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After Months of Debate, Crossett Council Adopts New Animal Law The Crossett City Council adopted an amended animal control ordinance Monday, April 21, with revisions crafted by aldermen during the meeting. The ordinance will go into effect immediately pending publication with the exception of a section requiring that animals have microchips implanted. Although dogs and cats will be required to be implanted by a veterinarian with a microchip that identifies the owner and rabies vaccination history, residents will have until October 1 to comply. Mayor Scott McCormick told the council that a resident who attended the March meeting left with the impression that he would be allowed to continue chaining his guard dog in his back yard. However, McCormick noted, the ordinance drafted from a special meeting did not reflect a stipulation making any exceptions in the confinement section and made it illegal for dogs to be kept on chains or ropes. Alderman Robert Freeman warned that if special allowances were made that contradicted the ordinance that it would "shoot the ordinance to death." Alderman Wilburn Austin reminded the council that the initial idea behind revising the confinement section was due to inhumane circumstances and sanitation purposes, but in some instances it may be necessary for safety measures or to prevent the animal from escaping an enclosed area. "Mr. Mayor, just one comment, If this change is going to be considered by the council, this ordinance as it is written, is not in an adoptable form," City Attorney James Hamilton said. Suggesting that the council go back and come up with an agreeable draft, Alderman Candace Jeffress asked if it would be possible to craft a statement during the meeting. With all in favor, the council once again discussed additions to the draft. At the end of the section relating to confinement of dogs, Hamilton revised Article D to state that no dog shall be restrained by a chain, trolley or rope, "unless said dog is inside an adequate fence or pen sufficient to prevent escape and said dog is able to get under protection from the elements." Also, Austin said a specified pen size should be included in the section as well. Austin said that he has seen dogs confined in 4' by 4' pens and that it was not adequate space for an animal, nor was it sanitary. After further discussion, Hamilton added an additional section providing for a minimum of twelve feet by twelve feet, per dog, per pen. Public Works Director Jeff Harrison asked if the ordinance included a grandfather clause to the three dog and three cat limit. According to Hamilton the zoning code already made it illegal for anyone to own more than three dogs. "On adoption of this ordinance, it's three dogs," Austin replied, noting that animal control officers would be fair with those in violation, but other arrangements would have to be made for excess pets. A licensed veterinarian is excluded from the section. Other sections in the ordinance relate to outdoor cats which state that all cats allowed outside a dwelling of any kind shall be spayed or neutered, and the vaccination section states that all dogs and cats within the corporate limits of the city shall be vaccinated for rabies at intervals no longer than 12 months and injected by a person authorized by law to administer the vaccine. Owners found in violation of either section will be guilty of a misdemeanor and if convicted fined $50 to $250. Also, the ordinance clarifies the definition of vicious dog as any member of the canine family that: (1) Has exhibited fierce or vicious behavior toward a person; (2) Has attacked a person or another animal with such severity as to cause physical injury of property damage; (3) [in part states] Is the offspring of a domestic dog and an innately wild animal. The behavior of a dog should not be considered vicious if the dog was provoked or teased...; and (4) A vicious dog shall be determined by the Animal Control Officer or by a certified law enforcement officer, whose determination shall be conclusive. In other business, Larry Cantley, Crossett Parks and Recreation director, asked the council for a resolution in favor of the city hosting the 2010 Babe Ruth World Series. "We have an opportunity in 2010 to host the 13-year-old world series at the sports complex," Cantley said. Regarding improvements to the complex in preparation for the event, Cantley said some deadlines would be moved up, but that it would not create any additional or unnecessary improvements. Cantley said that he had been in contact with the Chamber of Commerce, Crossett Economic Development Foundation and Cornerstone Foundation and had received a letter of support from Senator Jimmy Jeffress. In addition, he said, he plans to approach the county judge and quorum court. "It has a potential of a $2 million or more economic impact on this community," he added. Asked about costs, Cantley said until a committee is in place and a 2 ˝ year plan is established he could not provide an exact amount. However, he said, it would require effort from the entire community as well as support from the majority of businesses. Following a commitment with the Babe Ruth Program, he said, an inspection would be conducted and a world series host organization formed that would determine what would be needed and fund-raising procedures. Cantley stated the venture would require 55 primary host families and 12 reserve families to house nine outside teams competing in the series with Crossett making up the tenth team. Host families would be responsible for transporting the children to and from practice and games as well as any additional functions, he added. "They live with these kids and that's part of the fund-raisers, to get staples to assist host families," Cantley said. "13-year-old teenage boys are like a human vacuum cleaner," he chuckled. Babe Ruth recommends that no less than two nor more than four players reside in a home, he said. He further stated that there is minium seating requirement of 3,000, but that the additional seating did not necessarily have to be bleachers and that he feels it is doable. Following additional discussion and a motion by Alderman Sue Miller, the council granted Hamilton approval to draft the resolution. In new business, Roy Langstaff proposed renaming a section of third avenue to honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Langstaff stated the proposed change would affect 1/3 mile from Cedar Street to Texas Street. Since 1968, in Chicago, Langstaff said over 700 streets have been named in honor of King. A man of peace, a man who has transcended his time, Langstaff said, King would be a great role model for anyone today. The mayor agreed that Dr. King has had an impact on the country, but wants further investigation to determine what impact a name change would have on the residents and businesses along the street. Austin noted that in the past when a street was named in honor of someone it was a new street, and to his knowledge an existing street has not been renamed. Langstaff noted he had discussed the proposed change with the postmaster and 911 operator. The mayor said although he understood, input from residents and businesses should be considered in how it would affect residents in the area. Jeffress suggested possibly adding the name to the existing name to prevent anyone from changing their address. Miller made a motion to delay further discussions until more information and input from the community was obtained. McCormick said the council would readdress the matter during its June meeting. Prior to adjournment, the mayor said he had been approached by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to assist the Friends of Felsenthal with controlling aquatic growth. He said the commission asked if the city of Crossett would consider placing a $1 launching fee on boats at the Crossett Harbor with the money used for the aquatic growth problem. The mayor said the fee would be collected based on the honor system and not require hiring someone to oversee the dock with the commission responsible for collecting the box each night. The council did not take action. Mayor McCormick said later that the proposal will be discussed at a future council meeting. Final Plans Noted for Hamburg Armadillo Festival Armadillo time arrives in Hamburg this week as the Hamburg Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the thirty-eighth annual Armadillo Festival to be held in downtown Hamburg from Friday, May 2, to Sunday, May 4.
Hamburg Council Holds Short Regular Meeting The regular meeting of the Hamburg City Council on Monday night, April 28, lasted less than ten minutes and consisted only of reports with no action items on the agenda. Hamburg Seeks Grant to Lengthen Park Trail The Hamburg City Council, in a special meeting on Tuesday, April 15, approved a resolution to seek a grant to lengthen the walking trail at the Norman Park. State Supreme Court Affirms Capital Murder Conviction for Second Time The Arkansas Supreme Court this past week for the second time affirmed the capital murder conviction of Joe Gene Newton. After Months of Debate, Crossett Council Adopts New Animal Law The Crossett City Council adopted an amended animal control ordinance Monday, April 21, with revisions crafted by aldermen during the meeting. The ordinance will go into effect immediately pending publication with the exception of a section requiring that animals have microchips implanted. Although dogs and cats will be required to be implanted by a veterinarian with a microchip that identifies the owner and rabies vaccination history, residents will have until October 1 to comply.
The Hamburg Lions will again be looking to Coach Johnson for leadership as the team's head coach, but rather than Greg Johnson, it will be Robert Johnson who will guide them in the football season next fall. The Hamburg School Board, in its regular meeting on Monday night, April 21, voted unanimously to hire Robert Johnson as the new head coach.
Those who drove along Highway 189 in Milo this past week undoubtedly saw a cloud of smoke hanging over the tomato fields around Triple M Farms. The smoke came from 400 to 500 bales of hay burning in the middles of tomato fields as temperatures Monday night dipped below freezing. Accused Arsonist Will Be Tried As Adult in Ashley Circuit Court The Arkansas Court of Appeals upheld an Ashley County Circuit Court ruling to not transfer the case of Joel David "Luke" Holland, 18, to juvenile court. Holland is charged with arson, causing a catastrophe, and unlawful burning in connection with the January 8, 2006, incident that burned 3,964 acres of timberland south and east of Hamburg in the Berlin Road-Highway 8 area. He was 16 at the time of the fire and was charged as an adult. Ashley County's farmers now have a new source of information about good farming practices and assistance with problems with the addition of Kevin Norton to the staff of the Ashley County Cooperative Extension Service as an extension agent-agriculture.
Greg Johnson, who has worn the purple and white of the Hamburg Lions for the past nine years, will return to his native maroon and white as a coach for the Crossett Eagles under new head coach Todd Ledford. In addition, Crossett Superintendent of Schools Janice Warren narrowly survived a motion for immediate termination. Hamburg Board Approves Bids for Electrical Work, Lights for Campbell Field The Hamburg School Board, after a special meeting at noon on Thursday, April 10, is now only one bid away from approving bids for all of the renovation and new construction projects for the athletic facilities at Hamburg High School. JPs Approve Bonus for County Employees All of the Ashley County employees will receive a $500 bonus in their June checks after the members of the Ashley County Quorum Court approved the payment during the regular meeting on Tuesday, April 8. While the budget committee had discussed payments of the bonuses to elected officials, excluding quorum court members, elected officials were not in the motion approved Tuesday afternoon. Jackson Speaker for Hamburg Schools Foundation Banquet Those attending the banquet of the Hamburg Schools Foundation on Thursday night, April 3, heard an entertaining and inspiring presentation from Keith Jackson, a former NFL football player and now the founder and leader of P. A. R. K., (Positive Attitudes Reaching Kids), a program in Little Rock for at-risk children. Crime Lab Says Blakely Died of Neck Stab Wounds The Arkansas State Crime Lab's preliminary report on a Montrose man confirmed the Chicot County Coroner's unofficial cause of death as multiple stab wounds.
With all members present, the Crossett School Board expelled two Norman Junior High School students on the recommendation of Superintendent Janice Warren and approved a bid for the installation of a security camera system at the junior high school during a special called meeting on Monday, March 31.
On April 2, at Fort Rucker Alabama, Celia A. Davis pinned silver Army aviator wings on her son, Captain Patrick Hawkins' chest. Over the past sixteen months, Patrick has been at the home of Army aviation at Fort Rucker learning to fly helicopters. The Army's rigorous flight school program consisted of cunker water survival training, S.E.R.E training (Survive Evade Resist Escape), and rotary wing helicopter training. All aviators go through this training before receiving their wings and going to their respective units to perform combat operations in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan or supporting operations at home in the United States.
The Hamburg First Methodist Church is celebrating is sesquicentennial this year. Noble Bookkeeper Facing Felony Charges of Tampering With Public Record & Theft An information prepared by Tenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Deen on Friday, March 25, charges a Hamburg School District bookkeeper with tampering with a public record and theft of entrusted property. Guardsmen in Kuwait for Final Training Before Move to Iraq KUWAIT-The march to Iraq continues for the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, however, these soldiers find themselves yet one step closer as they've reached their staging area at a military outpost here in the dessert. While the brigade will continue to move forward into its permanent duty locations in Iraq over the next couple weeks, training is priority here; priority, however, is taking a backseat to the sandstorms that have plagued these soldiers the past two days. Crossett’s Council Again Delays Final Decision on Animal Law After several months of debate concerning changes to the animal control committee's proposal, the Crossett City Council again delayed adopting an animal control ordinance Monday, March 24. Instead, aldermen agreed that the animal control committee, Chief of Police Tommy Sturgeon and Jeff Harrison, public works director, meet prior to the next council meeting to review the existing ordinance and the committee's proposal to make sure the next draft before the council covers all areas of concern. Crossett Sets Public Hearing On Issuance of Bonds For Upgrades to Water System The Crossett City Council adopted a water extension resolution setting a date for a public hearing for 4 p.m. on April 7 in the community room at the Crossett Public Library during its regular meeting on Monday, March 24. Crossett Council Again Postpones Animal Ordinance The Crossett City Council with all alderman present on Monday night, February 18, discussed adopting changes to the city's animal control ordinance, removed a decade old lien, heard two presentations and approved three resolutions. Plum Creek Timber Finalist for Environmental Stewardship Award The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has announced its five finalists for the 2007 Arkansas Environmental Stewardship Award, also known as the ENVY Award. This annual award recognizes citizens, facilities, or organizations for their efforts to enhance and protect the Arkansas environment.
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