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Baxter County Detention Center bookings tick up slightly in 2025

The Baxter County Detention Center recorded 2,008 bookings during calendar year 2025, a slight increase from 1,998 bookings in 2024, according to data released by the Baxter County Sheriff's Office. The Baxter County Sheriff's Office accounted for the largest share of bookings with 1,212, followed by the Mountain Home Police Department with 538. The Gassville…

ByChris FultonJanuary 14, 20260Comments

Crime Feature Government News

“Where Does It End?”: Baxter County forced to pay $102K in First Amendment case

The Baxter County Quorum Court approved payment of more than $100,000 Tuesday to cover legal fees stemming from a federal lawsuit over the county jail's mail policy, but not without heated debate from Justices of the Peace concerned about the burden on taxpayers. The court voted 9-2 to appropriate $102,757.24 from the Jail Maintenance and…

ByChris FultonMay 12, 20250Comments

Crime Feature Government News

Baxter County facing $102,757 payment after losing eight-year First Amendment lawsuit

The Baxter County Quorum Court will meet Tuesday to consider appropriating more than $100,000 to pay costs from a lengthy federal lawsuit after the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the county's jail mail policy violated the First Amendment. In a decision filed February 24, 2025, a three-judge panel concluded that Baxter County's "postcard-only"…

ByChris FultonMay 6, 20250Comments

Crime Feature Government News People

Appeals Court upholds $259,350 fee award against Baxter County Jail for mail policy that ‘changed on a whim’

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a lower court's ruling that Baxter County's jail mail policy violated the First Amendment rights of a prison rights organization, upholding both the constitutional finding and a substantial attorney fee award in a case that has wound through the courts for nearly eight years. In a…

ByChris FultonApril 8, 20250Comments

Crime Feature Government News

Quorum Court approves emergency jail repairs, Casey House renovation funds

The Baxter County Quorum Court met Monday evening to approve the county's 2025 budget and consider several compensation increases for county officials and boards. Budget Committee Chairman Dennis Frank reported a brief meeting earlier in the evening where the committee moved to pass the 2025 budget on to the full Quorum Court for approval. The…

ByChris FultonNovember 7, 20240Comments

Local Mountain Home, AR News