Mayors weigh in on masks

Several local mayors weighed in on their plans after Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed an executive order to allow cities to mandate masks to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Blytheville Mayor James Sanders said the city council would decide whether citizens must wear masks in public.

He said the executive order is to protect businesses who are trying to meet the guidelines from the Department of Health.

Manila Mayor Wayne Wagner said the city of Manila will support business owners who want to require patrons to wear face masks before entering.

Mayor Wagner said the city will not require face masks city-wide but will help enforce it for the businesses who want it. “At this time it is not mandatory for private businesses in Manila to require masks,” he said. “We feel it should be a decision made by the business owners. As far as I am concerned, my family and I  will wear masks out of respect for our family and the family of others.”

Gosnell Mayor Teresa Walker said, "I'm not going to mandate it until the governor says we have to."

Lake City Mayor Jon Milligan said at this time he is not planning a city-wide mandate on wearing masks in private businesses. “I have not received any calls yet,” he said. “If the council wants to discuss it at the next meeting we will. I do think people need to respect the wishes of the business owners.”

Caraway Mayor Bo James said he does not have any plans for a city-wide mandate on masks. “As of right now, plans are to move forward with normal business,” he said. “We are taking every precaution we can at city hall.  As far as I know, we have not had any cases in the city of Caraway. I do think what the governor is doing is good.”

Osceola Mayor Sally Wilson said she had forwarded all of the information regarding the model face mask ordinance presented by Governor Asa Hutchinson and Arkansas Municipal League Attorney John Wilkerson to city council members and other leaders to review and receive  feedback.

The model document, along with the ADH Guidance on the use of face coverings by the general public, has been placed on the city's website for public view.

Meawhile, Monette Mayor Bob Blankenship said as of now, he does not have any plans to mandate face coverings in Monette.

“Certainly, we want to encourage our citizens to wear masks,” he said. “I believe very much we should and I am going to wear mine. We have been blessed and as far as I know right now we don’t have any cases in Monette. At least we have not been notified of any. Our nursing home is all clear and that is good news.”

Leachville Mayor Rodney Robertson said the governor has given the mayors and councils of individual cities in Arkansas the authority to mandate masks if they choose.

Mayor Robertson asked city council members to offer their opinions. Council members were not in favor of mandating to the businesses/citizens that masks must be worn.

They also agreed to support any business that chooses to require face coverings and abide by all Health Department requirements.