Visit Melinda's Coffee Corner

COMPANY’S COMIN’

HAS MOVED!

WE ARE NOT GONE, WE HAVE

MOVED DOWN ON HIGHWAY 7

HALFWAY TO WALMART

ON THE RIGHT SIDE, AFTER

JENSEN’S AND THE CAR WASH

WE ARE THE LAST BUILDING

WE ALSO DECIDED TO CHANGE OUR NAME TO

MELINDA’S COFFEE CORNER

Come see us at 3901 N Hwy 7

Open 8:00 to 5:00

501-984-5393

Earthquake up the road from the Village

M2.1 - ARKANSAS

Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude	2.1
Date-Time	30 Mar 2013 19:32:11 UTC 30 Mar 2013 14:32:12 near epicenter 30 Mar 2013 13:32:11 standard time in your timezone
Location	35.520N 92.433W
Depth	0 km
Distances	8 km (4 mi) SSE of Clinton, Arkansas 47 km (29 mi) N of Conway, Arkansas 69 km (42 mi) ENE of Russellville, Arkansas 69 km (42 mi) WNW of Searcy, Arkansas 86 km (53 mi) N of Little Rock, Arkansas
Location Uncertainty	Horizontal: 1.0 km; Vertical 3.2 km
Parameters	Nph = 18; Dmin = 18.3 km; Rmss = 0.40 seconds; Gp = 86° Version = A
Event ID	nm 033013a

Wreck on Bathhouse Row

Avoid downtown Hot Springs this morning. We got in a report at the radio station that a truck has crashed through the front of a gift shop on bathhouse row. Traffic is snarled.

Hotel California spoke my long lost language

Last night was the beginning of the end of the 2013/14 season for the Hot Springs Village Concerts’ Association and its going out with a bang. The final act of this season is Hotel California, a salute to the Eagles.

The Eagles released the album Hotel California, yes in vinyl, on December 8, 1976. It was the first album with legendary rocker Joe Walsh in the band. The original vinyl sold over 16 million copies, so there are a lot of fans still out there today and the band, Hotel California, is filling a huge niche market in nostalgia. If you loved the Eagles, you are going to love walking down memory lane with Hotel California.

The musicians of Hotel California are very accomplished as individuals and work well together. At times they channel the Eagles and at times they put their own spin on Eagles classics. Always each member demonstrates his skill as a performer. Ripping guitar riffs one after the other is par for the course. Each member of the band was highlighted on multiple instruments during the course of the concert.

I appreciated the long hair. That was so 70s. The guys of Hotel California have the look of the period down as well as the sound of the time. Hotel California performed with unending energy Eagles hits including Witchy Woman, Desperado, Tequila Sunrise, Heartache Tonight, Take It Easy, One of These Nights, Rocky Mountain Way, Those Shoes, Lyin’ Eyes and of course the signature piece Hotel California. For those of us in the Village and surrounding area this concert brings back all the good memories of vintage rock and roll.

Last night there was some dancing in the aisles, but not as much as when Hotel California appeared at the Woodlands in the Village a couple of summers ago. Sometimes it was a struggle to get the audience involved. Opening nights of the Concerts’ Association tend to be a little more staid and uptight and last night was no exception. So, tonight, strap on your seatbelt because you will need it to hold you in place otherwise you will find yourself dancing in the aisles to well-performed classic rock.

Thanks to Dicky, Wade, Scott, Steve and Dan for a rollicking step back in time. I met the performers after the show to say hi and let them know I enjoyed the show. They make themselves available to spend time, after the grueling performance, out in the lobby for a meet and greet. There are no CDs for sale because the hits belong to the Eagles, but there are t-shirts, bags, drum sticks and other goodies. Get yourself a signed autograph of the fellas. Take your picture with one or all of the performers. Continue the good times.

Besides the flawless performance, Hotel California gave me a night off from real life. No aches and pains, no adjusting my trifocals, no dialing down my hearing aide so it stops that annoying scream, just memories of the days of careless sex, drugs and rock and roll. I was a coed at LSU again and it was just another Saturday night. Hotel California was speaking my long lost language. Thanks.

Arkansas elk harvest reaches record; herd growing

A record 44 elk were harvested during the 2012 hunting seasons, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologist Wes Wright told Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Commission. 

In 2012, 20 bull elk and 24 antlerless elk were harvested during hunting seasons in September and October in territory near the Buffalo River. The previous record was 38.

Since 1998, when elk hunting began in Arkansas, 376 have been harvested (195 bulls, 181 antlerless). Harvested elk are weighed, ages are estimated and blood samples are taken for disease tests. Elk also are tested for chronic wasting disease.

Wright said a recent survey found at least 620 elk on public and private land, up from 453 counted during the previous survey.

The Commission elected Commissioner Ron Duncan of Springdale vice chairman to fill the previously vacant position.

In other business, the Commission:

*Heard a proposal for general hunting dates for the 2013-14 seasons. The season dates will come up for vote at the April 18 Commission meeting.

*Heard a proposal for amended trout and turtle regulations.

*Approved up to $2.7 million to repair and renovate Dam No. 3 at Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery at Mammoth Spring. The dam maintains the hydraulic head and provides the water supply to sustain trout production for the hatchery.

*Approved a budget transfer to move $50,000 in Marine Fuel Tax money from the Kingfisher Lake Access Road project to the Sunlight Bay Access project on Nimrod Lake.

*Approved a land swap involving 43 acres owned by the AGFC southeast of the Interstate 440-U.S. Highway 165 interchange and two tracts of land owned by the City of North Little Rock that total 54 acres. The exchange would allow greater fishing and recreational use of Faulkner Lake. The Commission approved a budget increase of $7,500 for an environmental inspection and real estate closing costs related to the trade.

*Approved a budget transfer of $102,500 from the AGFC Brinkley Regional Office to survey Upper White Oak Lake. This is the highest-priority land survey in Fisheries Division projects, and would identify AGFC property to help implement the agency’s land use policy.

*Approved a budget increase of $748,019 in the Wildlife Management Division for the completion of Wetlands Reserve Program projects on Bell Slough Wildlife Management Area ($120,050), Frog Bayou WMA ($61,967) and Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek WMA ($565,992). These programs are funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service through a 100 percent cost-reimbursement process, resulting in no cost to the AGFC.

*Approved a budget increase of $60,000 to supplement funds earmarked for complete removal of duck hunting blinds on Big Lake WMA and St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA.

Extension of Comment Period on the Proposed Expansion of Upper Ouachita and Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuges

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a draft Land Protection Plan and accompanying Environmental Assessment (LPP/EA) to link and expand two national wildlife refuges, Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas and Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana on February 22. 

In response to requests received, the Service is extending the comment period on the Draft LPP/EA from March 22 to April 22.

The Service will hold an open house during the extended comment period on April 4, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Felsenthal NWR Visitor Center, 5531 Highway 82 West, Crossett, AR, 71635. The public is invited to this open house event to gather information, discuss the proposal, and offer comments. Refuge staff will be available to answer any questions.

The Service is working with the states of Louisiana and Arkansas and a variety of public and private partners to propose expanding the acquisition boundaries. Upper Ouachita NWR is administered from North Louisiana Refuges with a current refuge boundary of 46,594 acres and an approved acquisition boundary of 60,699 acres, and Felsenthal NWR, administered from South Arkansas Refuges, is 65,000 acres. The total number of acres proposed for this landscape expansion includes 31,970 additional acres for Felsenthal NWR and 18,489 additional acres for Upper Ouachita NWR.

If approved, the Service may consider negotiations with willing sellers only who express interest in possibly selling their lands to the Service.

The comments, which may be provided through April 22, give the public a chance to review and comment on three different alternatives. The planning team expects to send the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service a final plan for approval in June 2013. To view and download the Draft LPP/EA, please visit http://www.fws.gov/southeast/ouachitafelsenthal.

Through April 22, comments on the Draft LPP/EA may be provided by:
E-mailing tina_chouinard@fws.gov;
Mailing to Tina Chouinard, Natural Resource Planner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 49 Plainsbrook Place, Jackson, TN 38305; or
Fax to 731/664-1566.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov/.

Guided outdoor adventure at Lake Ouachita State Park

Lake Ouachita’s immense size and pristine shorelines offer breathtaking scenery unparalleled in Arkansas. Lake Ouachita State Park is now taking reservations for our new Hike/Camp/Kayak Adventure. The date for this overnight camping trip is May 4th to 5th. The adventure is designed for those interested in hiking and kayaking Lake Ouachita. We will hike portions of Little Blakely Trail on Saturday and arrive at our campsite mid-afternoon. There we will be met by our support barge, which will have our camping and kayaking gear. After setting up camp, we will take a sunset barge cruise and enjoy evening programs by the park interpreters. Participants will be treated to a Dutch oven dinner and breakfast prepared by park interpreters. During the adventure, park interpreters will demonstrate outdoor skills such as backpacking, camping, Dutch oven cooking in the great outdoors and much more. You can bring your own kayak and camping gear or rent what you need from us. Our group will paddle approximately five hours on Sunday at a comfortable pace with plenty of breaks. The cost is $60 per person. Kayak rentals are available for $20 and camping gear for $15. Space is limited, so reserve your spot right away. To register for this event, or for more information, please contact Susan Adkins at Lake Ouachita State Park at 501-767-9366.

Lake Ouachita State Park 5451 Mountain Pine Rd. 
Mountain Pine, Arkansas 71956 
Ph: 501-767-9366 
Fax: 501-767-8168

25th Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Golden Egg Challenge at Daisy State Park

On your mark, get set, GO! Introduce your family to Daisy State Park, your camping neighbors, and the great outdoors by participating in several weekend activities. These activities will include an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday with 3 age groups, an egg toss for the whole family, a golden egg challenge, and other activities that will help you explore the park and discover our amazing natural resources. We frequently add new events to our webpage. To discover new programs and more park information go to www.ArkansasStateParks.com/Daisy

Friday, March 29
Starts at Noon	Golden Egg Challenge Starting Friday at noon, hunt throughout the park boundaries for a golden egg. This golden egg doesn’t have candy inside, but many prizes including gift certificates to local merchants! To help the hunt, clues will be given at the visitor information center starting Friday at 2 pm and continuing until the egg is found. Contact the visitor information center for contest rules and clue lists. Admission: Free
Saturday, March 30
10 a.m. - 11 a.m. All Day	25th Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Egg Toss Eggs, eggs, and more eggs! Every year the Easter Bunny leaves a thousand toy and candy-filled eggs for youngsters to find. Bring your baskets and enthusiasm as you and your little ones search for these multi-colored treasures. The hunt is divided by age groups; maximum age for collecting eggs is 12 years. Stay after the hunt to play a family fun raw egg toss. Age groups are 3 and under; 4-7, and 8-12. Ages 3 and under will meet at the playground, ages 4-7 will search the large field between the playground and pavilion, and ages 8-12 will search the area around the amphitheater and forested area near the pavilion. Make sure to be early, the hunt will start promptly at 10 a.m. Meeting place: Pavilion Admission: Free Golden Egg Challenge: Continues Starting Friday at noon, hunt throughout the park boundaries for a golden egg. This golden egg does not have candy inside, but many prizes including gift certificates to local merchants! To help the hunt, clues will be given at the visitor information center starting Friday at 2 pm and continuing until the egg is found. Contact the visitor information center for contest rules and clue lists. Admission: Free

Daisy State Park

870-398-4487

Daisy State Park exists to provide access to Ouachita mountain scenery and the clear waters of Lake Greeson, while encouraging a feeling of community where generations are connected and memories are made.

State land auction in Garland County

The main function of the Commissioner of State Lands office is to collect and return delinquent tax funds on real property to the county where the property is located.  The office attempts to collect the taxes on parcels certified to us by the local county offices for approximately two years prior to it going to public auction.  The Commissioner’s office holds public auctions in each of the 75 counties, one per county per year.  In 2012, the office returned nearly $21 million dollars to the state’s counties from these collections.  This is money that goes back into your communities to be used for public schools, libraries and county services.

Auction sites:

Garland County- April 9, at 10 a.m., at the Embassy Suites in Hot Springs

Two events at Crater of Diamonds State Park

Crater of Diamonds to host photography workshop

On Saturday, April 6, Crater of Diamonds State Park will host this year’s Photography in the Park workshop for photographers ages 13 and up.  Participants will choose four classes from a variety of topics, including Camera Accessories, Composition, Landscapes and Cloudscapes, Night Photography, and Sports Photography.  The workshop runs from 10 AM to 3 PM.  Classes will fill on a first-come basis, so call soon for the best choices! Cost is $30 per person, including a $15 registration fee that is due by March 30.   To register and choose classes call Waymon Cox at 870-285-3116 or send an email to waymon.cox@arkansas.gov.

Second Annual Girl Scout Crater Day

On Saturday, April 13^th, the Crater of Diamonds State Park will hold our second annual Girl Scout Crater Day.  Junior Girl Scouts will enjoy a fun-filled day at the diamond mine from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Activities will include making a rock collection, playing rock bingo, learning how to search for diamonds, and a map course exercise.  Each girl will receive a small gift from the park and a participation badge. The cost is $8.00 per person, including troop leaders and parents.  Call Margi Jenks at 870/285-3113, or send an email to margaret.jenks@arkansas.gov.

DUTCH OVEN WORKSHOP TO BE HELD OCTOBER 6

Lake Catherine State Park is hosting a Dutch Oven Workshop on Saturday, April 21 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.  The workshop will explore the rich history of the Dutch oven and give participants the opportunity to prepare several different recipes using this time-honored cooking method.  The $30 workshop registration fee includes the instructional workshop, workshop manual, a full meal, and a coupon worth 20% off any Dutch oven items for the day of the workshop.  Space is limited so call today to reserve your spot.  For more information, please contact Lake Catherine State Park at (501)844-4176 or by email at keith.w.bell@arkansas.gov.

Opportunity for home-schoolers field trip

Event: Homeschool Casqui Days

Date: April 11 and 12, 2013

Time: 9:30-1:30 each day

Location: Parkin Archeological State Park Visitor Center

Cost: $2.16 per student and $2.97 per adult

Home-schoolers: come learn about the American Indians who lived and prospered in this area 500 years ago!  You will move through different stations throughout the day focusing on different aspects of Mississippian Indian life: storytelling, pottery making, flintknapping, gardening and preparing food, and more!  We offer our programs from 9:30 to 1:30 on Thursday and Friday, April 11 and 12, 2013.  Preregistration is required, so please contact Park Interpreter Mel at mel.harvey@arkansas.gov or call the park at 870-755-2500 to reserve your spot!

Parkin Archeological State Park
P.O. Box 1110, Parkin, AR 72373-1110
Ph 870.755.2500  Fax 870.755.2676

Watch out for these road closures

Shiloh Street, from Grove to Pleasant Street in Hot Springs will be closed to through traffic from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. until Friday, March 29 for water main replacement.

 

640 Stover Street to 432 Molly Springs Road will be closed to through traffic beginning today, Tuesday, March 26 until Tuesday, April 9 for completion of the final phase of drainage upgrades. This closing includes overnight hours.

 

********Weather permitting, Fox Pass Cutoff from Park Avenue north 2,000 feet to 200 Fox Pass will be closed to through traffic from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28 for asphalt placement due to a recent drainage project. Drivers will need to access Fox Pass Cutoff from Highway 7 North.

 

Signs will be posted. Motorists will need to seek an alternate route during closures.

Golf tournament at Belvedere

The 16^th Annual National Park Community College Bill Ogden Golf Scramble will be played at the Belvedere Golf Resort on Monday, May 20, at 1 p.m. Cost is $75 per player and $300 per team. Men and women welcome. There will be prizes for the first four teams in each flight and a $10,000 cash prize for a hole-in-one.

For more information and to register, contact Ron Chesser at 501-760-4230.

Statement by Senator Mark Pryor On Bloomberg Gun Ad

I don’t take gun advice from the Mayor of New York City. I listen to Arkansans.

Bridal Fair at Garvan

Wind advisory for all of Arkansas

Issued by The National Weather Service
Little Rock, AR

Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 3:34 AMCDT

A WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING.

* EVENT... NORTHWEST WINDS WILL AVERAGE 20 TO 30 MPH ACROSS MUCH OF ARKANSAS TODAY. FREQUENT GUSTS OVER 40 MPH ARE EXPECTED... WITH GUSTS OVER 50 MPH POSSIBLE IN PORTIONS OF NORTHERN AND EASTERN ARKANSAS.

* TIMING... WINDS WILL INCREASE DURING THE MORNING AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH MUCH OF THE AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING.

* IMPACT... WINDS COULD BE STRONG ENOUGH TO CAUSE SOME TREE AND ROAD SIGN DAMAGE... WITH POWER KNOCKED OUT IN SOME AREAS. ANY PRECIPITATION WILL END ACROSS MUCH OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN ARKANSAS BY EARLY AFTERNOON... AND PEOPLE MAY TRY TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS. IF SO... ANY BOATING IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT WINDS OF 35 MPH OR MORE ARE EXPECTED. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT... ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION.

Lenten service

Radar stationed on Patricia Street

The City of Hot Springs’ new portable radar speed sign is stationed throughout the week of March 25 on Patricia Street, north of Highway 270 West. The speed limit for this area is 30 miles per hour.

Meeting called for airport advisory committee

The Airport Advisory Committee will meet at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 28 in the airport administrative conference room, 525 Airport Road.

 

Items on the agenda include approval of Lease Addendum No. 6 with AAR Aircraft Services for leasehold improvements, a discussion of the Airport Property Management Policy to set COLAs for standard storage use agreements, a discussion of the minimum standards for FBO and airport tenants and a resolution approving a lease agreement with AAR Airport Services for Building #4, Suite F in the Bill Edwards Center. 

Ellis Marsalis, Father of the First Family of Jazz at Wildwood Park next month

April 19, 8 p.m.
Ellis Marsalis, Father of the First Family of Jazz

Internationally-renowned jazz pianist and a musical figurehead of the rich and storied New Orleans jazz scene, Ellis Marsalis performs live in concert with his quartet (including son Jason Marsalis as the drummer) in the 625-seat Lucy Lockett Cabe Festival Theatre at Wildwood Park. National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master with more than twenty albums in his discography, Dr. Marsalis launches Wildwood’s new jazz series, which will feature two more concerts in 2013 – a little Dixieland, a little brass, a whole lotta fun!
$100 VIP Tickets (includes post-reception and inside gate parking)
$60 Reserved Seats
$15 Student Tickets (must show student ID and limited 2 tickets per student)
For more information contact Rachael Montunnas at rachael@wildwoodpark.org or call 501-821-7275 ext 259.

Women take a stand now

A large grass-roots organized group opposed to Arkansas' recently enacted laws restricting reproductive rights is planning a protest from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, on the east side of the State Capitol.

“This legislature has spent two months focusing the bulk of its attention on passing laws that are blatantly unconstitutional, while ignoring the dire needs of healthcare, education and the state's economy,” said Donna Shade, a member of the organizing committee for the Protest at the Arkansas Capitol. “We feel it's critical to show the state there are a large number of people here who do not agree with this kind of regressive government.”

"It's hypocrisy when politicians campaign on smaller, less-intrusive government and cutting frivolous spending, but then introduce these court-bound, anti-women bills", stated Lee Wood Thomas, another organizer. "The women of Arkansas have a right under federal law to make their own decisions."

"Within 48 hours of a public Facebook invitation, more than 700 people had indicated they would attend, and the number continues to climb rapidly. Donna Shade said "Jaime Goswick, from Mountainburg, created a Facebook event page, and the response was immediate and overwhelming. Now people all over the state are forming car pools, buying ads, and contributing materials for the event."

"Arkansas—Stop the War on Women, a social media advocacy project, has been coordinating massive statewide phone, e-mail, and social media opposition to this legislature’s egregious actions since January," added Claudia Reynolds-LeBlanc. "Some of the protest planners include participants from that project, but no existing organization is involved in the event." Planners say a casually formed working group of about 25 volunteers are handling the organizing chores.

There is no budget, nor is there a plan to raise money. “If someone wants to donate to the cause, they can buy gas for a carload of people to come from their community, or they can contact us for ad material to run in their local newspaper or on the radio,” said Shade.

The planners say speakers are being invited now, and will be confirmed this week. Some speakers are still to be confirmed, but confirmed so far are: State Senator Joyce Elliott; ACLU attorney, Rita Sklar; Humanist minister and catalyst for the protest, Jaime Goswick.

“For now, we would like to invite everyone in Arkansas who believes women should be able to make private healthcare decisions with their doctor, not politicians, to join us at the Capitol on March 23,” Shade said. “Make a sign, bring a friend, help show the world that there is another side to our state besides what's been in the news the past few weeks.”

Go on hike/camp/kayak adventure at Lake Ouachita

Lake Ouachita’s immense size and pristine shorelines offer breathtaking scenery unparalleled in Arkansas. Lake Ouachita State Park is now taking reservations for our new Hike/Camp/Kayak Adventure. The date for this overnight camping trip is May 4th to 5th. The adventure is designed for those interested in hiking and kayaking Lake Ouachita. We will hike portions of Little Blakely Trail on Saturday and arrive at our campsite mid-afternoon. There we will be met by our support barge, which will have our camping and kayaking gear. After setting up camp, we will take a sunset barge cruise and enjoy evening programs by the park interpreters. Participants will be treated to a Dutch oven dinner and breakfast prepared by park interpreters. During the adventure, park interpreters will demonstrate outdoor skills such as backpacking, camping, Dutch oven cooking in the great outdoors and much more. You can bring your own kayak and camping gear or rent what you need from us. Our group will paddle approximately five hours on Sunday at a comfortable pace with plenty of breaks. The cost is $60 per person. Kayak rentals are available for $20 and camping gear for $15. Space is limited, so reserve your spot right away. To register for this event, or for more information, please contact Susan Adkins at Lake Ouachita State Park at 501-767-9366.

Statement by Senator Mark Pryor On the Budget Resolution

This budget fails to strike the right balance between cutting our spending and setting up a path for future job creation and economic growth. Instead of one-party solutions, we should work together to find a balanced approach that will benefit our economy, seniors, and middle class families.

Whitlow named interim public works director

David Whitlow has been selected to serve as the Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association interim director of public works effective Monday, March 25. Whitlow served for 21 years in the position prior to his retirement in January 2011.

“David will provide leadership and direction, as well as coordination of the department’s functions in an efficient and effective manner,” said Linda Mayhood, POA interim general manager.

The POA has begun the recruitment process to select a qualified director of public works. 

Updated: Garland County Sheriff's Department asking for help

At approximately 9:45 p.m. last night, March 21, the Garland County Sheriff's Department received a call of a shooting in the area of Icom Place and Tatum Street, in Garland County.

Upon arrival, deputies located a male victim, name unknown, down on the side of the road, who had been assaulted and shot multiple times in a lower extremity. Before being taken by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment, the victim was able to tell deputies that he had pulled up to a residence on Icom Place, to visit a friend, when two black males attacked him, took an undisclosed amount of cash and shot him as he fled on foot.

The victim was able to walk a short distance from the scene and was heard calling out for help by area residents who in turn called authorities.

At this time, Investigators are processing the scene and do not have a motive, or suspects, in the shooting.

Anyone with information on the shooting are asked to contact the Garland County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigation Division at 501-622-3690 or our anonymous tip line at 501-622-3674.

Quick update on the shooting from last night;

The victim is 26 year old Travis Skaggs. Although Lt. James "Corky" Martin said "the department does not know Skaggs' current condition, we do know that he has been treated, and currently is in, a Little Rock hospital."

Investigator’s still have no motive or suspects, but the investigation has continued throughout the day.

Martin will update with any information that becomes available as the investigation continues.

State's hazardous weather outlook

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

LITTLE ROCK AR 500 AM CDT THU MAR 21 2013

ARZ003>007-012>016-021>025-030>034-037>047-052>057-062>069-221000-ARKANSAS-BAXTER-BOONE-BRADLEY-CALHOUN-CLARK-CLEBURNE-CLEVELAND-CONWAY-DALLAS-DESHA-DREW-FAULKNER-FULTON-GARLAND-GRANT-HOT SPRING-INDEPENDENCE-IZARD-JACKSON-JEFFERSON-JOHNSON-LINCOLN-LOGAN-LONOKE-MARION-MONROE-MONTGOMERY-NEWTON-OUACHITA-PERRY-PIKE-POLK-POPE-PRAIRIE-PULASKI-SALINE-SCOTT-SEARCY-SHARP-STONE-VAN BUREN-WHITE-WOODRUFF-YELL

500 AM CDT THU MAR 21 2013

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR A LARGE PART OF ARKANSAS. .DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT 

A STORM SYSTEM MOVING THROUGH THE WESTERN UNITED STATES WILL SPREAD ABUNDANT MOISTURE INTO THE REGION THIS AFTERNOON. ACROSS NORTHERN ARKANSAS...IT WILL BE COLD ENOUGH FOR SNOW...WHICH WILL DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE INTO THE OVERNIGHT HOURS. AS SUCH...A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR PARTS OF NORTHERN AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO UNTIL 1 AM TONIGHT.

THE NEW COMPUTER MODELS INDICATE THE ONSET OF THE PRECIPITATION WILL BE LATER IN THE DAY. THAT...AND THE FACT THAT GROUND TEMPERATURES ARE VERY WARM WILL KEEP SNOWFALL AMOUNTS A LITTLE LOWER THAN PREVIOUS THINKING.

STILL...A GENERAL SNOWFALL OF ONE TO THREE INCHES IS EXPECTED IN MOST OF THE ADVISORY AREA WHICH EXTENDS ROUGHLY NORTH OF A HARRISON TO MARSHALL TO BATESVILLE TO NEWPORT LINE. A FEW SPOTS FROM MOUNTAIN HOME TO SALEM SOUTHEAST TOWARD HARDY AND BATESVILLE COULD SEE FOUR INCHES...BUT THESE ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BE COMMON NOR WIDESPREAD.

EVENTUALLY...THE ATMOSPHERE WILL WARM ALOFT...WITH MELTING OCCURRING. AS THIS HAPPENS...SNOW WILL CHANGE TO RAIN ACROSS THE NORTH THURSDAY NIGHT. AS TEMPERATURES NEAR THE GROUND APPROACH FREEZING TOWARD THE MISSOURI BORDER...THERE COULD BE SOME PATCHY FREEZING RAIN TOWARD DAWN FRIDAY.

IN CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SECTIONS OF THE STATE...THIS WILL BE MAINLY A RAIN EVENT...WITH PERHAPS A BRIEF PERIOD OF SLEET AS PRECIPITATION BEGINS.

HAZARDOUS TRAVEL WILL BE POSSIBLE...ESPECIALLY ON ELEVATED ROADWAYS SUCH AS BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES. THIS WILL ALSO BE A HEAVY WET SNOW...AND THE WEIGHT OF THE SNOW COULD RESULT IN DOWNED TREES AND POWER LINES.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY

THE PATTERN WILL REMAIN UNSETTLED FROM FRIDAY INTO EARLY SUNDAY AS THE SPRAWLING STORM SYSTEM LIFTS SLOWLY TOWARD AND EVENTUALLY THROUGH THE MID-MISSISSIPPI VALLEY. PERIODS OF RAIN ARE IN THE FORECAST...WITH ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS AS WELL. THE POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE WEATHER REMAINS LOW BUT SOME STORMS COULD PRODUCE HAIL ON SATURDAY MAINLY SOUTH OF LITTLE ROCK.

THE ENTIRE SYSTEM WILL CLEAR OUT ON SUNDAY BUT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY UNSEASONABLY COLDER AIR THAT WILL REMAIN FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE PERIOD. HIGH TEMPERATURES DURING THIS TIME WILL AVERAGE AS MUCH AS 10 DEGREES BELOW NORMAL.

Pryor and Blunt protecting private sector jobs

U.S. Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR), Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Chris Coons (D-DE) today announced that the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed their amendment to the Continuing Resolution (CR) that will protect private sector jobs by solving a funding gap for the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). 

“After much hard work, I’m pleased to see that the Senate has unanimously approved our amendment,” Pryor said. “By solving this funding gap, we’ve been able to protect private sector jobs, keep food prices affordable, and help nearly 40,000 employees in my state alone.”

“I’m very pleased the Senate unanimously passed this important amendment, which will help protect every family from paying higher food costs, and ensure hardworking Americans who make a living at these food inspection facilities don’t see their wages cut,” said Blunt.

"The federal workers who inspect meat and poultry are critical not only to our nation's food security, but to the economic stability of many of our rural communities," Coons said. "While we continue working to replace the reckless sequester with responsible deficit-reduction measures, it was important that Congress act to prevent a potential crisis from developing in our nation’s food supply. Backlogs in food inspections could result in the shutdown of processing facilities and send devastating ripple effects through rural communities and straight to the shelves of every market and grocery in the country."

The Pryor/Blunt/Coons amendment will protect Americans’ jobs at meat, poultry, and egg production facilities nationwide. It's estimated that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) projected food inspector furloughs would have closed nearly 6,300 food inspection facilities across America. As a result, over 500,000 industry workers would have lost nearly $400 million in wages.

The amendment transfers $55 million in existing agriculture funds to FSIS in order to ensure food inspectors are not furloughed. These facilities are required by law to have federal inspectors on the production line in order to operate. It adds no additional cost to the bill. Instead, it moves one-time funding for school equipment grants and deferred maintenance on buildings and facilities at USDA.

Senators Pryor and Blunt serve as the top members of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.

District 5 meeting

Hot Springs city director Karen Garcia will host a district 5 community meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 4 at the Forest Lakes Clubhouse, 305 Forest Lakes Boulevard. Interested residents are encouraged to attend and bring a neighbor. The guest speaker will be sister city program coordinator Mary Neilson. For more information, contact Garcia, 318-9046 or kgarcia@cablelynx.com .

Food safety legislation

U.S. Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR), Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Chris Coons (D-DE) today announced that the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed their amendment to the Continuing Resolution (CR) that will protect private sector jobs by solving a funding gap for the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). 

“After much hard work, I’m pleased to see that the Senate has unanimously approved our amendment,” Pryor said. “By solving this funding gap, we’ve been able to protect private sector jobs, keep food prices affordable, and help nearly 40,000 employees in my state alone.”

“I’m very pleased the Senate unanimously passed this important amendment, which will help protect every family from paying higher food costs, and ensure hardworking Americans who make a living at these food inspection facilities don’t see their wages cut,” said Blunt.

"The federal workers who inspect meat and poultry are critical not only to our nation's food security, but to the economic stability of many of our rural communities," Coons said. "While we continue working to replace the reckless sequester with responsible deficit-reduction measures, it was important that Congress act to prevent a potential crisis from developing in our nation’s food supply. Backlogs in food inspections could result in the shutdown of processing facilities and send devastating ripple effects through rural communities and straight to the shelves of every market and grocery in the country."

The Pryor/Blunt/Coons amendment will protect Americans’ jobs at meat, poultry, and egg production facilities nationwide. It's estimated that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) projected food inspector furloughs would have closed nearly 6,300 food inspection facilities across America. As a result, over 500,000 industry workers would have lost nearly $400 million in wages.

The amendment transfers $55 million in existing agriculture funds to FSIS in order to ensure food inspectors are not furloughed. These facilities are required by law to have federal inspectors on the production line in order to operate. It adds no additional cost to the bill. Instead, it moves one-time funding for school equipment grants and deferred maintenance on buildings and facilities at USDA.

Senators Pryor and Blunt serve as the top members of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.

Arkansas US Senators honor Guard-Reserve Retirees

U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman today introduced the Honor America’s Guard-Reserve Retirees Act, a bipartisan bill that gives Guard and Reserve retirees with 20 years of service the honor of being called a veteran. 

Under current law, the definition of a veteran applies only to servicemen and women who have served on active duty. Pryor and Boozman’s bill would amend this definition to allow qualifying individuals to salute when the Star Spangled Banner is played, march in veterans’ parades, and be recognized as a veteran by other veterans. This bill is cost neutral, and would not provide any additional financial benefits to a member.

“It’s unacceptable that these brave men and women have served our country proudly for over two decades, but through no fault of their own, are not allowed to call themselves veterans,” Pryor said. “This bill is a small step we can take to make a big difference to those who have served.”

“National Guard and Reserve members who selflessly serve in defense of our country should to be honored for their sacrifice. The men and women who have dedicated two decades of their lives to this nation deserve this recognition. They earned this recognition for their steadfast commitment to our national security and Armed Forces,” Boozman, a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs said.

Joining Pryor and Boozman as co-sponsors are Senators Mark Begich (D-AK), Al Franken (D-MN), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Tom Harkin (D-IA) Tim Johnson (D-SD), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). This bill is also supported by the Military Coalition, which includes 34 military, veterans, and uniformed service organizations and over 5.5 million members worldwide.

100 Lunches comes to Village

AUDITIONS   ---   AUDITIONS   ---   AUDITIONS   ---   AUDITIONS

 

100 Lunches

Saturday & Sunday, March 23 and 24

1 p.m. in the Ouachita Building

 

Contact Vern Martin for a copy of the script at 915-0905

Printable cuttings from the script are posted on www.hsvplayers.org

Printable audition form to soon be, if not already, posted on web site

 

Cast calls for three men and three women. One male is a young man, preferably college age, but will consider younger, age 12 and older.

 

Contact Carolyn Bodensteiner at cbodie65@gmail.com, or 501- 276-1697, to make arrangements to audition if you cannot attend on March 23 or 24.

 

Production dates:  June 14-16, Woodlands Auditorium

Animal Welfare League March member meeting

MARCH MEMBER MEETING
Thursday, March 21
2 p.m. Room 6 Coronado Center

The five candidates for the POA Board will be speaking at the March meeting. They have been asked to include their views on the shelter, AWL's role in the community and the Dog Park in their presentations. Our meeting may be the last opportunity, prior to voting, to hear how each would represent the interests of AWL and Village pet owners.

A business meeting will follow a short coffee break.

The Gazebo coming to the Woodlands

Hot Springs Village Players presents The Gazebo by Alec Coppel on April 11 through 14. The Gazebo is produced by Cloe Bayer and directed by Lee Iafrate. Tickets are $12. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Performances are at Woodlands Auditorium at the Ponce de Leon Center. Tickets are available at the box office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Puttin' on the Dog and Cat

HSV Animal Welfare League's 7th Annual "PUTTIN' ON THE DOG...& CAT" Gala spring benefit for the shelter pets and pets in need returns to THE CORONADO CENTER, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, DOORS OPEN AT 4:30 P.M. to a spectacular array of foods to sample, flowing wine & chocolate fountains and a special dessert served from 4:30 to 6:00.

Hundreds of baskets, one-of-a-kind items and gift certificates will be displayed for Silent Auction bidding.
"Cats" and "dogs" will have benefit drawing chances for sale. Lucky winners will take home all the money on the money tree or a giant party basket filled with liquors.

Every event ticket stub goes in the hat for Door Prizes too!

A Live Auction featuring specially selected items follows dining and entertainment by DJ, Marcus Sugg.

Tickets are $20 ea. and available now at BarKansas Pet Supply, Company's Comin', LBG Lighting, The Dogwood Tree Hallmark, A to Zebra Pet Vet.

All proceeds help the League send orphaned companion pets to a loving "forever" home and help pets in need in the HSV area.

Fireflies and Shooting Stars this weekend at Wildwood Park

You're invited to a special presentation of the new children's book -

Fireflies and Shooting Stars "The Tale of Enzo"

Sunday, March 24th at 2 p.m.

Wildwood Park for the Arts

Inspired by the song Fireflies and Shooting Stars by Little Rock's Michael Rice

Book Written by Ed Raarup

Illustrated by Lindsay D. Nery

Music and Lyrics by Ed Raarup

Musical Arrangements by Michael Rice

 

Please join Michael Rice and friends for a performance of selected songs and readings from the book, plus an inspiring presentation about an all-accessible playground where all kids can play regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Firefly Field playgrounds provide an early opportunity for children to learn the skills of inclusion, self-determination and respect for others throughout life.

This is a FREE event, so please bring friends and family, all are welcome!

Book will be available for purchase at the event, and a portion of proceeds will go toward the development of Firefly Field in Little Rock.

 

Please do RSVP to Rachael Montunnas: Rachael@wildwoodpark.org or call 501-821-7275 if you plan to attend.

Spring hours at Wildwood

Celebrate the arrival of Spring at Wildwood Park for the Arts. The Park
is open every day free of admission, except during special event days. Enjoy a stroll or a picnic with family and friends.

Park hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

MPO task force meeting next week

The Hot Springs Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Wayfinding Task Force will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27 at the Transportation Depot, 100 Broadway Terrace. The public is encouraged to attend. For more information, contact MPO Study Director Dianne Morrison, 321-4804.

Easter egg hunt

On Sunday March 31, Lake Catherine State Park will host an Easter Egg hunt starting at 2:00 p.m. We will meet at the Day Use Pavilion on Picnic Hill. Children twelve years and under bring your Easter basket and fill it up with candy filled eggs. The event is free and open to anyone under 12 years of age.  

For more information or directions you may call the Lake Catherine State Park visitor center at 501-844-4176

Cemetery preservation workshop in Mountain Home

The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program will host a free Cemetery Preservation workshop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, at the Mountain Home Cemetery on East 11th Street in Mountain Home, AHPP Director Frances McSwain announced. 

The free workshop will include hands-on training by James Brenner of Texas Cemetery Restoration LLC on how to clean, re-set and repair tombstones, as well as instructions on cemetery maintenance, suitable cleaning products and proper techniques to use.

Registration for the workshop is limited to the first 40 people to sign up. To register, contact Holly Hope at (501) 324-9880, write her at 1500 Tower Building, 323 Center St., Little Rock, AR 72201, or send an e-mail message to her at holly@arkansaspreservation.org.

The AHPP is the Department of Arkansas Heritage agency responsible for identifying, evaluating, registering and preserving the state’s cultural resources. Other agencies are the Arkansas Arts Council, the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, the Old State House Museum, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and the Historic Arkansas Museum.

Virtual Dementia Tour for students

Arkansas Hospice recently facilitated the "Virtual Dementia Tour" for National Park Community College RN students. The NPCC nursing curriculum focuses on aging and includes understanding the influence of the developmental tasks of the elderly in planning nursing care. Stacy Davis, RN, In-patient Hospice Director for Arkansas Hospice, explains that the “Virtual Dementia Tour” consists of a 3 step process. Students are given a pre-test to determine their knowledge/perceptions regarding dementia. The next step is a simulation activity in which students are fitted with physical and sensory altering devices and instructed to complete a series of simple tasks which simulate the physical and mental restraints of Alzheimer's disease, and then, finally, they are given a post-test to determine if their perception of this debilitating disease changed after having completed the activity.

Janice Ivers, RN Program Director, said, “The goal for our students is to increase awareness of what a dementia patient is experiencing which will enhance empathy, patience, and ultimately improve patient care.” Ms. Ivers said she was impressed with the reflective comments made by the students after they had completed the activity and stated, “They got it! Their feelings were right on target!”

Also this month, the National Park Community College Division of Nursing along with The Arkansas Geriatric Education Center, Oaklawn Center on Aging and Hospice Home Care will be hosting a conference titled “Alzheimer’s Disease” on March 27^th, again focusing on the care of our dementia patients. For more information contact the Arkansas Geriatric Education Center.

POA Marketing Manager Botkin plans April HSV Women’s Club talk

Dannet Botkin, marketing manager for the Hot Springs Village (HSV) Property Owners Association (POA) will speak on POA marketing activities and plans at the April HSV Women’s Club luncheon meeting that begins at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 3, in Diamond D’s Restaurant, 111 Ponderosa Lane. 
Accepting her position with the POA in 2011, Botkin came to the Village armed with a 20-year career in marketing, sales and operations at locations in New York City, Barcelona, Tampa, and Texas, most recently for a Fortune 500 company. 
Botkin began working full time while in college at age 20, and graduated in three years with honors from the University of North Texas. Her experience spans positions in fashion marketing, as well as in advertising, international marketing and operations, and government marketing, Former clients and business partners include Warner Brothers, Neiman Marcus, Coca-Cola, Hunter Douglas, Nintendo, Victoria’s Secret and Dillard’s. 
The HSV Women’s Club members will begin with a brief meeting to be followed by Botkin’s program, luncheon and bridge. 
The menu will be a luncheon salad with chicken, nuts and cranberries with raspberry vinaigrette, a fruit salad, Tiramisu and coffee/tea service. The cost is $13 per person, including tax and gratuity, and members are asked to make their checks payable to HSV Women’s Club in advance of arriving. 
Norma Franklin, president of HSV Women’s Club, said nonmembers interested in attending meetings always are welcome and invited to make a reservation by telephoning her at 922-2889 before Wednesday, March 27. 

The HSV Women’s Club, formed in 1971, has more than 100 members in Hot Springs Village and meets monthly from September through June, presenting programs that range from pure entertainment to informational community topics given by representatives from various local organizations. In addition, HSV Women’s Club provides three $1,000 college scholarships to graduating seniors from area public high schools.

Genealogy meeting

BREATHE LIFE INTO YOUR ANCESTORS! Genealogy charts show the “bones” of our family tree, but details and stories are what bring our ancestors to life. Join the Village Genealogy Society meeting at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, as guest speaker Nancy Holder presents a program on “Finding Personalities and Answers to Family Mysteries in Old Letters and Journals”. 

In writing family history a lot of time is spent writing down the facts - Who, What, When, and Where. Except for the WHY - we’re either relying on hearsay or simply guessing at the reasons a kinsman did or did not do something. Nancy Holder, an active member of both the Village Genealogy Club and the Village Writer’s Club, and a native Midwesterner, will show how reading old letters and diaries can help pick up on feelings and emotions of the writer, or get to the real story that connects with the facts. Getting that information down on paper - or in a family history blog - can help you start to share your family stories. Nancy will discuss ways to explore those hidden stories.

Nancy was born in Chicago, spent many years in Wisconsin and a few in Missouri. Her genealogy findings have supplied much information to inspire both non-fiction and fictional stories. She has had family stories written published in genealogical newsletters.

The Village Genealogical Society meets the first Thursday of each month (except July and August) at Coronado Center, Room 6, at 2 p.m. Please call Bill Patterson at 922-6965 or Nancy Holder at 608-692-0162 for details.

Pryor Reminds Arkansans to Submit Cards for Arkansas Troops in Afghanistan

U.S. Senator Mark Pryor announced he and his office will send care packages to Arkansas troops stationed in Afghanistan on Friday, March 22nd. The care packages will include a DVD video message from Pryor, cards from Arkansans, and bags of Juanita’s Candy Kitchen Peanut Brittle of Arkadelphia to give service members a touch of home. Arkansans interested in participating may download postcards from Pryor’s website, write a message, and send them to Pryor’s Washington D.C. office at 255 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington D.C. 20510.

Radar stationed on Summer Street

The City of Hot Springs’ new portable radar speed sign is stationed throughout this week on Summer Street, north of Rector Street. The speed limit for this area is 30 miles per hour.

Studies show that motorists will reduce their speed 80 percent of the time when encountering a radar sign that is posting their current driving speed. The sign is intended to increase public awareness and reduce police patrol time spent operating radar equipment.

Broadway Street lane closings starting today

The northbound and southbound lanes of Broadway Street in Hot Springs, between Market Street and Malvern Avenue will be detoured Wednesday, March 20 through Wednesday, March 27 due to construction. Southbound lane traffic will be detoured into the northbound lane. Northbound lane traffic will be detoured into the parking area under the Regions Bank skywalk.

 

Signs will be posted. Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling in this area.

Prescribed burn today at Entergy Park

Based on a plan created by The Nature Conservancy in December 2010, the Hot Springs Fire Department and Equilibrium will complete a small prescribed burn at Entergy Park tomorrow, Wednesday, March 20, beginning at approximately 1 p.m. and lasting until approximately 4 p.m.  Entergy Park is located at 530 Lakepark Drive, off of Carpenter Dam Road.

Tomorrow’s weather forecast includes wind levels and temperatures that allow for a slow, calm burn that will create little smoke and cause minimal inconvenience to park-goers and community members.

Entergy Corporation, Hot Springs Park and Recreation and Equilibrium have recently implemented conservation efforts at Entergy Park.  Efforts are guided by a ten-year management plan to control invasive species.  Prescribed burning is a component of the management plan and will help control invasive types of vegetation, which are usually detrimental to the health of native habitats. Careful burning also keeps the park grounds free of dead debris buildup, and allows for greater sunlight to the reach the forest floor. The many walkers, hikers, bikers, and boaters to the area are accustomed to this neat and natural area, which the Hot Springs Parks and Recreation Department hopes to maintain with this project.

“We are excited to begin this initiative as part of our continued effort to offer this area as a truly memorable recreational site. Entergy Park’s natural trail system and lake views are enjoyed daily by visitors from Hot Springs and all over the state. A small burn will be slightly inconvenient for the day – but very beneficial to us all in the long term,” said Jean Wallace, Hot Springs Parks and Recreation Director. 

Equilibrium, a nonprofit organization that specializes in invasive species management among other environmental causes for Arkansas ecosystems has created fire breaks along each perimeter of the park. Special emphasis is being placed on the north and west boundaries of the park, as these areas are the closest proximity to nearby homes. Hot Springs Fire Department plans to assist with the prescribed burn and will foam and/or wet down benches, observational decks, and structures that are not intended to burn. Additionally, engines will be positioned in front of homes within visibility of the burn. The park will be closed during the burn.

Retired Garland County AFC Forester Dennis Sharp will coordinate with Equilibrium on the prescribed burn. Having burned all over Arkansas for a number of years, Sharp has surrounding homeowners’ top-of-mind. When weather conditions are just right, the prescribed burn will begin, with hopes of being finished by 4 p.m. It is intended for weather conditions to allow the transport of smoke high into the atmosphere to avoid road crossings and neighboring homes.

So - look soon for a bit of smoke to rise from the Entergy Park area, but expect it to dissipate just as quickly. All firefighters and Hot Springs officials thank everyone for their cooperation and patience with the upcoming undertaking of the prescribed burn. Entergy Park looks forward to hosting the added wildlife and green flowering season ahead, both of which will be positively influenced by this venture through public and private support.

Book flight early

The Commemorative Air Force Missouri Wing is now taking reservations for the flight of a lifetime:  the opportunity to ride in a fully-restored B-25 “Show Me” Mitchell Bomber and experience a bit of living history during Aerospace Day on Saturday, April 6 at Hot Springs Memorial Field. Aerospace Day offers information, displays and representatives from aerospace industries to discuss opportunities with those interested in aerospace careers.

The CAF will bring the B-25, along with the TBM-3 Avenger Torpedo Bomber, for public display during the event.  Nicknamed the “Show Me,” the B-25 proved itself in World War II to be a formidable ground attack weapon in addition to its primary mission as bomber, over land or sea.

During last year’s Aerospace Day, there were more “living history” ride requests than there was time to fly them.  Interested individuals are advised to book early, as seating is limited.  A fee is charged for the rides, which will also be offered on Friday, April 5.

Headquartered in Midland, Texas, the Commemorative Air Force is a non-profit organization comprised of more than seventy wings, detachments and units throughout the United States and four foreign countries. Since its founding in 1957, its primary mission has been to acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition historic U.S. combat aircraft for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations of Americans.  Throughout the past six decades, the CAF has obtained more than 150 historic aircraft of which 141 have been restored to flying condition by its all-volunteer members.  According to Colonel Bob Moore of the Missouri Wing, “It’s an honor and a privilege to keep these old warbirds flying as a tribute to all veterans, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending this nation,” Moore said.

To reserve a ride, call the CAF at 314-486-1205 or Hot Springs Memorial Field, 321-6750.

Aerospace Day slated at airport

Airplane lovers and career seekers can mark their calendars for the second annual Aerospace Day, slated for Saturday, April 6 at Hot Springs Memorial Field, 525 Airport Road.  The event is free of charge and open to the public.

Representatives from various companies and educational institutions will be on hand to discuss local career opportunities in the aerospace industry.  “Aerospace jobs are available right now, right here in Hot Springs,” said Airport Director George Downie.  “These jobs often become careers, as people tend to stay in the field once they receive the training they need.”  High school students considering a future occupation, as well as individuals who are thinking of switching to a new career, are encouraged to attend. 

Henderson State University will bring a flight simulator and training aircraft display.  National Park Community College, various airframe & powerplant (A&P) schools, and military recruiters will be on hand with applications and additional information.  A highlight for families and airplane lovers of all ages will be the Commemorative Air Force Missouri Wing’s B-25 Mitchell Bomber and TBM-3 Avenger Torpedo Bomber on display.  The World War II vintage aircraft will also be available for rides for a fee.  AAR will provide facility tours, and Western Pilot, Inc. will give an air tanker water drop demonstration.

For information on event sponsorship opportunities, contact Downie at 321-6750.

Rabies in Hot Springs

A skunk collected on Friday from the intersection of MidAmerica Boulevard and K-Tech Lane tested positive for rabies by the state lab today, according to Animal Services Director Dan Bugg. 

Skunks are mostly nocturnal animals and are normally not active during daytime.  To report unusual wildlife activity, call Animal Services at 262-2091.

More Village Animal Shelter delights

Tigger is a neutered male, domestic long hair, gray tabby with white; about six months old; front declawed; shy guy who wants to be adopted with sister Minnie.

Lainey is a spayed female; domestic short hair brown tabby; about four years old; extremely affectionate, has been a pet and would be great house cat.

Princess is a spayed female, domestic medium hair gray tabby; three months old; Princess and her brothers are available now at the Village Animal Shelter; precious little kittens.

Cognac is a neutered male, domestic short hair orange tabby; two months old; Cognac and his brother, almost identical, are shy and want to go to same home.

Carrie is a spayed female, Beagle/Bassett mix, red and white; four years old; very calm and sweet girl who would be a gentle companion.