Stories from Friday, July 15, 2011

The Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Friday, July 1, for the grand opening of Charmallie Boutique. Charmallie Boutique officially opened to the public Saturday, July 2, starting at 10 a.m. and remained open until 6 p.m. During its grand opening, owner Jana Bailey offered a specials of unlimited tanning for $25, a free shell with the purchase of a Miche bag and 10 percent off all tanning lotions in the store. The new Harrisburg boutique is modern and playful, creating an inviting atmosphere for those who would like to tan or simply shop. Bailey carries flowers, gifts and bath products in her store. "We're very excited to be here in Harrisburg," said Bailey. Bailey offers airbrush tanning, five tanning beds, airbrush tattoos, Jaleemo jewelry, Miche purses, BHB purses and Snoot Scents Spa Line. Soon, Bailey plans on having airbrush make-up available for customers. To tan, customers can either schedule an appointment or walk-in. Bailey is also promoting her airbrush tanning, especially to those who are looking for a healthier tanning choice. "We will work around your schedule," said Bailey. At Charmallie Boutique, the price for an airbrush tan costs as much as tanning in the beds. Bailey, a Certified Sunless Specialist through the American Tanning Institute, also mentioned that airbrush tanning helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars and wrinkles. The client can also determine how dark they want their tan to be without continued visits to the tanning bed to achieve the desired look. Bailey also offers Airbrush Tanning Parties, which is a great idea for weddings, private groups and pageants. "Our systems are portable and we are able to come to you and your event," said Bailey. "A minimum of five airbrush participants is required." The sunless airbrush tan will last somewhere between four and 10 days, depending on the client's skin and how well they care for their tan. Charmallie Boutique carries disposable suits or the client can choose to bring their own. Shorts and a tank top may also be worn if only their arms and legs are being sprayed. Each session lasts for about 30 minutes. Charmallie Boutique is located on 1103 North Illinois in Harrisburg and is opened Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. After hour appointments also are available. They can be reached at 870-819-6955 or 870-317-8470. They can also be emailed at charmallie@yahoo.com.

The Marked Tree Board of Education recently rescinded a motion made during the regular May meeting which increased the cost of a student lunch from $2 to $2.50. Superintendent Annesa Thompson noted the school district ended the 2010-2011 year in the black in food service for the first time in the last 14 years. At the board's May meeting, Thompson said the school had received a notice that they either had to increase lunch prices or use money from district funds to balance out free and reduced lunches. She said during the June meeting that $2.50 would be significantly more than other schools in the area are charging and that an extra five cents would be needed per lunch to balance out free and reduced. The board approved keeping the cost of a student lunch at $2 and agreed to allow the district to pay the other five cents required by the state. The board heard and approved requests for school choice and legal transfers for Vedric Amos, Deangelo Griffin, Isabella Miller, Tanna Tacker, Shelby Tacker and Laine Smith. The board also approved the financial statement. End of year carryover funds for the 2010-2011 school year were at $939,603, which is up from last year's $862,443. The board authorized Thompson to move up to $100,000 to the building fund for repairs and improvements. In other business, the board: * Reviewed and approved proposed policy changes for certified and classified personnel, based on new legislation, and other changes recommended by the Arkansas School Board Association. The changes deal with things like anti-bullying, electronic tobacco products and extra training for coaches on health-related issues. * Approved a policy to allow for multi-year contracts. * Granted the district authorization to rent copiers. Thompson said they presently pay $5,000 a month to lease a copier, not counting a fee for copies on top of that. She said renting a copier will save money. The district has two copiers in the offices and needs a new one for the teachers' lounge. * Reviewed and approved ARRA plan revisions and change orders and approved continuing contract with Stuck Architecture. * Authorized Thompson to apply for a school credit card through Iberia Bank with a $10,000 limit. * Considered student insurance bids for 2011-2012. The board voted to stay with Health Special Risk, which submitted a bid of $7,200. * Accepted the resignation of Dana Neal and Sonya Huffmaster. * Voted to hire Elizabeth Smith and Chelsea Doorman as teachers and John Kelly for the summer at $7.79 an hour. * Approved correcting an underpayment of a bonus for Jessica Alderson. * Approved the hire of listed classified staff. * Approved settlement terms with Mary Kid.

Patsy McClain and Mary Slack of Lepanto have been Red Hatters ever since a group formed in Lepanto. They were recently guest speakers at a Marked Tree Rotary Club meeting, where they talked about their organization. "My daughter lived in Hot Springs," Slack said. "She became acquainted with the Red Hatters there. When she came back, she got it organized here. She was our first Queen." The Lepanto group is called the Lamp City Red Hatters. Before Lepanto had electricity, it was known as Lamp City because of all the lamps in the windows. They currently have about 20 people in their group. The Red Hatters is a social group for women over the age of 50. "The only rules are that you have to wear a red hat and you have to have fun," McClain said. "We're not a fundraising group. We love to go out to eat and play dominoes. We like to have fun and be flashy." The Red Hat Society was originally founded by Sue Ellen Cooper in California in 1998. For a friend's 55th birthday, Cooper gave her a gift of a red fedora along with a copy of Jenny Joseph's poem "Warning," whose opening lines read, "When I am an old woman I shall wear purple with a red hat that doesn't go and doesn't suit me." She repeated the gift on request several times before the women got together with their red hats and purple outfits for a tea party. From there Red Hatters have become a national phenomenon. All Red Hat members take nicknames. McClain's name is Lady Scarlet, and Slack's name is Lady Gardner. Members under the age of 50 wear a pink hat and a lavender outfit until their 50th birth month, when they're allowed to wear red and purple. Slack said their group has visited Hot Springs and Piggott together. They have also held workshops on scrapbooking and making recycled greeting cards at House of Books in Lepanto. They hold an auction every year to raise money to make a float for the Terrapin Derby and Christmas. They took their float to Dyess the first year they had a Christmas parade. "Every time Dyess has a tour bus, we furnish desserts," Slack said. The Lamp City Red Hatters have hosted tour groups from all over the world, including Ireland and Thailand. "We got close to the group from Ireland. They had never had banana pudding or pecan pie before. "Johnny Cash was big over there," McClain said. "They're coming back this September. We've had tours to the Painted House, and if they have time, we try to get them to come to the other towns in Poinsett County. They love to come to Dyess because they can let their hair down." McClain and Slack said they love going out to events and visiting organizations. "We never get tired of representing the Red Hatters," Slack said. "If anyone wants us to show up to something, call us up and we'll come."

Timothy Sanchez, 36, of Trumann man was arrested Thursday, June 30, and charged with second-degree murder. The Trumann Ambulance Service was called to 116 East Main Street about 10 a.m. that day to give medical assistance to a fight victim. The Trumann Police Department responded as well and found the body of a man with apparent head trauma lying on the floor. "The deceased was identified as Charles Kemp, a 43-year-old white male who resided at that residence," said Detective Erik Willbanks. Vearline Huegenin, the mother of Sanchez, had received a call from her son to go to Kemp's residence and check on him. After his arrest, Sanchez was taken to the Trumann Police Department, where Arkansas State Police Special Agent Mike Grimes and Detective Willbanks interviewed him under Miranda. Sanchez told officers he had been in an altercation with the victim at the crime scene the previous night around 9 p.m. He stated the victim grabbed his arm and threw him to the ground and then punched him in the face approximately 20 times. Officers took note that Sanchez had only one small cut above this right eye and very minimal marks or apparent wounds to his upper body. "The majority of the marks on Mr. Sanchez's arms, back and chest appeared to be defensive wounds, as if the victim had made those injuries in an attempt to escape from Mr. Sanchez," said Willbanks. Sanchez told officers he hit the victim four times to the right side of the face, using only his bare fist. "Judging by the amount of deep bruising, cuts and facial swelling of the victim, it was apparent that more than a human fist was used," said Willbanks. "Several blunt objects were laying on the floor of the scene with apparent blood stains on them. These items are believed to have been used to deliver the deadly blows." Lisa Sanchez, ex-wife of Timothy Sanchez, said he returned home after the altercation and told her he had been in a "bad fight." The next morning, Sanchez realized he had lost his wallet and sent Lisa Sanchez to the victim's apartment to look for it. She could not find the wallet, but found a black pair of tennis shoes that belonged to Sanchez and removed them from the residence. Sanchez's wallet was later found underneath the victim's body by investigators. "It was also discovered that Mr. Sanchez had made his ex-wife hide a blood soaked t-shirt under an old couch in their apartment," said Willbanks. "This shirt, as well as the shoes believed to have been worn during the crime, were seized from the suspect's apartment through the use of a search warrant." Investigators also learned Sanchez had taken a pair of blood-soaked socks, blue jeans and underwear to his mother's residence prior to sending her over to check on the victim. "Mr. Sanchez's statements do not match up to a self defense scenario he wanted us to believe," said Willbanks. "According to the suspect's lack of injuries and the victim's extensive, fatal injuries, it is believed that Mr. Sanchez had every opportunity to stop assaulting the victim and leave the residence to inform the police and emergency medical personnel." Sanchez is being held in the Poinsett County Detention Center and is scheduled for court on July 25.

TRUMANN - Mr. Daniel Wayne Harvel, 49, of Trumann, Ark., died Sunday, July 10, 2011, at the family residence. He was born in Jonesboro, Ark., and lived most of his lifetime in Trumann. Mr. Harvel was disabled and was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Leo and Helen Maxine Lacert Harvel. He is survived by one brother, Randy Leo Harvel and wife Kim of Lonoke, Ark.; one aunt, Patsy Joann Gaskins and husband James of Trumann; one niece, Malyssa Harvel, and one nephew, Mark Harvel. Graveside service was Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. in Pine Hill Cemetery in Jonesboro, Ark., with Rev. Gary Barker officiating. Burial was in Pine Hill Cemetery in Jonesboro, Ark., with Thompson Funeral Home of Trumann in charge of arrangements. The family received friends Wednesday from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home. An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

Cletus Ray Griffith of Wright City, Mo., died Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at John Cochran VA Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Griffith was born in Marked Tree, Ark., March 6, 1933, and was the son of the late Nova and Lou Griffith of Marked Tree. He was retired from A & J Appliance and was an honored Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Maxine Isbell, Ruby Stevenson, Ollie Woods and Neal Myers, and his brothers, Robert (Bob) and Paul (Buddy) Griffith. Cletus is survived by his wife of 52 years, Peggy Sue Griffith; his daughter, Helen Miller of St. Louis, Mo.; his sons, Harvey Harris of Marion, Ark., David Harris of Louisiana, Donnie Griffith of St. Louis, Mo., George Griffith of Troy, Mo., and Herman Strothman of Wright City, Mo.; one "sister," Brenda Griffith Bullis of Hillsboro, Mo., 18 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at Lord Funeral Home in St. Louis. Burial followed in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.

TRUMANN - Mr. Charles Edward Kemp, 43, of Trumann died Thursday, June 30, 2011, at the family residence. He was born and lived his lifetime in Trumann. Mr. Kemp was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Whitney Paige Kemp. Survivors include his wife, Vickie Kemp of Trumann; one son, Charles Kemp Jr., and one step-son, Chris Chaffin, both of Trumann; two daughters, Autumn Marie Kemp and Savannah Gail Kemp, and one step-daughter, Heather Chaffin, all of Trumann; parents, Danny Kemp of Harrisburg and Mary Thomas of Trumann; one brother, Gary Kemp and one step-brother, Cary Barker, both of Harrisburg, and two grandchildren, Brayden Scott Hensley and Jayce Cameron Hensley. Graveside service was Friday morning at 11 a.m. in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with Sister Shelby Shelton officiating. Burial was in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, Ark., with Thompson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were Gary Campbell, Josh Campbell, Chris Chaffin, Brian Mooneyham, Cary Barker and Gary Kemp. Honorary pallbearers were Scotty Jones and Lloyd Jones. Visitation was Friday morning from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. at Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann, Ark. An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

Pauline (Borders) Noel is retiring after 48 years in the classroom as a business education instructor. Noel began teaching in 1963. She earned a Bachelor of Science, Master's and a Community College Teaching Specialist degree. She majored in business education and English. She is a member of the Delta Pi Epsilon National Honorary Graduate Fraternity in Business Education, National Education Association, Arkansas Business Education, Trumann Classroom Association and a member of the Southwest Church of Christ. She and co-teacher Hazel Clem started teaching students on electric typewriters in 1967. "This was a big change from manual typewriters to electric," said Noel. "It was an historic event in Trumann schools." In October of 1969, Noel organized the Future Business Leaders of America organization for business students. Since 1969, countless FBLA members have won numerous state and district FBLA awards and honors in various categories. They have traveled to numerous states to participate in these honors and have attended conferences in Washington D.C., New Orleans, Los Angeles, Denver, Atlanta, Nashville and Gatlinburg, Tenn. The FBLA members raised $1,350 to purchase the first computer for the Trumann school system. "This was a TR-S 80 computer and the students rotated on the computer one week at a time for training," said Noel. In 1972, members received a plaque for Most Money Collected per walker in the March of Dimes Walk-a-thon, held in Jonesboro; in 1977, members received second place in the PBL Computerized Games at ASU; in 1980, members raised $1,350 to purchase the first computer for Trumann Public Schools; in 1990, members received the Trumann Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Award for outstanding service to the Wild Duck Festival; in 1991, members received Excellence in Volunteerism in Poinsett County with the Service to Education Award, and in 1983, members placed fifth in the largest chapter in Northeast Arkansas. Noel has spent the last two years teaching in the new high school and has emphasized that the new high school is a tribute to the students, parents and community in Trumann. "The district's parents and residents have supported the school throughout the years," she said. "I have taught them all -- secretaries, CPA's, teachers, guidance counselors, policemen, assistant principals and many more. I loved my teaching career and I have many pleasant memories. I would not change anything."

Thomas Edward Kenney of Trumann was arrested Wednesday, July 6, on felony charges of theft of property. After a theft of a large amount of jewelry, Detective Anthony Parker learned the stolen jewelry had been sold to a local pawnshop. Kenney was later identified as the person selling the jewelry to the pawnshop and after Parker interviewed Kenney, he admitted to selling the jewelry. District Judge Ron Hunter set Kenney's bond at $10,000 and the court date was set for Aug. 29 at the Poinsett County Detention Center. Also on Wednesday, July 6, Faith Amanda Jones of Trumann was arrested for a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance (Xanax) and a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance (Hydrocodone). Patrolman Jared Cook stopped Jones for a traffic violation and during the stop, learned that Jones was on active probation and asked for consent to search her vehicle and person. Two Hydrocodone pills were found in Jones' pocket along with a pill bottle of 11 two-milligram Xanax pills and five 1-milligram Xanax pills. District Judge Hunter set Jones' bond at $2,500 and set the court date for Aug. 29 at the Poinsett County Detention Center.

The Marked Tree City council heard several updates Monday and discussed maintenance of city parks. Mayor Wayne Nichols said he was contacted by Ritter about an agreement former mayor Dixon Chandler had made with them in which the city would purchase from them Cypress Park and the land across from the high school football field. Nichols said the city will not purchase the land because they cannot afford it. This led to a discussion of whether or not the city should continue to maintain land, like the areas mentioned, if the city does not own them. Council member Shane Glenn expressed concern over the cost, wear and tear on equipment and the time spent maintaining parks that are not city land. Council member Cleo Johnson said the city should maintain the lands, which are in prominent areas of the city, as a service to the community. Council members Glenn, Johnson and Michael Scott will meet with the sports committee to discuss what should be done. The city of Marked Tree lost four employees and has hired four new people to replace them. The city council voted to hire Ray Parrish, Johnny Ruiz, Carlton Eudy and Jimmy Ross. City Clerk Pam Wright said the city will have another federal audit this year because over $500,000 in grants was spent. She noted this probably will happen the next couple of years because of the railroad spur. She said the city has spent $14,000 to date this year, adding city officials planned for this in the budget. Mayor Nichols gave updates on several projects. He said the city will apply for a recycling grant this week. The grant-funded playground is still in the engineering stage. The contract for the railroad spur was finalized with the engineer, but it is not known when the spur will be completed. Nichols said he is working on getting some money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) but does not know if the city will get any. He also said the city dumping its 40-yard containers is getting expensive and said the city needs to start charging people when they bring trash to the dumpsters. He recommended a charge of $5 to $10 per square yard. Nichols also talked about a new state law concerning dogs. The law states if a dog is brought in by the dogcatcher and then adopted by someone, the dog must be spayed or neutered.

Michael McKay, 24, of Marked Tree was arrested Friday, July 8, by the Marked Tree police department after a search of his vehicle resulted in the discovery of suspected crack cocaine and marijuana. Circuit Judge David Laser found probable cause to charge McKay with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver (crack cocaine) and possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver (marijuana). McKay's bond was set at $10,000 with a court date of Aug. 29 in the Poinsett County Circuit Court.

Trumann welcomed Judy Childers as its new postmaster last month. Childers has been working for the post office for over 32 years and has worked as a postmaster for 16 years, working in Noble, Walnut Ridge and Bono. She also has been a supervisor in Miami. "As postmaster, I'm responsible for the post office as a whole," said Childers. "I make sure we are getting the right mail to the right people." Currently Trumann has four city routes, four rural routes and four clerks delivering mail. The Trumann post office not only delivers residents their daily mail, but also participates in activities to better the community. "Once a year we have a big food drive," said Childers. "This year we raised over 3,000 pounds of food and donated all of it to the local food pantry." Although Childers has lived in many locations, her past is greatly tied to Trumann. "I love Trumann," she said. "My grandfather, Luther Stephens, was the blacksmith for the town. My grandmother, Maude Stephens, and mother, Deloris, were raised here." Childers currently lives in Jonesboro with her husband, Chris. The Childers have five children and nine grandchildren. Some of her hobbies include swimming, biking, reading and playing with her grandchildren. For more information about the United States Postal Service, visit their website at www.usps.com.

Fonda Condra announced that Poinsett County had been awarded $4,634.50 by the ADA Grant at the Quorum Court meeting Monday, July 11. This grant helped pay for polls signs for early register voting and automated, wheelchair accessible doors for the courthouse. The ADA grant is a matching grant and because of the grant the courthouse can be used as an early voting site, accessible to anyone with disabilities. Many on the council and in the audience, like Johnny Rye, commended Condra's efforts to get the grant. "This county does a great job of working together to get the right things done," he said. Also at the meeting the council approved to start the application process of applying for a grant for the Poinsett County Fair Association. This grant is a matching grant, up to $4,000, to allow the Poinsett County fair to build a dressing room on site. Judge Nix also announced a meeting that will be held on Tuesday, July 26, at 9 a.m. to discuss the possibility of closing down the landfill that has not been in use for over five years.

Cypress Flea Market at 100 First Street opened its doors for business this week in Marked Tree. Don't let the name fool you. This isn't a hot, disorganized warehouse. "It's more like a variety shop," said owner Regina Ivy, who is known around town as "Bones." The shop is air-conditioned, clean, neat and offers of variety of new and used items from ceramic sculptures to lamps, pictures, floral decorations and furniture. Ivy said some of her most popular items are solar lamps. They also have furniture and musical equipment from PA systems to beginners guitars. "We'll keep strings stocked, start with the basics, and go from there," she said. Ivy noted her husband will start teaching lessons on guitar basics. The business also offers gift baskets and crocheted blankets for baby showers. If you're looking for conversation, they can take of that, too. "We have the gift of gab," Ivy said. "If nothing else, we'll talk you to death." And when the weather cools off a bit, they plan to have a tent outside with more items. All of the items are in good shape and the store is kept clean and organized. "We're not a big place, but we'll keep it full of stuff. We try to keep a good variety. Hopefully people will find something they like. If we don't have what someone is looking for, we'll find it. "It's different from what you'll find any place else," Ivy said. "We hope people will come out and take a look."

Over fifty Trumann residents attended the Thursday, July 7, open meeting held by the city council. The meeting was held for the community to hear the opinions of residents about what to do about the Trumann's growing sanitation problem. The city of Trumann has had problems of disposing tree limbs and other yard rubbish on a daily basis. This is because the city does not have the funds to collect limbs, as the average resident sanitation rate of $8.50 a month goes to collect household garbage only. For a long time the city has covered the cost of going home to home to pick up limbs, but due to rising fuel costs and short supply of workers, the city can no longer cover these costs. Another problem with the sanitation system is that Trumann also does not have a place to put all of the limbs it collects. Through ADEQ's supervision, Trumann will be able to burn debris cause by recent storms, but cannot dispose of limbs through burning on a regular basis due to regulation. With the closest place to take limbs being West Memphis, city officials are trying to come up with a way to make limb disposal easier for citizens. Roger Lawrence of ADEQ came to speak to residents about what city officials can and cannot do in burning limbs and gave a presentation on certain option the city can choose from, as well as the benefits of composting. "How do we stop creating waste," said Lawrence. "Waste reduction, re-use, recycle, turn waste to energy and finally turn to the landfill. In Arkansas we have it backwards and we turn to the landfill first. We need to change our way of thinking." Lawrence suggested that Trumann sets up a sanitation program that blends ideas specifically for them, keeping in mind what is best for the community, as well as looking at the costs. "There is no free ride," said Lawrence. "Every option will cost some money." One suggestion is to purchase an incinerator for the city, which will cost roughly $273,000, but will allow residents to get rid of their limbs. The costs for composting have not been determined at this time. "Right now we have few options," said Mayor Sheila Walters. "We can pay for an incinerator for the city, pay for a compost site or leave it up to homeowners to dispose of their own trash." If the city goes with an incinerator or composting, funds will have to be raised somehow. Talk of coming up with the funds included raising the sanitation costs by a few dollars or tacking on a one-cent sales tax. An incinerator would cost less initial for the city than composting would, but will require costs in yearly upkeeping, training and running. Composting would cost more upfront, would still cost to maintain, but could also generate money with sales in compost to the community. Many residents at the meeting suggested incorporating a better recycling plan in the final sanitation set up. Ideas and comments are welcome by city officials. Officials also plan to have another community meeting in the upcoming weeks to discuss the issue further. The Democrat Tribune will announce when the meeting will take place once it is scheduled.

The Trumann Police Department honored fallen officer Jonathan Schmidt on Wednesday, July 6. Tony Rusher, Trumann Police Chief, read a proclamation sent from Gov. Mike Beebe and presented to Schmidt's parents and wife from the American Police Hall of Fame in Titusville, Fla. There also is a plaque in the Trumann Police Station honoring Schmidt, placed next to a plaque honoring former Police Chief Larry Blagg, who died in 2009. The American Police Hall of Fame also presented Schmidt's family with a flag and metals and Jonathan Schmidt's name will be etched in the Law Enforcement Memorial. The plaque reads: "The Lord has called one of ours home. He may be gone, but the memories and contributions he made will not be forgotten. For the ultimate and courageous sacrifice you have made, this police department and community says thank you Jonathan Richard Schmidt." "The police department is proud of Jonathan," said Rusher. "We want his family to know that we are here for them and always will be. Jonathan's contribution will never be forgotten." Schmidt was shot in a traffic stop in mid-April.

County Judge Charles Nix, mayors from Trumann, Marked Tree, Harrisburg and Waldenburg, along with other county officials, met Tuesday in Harrisburg for the Intergovernmental Cooperative Council's quarterly meeting. The group met at Harrisburg's new welcome center, which was purchased last November. Mayor Randy Mills said Harrisburg has given six $2,500 matching grants to businesses and noted there is talk of a few new businesses coming to town. Overall, however, he said times are "really tough." Mills commended new Harrisburg police chief Butch Davis for apprehending a boy who started a downtown fire the day of the fire. Mills also said fuel expenses are up 22 percent over last year and that the city needs to cut expenses. "We have to be innovative. We can't cut services, but we're looking to cut expenses where we can," Mills said. Mayor William Wood of Waldenburg said his city is doing fine. He said that city is knocking down and cleaning up some abandoned houses. He said the new highway has not disrupted anything. "I get asked three times a week if the new highway is affecting us. We can't tell it's open. It was open for two to three weeks before I knew it," Wood said. "The sales tax has increased, if anything. We're a fortunate little town for where we are." He did point out that following regulations has made tearing down abandoned properties difficult. Mayor Wayne Nichols of Marked Tree voiced concern over revenue being down. "If we have a disaster and need money, we're in trouble," Nichols said. Nichols said he hopes a railroad spur will be completed this year but noted that Central Arkansas Development is taking a long time getting through the engineering stage. He also mentioned the DaVita Dialysis Clinic recently opened in the city. Mayor Sheila Walters gave an update on new businesses that have opened in Trumann. She said Walmart is remodeling, Aaron's Rental Center is moving to the old Movie Gallery building and will open this week, Walker's Dairy Bar plans to reopen, there will be a new eye doctor in Trumann, and a new Nationwide office has opened. She said a lot of work will be done on the main water tower on Oak Street. It is a 1950 model, and the top of the dome has had a lot of issues and needs to be replaced, she said. Water pressure throughout the city will not be lost because of the other two towers. Nix said the six-county solid waste district Poinsett County is a part of is beginning to see more recycling efforts. He said three counties were out of compliance over recycling but Poinsett was not one of them. Walters is on a committee to help solve the issues for the counties not in compliance. Concerning the courthouse, Nix said the next issues to be taken care of will be stopping the bird problem and getting air conditioning in the courtroom. Because the courthouse is a polling place, the county was able to get grants to build a ramp and put in automatic doors. County Clerk Fonda Condra said she is very happy that Arkansas is one of the few states to have a surplus in finances. "It shows good management and speaks well of Arkansas," she said. "They're being conservative [at the state level] like we're trying to be at the courthouse."

The Trumann city council approved of an ordinance from the Waterworks department to enforce a grease trap code. The council approved of all three readings and put the ordinance into effect immediately for the protection of public peace, health and safety. The city of Trumann has had problems of many Trumann businesses frequently releasing grease directly into the sewer system. This is increasing Trumann Waterworks maintenance costs, and because of the rising costs Waterworks has developed a program to enforce existing plumbing codes, which require grease traps and the maintenance of grease traps. Grease trap codes and ordinances are set up to prevent grease build up in the cities sewer lines, ensure that grease disposal does not pose a health hazard, prevent unnecessary sewer line maintenance costs and give local and state administrators support in enforcing healthy guidelines. The state requires all restaurants, hotel kitchens, bars, factory cafeterias, clubs and other businesses that, in the opinion of the code enforcement officer or manager of Waterworks handles liquid waste that may be harmful to the building drainage system, public sewer or sewer treatment plant. It is also required that these places keep their traps operating properly with regular cleaning. Notice of this violation will result in a written and mailed/delivered by the manager of the utility or code enforcement officer to the person responsible at the business. Non-compliance with the code is punishable by three months in county jail or a $500 fine. Each day of non-compliance is considered a separate offense. Also at the meeting, Scotty Jones, head of Waterworks, was honored with a 50-year award from the Arkansas Department of Health for the excellent water fluoridation system in Trumann. Water fluoridation promotes better oral health and each dollar put into water fluoridation saves $38 in dental costs. Also at the meeting, Tony Rusher, Chief of Police, introduced a new officer to the Trumann Police Department. Eddie Weems will begin working in Trumann and has just finished school at ASU. Rusher said he was excited to have Weems join the team. * Approval of the third and final reading of the Trumann dog ordinance. The ordinance would ban specific breeds of dog, which have been labeled as aggressive or violent on nature. The council is looking at breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. This would also include any dog whose sir or dame is identified as one of the breeds. According to the ordinance as of now, all prohibited animals will be held for a period of ten days, during which the owner can reclaim the animal by paying a $200 fee and an additional $5 per day for each day of impoundment. After the eleventh day of impoundment the dog will be euthanized. Mayor Sheila Walters said that the policy to euthanized dogs on the eleventh day of impoundment applies to all breeds, not just Pit Bull Terriers. *Approval of an ordinance of the city council to lease certain buildings owned by the city, in the limits of the city. These properties include the Adult Education Center located on 104 E. Main Street, CRDC Head Start located at 135 South Ozark, Senior Center located at 351 Campbell Street and the farmland around the detention pond located on Mulberrry. The council approved Mayor Sheila Walters to enter into lease contracts of any of the mentioned on an annual basis. *Approval of a resolution to allow the city of Trumann to destroy old city records of the police department and the court. Most of the files have suffered age from leaks, moisture, heat and other causes from long storage. The city has confirmed that all documents they are looking to destroy are in compliance with state auditors and files will be either shredded or recycled based on level of confidentiality. *Tabled a resolution allowing the Mayor Shelia Walters to open a line of credit, up to $100,000, with a local financial institution for maintenance needs for the operations of the city. The line of credit would be used for unforeseen maintenance problems, when there is no immediate money for the repairs. It was decided by the council to add a few stipulations to the resolution. The resolution will be addressed again next month.

The Marked Tree Rotary Club took the time last week to recognize several people, including those who have made contributions to Rotary's humanitarian programs. Rotarian Bill Stanley presented the Paul Harris Fellow award to Jeff Bookout, Ritter Arnold, Patrick Tucker and Ron Williams. Each received a commemorative certificate and lapel pin. Stanley said the award recognizes Rotarians and non-Rotarians who make a contribution of $1,000 or more to Rotary International's Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, or the Humanitarian Grants Program. "The Paul Harris Fellowship supports an array of programs that save lives around world, such as providing food, water and immunizations," Stanley said. The award is named for the founder of Rotary, Paul P. Harris, an attorney from Chicago. He started the club with local businessmen. They met in each other's businesses and rotated where each meeting would take place every week, which is where the name Rotary came from. The club started in 1905 as a way to represent small town values such as "service above self," and by 1921, there were clubs on six continents. The Rotary Foundation was started in 1917 with an initial contribution of $26.50. Through contributions from Rotarians and friends of Rotary throughout the world, the foundation provided funds for such programs as PolioPlus, Disaster Recovery, District Simplified Grants, 3H (Health, Hunger, and Humanity) Grants, 3H Planning Grants and Matching Grants to fund international service projects. The Foundation also funds Educational Programs such as Ambassadorial Scholarships, Group Study Exchange, Rotary Peace Fellowships and Rotary Grants for University Teachers. Marked Tree Rotary also gave out certificates of appreciation to Robert Dexter of Allied Systems and Planning for its work on the sign for Rotary's flower bed renewal project at the elementary school and to Geraldine Overby of ASU Technical Center for making Rotary's fliers for the past year. Jeff Bookout, who has been president of the Marked Tree Rotary Club for the past year, passed the gavel to the new president, David Adams. This Marked Tree Rotary will begin passing on a president's pin. Adams said Bookout has done an amazing job as president. "He exemplifies 'service over self' better than anybody," Adams said. He said that Rotary International's theme this year is "Reach Within to Embrace Humanity" and noted the club will work on strengthening themselves and the community. "We'll focus on three things: strengthening our Rotary family and local ties, continue to do what we do best and serve the community, and change what needs to be changed." "I'm humbled," Adams said. "This is an exciting time to be with Rotary."