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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

New FEMA region 6 director

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today named David Passey as Deputy Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 6.

“David has 22 years of experience in dealing with emergency managers at the local, state, tribal, federal and international level,” said Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “With his leadership and communications skills, he will be a great asset for this Region."

Passey, a Magna Cum Laude graduate from Brigham Young University, began his FEMA career as an Emergency Management Intern at FEMA Headquarters in 1991. Since moving to Region 6 in 1992, he has served in several positions including Hazard Mitigation Specialist, Flood Mitigation Specialist and Regional External Affairs Officer. In the fall of 2007, he left Region 6 to serve as Senior DHS Representative to NATO. He returned to Region 6 in 2011, most recently serving as Hazard Mitigation Assistance Branch Chief.

As Deputy Regional Administrator, Passey will work closely with state, tribal, federal partners, and local emergency managers to support our communities as they prepare for, respond to, recover from and to mitigate against disasters. “I’m looking forward to the challenges of the job, and the chance to strengthen the ties Region 6 has with our partners,” said Passey.

Passey fills the position which was vacated when Tony Robinson was named Administrator of FEMA Region 6 on January 10.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Derrick Estell escape and updates



















Derrick Estell, a white male, age 33, escaped from the Garland County Detention Center at approximately 1:40 p.m. Sunday afternoon, in an apparent elaborate plan, with an unknown female picking him up. Details are very limited at this time.

Estell and his accomplice(s) should be considered to be armed, dangerous and extremely aggressive. Anyone coming into contact with them should use extreme caution, notify local law enforcement immediately and refrain from trying to detain them.

Update, Sunday, 3:01 p.m.

Estell was back for court on 26 different charges, including; multiple Aggravated Robbery, Burglary, B&E, Thefts and Fleeing.

Update, Sunday, 3:06 p.m.

He was brought back from the Arkansas Department of Corrections, for court in Garland County on pending charges.

Update, Sunday, 3:42 p.m.

The Garland County Sheriff's Department has no location, vehicle, direction of travel, accomplice etc. info at this point.

According to Lt. James "Corky" Martin, "one question that we received that I can answer is that we have no knowledge of any weapon that Estell may have on or with him. Due to his violent history and the fact that he has always been located with weapons, we have to assume that this time will be no different."

Update, Sunday, 9:59 p.m.

At this time the Garland County Sheriff's Department has no substantial updates on the escape of Derrick Estell. The vehicle that he was able to get into was recovered a few minutes after the escape, so we have no current vehicle information or possible location(s) to pass along.

The Garland County Sheriff's Department has one subject in custody, 58 year old William Harding, for assisting in the escape. The only previous charges we have had on Harding is Domestic Battery and Public Intoxication.

Investigators are following up on numerous leads and we do expect warrants to be issued for others and more arrests to be made in relation to those who have assisted in the escape.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Estell, they are asked to call 911 or our anonymous tip line at 501-622-3674.

Update, Monday, 1:08 p.m.

Investigators continued to work throughout the night in the capture of Derrick Estell. They have received dozens of leads and are working relentlessly to follow up on all of them. As of now, Estell is still on the loose.

After being brought back from the Adult Detention Center for court, Estell was on an inmate phone in the booking area, in close proximity to a 12” high by 30” wide service window that is utilized to interact with the public during visitation, the booking process and general detention business.

William Harding, who is currently in custody on First Degree Escape (charge to be amended to Assisting in or Furnishing an Implement for Escape), engaged our deputies in a conversation in relation to another inmate by asking them questions that diverted their attention and required them to go to the other side of the booking room to look up answers. Once the deputies were away from the window, Estell jumped the counter and slid out the window, with one of our deputies immediately following him through. This was during inmate visitation and there were only 2 deputies in the booking room at the time.

Estell fled through the parking lot, with a deputy following, into the alleyway between the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Senior Care Center on Woodbine. Tamara Upshaw (who now has a warrant out for her arrest for Assisting in or Furnishing an Implement for Escape) was waiting in the alleyway, in a vehicle owned by Harding, with the passenger door open. Estell was able to close the door and Upshaw began driving away as our deputy attempted to bust out the passenger window, causing slight injury to his hands, and gain access to Estell. The vehicle was located abandoned a few minutes later on Greenwood Avenue by the Hot Springs Police Department. At this time we have no other vehicle information to put out.

Investigators have reason to believe that others are involved in the planned escape and are working to confirm the information received and issue warrants for their arrest. At this time, those names are being withheld, but could include family members, friends and other inmates of the both the Garland County Detention Center and Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

June Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced the Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Board awarded $370,163.56 to victims of violent crime in June. Awards were made in 139 new cases. Additional expenses were paid in 46 previously submitted cases.

Crime victims in Arkansas are eligible for reparations to assist in payment of unexpected expenses such as medical treatment and mental-health counseling. Compensation is also available for lost wages and replacement services. The Attorney General’s Office administers the state’s Crime Victims Reparations Program.

The Crime Victims Reparations Board determines which claims are eligible for payment and how much money will be awarded to each claimant. Though most awards are limited to $10,000 or less, the maximum award can be as high as $25,000 for crime victims who receive catastrophic injuries.

The Crime Victims Reparations Program was established by the General Assembly in 1987. The program is funded by court costs and fees, as well as fines imposed on convicted criminals.

In 2012, the Crime Victims Reparations Board awarded a total of $3,930,971.02 in reparations.

Members of the Crime Victims Reparations Board are Dr. Janice Church, Bryce Brewer and Alex Finger, all of Little Rock, Colleen Nick of Alma and Louis Jones of Fayetteville.
  
For more information about the program, call the Crime Victims Hotline at (800) 448-3014 or visit the Attorney General’s website, www.ArkansasAG.gov

Hot Springs Concert Band update

Nora Cole of the Hot Springs Concert Band has a message regarding
the scholarship students.

Congratulations to our 2013 HSCB Summer Scholarship Winners and to
all of the great students who took the time in their busy summer to be
a part of the band for the past six weeks. We couldn't have asked for
a better group of teens.

1st place and $1000 Brett Faulkner
2nd place and $750 Mitchell Britt Wright
3rd placed and $500 Heath Jackson

Participants Megan Chaney, Bryson Clegg, Harrison Glaeser and Alyssa
Silcko were all given $100.

Also, a BIG thank you to the folks who took on the extra responsibility of
being mentors for these students: Richard, Deborah, Dennis; Bill
Morgan and Hal; Julie; Bill Crook, Tammy; The entire percussion
section, but specifically Charles Gilmore and Mary Lynn; Tom, Ron
and Donna. The mentors play a huge part in this program with out
them, it would not work. So again, THANK YOU.

District 5 community meeting

City Director Karen Garcia will host a District 5 community meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 1 at the Forest Lakes Clubhouse, 305 Forest Lakes Boulevard. Interested residents are encouraged to attend and bring a neighbor.
 

Hot Springs Fire Chief Ed Davis will be the special guest. For more information, contact Garcia, 318-9046 or kgarcia@cablelynx.com .

Learn about airplanes

Introduction to Aerospace classes are being scheduled for this fall by the National Park Community College Workforce Development Department. The first class will be held on Monday and Wednesday evenings, from 6-9 p.m., beginning on August 26, 2013 and concluding on February 19, 2014. A second class will run from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, starting October 15, 2013 and concluding April 15, 2014.

The program combines classroom instruction and hands-on activities that include: safety maintenance practices, shop math, aircraft blueprints, hand tools, precision measuring, aircraft structural materials, aircraft hardware, aircraft sheet metal, composites, and maintenance manual interpretation.


Cost for this course is $600, with limited scholarships available. Applications for the class can be downloaded online at www.npcc.edu/workforce. For more information or to register, contact Vickie Harrison at vharrison@npcc.edu or call 501.760.4135.

FFA volunteers clean up
















Volunteer groups from Arkansas Future Farmers of America and JumpStart Arkansas recently lent their helping hands to the Hot Springs Parks and Recreation Department.

On Thursday, July 11, as part of their Arkansas leadership conference, 20 members of the Future Farmers of America spent several hours spreading soil on the soccer fields at Kimery Park. On Thursday, July 18, the group spent a few hours spreading gravel at Entergy Park.

On Saturday, July 20, a group of 113 pastors and church leaders with JumpStart Arkansas met at Hill Wheatley Park to complete several projects. The group painted the inside and outside of restrooms, removed debris from the cove and cleared brush along paths and roads.

Road closure in Hot Springs

The Daisy Street closing in Hot Springs from Grove to Grand Avenue has been rescheduled due to inclement weather. The street will be closed to through traffic from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. today, Thursday, July 25 for paving work.

Can you identify this person?


Investigator Severns of the Garland County Sheriff's Office needs your help in identifying the suspect in the attached picture. This person is the suspect of three Burglaries and a Breaking or Entering in the 2100 block of Airport Road, in the last couple of days.

Although the photo does not give much detail, the tattoos should be recognizable.

If you have any information on this suspect, you are asked to contact Investigator Severns at 501-622-3690 or our anonymous tip line 501-622-3674. 

Road closed today in Hot Springs

Woodlawn Avenue in Hot Springs from Seventh to Ranch Street will be closed to through traffic today, Thursday, July 25 for stormwater and sewer reporting.
 

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

City's paving program begins today

If weather and equipment cooperate, the City of Hot Springs’ 2013 Paving Program will begin today, Thursday, July 25, improving the driving conditions of 27 city street segments representing a total of 4.3 linear miles (paving map attached).

Each year, using combined input from the public along with the Hot Springs Board of Directors and city staff, street needs are assessed, prioritized and ultimately approved in the city’s annual budget. This year, 1.3 linear miles of paving were added to the original 3-mile plan, after the Board of Directors approved the use of funds from the State of Arkansas’ new ½ cent sales tax.

The paving process generally includes prior repair and upgrade of public and private utilities. Cleaning and repair of drainage structures is the next step, followed by trimming overhead limbs and removing overgrowth from street shoulders. Cold-milling, or surface smoothing, and cleanup of debris is next, followed by asphalt paving. Afterwards, storm grates, manholes, water valves and handicap ramps are adjusted to match grade.  Finally, the street is newly striped.

Residents are asked in advance to remove their vehicles from the target area.  They can further assist the paving process by finding alternate routes to avoid active paving when possible.


Those with questions about the paving program can call 321-6865. The entire program is expected to be completed before Thanksgiving.  

Burn bans lifted

According to Hot Springs Fire Chief Ed Davis, the burn ban for the City of Hot Springs has been lifted, following precipitation throughout the local area.

Garland County Judge Rick Davis lifted the burn ban on Garland County.

Lots of cats at the Village Animal Shelter























Baxter is a domestic short-haired solid gray kitty.  Baxter is a three month old neutered male, a handsome kitty that will grow to be an elegant gray cat, playful, friendly






















Gigi is a domestic long-haired muted silver tabby. Gigi is a two and a half month old spayed female; gorgeous fluffy kitty with luxurious coat.























Jossie is a domestic short-haired tuxedo (black & white). Jossie is a 15 month old spayed female, perfectly marked cat, easy-going.

















Pancake is a domestic short-haired, neutered male, orange tabby.  Pancake is  six and a half months old, beautiful orange eyes to match coat.






















Katy is a domestic short-haired spayed female Bobtail tortie. Katy is four months old, striking tortie with natural bobtail, friendly kitten.

The shelter is on Cloaca Lane at the east end of the Village. Call 915-9337 to adopt a pet.

First Friday in Hot Springs


2013-august-first-friday






Karaoke back at Balboa

The Balboa Club is open for business and karaoke will resume on Friday, July 26.

Adopt a golf course hole

Please help the course crews maintain Village courses, one of the greatest assets, by "adopting a hole". There are no prizes or rewards, just pride in the quality, caliber and appearance of Village golf courses.

If interested, pick up broken tees, pick up other debris, sand divots and repair ball marks on the adopted hole; not just your divots, tees, debris and ball marks, but any you see. Get playing partners to do the same whenever playing that hole. Soon enough everyone's efforts will make a difference.

At Isabella and Granada, there are new plastic tees that are more durable that the POA would like for golfers to try out. Just ask at the Pro Shop the next time you play and the POA will give you a few to test! The POA is hoping to reduce the number of broken tees that get left behind as these plastic tees do not break as easily as wooden tees.

To sign up, go to: http://hsvpoa.org/golf/adopt-a-hole/ then scroll down to see the holes that are available for adoption. Fill out the form at the bottom of the page to sign up.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Resurfacing schedule

The Hot Springs Village Street Resurfacing program is currently underway. Martin Marietta paving crews are resurfacing the following streets the week of July 23-26:

Wednesday, July 24 - Cordero Lane, Emanuel Circle, Emperado Way, Ensenada Lane, La Vista Lane & Matamoroe Way

Thursday, July 25 - Barcelona Rd. (La Coruna-Calella), Alcantara Lane, Lonjeta Lane & Sandalo Lane

Friday, July 26 - DeSoto Marina Rd., Los Lago Way, Plana Place

Flyers will be distributed to residents in the affected areas in advance of the paving. Please observe all posted signs and avoid roads to be paved, if possible.

Schedule is subject to change. For the latest road resurfacing information, click the “Sign Up for POA E-News” button on the http://www.hsvpoa.org homepage and sign up for email blasts or contact the public works department at 922-5524 or 922-5528.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Yet Another thunderstorm warning for Garland

Local Weather Alert

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Garland County, AR

until 3:45 PM CDT, Tue., Jul 23, 2013

Other affected areas: 
GARLAND, AR;  PERRY, AR

Issued by The National Weather Service
Little Rock, AR

Tue, Jul 23, 2013, 3:24 PM CDT

AT 319 PM CDT... NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS CONTINUED TO TRACK A LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE HAIL... AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THESE STORMS WERE LOCATED ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 6 MILES SOUTHWEST OF LAKE HAMILTON TO 4 MILES EAST OF CADDO VALLEY... MOVING WEST AT 15 MPH.

... A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR SOUTHWESTERN PERRY AND CENTRAL GARLAND COUNTIES UNTIL 345 PM CDT...
* LOCATIONS IN THE PATH OF THIS LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS INCLUDE... PINEY... MOUNTAIN PINE... LENA LNDG REC AREA... LAKE OUACHITA SP... JESSIEVILLE... MOUNTAIN VALLEY... LAKE PINEDA... LAKE DESOTO... HAMILTON... FOUNTAIN LAKE...
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND IN EXCESS OF 60 MILES PER HOUR... DESTRUCTIVE HAIL... DEADLY LIGHTNING... AND VERY HEAVY RAIN. FOR YOUR PROTECTION MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS. HEAVY RAINS FLOOD ROADS QUICKLY SO DO NOT DRIVE INTO AREAS WHERE WATER COVERS THE ROAD.

Another thunderstorm warning for Garland and Saline

Local Weather Alert

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Garland County, AR

until 3:30 PM CDT, Tue., Jul 23, 2013

Other affected areas: 
GARLAND, AR;  GRANT, AR;  HOT SPRING, AR;  SALINE, AR

Issued by The National Weather Service
Little Rock, AR

Tue, Jul 23, 2013, 3:09 PM CDT... A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR SOUTH CENTRAL SALINE... NORTHEASTERN HOT SPRING... NORTHWESTERN GRANT AND SOUTHEASTERN GARLAND COUNTIES UNTIL 330 PM CDT...

AT 307 PM CDT... NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS CONTINUED TO TRACK A LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE HAIL... AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THESE STORMS WERE LOCATED ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 3 MILES NORTHEAST OF HOT SPRINGS NATL PARK TO NEAR LAKE CATHERINE TO 4 MILES SOUTHWEST OF TULL... MOVING SOUTHWEST AT 20 MPH.
* LOCATIONS IN THE PATH OF THIS LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS INCLUDE... MALVERN... LAKE HAMILTON... HOT SPRINGS... PINEY... JENKINS FERRY STATE PARK... LAKE CATHERINE... TULL... TRASKWOOD... THIEL... ROCKWELL... ROCKPORT... PRATTSVILLE... POYEN... PERLA... LONSDALE... HOT SPRINGS NATL PARK... HOT SPRINGS MEMORIAL FIELD... GULPHA GORGE...
THIS INCLUDES INTERSTATE 30 BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 85 AND 109.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND IN EXCESS OF 60 MILES PER HOUR... DESTRUCTIVE HAIL... DEADLY LIGHTNING... AND VERY HEAVY RAIN. FOR YOUR PROTECTION MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS. HEAVY RAINS FLOOD ROADS QUICKLY SO DO NOT DRIVE INTO AREAS WHERE WATER COVERS THE ROAD.

State weather alerts

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for: 
Garland (Alert #1)
Garland (Alert #2)
Grant (Alert #1)
Grant (Alert #2)
Hot Spring (Alert #1)
Hot Spring (Alert #2)
Jefferson
Perry
Pulaski
Saline (Alert #1)
Saline (Alert #2)

Special Weather Alert Heat Advisory for:
Crawford
Franklin
Sebastian

Significant Weather Advisory for:
Garland
Grant
Hot Spring
Newton
Perry
Pulaski
Saline
Searcy

Flood Alerts
Flood Advisory for:

Significant weather alert

Local Weather Alert

Significant Weather Advisory for Garland, AR

Other affected areas: 
Perry, AR;  Garland, AR;  Saline, AR;  Pulaski, AR;  Hot Spring, AR;  Grant, AR

Issued by The National Weather Service
Little Rock, AR

Tue, Jul 23, 2013, 1:56 PM CDT

... SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SALINE... SOUTHERN PULASKI... SOUTHERN PERRY... NORTHEASTERN HOT SPRING... NORTHWESTERN GRANT AND GARLAND COUNTIES UNTIL 245 PM CDT...
AT 151 PM CDT... NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS DETECTED STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 6 MILES WEST OF LAKE WINONA TO 5 MILES NORTHWEST OF BENTON TO 4 MILES SOUTHEAST OF BRYANT... AND MOVING SOUTHWEST AT 15 MPH.
HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF PENNIES AND WIND GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH ARE EXPECTED WITH THESE STORMS... ALONG WITH HEAVY RAIN.
* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE... HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE... HOT SPRINGS... BRYANT... BENTON... LAKE CATHERINE... TULL... TRASKWOOD... MOUNTAIN PINE... LONSDALE... LENA LNDG REC AREA... LAKE OUACHITA SP... LAKE CORONADO... LAKE BALBOA... JESSIEVILLE... HURRICANE LAKE... HOT SPRINGS NATL PARK... HASKELL... EAST END...
THIS INCLUDES INTERSTATE 30 BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 99 AND 124.
THESE STORMS MAY INTENSIFY... SO BE CERTAIN TO MONITOR LOCAL RADIO AND TV STATIONS... AS WELL AS LOCAL CABLE TV OUTLETS... FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND POSSIBLE WARNINGS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
TORRENTIAL RAIN... WHICH MAY FLOOD LOW LYING AREAS SUCH AS DITCHES AND UNDERPASSES... IS ALSO LIKELY. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE ON A FLOODED ROADWAY... TURN AROUND DONT DROWN!

Garland and Saline alert

Local Weather Alert

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Garland County, AR

until 2:45 PM CDT, Tue., Jul 23, 2013

Other affected areas: 
GARLAND, AR;  GRANT, AR;  HOT SPRING, AR;  SALINE, AR

Issued by The National Weather Service
Little Rock, AR

Tue, Jul 23, 2013, 1:59 PM CDT

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LITTLE ROCK HAS ISSUED A
* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR... EAST CENTRAL GARLAND COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS... NORTHWESTERN GRANT COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS... NORTHEASTERN HOT SPRING COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS... SOUTHERN SALINE COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS...
* UNTIL 245 PM CDT
* AT 155 PM CDT... NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS WERE TRACKING A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE HAIL... AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED 6 MILES WEST OF BENTON... AND MOVING SOUTHWEST AT 15 MPH.
* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE... MALVERN... HOT SPRINGS... BENTON... LAKE CATHERINE... TRASKWOOD... ROCKPORT... PERLA... LONSDALE... HASKELL... OWENSVILLE... NANCE... MAGNET COVE... LAKE CATHERINE STATE PARK... GRAPE... GLEN ROSE... GIFFORD... FENTER... CROWS...
THIS INCLUDES INTERSTATE 30 BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 96 AND 121.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND IN EXCESS OF 60 MILES PER HOUR... DESTRUCTIVE HAIL... DEADLY LIGHTNING... AND VERY HEAVY RAIN. FOR YOUR PROTECTION MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS. HEAVY RAINS FLOOD ROADS QUICKLY SO DO NOT DRIVE INTO AREAS WHERE WATER COVERS THE ROAD.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Severe weather watch

Local Weather Alert

Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Garland County, AR

until 9:00 PM CDT, Mon., Jul 22, 2013

Other affected areas: 
ARKANSAS, AR;  BRADLEY, AR;  CALHOUN, AR;  CLARK, AR;  CLEBURNE, AR;  CLEVELAND, AR; CONWAY, AR;  DALLAS, AR;  DESHA, AR;  DREW, AR;  FAULKNER, AR;  GARLAND, AR;  GRANT, AR;  HOT SPRING, AR;  JEFFERSON, AR;  JOHNSON, AR;  LINCOLN, AR;  LOGAN, AR;  LONOKE, AR;  MONROE, AR; MONTGOMERY, AR;  NEWTON, AR;  OUACHITA, AR;  PERRY, AR;  PIKE, AR;  POLK, AR;  POPE, AR; PRAIRIE, AR;  PULASKI, AR;  SALINE, AR;  SCOTT, AR;  SEARCY, AR;  VAN BUREN, AR;  WHITE, AR; WOODRUFF, AR;  YELL, AR

Issued by The National Weather Service
Little Rock, AR

Mon, Jul 22, 2013, 1:51 PM CDT


THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 429 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS
IN ARKANSAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 36 COUNTIES
IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS
CONWAY FAULKNER GARLAND GRANT LONOKE PERRY POPE PRAIRIE PULASKI SALINE WHITE YELL
IN EASTERN ARKANSAS
MONROE WOODRUFF
IN NORTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS
CLEBURNE NEWTON SEARCY 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
JOHNSON LOGAN MONTGOMERY POLK SCOTT
THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF... ARKADELPHIA... ARKANSAS CITY... AUGUSTA... BEEBE... BENTON... BOONEVILLE... BRINKLEY... BRYANT... CABOT... CAMDEN... CLARENDON... CLARKSVILLE... CLINTON... CONWAY... COTTON PLANT... DANVILLE... DARDANELLE... DE VALLS BLUFF... DE WITT... DES ARC... DUMAS... FAIRFIELD BAY... FORDYCE... GLENWOOD... GOULD... HAMPTON... HAZEN... HEBER SPRINGS... HOT SPRINGS... JASPER... KINGSLAND... LESLIE... LITTLE ROCK... LONOKE... MALVERN... MARSHALL... MCCRORY... MCGEHEE... MENA... MONTICELLO... MORRILTON... MOUNT IDA... MURFREESBORO... NORMAN... NORTH LITTLE ROCK... OLA... PARIS... PERRYVILLE... PINE BLUFF... RISON... ROHWER... RUSSELLVILLE... SEARCY... SHERIDAN... STAR CITY... STUTTGART... THORNTON... WALDRON... WARREN AND WESTERN GROVE.

Garland County man arrested with pipe bomb























At approximately 4:20 this morning, Garland County Sheriff's Deputy McConnell was dispatched to a one-vehicle accident at North Moore and Sunshine Roads in Garland County, involving 18 year old Tanner Root.

During the accident investigation a suspected explosive device, which appeared to be a pipe bomb, was located in the tool box of Mr. Roots vehicle. The device was transported to the Sheriff’s Office for safe disarming by the Little Rock Fire Department Bomb Squad, with the help of the Arkansas State Police. The device, which contained suspected shrapnel, propellant and a fuse, was rendered safe and the evidence collected by investigator’s.


At this point Mr. Root is charged with alleged Criminal Acts Involving Explosives, DWI, Failure to Submit to BAC, No Insurance and Careless/Prohibited Driving. Investigator’s will be working with the ATF later in the week to determine possible federal charges.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Malvern Guns 'n Hoses

Malvern fire department and law enforcement staffs are asking all area residents to come to the Guns ‘N Hoses blood drive with Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI), noon to 6 p.m., Thursday, August 1, at the First Baptist Church, Family Life Center Gym.

To fuel a little healthy competition, donors will choose which department to support by donating on behalf of law enforcement or the fire department.

Not only will a blood donor save up to three lives with the good deed, each will be presented the official 2013 Guns ‘N Hoses T-shirt

Anyone who is healthy and 16 years of age can donate*, and donations can be made every 56 days.

Arkansas Blood Institute provides every drop of blood needed by patients in the 20 counties in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.   For more information or to make an appointment, call 877-340-8777 or visit www.arkbi.org. 


* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.  

Brief Village POA board highlights

The board assessed fiscal performance of the POA over the last six months. Revenues are down.

The dog park has been given a green light once the Memorandum of Understanding is signed by both parties.

The board approved an increase of the annual assessment by a percentage dictated by the Consumer Price Index.

The POA board is restructuring marketing of its lots. Active advertising of Village-owned lots has been suspended until all lots have been evaluated by staff.

The lots committee has been disbanded.

The board has accepted a bid by Comfort Systems USA, Inc. to replace the natatorium geothermal system. After years of a malfunctioning system, the geothermal HVAC system will be demolished and replaced with a traditional 30-ton HVAC system.

The recreation committee has been increased from nine to 11 members. New members are Joe Moreau and Bruce Welk.

Fines are coming to the Village as soon as an appeals process is designed by a to-be-created appeals committee. The fine for a rule infraction will be $150 with a daily fine of $25 for each day the infraction in not corrected.

A board hearing concerning infractions at 82 Bargus Way resulted in another 30-day suspension of privileges. The Bargus way infractions include a boat parked in the yard, a fifth wheel camper parked in the yard and an ATV parked in the yard.

Mystery dinner theatre in Village

Solve the crime in the latest flapper style at the upcoming Mystery Dinner Theatre, set for Monday, Aug. 5 at the DeSoto Club Events Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. with appetizers served at 6:30 p.m. Audience participation is encouraged!

Men, put on your hats, suits and wingtip shoes and ladies, kick up your heels to the Charleston in the best flapper dress. Tickets include a gourmet meal of Shrimp Du Jean, Steak Sinatra, Penne Pasta with Marinara, Salad & Garlic Bread and Cannolis or Sorbet.

Though mum's definitely not the word on this event, a password will be required (located on your ticket stub).

Seating is limited so get your $25.00 tickets now for all the "murderous fun" at www.HSVTicketSales.com. 

E-mail water bills

The Property Owners’ Association will begin offering members the option of receiving water, sewer and sanitation billing via email at NO COST in August.  Please consider switching your billing to this efficient and cost-saving service. To sign up, please bring the form you received in the mail to the Property Owners’ Association Administration Building  from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. The form is also available to download and print at http://hsvpoa.org/files/pdf/UtilityEmailAuthorization.pdf.


PLEASE NOTE: Signing up to receive Utility Email Billing will NOT affect automatic bank drafts and you will not be required to pay your utility bill online. 

Walking the Village trails in the heat

Just because the temperatures are heating up outside, it does not mean you have to forego walking and biking along Hot Springs Village trails. Follow these tips to ensure a fun and safe experience on the trails.

·        Head out for your hike first thing in the morning or in the evening since the temperature will be cooler. Hiking in full sun is difficult and could lead to heat exhaustion.
·        Bring along a backpack and make sure you have cold water. Pack an extra long-sleeve layer just in case. Snacks or sandwiches are a good idea, too, if you're planning on being out for a few hours or more.
·        Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you head out. Keep the bottle in your pack, and reapply at least every two hours.
·        Pack some bug spray to keep mosquitoes, gnats and other pests at bay while trekking through the woods.
·        Wear real shoes that have rugged soles. Hiking boots are best because of ankle support but trail running shoes will work too
·        Wear lightweight and comfortable clothes made of wicking material.


For more information on Hot Springs Village trails, go to www.hsvpoa.org | Recreation | Trails.

Twiggs will speak of Village growth

COO/General Manager David Twiggs will present a Power Point presentation on “Opportunities for Growth” in Hot Springs Village at a town hall meeting, set for Aug. 1 at 3 p.m. in the Coronado Community Center Auditorium. A question and answer period will follow the presentation.


Mark your calendar and make plans to attend this important event.

Road paving in the Village next week

The Hot Springs Village Street Resurfacing program is currently underway. Martin Marietta paving crews will be resurfacing the following streets the week of July 23-26:

·        Tuesday, July 23 - Castano Drive
·        Wednesday, July 24 - Cordero Lane, Emanuel Circle, Emperado Way, Ensenada Lane, La Vista Lane & Matamoroe Way
·        Thursday, July 25 - Barcelona Rd. (La Coruna-Calella), Alcantara Lane, Lonjeta Lane & Sandalo Lane
·        Friday, July 26 - DeSoto Marina Rd., Los Lago Way, Plana Place

Flyers will be distributed to residents in the affected areas in advance of the paving. Please observe all posted signs and avoid roads to be paved, if possible.


Paving schedule is subject to change. For the latest information, click the “Sign Up for POA E-News” button on the www.hsvpoa.org homepage and sign up for email blasts. You may also contact the Public Works Department at 922-5524 or 922-5528.

Imagine Central Arkansas

The Metropolitan planning organization, Imagine Central Arkansas invites Hot Springs Village residents to participate in the new online activity, “Are We There Yet?” This interactive tool allows central Arkansas residents to set goals for the region’s future, and then make decisions about major trends, policy options, and funding sources to meet those goals.

“Are We There Yet?” is designed to inform central Arkansans about conditions affecting the future of central Arkansas, and to obtain important feedback regarding emerging trends and policy directions that will predominate the region over the next three decades. Topics included in the online activity include transportation infrastructure, walkability, and revenue sources. The tool is available through mid-July at http://imaginecentralarkansas.org/are-we-there-yet.

For more information, contact Judy Watts at (501) 372-3300 or jwatts@metroplan.org.


Research compiled by Imagine Central Arkansas will culminate in a new metropolitan transportation and development plan by late 2013. Residents may learn more about Imagine Central Arkansas and participate at anytime by going to www.ImagineCentralArkansas.org, facebook.com/Metroplan or via twitter @Metroplan, #ImagineCentralAR.

Recycle your phone books

The Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association is currently accepting telephone books for recycling through August 31.


Telephone books may be taken to the Recycling Center on Cloaca Lane, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. or the Recycling Drop Off Point near the lawn bowling area, Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bins for telephone book recycling will also be available in the lobby of the POA Administration Building.

Swim lessons still available

Only two sessions remain for swim lessons at the DeSoto Pool, Sign up today and take advantage of this great opportunity. Lessons are taught by qualified instructors for children ages 4 and up, Monday - Friday. The fee is $30.00 per child, per session. Children are placed in Class Levels depending on their swimming ability. Each class lasts one week. Classes are held at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
  
Swim lesson sessions are as follows: Session 5: July 22-26 and Session 6: July 29-Aug. 2.

The DeSoto Pool swim program is based on the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program and safety materials and includes six levels of swimming and water safety instruction.

Pool hours are: Monday – Friday: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sunday: 1 to 6 p.m. Other weekly activities include deep water aerobics and volleyball/badminton.


The pool is also available to rent for birthdays, family reunions, parties, etc. Rental is during non-scheduled hours and includes lifeguards. The cost is $45.25 per hour (POA members) and $60.00 per hour (Guests) for 30 people or less with a $25.00 clean up fee; each 10 additional people are $10.00 each.