#8 - Public Records (Local)

Public Records

Many people in the United States do not understand the importance of public records. To honestly know why this information is given to the public, we must understand what information we can obtain.  The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act  (FOIA) details what records individuals can access and what rights Arkansans have to view public records. Public records are crucial for electing government officials or transparency of the government and the public's safety. 

Locally, Magnolia Reporter gives access to public records such as Columbia County Jail Bookings, Real Estate Transactions, Bankruptcies,  and more. Notably, the public should be aware of these instances. One of the most critical public records listed on the Magnolia Reporter website is the Columbia County sex offender registry. 

The registry lists sex offenders who are residents in Columbia County up until October 1st, 2021. There are currently 32 offenders living in Columbia County, including 4 level four (sexually violent) offenders, 19 level three (high risk) offenders, 9 level two (moderate risk) offenders, and no level one (low risk) offenders. There are also no non-assessed offenders who are not yet given a risk level by Sex Offender Screening or Risk Assessment. 

Magnolia Reporter was given this information through the sex offender registry maintained by the Columbia County Sheriff's Department. These records provide the public access to the names of these offenders, their risk levels, and their addresses. 

The public has a right to know where these offenders live and who they are for their own safety. The sex offender registry is a perfect example of why public records are essential. Without it, citizens would be unaware of dangerous neighbors or strangers they interact with. Columbia County residents should feel safe knowing that they have access to this information and that Magnolia Reporter and the Columbia County Sheriff's Office make it readily available.