Hartford’s first responders are looking for citizens to support their efforts through blood donation with Arkansas Blood Institute. Those who give at the Boots & Badges blood drive on Wednesday, July 17, will provide blood needed to save local lives, such as those that firefighters and law enforcement officers rescue.
Anyone 16 years or older* is urged to stop by the Hartford Fire Station Training Room between 1 and 6 p.m. All donors will receive special-edition Boots & Badges T-shirts, and a voucher for free admission to their choice of Frontier City, Science Museum Oklahoma, or Safari Joe’s H2O Water & Adventure Park in Tulsa. Donors will also receive a Voucher for 2 Reserved Premium Dugout tickets to any Northwest Arkansas Naturals home game in July.
By giving blood at this drive, donors will show their support for the firefighters and law enforcement officers who save lives in their community. “Hartford’s first responders see the daily need for blood first-hand when the people they rescue require life-saving treatment,” said John Armitage, M.D., President & CEO of Arkansas Blood Institute. “We can’t say enough about the service our police officers and firefighters provide, and we owe it to them to do our part in making sure blood is available in emergency situations.”
Appointments for the blood drive may be
made by calling 877-340-8777 or visiting arkbi.org.
*
16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission; 17
year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110
pounds
With Independence Day falling on a Thursday this year, many people are taking full advantage of an extended stay at their favorite lakeside retreat. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is asking that everyone enjoying the revelry be aware of the dangers brought about by drinking while aboard a boat. To help make the weekend safe, wildlife officers throughout Arkansas are gearing up for Operation Dry Water July 5-7.
Operation Dry Water is a weekend of increased enforcement throughout the nation to prevent instances of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Last year’s boating enforcement efforts resulted in 202 warnings and 103 citations, which may have prevented serious accidents while on the water or the drive home.
Capt. Stephanie Weatherington, AGFC boating law administrator, says not only does being caught boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs carry a stiff fine, it also is grounds for a person to lose their driver’s license just as though they were ticketed for driving under the influence.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Statistics 2017, alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Boating while intoxicated can be even more dangerous than driving a car while intoxicated, as most boaters have less experience operating a boat. Boats don’t have brakes, and slower responses to a sudden danger can be the difference between life and death.
Weatherington says the effects of alcohol also are magnified by the conditions boating creates.
“The sun, heat, wind and motion all intensify alcohol’s impact on a person,” Weatherington said.
The added impact of alcohol can be a danger to passengers as well as drivers. Although not illegal, passengers who consume too much alcohol can make poor judgements that can lead to injuries and death as well.
Weatherington says she receives calls every year asking if it’s okay to have alcohol on a boat at all. In most cases it’s fine to have an alcoholic beverage onboard, but people should pay attention to the county they are boating in.
“Dry counties are still dry, even on the water,” Weatherington said. “Sheriff’s departments can and will enforce those regulations just as if they were on land.”
Operation Dry Water was launched in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Since its inception, the campaign has helped remove 3,532 operators who were boating under the influence from America’s waters, making them safer for all to enjoy.
Special Programs July 2, Aug. 7
Nature arts and craft project Call for event times and to register.
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Arkansas River barge tours Call for event times and to register.
July 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wells Lake family fun day
July 13, 1-3 p.m.
Snakes of Arkansas
Aug. 6, 6 p.m.
Duck decoy painting Call to register.
Aug. 16, 6 p.m.
Becoming a conservationist
Youth Marksmanship Challenge Sept. 21 | Noon- 2 p.m.
Take aim at events marked with an asterisk then demonstrate your skill in the Youth Marksmanship Challenge next fall. The challenge will include archery, 3D archery, BB gun shooting, target casting and slingshot shooting.
Celebrating the Fourth of July typically means travel plans for Arkansans and others who will be crisscrossing the state on every highway and many local streets. The holiday is also one of the deadliest because of drunk drivers who make the choice to get behind the wheel and drive.
Beginning today (Friday, June 28th) law enforcement officers will devote additional time and resources patrolling to find and arrest drunk drivers. Their special assignments will continue through Sunday, July 7th. The added patrol work is one part of a statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over operation designed to spread the lifesaving message that drunk driving is unacceptable, deadly, and illegal behavior.
“There will be zero tolerance for impaired drivers,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “We want to be very clear about the consequences of drunk driving; it’s illegal and incredibly deadly and it’s a risk we don’t want anyone to take”.
During the 2017 Fourth of July holiday period, 237 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. These deaths accounted for 39 percent of the total motor vehicle traffic crashes that occurred over the holiday period. The deaths also represent a 23 percent increase from 2016, during which time 192 people were killed during the same holiday period.
“The consequences are serious. If we catch you driving under the influence of alcohol, we will arrest you, and you’ll go to jail,” said Colonel Bryant.
On average, the cumulative costs of a DUI arrest can range upwards of $10,000 or more. Drunk drivers who are arrested face jail time, vehicle towing and impoundment fees, attorney fees, court costs and fines, and lost wages from employment. A conviction routinely leads to the loss of a driver’s license and higher vehicle insurance costs once driving privileges are restored.
For those individuals who may consider the idea of driving after consuming alcohol beverages, the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office recommends these options:
It’s never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had one intoxicating beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get to your destination safely.
If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi or someone who is sober to get you home.
If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911.
If you know someone who is about to drive or operate a motorcycle or any other vehicle while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.
Buckle up, always. Your seat belt is your best defense against the drunk driver.
More information about the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign can be obtained at www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. Information about Arkansas’ ongoing “Toward Zero Deaths” campaign to eliminate preventable traffic deaths can be found at www.TZDarkansas.org.
On Monday, July 1, the Indiana based company, Youth Opportunity Investments, assumed operations at the Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Center, as well as three other locations in the state.
Earlier this year YOI was awarded the $15.8 million dollar contract for services. Originally, the state had awarded the contract to a competitive bidder, Rite of Passage. However, ROP was ultimately disqualified and the contract was granted to YOI.
Since that time, ROP has filed a complaint with the Pulaski County Circuit Court. In that filing, ROP claims the state procurement director wrongly disqualified them, basing their decision on prejudicial information.
Currently, ROP operates the facility in Alexander, AR. It serves as the main processing location for youth that have been taken into state custody.
The shake up comes as a result of Governor Asa Hutchinson’s plan to overhaul the juvenile justice system. Part of that plan included converting Mansfield to an all male facility, and closing two locations, Dermott and Colt.
Mayor Doug Kinslow called the meeting to order at 7:10pm and asked for prayer to be led by Pastor Dewey Hickey of the Westwood Baptist Church.
In attendance were also council members Lance Terry, Tim Terry, Ralph Meeker, A.C. Brown, Daniel McDaniel, Mike Hamby (City Attorney) and Sharla Derry (City Clerk/Treasurer).
Senator Mathew Pitsch was in attendance, as well as CARDS representative Jason Fitzgerald and other city officials.
Among the business discussed:
Highway 71 Corridor Water/Sewer Extension – lowest bid by M Phillips Construction out of Magazine has been reviewed and unanimously accepted by the council.
Police COPS Grant Resolution – monies will flow through the City of Greenwood account but will be a wash and not affect income or expenses. This will be used to finish converting over to key cards for students to leave or enter the school. The school system will provide maintenance after the installation.
James Fork Water – property offer
Milltown/Washburn water supply issues – Greenwood has lines there since 1980’s, but the issues with a subdivision does not affect the city of Greenwood
Financial reports – City tax: even though the tax revenue is 50% of the expected for the first 6 months, it will not be an issue; County tax: 2% increase over prior month, expected to be higher due to home repairs of flooded properties; Balance Sheet showing $32 million in assets with some long-term debt for the Fire Department pumper which is currently being outfitted and will be delivered in the near future; Revenue and Expenses: anticipated Revenue is more than Expenses for the first 6 months, so there is a surplus right now that will even out as the months progress. There are some future capital expenditures coming, one being the Highway 71 Corridor Water/Sewer Extension project.
Trash collection by new company CARDS out of Little Rock. Jason Kirkpatrick was in attendance, spoke and answered questions about the “additional” trash cart for $60/yr (seen as $4.95 per month). This expense to the citizens who want the additional cart is not for the cart, but for the contents of the cart. Effective Monday, July 8, all trash must be placed inside a CARDS cart and if any resident would like them to dispose of their old trash container, paint a white X on the container and they will dispose of it. Also, the Mayor has received some complaints from citizens whose trash has been missed in pickup and he admitted, “We’ve had a few hiccups in this transition, but all in all, it’s going really good. We appreciate being informed so we can fix it. In hindsight, we could have done better by informing the citizens of Greenwood in a letter to their home of the changes to both the trash and recycling.” Anyone who would like an additional cart should contact CARDS directly. The Mayor also said there has been suggestions on social media that the old trash containers can be donated to folks living in the country.
Cameras placed on Main Street at the stop signs in the very near future as there have been many safety concerns.
Ridgecrest sidewalks – one of them has been fixed and the other has been repaired time and again, to no avail. For safety reasons, it is closed off and will be fixed very quickly so the children will not have to walk around the area out into the street, which the Mayor is very concerned for their safety.
Arvest bank account was set up last year to provide the City of Greenwood with credit cards for necessary business expenses that are much easier to track, set up, cancel and verify business only purchases, even on a daily basis. For example, gas cards can only be used for gas and there is a much stricter logging for verification purposes. Along with these better services, there is a rebate for all purchases, which will assist the general budget.
For the City’s new business, continuing talks of the I49 bypass through Greenwood with the Arkansas Department of Transportation, Mayor Kinslow and Senator Pitsch. They are meeting again with ARDOT soon. Mayor Kinslow stated, “There are safety issues when the new bypass is built, and we want to make sure there are sufficient emergency services in that area.”
Mayor Kinslow announced that Danielle Smith has been named the new Director of Human Resources with no pay change. He said he is very pleased with this move. There is an $80/yr expense for insurance bonding. Danielle will be taking over the drug testing and entry-level new hires.
Finally, the Mayor asks everyone to pray for people in this area and their families going through cancer.
Wow! This area of
Arkansas and our neighboring Oklahoma friends are certainly proud of the US of
A! Almost every town around us will be celebrating our nation’s 243rd
birthday with plenty of festivities for the entire family. Nothing makes your heart swell with patriotic
pride like eating past our fill and lighting the night skies up with Chinese
gunpowder!
Lavaca celebrated
Independence Day a little early, as it is their tradition for fireworks and fun
on the Sunday night before July 4th.
Hopefully, you were able to enjoy that!
On Wednesday, July 3, the cities of Barling and Paris will light up the sky. Paris’ fun begins at 6 p.m. and goes until 9 p.m.
On July 4th, more than a handful will be
celebrating at almost the same times.
Choose your location carefully.
Van Buren will start at 7 pm at the rodeo grounds. The Fort Smith’s annual Mayor’s Fireworks will begin promptly at 9:30 p.m. Greenwood’s fireworks display never disappoints. They will start at 9 p.m. Charleston’s show will start at 6:30 p.m. at Greenhurst’ Nursing Center with free hotdogs and all the trimmings!
Hackett will start at 7 p.m. with music and free food as well! Mansfield will be having their displays at the High School with a Corn Hole Championship at 5 p.m. with food and concessions available and then fireworks begin at dusk. Hartford is putting on a big night at the city park! They’ll have a Domino Tournament beginning at 3 p.m. and then a Hot Dog Eating Contest at 5 p.m. There will be music and then the firework fuse is lit at dusk!
Scott County folks in the Waldron area will also enjoy a big celebration! The event will be held at Sodie Davidson Park on the Fourth. There will be concessions, music and the pool will be open. Fireworks are set to begin at 9:15 p.m.
Our Oklahoma neighbors of Spiro and Poteau will both start at dusk with Poteau’s festivities being located at the pool/park. Additionally, Tri-State Speedway will have their fireworks display on July 6.
Pick your celebration and be safe! Happy Independence Day!
(Again, Wednesday, July 3-Barling, Paris. Thursday, July 4-Fort Smith, Van Buren, Waldron, Charleston, Greenwood, Hackett, Mansfield, and Hartford)
The Friends of the Sebastian County Public Library recently sponsored a book drive benefiting Moffett Schools. The school lost most all of it’s library during the flood.
FOL Publicity Committee member Beverly Boyd Jeffery said “we would like to thank everyone who donated books for the Moffett School Library book drive.”
Jeffery also stated, that while their book drive has ended, anyone who still wishes to donate new or gently used books can still do so.
The following locations are still accepting donations:
On Saturday, June 29, approximately 90 plus members of the Patriots of Act 746 gathered at the Western Sizzlin’ restaurant in Fort Smith for a luncheon.
Several legislators also attended, as well as political hopefuls. The guest speaker for the event was current Lieutenant Governor, Tim Griffin. Griffin spoke about his political past, education, his stance on taxes, and citizen’s Second Amendment rights.
Griffin commented that he did not believe taxes should be raised one cent. “Government should not ask for more money unless they can prove they’ve spent what they have wisely.”
Griffin fielded several questions and comments from the audience regarding conceal carry laws. “I may not always agree, but I don’t take it personally. I want to have a discussion on this.” Griffin went on to add that he had contacted Colonel Bryant with the Arkansas State Police, and that he was informed that the law “implies” that you must have a permit to carry a weapon concealed. “I told him thats not how the law works, and that in order to get a conviction, it must be clearly stated.”
He conceded that there is much work to be done and that change is needed. State Representative Marcus Richmond followed up by adding that “change in democracy is like trying to cut down a 100 year old tree with a dull pocketknife.”
POA 746 Representative Dan Borum said that’s exactly why the group was formed. “That’s why we are here. The patriots are all about education.”
Sebastian County Sheriff Hobe Runion also addressed the group. He praised the citizens and prosecutor in the county for being pro Second Amendment. “We live in an area where we are very fortunate. Law enforcement are respected and it’s not uncommon for people to be carrying.” When asked directly if he had an issue with a handgun being carried openly or concealed, he responded, “I do not have a problem with it.”
The group, 17,000 members strong statewide, continually challenges lawmakers, and according to one founding member, Gary Epperson, they are standing in the gap for liberty. “The local POA is a grass roots group that protects and advances our second amendment rights in Arkansas. We invited these candidates so people can come out and visit with these people face-to-face and not rely on the media and commercials.”
Epperson added that the group is open to anyone and encourages citizens to become educated and involved in the election process. “We don’t see Republican, Democrat or Libertarian,” stated Epperson. “Party is no issue. It’s about right and wrong. People have been lied to for generations, because people didn’t know how the law actually read. You’ve heard the saying, a lie told often enough becomes the truth.”
POA 746 is planning to hosts several town hall meetings before the 2020 election. For more information on that or any other upcoming event, you can check out their Facebook page.
Members of POA 746 gather for a luncheon.Members of the POA 746 listen to guest speaker, Lieutenant Governor, Tim Griffin.POA 746 representative Dan Borum (right) listens to State Representative District 21 Marcus Richmond as he speaks on citizen’s rights to Constitutionally carry.State Representative District 97 Harlan Breaux speaks at POA 746 luncheon.Sebastian County Sheriff Hobe Runion shares his insight on the Second Amendment.
Veda Adenial Miller of Parks, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Wednesday, June 26, 2019 in Danville, Arkansas. Veda was born June 2, 1927 in Parks, Arkansas to Arthur A. Franklin and Una (Hawkins) Franklin. She was 92 years old.
Veda enjoyed gardening and working in her flower beds. She especially loved
when the grandchildren and great grandchildren would come and visit and let her
love on them and make forever memories.
Veda leaves behind to cherish her memory three children: Tammie Fisher of
Bluffton, Arkansas, Billy Miller of Parks, Arkansas and Larry Evans of Parks,
Arkansas. Grandma will forever remain in the hearts of her numerous
grandchildren and great grandchildren. Veda will be missed by all that knew her
and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family,
friends and neighbors dear to her heart.
Veda was preceded in death by her husband Wesley R. Miller, two sons: Darrel
Evans and LaRay Evans, grandchildren: Sean Miller, Daniel Fisher, and Kimberly
and siblings: Missy Franklin, Ouida Mae Cole and Thurman Franklin .
Veda’s life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 1, 2019 at Parks
Baptist Church in Parks, Arkansas with Rev. Bill Harwell officiating. Interment
will follow in the Hawkins, Cemetery. Arrangements are being entrusted to the
Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Veda’s pallbearers will be Thomas KerBerskey, Rodney Evans, Trenton Evans,
Trey Evans, Ben Frost, Travis Evans, Nick Evans, Nathan Franklin, Dennis Floyd
and Eddie Floyd .
Veda’s visitation will be Monday, July 1, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon
at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
You may leave words of remembrance for Veda’s family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com.
