During the Convention 91, the Arkansas Municipal League recognized individual officials and municipalities for their outstanding service to their communities and to the League. The awards were presented during the New Officers’ and Awards Luncheon on June 20.

The John Woodruff City Above Self Award is presented to an individual who has dedicated themselves to improving Arkansas’ cities and towns. This year the League presented the award to James Walden, Garver’s urban planning leader. Walden has been a “true friend of the League,” said General Counsel and Legislative Director John Wilkerson, who praised his dedication to working with cities on housing and planning and zoning issues throughout the 2025 legislative session.

Eight municipal officials received the Adrian L. White Municipal Leadership Award. The award is presented to officials who have served on the League’s boards, councils or committees for six years. The award is named in honor of White, who was the mayor of Pocahontas from 1967-1974 and a former League president and vice president. This year’s recipients are Eureka Springs Mayor Robert “Butch” Berry, Jacksonville Human Resources Director Charlette Nelson, Monette Mayor Bob Blankenship, Pangburn Mayor Michael Marsh, Prairie Grove Council Member Tony Cunningham, Prescott Council Member Patricia Roberts, Walnut Ridge Mayor Charles Snapp and Wynne Mayor Jennifer Hobbs.

Three city officials and personnel who have served the League for 12 years received the Marvin L. Vinson Commitment to Excellence Award, named for the longtime Clarksville mayor who served from 1983 until 2001 and was League president in 1992-1993. The recipients are Hot Springs Deputy City Manager Lance Spicer, Mena Assistant to the Mayor Becky Horton and Sheridan Council Member Betty Cook.

One city official, Garland Council Member Clifton Rooters, received the Jack R. Rhodes, Sr., Distinguished Service Award for 25 years of dedicated service to the League. Rhodes served as mayor of Lake Village from 1957 until his retirement in 1990 and was one of the longest-serving mayors in Arkansas history.

Seventeen cities and towns received the Four Star Municipality Award for demonstration of excellence in loss control, employee safety, wellness, vehicle safety and prevention of liability. They are: Calico Rock, Calion, Central City, Charleston, Coal Hill, Cove, Hector, Huntington, Imboden, Knoxville, Melbourne, Ola, Smackover, Summit, Swifton, Wilmar and Wooster.

The Arkansas City Clerks, Recorders and Treasurers Association named Murfreesboro Recorder/Treasurer Penny Lamb its Clerk of the Year. The award is presented each year to a member of the association who has made significant contributions to the objectives of the municipal clerk profession, to the improvement of local government and to the clerk’s community.