BENTONVILLE -- One of Jim Clark's dreams became reality Thursday when he was appointed interim prosecutor for Benton County.
"I did not intend to come back to work," Clark said. "It's kind of been a dream of mine to serve as prosecuting attorney. I'm excited to serve the next eight months."
Gov. Mike Beebe appointed Clark to serve the remainder of Van Stone's term, which ends Dec. 31.
Stone announced a few weeks ago he wouldn't seek a third term. Stone will take a position with the legal division for Walmart.
Clark retired as a deputy city attorney for Rogers in January.
Clark was sworn in Thursday by retired Circuit Judge David Clinger, who received authorization to conduct the ceremony from Chief Justice Jim Hannah of the Arkansas Supreme Court.
Clinger said he was proud to help Clark become interim prosecutor since Clark served as his first campaign manager and helped Clinger get elected prosecutor in 1978. Clark also served as a deputy prosecutor under Clinger for a few years.
Clark said he didn't plan to make any major changes in the office.
"I don't think any changes are needed," Clark said. "You don't shake things up when it is not necessary."
Stone showed Clark around the office Thursday and introduced him to deputy prosecutors and other staff members.
Stone told staff during a luncheon "there couldn't be a better person or lawyer than Jim" to replace him.
Rogers Mayor Greg Hines said Clark is one of his favorite people and is a close friend. Hines wrote a recommendation on Clark's behalf to the governor.
"Jim is the perfect choice to shepherd over the course of the next months until a new prosecutor takes over," Hines said.
Deputy prosecutors and city attorneys also were sworn in following Clark's swearing in.
Nathan Smith, deputy prosecutor, and Kimberly Weber, a Rogers attorney, are candidates for prosecutor in the May 20 election.
NW News on 04/04/2014