Bull Shoals councilman resigns while under state ethics investigation as city’s troubles deepen

Councilman Randal Bolen resigned May 5 while under an active Arkansas Ethics Commission investigation over a March 26 council meeting where he named five citizens by name and urged voters to reject them at the ballot box for filing Freedom of Information Act requests. Mayor Bill Stahlman remains under a separate ethics investigation tied to…

ByChris FultonMay 8, 20260Comments

Crime Feature Government News People

Ethics Commission dismisses Schmidt-Klika complaint, but Briarcliff Recorder admits pulling court records on council member’s wife in smear attempt

The Arkansas Ethics Commission has dismissed an ethics complaint against Briarcliff Recorder/Treasurer Renee Schmidt-Klika, but the dismissal letter reveals she acknowledged obtaining and distributing court records about a city council member's wife after the woman publicly questioned how checks were being signed at City Hall. The Commission voted 4-0 on April 17 to dismiss the…

ByChris FultonApril 30, 20260Comments

Column Elections Government News

Arkansas officials: Your Statement of Financial Interests is due. File now.

Transparency matters. If you serve in public office, are running for elected office, or hold certain public positions in Arkansas, filing your Statement of Financial Interest (SFI) isn’t just a bureaucratic box to check—it’s a cornerstone of public trust. Too many officials seem unaware of the need to file and many more conveniently forget to. …

ByAlison FultonJanuary 28, 20250Comments

Local Mountain Home, AR News