighting. The suspect was eventually taken into custody without further incident.”

Valenciano Hernandez was transported to UAMS for medical treatment to his eye and cleanup from the pepper ball. Officers, within proximity of the pepper ball when it was deployed, were treated at the scene and then transported to Saline Memorial for checkups.

Valenciano Hernandez was booked at the Saline County Detention Center on May 8 and released on May 19. He has been charged with one count of Resisting Arrest, one count of Refusal To Submit To Arrest, two counts of Battery - 2nd Degree, one count of Aggravated Assault, and one count of Carrying A Weapon.

While being searched by police, a Ruger .380 and four rounds of ammunition were allegedly discovered. According to one report the firearm and ammunition were transferred to the ATF in Little Rock “in a transfer of responsibility.” “The ATF has decided to move forward with a federal indictment on weapons charges.”

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.

Permit amendment second reading, Fire Department awards, Arkansas Factor Boxing Club

Alexander council members will review definitions of various types of fencing material to possibly be added to a proposed amendment to the current permit ordinance. The amendment adds language which includes a permit and regulations for new fences, a road cut permit and regulations covering the rental and placement of permit boxes.

The ordinance amending the permit ordinance received a first public reading at the April council meeting. At the minimum, it is expected to receive a second reading at the Monday, May 18 meeting.

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

Council Member Joy Gray said it sounds as if people will be limited to wood or chain link. In the list of proposed fencing materials include wood, chain link, aluminum, steel, vinyl (PVC), and stone/masonry.

The only items listed under New Business are Fire Department Life Saving Awards and Arkansas Factor Boxing Club presentation. The owners of the Arkansas Factor Boxing Club are asking permission to use the metal building, formerly used by the American Legion Post 28, located at the former Human Development Center.

The council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). The public is welcomed.