Quorum Court bids farewell to Fogleman

Judge thanks justices, county officials for their service during his tenure By the Evening Times News Staff

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Recently-retired Second Judicial District Judge John Fogleman appeared before the Crittenden County Quorum Court and Judge Woody Wheeless Tuesday, not only to thank them as well as their predecessors for providing him with office space over the years but also to encourage them to address the need for additional courtrooms, to address the near-record number of criminal cases that are creating a serious backlog, and to continue to fight for the people of Crittenden County.

Fogleman’s retirement marked and end to 25 years on the bench serving as Circuit Court Judge for six counties in Northeast Arkansas, including Crittenden. He told justices that when first elected, his main office was located in Jonesboro, and when he was offered office space in Crittenden County, it made a big difference.

Fogleman also complimented justices for providing a great courtroom on the second floor of the historic courthouse but said second only to Jonesboro Crittenden County has the highest number of criminal cases on the docket and there is an urgent need for another courtroom.

He urged justices to address the courtroom needs so that prosecutors and judges can clear up some of the pending cases.

The criminal case backlog has been a frustrating problem for local law enforcement, especially the West Memphis Police Department, where offenders out on bail awaiting trial on criminal charges are often re-arrested for committing other crimes in the county’s largest municipality.

In other business: • Justices unanimously approved a request from Crittenden County Assessor Kim Hollowell to fill a court-appointed equalization board member.

After recommendations from Hollowell justices approved Fred Swan, a local appraiser, to the board. The other person recommended for the position was Realtor Mike Ford.

• Justices also approved a state required ordinance to establish the additional motor fuel tax fund related to the gasoline and diesel tax increase approved by the Legislature during its last regular session. County Treasurer

told justices that in just the first month the county has taken in an additional $15,000 from the new gas tax.

• Sheriff Mike Allen requested and was approved spending $10,000 on new equipment for the special response team which will go for new head gear and radio equipment. The money from services rendered to the city of Clarkedale.

• Justices also approved an appropriation ordinance pertaining to the county’s Road, Sanitation and Hospital Building Fund at the request of Treasurer