The Heber Springs City Council approved a new airport manager, voted to honor one of Arkansas’ most respected aviation leaders, authorized the city’s police department to pursue a federal grant for School Resource Officers, and discussing flood mitigation efforts during its June 16 regular meeting.
Council members unanimously approved Brent Johnston as the new manager of Heber Springs Municipal Airport, succeeding longtime airport manager Charlie Evans, who is retiring after decades of service. City officials praised Johnston’s extensive aviation experience, including more than 35 years as a pilot and his background in commercial aviation.
The council also voted to rename the airport Charles Evans Field in recognition of Evans’ outstanding contributions to aviation. Mayor Kasey Griffin highlighted Evans’ more than 10,000 flight hours, over 50 years of safe flying, his work training more than 100 pilots, and his receipt of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.
In other business, council members authorized the Heber Springs Police Department to apply for a U.S. Department of Justice grant that could help fund the city’s School Resource Officer program for up to three additional years. Police Chief Jimmy Howell said the grant would help maintain officers assigned to local schools while enhancing campus safety.
The meeting’s longest discussion centered on the city’s flood mitigation project. Justice of the Peace Jackie Martin raised concerns about proposed engineering revisions and potential downstream flooding impacts, while Mayor Griffin and county emergency officials emphasized the city’s commitment to working with FEMA, engineers and county officials to ensure the project meets all federal floodplain requirements.
Additional actions included appointing Lane Tubbs to the Planning and Zoning Commission, recognizing new police officer Bradford Strickland and firefighter Brady Thompson, approving financial reports, and scheduling a city budget workshop.
City officials said work on the flood mitigation project will continue as additional engineering reviews are completed and federal agencies evaluate revised plans.
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