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Sunday, April 28, 2013

Fire in the Village



















































































Last night the house five doors down at 2 Magda Lane had a fire. The loss looks total from the fire, smoke and water damage. All six residents are accounted for and beginning to cope with the devastating loss including a home, a truck, a car, a motorcycle and a lifetime worth of stuff.

It was early evening when we heard sirens nearby. We were in our backyard and knew it was close but just thought it was out on DeSoto Boulevard. We settled in to watch a little television and the puppies were wrestling around making lots of noise. We did not hear the first explosion. The puppies got more restless and I took them out in the backyard again.

When I went back in the house Lee was on the phone with our neighbor across the street. She said the street was on fire. We met each other in the street and saw indeed the end of our little cul-de-sac was on fire. The fire was huge and intense and we feared for our homes and our lives.

Thank goodness we had so much rain and dampness over the weekend or our whole neighborhood would have gone up in flames.

Our hero is the son of one of my neighbors catercorner across the street from the home that burned. He was watching a little television with his parents and saw the fire between a car on the side of the home and the garage. By the time he was off the phone notifying the police and fire department the garage was fully involved with fire. By the time the firefighters and the police arrived the entire house was involved as the fire spread through the attic.

The fire was fierce, intense and loud. The sound the fire made as it whooshed upward was deafening. We all thought the trees were going to catch and spread the fire to nearby homes. We live in the older part of the Village and the homes are in neighborhoods similar to the suburbs we moved here from, houses fairly close together with but with lots more trees.

Firefighters kept the fire from spreading but the house at number 2 is damaged beyond repair. The firefighters did not have a determination of what started the fire yet. An on-duty police officer told me the six residents of the house were not injured and were all safe.

A fire in the Village is a scary and dangerous thing, especially for us in a cul-de-sac with no way out. One of our neighbors with a truck with four wheel drive was prepared to gather up everyone's valuables and the elderly and drive through her backyard and the yard behind her to get to Arias to a safe escape, not an easy or safe feat. The more able bodies would be left to hike out. We would have had to leave just about everything behind including our transportation.

Since the fire was at the mouth of the cul-de-sac there would have been no escape that way. Fire has always been our worst nightmare living here. As I stated before our close-knit neighbors are all very grateful for the rain. If this fire had been last summer we may not have made it. The loss might have been far more serious than one home.

Thank you to all the support personnel that got the firefighters to the neighborhood so quickly. Thank you to the firefighters that did the best they could. Thank you to my neighbors that never cease to amaze me with their cohesiveness and generosity to each other.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Yard sale in my two car garage tomorrow

Two household garage sale at my house tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 12 Magda Lane, Hot Springs Village. Small furniture, loads and loads of books, CDs, DVDs. Motorcycle clothes, curtains, dishes and so much more. Help us make the sale a success, stop by and buy a deal.

Come rain or shine. We are set up in a two car garage to stay out of the rain.

There is also an estate sale a couple of blocks away on Cambre Circle. Double your deals.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Statement from Senator Mark Pryor On Today’s Signing of Historic Healthcare Legislation


Thanks to the Arkansas General Assembly’s groundbreaking vote, hundreds of thousands of hard-working Arkansans will now have access to affordable and reliable healthcare. I commend Republicans and Democrats for working together to improve access to healthcare and using the funding provided through the Affordable Care Act to benefit the people and economy of Arkansas.

New logo for college














Jennifer Seward’s graphic design class provided the graphics in the new NPCC Alumni & Friends Association logo. Pictured (front row, left to right ) Emilee Zaborowski, Samuel Harvey, Alyssa Owens, and Instructor Jennifer Seward. (Back row) Emilian Cimuca, Jacob Goessman, Kayland Childress, and Dalton Diles. Not pictured is David Wigley.

The National Park Community College (NPCC) Alumni and Friends Association (AFA) Advisory Council recently adopted a logo featuring the College’s Fisher Campus Center clock tower.

The AFA logo was created through a group effort of Jennifer Seward’s high school advertising and graphic design class.

“My students felt that the Alumni and Friends logo project was a great learning opportunity,” said Seward. “They implemented the whole design process from the initial brainstorming, to creating logo proofs, to receiving input from the (alumni) committee, and onto the completion of the final logo. I was pleased with the level of their work and participation as well. It was a good experience for them to see the skills they have learned in our program put to use.”

“The NPCC AFA has been a work in progress since 2009,” said Jane Yamauchi, NPCC Alumni and Special Events Coordinator, “and it is time to fully develop the association with a recognizable logo and awareness marketing campaign. I am very excited about our new logo.”

The purpose of the association is to support and promote a positive image of National Park Community College by developing relationships between NPCC, its alumni, current students, and the communities of Hot Springs and throughout Arkansas.

“We are currently in the process of planning events and activities to attract members while also supporting our current students with a scholarship and AFA sponsored events,” said Yamauchi.

Information on the NPCC Alumni and Friends Association may be found at www.npcc.edu, the NPCC Alumni and Friends Facebook page, or contacting Yamauchi at jyamauchi@npcc.edu or 501-760-6582.

Listen to Pryor's latest Pryor-Side Chat

U.S. Senator Mark Pryor released the newest installment of “Pryor-Side Chats” yesterday, featuring Kathy Deck, Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Arkansas. The episode highlights Arkansas’s growing manufacturing sector, home construction industry, and emerging job markets.


To access the full audio click on the following link:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/sdmc-media.senate.gov/Pryor/042213_PRYOR_1_RADIO.mp3
If you experience technical difficulties, please contact Lucy Speed at 202-224-2353.

Hot Springs street closures


Laser Street in Hot Springs, from the intersection of Kentucky Street and Indiana, and Virginia Street from the intersection of Winona Street to East St. Louis will be closed to through traffic Tuesday, April 23 and Wednesday, April 24 for manhole replacement construction.
 
Signs will be posted. Motorists will need to seek an alternate route during closures.

Cameron appointed to Arts Advisory Committee

























Former educator Nan Cameron was recently appointed by the Hot Springs Board of Directors to serve on the Arts Advisory Committee for the City of Hot Springs. The nine-member committee reviews and recommends placement of permanent art at publicly-owned facilities in the city; helps organize and promote temporary art exhibits at publicly-owned facilities; and helps secure private grant funding and art donations for permanent art displays at public buildings and facilities.

Cameron grew up in Austin, Texas as an irrepressible tomboy who owned and rode horses, roamed the hills of West Lake, swam in the Colorado River and Barton Springs, climbed trees and had an idyllic childhood as the offspring of Nan Elkins, Austin's First Lady of Theatre and Tommy Elkins, singer and statistician.

At four years of age she played a part in her first theatre production, The Clown Who Could Not Smile.  Years later, while in the University of Texas Drama Department, she lost her hoop skirt while center stage in front of 2,000 people, but carried on by kicking it behind a strategically placed sofa. She also did theatre performances on the night of The Bay of Pigs invasion and the afternoon that President Kennedy was assassinated.

As one of many former Texas residents in Hot Springs who visited only once before moving here, Cameron states, "We got here as soon as we could. I became enthralled with the warmth of the community, my wonderful home on Prospect Avenue and the organizations with which I've become involved.”  She is passionate about the beauty and culture of Hot Springs: the lakes, mountains, tall trees and the ever-expanding arts scene. 

Cameron considers herself a professional educator, in addition to working in the private sector in Japan and co-owning two high-tech companies in Austin, TX, dealing with enterprise networking and Linux education. Education is her first love, whether in the form the teaching of theatre and speech communication, law enforcement classes, cooking demonstrations or writing. She was the general manager, theatre director and scenic and lighting designer at the family-owned Theatre Unlimited in Austin.

Cameron is also a traveler, having backpacked around the world alone four times during jaunts ranging from ten to sixteen months, taking the time to explore and meet people in more than 70 countries.  She lived in a van for a year while traveling Europe, resided in a Thailand monastery and stayed in the Dalai Lama's home in Dharmasala, India.  She has walked the ruins of the Pagan Kingdom and explored the floating gardens of Myanmar’s Lake Inle, driven a caravan through the north and south islands of New Zealand, experienced Kathmandu and viewed Mount Everest from the northeastern edge of Nepal.  She has dived into the Great Barrier Reef and the Red Sea, and constructed a mandela in a Thailand cave one year before the tsunami swept over the area. Joyous about life, her motto is, "When in doubt, throw glitter."  

Do you know someone good in an emergency?


The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to announce the application period for the 2013 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards is now open.

These awards recognize outstanding individuals, organizations, Citizen Corps Councils and programs working to make our communities safer, stronger and better prepared for any disaster or emergency event. Submissions will be accepted April 22 through June 5.

To be considered for this year’s Awards, all submissions must be received by June 5, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. E.D.T. and are required to feature program activities taking place during the period of January 1, 2012 through June 5, 2013.  FEMA will review all entries and select the finalists.  A distinguished panel of judges from the emergency management industry will select a winner in each of the following categories:

Outstanding State Citizen Corps Council Initiatives
• Outstanding Local Citizen Corps Council Initiatives
• Outstanding Community Emergency Response Team Initiatives
• Outstanding Achievement in Youth Preparedness
Preparing the Whole Community 
• Awareness to Action
• Community Preparedness Heroes

Winners of the 2013 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Awards will be announced in Fall 2013.

Whether it is an individual or a faith-based, non-profit, private sector, community-based, or tribal organization – everyone makes a difference in our community. Acknowledge the work you or someone you know has done to build a more resilient nation and submit an application.

Visit the following website for information on the Awards and to download instructions for submitting an application:
www.ready.gov/citizen-corps-awards.

2013 Brings Beer, Wine, Food and Good Times Back to Dickey-Stephens Park

The Arthritis Foundation is bringing the 16th Annual Food & Foam Fest back to Dickey-Stephens Park this year with the event taking place Saturday, April 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. presented by Stryker. 
Food & Foam Fest is a beer festival offering samples of over 300 different kinds of beer, wine and cuisine from local restaurateurs with live music. Food & Foam Fest raises awareness of America's leading cause of disability, while raising much needed funds for research, health education and government advocacy to improve the lives of people with arthritis. Proceeds from the event are used for arthritis research, education and local programs. The Arthritis Foundation is committed to raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of arthritis, which strikes one in every five adults and 300,000 children, and is the nation’s leading cause of disability. In Arkansas alone, more than 653,000 adults and nearly 2,700 children have a form of arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation leads efforts to reduce the impact of arthritis by investing in research that is giving back mobility to countless patients, and providing empowering programs and support for adults, children and caregivers. 
Tickets are $40 per person or $65 for a VIP pass. Tickets can be purchased online at www.foamfest.org, or for more information call the Arthritis Foundation office at 501-664-4591.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Future of Arkansas control towers

During a recent Commerce Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Mark Pryor pressed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on its plan to eliminate funding for 149 contract control towers nationwide, including Fayetteville and Texarkana, due to sequestration. 

“The FAA has repeatedly said that the Air Traffic Control Tower Program is one of its most cost-effective programs,” Pryor said. “That’s why it makes no sense that the FAA would force this program to shoulder a disproportionate amount of sequestration cuts. The FAA needs to give us the analysis behind their decision-making process.”

After raising concerns about cost, Pryor questioned the FAA about the impact its plan would have on military training and readiness. Under the current proposal, the FAA would close the Texarkana control tower—one of the only facilities in the region that serves a wide range of recreational and military aircraft. Its proximity to two Military Operational Areas (MOA) and its central U.S. location makes this airport a major hub for military aircraft transit and training.

Pryor said Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) relies on the Fayetteville Airport’s hilly terrain and small runway to train for its current Afghanistan mission. Unfortunately, this control tower is now scheduled to be closed. Without this tower, LRAFB may have to find a new location to continue its tactical training.

“After looking over the numbers, it’s clear the FAA needs to reconsider its decision to close these towers,” Pryor said. “I hope the FAA will consider the negative impact on military readiness and public safety, and find a sensible solution that keeps these towers open.”

Recently, Pryor signed on to bipartisan legislation to prevent the FAA from targeting air traffic control towers. In March, he joined a coalition of senators on an amendment to the Senate Continuing Resolution (CR) prohibiting these cuts.

Street closures in Hot Springs


Traffic will be closed down to one lane and detoured at the intersection of Sixth Street and Noxon Street in Hot Springs, today, Monday, April 22, and one lane of Seventh Street at the intersection of Noxon will remain closed until April 30 for a water line construction project.
 
Charteroak Street, between West Belding Street and Hillwood will be closed to through traffic all day Monday, April 22 and Tuesday, April 23 for a gas line project.
 
Signs will be posted. Motorists will need to use caution when traveling in these areas.

Storm debris pick up in the Garland County part of the Village begins today

Garland County contractors will begin picking up storm debris from the Christmas Day storm for HSV residents in Garland County today, Monday, April 22. The Property Owners Association would like to thank Garland County officials for providing this service.

The Department of Public Works asks residents to make sure all debris from the storm is stacked by the roadside and not blocking traffic.Thank you for your continued patience.

For questions, contact Public Works at 922-5524 or 922-5528.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Police news from John Chapman


IN HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE POLICE NEWS HIGHLIGHTS:

LATE TUESDAY MORNING, THERE WAS A SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON BARCELONA ROAD AT THE INTERSECTION WITH LONJETA LANE, WHEN A VILLAGE MAN TOLD POLICE HE MAY HAVE BLACKED OUT AT THE WHEEL.  HIS CAR ENDED UP IN THE DITCH, WITH AN ESTIMATED $3000 IN DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END AND DRIVER'S SIDE.  THE DRIVER SAID HE WAS DIABETIC AND HAD NOT HAD ANYTHING TO EAT THAT DAY.  HE WAS TREATED AT THE SCENE BY PARAMEDICS AND TAKEN HOME BY POLICE, AFTER HIS CAR WAS TOWED.

HAS ANYONE SEEN A COW WALKING ALONG VILLAGE ROADS RECENTLY?  WELL, THAT WAS THE CASE YESTERDAY SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT, AS OFFICERS WERE CALLED TO THE AREA OF DESOTO AND CALELLA AFTER SOMEONE SPOTTED A COW WALKING EAST ON DESOTO.  THE COW WAS FOLLOWED UNTIL IT WENT INTO THE WOODS AROUND PERRALENA WAY, AND EVENTUALLY GAVE OFFICERS THE SLIP ON VALENCIA LANE.  DISPATCHERS FROM GARLAND COUNTY WERE CONTACTED TO DETERMINE IF THEY HAD ANY REPORTS OF A LOST COW, WHICH THEY DID NOT.   BUT AFTER A FEW CALLS THURSDAY MORNING TO SOME AREA FARMS, VILLAGE DISPATCHERS CAME UP WITH A LOCAL MAN WHO SAYS IT SOUNDS LIKE HIS COW, AND HE WOULD COME IN AND GET IT IF DIDN'T RETURN BACK TO THE FARM ON ITS OWN.   AND INTERIM POLICE CHIEF RICK MIDDLETON WAS QUOTED AS SAYING THAT TO HELP HIS OFFICERS CATCH ANY RUN-AWAY COWS IN THE FUTURE, HE WAS GOING TO EQUIP THE PATROL UNITS WITH LARIATS.

Local weather alert


Tornado Watch for Garland County, AR
until 5:00 PM CDT, Thu., Apr 18, 2013

Other affected areas:

ARKANSAS, AR; BAXTER, AR; BRADLEY, AR; CALHOUN, AR; CLARK, AR; CLEBURNE, AR; CLEVELAND, AR; CONWAY, AR; DALLAS, AR; DESHA, AR; DREW, AR; FAULKNER, AR; FULTON, AR; GARLAND, AR; GRANT, AR; HOT SPRING, AR; INDEPENDENCE, AR; IZARD, AR; JACKSON, AR; JEFFERSON, AR; LINCOLN, AR; LONOKE, AR; MONROE, AR; MONTGOMERY, AR; OUACHITA, AR; PERRY, AR; PIKE, AR; POPE, AR; PRAIRIE, AR; PULASKI, AR; SALINE, AR; SHARP, AR; STONE, AR; VAN BUREN, AR; WHITE, AR; WOODRUFF, AR; YELL, AR
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 125 IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

IN ARKANSAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 37 COUNTIES

IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS

CONWAY FAULKNER GARLAND GRANT LONOKE PERRY POPE PRAIRIE PULASKI SALINE WHITE YELL

IN EASTERN ARKANSAS

JACKSON MONROE WOODRUFF

IN NORTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS

BAXTER CLEBURNE FULTON INDEPENDENCE IZARD SHARP STONE VAN BUREN

IN SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS

ARKANSAS BRADLEY CLEVELAND DESHA DREW JEFFERSON LINCOLN

IN SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS

CALHOUN CLARK DALLAS HOT SPRING OUACHITA PIKE

IN WESTERN ARKANSAS

MONTGOMERY

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF... ARKADELPHIA... ARKANSAS CITY... ASH FLAT... AUGUSTA... BATESVILLE... BEEBE... BENTON... BRINKLEY... BRYANT... CABOT... CALICO ROCK... CAMDEN... CAVE CITY... CLARENDON... CLINTON... CONWAY... COTTON PLANT... DANVILLE... DARDANELLE... DE VALLS BLUFF... DE WITT... DES ARC... DUMAS... FAIRFIELD BAY... FORDYCE... GLENWOOD... GOULD... HAMPTON... HARDY... HAZEN... HEBER SPRINGS... HORSESHOE BEND... HOT SPRINGS... KINGSLAND... LITTLE ROCK... LONOKE... MALVERN... MAMMOTH SPRING... MCCRORY... MCGEHEE... MELBOURNE... MONTICELLO... MORRILTON... MOUNT IDA... MOUNTAIN HOME... MOUNTAIN VIEW... MURFREESBORO... NEWPORT... NORMAN... NORTH LITTLE ROCK... OLA... OXFORD... PERRYVILLE... PINE BLUFF... RISON... ROHWER... RUSSELLVILLE... SEARCY... SHERIDAN... STAR CITY... STUTTGART... THORNTON... VIOLA AND WARREN.

Fourth positive skunk confirmed in Garland County


HOT SPRINGS – A fourth skunk tested positive for rabies during the past week, this one in the Mountain Pine Road area. The homeowner had been smelling skunk for a few days. When playing ball with his son, he saw a skunk run out of the woods into his yard. He was able to shoot the skunk without any exposure to humans or animals.

This case makes the fourth positive skunk found in Garland County since early March. Pet owners are reminded to vaccinate all dogs and cats at least four months old to protect them from rabies.  After the first one-year vaccine is administered, a 3-year vaccine will suffice.   To report any unusual daytime activity by nocturnal creatures such as skunks or bats, call Hot Springs Animal Services, 262-2091.   

New officers for the POA board

Keith Keck is the new president of the Hot Springs Village Property Owners Association board of directors, John Cooney will serve as vice president.

One stop home ownership classes in Hot Springs

Two classes for first-time homebuyers will be held by the One-Stop Homeownership Community Development Center from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 20 and Saturday, April 27 at 600 West Grand Avenue. Potential first-time homeowners will learn about closing costs, down payment funding, and how to shop for a home. Both classes must be taken in order to qualify for a certificate worth up to $10,000 in down payment assistance through the Arkansas Down Payment Incentive (ADDI). For registration information, please call 617-0158 or 609-9411 on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

The King and I auditions at the Royal Theatre in Benton


Auditions for the Royal Players production, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I will be held Sunday, May 12 at 6 p.m. and Monday, May 13 at 7 p.m. at the Royal. Those auditioning should prepare a song. Please bring sheet music if you need an accompanist. There will be cold readings from the script. There are parts for males and females of all ages, including parts for more than a dozen children. Director is Tim Sopel. Royal Players website is theroyalplayers.com; theater phone is 501-315-5483.

Show goes up July 11.

Biohzard detection system alert exercise at Little Rock postal distribution center

WHAT: The Little Rock Processing and Distribution Center will conduct a Biohazard Detection System (BDS) positive-alert full-scale exercise on April 23. The entire exercise will last approximately four hours. 

Advance notice is being provided so local residents and businesses do not become alarmed by the drill, which may include the presence of several emergency vehicles. There will be no real emergency. A building evacuation similar to a standard fire drill will occur and decontamination stations will be set up by local First Responders.

WHO: U.S. Postal Service Emergency Management Teams, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, County Emergency Management Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Public Health, American Red Cross, County Fire/Hazmat, local Police Department, and State Police will also be participating in the exercise.

WHEN: April 23, 3 p.m.
WHERE: Little Rock Processing and Distribution Center 
4700 E McCain 
North Little Rock, AR 72231

ASO at Garvan Woodland Gardens this weekend


On Sunday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m., Garvan Woodland Gardens will be thrilled to host the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Concert, with Maestro Phillip Mann, for an evening of majestic music in beautiful Anthony Chapel. This event is hosted by the Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village Symphony Guild in cooperation with Garvan Woodland Gardens, and sponsored by Arvest Bank.

Music featured will include Vaughn Williams' "Fantasia," and Elgar, Higdon and Bartok's "Romanian Folk Dances." Call now, as limited seating is available for this "first" at Garvan Woodland Gardens!


After the concert, a "meet and greet" reception with members of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra in our lovely Magnolia Room. Desserts and beverages will be served. Additional tickets are required for this event.

Tickets for the Concert are $25 Members/$35 Non-members. Additional tickets for the Dessert Reception are $25 per person.

Advance reservations and prepayment are required. Call the Gardens at 800-366-4664 or 262-9300.

Children learn about snakes of Arkansas at Garvan Woodland Gardens

First Wednesday Children's Program: "Snakes of Arkansas"
May 1
10 a.m. -11 a.m. - Evan's Children's Adventure Garden


Snakes are among the least understood, yet most intriguing animals in Arkansas. Come and discover fascinating facts and learn how to identify the venomous and non-venomous snakes. Please meet at the Welcome Center promptly to walk to the Children's Garden as a group for this fun and educational workshop. Children must be accompanied by a parent or other adult; adult chaperones are admitted free! For ages 3-12. cost is $5 per child. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Please call 262-9300 or 800-366-4664 to register. Class size is limited.

Another Gardening 101 workshop at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Gardening 101 Workshop: "Irises"
April 30
9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Garden Grounds and Magnolia Room


Join Karen Johnson to learn the basics of the beautiful iris. You will start the day with a short stroll through the Gardens to identify different species of iris located in the Gardens and, then, continue your class indoors for a hands-on presentation. From the Bearded, to the Louisiana, to the Japanese Iris, Karen will focus on topics such as planting, re-blooming, and diseases and pests. She will also discuss how and when to transplant your iris and what types of fertilizer to use.

After the presentation, each student will have the chance to divide and clean their own iris to take home and plant. Cost is free to GWG members; Regular Gardens admission for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Call 262-9300 or 800-366-4664 to register. Space is limited so reserve your spot now.

Meet James Hayes at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Splash of Glass Members Only Preview Event
April 25
5:30 p.m. - Garvan Pavilion & Garden Grounds


Join us for a members only preview of Splash of Glass before it opens to the public, and meet James Hayes at a reception in the Garvan Pavilion.  Members are invited to tour the exhibit throughout the Gardens, beginning at 4 p.m. Be the first to view approximately 225 pieces of custom-created native Arkansas art glass installed in one of the top five most spectacular gardens in America!

A wine and light hors d'oeuvres reception will begin at the Garvan Pavilion starting at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. Rain date will be April 28, 2013.

The basics of garden design at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Gardening 101 Workshop: "Basic Elements and Keys to Garden Design"
April 22
9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Magnolia Room


Five basic elements are common to all garden design styles. Join Associate Executive Director Bob Byers as he discusses line, form, texture, color and scale. You will learn the importance of each and how to apply these elements in designing your own garden. The cost is free to GWG members; regular Gardens admission for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Call 262-9300 or 800-366-4664 to register. Space is limited.

Yoga at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garden Yoga with Alan Vandenbergh
April 20
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. - Klipsch Amphitheater


Second class in the yoga series. Classes will be led by Alan Vandenbergh. Alan is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. He operates a yoga studio in Hot Springs Village and also teaches in Hot Springs at Balance Yoga and Wellness. Sessions will be limited to 15 participants to enable hands on instruction. The classes can accommodate ages 13 and up. We’ll meet at the Klipsch Amphitheater, so allow enough time to get there promptly. Wear loose or stretchy clothes for comfortable movement. Bring your own mats and an old bath towel or other protection to use under your mat. There will be some mats available for those who need them. Each session will build on the previous and will be held the 3rd Saturday of the month March-May: March 16th, April 20th and May 18th.

Admission: $15 per class for both members & non-members. For families of 3 or more, $10 per person per class. Registration is non-refundable except in case of inclement weather, in which you will be refunded for that session. Pre-registration is required. Please call 262-9300 to register. Space is limited.

Painting with plants at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Children's Series: 'Painting with Plants"
April 20
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Model Train Deck


Plants survive in different environments due to special adaptations. One of those adaptations can be seen in different plant textures. Join Garden Education Director Megan Bradshaw on this beautiful spring morning to learn about adaptation in plants and have the chance to take home an art masterpiece when you're done. Children must be accompanied by a parent or other adult; adult chaperones are admitted free! The cost is $10 per child for GWG members or $12 per child for non-members. The program is open to children ages 6-12; class size limited to 12 children. Advance registration is required. Please call 262-9300 or 800-366-4664 to register.

This week at the Village Animal Shelter



ROXIE - Spayed female Shepherd/Lab mix, 1 year; cute medium size sweet girl, eager to please; great w/ kids, needs yard for place to romp


















CASEY - Spayed female, DSH, gray tabby, 8 mos.; polydactyl; sweet, active kitten

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

It's official, Ross running for Governor

PRESCOTT, ARK. – Former small business owner, state senator and U.S. Congressman Mike Ross formally declared his candidacy on Wednesday to seek the Democratic nomination for governor of Arkansas. 

Surrounded by family, friends and supporters in his hometown of Prescott in southwestern Arkansas, the event kicked off a statewide announcement tour, Ross said, where he plans to visit more than 30 communities throughout the state in 10 days, including Texarkana, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Jonesboro and Little Rock on Wednesday. 

Ross said his campaign would focus on Arkansas’s future – particularly in the areas of education and economic development – and that he would use his experience to bring people together, fight for middle-class families and move Arkansas forward.

“I’m running for governor, because I love our state and the people who call Arkansas home and because my desire to serve has never been greater,” said Ross in his announcement.  “I’m running for governor to build on the foundation and progress that Governor Beebe has made in the areas of education and economic development.  And, I’m running for governor, because I believe in our future and want to use my experience of bringing people together to unite our state and move Arkansas forward.”
The hometown celebration kicked off a statewide tour for Ross, with similar rallies in Texarkana, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Jonesboro and Little Rock.

Ross made the announcement in the foreground of his hometown’s industrial park, which he said represented both the successes and challenges facing communities around the state.  Recognizing Firestone, a company which last year dedicated a $36 million expansion project at its Prescott facility saving or creating 500 jobs, Ross said there have been some success stories in Arkansas like Firestone, but that many challenges remain.

“Like Prescott, we have too many industrial parks around this state that are too much park, and not enough industry…too many storefronts in town squares and on Main Streets that are boarded up or empty…and too many communities on the verge of collapse because a factory left town,” said Ross.  “But, as our economy recovers and gets stronger every day, I believe we stand on the cusp of an economic revolution in Arkansas.  That’s why education and job creation must be this state’s top priorities.  When I’m elected, you will have a governor that will work day and night to provide more educational opportunities and be this state’s biggest economic ambassador, because I believe in the future of Arkansas and its people.”

Ross, whose parents were both public school educators, said his campaign would also focus on improving education and better job training to prepare all Arkansans to graduate and get a job. 

“We must ensure our children and grandchildren have the educational opportunities they deserve, including access to a world-class education with well-paid teachers and safe schools,” said Ross.  “We must have the best community colleges and the strongest universities, so that we can ensure Arkansas will have the highly-skilled, well-educated workforce needed to attract the good-paying, high-tech jobs of the future.  Every single child born in Arkansas should have faith that if they work hard, play by the rules and study, they can reach their God-given potential and achieve their dreams – and they shouldn’t have to leave Arkansas to do so.”

Ross ended his announcement by promising to put forth policies throughout the campaign that will define his work as governor and shape his vision for Arkansas.

“Over the course of this campaign, we will propose policies and plans that tackle the big issues and put our state on a course to lead the nation in this new century,” said Ross.  “As governor, I will be a steady, compassionate and fair leader who listens, and I will use my experience of bringing people together to get results for middle-class families.  And, as your governor, my pledge to you will be what it has always been:  that I will never stop fighting for you and the common sense, Arkansas values we were raised on and still believe in.”
 

Ross, born in Texarkana, Ark., is a fifth-generation Arkansan raised in Prescott, Emmet and Hope.  He graduated from Hope High School and from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), working as a radio announcer to pay his way through college.  For 14 years, he owned and operated a family pharmacy with his wife, Holly, in their hometown of Prescott.

In 1990, Ross was elected to the Arkansas State Senate at age 29, then the youngest member in the State Senate, and served alongside now current Governor Mike Beebe.  In 2000, Ross beat U.S. Rep. Jay Dickey to win a seat in Congress representing Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District – a district that covered much of southern and western Arkansas.  That year, Ross was the only Democrat outside of California to unseat a Republican incumbent.

Ross left Congress in January 2013 after choosing not to seek a seventh term.  He briefly returned to the private sector to work at the Little Rock-based, non-profit Southwest Power Pool, before resigning as an officer and senior vice president to run for governor.

Ross has been married to his wife, Holly, for 30 years and they have two grown children.  They are members of the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock, where they now reside.

For more information about Mike Ross or his campaign, visit www.MikeRoss.com.

Court closure in Hot Springs

Hot Springs District Court, 607 Ouachita Avenue, will be closed April 25 and 26 for a judges and clerks conference. The office will re-open at 8 a.m. on Monday, April 29.

Hot Springs District Court will also be closed from 10 to 11 a.m. on May 1 for a staff meeting with the Administrative Office of the Courts. The court will be going on the Arkansas state computer system in early 2014. This meeting will help facilitate the transition.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Villager picked up in drug raid

According to the Garland County Sheriff's Department, an early morning raid Thursday, April 11, on a suspected drug house by agents with the 18th Judicial District East Drug Task Force resulted in the arrest of five suspects on multiple charges.

The agents, with the assistance of the Garland County Tactical Response Team made entry and executed a search warrant at 111 Lac Trail, located off the 1700 block of Highway 7 north, around 6:30 a.m. and located five suspects inside along with 57 grams of marijuana, 26 smoking devices, two handguns and three rifles.

A DTF spokesman said the warrant was the result of having made some controlled buys of narcotics from the residence and surveillance.

Those arrested included the two listed residents, James Harold Edmonds III, 19, and Tasha Lana Edmonds, 29, who were each charged with felony counts of simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, punishable by up to life in prison, maintaining a drug premises, possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, with intent to deliver, unauthorized use of another person’s property to commit certain crimes and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Tasha Edmonds also had a warrant for failure to appear on a previous charge.
Also arrested at the scene was Gabriel Michael Rendon, 18, of 26 Paralina Way, Hot Springs Village, who was charged with simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and possession of paraphernalia.

Also arrested were Ronald Anthony Chaney, 19, who lists an address of 219 Laredo Loop, and Cody Lee Duty, 18, no address listed, who were each charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and possession of paraphernalia, but not charged in connection with the weapons or the residence.

As of Monday, Rendon remained in custody in lieu of $10,000 bond and Duty was still being held in lieu of $3,500 bond, but the others had all bonded out. All of the suspects are set to appear April 23 in Garland County District Court.
The DTF is comprised of officers with the Hot Springs Police Department, Garland County Sheriff’s Department and Arkansas State Police.

The above are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

Monday, April 15, 2013

New GM for the Village


HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE, Ark. – The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that David Twiggs, Chief Operating Officer of Savannah Lakes Village in South Carolina, has accepted our offer to become the Chief Operating Officer/General Manager of the Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association.  Twiggs, who is 48 years old, will assume his new position in early June.  David, his wife Ashley, and daughters Salem and Catherine (CeCe) are very excited about moving to Hot Springs Village.

Directors Tom Bryant and John Cooney led the search committee composed of themselves and three other Hot Springs Village residents, all with years of recruiting experience.   After GSI Executive Search was awarded the contract in January, they executed a national search for the new General Manager.  POA Board President Jerry Kosoglow said,  “Twiggs was one of several candidates all of whom had excellent credentials and experience.   David was picked as clearly the top candidate after two lengthy interviews with Board members and extensive background and reference checks.” 

Before moving to Savannah Lakes in April 2004, Twiggs was general manager of the Bent Tree Community in Jasper, Ga., for five years, and general manager of Linville Land Harbor in Linville, N.C., for four years.  Bent Tree and Linville Land Harbor are both golf-course communities.  He began his career in Plymouth, N.C., where he was town manager for three years.

“We are changing the title from General Manager to COO/General Manager to reflect the broadened perspective we want David to have relative to providing exceptional member services and planning for the future, reinvigorated growth of Hot Springs Village,” Kosoglow said. 

Twiggs has a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Commercial Recreation from Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C.  

Nationally he is active with the Urban Land Institute, American Planning Association, U.S. Green Building Council, the Congress for the New Urbanism, and the Club Managers Association of America.

David has said he “focuses on finding new models for large-scale community associations to positively impact the tourism-based economic development of their region, while improving the association’s livability and competitive marketing advantage.” 

David feels he can use his education, experience and participation in national associations to advance positive changes for all members (he prefers this term to property owners). 

He has a special interest in sustainable community development and says, “Good communities deliver a triple bottom line: Improved quality of life, environmental stewardship and economic development.”

The Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association Board of Directors agrees with him.

Sister city art contest













































The Hot Springs, Arkansas and Hanamaki, Japan winners of the 2013 Sister Cities International Young Artists Showcase local competition, co-sponsored by the Hot Springs National Park Sister City Program and the Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs, were announced during Friday’s Gallery Walk at the Fine Arts Center.  The contest theme was “The Power of Exchange.”  This year, both art and poetry entries were submitted.  The entries will be on display until the end of April at the Fine Arts Center, located at 626 Central Avenue.

The first-place art entries from both Hot Springs and Hanamaki will be sent to Sister Cities International for national competition, with the opportunity to go on for display during the 2013 Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX in June.  If chosen as a finalist, the winning entries will go on an international tour to select Sister City locations for one year. The winners are:

HANAMAKI, JAPAN - Art
First place – Yuka Kikuchi, age 17, Hanamaki Higashi High School, unnamed artwork.  “Last year, I participated in an exchange program with our sister city, Hot Springs.  It was a great opportunity, and the importance of respecting each person’s individuality was really impressed on me.  I tried to express this in my drawing.  The colors represent different races of people, so the image represents exchange between different races.  The hands removing the blocks express people cooperating together.”

Second place – Chieri Chida, age 17, Hanamaki Higashi High School, unnamed artwork.  “I imagined various cultures blending together into one.  I think it is important for foreign cultures to respect each other and understand and incorporate the positive aspects of each other’s cultures.  I think it would be very beneficial if through international exchange we could learn about many different countries and deepen our connection with them.  So I also intended this piece to signify a unification of various cultures.”

HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS  - Art
First place – Kelci Adams, age 15, Fountain Lake High School, Gift of Giving.  “What inspired me was the face that we all need to come together and be close and I believe that the hand demonstrated it well.”

Second place – Reagan Clem, age 17, Fountain Lake High School, A Food from Two Cities.  “In both cities, we have food from different cultures that we enjoy.  This is a representation of such.”

Third place – Alexis Price, age 17, Fountain Lake High School, Together As One.  “A dogwood tree which is American and Sakura tree which is Japanese, coming together as one.”

HOT SPRINGS, Arkansas – Poetry
First Place – Taylor Beakley, age 17, ASMSA, Willing Generations.  “I was inspired by the views of my peers and how they contrast with older generations’ views.”

Second Place – Emily Hollansworth, age 18, ASMSA, One Heart.  “In the summer of 2010, I traveled to Hanamaki, Japan as part of the first student delegation from Hot Springs.  While in Japan, I stayed with Himeka Sasaki.”

Barber Street water improvement calls for long-term closure


Baber Street in Hot Springs, from West St. Louis to Albert Pike Road will be closed to through traffic for 30 days beginning today, Monday, April 15 for water improvement construction. Baber Street will reopen each evening.
 
Signs will be posted. Motorists will need to seek an alternate route during closure.

Art at the airport














The public is invited to an opening reception featuring the works of Traditional Art Guild Artist Nina Louton from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 20 in the terminal building at Hot Springs Memorial Field, 525 Airport Road. The exhibit will remain on display until mid-May.

The collection, “Horses and Horse Lovers,” is an eclectic mix of acrylics, oils, and watercolors. Although the majority of the works are realistic, there are a few contemporary art pieces. A retired teacher, Louton understands how important art is to the well-rounded child. “Success in artistic endeavor can actually improve academic success,” states Louton. Born ninth of ten children on a farm near Lake Ouachita’s Denby Point, she began studying art with her mother using paper, clay, cloth, wax, and gourd art, as well as clothing design and gardening. She earned a Bachelor of Science and Education degree from Henderson State University in 1970, and a Masters Degree in 1991. Married to husband Jimmy in 1969, the Loutons raised three children. Believing that supporting the arts is an important part of being an artist, Louton is a former board secretary of The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs, a member of several Fine Arts Center committees, and president of the 2007-2009 and 2012 Traditional Art Guild. Working with The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs, she teaches Terrific Tuesdays and Wonderful Wednesdays to home school students and summer art since 2002 as well as adult classes in multi-media arts. More of Louton’s work can be seen at the Artists’ Workshop.
 
TAG sponsors a new exhibit at the airport each month and meets monthly on the third Thursday except through the summer months at the Garland County Library.  For membership information, contact President Joanne Kunath, 501-262-2953 or Traditionalartguild.com .

Gaines Street scheduled for manhole replacement


The 400 block of Gaines Street in Hot Springs, between Washington and Runyon Streets will have one lane closed all week beginning today, Monday, April 15 for manhole replacement and sewer pipe bursting.
 
Signs will be posted. Motorists will need to use caution when traveling in this area.

No extras for tax day


Millions of Americans wait until the last minute to file their tax returns. This year is no different. Filers have until 12 Midnight on Monday, April 15, 2013, to drop off their completed returns. The Postal Service will not be adding any additional window hours or collection times.

Postmaster Gregg Tolliver is urging customers to be aware of this change. “The latest window hours and collection time is 8 p.m. at the Little Rock Processing & Distribution Center located at 4700 E McCain, North Little Rock.”

“Customers can be assured all mail dropped in the blue collection boxes at the Processing & Distribution Center location until 8 p.m. will receive an April 15 postmark. Although the deadline is Monday, April 15, customers are urged to drop off returns as early as possible,” says Tolliver.
The Postal Service offers the following advice to tax filers: 

· Use First-Class postage. 


· Use pre-addressed labels where possible. Write clearly. Take special care to ensure that handwritten envelopes are legible, and include a return address.

· Affix sufficient postage. One ounce is 46 cents; every additional ounce up to 13 ounces costs an additional 20 cents per ounce.

· Double-check postage. Weigh any return that feels heavier than one ounce. Tax agencies do not accept postage due mail; tax returns bearing insufficient postage will be returned – meaning taxpayers may be penalized for filing late tax returns.

· Avoid the mad rush at the post office. Mail returns in local collection boxes, but remember to make certain that the posted pick-up time has not passed to ensure returns will have an April 15 postmark.

· For customers who send original receipts to tax agencies, registered mail is a good choice.

· Make certain bulky envelopes are securely sealed.
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Lost cat in Village























DESCRIPTION: Yellow and White Tabby Cat - 2 years old, Female, fixed, all shots, no collar

LOCATION/DATE: Lost on Cresta Way, Baleric and Balboa area on 4/9

CONTACT: Jackie Malone 501-804-2190 cell

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Severe thunderstorm warning for Garland County


Issued by The National Weather Service
Little Rock, AR

Wed, Apr 10, 2013, 1:21 PM CDT

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LITTLE ROCK HAS ISSUED A
* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR... NORTHWESTERN GARLAND COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS... MONTGOMERY COUNTY IN WESTERN ARKANSAS... SOUTHWESTERN YELL COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS...
* UNTIL 200 PM CDT
* AT 118 PM CDT... NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE HAIL... AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED 3 MILES NORTHWEST OF GAP MTN... OR 12 MILES SOUTHWEST OF MT IDA... AND MOVING NORTHEAST AT 35 MPH.
* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE... MT IDA... LAKE OUACHITA... ODEN... NORMAN... MUDDY CREEK WMA... MIMOSA... MAULDIN... GAP MTN... GAP CREEK REC AREA... FOURCHE VALLEY... WASHITA... STORY... SIMS... SILVER... PENCIL BLUFF... ONYX... HURRICANE GROVE... HOPPER...
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE WARNED AREA. TORNADOES CAN DEVELOP QUICKLY FROM SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS. ALTHOUGH NOT IMMEDIATELY LIKELY... IF A TORNADO IS SPOTTED... ACT QUICKLY AND MOVE TO A PLACE OF SAFETY INSIDE A STURDY STRUCTURE... SUCH AS A BASEMENT OR SMALL INTERIOR ROOM.

Tornado Watch for Garland County


Issued by The National Weather Service
Little Rock, AR

Wed, Apr 10, 2013, 1:21 PM CDT

..NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 89 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

IN ARKANSAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 39 COUNTIES
IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS
CONWAY FAULKNER GARLAND GRANT LONOKE PERRY POPE PRAIRIE PULASKI SALINE WHITE YELL
IN EASTERN ARKANSAS
JACKSON MONROE WOODRUFF
IN NORTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS
BAXTER CLEBURNE FULTON INDEPENDENCE IZARD MARION SEARCY SHARP STONE VAN BUREN
IN SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS
ARKANSAS BRADLEY CLEVELAND DESHA DREW JEFFERSON LINCOLN
IN SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
CALHOUN CLARK DALLAS HOT SPRING OUACHITA PIKE
IN WESTERN ARKANSAS
MONTGOMERY
THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF... ARKADELPHIA... ARKANSAS CITY... ASH FLAT... AUGUSTA... BATESVILLE... BEEBE... BENTON... BRINKLEY... BRYANT... BULL SHOALS... CABOT... CALICO ROCK... CAMDEN... CAVE CITY... CLARENDON... CLINTON... CONWAY... COTTON PLANT... DANVILLE... DARDANELLE... DE VALLS BLUFF... DE WITT... DES ARC... DUMAS... FAIRFIELD BAY... FLIPPIN... FORDYCE... GLENWOOD... GOULD... HAMPTON... HARDY... HAZEN... HEBER SPRINGS... HORSESHOE BEND... HOT SPRINGS... KINGSLAND... LESLIE... LITTLE ROCK... LONOKE... MALVERN... MAMMOTH SPRING... MARSHALL... MCCRORY... MCGEHEE... MELBOURNE... MONTICELLO... MORRILTON... MOUNT IDA... MOUNTAIN HOME... MOUNTAIN VIEW... MURFREESBORO... NEWPORT... NORMAN... NORTH LITTLE ROCK... OLA... OXFORD... PERRYVILLE... PINE BLUFF... RISON... ROHWER... RUSSELLVILLE... SEARCY... SHERIDAN... STAR CITY... STUTTGART... SUMMIT... THORNTON... VIOLA... WARREN AND YELLVILLE.

Lake wind advisory all day today


Issued by The National Weather Service
Little Rock, AR

Wed, Apr 10, 2013, 4:50 AM CDT

 ... LAKE WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

* EVENT... WINDS OF 15 TO 25 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS ARE EXPECTED.
* TIMING... WINDS WILL REMAIN GUSTY THROUGH THIS EVENING.
* IMPACT... GUSTY WINDS WILL CREATE ROUGH CONDITIONS ON AREA BODIES OF WATER. BOATERS ARE ADVISED TO USE CAUTION.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A LAKE WIND ADVISORY INDICATES THAT WINDS WILL CAUSE ROUGH CHOP ON AREA LAKES. SMALL BOATS WILL BE ESPECIALLY PRONE TO CAPSIZING.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Lake wind advisory today


Issued by The National Weather Service
Little Rock, AR

Tue, Apr 9, 2013, 4:21 AM CDT

A. LAKE WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...
A LAKE WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING.
* EVENT... SOUTH WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 15 TO 25 MPH... WITH GUSTS AROUND 30 MPH EXPECTED.
* TIMING... WINDS WILL INCREASE EARLY THIS MORNING AND REMAIN GUSTY INTO THE EARLY EVENING HOURS.
* IMPACT... GUSTY WINDS WILL CREATE ROUGH CONDITIONS ON AREA LAKES. BOATERS ARE ADVISED TO USE CAUTION.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A LAKE WIND ADVISORY INDICATES THAT WINDS WILL CAUSE ROUGH CHOP ON AREA LAKES. SMALL BOATS WILL BE ESPECIALLY PRONE TO CAPSIZING.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Keeping up with the pipeline break

The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality is posting air quality monitoring data from the site of the March 29 ExxonMobil pipeline spill in Mayflower on the agency’s public website. 

Continuous air quality monitoring is being conducted by both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ExxonMobil. The air monitoring data from both EPA and ExxonMobil have been reviewed by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). ADH has concluded that the data results are similar.

The data is at http://www.adeq.state.ar.us/hazwaste/mayflower_oil_spill_2013/default.htm.

As cleanup continues, contaminant levels continue to decrease. To date, the air quality readings have been below levels likely to cause health effects for the general population with the exception of the cleanup areas where the emergency responders are directly working. On-going air monitoring will continue throughout the local community and in the evacuated neighborhood. In addition to meeting air quality standards, additional cleanup efforts must be finalized before residents are allowed to re-enter. Evacuated residents will be promptly notified when conditions for re-entry are met.

Hayes at Christ of the Hills

The Christ of the Hills Chancel Choir in the Village will host a concert with Mark Hayes, performing six of his anthems and including a piano recital by Mark, beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday April 13. A reception will follow. The public is invited. There is no admission charge. 
Come! Enjoy! A good chance to personally meet one of the most prolific composers of Christian music today.

Road closed until repair completed

Shady Grove Road in Hot Springs, between Golf Links and Carpenter Dam Road, is currently closed to through traffic due to a pole that was knocked down earlier this morning.  The Hot Springs Police Department is directing traffic at either end of the closed section.  Motorists are asked to seek an alternate route until the road can be re-opened.

Extended street closing


Shiloh Street in Hot Springs, from Grove to Pleasant Street will remain closed to through traffic from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. through Friday, April 19 for water main replacement.
 
Signs will be posted. Motorists will need to seek an alternate route during closure.

Smokin'


































The National Park Community College Hospitality students prepared a special “Thank You Lunch” for the NPCC Welding class on Thursday, March 7th. The Welding class spent many hours in the fall creating a smoker/grill for the Hospitality program to use for various events and Alternative CafĂ© openings. To customize it, they welded “NPCC” on the front of the smoker and created a smokestack in the shape of a chef’s hat. The students are thrilled and will be using it for years to come. For the lunch, the culinary students prepared smoked pork butts on the new smoker, along with smoked barbequed baked beans and coleslaw.