Almost two years and justice will be done for Dawna Natzke

Garland County investigators on November 25, with the assistance of the prosecuting attorney’s office, completed an arrest affidavit, for the charge of Murder 1^st Degree, for KEVIN CONWAY DUCK, in reference to the disappearance and murder of Hot Springs Village police dispatcher Dawna Natzke in December 2011.

The arrest warrant was signed late yesterday afternoon in Garland County Circuit Court. Bond has been set at $250,000.00.

Investigators are working with local authorities in another jurisdiction, Louisiana, to bring Duck into custody.

The murder of Hot Springs Village dispatcher DAWNA NATZKE was first investigated by Hot Springs Village Police and then turned over to Garland County's Sheriff's Department and the Arkansas State Police once Natzke's body was found in the Ouachita National Forest on New Year's Eve of 2011. Investigators followed numerous leads, but quickly exhausted most of them.

The facts and evidence garnered through the investigation revealed there were no other persons of interest, other than the last known person to see her alive after leaving former Hot Springs Village POA general Manager Scott Randall's home, her boyfriend, Kevin Duck.

Since February 2012, investigators were in contact with special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Garland County investigators received assistance from the FBI in analyzing evidence, specifically electronic data, e-mails and text messages, obtained during the course of the investigation. The effort by the FBI was ongoing and investigators waited a long time for additional analysis to complete the technical portion of the investigation.

Once this information was received and reviewed, investigators again meet with the prosecuting attorney to discuss the facts of the case and determine the next course of action. The case languished on the prosecuting attorney's desk for nearly six months before a warrant was finally issued.

A reward, in the amount of $11,000, total, was offered for any information that would assist in the arrest and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for this murder.

POA statement regarding today's dog mauling

Date: November 21, 2013

Contact: Lisa Watson, Communications Specialist

lwatson@hsvpoa.org or 501.922.5565

HSV Resident Dies of Injuries After Being Attacked and Mauled by Neighbor’s Dog

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE – A Hot Springs Village resident was attacked and mauled by a neighbor’s dog in Hot Springs Village early on the morning of Nov. 21. The victim, Joan Kappen, 75, was transported to Mercy Hospital but later died of injuries sustained in the attack. 

Kappen was attacked by at least one dog, a bull mastiff, as she was walking. The dog’s owner is Emily Coy, of Hot Springs Village. 

Hot Springs Village police, fire, and LifeNet personnel responded to the scene.

The dog was picked up by Hot Springs Village Animal Control and later euthanized at a local animal clinic. 

Kappen’s body has been sent to the Arkansas Crime Lab to determine exact cause of death.

Hot Springs Village Contact: Police Chief Gary Adams, 501-922-0457.

Get your Annie tickets now

Annie starts this Thursday. I'll be down front working the music computer. Hope to see you there. It's a good show, the children are fantastic. Tickets are available at and through the Woodlands in the Village.

Little earthquake Saturday

M2.1 - ARKANSAS

Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude	2.1
Date-Time	16 Nov 2013 15:29:33 UTC 16 Nov 2013 09:29:33 near epicenter 16 Nov 2013 09:29:33 standard time in your timezone
Location	35.327N 92.752W
Depth	6 km
Distances	18 km (11 mi) ENE of Atkins, Arkansas 35 km (21 mi) E of Russellville, Arkansas 38 km (23 mi) NW of Conway, Arkansas 60 km (37 mi) NNW of Maumelle, Arkansas 76 km (47 mi) NNW of Little Rock, Arkansas
Location Uncertainty	Horizontal: 2.4 km; Vertical 4.4 km
Parameters	Nph = 11; Dmin = 18.3 km; Rmss = 0.10 seconds; Gp = 172° Version = A
Event ID	nm 111613f

The Highwaymen review

The Highwaymen rode into the Village last night and carried the audience away. Michael Moore, Bob Gill, Philip Bauer and their band of merry men appeared on the Woodlands Auditorium stage as their alter egos – Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, and amazed their viewers with their high level of musicianship and emotion. These three musicians match the styles, voices and mannerisms of the stars they pay tribute to. All of them have long-standing experience individually, but their talents have come together in a perfect blend to create this stellar performance.

From the touching ballad “Always On My Mind” to the spirited and witty “A Boy Named Sue”, the group and their back-up band played a huge body of songs, delighting the audience and receiving heavy applause for each song. As their final number ended, the listeners rose to their feet and were treated to a terrific encore for their enthusiasm.

The most striking aspect of their performance was the emotion they brought out by each number. If you closed your eyes you could feel the lyrics carry you off. Especially touching was Waylon’s recognition of our veterans when he sang his rendition of “America”, which he has performed at the Grammy awards.

The back-up players must be mentioned for their obvious talent and great sound. Big John Condiff added just enough bass guitar and Marcus Hurst kept the drums at just the right level. Lead guitarist Doc Peters, a real virtuoso, was featured by the Highwaymen several times in solo parts, as was keyboard man Scott Keys, who was described as “crazy” - he was a crazy good piano and midi player.

The house had over 400 people attending on Tuesday night, and when word gets out, I expect there will be packed houses for the next three performances. I highly recommend attending this show. It is exciting, emotional, reminiscent, and a good value – they played for 2 and a half hours!

This concert is a part of the Hot Springs Village Concert Association’s 2013/2014 concert series. There will be three more performances on the evenings of November 13, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available on line, and at the door for cash or checks. Y’all come – this is one really great concert.

This review is courtesy of Melissa H. Sonnen, a member of the Hot Springs Village Writers' Club and the HSV Players.

Single Parent Scholarship Fund Advisory Committee receives two awards from state office

Members of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund (SPSF) of Garland County Committee were recently recognized for their fundraising efforts at the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) Leadership Conference in Little Rock. Ruthanne Hill, ASPSF State Director, presented awards to Karen Garcia, SPSFGC Chair, and Ann Hair, SPSFGC Vice Chair, in recognition of the committee’s 100 percent giving status and for doubling funds raised through their signature event, Style Show for Scholarships, held each year in February.

Garcia applauded the committee for all of their hard work in doubling funds raised at the style show crediting the generosity of sponsors such as Weyerhaeuser, Morris Foundation, Munro Foundation, and Forest Lakes Homes & Condos for making the difference. The SPSF of Garland County seeks to empower single parents to become financially self-sufficient through higher education by providing scholarships to men and women who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled in a post-secondary educational course of study leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate of graduation. Established in 1996, SPSF of Garland County has awarded over $178,000 in scholarships since their inception to 370 recipients.

The SPSF of Garland County scholarships can be used for any expenses related to education including transportation, child care, medical expenses, school supplies, books and fees, and housing. Applications for the SPSFGC 2013 fall scholarships can be completed online at aspsf.org/county_garland.html or at National Park Community College’s financial aid office.

For more information about the SPSF of Garland County, contact Jane Yamauchi at NPCCFoundation@npcc.edu or 501-760-6582.

 

Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Garland County Committee members were recently recognized for their fundraising efforts to provide for local scholarships. Pictured left to right: Ann Hair, Sylvia Chudy, Carla Mouton, Amy Whorton, Karen Garcia, Bob Megahan, and Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund representative Suzanne Wiltgen. Committee members not pictured are Helen Bumpus, Charlotte Gold, and Kelli Hall.

--30--

Ann Wilson

Continuing Ed Coordinator

501.760.4155

 

Former lottery deputy director of security sentenced

A federal judge sentenced the Arkansas Lottery Commission’s former Deputy Director of Security, Remmele Mazyck, to serve 37 months in jail and to pay $482,671.93 in restitution for wire fraud and money laundering convictions for stealing and cashing lottery tickets worth close to half million dollars.

“Although I had hoped for the maximum sentence of 47 months under the sentencing guidelines, I am pleased with the Court’s sentence,” Arkansas Lottery Commission Director Bishop Woosley said.  “The amount of money taken was substantial, it was taken over a long period of time, and Mazyck was in a position of trust.  This sentence sends a strong message to everyone in public agencies that a violation of the public’s trust and resources is unacceptable.” 

The lottery is fully insured for the amount of the theft through the Arkansas Fidelity Bond Trust Fund administered by the Arkansas Governmental Bonding Board and a supplemental insurance policy which ALC purchased following start-up.  "We have submitted a claim under our supplemental policy insurance company and hope to find out soon if it will be paid.  Assuming our claim is paid under both policies, the ALC will sustain no monetary loss from this theft.  “I am glad that this chapter in the Lottery’s history is one step closer to being closed.”  Woosley added.

City partners with Wal-Mart Corporation to heighten stormwater quality awareness

Wal-Mart Corporation, having developed one of the strongest corporate stormwater programs in the nation, has agreed to partner with the City of Hot Springs’ Stormwater Division to mark storm drains at their three store locations within city limits.

Cutter Morning Star High School students have volunteered to perform the installation of storm drain markers at the Wal-Mart Superstores on Central Avenue and Albert Pike as well as the Sam’s Club on Higdon Ferry Road.  The markers bear the inscription, “No Dumping – Drains to Lake.”

The storm drain marking efforts underscore the fact that stormwater, or rainwater, runoff is not filtered or treated prior to entering the nearest stream or lake.  Therefore, any pollutants left outside uncovered or on the ground could be washed away during a rain storm and end up in area streams, creeks or lakes.  The markers will serve to educate store patrons to be mindful of what goes down a storm drain.

The City of Hot Springs is recognized as the first and only Qualifying Local Program in the state by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).  Hot Springs’ stormwater program exceeds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Phase II Clean Water Act guidelines.  For more information, call Stormwater Coordinator Jessica Johnson at 321-6743.

Message from US Senator Mark Pryor

I signed on to the Keeping the Affordable Care Act Promise Act, a common-sense bill that would grandfather thousands of Americans’ health care plans. I’ve urged the White House to fix this administratively, but until that happens, this is the most reasonable solution. As I’ve said many times throughout this process, I will always work to find responsible solutions to fix problems where they exist.

Airport hosts monthly art exhibit

The public is invited to an opening reception featuring the works of Traditional Art Guild Artist Phyllis Anderson from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 16 in the terminal building at Hot Springs Memorial Field, 525 Airport Road. The exhibit will remain on display until mid-December.

Anderson is a retired teacher who lives in Mt. Ida with her husband David.  Their daughter,

son-in-law and two granddaughters live near Fayetteville, Arkansas.  When she retired after 39 years of teaching, she decided to rekindle her interest in painting. Anderson began taking painting lessons at National Park Community College.  All of her paintings are inspired by photographs she has taken in Arkansas.  Landscapes and old buildings are favorite subjects.  She tries to emphasize the beauty and interest of her subjects by using brighter or even unusual colors, even painting on orange or red backgrounds.

TAG sponsors a new exhibit at the airport each month, and meets on the third Thursday of the month from September through May at the Garland County Library.  For membership information, contact President Joanne Kunath, 501-262-2953 or traditionalartguild.com .

NPCC Fall Student Art Sale

The National Park Community College Fall Student Art Sale will be held on Wednesday, November 20, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the first floor of the Fisher Building on the NPCC campus.

Handmade pottery, paintings, and more will be available for sale. 

Statement by Senator Mark Pryor on Veterans Day

This week, I laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery to honor our service members, veterans, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. It was an experience I’ll never forget.

Since the founding of our nation, our military has remained ever ready to defend our freedoms. With Veterans Day quickly approaching, I want to again thank all those who have put their lives in harm's way to protect our families and our nation. On this day, let us recommit to ensuring that our nation's commitment to our veterans continues after their tour of duty ends.

Terry Wallace will be grand marshal of Christmas parade

Longtime Oaklawn Park track announcer Terry Wallace, known as “The Most Recognizable Voice in Arkansas,” has been chosen as the Grand Marshal of the 2013 Oaklawn Rotary Christmas Parade, announced Lee Richardson, parade chair.  The parade will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, December 9 in downtown Hot Springs. 

Wallace served 37 consecutive years as Oaklawn’s track announcer and headed Oaklawn’s Media Relations Department since 1984, while also serving as Simulcast Host during the track’s simulcast season and long-time member of Oaklawn’s senior management team.

Since succeeding famous race caller Chic Anderson in 1975, Wallace called every race at Oaklawn, never missing a day at the track. He called 20,191 consecutive races, ending his legendary streak on January 28, 2011.

One of racing’s most versatile individuals, he has called races at Ak-Sar-Ben, Louisiana Downs, The Great Barrington Fair, River Downs, Horsemen’s Park and numerous other tracks.  As a journalist, he has been a regular contributor for Daily Racing Form and a number of other newspapers and racing periodicals; as a broadcaster, his race calls have become popular on radio and television across the nation.

Wallace has a B.A. degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he majored in modern language.  He also spent a year at The Sorbonne in Paris, France. 

He has been inducted into the Nebraska Racing Hall of Fame, served on the Board of Directors of the Garland County Literacy Council, and has volunteered his talents for numerous other community activities.  He is a 2010 Man-of-the-Year Award recipient from the Arkansas Division of the Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association.  He also received the President’s Award from the Garland County Hospitality Association, the Diamond Award from the Advertising and Promotion Commission for his efforts on behalf of tourism in the area, the John Woodruff Award, a lifetime achievement award from the International Association of Broadcasters and the Mr. Fitz Award from the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters. He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in February, 2012. 

Wallace has also been very involved in the American Cancer Society for many years, helping found Hot Springs’ Relay for Life annual event which has been hosted by Oaklawn Park since 2004.  The event has raised millions of dollars for ACS.

Wallace has a son, Ernie, in domestic management near Cincinnati, Ohio; a son, Jake, band director at Southeast Oklahoma State University; a daughter, Sarah, in the food service business in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and four grandchildren. 

This year’s parade theme is “It’s a Wonderful Life – in Hot Springs, Arkansas.” The parade entry deadline is November 22 at 5 p.m.  The entry fee, $50, will be used to support local charities, including the Project Hope Food Bank. Groups and organizations are encouraged to get creative with their parade entries and utilize lights, music noises and animation.  Trophies will be awarded in several categories. Parade entry applications, including parade rules, can be found at www.oaklawnrotary.com and www.cityhs.net .  For information, email christmasparade@oaklawnrotary.com .

Holiday lights go up in Hot Springs

Using Seiz Signs’ bucket truck, Hot Springs Parks Maintenance’s holiday lighting crew recently installed new 6-foot-high lighted wreaths on the upper façade of the Exchange Street Parking Plaza.  For 11 years, Seiz has partnered with the city to provide the height needed for the tallest holiday lighting structures downtown.

Pictured at top right is Parks Maintenance employee Eric Hendricks, with a District Court community service worker to his left.  In the bucket truck are Chris Baber and Keith Brown.

The annual downtown holiday lighting ceremony is scheduled for approximately 6 p.m. on Monday, November 25 at the plaza, following the downtown merchants’ annual Chili Cookoff event. The cookoff proceeds help defray the ongoing costs of the downtown holiday lighting program.

Glenwood Thanksgiving dinner and silent auction

Central Arkansas Development Council Glenwood Senior Activity Center will host a Thanksgiving Dinner and Silent Auction on Sunday, November 17, 11 am until 1:30 pm at the CADC Glenwood Senior Activity Center, 229 Betty Street. The general public is invited to attend.

The meal will include turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, sweet potato casserole, rolls, drinks and dessert. The cost is $7 and to-go trays are available.

The silent auction will include such things as a pool table and kitchen equipment. The kitchen equipment includes a two-burner gas stock-pot range, 1 gas two-basket deep fryer, 1 Univex mixer, and an electric four-well steam table, along with miscellaneous pots and pans. There will be a reserve on the pool table. The equipment and the pool table are available for viewing at the center located at 229 Betty Street in Glenwood, Tuesday thru Thursday, 7:30 am until 3:30 pm or call the center at 870-356-4212 for details.

The silent auction is supported in part by Modern Woodmen of America.

The Glenwood Senior Activity Center is located at 229 Betty Street. The program gives older adults support and encouragement to reach new levels of independence, fostering educational and emotional wellness for persons 60 and older. Activities include exercise, social interaction, nutrition, transportation services, recreational events, book clubs, computer training, and more.



CADC is a private nonprofit community action agency that was formed in 1965 to fight and win the “War on Poverty.” The mission of CADC is to improve the quality of life and build strong communities in Arkansas. For more information, please call Tammy Cogburn at 870-356-4212.

IRS warns of scams

The Internal Revenue Service today warned consumers about a sophisticated phone scam targeting taxpayers, including recent immigrants, throughout the country.

Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are then threatened with arrest, deportation or suspension of a business or driver’s license. In many cases, the caller becomes hostile and insulting.

“This scam has hit taxpayers in nearly every state in the country.  We want to educate taxpayers so they can help protect themselves.  Rest assured, we do not and will not ask for credit card numbers over the phone, nor request a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer,” says IRS Acting Commissioner Danny Werfel. “If someone unexpectedly calls claiming to be from the IRS and threatens police arrest, deportation or license revocation if you don’t pay immediately, that is a sign that it really isn’t the IRS calling.” Werfel noted that the first IRS contact with taxpayers on a tax issue is likely to occur via mail
Other characteristics of this scam include:

• Scammers use fake names and IRS badge numbers. They generally use common names and surnames to identify themselves.
• Scammers may be able to recite the last four digits of a victim’s Social Security Number.
• Scammers spoof the IRS toll-free number on caller ID to make it appear that it’s the IRS calling.
• Scammers sometimes send bogus IRS emails to some victims to support their bogus calls.
• Victims hear background noise of other calls being conducted to mimic a call site.
• After threatening victims with jail time or driver’s license revocation, scammers hang up and others soon call back pretending to be from the local police or DMV, and the caller ID supports their claim.

If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, here’s what you should do:

• If you know you owe taxes or you think you might owe taxes, call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040. The IRS employees at that line can help you with a payment issue – if there really is such an issue.
• If you know you don’t owe taxes or have no reason to think that you owe any taxes (for example, you’ve never received a bill or the caller made some bogus threats as described above), then call and report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1.800.366.4484.
• If you’ve been targeted by this scam, you should also contact the Federal Trade Commission and use their “FTC Complaint Assistant” at FTC.gov.  Please add "IRS Telephone Scam" to the comments of your complaint.

Taxpayers should be aware that there are other unrelated scams (such as a lottery sweepstakes) and solicitations (such as debt relief) that fraudulently claim to be from the IRS.

The IRS encourages taxpayers to be vigilant against phone and email scams that use the IRS as a lure. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information.  This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels. The IRS also does not ask for PINs, passwords or similar confidential access information for credit card, bank or other financial accounts. Recipients should not open any attachments or click on any links contained in the message. Instead, forward the e-mail to phishing@irs.gov.

More information on how to report phishing scams involving the IRS is available on the genuine IRS website, IRS.gov.

Sister City exhibit

BE NOT DEFEATED BY THE RAIN – SISTER CITY ART EXHIBIT
November 1 – December 20
The FAC Gallery
Friday, Nov 1 – Gallery Walk at 5 pm – 9 pm
Friday, Nov 14 – Artist Reception at 6:30 pm – 9 pm

Be Not Defeated, an art exhibit that celebrates the 20^th anniversary between Sister Cities Hanamaki, Japan and Hot Springs, Arkansas is on display at The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs from November 1 through December 17, 2013.

Selected artists from both cities have created artwork inspired by the poem Me Ni Mo Makezu—Be Not Defeated By The Rain, written by the famous Hanamaki poet Kenji Miyazawa.

The Hot Springs artists that are represented in the exhibit include Robin Hazard-Bishop, Hugh Dunnahoe, Nancy Dunaway, Thad Flenniken, Jeri Hillis, Carole Katchen, Johnce Parrish, Alison Parsons, Gary Simmons, Carol Small, and Richard Stephens. The Hanamaki artists participating are Miki Horisama, Masatoshi Kudo, Kenya Nitana, Eiko Nitanai, Shinro Odashima, Makiko Terui, and Kouko Yachi.

The display includes fourteen haiku poems written by members of Arkansas Haiku Society. Each poem was inspired either by Kenji Miyazawa’s poem or his life. During the month, The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs artists, including Markeith Woods a senior studio art major at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, will create illustrations to be displayed with the haiku poems.

The opening reception for the exhibit is during Gallery Walk, 5 pm to 9 pm, Friday, November. The 3^rd Fridays @ FAC event at 6:30 pm, November 15 will feature readings of the haiku poems, Kenji Miyazawa’s poems and short stories. Buddy Case, Arkansas songwriter and guitarist, will give a concert at 7:30 pm. Many of the Hot Springs artists will be at the 3rd Friday event.

This exhibit was possible with the partnership between Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation, Hanamaki International Exchange Association, The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs, and Arkansas Haiku Society.

The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs is located at 626 Central Avenue. Contact the center for information at info@hssfac.org or (501) 624-0489. The gallery is open from 10:30 am to 5 pm, Tuesday – Saturday.

Preparing for winter

It’s the time of year when Arkansas consumers drag their jackets and coats out of the closet and start to prepare for the winter months ahead.

For many consumers, preparing for cold weather also means stocking up on firewood, filling propane tanks or tuning up furnaces. Attorney General Dustin McDaniel today issued this consumer alert to provide advice to consumers who use firewood or liquefied petroleum (LP gas) to help heat their homes..

“State regulations are in place that should ensure that consumers don’t get a bad deal or are not victims of scams when they purchase firewood,” McDaniel said. “And, those consumers who rely on LP gas to heat their homes should have the confidence that they can get their tanks filled and keep the heat on in the event of an emergency.”

Arkansas Bureau of Standards regulations state that firewood may be sold only by the cord, fraction of a cord, or in terms of cubic feet. A full cord is 128 cubic feet of firewood, so, for example, a stack of wood that is four feet high, four feet wide and eight feet long would be considered a cord.

 

It is recommended that consumers measure a cord by placing wood in a line or row with individual pieces touching and parallel to each other. There should be as few gaps as possible between pieces of wood. Some dishonest sellers may attempt to stack logs loosely in efforts to shortchange customers.

 

Wood sold in hard-to-define measurements like “rick,” “truckload,” “pile,” or “face cord,” should be avoided by consumers, McDaniel said.

When purchasing a cord or partial cord of firewood, consumers should get a receipt that shows the price, amount and kind of wood purchased, along with the vendor’s name, address and phone number. Anyone with concerns about his or her firewood purchase can contact the Bureau of Standards at (501) 570-1159.

Consumers should keep in mind that dense woods, like hickory and oak, generate more heat and burn longer than soft woods such as pine or spruce. Dry, seasoned wood is safer and more effective than newly cut green wood, since the higher moisture content in new wood can cause buildup of tar and creosote in chimneys. Stacked wood should be kept away from the home to prevent termites and other pests from entering the house. Use a protective covering like a tarp to keep the wood dry and usable.

For those using LP gas, McDaniel recommended that consumers own their fuel tanks themselves. That allows homeowners to shop around for the best prices from LP gas dealers. Competition compels dealers to offer lower prices to independent buyers.

Most LP gas customers rent their tanks from a gas provider, though, and generally, the provider who owns the tank is the only company allowed to fill the tank. However, McDaniel pointed out a significant exception that aids consumers during winter storms.

 

State law permits other providers to fill a tank if the tank owner and primary provider is unable to make a timely delivery. The law applies during a winter storm when the governor declares a state of emergency and the director of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board issues an order to invoke provisions of the law.

 

In any event, McDaniel said consumers should check their LP gas tank levels regularly and have tanks filled as needed.

 

For more information on consumer issues related to home heating, or for other questions, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (800) 482-8982 or visit the division’s website, www.GotYourBackArkansas.org.

Pryor holds administration nominee until Arkansas State University receives answers on ROTC program

U.S. Senator Mark Pryor this week said he will hold a U.S. Department of Defense nominee until Arkansas State University receives the justification for the Army’s abrupt decision to shutter its Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program.

“Despite our repeated requests, the Army has yet to provide its justification for closing ASU’s ROTC Program,” Pryor said. “This lack of information is completely unacceptable. I refuse to release this nominee until the Army fulfills its promise and provides a reasonable explanation for its decision. This is a successful program, and I will fight tooth and nail to keep it open.”

In October, the Army announced that ASU’s ROTC program would be discontinued at the end of the 2014-2015 school year. Following the announcement, Senators Pryor and Boozman, along with Representative Crawford demanded justification from U.S. Army officials. Despite the Army’s commitment to turn over data and materials, the delegation has yet to receive any information. This week, Pryor placed a hold on the Army’s nomination of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to ensure ASU receives the answers it deserves.

Board of Directors meeting notices

The Hot Springs Board of Directors will hold interviews for city advisory group applicants on Tuesday, November 12 beginning at 3:30 p.m. in the Board Chambers at City Hall, 133 Convention Boulevard.  An executive session will follow, for discussion regarding the applicants to occur.

The Board of Directors’ last regular agenda meeting of the year will take place at 4 p.m. on Monday, December 30 instead of New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31. The meeting will be held in the Board Chambers at City Hall.

Old guard house on its way out

The old guard building located in the median area of the Highway 7 West Gate entrance to Hot Springs Village is set for removal from Nov. 6-22, weather permitting.

The building has been vacant and in disrepair for a number of years. It is not an E. Faye Jones landmark structure.

Please remember to use caution in the work area around both machinery and crews and obey all flagger instructions to maintain proper traffic flow. Schedule is subject to change.

Fee payment reminder from the Village POA

It’s time to renew vehicle decal and other annual fees. For your convenience, the Property Owners’ Association Accounting Department recently mailed vehicle decal renewal forms to Property Owners who purchased vehicle decals in 2013. Please verify the member information on the vehicle decal renewal forms for accuracy. Complete missing information and clearly mark corrections, additions or deletions.  Please mail in the vehicle renewal forms and a check with the appropriate payment or credit card information to Property Owners Association, 895 DeSoto Blvd., Hot Springs Village, AR 71909.

The 2014 annual fee renewal forms, which were mailed in previous years, will be available online only at www.hsvpoa.org, on Nov. 4.  To access the forms, please click on ANNUAL RENEWAL FORMS located in the KEY LINKS section on the right side of the homepage. This is a direct link to the annual forms.  

The following forms are online: pet registration, private cart and boat registration as well as forms for annual recreation amenities, tennis and GHIN, annual golf fee/cart lease information, library cards and dependent cards. Members may also pick up the forms at the POA Administration Office, located at 895 DeSoto Blvd.

Forms are available in both PDF and Microsoft Word formats. Members have two options for printing the forms online:

·        Print out Microsoft Word form(s) and fill in manually.

·        Fill out the PDF form(s) online, which will calculate the appropriate fees including sales tax, allowing the member to print a completed form. To view the PDF forms, Adobe Reader 10.0 or later must be installed on your computer. To download the latest version of this software, go to http://www.adobe.com/products/reader.html.

Please be aware that you cannot pay these fees online.

Members have two payment options:

·        Mail the forms along with check or credit card information to the Property Owners Association at the address listed above.

·        Bring the documents along with a check or credit card information to the POA Administration Building, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

For questions, please call 501-922-5519 or 501-922-5556 or email customerservice@hsvpoa.org.

At the HSV Animal Shelter

Adonis is a neutered male, Shepherd/Husky mix, one and one half years old. White/gray, short hair. Very handsome boy, energetic and  ready to learn, play and be a family pet or running buddy.

Kirby is a neutered male, domestic long hair cat, Tuxedo; unusual mahogany on black color; four years old mature cat, ready for a home and to be your lap cat.

Call today to adopt a forever friend at the Animal Shelter in Hot Springs Village at 915-9337.

At Garvan Woodland Gardens

Autumn with The Muses

Still contrite but getting a handle on life

The Dallas Beaches have headed back home. My Rotarian open house is now behind me. Coming up is the Heifer Living Gift Market this weekend at the Coronado Center and Annie toward the end of the month and then I will have my life back to blog more often. Rehearsals are eating my lunch right now. I will try to get the news out as soon as possible.