Prescott City Council Meeting Highlights Community Growth, Tourism, and Public Safety

Prescott, Arkansas — September 15, 2025 The Prescott City Council convened Monday evening at City Hall for its regularly scheduled meeting, led by Mayor Terry Oliver. The session opened with a moment of reflection and prayer requests for two key city officials—Economic Development Director Mary Godwin and Police Chief Ann Jordan—both of whom are facing health challenges. Council member and local pastor Ivory Curry offered the Invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

After approving the minutes from the August meeting and reviewing the city’s financial reports, the council turned its attention to public safety. Officer C. Autry presented the police department’s monthly report, noting a decrease in nighttime traffic incidents due to increased enforcement. He also shared a moment of pride for the department: Officer Lucy Grace, currently in her fourth week at the police academy, was elected squad leader by her peers. Autry praised her humility and leadership, saying she had hoped to complete her training quietly but instead rose to a position of respect and responsibility.

The meeting’s centerpiece was a presentation by Jamie Simmons, Director of the Nevada County Depot Museum, and Paul Ridgell, President of the Museum Board and steward of the Prairie D’Ane Battlefield Park. They proposed transforming the Depot Museum into a full-fledged visitors’ center, expanding its operating hours from three to six days a week. The request included $25,000 in funding to hire a full-time employee and potentially a part-time staffer to support the increased schedule. Simmons and Ridgell emphasized the museum’s role in promoting tourism, citing recent improvements at the Prairie D’Ane Battlefield Park—such as hiking trails, picnic areas, and restrooms—and upcoming events like battlefield reenactments in partnership with Old Washington State Park. They also expressed interest in restoring the historic Iron Bridge, potentially with state grant support. Council members praised the museum’s stewardship and budget efficiency but stressed the importance of involving the Nevada County Quorum Court in funding discussions. The council asked Simmons and Ridgell to return in October with updates on county-level support.

The council also welcomed a new laundromat business to Prescott, expressing gratitude to all local entrepreneurs for their contributions to the community’s vitality.

Mayor Oliver concluded the meeting with an announcement about an upcoming art exhibition featuring the work of local artist Spot Daniel, to be held at the National Guard Armory on September 18. The reception will begin at 5:00 p.m. at 841 Gee Street.

The meeting adjourned with no further business. The next regular session of the Prescott City Council is scheduled for October 20, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.