Winter 2011


IN THIS ISSUE FEATURES


Pew Study: Blueprint for Reducing Jail Costs .......................15 Courts Data Going on Internet ................................................26 You’re Elected; Now What?! .....................................................36 A Clerk’s Guide to Marriage .....................................................30 Blue Ribbon Commission Offers Recommendations .........32 Perry County JP: Fingers In Many Pies ...................................42 AHTD Offers Primer on Bridges ...............................................45 Best Practices: Protecting Your Computer Data ..................51 ADA Final Rules Set to Take Effect March 15 ......................55


AN INSIDE LOOK


Calendar of Events ............................................................................6 ‘Welcome to the Family’ ..................................................................7 Governor’s Mansion Reception A Big Hit ...................................40


AAC Staff Profile ............................................................................46 Workers Comp Claims Manager Debbie Lakey


Retreat Advances Legislative Package ..................................... 47 AAC Retiring Board Members ......................................................49 David Morris becomes ‘Mr. Mayor’ ........................................... 50


DEPARTMENTS


From the Director’s Desk .................................................................................7 President’s Perspective ....................................................................................9 Legislative Tangents .......................................................................................10 Attorney General Opinions .............................................................................11 Frequently Asked Questions ..........................................................................12 From the Governor ..........................................................................................13 County Law Update .........................................................................................14 County News.....................................................................................................16 Research Corner ..............................................................................................30 NACo News .......................................................................................................55 Advertiser Resource Index .............................................................................58


On the Cover: Lee


County Courthouse at Christmas (AAC photos / Randy Kemp)


about LEE COUNTY, ARKANSAS


Te county seat is Marianna. Te landscape of Lee County is rolling hills in the northern tip and rich delta flat farmland in the center, with Crowley’s Ridge running through the north- ern tip. Te Mississippi River makes up the eastern border of the county, and half of the St. Francis National Forest – the smallest national forest in the nation – is situated in the south- eastern section with excellent hunting and fishing. Altogether Lee County has 25 lakes and 320 miles of manmade shoreline. Te Louisiana Purchase State Park consists of 37.5 acres of


L COUNTY LINES, WINTER 2011


ee County was formed on April 17, 1873, from parts of Crittenden, Monroe, Phillips and St. Francis coun- ties. Te county was named for General Robert E. Lee.


headwater swamp. Te John Patterson Memorial in Mari- anna marks the birthplace of the first non-native American born west of the Mississippi. His favorite riddle: “I was born in a kingdom (Spain), raised in an empire (France), attained man- hood in a territory (Arkansas), and now am a citizen of a state, and have never been 100 miles from where I was born.” Te economy is mainly agriculture. Rich cotton and other typical delta crops are grown here. Te Crowley’s Ridge area grows fruit crops and pecan trees. Processing agricultural products and light manufacturing has helped the economy.


5


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60