STORY
COVER
Jackson County officials pose for a photo during the holiday open house at the courthouse in December. Pictured (from right) are Assessor Nora Gib- son, Collector Dianne Burgess, County Clerk Melanie Clark, Judge Phillips, Treasurer Jamie Cheshier, Circuit Clerk Lisa Turner and Sheriff David Lucas.
Out of the flames Continued From Page 29 <<<
passion for public service. “In 2005 I took a local leadership class [New Vision Newport] which is
sponsored by the Newport Chamber of Commerce,” Phillips said. “Tat class really got me interested in running for public office. I worked for the public and wanted to do more.”
After his leadership class concluded Phillips decided to enter the political arena
in Jackson County and ran a successful campaign for justice of the peace in 2006. He served on the quorum court until 2010 when he ran for county judge.
He officially retired form the fire department Dec. 31, 2010 and took office Jan. 3, 2011. Phillips, 46, has two boys — Jordan and Scott — both in their 20s now, and
serving in the Arkansas National Guard. “One of the greatest lessons about being a father is when I was a single parent. I was 28 years old and my sons were 5 and 3 years of age,” Phillips recalled. “Being a single parent and having to take care of two small children everyday was hard but rewarding. You come to really understand what parenting is all about.” Phillips and his wife Monika of 15 years live in Newport with their daughter
Baylee who is 13 years old. “My wife and I have a 13-year-old daughter now and that is a whole new
world,” Phillips said with wry smile. “She is a cheerleader and plays sports. She keeps my wife and I extremely busy. My wife more than I though.” Jordan, 23, is currently serving in Afghanistan “He left the states in August of last year, and is due back in the states sometime in the spring or early summer. It is hard especially in the holidays that just passed. I worry about him and the other soldiers over there I know that God will take care of him and look forward for his return,” Phillips said. “I pray for the Arkansas families that have lost sons or daughters over there. I can’t think about that too much but they are dear to me. I’m not alone in this journey and I thank and I’m proud of each one of them for their sacrifices.” Phillips says through all the experiences of being judge and navigating life, Mon- ika and his children keep him grounded. He also has a small shop that he relaxes in while he builds swings, holiday crafts and things for the house out of wood. Phillips attends Remmel Church of Christ Church. He says continued public service will be an item on his “to do” list.
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