Arkansas Legislative Audit’s report on the $19,000 purchase of a lectern for Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ office found several instances of “potential noncompliance” with state law and has been sent to the state attorney general and Pulaski County’s prosecuting attorney.
Members of Sanders’ staff used a state-issued credit card to buy the lectern and a carrying case in June 2023 from a Virginia-based event design and management firm with political ties to Sanders. The Republican Party of Arkansas reimbursed the governor’s office three months later, just before the purchase became public and brought scrutiny on Sanders and her staff.
Arkansas Legislative Audit, a nonpartisan entity that investigates government spending, began the audit at lawmakers’ direction in October and released the report Monday afternoon. The report is critical of actions taken by the governor’s office and recommends adherence to state purchasing and property disposal laws in the future.
Alexa Henning, Sanders’ communications director, said Monday that the report “demonstrate[s] what the governor’s office said all along: we followed the law, and the state was fully reimbursed with private funds for the podium, at no cost to the taxpayers.”
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The report said several actions by Sanders’ office potentially ran afoul of state law including:
Paying for the lectern before it was delivered.
Failing to notify the state Department of Transformation and Shared Services of the delivery, which prevented the purchase from being properly recorded as belonging to state government.
Characterizing the purchase as an operating expense instead of a capital asset, a category for property that costs more than $5,000.
Seeking reimbursement for the lectern from the Republican Party of Arkansas instead of asking the State Procurement Director for an exemption from state purchasing and property disposal laws.
Shredding a document that included details about the lectern necessary to properly record the purchase. Sanders’ office’s staff told auditors this was done in error.
Failing to create a business justification statement for the purchase.
The report noted that the governor’s office had three copies of the invoice for the lectern, two of which had handwritten notes on them, indicating that staff altered public records.
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Auditors also found that the Department of Transformation and Shared Services excluded several requested documents from its responses to state Freedom of Information Act queries related to the lectern purchase. The report recommended that DTSS comply with FOIA in the future.
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The report recommended that the governor’s office ensure purchases are paid for after delivery, “retain all original documentation” related to purchases and deliveries, follow state law when disposing of property and ensure documentation is completed in a timely manner.
The state Legislature could add language to state law that would restrict the governor’s office’s use of funds appropriated to it in the state budget, the report recommended.
The Legislature could also create language “defining the disbursing officer and business office of the Governor’s Office, especially regarding responsibility of delivery of goods prior to payment” and “clarifying the custodian of record for the governor’s for purposes of FOIA,” the report states.
Last year, Sanders repeatedly called criticism of the purchase a “manufactured controversy” and said she welcomed the audit. The report states that she “declined the opportunity to speak with ALA staff or provide a statement.”
Sanders’ office had the chance to review the report before it was made public, as is standard operating procedure for Legislative Audit. The response, dated March 29, called the report “deeply flawed,” “a waste of taxpayer resources and time” and proof that “no laws were broken” and “no fraud was committed.”
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The state Republican Party could not be reached for comment Monday.
In a statement after the report’s release, Democratic Party of Arkansas Chair Grant Tennille called for Attorney General Tim Griffin and Sixth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones to “swiftly deliver justice to any government official found to have committed an act of corruption.”
“This is not and never was a partisan matter, but a very serious investigation of wrongdoing by government officials who may have broken as many as seven state laws,” Tennille said.
Prior to a FOIA request related to the podium purchase, made on September 11, 2023, there was no indication that the Governor’s Office was seeking reimbursement for the cost of the podium and the road case.
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– Arkansas Legislative Audit
‘Reasonableness’ unclear
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The customized lectern’s base cost was $11,575, the carrying case cost $2,200 and shipping and handling of both items also cost $2,200, according to the report. The governor’s office also paid a $2,500 “consulting fee” to Beckett Events, a business in the Washington D.C. area run by Virginia Beckett, a consultant and lobbyist who worked on Sanders’ 2022 gubernatorial campaign.
The 3% credit card processing fee of $554 brought the $18,475 lectern purchase to a total of $19,029. New York-based Miller’s Presentation Furniture manufactured the lectern, and D.C.-area Salem Strategies and its owner, Hannah Stone, gave Sanders’ office information about portable lecterns upon request, the report states.
Similar non-customized lecterns are available online for as low as $7,000, the report notes. Legislative Audit “could not determine the reasonableness” of both the podium’s base cost and the consulting fee because Beckett Events, Salem Strategies and Miller’s Presentation Furniture all did not respond to auditors’ attempts to contact them.
Sanders’ office “sent one additional email to Hannah Stone and Virginia Beckett in January 2024 but failed to attach ALA’s list of proposed questions regarding the podium,” according to the report.
State Sen. Jimmy Hickey, R-Texarkana, requested the audit in September. His request also included looking into “significant expenditures involving the governor’s office” that were shielded from public accessibility by Act 7 of 2023. The law exempted records related to the governor’s security from the FOIA.
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Sen. Jimmy Hickey, R-Texarkana, asks the Legislative Joint Auditing Executive Committee on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023 to approve his request for an audit into Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ purchase of a $19,000 lectern and the retroactive shielding of certain government expenses from public access. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)
Hickey said Monday that the second portion of the audit is still in progress, and the released report’s findings specifically pertained to the lectern purchase.
The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee will meet Tuesday to discuss the report. Hickey said Monday afternoon that he had not yet read it and likely would not comment on it before Tuesday’s meeting regardless.
Legislative Joint Auditing Committee co-chairs Sen. David Wallace of Leachville and Rep. Jimmy Gazaway of Paragould, both Republicans, first read the report last week, and the rest of the committee read it Monday afternoon, Wallace said later on Monday.
Gazaway and Wallace could not be reached for comment after the report was released.
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Timeline of purchase and controversy
The audit was necessary in light of “everything with the timeline” of events regarding the signing of Act 7 and the way the lectern purchase became public knowledge, Hickey said in September.
The Republican Party of Arkansas reimbursed Sanders’ office for the full $19,209 cost on Sept. 14. Attorney and blogger Matt Campbell posted the document, which he had previously requested via the FOIA, on X (formerly Twitter) on Sept. 15.
“Prior to a FOIA request related to the podium purchase, made on September 11, 2023, there was no indication that the Governor’s Office was seeking reimbursement for the cost of the podium and the road case,” the audit report states.
Also on Sept. 14, Sanders signed Act 7 after a special legislative session in which she had supported additional exemptions to the FOIA that met bipartisan opposition in the Legislature and from the public. Campbell, who is now an Arkansas Times reporter, had been using the FOIA for several weeks to request and report on Sanders’ office’s spending.
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Worries over secrecy grow as state officials shield records from the public
After Hickey’s request for an audit later that month, Rogers-based attorney Tom Mars contacted Hickey to offer an anonymous client’s aid during the requested audit. Mars said his client could “provide clear and convincing evidence” to the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee that Sanders’ office had recently altered and withheld FOIA-accessible records.
On Oct. 10, Campbell posted an email on X that indicated Laura Hamilton, Sanders’ executive assistant, was instructed to alter the invoice for the lectern by writing “to be reimbursed” on it by hand, shortly before Campbell received it via FOIA request.
Lawmakers approved Hickey’s audit request three days after Campbell posted the email.
Auditors found three different versions of the invoice during the audit. One “appears to be a copy of the original invoice” and does not include the handwritten addition of “to be reimbursed” along with Hamilton’s initials. Two others include the addition — one was attached to the check from the state GOP that was deposited into the state Treasury — and were both sent to Campbell in response to his FOIA requests, the report states.
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“ALA maintains this handwritten notation, which altered the public record, potentially conflicts with [state law],” the report states.
Sanders’ office’s formal response to auditors claimed “a handwritten note on an invoice, absent a false alteration, is not a violation of law.”
Mars said Monday on X that his anonymous client “gave sworn testimony to the legislative auditors before a court reporter based on first-hand knowledge of the alteration and concealment of highly relevant records.”
In a prepared statement, Mars said the information in the report made Monday “a sad day for Arkansans who care about truth and integrity in government.”
“The report just confirms people’s worst fears about the dishonesty of the Governor and members of her staff who appear to have participated in a transaction that any intelligent, objective observer would call ‘fraud,’” Mars wrote.
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Purchasing laws and property ownership
Hickey said in October that one question he hoped the audit would answer was who owns the lectern, since it was apparently purchased with state funds despite the eventual reimbursement.
The audit report asserts that since the podium and carrying case “were initially paid for with funds appropriated by the General Assembly to the Governor’s Office,” both continued to be state property after the state GOP reimbursed Sanders’ office.
Griffin published an opinion last week, at Sanders’ request, declaring that certain executive branch officials such as the governor are not subject to certain laws that regulate purchases by government entities.
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Arkansas AG claims purchasing laws do not apply to governor, days before release of lectern audit
The opinion states that elected constitutional offices are not state “agencies” under the General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, which regulates the financial behavior of the state’s “agencies, boards, commissions, departments, and institutions.” The list included in the law does not specifically contain “offices” or “officers” and therefore does not apply to them “unless otherwise necessary,” a phrase taken directly from the law, Griffin wrote.
But Arkansas Legislative Audit considers the governor’s office an agency under the GABPL, which requires the state and its subsidiaries to “provide adequate accounting for all fiscal transactions.”
The report also states that the governor’s office is subject to marketing-and-redistribution (M&R) law, which regulates “effective utilization of surplus state property.” Griffin disputed this in last week’s opinion.
Auditors found during the investigation that Sanders’ office had disposed of other state property, including a storage cabinet and a tabletop podium, in compliance with M&R law, according to the report.
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Griffin said in a statement Monday that he was “perplexed” at Arkansas Legislative Audit’s “mistaken conclusion that the Governor’s office is a ‘state agency’ for the purposes of certain statutes.”
“I am continuing to review the report, which was transmitted to my office in accordance with state law,” Griffin said.
Sanders’ office’s response to auditors reiterated Griffin’s opinion from last week. Legislative Audit’s response, also included in the report, defended its interpretation of the laws in question.
“A cardinal rule in dealing with a statutory provision is to give it a consistent and uniform interpretation,” the auditing body wrote.
FAYETTEVILLE — The ninth-ranked Arkansas baseball offense was tamed Sunday by Stetson junior right-hander Trace Hartman.
Hartman allowed a run in the first inning but held down the Razorbacks for the rest of his 6 2/3-inning start, and the Hatters won 4-1 at Baum-Walker Stadium. Arkansas (12-4) had a five-game winning streak snapped.
The Razorbacks had chances against Hartman. They put the leadoff batter on base against him in the first, second, third, fifth and seventh innings, but they could not come through with the big hit. Arkansas finished the game 1 for 16 with runners on base and 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position.
“Hartman just kept finding a way,” Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. “He’d get behind in the count and he’d come back — 3-2, 3-1 and he’d get you out. He just pitched. Give credit to him. He did a good job.”
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Stetson (6-10) snapped its three-game losing streak and gave itself a chance to split the series with a win in Monday’s series finale. First pitch is scheduled for noon.
Hartman, a former NCAA Division II standout at University of Charleston (W. Va.) who entered the game with a 1.29 ERA and 0.71 WHIP, scattered 5 hits and 4 walks, and struck out 3 during his 101-pitch outing.
“I was getting the fastball across the plate,” Hartman said, “really just challenging the hitters and making them get themselves out.”
MORE FROM WHOLEHOGSPORTS: Notes, observations from 4-1 loss to Stetson
Stetson homered twice against Arkansas starting pitcher Colin Fisher in the fourth inning to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 4-1 lead. Left fielder Foster Apple led off the inning with a home run to left field to tie the game 1-1.
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After a throwing error by Arkansas shortstop Carson Brumbaugh and a 1-out double by Stetson shortstop Landon Russell, right fielder Jayden Hylton hit a 3-run homer to left to give the Hatters the lead for good.
Stetson players celebrate with right fielder Jayden Hylton (17) after he hit a home run during a game against Arkansas on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
It was the third home run of the season for the 6-foot-5, 225-pound Hylton, who Stetson coach Steve Trimper said before the series was likely the team’s best pro prospect.
“When Jayden gets hot he can be really good,” Trimper said. “He’s had kind of a roller coaster start to this [season]. He’s one of our better players and he just hung a breaking ball to him on that.
“Foster, he just hit a good pitch. That was a ball that the pitcher was doing a great job and he just got his hands inside the ball and was able to turn on it enough to where the wind — the only place the wind was out today, I think, was kind of down that left-field line.”
Three of the runs were earned against Fisher, who had not allowed an earned run in 22 innings prior to the fourth. It was the second-longest stretch without an earned run during Van Horn’s 24-year tenure. Barrett Astin threw 22 2/3 innings without an earned run to begin the 2012 season during the dead-bat era.
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Van Horn said Fisher was not as sharp as his recent outings. He gave up leadoff singles to Juan De La Cruz in the first inning and Paul Napolitano in the third, but he worked out of the jams.
Fisher struck out Yohann Dessureault with three consecutive curveballs in the first inning, and Renzo Gonzalez hit into an inning-ending double play in the third.
“You could kind of tell early that he was either going to have to get better [and] he was going to have to recover,” Van Horn said. “We were hoping after maybe the second inning he would like make a jump and start pitching better, but it really just kind of stayed the same.”
Fisher allowed 4 runs (3 earned) and 6 hits and struck out 4 during his 4-inning, 69-pitch start.
The Razorbacks plated a run quickly against Hartman in the first inning when Damian Ruiz led off with a double and scored on Camden Kozeal’s 1-out double.
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But there was little pressure on Hartman from that time until he left the game with runners on the corners in the seventh. Right-hander Andrew Lepine replaced Hartman and got Ruiz to ground into a force play at second base to end the seventh.
Arkansas second baseman Camden Kozeal (8) flips to shortstop Carson Brumbaugh to start a double play during a game against Stetson on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
Kozeal said the Razorbacks should have been more aggressive offensively.
“Maybe guys [were] taking it off a little bit 1 through 9,” Kozeal said. “We’ve got to have an aggressive lineup 1 through 9, trying to hit the ball hard.”
Lepine worked around a leadoff walk by Ryder Helfrick in the eighth and a 2-out walk by Carter Rutenbar in the ninth. His 2 1/3 innings of scoreless work Sunday followed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief against the Razorbacks on Friday.
Trimper called Lepine “a really tricky guy” and a true submariner.
“We got our little sinker baller, sidearmer to come in and get ground balls,” Trimper said.
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Stetson out-hit Arkansas 7-5. De La Cruz and Russell both had 2 hits for the Hatters, and Ruiz and Maika Niu both had 2 hits for the Razorbacks.
Cole Gibler did not allow a hit and worked around 2 walks and Brumbaugh’s second throwing error in 3 scoreless innings. Ethan McElvain pitched scoreless eighth and ninth innings.
The Ozark Mountains, with their beautiful forested hills and winding rivers, create a charming setting for some of the region’s most darling small towns. Eureka Springs’ artsy, colorful downtown and historic Basin Park Hotel give it a whimsical atmosphere that feels unlike anywhere else in the Ozarks. Hermann, set along the Missouri River Valley, is home to historic wineries like Hermannhof Winery, which highlights the town’s long German winemaking heritage. And Mountain View, with its live folk music and traditional crafts at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, is another star destination.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Historic downtown of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Image credit Rachael Martin via Shutterstock
Eureka Springs, a charming gem in the Ozarks, warmly welcomes visitors with its whimsical charm. This vibrant Arkansas town is a hub of artistic expression and community spirit, nestled among breathtaking mountains. It’s easy to see why—packed with outdoor adventures and beautiful viewpoints along Lake Leatherwood City Park, this city offers a ‘eureka!’ moment at every turn! The historic Basin Park Hotel, loved since 1905, features a delightful mix of shops and galleries that showcase local artists. Plus, the stunning Thorncrown Chapel is a true masterpiece of architecture, reflecting Eureka Springs’ innovative spirit. With its perfect blend of natural beauty and creative energy, Eureka Springs invites everyone to discover its wonderful surprises and inspiring atmosphere.
Hermann, Missouri
A winery in Hermann, Missouri. Image credit: Ted Engler via Flickr.com.
Located in the beautiful rolling hills of the Missouri River Valley, Hermann, Missouri, is a charming spot surrounded by lush vineyards and breathtaking views that have welcomed visitors for centuries. This historic village, with its deep German roots, is lovingly nicknamed the “Napa Valley of the Midwest” thanks to its famous wineries and wine-making tradition dating all the way back to the 1800s. One lovely example among over 100 wineries is Hermannhof Winery, which has been honing its craft since 1852, offering welcoming tastings and guided tours that share the region’s rich winemaking story. The Deutschheim State Historic Site, home to two beautifully restored houses that showcase 19th-century life’s simplicity, offers even more glimpses into Hermann’s German heritage. Life in Hermann moves at a gentle pace, and the welcoming, old-world spirit of hospitality makes this quaint town a truly special place — a charming destination that continues to delight visitors to this small Ozark community.
Mountain View, Arkansas
Folk Music Capital of the World, Mountain View, Arkansas. Editorial credit: Travel Bug / Shutterstock.com
In Mountain View, the luxurious Ozark landscape surrounds a town that embraces its heritage warmly. The nearby Blanchard Springs Caverns, a captivating natural wonder, invite explorers to discover its expansive underground chambers, which feature towering stalactites and stalagmites, delicate flowstones, and sparkling streams that shimmer in gentle light. As visitors wander through the caverns’ winding passages, they may encounter hidden pools, ancient formations, and even rare underground plants. Skilled artisans and folk musicians can be found crafting traditional goods and performing heritage music amidst the peaceful beauty of the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Tourists can also gain deeper insights into Mountain View’s history at the Stone County Courthouse, built in 1922, which serves as a center for community events and local government. Visitors to Mountain View will experience the pure beauty of the Ozarks within the spirit of a tight-knit community.
Branson, Missouri
The Branson Scenic Railway train in Branson, Missouri. Image credit Rosemarie Mosteller via Shutterstock
Where the Ozark Mountains meet the sky, a shimmering hidden gem named Branson, Missouri stands out as a treasured destination for those seeking an authentic American experience. Branson is home to several landmarks, quite literally the biggest being Table Rock Lake, a massive reservoir hailed as a beloved spot for aquatic adventures, its shining waters inviting all to revel in its loveliness. At Table Rock Lake, vacationers can enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing. Another popular family attraction in Branson is Silver Dollar City, a renowned theme park where large numbers of travelers are whisked away on a journey through Ozark-themed attractions, plenty of live entertainment, and artisanal demonstrations. For a glimpse into the past, The Titanic Museum stands as a poignant tribute, with its half-scale replica of the iconic ship offering an immersive encounter equal parts educational and captivating. A charming community full of activity amidst the breathtaking scenery and miles of trails and waterways, Branson is the perfect base camp for an unforgettable adventure.
Camden, Arkansas
Camden, Arkansas, the Historic Ouachita County Courthouse. Image credit Roberto Galan via Shutterstock
With the Ouachita Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop for outdoor enjoyment, Camden, Arkansas, and its surrounding area contains a lush ecosystem surrounded by a fascinating past evidenced by the many well-preserved homes and museums the town has on display. The White Oak Lake State Park, which includes many areas along the Ouachita Mountains, remains a haven for nature enthusiasts, inviting exploration of its diverse landscapes with plenty of opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and hiking. Stepping into the historic McCollum-Chidester House, visitors enjoy the grandeur of an antiquated era, gaining insight into the lives of a prominent 19th-century family. A reminder of the South’s complex past, Fort Southerland Park displays interpretive exhibits and guided tours that bring the Civil War era to life. As a result, Camden offers an enriching adventure, a distinctive pristine ambiance shaped by the town’s welcoming nature and the enduring legacy of its storied past.
Hardy, Arkansas
A tree swing over a river in Hardy, Arkansas.
The Spring River flows through the town of Hardy, Arkansas, nourishing its creative spirit and infusing its surroundings with a sense of both serene reverence and excitement for adventure. This 57-mile-long river flows through the states of Arkansas and Missouri, with the South Fork of the Spring River making its way through the area. As the river winds its way through the green landscape, it invites those to discover its allure, from canoeing and kayaking to trout fishing and beyond. Hardy’s artistic heart beats strong on Main Street, where local crafts, antiques, and gifts reflect the city’s artistic community throughout its variety of boutique shops. Nearby, the Old Hardy Town Jail, dating back to the early 1900s, serves as a small but significant piece of its past, its weathered walls echoing stories long past. Adventurers can also explore the Hardy History Museum, browse the shelves at the quaint Library Park Bookstore, or take in a show at the historic Ritz Theater. A true treasure of the Ozarks, Hardy combines artistic flair, thriving beauty, and historic significance all waiting to be discovered.
Russellville, Arkansas
CaptioThe scenic Davies Bridge in Petit Jean State Park near Russellville, Arkansas.
The majestic Lake Dardanelle reservoir reigns supreme in Russellville, Arkansas, its waters teeming with glittering fish. Russellville’s blue skies are likewise speckled with birds, and the town offers endless exploration opportunities for nature lovers and travelers seeking a relaxing retreat. With the Arkansas River winding its way gently through the landscape, it sets the stage for a charming district that seamlessly blends lasting legacy with reverence for the elegant nature that abounds in this beloved region. Downtown Russellville pulsates with warm energy, its local shops, mouthwatering restaurants, and historic Missouri-Pacific Railroad Depot—now a thriving community center—showcasing the town’s renowned hospitality. The Old Post Road Recreation Area stands as a poignant reminder of the area’s significant past, its roots in the Trail of Tears route inviting contemplation, reflection, and respect for the lives lost during this tragic event. In Russellville, visitors discover a home away from home, where a welcoming spirit is always abundant.
The Ozarks leave a lasting impression, with their warmth and heritage lingering long after you leave. Eureka Springs, famous for its historic Basin Park Hotel, and Hermann, known for its centuries-old winemaking traditions, showcase this region’s respect for its natural and historical legacy while embracing the future. Like a skilled storyteller, each place weaves a story that strikes a chord—filled with scenic beauty, cultural richness, and entrepreneurial spirit. The region’s timeless charm is enhanced by the unique character of each small town—a mix of history and modern life that makes these destinations both familiar and pleasantly surprising.
John Brummett’s career in news began when he was in high school, as a part-time reporter for the Arkansas Democrat. He moved to the Arkansas Gazette in 1977.
He wrote a political column for the Gazette from 1986 to 1990. He was an editor for the Arkansas Times from 1990 to 1992.
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In 1994, his book, “High Wire: From the Back Roads to the Beltway, the Education of Bill Clinton,” was published by Hyperion of New York City. He became a columnist with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in 1994. In 2000, he signed a deal with Donrey Media Group, now known as Stephens Media, and wrote for them for 11 years.
He rejoined Democrat-Gazette as a columnist on Oct. 24, 2011.
Arkansas second baseman Camden Kozeal (8) flips to shortstop Carson Brumbaugh to start a double play during a game against Stetson on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
