CITY AND COUNTY SALES TAX UP FOR MONTH OF JUNE - The city of Nashville's sales tax was up last month by 9 percent from
last year. Nashville collected over $108,000 in the month of June. City Finance Director Jimmy Dale said during Tuesday's city
council meeting that the city's revenue in general is looking good. Dale expects the months of July and August to also do well
because of back to school sales and revenue is up in the water department. The county's sales tax was also up from last year by 15
percent, collecting about $63,000 last month.
FILING PERIOD ENDS FOR AREA SCHOOL ELECTIONS - Friday was the last day to file as a candidate for area school board
positions up for re-election. Filing for the Nashville School District Zone two position was current board president Randy Elliott and
Evelyn Joyce Bradford. Mineral Springs board members Mike Erwin in Zone 4 and Linda Ross in Zone 5 are running unopposed.
Dierks school board President Bubba McSpadden is also running unopposed. The school election will be held on September 21st
with early voting starting on September 14th during regular business hours.
MURFREESBORO POLICE CHIEF TAKES NEW JOB - Murfreesboro Police Chief Mark Barnes is leaving his position after today to
begin working with the Arkansas Highway Police. Barnes said he will begin seven weeks of training August 5th in West Memphis.
Barnes has served as Murfreesboro's chief since 2003. Prior to that, he had law enforcement experience with police departments in
Hope and Nashville..as well as with the Howard County Sheriff's Department. Randy Lamb will serve as Murfreesboro's interim
Police Chief.
NJHS FCCLA GUEST SPEAKERS AT ROTARY - Members of the Nashville Junior High School FCCLA talked to Rotarians at their
weekly meeting Wednesday about a recent trip to the National FCCLA Leadership Conference. The team, consisting of District 5
President Marquis Johnson, Hailey Lingo, Mia Stewart, Cornell Hawkins, and advisor Tammy Elliott, returned with 4 gold medals
and scored 99 out of 100 on projects presented at the conference. Students spend most of the year preparing for this event, along
with district and state competitions. The star events, or Students Taking Action with Recognition, teach decision making, time
management, public speaking skills and community service. The students raised several thousand dollars for their organization and
contributed to several needy causes. Elliott was very proud of the work they have done over the past year.
AGFC SETS EARLY MIGRATORY BIRD SEASON DATES - The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recently approved the early
migratory bird seasons for this year's hunting season. Eley Talley of the AGFC explains what season dates were set. Talley also
says the commission is considering a 60 day duck season and that current reports look good. Total duck abundance is 41 million
birds, down somewhat from last year, however 21% above the long term average. Talley would also like to remind residents of
the shotgun range at the Grandview Prairie Conservation Education Center. The range offers trap, skeet and sporting clays and is
open Monday through Saturday. Call 870-983-2790 to set up an appointment. More information on season dates can be found at
agfc.com.
HMH SEES INCREASE IN OUTPATIENT VISITS LAST MONTH - Howard Memorial Hospital is reporting a sharp increase in the
number of outpatient, emergency room visits, and surgery during the month of June. Chief Financial Officer Bill Craig told the
hospital's Board of Directors Tuesday evening that nearly 15 hundred outpatient visits had been recorded for the month..which is 11
percent higher than budgeted. The emergency room had a 32 percent increase..while surgery was 6 percent over the budget
expectations last month. The hospital is also making plans to continue legal pursuit of its former management company, Quorum
Health Resources. Board Chairman Bob Jamison said the former management firm has made no attempt to reimburse Howard
Memorial for expenses that should not have been charged when the hospital ended its agreement last year. Jamison said Quorum
has admitted to a 6 thousand dollar error...but the hospital is fighting 40 thousand dollars in charges it deems as unnecessary.
Jamison said the hospital is seeking attorneys to help with the case.
CITY COUNCIL MEETS - Nashville City Council members had a lengthy discussion during Tuesday's meeting concerning the
planning and zoning commission. The discussion started with the clarification of a grandfather rule that affected the Old Joe's
Grocery Store property at 821 West Sunset Street. Code enforcement officer David Johnson reported that the p&z had met and
wanted the council to confirm it's clarification that the property is zoned as residential, however is commercial. Johnson said that's
because it was commercial before the p&z commission was formed. Some council members thought it was handled the wrong
way, due to no notification of the planning and zoning meeting. Council member Nick Davis said that residents have a right to
know when a public meeting is held. A vote of 7 to 2, with two abstaining passed to confirm the p&z's decision to clarify the
grandfather rule. In other business, the council approved a condemnation resolution, concerning a house that has received
complaints at 1113 Price Street. An ordinance to establish new flood plain maps was approved and another ordinance to protect
the city's source water was also approved.
PIKE COUNTY VOTES TO SELL HOSPITAL - Pike County Quorum Court Jp's verbally agreed to sell the Pike County Hospital
during Monday's meeting. The vote was unanimous to sell the hospital for two million dollars to New Directions Health Systems,
based out of Kentucky. An official contract has not yet been signed, however New Directions would like to close the deal by
September 1st. The county is expecting to receive $300,000 from the sale. New Directions does plan to reopen the hospital and
will use one million seven hundred thousand dollars in fixing up the hospital facility and purchasing equipment. Jp's are happy with
this arrangement and say their main concern was to bring healthcare back to the county and provide jobs. During Monday's
meeting, jp's also signed a resolution to terminate the former lease agreement. County Judge Don Baker is still working to recover
Medicare funds to pay back wages owed to employees during the closing of the hospital.
ROSS TO HOLD TOWN HALL MEETINGS IN AUGUST - Congressman Mike Ross hosted a telephone town hall Monday and said he
remained committed to helping Arkansans find work in a tough economy. Last week, Ross voted to extend unemployment benefits
through November of this year. The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act extends emergency unemployment insurance for
those who have exhausted regular unemployment benefits. Ross says besides helping struggling families, it also has an ecomonic
benefit. Arkansas's jobless rate has dropped two percentage points lower than the national
average and so Ross says the economy is showing signs of recovery. Congressman Ross has
announced that he will be holding town hall meetings in August across Arkansas and will visit
Murfreesboro on August 17th and Nashville on August 31st.
LOCAL PEACH GROWERS HARVESTING CROPS - Peach crops are doing well this year and are in the process of being harvested
according to local growers. Code enforcement officer David Johnson says he has had a good crop this year, which includes four
different types of peaches. He is harvesting his last crop of crest havens. Johnson says he thinks his orchard is one of the last of its
kind, allowing customers to pick what they want. Local grower Tim Jones says he's also just about done harvesting. Jones is the
third generation of peach growers in his family and has been in the business for 54 years.
The peach industry was the main source of income for Howard County for several years
and the elberta peach was one of the best sellers and was widely known.
COUNTY QUORUM COURT SEEKING ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OPINION CONCERNING HMH REQUEST - Howard county is seeking
an Attorney General's opinion concerning the request issued last week by Howard Memorial Hospital to use more than 300
thousand dollars in bond money to help purchase a 43 hundred square foot section of the medical office building being constructed
on the hospital grounds. The quorum court met in a special session at noon Monday to seek the request. The space would house
the hospital's rehab services. J.p.'s asked county attorney Nate Steel to get a written opinion from the attorney general to see if the
purchase fits the description of what the money could be used for when it was approved by voters to build the hospital. The
hospital is proposing to use the bond money, along with a 100 thousand dollar contribution from the hospital foundation, and then
borrow another 300 thousand dollars from a bank to complete the transaction. Hospital officials say their plan is the cheapest way
to finance the project. If the quorum court does not approve the use of bond money, the hospital says it will lease the space..at a
cost of 78 thousand dollars a year.
LOCAL EDUCATOR TEACHES COURSE IN LITTLE ROCK - Nashville High School business teacher Freddie Horne was the featured
presenter and facilitator on travel and tourism curriculum during a three-day workshop in Little Rock recently. The program,
sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Career Education, was held at the Capital Hotel. Horne presented contemporary teaching
techniques and practices to teachers from around the state on different travel and tourism topics. The Nashville High School Travel
and Tourism program served as a teaching model and was recognized for its use of technology and local field trips related to the
tourism sector.
LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS CAN REGISTER FOR PINE TREE FESTIVAL FIREFIGHTER CHALLENGE - The Dierks Fire Department
will be hosting the fourth annual pine tree festival firefighter challenge on August 7th in Dierks at 9 a.m. Events include the bucket
brigade, wild hose recovery, obstacle course and water polo. Fire departments interested should call 557-5229 to sign up, by this
Friday. For more information visit dierkschamberofcommerce.com.
MURFREESBORO HIGH SCHOOL TO HOLD REGISTRATION - The Murfreesboro High School will hold class registration on
Tuesday, August 3, 2010. Students will need to register according to times listed below:
7th grade- 8:00 AM
8th grade- 9:00 AM
9th grade- 10:00 AM
10th grade- 12:00 PM
11th grade- 1:00 PM
12th grade- 2:00 PM
~3:30 PM the school doors will be locked for the day.
*Please enter the building on the South HS Activity Room door or by the west exit door near Miss Traci Jones office/classroom.
Signs will be posted! For more information, contact Amy Westfall at 870-285-3605.
CARLEY COOK OF HORATIO CROWNED MISS PINE TREE - More than 45 contestants competed Saturday in the annual Pine Tree
Festival Pageant. Carley Cook of Horatio was crowned Miss Pine Tree. She was also named most photogenic in her category.
Named Teen Miss Pine Tree was Brittany Middleton of Nashville. Faith Bolding of Hot Springs was named Young Miss Pine Tree.
Other pageant categories included: Petite Miss Pine Tree, Abigail Ward of Dierks; Little Miss Pine Tree, Gracie Bostic of Dierks; Tiny
Miss Pine Tree, Karly Wilt of Glenwood; Baby Miss Pine Tree, Morgan Halcomb of Dierks; Baby Mister Seedling, Gaige Clement of
Lockesburg; Little Mister Seedling, Cole Swanger of Glenwood.
LOCALS COMPETE IN 4H O'RAMA - Five local 4-H members participated in the State 4-H O'Rama at Fayeteville last week. County
Extension Agent Sherry Beaty says the five did very well. Requirements to be a 4-H Ambassador
include leadership skills, community service and project work. The three day event is held each
year for senior 4-Her's age 14 and up.
BINGEN SEEKING SUPPORT FOR PARK - The Hempstead County Quorum Court recently approved the Bingen Fun Park grant
application. According to organizer Jay Lathrop, the grant application now goes before the state for possible approval. Only ten
grants are awarded each year and Lathrop is asking for area residents to sign signature sheets, if they would be interested in using
the park. It would be located next to the Bingen Community Center and would include a pavilion, playground equipment and a
basketball half court. If you'd like to sign your name in support of the park you can stop by the radio station here at 1513 South
4th Street or contact Lathrop for more information at 451-3395.
COOLING SHELTERS OPEN IN PIKE COUNTY - High temperatures this week will remain in the 90's and area residents looking for
place to cool off can visit area cooling shelters. In Pike County the Glenwood Senior Adult Center is open Tuesday through
Thursday from 7:30 until 3:30 at 229 Betty Street. For more information you can call 356-4212. Also the Murfreesboro Senior
Adult Center is a cooling shelter and is open each Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8 until 4:00 at 120 East Court Street. For
more information you can call 285-2312.
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR YOUTH SOCCER SEASON - Registration is now open for the fall 2010 youth soccer season, sponsored
by the Nashville City Park. Youth from Mineral Springs, Dierks, Murfreesboro and Nashville are welcome to join. Registration cost
is $40. There will be five different age divisions including 6 and up, 8 and up, 10 and up, 12 and up and 15 and up all co-ed. All
levels of experience are welcome. To register stop by the Nashville Parks and Recreation office, call 845-7405 or go online to www.
onlinesignup.org/nashvilleparks.
RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION MEETS - The Nashville Rural Water Association met Thursday and continued to discuss the water
loss problem on the Mount Pleasant Drive phase one line. Because of the adjustments made this month, the association is not sure
where they are financially. Because of electronic equipment failure; any customer that has a high bill; 50% or better, can ask for a
one time adjustment using a 12 month average. The Nashville Rural Water Association will lose approximately $50,000 in income
due to this. However for the first time in about a year, the association made a $40,000 profit for the month of June. Board
members also discussed setting up an assets management account for high maintenance funds. An assets management plan is
currently being developed.
LOCAL MAN ARRESTED FOR FAILURE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER - The Nashville Police Department recently arrested a
local man for failure to register as a sex offender. 36 year old Michael Balch of Gurdon who lives on South Main Street was arrested
after police responded to a disturbance and learned that Balch hadn't registered as a sex offender in Howard County, but had been
working and living here. Balch originally registered as a sex offender in Clark County for assaulting a teenage female at the age of
29. He is being held in the Howard County Jail on a $2500 bond.
DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES - The State Review Board of the
Arkansas Historic Preservation Program will consider 14 Arkansas properties, including the Nashville Commercial District for
nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, on Wednesday, August 4th. Downtown Nashville, including Main Street
between Shepherd and Hempstead streets, is being considered for addition to the register because of buildings in the district dating
back to 1895. Currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Nashville are the Howard County Courthouse, post
office, the American Legion Building, Whiteside Gym, First Presbyterian Church, First Christian Church and three homes.
NASHVILLE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY CHARGES - A Nashville man plead guilty Wednesday to three
counts of breaking or entering and residential burglary charges. 20 year old Dustin Foster allegedly broke into several homes on
Jacques road, back in May of this year. When police went to question Foster about the thefts, they found several stolen items inside
his residence. Foster claimed he was drunk and high and did not remember breaking into anyone's house or vehicle. He is to serve
15 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
MINERAL SPRINGS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CHARGES - A Mineral Springs man pleaded guilty Wednesday in Howard County
Circuit Court to theft of rented property and pleaded true to obtaining property with a check drawn on insufficient funds. 45 year
old James Dixon is to pay $1,757 in restitution he owes for writing hot checks to several businesses in Nashville. Dixon will also
serve two years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections for the theft of rented property.
STATE ADOPTS NEW EDUCATION STANDARDS - Last week the Arkansas Education Board adopted a new set of standards for
teaching English and math to help students measure up in the global economy. Superintendent Doug Graham says the new
standards are very similar to what is in place now in the district. Graham also says the new standards guarantee that a student in
Arkansas will learn the same core education standards as a student anywhere else. Some of the
changes according to the state board of education including teaching fractions in younger grades
and having more of an emphasis on persuasive writing in English classes.
ROTARY MAKES DONATION TO CHRISTIAN HEALTH CLINIC - Bill Blakely, director of the Christian Health Clinic spoke at the
weekly Rotary meeting Wednesday. Blakely told Rotarians that they averaging about 57 clients per clinic and fill almost 200
prescriptions. The clinic is located at 121 West Sypert Street and is open each second and fourth Thursday every month. Services
that are usually available include medical, dental and pharmacy. Individuals that do not have private health insurance and cannot
afford it are welcome to come to the clinic. All non-emergency medical care is provided free of charge. Blakely also said that they
are doing what they can to prevent chronic disease in our community, including educating patients and family about diseases and
provide yearly free prostate exams. The rotary club donated $300 to the clinic during the meeting and if you'd like to make a
donation, it can be mailed to P.O. box 173, Nashville, Arkansas 71852. Volunteers are also welcome. The clinic will be open today
from 4 until 6:00.
PARK PREPARING FOR OUTDOOR EXPO AND FALL FESTIVAL - The Nashville City Park is currently accepting sponsor and vendor
registrations for the 2nd Annual Outdoor Expo and Fall Festival to be held on Saturday, September 18th. The Outdoor Expo and
Fall Festival is a new event with vendors that specialize in hunting, fishing and the outdoors in Southwest Arkansas. The event will
include a kid's casting contest, bb gun shoot, archery competition, Ranger Boat Simulator, live music and professional speakers.
The deadline to register as a vendor or sponsor is Friday, August 27th. Call 845-7405 for more information.
TWO LOCAL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN AREA CAMP - Two local students were recently selected by the Mine Creek
Conservation District to attend the 2010 Youth Conservation Workshop. Shane Stone, a 2010 graduate of Nashville High School
and Tyler Tollett, a sophomore at Nashville High School spent a week at Camp Clear Fork near Mt. Ida. Students learned about
fishing, wildlife management, nature and went on a canoe trip. Stone finished 4th overall in the camp and was chosen best
camper. The workshop is funded by a grant from the Arkansas Natural Resource Commission, with the Mine Creek Conservation
District paying the remaining cost for the students to attend the camp. Each year in February, applications are taken from 9th
through 12th grade students in Howard County that wish to attend the workshop. If you'd like to attend next year's workshop call
the Mine Creek Conservation District at 845-4121 extension 101.
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD ISSUES REPORT ON PLANE CRASH NEAR UMPIRE - The crash of a small plane
that killed four De Queen residents near Umpire last month was brought about by the failure of the aircraft's left wing. The
National Transportation Safety Board says the wing failed shortly after the plane took off the morning of June 13. Officials say the
plane was flying from De Queen to a resort in Lakeview on the White River. The left wing was found about 400 feet away from the
main area of wreckage. Killed were pilot Michael Lee Hunt, his wife Terri, Carl Edwin Davis and his wife, Carolyn.
HOWARD MEMORIAL CELEBRATING ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY - Wednesday was the one year anniversary of the new Howard
Memorial Hospital facility being built. Administrator Debra Wright says they've had many accomplishments this past year. Wright
also says administrators have laid out specific goals for the upcoming fiscal year which begins in October.
A first year anniversary celebration is planned for Friday, July 30th at 2:00. The public is
invited to attend.
POLICE RECOVER VEHICLE IN SALINE RIVER - A vehicle that's been submerged in the Saline River since last month has been
recovered. Charles Clayton of Nashville reported to sheriff's deputies that he was in his 2004 Dodge Durango June 14th at the iron
bridge near Cottonshed..and as he exited the vehicle, it traveled down the boat ramp into the river. The river currents were well
above normal at the time..and swept the Durango downstream about 100 yards. Since the river has returned to normal in recent
days, boaters have reported hitting the submerged vehicle...and a wrecker service as able to remove the Durango this week.
NASHVILLE CITY PARK MEETS - Park Commissioners with the Nashville City Park approved several items to purchase during
Tuesday's meeting. Husqavarna has donated money for a scoreboard to be used at one of the park's baseball fields. Another
scoreboard is needed and the park is seeking a sponsor. The park is also planning to buy at least one used vehicle to use for
maintenance at the park. Two park vehicles that need several repairs will be auctioned off and one vehicle was recently stolen.
Park Commissioners also discussed the recent stand up for america event and learned that the park lost more than $4,000. They
plan to meet again with the chamber of commerce to discuss next year's event, similar to a meeting held last week.
BUILDING PROJECTS IN DIERKS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEARING COMPLETION - Work continues on building projects in the Dierks
School District. Interm Superintendent Holly Cothren reported during last Monday's school board meeting that work is progressing
on the high school field house. The roof and heating and air unit is being installed this week. Construction also continues on the
elementary classrooms. The expected completion date for both projects is late August. Also, the metal has been ordered for the
roof for new restrooms at the football field. In other business, milk and bread bids were accepted along with the elementary and
high school student handbooks.
NASHVILLE SCHOOL BOARD MEETS - The possibility of renovating Nashville High School is a little more hopeful, according to
Superintendent Doug Graham. Graham during last Monday's school board meeting said that he had met with representatives of the
Arkansas Facilities Division and discussed the district's ten year facility plan. Graham said he thought the district had a good chance
at partnering with the state on renovating the high school and making some changes at junior high, when funds become available
this fiscal year. In other business, a recent light pole recall does not effect light poles in use at Scrapper Stadium or Wilson Park.
However representatives from the company that installed the light poles here locally will do a safety inspection next month. The
board voted to purchase a 78 passenger bus at a cost of $60,000 to replace a bus that caught on fire in May. It was also
announced during the meeting that School Board President Randy Elliot is up for re-election and has filed to do so.
LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT RECEIVES FULL ACCREDITATION - The Nashville School District has officially been awarded district
accreditation from the AdvancED Accreditation Commission. The accreditation is a five year term and recognizes the high quality of
education in the district. The district recently was reviewed by the North Central Association Commission. The announcement was
made during last week's Nashville School Board meeting.
QUORUM COURT GIVES DONATION TO COUNTY FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION - The Howard County Quorum Court has
approved a one thousand dollar donation to the Howard County Fire Chiefs Association to improve radio communications during
emergency situations. Budd Dunson of the Howard County Office of Emergency Management said communications was a major
problem during the recent flooding event at Albert Pike..and with the airplane crash near Umpire. A trailer, tower, generator, and
other items have been donated....and the fire chiefs group has contributed 600 dollars to the project. The system will be portable
and can be assembled in a short time to help extend radio communications in some of the more rural areas of Howard county.
HOSPITAL ASKING COUNTY'S APPROVAL FOR REHAB SERVICES SPACE IN MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING - Howard Memorial
Hospital officials are still awaiting the county's approval on moving the Rehab Services into the medical office building that's being
constructed on the hospital grounds. H.M.H. Administrator Debra Wright spoke to the quorum court last week to explain the
hospital's plan to purchase about 43 hundred square feet of the office building. The hospital's total cost would be in the 720 to 730
thousand dollar range. The county's approval is needed because the hospital plans to use more than 300 thousand dollars in tax
payer funded bond money that was left over hospital construction. The remaining portion of the cost would come from cash..
including a contribution from the hospital foundation. Wright said the rehab services are currently strung out in several areas of the
hospital building. The new office building is expected to be complete by August 26th. J.p.'s will consider the request at their
meeting next month.
NEW STUDY SUGGESTS WATER SHORTAGE IN ARKANSAS OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS - A new study suggests that Arkansas
is one of 14 states at risk of a water shortage over the next five years. Nashville Public Works Director Larry Dunaway says in the
long-term, the city will probably have to address some issues, however right now the water situation is looking good. Both city
lakes are full and the water department is pumping from the Little Missouri River from both
stations. After the city's sewer plant project, Dunaway says they will look at the city's water
system and will eventually have to make upgrades as it continues to age and the city grows.
RESTRAINING ORDER FILED AGAINST SWEPCO CONSTRUCTION - More groups have filed a motion for a temporary restraining
order to block the completion of a coal-fired power plant being built in Hempstead County. The National Audubon Society,
Audubon Arkansas and the Sierra Club filed the motion Friday in district court against Southwestern Electric Power Company on a
basis that area wetlands are in danger because of the John W Turk plant. The move follows a similar one last Tuesday by the
Hempstead County Hunting Club. SWEPCO is about one-third of the way done on construction of the $2.1 billion dollar, 600-
megawatt plant.
LOCAL DIXIE YOUTH TEAMS HEADED TO WORLD SERIES - Two Nashville Dixie Youth Baseball teams competed in the Dixie
Youth AAA State Tournament and the Dixie Majors State Tournament over the weekend. Ashdown defeated the Nashville All-Star
nine and ten year old team Friday Night at the city park in the AAA State Tournament. Dierks also beat the Nashville All-Star
eleven and twelve year olds in the Dixie Majors State Tournament in Hope and lost in round two to the Texarkana West team. Two
Nashville teams will be headed to the Dixie World Series at the end of this month. The Nashville L & W Crushers, coached by Jerry
Wilson, will travel to Guntersville, Alabama on July 31st. The team is made up of 15 and 16 year olds. Also the Nashville Yankees,
19 year olds and under, who are coached by Mike Browning will be heading to the world series in Independence, Louisiana.
DELIGHT CONSIDERING SALES TAX - The city of Delight is planning to put a one cent sales tax on the ballot this fall. During a
recent city council meeting last week, council members expressed their concerns for generating city revenue and agreed on
establishing the tax. According to Delight Mayor Paul Lane, the generated revenue would go into the city's general improvements
fund. The city has several streets that have drainage problems and are in disrepair with potholes needing patched. Mayor Lane
says that all comments about the proposed tax, made by the council and city residents, have been positive.
CITY PARK AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DISCUSS STAND UP - Representatives from the Nashville City Park and the chamber
of commerce met recently and discussed how they could improve the annual Stand Up for America program. This year's program
resulted in a loss of $8,000. Those present said the event should be more about the community and less about making money. It
was said that for a family of four or more, that a $15 dollar ticket was expensive and representatives of the event hope to charge
way less next year or possibly make Stand Up free. No decision was made, however the event could go more local and will
probably not have a big name headliner next year. 905 advance tickets were sold this year with about 1200 in attendance.
MURFREESBORO RESEARCHING RETIREMENT COVERAGE FOR CITY EMPLOYEES - The city of Murfreesboro is considering a plan
to offer its three full time police officers and five other city employees retirement coverage through two state programs. The
Arkansas Local Police and Retirement System would offer coverage to the city police officers and those covered by social security
would contribute 2.5 percent of their monthly salary. The Arkansas Public Employees Retirement system would cover the other
Mufreesboro city employees, not currently offered retirement coverage, and they would contribute 5 percent along with the city's
payroll contribution of 12.46%, costing $13,000 yearly. The cost for the police retirement coverage is still being researched.
Council members during last Thursday's meeting voted to table the matter until they finish looking at all of the numbers. Mayor
Jim O'Neal said that one way the city might pay the amount is the annexation of the Diamond Mine. A petition has been signed and
will now go before the Pike County Quorum Court. In other business, the council approved a $32,000 overlay of School Street and
$1000 to be paid to the Southwest Intramodal Authority for yearly dues.
NJHS FCCLA WINS NATIONAL COMPETITION - The Nashville Junior High School FCCLA chapter has won top honors at a
National Competition. According to advisor Tammy Elliott, four students qualified after winning the state competition and got the
chance to attend the National FCCLA Leadership Conference in Chicago last week. Elliott
says they scored very well. Marquis Johnson is currently the FCCLA district 5 President.
The students spent about a week in Chicago and also spent time touring the city.
SEVERAL ARKANSAS UNIVERSITIES SEEKING NEW ATHLETIC CONFERENCE - Nine universities in Arkansas and Oklahoma have
applied for permission to create at new NCAA Division II conference. The schools in Arkansas include Ouachita Baptist, Henderson
State, Arkansas Tech, Harding, SAU and the U of A at Monticello. According to the schools, the intent of the conference is to group
similar institutions together in terms of budgets and goals. The new conference could help save fuel costs and help students spend
more time in the classroom. The six Arkansas schools are currently members of the Gulf South Conference and the three
Oklahoma schools are part of the Lone Star Conference. No decision has been made yet regarding the name of the new
conference. If approved the new conference will not affect athletic schedules this academic year.
NEW CCCUA CHANCELLOR SPEAKS AT ROTARY - Steve Cole spoke to the Nashville Rotary Club recently. Cole took over as
Chancellor of the Cossatot Community College on July 1st, replacing Frank Adams. Cole says that all three campuses in DeQueen,
Ashdown and Nashville are growing in student enrollment. The current summer semester has seen a 40% increase over last year's
enrollment. CCCUA is planning to expand, offering classes this fall in Murfreesboro and next fall in Dierks. Cole met with
Murfreesboro community leaders yesterday and they are planning to offer five courses on a trial basis this fall. If there is interest
the college will consider building another campus to serve students in Pike County. Cole also talked about career placement and
said that the college would not offer a program, if there were no jobs waiting on those that graduate with that degree. CCCUA has
removed some programs, however will be implementing several new ones soon an has already started a new agriculture program
in DeQueen, associated with the new rodeo team. Cole says the college is an economic engine for the area and is proud to be a
part of it.
ARRESTS MADE IN MINERAL SPRINGS ROBBERY - An investigation by the Mineral Springs Police Department has resulted in the
arrest of two individuals. According to Chief Jeff Witherspoon, two Hispanic males were robbed at gunpoint recently at a residence
on Paul Street. A small sum of money was taken by the suspects. Police have arrested 23 year old Jeremie Barton of Mineral
Springs and 22 year old Denea Edwards of Springfield, Missouri. Witherspoon says Edwards turned herself in. The robbery is still
under investigation by Mineral Springs police officer Blake Eudy.
MINERAL SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETS - Two Mineral Springs residents spoke to the city council recently separately about
concerns they had. Former city employee Elmer Morris got into a heated discussion with Mayor Clyde Green concerning his
termination. Morris asked the council for his job back and after a 25 minute executive session, council members took no action.
Resident Willie O'Neal expressed his concerns that potholes on city streets in Mineral Springs were either not being patched or not
being patched properly. O'Neal was informed that the city is currently in the process of patching holes and has done some work
along Spring and Center Street. In other business, the council is considering an ordinance to update a flood insurance rate map,
which is required by FEMA. The city is waiting on the completion of a study before proceeding.
ELBERTA ARTS CENTER MEMBERSHIP DRIVE - The Elberta Arts Center is holding a membership drive this month. Director Dean
Bradley says those that purchase a membership will be eligible to attend two events during the year, free of charge. The Elberta
Arts Center offers a number of activities throughout the year including workshops, classes,
youth activities, exhibits and music programs. The Elberta Arts Council and Humanities was
founded in 2000 and is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. For more information or to purchase
a membership call 451-9966 or stop by the center on Main Street.
NASHVILLE COUNTRY CLUB HOSTS 4 BALL TOURNAMENT - The Nashville Country Club hosted a men's 4-ball tournament
recently. The championship flight team was Jay Worthington and David Connell who scored a 120. Paul Ray and Kyle Harding
came in 2nd with 129. Third place went to the team of Sid Steel and Tony Horne and Kyle Slayton and Steve Spigner came in 4th.
Next on the schedule, the Nashville Ladies Golf Association will be holding a 3 Lady Scramble on August 21st and 22nd.
OPENINGS AT MINERAL SPRINGS ABC PRESCHOOL - The Mineral Springs ABC Preschool has openings for the upcoming school
year in August. Children that will be 3 or 4 years of age by August 1st are eligible to apply. Stop by the Mineral Springs
Elementary Office at 225 West Collins Street to pick up an application or call 287-4746 for more information.
DIERKS CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSES COMMUNITY CENTER - Progress continues on planning for the Dierks Community Center.
Dierks Mayor Terry Mounts informed council members during last week's city council meeting that they had received $15,000 of a
$20,000 grant from the Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development for use in creating the community center. Mounts says
they are waiting to hear on another grant and that the next step will be to meet with the Cossatot Community College and to form a
committee to discuss how to spend the money. The planned center will include classrooms, a computer room, community center,
office space for the chamber of commerce and the college will offer classes. In other business a safety plan for the city water
supply was approved and Tony Griffin was named acting fire chief. Several improvements have been made to the city park
including new bathrooms, lights at the pavilion and repairs to baseball and softballs fields and the walking trail.
SOUTH PIKE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT TO HOST BASKETBALL PROGRAM ON DELIGHT CAMPUS - The South Pike County
School District met last week on the Delight Campus. The district recently held a registration for grades 7 through 12 and
Superintendent Curtis Turner feels better knowing the number of students that will attend school this year. 86 signed up on the
Delight campus with 36 signing up for basketball. Turner says they will be looking to hire a baskeball coach. The board hired two
high school special education teachers for the Murfreesboro campus including Melissa Watson and Shannon Ballard. Three student
transfers into the district was approved and a bid by Diamond Bank Insurance to provide student insurance for the upcoming school
year was accepted. Superintendent Turner also announced during the meeting that the district bus fleet was in the process of being
relettered with the new district name and that they are evaluating the buses and may consider purchasing a few more.
MINERAL SPRINGS SCHOOL BOARD MEETS - The Mineral Springs School Board accepted 4 resignations during it's monthly
meeting last week. Board members accepted the resignations of Kenneth Steward, Beth Perrin, Jeff Glover and Joyce Sherman.
Hired were Jason Edwards, Band Director, Walter Strode, Football Coach and History Teacher, and Spencer Gaye, Saratoga Boys
Basketball Coach, p.e. and math teacher. The board accepted a facilities usage policy, which will now require that all non-school
functions using school facilities be board approved. Several Mineral Springs high school handbook changes were adopted including
changes to student discipline and checkout procedures. A Saturday School will be held once a month and detention hall will be
moved to Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Concerning check out procedures, students must have an official excuse and students
18 or older cannot check themselves out. All changes to the district handbooks were approved.
PINE TREE FESTIVAL TICKETS ON SALE - Tickets are on sale now for the Dierks Pine Tree Festival, featuring the Marshall Tucker
Band, which will be on August 6th and 7th at the Dierks City Park. Dierks Chamber of Commerce President Wes Howard has more
on where you can purchase tickets in the area. The concert will be at 7:30 on Saturday,
August 7th, gates open at 5:30. For more information visit dierkschamberofcommerce.com.
LIGHT POLES RECALLED IN ARKANSAS - Several light poles in 22 Arkansas locations have been recalled, according to the federal
Consumer Product Safety Commission. In Southwest Arkansas the poles are in use in Nashville, Murfreesboro, DeQueen and
Prescott. The 70 feet tall light poles are being recalled because they could crack or topple because of fractures or cracks at the base
of the poles. They were made by Whitco Company in Fort Worth, Texas. So far, none of the light poles in Arkansas have fallen,
however the commission is advising all the sites to inspect them.
PRYOR SAYS HE STILL HAS HOPES FOR I-49 - U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor voiced his support last week to push for federal funding for a
proposed section of interstate highway that would run through western Arkansas. Pryor, told Mena community leaders that there is
a chance for the long-discussed Arkansas portion of I-49 to be built as part of a highway that would stretch from Canada to New
Orleans. He says that funding for I-49 in Arkansas may come in cycles over several years, instead of all at once. He says hopes for
the highway's construction in the state are improved by the fact that the project has "been on the books for a long time" and says
that I-49 would be an important connection to the mid-section of the country.
LOCAL RESIDENTS REAPPOINTED TO BOARD - Two local Southwest Arkansas residents have been appointed to the Criminal
Detention Facility Review Committee by Governor Mike Beebe. Reappointed to the committee is Ron Alexander of Umpire who will
serve the Judicial District 9 West and also Gary Kirkpatrick of Gurdon who will serve Judicial District 9 East. Both reappointments
expire January 14th of 2014.
HOWARD COUNTY FAIR PAGEANT REGISTRATION UNDERWAY - Registration is now open for the Howard County Fair Pageant,
which has been set for September 11th at the Sixth Street Auditorium. The entry fee is $50 and the pageant will feature six
divisions for contestants age 3 to 21. All participants must either go to school in Howard County or live in the county. For more
information on contestant divisions, prizes and categories log on to misshowardcountypageant.webs.com. Entry forms are available
on the website or are also available by calling Dr. Robert Gunter at 870-584-7867.
NEW MEAL POLICY FOR COSSATOT RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT - The Cossatot River School District, which includes Umpire, has
released a policy for providing free and reduced price meals for children under the National School Lunch Program and School
Breakfast Program. Applications for the program may be submitted at any time during the school year. To see a copy of the policy
click here or the central office in Wickes.
CONGRESSMAN ROSS PLEDGES SUPPORT TO NEWLY FORMED GROUP - Congressman Mike Ross pledged his support recently to
the newly created Southwest Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority which includes several counties in Southwest Arkansas,
including Pike County and the cities of Glenwood and Murfreesboro. Ross says he hopes the
authority forms several new alliances and helps the economy on a regional scale. The new
Intermodal authority includes local and county governments including Clark, Dallas, Montgomery,
Nevada and Pike Counties along with several cities in those counties.
SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD TO FILL REMAINDER OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 21 TERM - Governor Mike Beebe
has issued a proclamation setting Tuesday, October 12th as the special election date to fill the District 21 house seat vacated by the
resignation of former State Representative Steve Cole. Cole resigned from the Arkansas House on June 30th to take over as
Chancellor of Cossatot Community College. Political party nominees will be chosen by convention. The deadline to select
nominees will be August 6th. The person elected to fill the vacancy shall serve the remainder of the present term of office before
State Representative elect Nate Steel takes over. District 21 includes parts of Sevier and Howard Counties. For full details, click
here.
DISTRICT GOVERNOR VISITS ROTARY, NEW INCOMING PRESIDENT ELECTED - Carlton Davis, the immediate past Rotary
district governor spoke at a recent Nashville Rotary meeting. Davis issued a Rotary presidential citation to the club for increasing it's
membership in the past year, being involved in community service, public relations, international service, and for contributing to the
Rotary Foundation. Only 14 of the 37 district Rotary clubs were given this award. The club also voted to replace the incoming
president for 2011-2012, since that member has moved away. Taking that position will be Jonathan Canaday.
NASHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BAND PLANNING BUSY JULY - The Nashville High School Band Program has a busy month planned
for July. Assistant Band Director Sara Beth Herron says the colorguard and drum line will be conditioning and practicing this month
for the upcoming football season. Several fundraisers are planned as well. The drum line has a
new drum set and is seeking donations. Next month in August the full band including the senior
and junior high band will participate in a band camp to work on this year's halftime show.
HOWARD COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE HOLDING MEMBERSHIP DRIVE - The Howard County Ambulance Service is holding a
membership drive this month. You can sign up any time of the year, however the official enrollment period ends July 31st. If you
sign up after July, you will be subject to a seven day waiting period before your membership becomes effective. With a HCAS
membership, you have a security blanket from unexpected or denied medical expense when ambulance transportation is needed.
HCAS will file with any available insurance each time an ambulance is needed. For covered
services, the amount paid will be accepted as payment in full. If no benefits are available,
members will receive a 40% discount off the normal fees. Non-members are billed for
100% of the charges each time the ambulance is used. Membership cost is $50 per year. For more information stop by HCAS or
call 451-0400.
RATTLER GOLF TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION UNDERWAY - The Murfreesboro Rattler Athletic Department will be hosting a golf
tournament on July 30th at the Glenwood Country Club. The four man scramble will serve as a fundraiser for the athletic
department. Entry fee is $60 per player or $240 per team. Registration will take place on July 30th from 11:30 until 1:00. Several
prizes will be awarded during the tournament for different contests like the longest drive and closest-to-pin. For more information
call 285-3441 or 285-1841.
HOWARD COUNTY LANDFILL BOARD MEETS - The Upper Southwest Arkansas Solid Waste Management District discussed
purchasing land to extend the life of the landfill during a meeting recently. Board members are still highly interested in buying
possibly 315 acres nearby from Certain Teed. This would extend the life of the landfill several years. In other business, audits are
still being conducted and are expected to be finished by the end of July. Once the 2003 to 2009 audits are complete the landfill will
be able to receive grant money for its tire program in the amount of $275,000. The board also is expecting $750,000 back from
former director Joe Ball, who recently plead guilty to three counts of Mail Fraud. So far Ball has paid back $400,000 and is to pay
the rest back before his sentencing. A financial report from January to May of this year was approved and it was also announced
that testing is still going on for a possible methane gas line from the landfill to Certain Teed.
CCCUA TO OFFER CLASSES SOON IN MURFREESBORO AND DIERKS - The Cossatot Community College of the University of
Arkansas is considering expanding it's campus to Northern Howard County and Pike County. According to Chancellor Elect Steve
Cole classes will be offered in Murfreesboro this fall on a limited basis. If demand is high, more classes would be offered and
CCCUA would consider building a new campus to better serve the students in Pike County. Cole says the college has expanded
several times in the area since it's start. CCCUA has also started a partnership with the city of Dierks to establish a Community
Education Center along with the Dierks Chamber of Commerce, according to Cole. Grant funds will help renovate the old Rhodes
Thriftway building on Main Street with classrooms and office space. Sometime in the near future classes will also be offered there.
ROSS TO HOLD TELEPHONE TOWN HALLS - Congressman Mike Ross will host a number of telephone town halls this summer.
Any resident throughout Arkansas's Fourth Congressional District can connect into the town hall by calling the toll free number, 1-
877-229-8493 and enter the pin number 14573. Anyone can listen and can also ask the congressman a question. Ross says the
telephone town halls help him to connect to each of his 29 counties while he's in Washington. Each telephone town hall will begin
promptly at 7:00 p.m. CST and should last approximately 60 minutes.
* Monday, August 2 at 7:00 p.m. CST
BILLY RAY JONES ELECTED MAYOR OF NASHVILLE - Nashville residents elected Billy Ray Jones as mayor in the General Primary
Runoff Election. In unofficial results, out of just over 700 votes cast, Jones won the race with 402 votes to Kelly Sherman's 306
votes. Jones would like to thank everyone that voted. Jones says one of
the main things he would like to do as Mayor is to bring more jobs into Nashville. Jones will take
over the position of Mayor in January. In states races, Howard County voted for Bill Halter in the
U.S. Senate Race, Pat O'Brien in the Secretary of State race and LJ Bryant for State Land Commissioner.
HOWARD AND PIKE COUNTY CCR TASK FORCE MEETS - The Howard and Pike County Coordinated Community Response Task
Force met recently. The task force discussed the need for counseling services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault as
well as providing education and outreach to victims. Those present talked about making the system work better for those that need
it. The task force consists of local law enforcement, medical, prosecutors and victim services, including the Southwest Arkansas
Domestic Violence Center. Support groups for teenagers and adult victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and
stalking are already held in both Howard and Pike Counties. In Howard County they meet on the Fourth Tuesday of each month
and to find out more information call 870-642-2141.
APPOINTMENT MADE TO HEMPSTEAD COUNTY QUORUM COURT - Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe has announced an
appointment to the empty District 10 seat on the Hempstead County Quorum Court. Rodney Morris of Ozan will replace Randy
Morris, who died earlier this year. The appointment expires at the end of this year, when JP elect Jay Lathrop will assume the seat.
NEW TRIAL DATE SET FOR NASHVILLE WOMAN - A new trial date has been set for a Murfreesboro woman accused of taking
money from her employer in Nashville. 34 year old Sharla Skinner is charged with 2nd Degree Forgery and Theft of Property and
was granted a continuance recently in Howard County Circuit Court. She is accused of taking more than 96 thousand dollars over
the course of 3 years from the Dwight Jones Agency. Skinner's new pretrial date is set for August 11th and trial date set for August
17th.
APPLY NOW FOR FALL 2010 SINGLE PARENT SCHOLARSHIP - The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Howard County is now
accepting applications for the fall 2010 semester. The deadline is September 15th. The fund was re-established last year in
Howard County to provide scholarships for economically disadvantaged single parents, who are completing their post-secondary
education in preparation for employment. Scholarships may be used for tuition, books, utility bills, childcare or any financial need
that arises while in school and they are made possible by private donations and grants. If you need additional information or would
like to donate to the cause call Cheyne Manning at 845-1526. To qualify, a student must meet the following criteria:
1. Resident of Howard County, Arkansas;
2. High school or GED graduate;
3. Single head of household (single, legally separated, married but separated, divorced, or widowed, or grandparent with custody)
who is solely responsible for one or more dependents under the age of 18;
4. Pursuing a career-oriented course of study to ensure a better standard of living for his/her family. Applicants cannot already have
earned an undergraduate degree with the exception of students working towards a Master of Arts in Education;
5. Low-income person at or near the poverty level;
6. Recipient of or in the process of obtaining a Pell Grant;
7. Have maintained a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
To apply for a scholarship, single parents may go to www.aspsf.org, click on APPLY NOW, then on Howard County. For $250.00, a contributor can have
a scholarship named in his/her honor.
MURFREESBORO SENIOR HIGH BASEBALL PLAYER SELECTED FOR NATIONAL EVENT - Murfreesboro High School Baseball
Player Brannon Buck has been selected to participate in the Pirate City World Series, which is a national event for the country's top
high school players. The event will take place at Pirate City, the Spring Training Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, where players get
the opportunity to eat, sleep, and train in the same facilities as the professionals. Buck recently participated in tryouts, which
earned him a spot on the team. The Pirate City World Series will take place August 4th thru the 8th in Bradenton, Florida. Buck is
a sophomore at Murfreesboro.
CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK 2010 CALENDAR - The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro has several planned
events for this year. Some are annual events including John Huddleston Day on June 19th and the Great Crater Cleanup held in the
fall. Other events include workshops and a recycling contest in May.
The events listed below and marked with an “*” have a limited number of participants. Visitors who wish to attend will need to call or email the Park to reserve their spot.
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Power Healthmart Pharmacy
1310 South 4th Street
870-845-1413
1310 South 4th Street
870-845-1413
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