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Crossett Alderman Approve Tax Resolutions, Hear Water Report, Complaints About Parking in Yards Crossett City Council alderman approved two annual resolutions, voted to pay $2,150 to City Attorney James Hamilton for legal representation in district court, approved the final budget for the 2007 calendar year and increased city employees' mileage from 36 cents per mile to 45 cents in accord with state guidelines during its council meeting on Monday, July 21. Mayor Scott McCormick asked alderman to consider holding a special meeting to review the city's budget for changes and improvements. McCormick said he would call on alderman in the near future to set a date to review the budget. Water Commission manager Mary Jo Jones said she had received the 2007 ending audit and that it reflected that no errors had been found, no changes were made and that reports were approved as submitted. As of June 30, Jones said that total expenses for the year are at 51 percent of the estimated budget with revenues at 48 percent. "We're pretty much in line with the way the budget is going," she said, noting that if not for a 41 percent increase in treatment expenses, the budget would be below 50 percent. "We hope that doesn't continue, but with transportation the way it is, it very well may," Jones said. "We hope our rate ordinance will hold. If our chemical expenses keep going up, we may have to ask for an additional rate increase above the five percent," she said, adding that for now the city is okay. In the second quarter, which ended in June, Jones said there was a net profit of $23,000 which is within $200 of last year's statement. Alderman Wilburn Austin asked Jones for an update on the water treatment improvements and expansion. Jones said that on July 8 a notice of award was issued to Heritage Contractors with the stipulation that a change order be negotiated to reduce the contract price to an amount not exceeding $5,750,000. During a second meeting, Jones stated additional areas were identified to fine tune the amount Heritage had offered and that the final price should be within that amount. Jones said that the commission had been given the okay, and the contract would possibly be awarded by the end of the month. During further discussion, Jones said that the maintenance shop had been drastically trimmed down to a shell, but that some projects had to be deferred to stay within the budget. Jones stated that the commission planned to add $800,000 more than expected for the improvements and expansion. Austin asked if the commission had considered utilizing city employees to frame out and form the area for the concrete slab. "With the economy like it is, I don't want to see the water department spend any more of it's revenue on hand that it has to," he said. Jones said she would speak to the engineer and the contractor to find out if is feasible. In new business, alderman approved two annual resolutions and adopted the final 2007 budget. "We have two resolutions that we do every year," the mayor said. "concerning general property taxes and levying taxes for the library and both have to go before the quorum court." McCormick noted that the annual resolutions were not raising any taxes, but continuing with what was already in place. Aldermen approved the first resolution to levy five mills for general property taxes on real and personal property and a second resolution to direct the Ashley County Quorum Court to levy a tax of 2.4 mills for the library. Mayor McCormick informed aldermen that it is in the employee handbook that mileage on travel expense would be set according to what the state paid. Currently set at 36 cents per mile, McCormick said that the state had raised it rate twice and currently pays 45 cents per mile. "We need to stay within what the council has set in the employee handbook and was passed by the council in the employee handbook," the mayor said. Following a brief discussion, the council voted unanimously to pass the mileage increase. City Attorney James Hamilton asked the council to approve a $2,150 payment for services he conducted that are not included in his annual payment of $3,600. McCormick said when the prosecuting attorney stopped representing the city in district court, the city decided to allow the city attorney to handle those cases instead of hiring a prosecutor or private attorney. However, he added, those services are not included in Hamilton's normal salary with the city. Hamilton said the charges included six appeals in circuit court and services he provided to Phoenix for grant applications, all within the past nine months. Aldermen approved Hamilton's request. In other business, Austin said he had received a number of complaints from residents on the east side of town concerning parking. The complaints, he said, involve people parking on their front lawns and creating an eyesore. "The majority of them have a parking space, but then they just use the front yard as well," Austin said. "It is very unsightly." Austin said that he would review the city's ordinances and wanted to bring it to the council's attention. "As far as rentals go," McCormick said. "I think it says all they have to have is a place for parking their vehicles, but it does not say they have to park their vehicles there. It doesn't say that you can't park your vehicle in your front yard." McCormick further noted that he had received similar complaints, but as far as he knew there was no ordinance preventing people from parking in their front yard. "The only thing that I have looked at this point," Austin said, "Everyone is to maintain their property in a like manner of property surrounding property." Austin further stated that the situation is causing property values to decrease and that he feels it is something that should be looked at further by the council. "Property taxes go down, revenues go down," Austin said. Alderman Robert Freeman did not attend the meeting. Hamburg Investigating Death of Small Child in Friday Collision Hamburg Police Chief Tommy Breedlove said late Friday afternoon that officers are still investigating an accident that resulted in the death of a three year old child. He said that authorities are withholding the child's name pending additional investigation.
Hamburg Schools Foundation Presents $7,745 in Grants for Fall The Hamburg Schools Foundation on Friday, September 26, awarded ten grants totaling $7,745.88 to teachers in the district. Founded in 2003, the purpose of the foundation and its grants program is to help fund special programs or projects not included in the school district's normal operating budget.
The Crossett School Board held a special meeting Tuesday, September 23, to review and approve the district's 2008-2009 budget. Other actions taken by board members were approving the hiring of two employees and the expulsion of a tenth grade student for the remainder of the school year.
The Montrose City Council instated a new acting chief of police on Monday, September 15. David Cessor of Montrose started the position on September 16. His duties include patrolling, pick-ups, serving warrants, and working traffic. Archeological Society to Hear Speaker on Seminoles Oct. 7 Dr. Jane Ann Blakney-Bailey of the Arkansas Archeological Survey will present a program on Seminole Indian Archeology on Tuesday evening, October 7. Her PowerPoint slide presentation will begin at 7:15 p.m. in the conference room in the rear (north) end of the first floor of the forestry building on the UAM campus. Parking is available in the adjacent lot northeast of the building. Admission is free, and the public is invited. FBI Arrests Crossett Educator in Connection with Texas Drug Traffickers (Second update) Federal Bureau of Investigations agents, assisted by the Crossett Police Department, arrested a Crossett educator at his place of work on Thursday, September 25.
The regular meeting of the Hamburg City Council meeting on Monday night, September 22, was routine in most ways with the exception of a new presiding officer. Mayor Gordon Hennington was out of town, and so Peggy Akers, the city clerk, presided over the 30 minute meeting. Ashley County Part of Federal Disaster Declaration Governor Mike Beebe received word Thursday afternoon that 18 Arkansas counties qualify for public assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Gustav. The counties include: Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Clark, Cleveland, Conway, Dallas, Drew, Garland, Grant, Hot Spring, Lincoln, Montgomery, Perry, Prairie, Saline and Van Buren. Crossett Council Adopts Ordinances to Raise Rates for Ambulance Use A brief discussion of concerns over the Crossett Port Authority board and the RV park, two ordinances to raise ambulance rates and an emergency clause were discussed and approved by alderman during the Crossett City Council meeting on Monday night, September 15. Hollis Wins Contested Seat on Hamburg School Board; Block, Cornelius Also Get Seats In the only contested race in Ashley County in the annual school elections on Tuesday, September 16, Hamburg's Zone 5 voters elected Bryan Hollis to serve a four year term on the Hamburg School Board. Hamburg Schools’ Enrollment Is Up; District Surpasses Crossett’s Totals The Hamburg School District's total enrollment as of Monday, September 15, was 1,970 students, up by nine from last year, Hamburg Superintendent of Schools Marilyn Chambers told the board on Monday night. The district ended the last school year with 1,961 students and begins this year with more students that the Crossett School District. Crossett Board Gets Updates On Enrollment, Finances In Regular Meeting Thursday An update on the district's financial report, 2008-2009 student enrollment, a brief discussion on the adequate yearly progress report, certified license renewal and scheduling of a special board meeting centered Crossett's School District board meeting Thursday night, September 11. County Judge Estimates $300,000 In Storm Damage to Roads, Bridges Ashley County has an estimated $300,000 in damage to roads and bridges, Ashley County Judge Emory Austin told the members of the Ashley County Quorum Court on Tuesday, September 9. Hurricanes Only Latest Factors to Affect County and State’s Farmers this Year LITTLE ROCK-- You can blame some of Arkansas' agricultural problems this year on two recent hurricanes. Hurricane Ike may further complicate life for farmers struggling in the wake of storms Fay and Gustav. Governor Beebe Requests Federal Disaster Status For Damage to Arkansas Crops LITTLE ROCK n While continuing to monitor the impact of Hurricane Ike on Arkansas, Governor Mike Beebe has requested a disaster declaration from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for damage to Arkansas crops caused by the remnants of Hurricane Gustav. Governor Beebe Declares State of Emergency to Help Prevent And Fight Gas Price Gouging LITTLE ROCK n Governor Mike Beebe Friday morning declared a state of emergency in Arkansas because of gasoline-supply interruptions in relation to Hurricane Ike. Governor Beebe Declares State of Emergency to Help Prevent And Fight Gas Price Gouging LITTLE ROCK n Governor Mike Beebe Friday morning declared a state of emergency in Arkansas because of gasoline-supply interruptions in relation to Hurricane Ike. Governor Declares Ashley, Other Counties as Disaster Areas As the remnants of Hurricane Gustav moved across Ashley County this past week, straight line winds and rainfall created trouble spots throughout the county. Fallen trees, downed power lines, flooded streets and blocked roadways quickly became a common sight in some areas. While schools in Crossett and Hamburg canceled classes on Wednesday and Thursday, law enforcement officers patrolled and reported downed power lines, trees, and flooding. Rain and Wind from Gustav’s Remnants Damage County’s Corn, Cotton Crops The heavy rains and winds accompanying the remnants of Hurricane Gustav wreaked havoc with Ashley County's crops, leaving heavy damage to the cotton, rice and corn crops.
The recent rains that moved through the county proved to be more than the Ashley County Detention Center roof could stand. According to Ashley County Sheriff David Johnson, the facility has experienced a number of leaks prior to the onset of last week's rains. Johnson said the roof started leaking in early August. Annual School Election Set For Next Tuesday (Updated) Voters in the Hamburg and Crossett school districts can participate in the annual school election next Tuesday, but for Crossett voters, there will be a major difference this year.
The Ashley County Medical Center has recently installed a new magnetic resonance imaging unit. The unit provides non-invasive diagnostic imaging exams of soft tissue, bone and muscles MRI units have become one of the fastest growing types of medical diagnostic tests in the nation, with nearly 27.5 million MRI exams performed in 2007. Meeting this demand, as well as making the MRI experience as comfortable for the patient as possible, has been a challenge for some hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers. Now, however, Ashley County Medical Center may have found a solution.
The Helping Hands Food Pantry in Hamburg is struggling to meet increased demands for service during a time of the year when contributions are generally low, director Mary Williams said this past week. The food pantry, located at 202 West Long Street, helps to provide food to those in immediate need of assistance. Campbell Field Will Be ReadyFor Junior Game Hamburg Superintendent of Schools Marilyn Chambers said Monday afternoon that Campbell Field should be ready for the game Thursday night when the Junior Lions host the Warren juniors. Filing Period Ends for Candidates For Municipal Posts in November At the noon closing for filings of municipal offices Tuesday, August 26, Wilmot proved to be the lone Ashley County municipality with opposed races in the upcoming general election. Judge Takes Under Submission Request to Suppress Statement In Montrose First Degree Murder "The issue is whether or not the defendant reinitiated contact with police," Tenth Judicial District Circuit Judge Sam Pope stated following a full day of testimony from state and defense witnesses during a hearing to suppress a March 12 statement about a Montrose murder. The hearing was in Ashley County Circuit Court on Thursday, August 28.
"Taking an active role in investing in our communities where we operate is good for our communities and good for Georgia-Pacific," said Teresa Walsh, public affairs manager for Georgia-Pacific. Company officials presented a financial contribution of $12,600 to the Ashley County Sheriff's Reserve on Wednesday afternoon, August 27.
Every day, teachers are asked to engage children in science, math and language arts to cultivate their intellectual readiness to become future presidents, small-town doctors and global business leaders. Previous generations of educators have answered the call by way of traditional instruction. However, today's teachers must be able to demonstrate the real-life practicality and relevance of core curriculum subjects to a generation of new-media and electronic-gadget enthusiasts. Hamburg Council Hears Report on School Routes A report on a reorganization of traffic patterns to and from the Noble and Allbritton elementary schools opened the regular meeting of the Hamburg City Council on Monday night, August 25. Voters to Decide Quarter Percent Sales Tax to Maintain Hospital When Ashley County's registered voters go to the polls for the general election on Tuesday, November 4, not only will they be considering the candidates for state, local and national offices, but they will also decide the fate of a proposed one-fourth percent sales tax for maintenance of the Ashley County Medical Center. Concerns over RV Park and Port Head Issues for Crossett’s Council The RV Park, concerns about the Crossett Port Authority, and a brief discussion on the city's 2008 budget centered the Crossett's City Council meeting on Monday, Aug.18.
Above the roof tops southwest of the Montrose City Hall, onlookers may have recently noticed an added feature to the city's skyline. What may resemble to some as the loud speakers of a football field or arena are just that, speakers, but serve a more serious purpose. The speakers in Montrose are those of the city's new weather siren which Harris Systems Group of Little Rock installed August 1.
The Hamburg School Board, in its regular meeting on Monday night, August 18, heard a series of reports on the first day of school, enrollment numbers and adequate yearly progress as well as hiring a number of staff members for the year. The board also approved two legal transfers out of the district. Hospital Board Again Requests Sales Tax Vote In a proposed ordinance to be considered by the Ashley County Quorum Court on Tuesday afternoon, August 19, the Ashley County Hospital Board is requesting the county to have a proposed one-fourth percent sales tax on the general election ballot in November. Hamburg Board Oks Bond Sale; Says No to Second Lien Bonds In a special meeting on Wednesday, August 23, the Hamburg School Board voted to proceed with the sale of the second portion of the construction bonds previously approved by the voters and approved a resolution which will allow the district to issue second lien bonds in the future if needed. The meeting was the first for Marilyn Chambers as the district's interim superintendent. Crossett Board Approves Resolutions, But Postpones Yearly Progress Reports The Crossett School board approved a number of resolutions Monday, August 11, during its regular board meeting. The district's adequate yearly progress report was on the agenda, but Superintendent of Schools Janice Warren asked to postpone the report until the district's September board meeting. Hamburg Gets Second Sidewalk Grant, But Still Waiting on AHTD The City of Hamburg is apparently the recipient of a second phase of funding for its Cherry Street sidewalk project, even though work on the first round grant has not yet been started.
Stevi Lauren Perry, 18, of Hamburg will be coming home from the Bahamas as the new Miss Teen USA. She was crowned Saturday at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort. She is the daughter of Kelli and Rob Perry. County Judge Lifts Ban on Burning After Rains on Sunday and Monday With widespread and substantial rainfall over the weekend, Ashley County Judge Emory Austin on Monday, August 11, lifted the ban on outdoor burning. He had proclaimed the ban a week earlier, on Monday, August 4, because of continuing dry conditions. Hamburg Gets Nod for Register Historic District Meeting in Jacksonville on August 6, the state review board of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program voted to submit the downtown Hamburg area for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Crossett Airport Again Open After Repairs on Runway As of 8 a.m. on Monday, August 11, the Crossett Municipal Airport is again open for flight operations, according to airport manager Rusty Atchinson. The airport closed on July 28 for repairs to the runway and areas along the runway. Hamburg Concludes Play in World Series (Updated) The Hamburg 12 year old all star team's season came to a close on Monday night, August 11, as they lost to the South Lexington, Kentucky, all stars by a score of 10-0. Hamburg is the Arkansas and Southwest regional champion while Lexington, the 2007 World Series winner, represented the Ohio Valley. Interim Census Estimates Indicate Population Of Southeast Arkansas Cities Continues Drop In July of this year, the U. S. Census Bureau released population estimates for the cities and towns, which supplements the county population estimates released earlier in the spring. Judge Pope Rejects Defense Attorney’s Motions In Fire Case Circuit Judge Sam Pope, in a written opinion filed Thursday, July 31, denied two motions filed in June by Robert Bridewell, the attorney representing Joel David "Luke" Holland. Holland, 19, is charged with arson, causing a catastrophe, and unlawful burning in connection with the January 8, 2006, fire that burned 3,964 acres in the area from the Berlin Road northerly to across Highway 8. The fire also consumed one residence.
It took almost 90 minutes in a special meeting on Monday night, July 28, before the members of the Hamburg School Board voted unanimously to name Marilyn Chambers as the interim superintendent of the Hamburg School District. The board also named Carlton "Buddy" Lawrence as the assistant superintendent on a half-year basis.
Eagle Family Ministries of Bentonville, through private donations and assistance from Feed The Children, announced Thursday, July 24, during a ground breaking ceremony, that it is in the final steps necessary to build and sponsor a food pantry in Wilmot. Even though Bentonville is 300 miles away from Wilmot, the actions of the people in that Northwest Arkansas group show that distance is not a factor when one person can help others. Hamburg Council Approves Legal Action Against Railroad Property Manager The Hamburg City Council will proceed with a condemnation action to secure the city's right to place a rural water system line under the Fordyce and Princeton Railroad track as a result of the council's meeting Monday night, July 28. The council voted unanimously to institute legal action against Reltek, a Pennsylvania based company which manages the railroad company's property. Crossett Alderman Approve Tax Resolutions, Hear Water Report, Complaints About Parking in Yards Crossett City Council alderman approved two annual resolutions, voted to pay $2,150 to City Attorney James Hamilton for legal representation in district court, approved the final budget for the 2007 calendar year and increased city employees' mileage from 36 cents per mile to 45 cents in accord with state guidelines during its council meeting on Monday, July 21. Crossett Board hears Update On Financial Status, Approves Bids The Crossett School Board heard two presentations regarding the district's financial status and Benchmark test results, accepted bids in preparation for the 2008-2009 school term, and approved a number of personnel actions on Superintendent Janice Warren's recommendation during the regular board meeting held on Monday, July 14. Hamburg Voters Will Have Contested Board Race Residents of the Hamburg School District's Zone 5 will choose between two candidates for a three year term on the board during the annual school elections on September 16. The two are incumbent Bryan Hollis and Deborah Zeigler. Over Half of Residential Parcels, Three-Fourths of Commercial Parcels Have Values Increased About fifty-six percent of the residential property parcels and over three-fourths of the commercial parcels in Ashley County will see their values increase as a result of the reappraisal of all real property, according to figures provided by Arkansas CAMA Technologies, the company which is completing the reappraisal. The values will increase on a little less than one-half of the county's agricultural and timber parcels.
Effective next Monday, July 21, Jennifer Foote will take over as executive director of the Hamburg Area Chamber of Commerce. She is replacing Hillary Bayer, who has accepted a job with Bayou Grain in Parkdale as a customer service representative and assistant to the managers. Wilmot Cutting Garbage Pickups To Avoid Raising Customers’ Rates The Wilmot City Council voted to cut the city's garbage pick-up days back to once a week on a three-month trial basis during its June meeting to avoid raising customers' rates.
Forty Arkansas State Police Academy Recruits, representing classes 2008-A and 2008-B graduated Thursday afternoon in ceremonies at the Arkansas State Capitol. The recruits received their oath of service from Fourth Judicial District Judge William Storey of Fayetteville.
CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON, Ark. - The Department of Defense Monday announced the death of an Arkansas Army National Guard Soldier with the 39th Brigade Combat Team participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Thousands of monarch butterflies will probably converge along a tree line east of Wilmot and just inside Chicot County in the next few days. The tree line is located ten miles east of Wilmot and about one mile north of Highway 52. The line of trees is adjacent to a field where small hardwoods have been planted, and the field is filled with goldenrod.
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