January Minutes
Democrat Party of Baxter County
Meeting Minutes
Baxter County Library
1/3/26
Chair Mary O’Shields called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Shane led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes: Called for any changes to November minutes. Called for approval of minutes. Donnie Huffine made the motion. Paulette Riley 2nd and all were in favor. November minutes were accepted.
Treasury Report: Mary O’Shields
As of the end of December 2025 and with ACT Blue contributions the ending balance is $10,583.73.
Update: $355 collected at meeting.
Chair Update: Mary O’Shields
Mary began the meeting by introducing officers and new members to our meeting. Mary greeted the first time attendees. We had several new guests at this first meeting of 2026, including Jack and John.
Poll workers are still needed. If you are interested see Lindsey Roberts at the Courthouse. There will be training in January and you are paid for your time.
Mary updated the group about the family that was adopted from LT Thrift store. We were able to collect about $800 to adopt 2 High School Students and their infant. Two wonderful members shopped for the family and their observations were eye opening at the increases in prices. They were able to buy necessities-diapers, wipes, etc as well as some gift cards for the family.
Mary discussed the upcoming need to change some committees around and the need for volunteers in this election year. Keep your eyes open for emails and posts on facebook about opportunities for volunteering.
New Business:
Mike and Karen Breton are stepping down as co-treasurers. The floor was opened for nominations for Treasurer. There were 2 volunteers-who self-nominated-Paulette Riley and Stephanie Miller. Paula worked for many years at the VA hospital and was recently a victim of DOGE. She was a fiduciary for veterans and has experience in accounting. Stephanie noted that Paulette has more experience and removed her nomination. A vote was taken and all voted for Paulette. Paulette is the new treasurer. We are so thankful to have two committed members willing to step up to help!
Speaker: Glenda Huffine
Glenda spoke about legislative and petition updates in the state. A handout was provided(I will add it to the website when it's available). Glenda provided the group the opportunity to sign 2 petitions. These are the ARkids and Direct Democracy petitions. She reported that previously they had worked on several petitions at the same time, and that this year it will be more simplified with just the 2. She needs volunteers! If you can help text her at 870-565-2061 or email at glenda.huffine@yahoo.com.
There are three constitutional amendments and one bond issue on the 2026 ballot. More information is available at the Arkansas Advocate (www.arkansasadvocate.com) and the UALR public policy center (https://www.uaex.uada.edu/business-communities/voter-education/state-ballot-issues.aspx)
Glenda also discussed upcoming voter registration drives and more information and training will be provided as it becomes available.
https://www.citizensfirst.org/
Please look at the above website to review and look over how legislators voted in state legislation. https://www.citizensfirst.org/2025-arleg-directory
Announcements:
Bob and Mary spoke about the changes to primary voting. Primary voting is now considered to be closed primaries. Meaning if your voter registration says democrat you can only take a democrat ballot and vice versa for republican. If you’re registered as optional you may take a republican or democrat ballot. Remember, primaries will be 3/3/26 and early voting starts 2/17/26.
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 12:30 p.m.
DPBC Meetings: (1st Saturdays)
February 7th: Baxter County Library (300 Library Hill Ln, Mountain Home, AR 72653) 10:15
March 7th: TBD
April 4th: Baxter County Library (300 Library Hill Ln, Mountain Home, AR 72653) 10:15
City Council Meetings: (1st and 3rd Thursdays)
Meetings take place at City Hall-720 Hickory St, Mountain Home, AR 72653
January 15th: City Hall 5 p.m.
Febraury 5th: City Hall 5 p.m.
Febraury 19th: 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
January 6th: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
Febraury 3rd: 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
January 15th: Central Office 6 p.m
Febraury 19th: Central Office 6 p.m
