Hempstead County Quorum Court Opens 2026 With Reports, Ordinances, and Community Concerns

Hope, Arkansas — The Hempstead County Quorum Court began its January 22nd meeting with Judge Jerry Crane calling the session to order. Justice Henry delivered the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call of members in attendance. The minutes from the December 11, 2025, meeting were read and approved.

The agenda was briefly adjusted to allow head librarian Courtney McNeil, a graduate of Hope High School, to present an overview of the Hope Public Library’s activity in 2025 and upcoming programs and services planned for 2026. McNeil told the court that “kids have always been important to me” and commended her staff for their dedication, including three part-time employees—two high school students and one college student. She reported that the library is open six days a week and holds more than 30,000 books and movies, with inventory refreshed regularly by reducing inventory by donating to local charities to keep materials relevant. The staff participates each year in Kids’ College, hosts Spring Break BINGO—with growing public interest in eventually offering an adult BINGO—and provides candy and books as prizes, noting with a smile that the candy tends to be more popular. During the summer, the library offers a five- to six-week program that brings in entertainers to foster excitement about reading in a fun, interactive atmosphere. Holiday traditions include Santa’s annual visit, a “Letters to Santa” station, and a Halloween costume contest. Young patrons also design blank bookmarks for display, and McNeil shared that adults have recently requested their own bookmark contest. She added that the library provides four public computers, low-cost printing, a community space available by reservation, and access to e-audiobooks and magazines through the library’s website. Usage has risen significantly, from roughly 9,800 visits in 2023 to more than 13,000 in 2025. McNeil noted that state library regulations are available online and emphasized that the Hope library works continually to meet those standards and serve the public’s literary needs. When asked what the court could do for the library, she explained that she was not seeking funding but simply wished to share the library’s efforts and services. Court members and those in attendance responded with applause and gratitude.

Two ordinances were brought forward and approved following a brief discussion. Ordinance 2026 1 sets the Quorum Court’s meeting schedule for the year, establishing the fourth Thursday at 4:30 p.m. as the official meeting time. Ordinance 2026 2 authorizes a 50/50 distribution of court-related monies between Hempstead County and the City of Hope.

Sheriff James Singleton addressed the court as he approaches retirement after 16 years as sheriff and 48 years in law enforcement. He expressed deep appreciation for the county’s support during his tenure and urged the court to maintain the “same spirit of cooperation” with the sheriff’s department and the positive relationships with the people of Hempstead County. Singleton also voiced serious concerns about the county jail, saying he believes a complete overhaul of the facility will be necessary in the near future. His remarks were delivered with emotion and received with appreciation and applause.

As forecasts of severe winter weather weighed on the evening, community member Sylvia Brown expressed concern for rural and low-income residents, recalling hardships during past periods of extreme cold and freezing precipitation. She asked what assistance the county planned to provide. Judge Crane responded that precautionary measures and risk management plans were underway, and once finalized, details would be shared with the public. With no further business and in consideration of security staff and others needing to travel home to their families ahead of the weather, the meeting was adjourned.