August Minutes

  Democratic Party of Baxter County

Meeting Minutes

Baxter County Library

8/1/26

Chair Mary O’Shields called the meeting to order at 10:18 a.m.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Guest Incoming Sheriff Mark Hollingsworth led the group in the pledge.

Minutes: Called for any changes to June minutes. Called for approval of minutes. Beth Vanderstek made the motion. Donnie Huffine 2nd and all were in favor. June minutes were accepted.

Treasury Report: Paulette Rily

As of the end of July 2026 and with ACT Blue contributions the ending balance is $4985.35. Remember to donate as we continue to support democratic candidates on the ballot for 2026 and in the future.

Chair Update: Mary O’Shields

Mary introduced the committee chairs and asked for new members to raise their hands. Remember all are welcome.

Mary discussed the current balance in the treasury and the amount going out for fundraising and for local and state candidates. We work primarily on donations, so that continues to be an important source of revenue. We are so grateful for your donations to support candidates that want to make a change.

Speaker: Incoming Sheriff Mark Hollingsworth

We welcomed Mark Hollingsworth to the committee meeting as a guest speaker. He will be the incoming sheriff of Baxter County beginning in January of 2027. Mr.Hollingsworth has an extensive background in law enforcement as a state trooper, investigator and deputy sheriff among other roles. It is his goal to put people in the best position for that person and for future success. He believes he is taking over a good department and wants to continue to work for a better Baxter County. The group asked questions regarding helicopter use/drones, crimes against children, ICE enforcement and Flock camera use in the county.

Announcements/Open Discussion:

Marketing manager Kirstin Johnson updated the group regarding the 2026 communication plan and the digital impact. There continues to be growth on facebook follows and interaction with in the last 30 days. The website has increasing views and email sign up continues to grow. The committee is looking at a new platform to better send out messages and to reach more email followers called Zeffy. Kirstin also reported a growth in people signing up to volunteer, which is great! If you want to volunteer and haven’t signed up yet, reach out at baxtercountydemcommittee@gmail.com 

Mary reminded the group that we have Democratic Party of Baxter County t-shirts available for $20.

REMINDER: Next meeting will be Thursday September 10th 6-8 pm at the food bank. This is a date and time change due to the first Saturday falling on Labor Day Weekend. Dr. Terri Green will be our guest speaker.

If you would like to discuss something or add something to the agenda please contact Mary at meaoshields@gmail.com or Jennifer at jennifer@baxtercountydemocrats.com and we will work to add that. Remember we allow time for discussion at the end of the meeting for these items.

Chair Mary O’Shields adjourned the meeting at 11:50 a.m.

DPBC Meetings: (1st Saturdays)

September 10th: THURSDAY 6-8 PM at the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas

 (1042 Highland Circle, Mtn.Home, AR 72653)

October 3rd: 10:15 Baxter County Library (300 Library Hill Ln, Mountain Home, AR 72653)

November 7th: 10:15 Baxter County Library (300 Library Hill Ln, Mountain Home, AR 72653)

City Council Meetings: (1st and 3rd Thursdays) 

Meetings take place at City Hall-720 Hickory St, Mountain Home, AR 72653

September 3rd: City Hall 5 p.m.

September 17th: City Hall 5 p.m.

County Quorum Court Meetings: (1st Tuesday)

Meetings take place at  Baxter County Courthouse- 1 East 7th Street, Mountain Home, AR 72653

September 1st: County Courthouse 6 p.m.

October 6th: County Courthouse 6 p.m.

Mountain Home School Board Meetings (3rd Thursday) 

Meetings take place at Central Office-2465 Rodeo Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653 

September 17th: Central Office 6 p.m

October 15th:  Central Office 6 p.m