NW Arkansas

Gentry City Council discusses how to fill upcoming mayoral vacancy

40/29 News·Oct 29, 2026 · 7:40 AM CT
Read the original at 40/29 News
Readthrough summary

The Benton County city of Gentry faces an unusual election: no one is running for mayor. Kevin Johnston, mayor for more than a decade, is not seeking reelection, and no other candidate filed for the seat.

At the council's Oct. 5 meeting, City Attorney Joel Kurtz laid out the options under Arkansas Act 995, a 2025 law that sets procedures for filling vacancies in municipal offices. The council can appoint someone to the post or call a special election.

Under state law, the council would first have to formally declare the office vacant before choosing either route. Council members are still discussing which path to take.

Key points

  • Mayor Kevin Johnston is not running again; no one filed
  • Act 995 (2025) allows an appointment or a special election

Summary written by Readthrough from the original article. The full story, with photos and any updates, is at 40/29 News.

Read the original at 40/29 News

More NW Arkansas

Arkansas Governor news releases·

Arkansas Named Most Pro-Life State in America for Seventh Year in a Row

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined Americans United for Life and the Arkansas Family Council in Alexander on Wednesday to announce that Arkansas has again been ranked the most pro-life state in the country. It is the seventh year in a row the state has topped the group's annual ranking, which scores all 50 states on laws covering the unborn, elderly, disabled and terminally ill.

Fayetteville Flyer·

Art of Home tour returns Nov. 7-8 with four NWA residences

The second annual Art of Home tour opens four private Northwest Arkansas homes where original art drives the interior design, Nov. 7-8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The self-guided tour, presented by MIXD Gallery in Rogers and At Home in Arkansas magazine, runs between Fayetteville and Bentonville, and tickets are $55.

Arkansas Advocate·

Arkansas amendment aims to prohibit noncitizens from voting in local elections

Issue 1 on Arkansas's November ballot, the "Citizens Only Voting Amendment," would write into the state constitution that only U.S. citizens may vote in state or local elections. Sponsors Rep. David Ray and Sen. John Payton call it a preventive step, while critics say it is unnecessary and sends immigrants an unwelcoming message; five other states are weighing similar measures.

Arkansas Razorbacks (official)·

Richmond on Julius Erving Award Preseason Watch List

Razorbacks forward Billy Richmond III, a preseason All-SEC pick, is one of 20 players named to the watch list for the 2027 Julius Erving Award, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced. The award, now in its 13th year, honors the top small forward in Division I men's college basketball.