BENTONVILLE — A Centerton city councilwoman reclaimed her seat Tuesday, three months after resigning.
Mayor Bill Edwards said Patricia Thornhill attended the first City Council meeting of the year and took her oath of office Tuesday.
“I just look forward to us as a council working together in a very productive term,” Edwards said.
Thornhill did not return phone messages left on her cell phone Wednesday.
Thornhill resigned her position on the council during an Oct. 12 meeting. Tyler Steele was appointed to fill the remainder of Thornhill’s term in November. Thornhill was able to reclaim her seat effective Jan. 1 after she was re-elected Nov. 2. She ran unopposed.
Thornhill’s resignation from the council followed fellow council member Randy Thomas’ resignation by one day. Both of the resignations came after Thomas’ Sept. 28 arrest in connection with assaulting Thornhill.
Thomas pleaded not guilty to all of the charges stemming from his arrest during an arraignment before Circuit Judge David Clinger on Monday.
Thomas is charged with aggravated assault on a family or household member and terroristic threatening, both Class D felonies. He is also charged with third-degree domestic battery and interfering with emergency communications, both Class A misdemeanors.
Thomas pointed a gun at Thornhill and at himself inside his Jeep Commander while Thornhill’s 11-month-old daughter was in the vehicle, according to the probable cause affidavit.
Thomas also threatened to kill or injure Thornhill and took a telephone away from her to prevent her from calling police.
Thornhill said previously she will not testify against Thomas when the case goes to trial.
Councilwoman Josey Reed said she is happy Thornhill decided to reclaim her seat on the council.
“I’m glad (Thornhill) decided to come back,” Reed said, “She is very familiar with how the Police Department is run and she is always very knowledgeable about city events.”
Skye Petty attended his first meeting as a councilman Tuesday. He said he is OK with Thornhill’s decision to return as long as she remembers to put the city’s best interests first.
Thomas’ next appearance in court, an omnibus hearing, is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. March 3. He was released from the Benton County Jail on Sept. 29 after posting a $3,000 bond.