Friday, August 30, 2013

14th Annual Bikes, Blues and BBQ

Wednesday, September 18 through Saturday, September 21 is the 14th Annual Bikes, Blues and BBA in Fayetteville.

Event Details:Bikes, Blues, & BBQ is the nation's largest charitable motorcycle rally.

Admission:Free

For more information, call (479) 527-9993.

Fall fun in the country at Suzanne's Fruit Farm

22nd Annual Hot Springs Jazz Fest

150th Civil War Re-enactment

Friday, September 6, through Sunday, September 8 is the 150th Civil War Re-enactment at Homestead Grounds in Jacksonville.

43rd Annual Eureka Springs Antique Automobile Festival

18th Annual Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship in Harrison

Event Details:

This unique outdoor event that began in 1995 is held in beautiful downtown Harrison, Arkansas. The Festival will kick off on Friday evening with the Hare and the Hound Balloon Race. Saturday evening events will begin with balloons tethered to the ground for the exciting balloon glow. Tethered rides are offered for $5 a person on SATURDAY evening this year! The event will continue through Sunday with several Balloon Race Competitions for all to enjoy. Come experience the "Hot Air Balloon Adventure" with us! Bring your kids, your cameras, and your lawn chairs for some great family fun!

Admission:Free

For more information, call Mi'chel Jarjoura at (870) 2659.

Garvan Woodland Gardens September art exhibit features members of Village Brush Strokes

Starting Sunday, September 1, through Monday, September 30, Garvan Woodland Gardens sponsors an art exhibit featuring Village club Brush Strokes. The exhibit is in the magnolia room. Garvan Woodland Gardens is at 550 Arkridge Road in Hot Springs. For more information contact Susan Harper at (501) 262-9300.

Event Details:

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Brush Strokes, an art club from Hot Springs Village, will feature 40 of its most talented artists. On display will be various art pieces in watercolor, oils, pastels, and mixed media. The paintings depict scenes of Garvan Woodland Gardens, flowers, and landscapes, as well as other subjects. Brush Strokes art group is always a favorite exhibit with the many visitors who visit the Gardens.

Admission:
$10 adults, $5 ages 6-12, free ages 0-5.

At the Village Shelter this week

Rover is a neutered male, Shepherd mix. Rover is ten months old, medium size (35 lbs.), sweet, compliant, loving boy, would be great house dog for family.

Simon is a neutered male, domestic-medium-hair. Simon is four months old, handsome muted gray tabby, very socialized and affectionate.

For more information about animals available for adoption at the Village Animal Shelter, call 915-9337 or stop by at 195 Cloaca Lane. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 to 3.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Rabid bat in Hot Springs

A bat collected collected from Roanoke Street in Hot Springs on Monday and submitted to the state health department has tested positive for rabies, making it the 13^th rabies case in Garland County since the beginning of the year. There have been 113 confirmed rabies cases in Arkansas in 2013.

Pet owners are reminded to vaccinate all dogs and cats at least four months old against rabies. To report any unusual daytime activity by nocturnal creatures such as skunks or bats, contact Animal Services at 262-2091.

I have a dream

There has been a flurry of phone calls at our house over the last few days with a bunch of older white guys remembering where they were 50 years ago today. My husband Lee was a 21 year old student at Julliard 50 years ago. We heard from his roommate Phil who didn't go to the Martin Luther King, Jr. speech but called to jog Lee's memory.

Lee and a car full of Jersey boys headed down to Washington, D.C. to participate in the activities, not primarily to be a part of the civil rights movement, but to pick up girls. We heard from some of the Jersey boys yesterday. They remembered the sea of humanity. They weren't close enough to hear the speech but were impressed with themselves after the fact. They were a part of one of the pivotal moments in our country's struggle toward civil rights.

It's funny how those moments have come about. One woman, Rosa Parks, was just too tired and needed to sit down on the bus and a car full of young men picking up women were part of the body count at a particular event. Just people being people and accidentally bringing about change.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Pryor in Arkansas

Today, Monday, August 26th at 8:30 a.m. CT, Pryor will tour Mid-America Science Museum to hear about their efforts to educate Arkansas children in the growing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field. The tour will take place at 500 Mid America Boulevard in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

At 10:00 a.m. CT, Pryor will join employees of DaVita Dialysis for a meeting and facility tour. The meeting will take place at 115 Wrights Street in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

At 11:15 a.m. CT, Pryor will meet with representatives of Mercy Hospital to discuss his work on behalf of Arkansas seniors. Mercy is located at 300 Werner Street in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

At 1:40 p.m. CT, Pryor will tour the Keith Smith Company and meet with administration and warehouse employees. The tour will begin at 130 K Tech Lane in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

At 3:00 p.m. CT, Pryor will tour the Alliance Rubber Company, located at 210 Carpenter Dam Road in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Order of the Pack at A-State

Students at Arkansas State University will conduct their 17th annual “Order of the Pack” pep rally Thursday, Aug. 29, to induct a new class of students into the Red Wolves family and show their Pack Pride on a major scale.

Officially the rally starts at 7 p.m. in Liberty Bank Stadium, but this year there is much more for A-State Red Wolves fans, both on campus and from the community.

Prior to Order of the Pack, the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its annual “Big Great A-State Tailgate,” a major part of Paint the Town Red Week, on the west side of the stadium. Afterward, those attending the tailgate are encouraged to stay for Order of the Pack.

Volunteer ASU, a student organization, also is conducting a canned food drive to benefit the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, so students and guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items.

The Student Activities Board and Student Government Association work together to emphasize the traditions surrounding Red Wolves athletics and Pack Pride during Order of the Pack.

D’Andre Anderson of Little Rock, president of the Student Government Association, will welcome the crowd, and Ashlyn Godfrey of Mena and Nathan Nelson of Paron, Ark., directors for the Student Activities Board, will emcee the program.

“We want to invite everyone out to get ready for our athletic seasons and to show off their Pack Pride,” according to Nelson.

Other speakers on the program include Dr. Tim Hudson, chancellor, and his wife, Dr. Dee Dee Hudson; Charlotte Razer, president of the ASU Alumni Association; Dr. Rick Stripling, vice chancellor for Student Affairs; Bryan Harsin, head football coach; and Terry Mohajir, director of athletics.

The University Choir will present the national anthem, The Sound of the Natural State Marching Band will perform the alma mater and fight song, and the Red Wolf Dancers will perform. The A-State cheerleaders will teach spirit chants.

The theme for A-State’s annual Homecoming, Saturday, Oct. 12, also will be revealed during a special announcement at Order of the Pack.

Students with a valid A-State ID will receive a ticket as they enter the stadium, making them eligible for a complimentary spirit item.

For more details, contact the Leadership Center at (870) 972-2055 or Natalie Eskew, neskew@astate.edu.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Estell re-captured

The Garland County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the FBI in Little Rock, US Marshal’s fugitive task force in the State of Florida, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Department also in the State Florida, announce that Derrick Estell and Tamara Upshaw are in the custody of authorities in Santa Rosa County Florida.

Estell and Upshaw were taken into custody without incident by Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Deputies and the U.S. Marshals fugitive task force last evening around 11pm. They were located at a residence in Santa Rosa County Florida.

Working with cooperating individuals, Garland County Sheriff’s Investigators Russ Severns and Terry Threadgill were able to pin point Estell and Upshaw’s location. Investigators contacted the authorities in Florida and within a few hours, they were taken into custody.

Estell had escaped from custody on July 28, 2013 with the assistance of Upshaw and others after returning from the Arkansas Department of Corrections for a court appearance.

Two other individuals were also taken into custody for their involvement in the escape and are awaiting court hearings.

It is unknown at this time if any more arrests are expected, as the investigation is ongoing.

Details on the extradition process and additional details on the arrest are pending at this time.

The Sheriff’s Department would also like to thank Kyle Heidler with the Dallas County Missouri Sheriff’s Department, Missouri information analysis Center , Special Agent Scott Falls with the FBI in Little Rock , Special Agent Sgt. Dennis Morris with the Arkansas State Police, US Forest Service, Nebraska State Police, and all other agencies involved for their assistance.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Road work today in the Village

A road resurfacing crew will be paving Charca Way and Resplandor Way beginning today, Thursday, Aug. 22. Another crew is paving Balearic Rd.

Signs will be posted and home owners in the area will be notified. Please remember to use caution around both machinery and crews and obey all flagger instructions to maintain proper traffic flow.

Schedule is subject to change. For the latest roadway information, contact the public works department at 922-5524 or 922-5528.

Voting at the POA board meeting

There were several items voted on in yesterday's Village POA board meeting.

The motion to extend charter for ad hoc committee on gates design put forward by director Harv Shelton passed.

The motion to amend article XII, section 1 of the bylaws put forth by John Cooney passed.

The motion to appoint Jerry Morgan to the golf committee put forward by John Cooney passed.

The motion to appoint James Patton to the public works committee put forth by Tom Bryant passed.

The motion to approve CPI increase in assessments put forward by Frank Leeming passed. Monthly assessments will rise to $36.68 in January.

The motion to approve Dam Mowing put forth by Tom Bryant on the recommendation of POA staff failed. Dam Mowing is half owned by director Jeff Atkins. The company worked for the POA before when Atkins was not on the board. Dam Mowing's bid was lower. Atkins abstained from voting, Frank Leeming voted for approval the rest of the board voted against the hiring after heated discussion. The contract was awarded to Millsaps Stone Co., Inc. for $25,800. Dam Mowing's bid had been $24,500.

The motion to approve ingress and egress policy revision put forward by John Cooney passed.

The board met in executive session following the open meeting.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Tightened ingress and egress policies passed by POA board

At a recent Village POA board of directors meeting the directors approved the ingress and egress policies proposed by board vice president John Cooney. This will mean a tightening of preexisting policies as of September 1.

Vehicles that do not have a current POA decal will be stopped and drivers must obtain authorization prior to entering the Village. A dash pass will be issued for visitors/guests.

HSV member cards must be shown if you don't have a current vehicle decal. In addition you must show proof of residency, a rental agreement or a current driver's license with a Village address. Police will be consulted for the non-compliant.

Dash passes will be good for up to seven days. One day dash passes will be issued for business appointments, doctor appointments, garage sales, day events, Silver Sneakers, church attendance, home health care, etc. License information will be kept in a log in the Public Relations Officers' building.

Members with paper-only POA membership cards will be asked to provide an appropriate photo ID.

When calling the gate to okay a visitor, callers must give their name, phone number and LBA number, guest name and instructions to send or call when the visitor arrives.

When calling in a list of five or more visitors the member will be referred to the online POA Gate entry system or the member must supply a list of visitors to the Village Police Department.

As before, entry will be given to vendors with work orders, invoices, sales receipts and bills of laden. Entry will also be given to public utility companies and Saline and Garland County officials and law enforcement entities.

The Public Relations Officers, PROs, are tasked with keeping traffic flowing while checking decals and authorizations.

At the Village Animal Shelter this week

Chloe is a spayed female Chihuahua. Chole is one year old, cute blonde small dog ready to be your lapdog and companion.

Lila is a spayed female, domestic short hair. Lila is ten years old, in great health. Lila is a lovely muted calico, wants to be your only cat, owner can't care for her.

For more information on these and other adorable adoptable pets call 915-9337.

Dancing with the Villagers is back by popular demand

Dance to the music of the Village Big Band on Tuesday, September 24 at the Coronado Center.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for a heavy hors d'oeuvres buffet catered by Home Plate Cafe. A cash bar will be available.

Professional Arthur Murray dancers Malarie & Jeremiah De La Vega entertain during the buffet service. Their high-energy competition-level dance performance is first class and fun to watch.

KVRE radio's John Chapman introduces Village couples who will be competing in the Village dance contest. The crowd picks the winners by voting for their favorite pair at a $1.00 a vote. Winners take home the disco ball trophy and bragging rights. The "votes" help to fund the League fund shelter pet adoptions.

Everyone will enjoy dancing to the band's melodies. They'll play a variety of music for slow dancing and fast dancing......line dancing also during the band's intermission.

Raffle tickets for cash prizes and Cranford's gift certificates will be on sale throughout the evening. There will be a special drawing for a package of Arthur Murray dance lessons donated by the De La Vegas and valued at $500. Raffle tickets for the lessons will be on sale only at the fundraiser. Drawings for all prizes will take place before the last dance at 9 p.m. Ticket holders need not be present to win.

Event tickets are $20 ea. and available at Melinda's Coffee Corner, LBG Lighting, the Dogwood Tree or by phone from Julie Keck 915-9986. Tickets are limited and sell out quickly. Don't wait to get yours!

All proceeds help the League make second chances happen for wonderful cats & dogs that are waiting for a home of their own.

Opera week at Garvan Woodland Gardens

On September 15, The Muses will celebrate fall’s arrival with “Opera Classics,” as part of its Four Seasons in Art and Song Concert Series. This concert marks the beginning of “The Muses Opera Week” that culminates on Saturday, September 21, with the opera gala presentation of “The Marriage of Figaro” to celebrate the grand opening of The Muses Cultural Arts Center in Hot Springs.

“Opera Classics” will feature The Muses Gala Performance Troupe, talented professional singers and musicians from around the country performing some of their favorite arias, duets, and ensemble pieces from some of the world’s greatest operas: Carmen, La Traviata, La Boheme, Rigoletto, The Merry Widow, and of course, The Marriage of Figaro, to preview some of the fun that awaits audiences during the full opera production later that week. You don’t have to be an opera lover to enjoy this fast paced and entertaining presentation!

The cost is $25. Tickets must be purchased through The Muses at 501-609-9811 or online at www.themusesproject.org.
Please purchase your tickets early, as several of last year’s concerts were sold out well in advance. For more information about the 2013 season, contact The Muses at 501-609-9811 or online at www.themusesproject.org.

September 15, 3 p.m. - Anthony Chapel

Monday, August 19, 2013

Delays on DeSoto Boulevard

Work crews are on DeSoto Boulevard in the Village today resurfacing the roadway. Expect delays. When I came to work the crews were between Carmona and Perralena. The crews will be heading east to Fresno this week.

Beebe endorsed Ross for governor on Saturday

Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe endorsed Mike Ross for governor on Saturday at the State Capitol in Little Rock. Beebe said he thinks Ross is the best candidate to continue the state’s progress in education and economic development and to lead Arkansas as its next governor. Ross of Prescott, Ark., who now resides in Little Rock, is a former small business owner, state senator and U.S. Congressman.

“I have known Mike since we served together in the State Senate,” Beebe said. “He’s a close, personal friend and I am proud to support and endorse Mike Ross to be this state’s next governor. Arkansas has made too great of strides in education and economic development to allow our state to turn back that progress now. Mike Ross will unite this state with a bipartisan focus on education, job creation and tax relief, and he will serve as the hardworking, compassionate leader we need to continue moving Arkansas forward.”

Ross said that under Governor Beebe’s leadership, the state has expanded universal Pre-K education and strengthened K-12 education, raising Arkansas’s schools to fifth in the nation. He said the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund has led to the announcement of 30,000 new jobs, and Arkansas has been named the second easiest place to start a small business in the country. Ross also said Governor Beebe delivered on his promise to cut the grocery tax - all while balancing the state budget ever year in the toughest economic times in a generation.

Ross then pledged to build on the foundation Governor Beebe has made in the areas of education, job creation and tax relief.

“I am proud and honored to accept Governor Beebe’s endorsement – someone I have admired since the days when we worked side-by-side in the State Senate,” said Ross. “Governor Beebe has served this state well and the reason he’s the most popular governor in America is because he always puts good public policy over partisan politics and he always puts Arkansas first. When I’m elected governor, I’ll do the same and I’ll bring Democrats and Republicans together to strengthen education, create more good-paying jobs and make targeted tax cuts that help working families, and we’ll do all this in a fiscally responsible way that continues to balance our budget. I will build on Governor Beebe’s foundation on education, job creation and tax relief and I will unite this state to keep moving Arkansas forward.”

Ross said when he’s elected governor, one of his first actions will be to create a “Governor’s Cabinet for Economic Development” – a statewide coordinated effort that would focus on job creation. Ross said he would name John Burkhalter, a Democrat running for Lieutenant Governor, to chair the Cabinet.

“While government can help, it doesn’t have all the answers, and it can’t solve all of our problems. Government should help where it can, and it should get out of the way where it can’t,” said Ross. “The Cabinet will be an effort to provide better coordination, increased communication and a stronger, more unified strategy for our state’s job creation efforts. We want to help the state become more efficient, effective and productive, and this Cabinet will ultimately become an engine for new, innovative ideas that grow the middle class and create good-paying jobs for more Arkansans.”

Ross said one of the biggest ways to bring more jobs to the state would be to strengthen education in Arkansas and develop a well-educated, highly-skilled workforce that will attract the jobs of the future.

“We’ve made great progress in education under Governor Beebe’s leadership, but we need to help our young people start sooner and finish stronger,” said Ross. “We need to expand Pre-K education, offer more afterschool and summer programs and help more students get an affordable college education. We also need to strengthen our emphasis on career and technical education, so that a person who doesn’t go to college can learn a skill or trait that helps them get a good-paying job to support their family. My philosophy is that every child raised in Arkansas should have faith that if they work hard, study and play by the rules, they can achieve their God-given potential and they shouldn’t have to leave Arkansas to do so.”

For more information about Mike’s campaign for governor, visit MikeRoss.com or text Mike to 99000 on your mobile phone.

Whittington Park concert tonight

Tonight is this summer's last outdoor concert at Whittington Park in Hot Springs. The Hot Springs Concert Band will start to play at 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, a picnic basket and a friend to the end of summer concert.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Arkansas 60-day hunting season for waterfowl

For the 17th consecutive year, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved a 60-day hunting season for waterfowl. The vote came today during the Commission’s monthly meeting.

AGFC Waterfowl Program Coordinator Luke Naylor presented the Commission with the late migratory season proposals. “Habitat conditions were improved or similar to last year in many areas due to average or above-average annual precipitation, with the exceptions of southeastern Canada, the northeast U.S., and portions of Montana and the Dakotas,” Naylor said.

With more than 529,500 mallards harvested, Arkansas had the third highest waterfowl harvest and highest mallard harvest in the nation last season. The second highest mallard harvest in the nation was 243,467 in California. No other state’s hunters, in the Mississippi flyway, harvested over 200,000 mallards.

2013-14 duck season dates:

Nov. 23-Dec. 1

Dec. 5-Dec. 23

Dec. 26-Jan. 26

Youth Hunt: Feb. 1-2

The 2013-14 duck bag limits are six ducks consisting of no more than: four mallards (two hens), three wood ducks, two pintails, two redheads, one black duck, two canvasbacks, one mottled duck or three scaup.

Federal regulations now allow for a possession limit of three times the daily bag limit. The proposed white-fronted, snow, blue, Ross’s and late Canada goose season is Nov. 14-Jan. 26.

Early migratory bird season dates:

Mourning Dove and Eurasian Collared DoveSept. 1-Oct. 20 and Dec. 21-Jan. 9

Teal SeasonSept. 7-22

Rail Season
Sept. 7-Nov. 15

Woodcock SeasonNov. 2-Dec. 16

Common Snipe SeasonNov. 1-Feb. 15

Gallinule Season
Sept. 1-Nov. 9

Early Canada Goose SeasonSept. 1-15

Northwest Canada Goose Zone SeasonSept. 21-30

The teal daily bag limit has been raised to six and the possession limit to 18.

The commission also:

· Approved the replacement of a bridge at Temple Island on Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area. Cost of the bridge replacement is $91,000.

· Approved a budget increase of $30,000 to fund an additional 12 college scholarships. Money for the scholarships is a result of the AGFC’s Conservation License Plate Program.

· Granted a Glock pistol and portable boat garage to the family of wildlife officer Joel Campora. Campora died May 31 during a water rescue attempt in western Arkansas. His body was recovered June 2 near the location where flood waters from Mill Creek and the Fourche La Fave River also took the lives of Scott County Sheriff Cody Carpenter and two women.

· Granted surplus boating equipment to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

· Granted a disaster response command trailer to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office in exchange for a larger trailer to be used as a command trailer by the AGFC Enforcement Division.

· Approved a budget increase of $84,380 for maintenance and other items of the Enforcement and Education division’s “Scales of Justice” trailer.

· Approved a budget increase of $330,000 to upgrade the agency’s computer network system.

· Approved a budget transfer of gas lease funds in the amount of $34,000 from the Lake Barnett Access fishing pier project to the Lake Charles parking area project. AGFC staff requested the money be moved from the Lake Barnett Access fishing pier project due to land control issues. Currently, the Lake Charles fishing trail parking area is gravel and is subject to erosion during heavy rain events.

· Approved the 2014 fishing regulation changes.

· Approved a land swap with Robert Moore on the Freddie Black Choctaw Island Wildlife Management Area. The land acquired from the Moore family will be developed into a camping area adjacent to Kate Adams Lake.

· Awarded Kiah Gardner the George H. Dunklin Jr. Arkansas Waterfowl and Wetland Management Award. The award is given to an individual whose actions have resulted in significant benefit to Arkansas’s waterfowl and wetlands. Gardner works for the AGFC in the agency’s Russellville office.

In other business, the Commission approved several boating access projects. Money for the projects is derived from marine fuel taxes. The projects are:

· Little Red River – Nimmo Access: A budget increase in the amount of $68,000 to stabilize the bank.

· Ouachita River – Little Bay Access: Phase 3 of a cooperative access road enhancement project with Calhoun County. A budget increase in the amount of $80,000 to chip and seal a 2.3-mile section of the access road. Calhoun County will provide a $40,000 in-kind match for the $120,000 project.

· Ouachita River – Dallas County Access: A budget increase in the amount of $55,000 to chip and seal a one-mile section of access road. Dallas County will provide a $55,000 match for the $110,000 project.

· Lake Maumelle – Sleepy Hollow Access: A budget increase in the amount of $100,000 to pave the access parking area and construct a courtesy dock adjacent to the boat ramp. This is a continuation of the Sleepy Hollow project and a long-term goal for the AGFC-Central Arkansas Water partnership.

· Lake Greeson – Kirby Access: A budget increase in the amount of $100,000 to pave 1.2 miles of road leading to the Kirby Landing Access and the Kirby Marina Access on Lake Greeson. Pike County will provide a $75,000 in-kind match toward the $175,000 project.

· White River – Hudson Landing: A budget increase in the amount of $80,000 to extend the Hudson Landing boat ramp on the White River. The boat ramp is currently unusable during low water.

· Lake Columbia Courtesy Dock: A budget increase in the amount of $30,000 to construct a courtesy dock at the Maurice Lewis Landing. Columbia County will provide a $10,000 in-kind match toward the $40,000 project. The courtesy dock was a request from anglers participating in the recent Lake Columbia Management Plan.

Pryor to address broadband expansion at Central Arkansas events says it will benefit Arkansas businesses, students, and families

On Monday, August 19th, U.S. Senator Mark Pryor will meet with Arkansas business and education officials to discuss the importance of improving and expanding broadband, wireless, and wired communications in the state.

On Monday, August 19th at 9:00 a.m. CT, Pryor will host a Senate Commerce Field Hearing entitled, “Connecting Urban and Rural America: The State of Communications on the Ground.” The event will be held at the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, One Cooperative Way in Little Rock, Arkansas.

At 2:00 p.m. CT, Senator Pryor and Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will join members of the Cabot Public Schools Administration to talk about the need for affordable Internet access in classrooms. The meeting will take place at the Cabot Public Schools Administrative Building, 602 North Lincoln, in Cabot, Arkansas.

Visit Smallin Civil War Cave

Crops grown like those sown by Native Americans 1,000 years ago are growing again at Smallin Civil War Cave just south of Springfield.

Staff archeologist Eric Fuller planted corn, sunflowers, squash and other plants from seeds that have not been manipulated since they were originally grown by the Osage tribes and others that inhabited the area.

The gardens are part of the cave’s mission to educate people about the natural wonders of the Missouri Ozarks and its fascinating Native American history. Not only will they help people better understand where foods came from and how they have changed over the years, patrons also will learn about the diet of the people who were here when Europeans arrived in the Americas, Fuller said.

The gardens will be a focal point of a new tour offered on the cave property titled “Forest of the Osage.” A hike through the forest will give people a new look at the trees and plants of the Ozarks; legends about the plants; and ways the Osage Native Americans used plants for construction, food and medicine.

Smallin Civil War Cave offers a variety of other tours and events, including tours of the cave itself; Civil War Tours in which patrons enjoy dinner around a campfire with guides dressed in Civil War-era costumes telling stories about the past; and Civil War Christmas tours featuring hot cocoa, a cave tour and holiday lights.

Cave tours teach lessons about the archeology, biology, geography, anthropology and history.

The cave is open year round and the paved cave trails are easily traversed by wheelchairs.

For more information about Smallin Civil War Cave, visit www.SmallinCave.com or call 417-551-4545. For information about other things to see and do in the Springfield area, visit www.SpringfieldAdventures.com or call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-678-8767.

Work on DeSoto in Village

Crews will be paving and mowing along DeSoto Boulevard today, Friday, Aug. 16 through Wednesday, Aug. 21, including the weekend.

Signs will be posted. Please remember to use caution around both the machinery and crews. Drivers should be aware and keep a safe distance from the mowers and other machinery. Please obey all flagger instructions to maintain proper traffic flow.

AR State Highway Commission touring Caterpillar facility in NLR

In compliance with Act 93 of 1967, you are hereby notified that members of the Arkansas State Highway Commission will gather on the following date and times to consider any business that may be brought before the Commission.

Monday, August 19
10 a.m.
Caterpillar Facility Tour with Gov. Mike Beebe
9201 Faulkner Lake Road
North Little Rock, AR

Annual membership program in Village

New rates for the Hot Springs Village annual membership program go into effect Sept. 1. At that time, annual memberships will be available for $318.44 ($299.00 plus tax) for singles and $627.29 ($589.00 plus tax) for couples.

For more information, call 922-5519 or email membership@hsvpoa.org.

Village quarterly non-resident winners

Congratulations to Dorothy Stallworth of Conyers, Ga., winner of a two night stay gift certificate from HSVRentals.com and Gloria Sewell of Fayetteville, Ark., winner of one free night’s stay in the Austin Hotel in Hot Springs. Both prizes were included in the Village quarterly contest for non-resident members.

Quarter four sneak peak: two free rounds of POA Golf, two free tickets to Colt & and the Old 45s concert, one free night’s stay at the Austin Hotel in Hot Springs and $500 rental voucher from Village Villas.

For more information or to register, go to www.hsvpoa.org and click on quarterly contest located on the right side of the home page.

Winners on facebook following the Village

Congratulations to the following the Village in the August Facebook contest winners: Robin Fisher, winner of two free tickets to the Gangster Museum in Hot Springs, Mary Ann Kennedy, winner of two free tickets to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower and Jared McDonald, winner of two free tickets to Magic Springs and Crystal Falls Amusement Park in Hot Springs. Thanks for your participation in this contest, which was sponsored by Visit Hot Springs.

Village Labor Day closings

The Village POA administration building will be closed Monday, Sept. 2 for Labor Day. For your convenience, property owner services will be open on Saturday, Aug. 31 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The POA will be using the holiday sanitation schedule for trash pick-up. Trash will be picked up the day after the normally scheduled time. For more information, see the holiday sanitation schedule at http://www.hsvpoa.org/holiday_sanitation_schedule.pdf. The recycle center will also be closed on Monday.

There will be no yard waste pick up on Friday, Sept. 6. The next pick up date for yard waste will be Sept. 13. For more information, contact the public works department at 922-5524.

Newcomers' Coffee

New Hot Springs Village residents are invited to attend a Newcomers' Coffee, which will be held Thursday, Aug. 22 at 9 a.m. in the Ouachita Activities Building of the Ponce de Leon Center.

Coffee and donuts will be available at 8:30 a.m. and presentations will begin at 9 a.m. The meeting gives new residents an opportunity to hear about the Property Owners’ Association, organizations and activities in Hot Springs Village.

The Ponce de Leon Center is located at 1101 Desoto Boulevard. For more information, call 922-4231.

Zombie Run

Hot Springs Village is hosting a special weekend for the outdoor enthusiast, headlined by the first annual “Zombie” Dusk Scare 4-mile competitive run, set for Saturday, Nov. 2.

This competitive run, presented by Village Home Center, begins at 2:30 p.m. from Cortez Pavilion on Hernando Trail West. It is a challenging trail with lots of natural beauty. Participants walk or run this secluded tree-lined trail while trying to avoid killer Zombies, who are tasked with snatching participants’ life flags. (Life or health flags are worn on belts similar to those used in flag football). Runners try to stay one step ahead and keep their life lines intact. However, this is a competitive run; the winner will be declared on his/her performance time regardless of the number of life lines stolen during the event. (No one is disqualified even if ALL of his/her life lines end up in the hands of Zombies.) Walkers may participate for fun; but walking is not a competitive event.

The 4-Mile Run is managed by DLT Events of Arkadelphia, with support from and in benefit of Teen Challenge of Arkansas, a non-profit organization. Please note that both runners and walkers MUST register. Only registered participants will be allowed on the trail during the event. Registration begins in early September at HSVZombieTrailRun.com

Even if you don’t want to race, other fun trail events will be held throughout the day. These include:

· Bird Watching Eco Walk, 8:00 a.m., Magellan Beaver Dam Trail

· Geocaching Walk, 9:00 a.m., Cedar Creek Trail

· Cycling Fun Tour (not a race), 9:00 a.m., Hernando Trail East

· Dog Costume Parade, 10:00 a.m., DeSoto Spillway Trail, Registration Required

· Golf Cart Halloween Decoration Contest, 10:00 a.m., Balboa Spillway Trail, Registration Required

· Segway Trail Ride, 11:00 a.m., DeSoto Marina Trail, Registration Required

· Open House, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to request a personal tour of homes at VisitHSV.com.

Visit HSVZombieTrailRun.com in September for registration information.

Thanks to Presenting Sponsor, Village Home Center, which is holding a Grand Re-Opening over Labor Day weekend, Friday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 2. There will be food, prizes, vendors and demonstrations.

Other important sponsors include Sam’s Club, Mountain Valley Spring Water, Hot Springs Village Cards, Segway of Arkansas, Central Arkansas Woodturners, Hot Springs Village Woodworkers, Teen Challenge of Arkansas, Backspin Seating, Photography by Renee and chas brunk | design and HSV Rentals. Receive a 10 percent discount Nov. 1-3 on rentals from HSV Rentals.com.

Adopt a fire hydrant in the Village

It’s not too late to showcase your creativity while giving back to your community through the “Adopt a Hydrant” program, sponsored by the Hot Springs Village Fire Department. Members have until September 30 to volunteer to repaint fire hydrants in their neighborhoods. Show off your creativity today by creating fun, friendly designs. A part of the top of each hydrant must be red – stop by the Cortez Fire Department to pick up red paint.

But the fun doesn’t stop there – Post a picture of your repainted fire hydrant on the Fire Department Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HotSpringsVillageFireDepartment and be registered to win prizes. The top three most creative designs will win!

For more information, contact Fire Captain Jason Miller at jmiller@hsvpoa.org or 922-2210.

Luau at DeSoto pool

Experience a taste of the tropics at the upcoming Summer Nights Luau, set for 7 p.m. Aug. 31, at the DeSoto pool in Hot Springs Village. Feast on tropical-themed snacks and drinks catered by The Daily Dish. Wear your favorite tropical gear including flowered shirts, hula skirts and more. Tickets, $15 per person including food and pool fee, are on sale now at www.HSVTicketSales.com or by calling 922-5050.

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. Weekly activities include deep water aerobics, swim lessons and volleyball/badminton.

Daily Rates are $3.75 (POA members) and $5.25 (Guests). Children 6 years old and under may swim for $1.50 (POA members) and $2 (Guests). Individual season passes are $89.50 (POA members) and $129 (Guests). Family season passes are $178.50 (POA members) and $249.00 (Guests).

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 per hour (Guests) for 30 people or less with a $25 clean up fee; each 10 additional people are $10 each.

Cancer Walk will close Cortez Boat ramp on September 28

The Cortez Boat Ramp in the Village will be closed on Saturday, September 28 until 2 p.m. for the 12^th Annual Village Walk for Cancer Research. For more information, call 591-922-0322.

Carrier appointed to A-State post

Shawnie Carrier has been appointed chief of staff for Dr. Tim Hudson, chancellor of Arkansas State University.

President and CEO of the Arkadelphia Regional Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce for the past four years, Carrier’s experience includes working with business and community development, marketing and recruitment strategies. A graduate of Arkansas State, she spent a decade working in regional economic development and building community relations.

“We live in times that require state supported higher education to reach out to new partners, not only to enhance our mission of educating our future leaders, but also to enrich our communities,” Hudson said. “Shawnie’s success with public and private sector groups in her previous leadership positions is important to our goal of building strategic partnerships to benefit Arkansas State.”

"I am thrilled to be returning home to East Arkansas and Arkansas State, where I got the educational base from which to launch my career," Carrier said. "These are exciting times to be at A-State, and it's a great opportunity to come back here to Jonesboro and be a part of it."

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Rick Stripling chaired the faculty-staff screening committee that recommended the pool of applicants for further consideration.

“Her outside CEO-level experience and her track record of work coordinating between public and private sector organizations were important to the committee,” Stripling said. “She knows how to build consensus for progress. As an alumna, Shawnie has an understanding of our institution and a passion for Arkansas State.”

As Chief of Staff, Carrier serves as the liaison for the chancellor to various constituent groups, providing project leadership for specific non-profit or board directed organizations, community and economic development project oversight and management of stakeholder relationships.

“Shawnie is a proven professional with outstanding strategic problem solving skills,” Hudson said. “The ability to work with current stakeholders and guide Arkansas State toward new regional and statewide relationships is essential to our future. Her track record of fostering positive community relationships for the Arkadelphia region is something we look forward to here at A-State.”

Joining the Arkadelphia area chamber in June 2008 as the director of economic development, Carrier rose to the organization’s CEO position the following spring. Among her major achievements were creation of a regional intermodal authority that secured grants and funding for a $5 million regional transload facility and the recruitment and expansion of businesses in diverse industries including reconditioning/recycling, education and health care.

During her tenure, city leaders created the “Arkadelphia Promise,” a funded endowment to pay for the college education of every student graduating from Arkadelphia High School. In the community development sector, she created a countywide leadership program out of which grew the Boys and Girls Club, the Rally on the Ravine Festival, a local farmer’s market and a Main Street Program for Arkadelphia.

Prior to working with the Arkadelphia Alliance, Carrier served as director of external affairs with the Cross County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Corp. in Wynne for eight years. She assisted with recruitment of major industries, including Eakas Arkansas Corp., an automotive supplier, and the expansion of several local industries including Mueller Copper Tube Products. She developed a new communication strategy and economic development approach for the county’s chamber and economic development organization and initiated a county leadership program.

Carrier received her bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from A-State, and continued her education as a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and the Institute for Organizational Management, receiving a professional IOM certification. She begins Sept. 16.

Benton Area Chamber of Commerce will publish new community guide and membership directory

We are pleased to announce that sales for our upcoming community guide and membership directory are now underway. The guides are on target to print next spring, and will be distributed in and around the Chamber service area.

The forthcoming Benton community guide and membership directory will act as an exceptional Chamber membership recruitment tool, ideal community reference guide and informational relocation publication. This customized publication will feature a refreshing writing style, coupled with eye-popping design and colorful pictures - grasping the distinct character of the community. The publication will also include a complete Chamber membership directory and/or comprehensive buyer's guide (categorical listing).

Advertising in the Benton community guide and membership directory has unrivaled advantages. The multi-platform advertising bundle goes beyond the traditional print publication to include: a community website and downloadable NewView eBook®, which converts the publication's editorial, pictures and design elements into a digital format; on-the-go wireless access via various web-enabled devices; and the searchable vpMobile.us® Business Directory Portal, featuring the Chamber's entire membership directory, available wirelessly, 24/7. Since 1996, the Village Profile® website has seen over 250,000,000 hits from Internet locales around the world and from all manners of users, and the vpmobile.us site totaled more than 8.4 million hits from 2011-2012. This considerable traffic will prove beneficial to the entire Benton Area Chamber of Commerce community.

In addition, the Chamber's Village Profile® iPhone and Android App provides the Chamber, our members and advertisers access to their community in one touch, anytime, anywhere, from their handheld Smartphone devices. Downloadable from respective iPhone stores and the Android marketplace, the Village Profile® App is comparable to navigating through www.villageprofile.com, with features including the community publication cover graphic; links to editorial chapters; access to the advertiser directory complete with reciprocal links; one-click, GPS-driven directions to all Chamber advertisers' business locations; including direct dial and direct email capabilities.

This leading-edge, technologically advanced, royalty-generating publishing program is made possible through a partnership between the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce and Chamber member Village Profile®, and is produced at NO COST to the Chamber.

For publication and advertising information or to reserve ad space now, contact the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce at 501-860-7004 or the Sales Representative David Harris at 630-973-9576.

Pryor Recognizes 5th Anniversary of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

U.S. Senator Mark Pryor joined consumer and industry officials to recognize the fifth anniversary of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

“When parents purchase a toy or crib for their child, they want to know that it’s safe. Unfortunately, before the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was signed into law, dozens of everyday products were being recalled—from fake eyeballs filled with kerosene to building block sets with magnets that could squeeze children’s intestines shut if swallowed—and more than 230,000 children nationwide were suffering from toy-related injuries. As Chairman of the Consumer Protection Subcommittee, I joined a bipartisan coalition of senators to overhaul the Consumer Product Safety Commission and keep toxic toys and dangerous products out of the marketplace. It’s been five years, and we've seen incredible progress. Thanks to the new consumer incident database, families can now report and search for product safety hazards online. Products are being tested by independent, third parties for safety compliance, strong standards have been put in place for cribs and infant and toddler products, and we’ve significantly reduced the amount of lead in toys. Even more, we’ve cut fatalities in half and dramatically reduced recalls,” said Senator Pryor.

“The CPSIA represents the most comprehensive strengthening of product safety laws in a generation. The CPSIA gave new vigor to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The agency now reflects consumer perception of what our nation’s product safety net should be. Consumers are safer as a result of the CPSIA and its effective implementation,” said Rachel Weintraub, legislative director and senior counsel at Consumer Federation of America. “Never in CPSC’s history have more rules been promulgated and in such a short time period. These rules will have an important and positive impact on consumers.”

“This landmark law, a portion named for Danny Keysar, gives parents assurance that the products they buy to care for their children will keep them safe,” said Nancy Cowles, Executive Director of Kids In Danger (KID) founded by Danny’s parents after his death in an unsafe portable crib. “The effort to pass the law and implement it fully has made children safer – a real legacy for Danny and other children killed or injured by unsafe products.”

"The CPSIA was Congress’ response to the recall of millions of toys and children’s products for excessive lead, ingestion hazards, and other serious risks," said Ami Gadhia, senior policy counsel with Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports. "We thank Senator Pryor for his leadership on product safety, and for helping to make our kids safer.”

“Public Citizen is delighted to celebrate the five-year anniversary of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. As a result of the law, which exists thanks to Senator Pryor and other leaders in Congress, products are safer, more resources have been devoted to providing guidance and ensuring the rules are being followed, and consumers are empowered because they can independently share and learn about product safety risks on an online database. In short, the CPSIA is working incredibly well,” said Christine Hines, consumer and civil justice council, Public Citizen.

"Senator Pryor's leadership was crucial to passage of this bill. Its strong provisions helped restore scientific integrity to this agency,” said Celia Wexler, senior Washington Representation of the Union of Concerned Scientists.

“Thanks to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, we're keeping lead and other toxins out of our children's toys and school supplies,” said Katherine McFate, President and CEO of the Center for Effective Government. “This law is just one of many examples of the way standards and safeguards protect us as we go about our everyday lives.”

Changes in priority mail

Capitalizing on strong growth in its shipping business, the United States Postal Service has launched major changes to its Priority Mail line-up, with improved features including free insurance, improved USPS Tracking™ and day-specific delivery which are expected to generate more than a half a billion dollars in new revenue over the next year.

“This major upgrade of our Priority Mail products is one of the most dramatic new offerings from the Postal Service that meets the strong marketplace demand for core shipping features at affordable pricing,” said Patrick R. Donahoe, Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer. “We believe this Priority Mail line-up positions the Postal Service very competitively in the shipping marketplace and gives small businesses and other frequent shippers a continued and compelling reason to do business with the Postal Service.”

Priority Mail will now provide scheduled delivery – 1-day, 2-day or 3-day based on the origin and destination of the package.1 The Postal Service also will provide improved USPS Tracking™ for all Priority Mail products. Tracking and scheduled delivery information will be prominently and conveniently located on customer’s retail receipts and is also available online using Track and Confirm.

Free insurance is another new and important Priority Mail feature2 designed to close competitive gaps in the shipping market place and meet the growing needs of small businesses and other frequent shippers. Priority Mail 1-day, 2-day and 3-day will include $50 or $100 of insurance coverage depending on the payment method, such as whether a customer brought it to a retail counter or it was paid for online.

“Our revamped Priority Mail product line should be a game changer in the shipping marketplace,” said Nagisa Manabe, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer. “We’re meeting the rising expectations of customers with important new features that include new packaging, free insurance, date specific delivery and free tracking.”

Newly redesigned Priority Mail boxes and envelopes are available in Post Offices and online at usps.com with many Priority Mail Flat Rate sizes and pricing. Express Mail services will continue as Priority Mail Service commitment based on acceptance location and time. Some restrictions apply.

Exclusions may apply; domestic service only. Express, providing next day service with a money-back guarantee and up to $100 of free insurance.

The Postal Service has seen strong growth in its package business, which grew more than 14 percent over the last two years. This e-commerce-fueled growth trend is projected to continue for the next decade. Online consumers are expected to increase their spending by 62 percent by 2016 and U.S. E-commerce retail sales are expected to grow by 41 percent to $370 billion annually by 2017.

“With e-commerce driving major changes in shipping habits, and consumers becoming more reliant on delivery services, the Postal Service can play an increasingly vital role as a driver of growth opportunities for America’s businesses,” said Manabe. “We expect our Priority Mail product will continue to be very popular.”

“Our customers see strong value in the national delivery platform we provide, and we anticipate continued package growth as small businesses take advantage of our new Priority Mail offerings." stated Donahoe.

Other competitive advantages of Priority Mail products will continue to be the following:

No hidden charges — no fuel or residential surcharges.

Free supplies — free boxes and envelopes delivered at no charge.

Free package pickup — regardless of the number of packages.

Multiple packaging options — full family of variable and Flat Rate packaging with a variety of package sizes and pricing.

The Postal Service plans to educate business and residential customers about its new Priority Mail products through an integrated marketing campaign that will extend through the holiday season.

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