Alderman resigns in wake of drug arrest

George (Trey) Baumgartner resigned from his position as south ward alderman Tuesday.

In the wake of his arrest Friday on the charges of distribution of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia, Baumgartner gave the Auxvasse Board of Aldermen a letter of resignation. He was not present at Tuesday evening's board meeting when Mayor Kevin Phares read the letter to the board. Baumgartner's resignation was unanimously accepted.

Phares asked the board members to contemplate possible replacements. He added that since the spot was up for election in April, the board may leave the position unfilled until another alderman is elected. Phares said any possible replacement for Baumgartner would be approved and appointed by the entire board. It was also decided that no one would replace Baumgartner in his role as overseer of the Auxvasse Police Department, a role he took on when first sworn into office.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.