Calico Rock prison to be renamed in honor of Benny Magness

The Arkansas Board of Corrections voted unanimously on Friday to rename the North Central Unit prison in Calico Rock in honor of retiring Board Chairman Benny Magness.

The motion was made during the Board’s December meeting by Vice Chairman Dr. William “Dubs” Byers and received full approval from board members.

Magness has served on the Arkansas Board of Corrections since 1999 and has held the position of chairman since 2003. According to the Department of Corrections, he is both the longest serving member of a corrections board in the nation and the longest serving chair of a corrections board nationwide.

During his tenure, Magness served under four Arkansas governors. He was originally appointed to the board by former Governor Mike Huckabee, who now serves as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Magness’ current term expires Dec. 31, 2025.

A native of Gassville, Magness has been credited with playing a key role in the growth and expansion of the Arkansas Department of Corrections over the past 26 years.

A formal ceremony marking the official renaming of the facility will be scheduled in the coming months.

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