HOPE, Ark. — The Hempstead County Quorum Court approved an ordinance to join the Red River Intermodal Authority and a resolution authorizing the lease of heavy equipment during its regular meeting on Thursday, April 23. County Judge Crane called the meeting to order, followed by an invocation led by Justice of the Peace Henry and the Pledge of Allegiance. Justices reviewed and approved the minutes from the March 26 meeting by roll call vote.
With no old business to consider, the court moved directly to new business. The court approved an ordinance allowing Hempstead County to join the Red River Intermodal Authority in partnership with five other counties in accordance with state law. The authority focuses on regional transportation and economic development initiatives.
Justices also approved a resolution authorizing the county to lease a Caterpillar 140 motor grader through Caterpillar Financial Services. The equipment will be used for county road and infrastructure maintenance.
University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana Chancellor Dr. Ricky Tompkins addressed the court and introduced Freddie Smith, chair of the UAHT finance committee, who was present at the meeting. Tompkins described the opportunity to lead the institution as both a professional honor and a personal homecoming, noting that his parents were students at Red River Vocational-Technical School and the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope. He highlighted UAHT’s academic partnerships with the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; Southern Arkansas University; Texas A&M University; and the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where a developing partnership will allow students to pursue selected four-year degree programs. UAHT currently offers approximately 50 academic programs, including a growing welding program designed to meet the workforce needs of local employers. Construction-related training programs are also expanding, with potential lithium-processing opportunities anticipated in the region. Enrollment exceeds 1,600 students, including about 200 high school students earning college credit through concurrent enrollment. Tompkins said approximately 70 percent of those students go on to complete an associate degree or higher. The college employs 123 full-time and 90 part-time employees. Tompkins thanked the quorum court and county taxpayers for their continued support of the institution. Upcoming events scheduled at Hempstead Hall include the Dinosaur Live program on May 1 and a free public showing of the movie “Zootopia 2” at 7 p.m. on May 8. A special 10 a.m. matinee showing will be offered the same day for local elementary students who have completed end-of-year testing. Kids’ College is scheduled to begin June 8. Immediate maintenance and repair projects are planned for campus buildings, parking areas and roadways, including audiovisual upgrades and stage improvements at Hempstead Hall. Long-term capital needs are also being evaluated. Tompkins also discussed the UAHT Collegiate Academy, which serves students from all Hempstead County high schools, and emphasized that career and college advising services are available to help prepare students for future employment and community service. In response to a question from the court, Tompkins said the institution plans to seek services from local businesses and contractors whenever possible while maintaining transparency and responsible stewardship of public funds. He concluded by thanking the court for the opportunity to provide an update and said he looked forward to returning to share future progress and successes.
With no further business or public comment, the meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting of the Hempstead County Quorum Court is scheduled for May 28.
