JONESBORO, Ark. — Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver faced sustained criticism during a lengthy City Council meeting Tuesday night, with multiple speakers questioning his handling of concerns tied to former Parks and Recreation Director Danny Kapales, who resigned and is under FBI investigation.
Much of the criticism centered on allegations that the mayor failed to respond to warnings raised over a period of years about the organization and finances of the City Stars soccer program and its relationship with the Revolution Soccer Team.
Matt Modelevsky, chairman of the City Public Facilities Board, accused the mayor of ignoring concerns he said he raised for two years. Modelevsky presented binders that he said contained copies of emails and text messages between himself, Copenhaver, and others dating back to 2024.
During his remarks, Modelevsky said he repeatedly warned the mayor that Kapales was lying about money connected to the youth sports program and said those concerns were not addressed despite what he described as multiple meetings and conversations.
Additional criticism came from Jerry Morgan, chairman of the Jonesboro Advertising and Promotion Commission, who told council members the city’s inaction led to widespread frustration among volunteers. Morgan said numerous volunteers ultimately resigned and “gave up hope” after feeling their concerns were not taken seriously.
Tensions continued during council member comments, including sharp remarks from LJ Bryant. During the public comment portion of the meeting, the city cut off the microphone of one of the mayor’s critics, Jeremy Terrell, who, like Bryant, previously ran against Copenhaver in the last mayoral election.
Following the meeting, Copenhaver provided a written statement to NEA Report responding to the criticism.
“As Mayor my job is to focus on what is best for all youth, especially ensuring those who may not be able to afford or compete in advanced athletics still have an ability to enjoy what makes them happy. Now that the City is directly overseeing youth sports, previously managed by the City Stars Booster Club, all transactions are being closely monitored and following protocols similar to city softball programs. These protocols were in place at this past weekend’s Ice Breaker volleyball tournament and worked well.
City Admin will work closely with the Parks Department, Parks Advisory Board and City Council to ensure that cash management and transaction & ticketing systems are clear and accountable.
I will continue to focus on doing what’s right, not theatrics. I want all programs to be successful, have access to facilities and most importantly have fun – we can’t lose that priority.”
– Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver
How dare anyone question the king?
Vote incumbents out, plain and simple solution. The people have a voice, your vote matters.
Where did we get our voice when they added the Hamburger Tax? We as citizens didn’t get to vote to pass it.
Expected, good old boys at work, nothing in it for the administration.
Just a reminder that more people voted against the mayor in the general election then voted for him receiving less than 50% of the votes in total.
Unfortunately the votes were spread out over three other candidates and the mayor won the run off.
😭😭LEAVE THE MAYOR ALONE 😭😭
Tell me why the city of Jonesboro brought 9 pallets of driver from Home Depot last week we need to find out where the tax money going in who pockets