Benton County Primary Elections
Justice of the Peace
Justices of the Peace serve on the Quorum Court, which is the county's legislative branch. JPs serve two-year terms. They control all spending and revenue for the county. Specific duties include:
Levy taxes as prescribed by law
Appropriate public funds for the expenses of the county in a manner prescribed by ordinance
Preserve the peace and order and secure freedom from dangerous or noxious activities; provided, however, that no act may be declared a felony
For any public purpose, contract, or join with another county, or with any other political subdivision or with the United States
Create, consolidate, separate, revise, or abandon any elected office or offices except during the term thereof; provided, however, that a majority of those voting on the question at a general election have approved said action
Fix the number and compensation of deputies and county employees
Fix the compensation of each county officer with a minimum and maximum to be determined by law
Fill vacancies in elected county offices
Provide for any service or performance of any function relating to county affairs
To exercise other powers, not inconsistent with law, necessary for effective administration of authorized services and functions
Justice of the Peace, District 1
JP Jeff Dunn (Republican) (no website available)
Michael McCaskey (Republican)
Justice of the Peace, District 2
JP Ken Farmer* (Republican)
Alex Tabor* (Democratic)
Justice of the Peace, District 3
JP Richard McKeehan* (Republican)
Evangeline Beaumont* (Democratic) (no website available)
Justice of the Peace, District 4
JP Chris Latimer* (Republican)
Letisha Hinds* (Democratic) (no website available)
Justice of the Peace, District 5
JP Carrie Perrien Smith* (Republican)
Steven Baker* (Democratic) (no website available)
Justice of the Peace, District 6
JP Brian Armas** (Republican)
Justice of the Peace, District 7
JP Joseph Bollinger* (Republican)
Kelly Sikorski* (Democratic)
Justice of the Peace, District 8
JP Joel Jones (Republican) (no website available)
Lisa Richards (Republican)
Carol Vella* (Democratic)
Justice of the Peace, District 9
Gregory Woodell **(Republican) (no website available)
Justice of the Peace, District 10
JP Danny McCrackin* (Republican) (no website available)
Lon Cross (Democratic) (no website available)
Justice of the Peace, District 11
JP Dustin Todd** (Republican) (no website available)
Justice of the Peace, District 12
Caroline Geer (Republican)
John Good Rissler (Republican)
Justice of the Peace, District 13
JP Kurt S. Moore** (Republican) (no website avaliable)
Justice of the Peace, District 14
JP Bethany Rosenbaum*(Republican)
Melody Miller* (Democratic) (no website available)
Justice of the Peace, District 15
JP Joel Edwards* (Republican)
Andrew Sova (Republican)
Constable
Constables are typically found in rural areas of Arkansas and must live in the townships where they are elected. They serve two year terms and are typically not paid salaries. The primary responsibility of the constable is to the residents of the township and county where he or she serves. The order of law enforcement positions goes: State Police, county sheriff’s departments, township district constables and municipal police departments.
Constable Township 1
Constable James Gibson** (Republican)
Constable Township 2
Constable Keith Brummett** (Republican)
Constable Township 3
Stephen Rosser** (Republican)
Constable Township 4
Constable Gordon L Fisher** (Republican)
Constable Township 5
Steven Walls** (Republican)
School Board
School Board members choose the superintendent and approve the hiring of teachers, subject to state licensing requirements. They determine the types and amount of school equipment, decide what will be taught in order to meet or exceed state standards. and determine the extent of student transportation. These are nonpartisan roles.
Siloam Spring School Board - Zone 1
Heath Nance (Nonpartisan)
Elicia Williamson (Nonpartisan)
Gentry School Board - Zone 3
Rebecca (Becky) Burkhalter** (Nonpartisan)
Gravette School Board - At Large Position 1
Chris Flynt** (Nonpartisan)
Pea Ridge - Zone 5
Johnnie Dye** (Nonpartisan)
Rogers - Zone 4
Amy Horn** (Nonpartisan)
NOT UP FOR ELECTION
County Judge
County Judge is the chief executive officer for the county government. This role authorizes and approves the disbursement of all appropriated county funds, operates the system of county roads, and administers ordinances enacted by the quorum court. The County Judge has custody of county property, accepts grants from federal, state, public, and private sources.They also hire county employees except those employed by other elected officials of the county, and preside over the quorum court without a vote, but with the power of veto.
County Judge Barry Moehring (Republican)
County Sheriff
The sheriff is the chief enforcement officer of the courts, conservator of the peace in the county, and has custody of the county jail. As chief enforcement officer of the circuit and chancery courts, the sheriff is charged by the constitution and by statute with the execution of summonses, enforcement of judgments, orders, injunctions, garnishments, attachments, and the making of arrest on warrants issued by the courts. A second major area of duties surrounds the responsibility of the sheriff in law enforcement that includes the preservation of the public peace; the protection of life and property; the prevention, detection, and investigation of criminal activity; the apprehension and confinement of offenders and the recovery of property; the control of crowds at public events; the control of vehicular traffic and the investigation of traffic accidents; and the rendering of services and the protection of property during civil emergencies or natural disasters.The sheriff has custody of accused felons and some misdemeanors apprehended in the county and is charged with feeding and keeping these accused persons.
Sheriff Shawn Holloway (Republican)
County Assessor
Assesses property values, including real property and personal property, maintain property records, create and maintain parcel maps, provide free property search program for the public, perform various administrative duties related to property valuation.
Assessor Roderick M. Grieve (Republican)
County Coroner
Responsible for the investigation of human death cases reported to the coroner under Arkansas law and rendering of rulings as to cause, manner, and time of death. The Lead Deputy Coroner directs and trains Deputy Coroners as directed by the County Coroner.
Coroner Daniel R Oxford (Republican)
Circuit Clerk
The primary duties of the Circuit Clerk office revolve around filing, docketing, attending court, issuing of notices, records management, and reporting to the Administrative Office of the Courts.
Circuit Clerk Brenda DeShields (Republican)
County Clerk
The County Clerk is the official bookkeeper of the county government. They are responsible for voter registration, as well as absentee and early voting at the Courthouse. The County Clerk issues marriage licenses, DBA certificates, and ministers' certificates of record. They also file and maintain Nurses' and Physicians' credentials and licenses, and keep a record of all fictitious business names in the county. Additionally, they serve as the clerk for the County Court and Circuit Court Probate Division and as secretary to the Equalization Board.
County Clerk Betsy Harrell (Republican)
County Collector
The Collector's office collects property taxes to help support schools, cities, roads, jails, and county expenses based on millage rates set by local governments and voters. These taxes are about 1% of the value of your home, car, and other items that you may own.
Collector Gloria Peterson (Republican)
County Treasurer
Duties of the Treasurer include:
Receipt revenue from local, state and federal sources
Distribute property tax money to schools, cities, rural fire, and county departments
Accurate accounting of all receipts and disbursements
Invest county funds and secure funds held above FDIC limits
Prepare and sign checks for employee payroll and creditors of the county
Balance daily and reconcile monthly bank statements
Project revenue for the annual budget process
Present monthly report to the Quorum Court on the fiscal condition of the county
Treasurer Deanna Ratcliffe (Republican)
County Surveyor
This is a Constitutional position with no specified responsibilities other than to be available to do work paid privately for any County land survey requests.
Micheal Eugene James (Republican) (no website available)