News Feed
UCA Theatre presents Thornton Wilder Classic
March 30, 2010 by admin
Filed under Community Arts
UCA Theatre will present “The Skin of Our Teeth” by Thornton Wilder on April 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bridges/Larson Theatre of the Snow Fine Arts Center at 201 Donaghey in Conway. This unconventional drama about the history of mankind recounts epochal events including tghe Ice Age and the Great Flood, and includes fire, pestilence, locausts, pox wars and depression. But through it all, the resiliency of the human race to overcome such obstacles is a wacky testament of faith in humanity.
The play is under the direction of Dr. Kevin T. Browne, associate professor Theatre with set design by Dr. Greg Blakey. Costume design is by Shauna Meador with stage management by Lauren Morgenstern.
Cast members include Adam Bennett of Texarkana, Jeremiah Smith, Cameron Backus, Jackie Rivera, and Alex Huey, all of Little Rock, Allison Benton of Corning, Brady Ness and Rachel Loveless, both of Conway, Erica Summers of Cabort, Erin Mullins of Ft. Smith, Hali Free of McRae, Hunter Thompson of Heber Springs, Matt Duncan of Bentonville, Seth Kenney of Maumelle.
Tickets are $8. for the general public and 2 free with a current UCA I.D. Tickets are available tyhrough UCA Ticket Central, located in the Reynolds Performance Hall box office or by calling 501-450-3265. The play is appropriate for ages 16 and up.
More information about UCA Theatre is available online at www.uca.edu/theatre.
Spaghetti Supper is Boy Scout benefit
Boy Scout Troop #401 is holding a spaghetti supper fund raiser on April 17, at the Fairfield Bay Lions Club 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Donation $5. The Scouts will be cooking the spaghetti and sauce outdoors but you can enjoy your meal inside. The Scouts will be camping on the Lions property everyone is invited to tour the campsite and display, Saturday 1 to 3 p.m. Funds will be used for scouting activities.
VBC Health Dept. celebrates Public Health Week
The Van Buren County Health Unit joins partners across the state this year in celebrating Arkansas Public Health Week. Donna Branscum, Administrator, said that this year’s theme, “A Healthier Arkansas: One Community at a Time, is especially appropriate because of the many state and local public health initiatives that are working here in Van Buren County to improve health.”
“Van Buren County residents can make a real difference if they commit to healthy behaviors for themselves, their children and families,” said Donna Branscum. “We will find real change when we shift from a health system of sick care to one focused on the prevention of disease and injury. Individuals and communities must adopt public health policies and practices that keep us all healthy.”
Today, many partners in Van Buren County including Ozark Health Hospital, Ozark Mountain Health Network and the Van Buren County TEA Coalition work to show individuals how to become “health champions” and help reverse the bleak national health statistics.These organizations, combined with Van Buren County Health Department, have many programs available to our citizens locally that work to prevent risky behaviors and improve health.
“We need to recognize that public health requires much more than eating fruits and vegetables, getting vaccinations and quitting smoking,” said Ms. Branscum. We must think more broadly about what we can do to improve our communities on a larger scale.
North Central Career Center to begin computer classes
North Central Career Center is now forming Basic Computer classes to be held on each Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for 8 weeks. Now forming Advanced Computer classes to be held each Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for 8 weeks. Now forming Basic Spanish classes to be held each Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for 8 weeks. To sign up call Van Buren County Career Center at 745-6554 or 501-745-7777. The date for classes has yet to be determined.
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“Scouting Out Arkansas History Workshop”
March 30, 2010 by admin
Filed under Community Arts
Space Still Available for the “Scouting Out Arkansas History Workshop”
At Old Independence Regional Museum
Old Independence Regional Museum still has available space in the Scouting Out Arkansas History workshop for Girl and Boy Scouts on Saturday, April 3, 2010. Reservations for the Workshop are required, but the deadline for registration has been extended to March 31. This three hour workshop begins at 9 a.m. and lasts till Noon with check-in beginning at 8:30 a.m. Through hands on activities and demonstrations Scouts will have an opportunity to learn more about how our region was effected by the Great Depression and what it was like on the Arkansas home front during World War II.
“This program is very hands-on, and is filled with demonstrations, activities and games that teach participants about some of the most turbulent years in American history,” stated Amanda Nikkel, volunteer coordinator. Scouts will even have an opportunity to sample some of the foods of the time period and compare how war rationing affected every aspect of daily life. “Right now, we have scouting groups registered from as far away as Pocahontas and Jonesboro, but we don’t have any participants registered from the Batesville area,” reported Nikkel.
The cost for this program is $5 per participant and space is limited to 50 participants. Custom designed Old Independence Regional Museum patches will be awarded to Scouts who complete the Workshop. Pre-registration is required by March 31, 2010.
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Historical Notes about Fairfield Bay
Local AARP Chapter Assisting AG’s Office January, 1988
AARP Chapter 2850 at Fairfield Bay has recently been selected to be a member of the Attorney General’s Liaison Network. Through that network, Attorney General Steve Clark has released the latest edition of his Buyer Beware List.
The Buyer Beware List is an effort from that office to educate consumers to businesses and individuals who have violated the consumer protection laws of the state or have demonstrated poor complaint resolution with customers. This list is issued periodically as an alert and consumers are advised to use caution when dealing with these particular merchants, Mr. Clark said.
The owners of the businesses on the list have been notified of their inclusion and opportunity has been given for each of these to make the necessary corrections. These names will remail on the list until the corrections are made.
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FFBCC Board of Directors “NEWS”
Over the past year, as the Board considered all the aspects of building a hotel in Fairfield Bay, one of the “hopes” was that Wyndham, widely known as a hotel chain, would express the right kind of interest in supporting the Original Timeshare location, FFB, with a hotel. Of course, Wyndham doesn’t actually build hotels, they franchise, meaning they provide management direction, construction design, training, advertising and reservations systems. So, FFB Community Club still had to build it, within a realistic budget.
After the initial investigation, Wyndham thought we had a reasonable plan for success, and offered their franchise package. Unfortunately, there were two major problems. First, there were design requirements that were fairly rigid, and the Board was concerned that the final product would look more like an interstate motel that a resort property. Second, franchising came with a cost, and the business plan that offered success at a 42% occupancy rate became a plan that needed a 47% occupancy rate, due to the franchise fees. Given that most of Wyndham’s program could be acquired elsewhere at lower cost, and that our own marketing program could be more focused on a target market, the Hotel Team recommended, and the Board agreed not to franchise.
The Wyndham franchise division didn’t give up and approached FFB again wanting to discuss a deal. When the Brand President offered to come and talk, the Board expected a radical change in the requirements such as lowering the cost. Unfortunately, when the meeting took place, the only real change in Wyndham’s position was to agree to the building design changes that the Board felt were needed. The financial position was the same, and for that reason, franchising was again declined. The Board is appreciative of Wyndham’s interest, as it confirms the viability of the project. With this decision, however, the goal of success is even more certain given the lower ongoing costs to operate the facility.
FFB CC Board of Directors
by Robert McBride
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Letters to the Editor March 31
Dear Editor,I am writing to encourage everyone in the community to take a close look at what the upcoming Storytelling Festival is all about. It is clear that some think that this is a day for children. Some think that storytelling is what you find at children’s “story time” at the library. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.The FFB Story Fest brings to Fairfield Bay an exciting experience that will enrich lives and open eyes to a beautiful art form. Do take advantage of this festival and enjoy a day of immense pleasure. The four nationally known professional storytellers will make you laugh and cry; they will take you to places and times that you may recognize from you own lives or that are completely foreign; they will astound you with their delicate sensitivity as well as their outrageous irreverence. They will affirm your humanity.Please read the article entitled “What is Storytelling” A Definition discussed by members of the National Storytelling Association (found on page 3).Then run, don’t walk, to get your early discount tickets to the festival. I look forward to seeing you there on April 24th!Terry LeeHarp & HomeDear Editor,
A HEARTFELT “THANK YOU”- It doesn’t seem enough to just say “Thank You” to all the people at IRV Healthcare for their excellent care after my knee replacement. We also have some very nice residents at IRV and may God Bless those Faithful caregivers! The many prayers, cards, flowers, and visits brought me joy and encouragement. Special thanks to Walter Bork for placing a bird feeder on my window at IRV. It is a delightful reminder how much God cares for us all. “His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches over me.”
Betty Edmiston
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Local News
March 30, 2010 by danfeuer
Filed under Local News
Welcoming Home Our Local Hero…PV2 Christian Neave came home on leave to visit his family and friends. The V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary adopted Christian and have sent him care packages during his tour in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Christian is with the 525th Military Police Battalion, 193rd Military Police Company. Christian hasn’t seen his wife Lindsey and his son Braylen for months and is very excited to be home. His parents Lisa and Michael Neave live in Fairfield Bay. Pictured above are: Cliff Loudon, Skip Wheeler, Gail and James McNight, Lela Burgess, Jamie Lewis, Patsy Weidanz, Lisa Neave, Christian, Braylen and Lindsey Neave, Goldia Garner, Patti Leitner, Larry Rose, Anita James, Beth Miller, Martha Stackhouse, Sharon Lay, Mike Nuckolls, and Marge Wright.
Board Holds Q&A Session
On Tuesday, March 23 The Community Club Board of Directors held a Q&A session for members to help clear up any uncertainty they may have on a variety of subjects.
Carlene Barra, Board President, opened the meeting and reiterated that board members are available to answer questions and that the monthly meeting is open to the public for questions at the end of the meeting. Carlene went on to explain that if a member has a specific problem, they should go directly to the manager of that department. If at that point they are not satisfied then they should see John Spies COO, and if still not satisfied, any of the board members may be contacted, whose contact information is available in the newspaper. Once these efforts have been exhausted and you are still unsatisfied then a letter to the editor would be the next reasonable course of action.
In an effort to save time and space here are just a few of the questions from the meeting with responses.
Q: Jim Meadows: Why his rights were violated regarding trespassing on his property for gas operations.
A: Carlene and John both stated that the board had no say in the matter and that the city has an Ordinance in place to handle all aspects of the gas operations and legally, mineral rights supersede land rights.
Q: Grace Minton: How many people from outside voted for the hotel and how many from inside the Bay voted for the hotel.
A: Carlene: Currently there are no monitoring measures in place to identify non resident and resident voters at this time.
Q: Grace Minton: What happens to the Country Club and Golf Course if the hotel fails?
A: Bob Berdine: The banks require collateral to optain the loan and ultimately if the Club defaulted on the loan then the banks would take over the properties. However, the Club would clearly take the necessary steps to ensure these amenities would not be taken over by the banks and would assess a $4 fee to the monthly member dues to assist in covering the debt service.
Q: Bruce Forsland: Why have we not seen the numbers to support the hotel project?
A: Carlene & Bob: The numbers and aspects of the project change on a constant basis and the Club wants to have everything in place before holding the next town Meeting and giving out that information. The initial business plan and strategy was published in the “Special Hotel Edition” of the Fairfield Bay News on October 14, 2009.
Q: Luelen Brown: Wanted a clear understanding of the Letter to the Editor Policy.
A: Carlene: In 1998 the board at the time established a Newspaper Operational Policy which states that no libelous or inflammatory material shall be printed and that the board has the option of final review on issues before being published. If a question is posed in a letter to the Editor regarding Club operations then the board or John Spies would reply in the same issue. By all means letters to the Editor are welcome, but operational policy will be followed.
Several members of the audience got up and stated that they have attended the monthly board meetings and their questions were answered and more people should attend to ask their questions.
ELECTION PROCLAMATIONNotice is Hereby Given, that by virtue of the authority vested in us by the Constitution and Laws of the State of Arkansas, we do hereby proclaim, publish and make known to all legal voters in Van Buren County, Arkansas that a Special Election will be held at the usual voting places and precincts in said county on Tuesday, April 13 for the purpose of voting on the following measures.SPECIAL ELECTION ON COUNTY BOND ISSUANCEThe bonds described below may be combined into a single issue or may be issued in series from time to time. If the bonds for both of the purposes described below are approved, there will be levied a one percent (1.00%) sales and use tax (the “Sales and Use Tax”), the net collections of which remaining after the State of Arkansas deducts its administrative charges will be used solely to retire the bonds. The levy and collection of the Sales and Use Tax will commence on October 1, 2010, and will replace an existing one percent sales and use tax (the “Prior Tax”). If the bonds for both of the purposes described below are not approved, the Prior Tax will continue to be levied until the existing bonds of the County secured thereby are retired.Question One:There is submitted to the qualified electors of Van Buren County, Arkansas, the question of the issuance of capital improvement bonds in principal amount not to exceed $15,200,000.00 and bearing interest at rates not to exceed 7.50% (the “Improvement Bonds”) pursuant to Title 14, Chapter 164, Subchapter 3 of the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated (the “Local Government Bond Act”) for the purpose of financing all or a portion of the costs of acquisition, construction and equipping of certain properties and improvements relating to the County-owned Van Buren County Memorial Medical Center (also known as Ozark Health Medical Center), which may include the renovation and expansion of existing Medical Center facilities, the construction of additional parking areas and a clinical support building, the purchase of equipment and furnishings, and the acquisition of land. If the issuance of the Improvement Bonds is approved, the Improvement Bonds shall be secured by a pledge of and lien upon all of the receipts of the 1.00% Sales and Use Tax levied pursuant to the Local Government Bond Act.Vote on the question by placing an “X” in one of the squares following the question, either for or against:FOR the issuance of Improvement Bonds in principal amount not to exceed $15,200,000.00 and bearing interest at rates not to exceed 7.50% for the purpose of financing all or a portion of the costs of acquisition, construction and equipping of certain properties and improvements relating to the County-owned Van Buren County Memorial Medical Center (also known as Ozark Health Medical Center), which may include the renovation and expansion of existing Medical Center facilities, the construction of additional parking areas and a clinical support building, the purchase of equipment and furnishings, and the acquisition of land…………………………………………………………….….□AGAINST the issuance of Improvement Bonds in principal amount not to exceed $15,200,000.00 and bearing interest at rates not to exceed 7.50% for the purpose of financing all or a portion of the costs of acquisition, construction and equipping of certain properties and improvements relating to the County-owned Van Buren County Memorial Medical Center (also known as Ozark Health Medical Center), which may include the renovation and expansion of existing Medical Center facilities, the construction of additional parking areas and a clinical support building, the purchase of equipment and furnishings, and the acquisition of land………………………………………………………………..□Question Two:There is submitted to the qualified electors of Van Buren County, Arkansas, the question of the issuance of refunding bonds in principal amount not to exceed $2,910,000.00 and bearing interest at rates not to exceed 2.50% (the “Refunding Bonds”) pursuant to the Local Government Bond Act for the purpose of refunding the County’s outstanding Sales and Use Tax Refunding and Construction Bonds, Series 2000. If the issuance of the Refunding Bonds is approved, the Refunding Bonds shall be secured by a pledge of and lien upon all of the receipts of the 1.00% Sales and Use Tax levied pursuant to the Local Government Bond Act.Vote on the question by placing an “X” in one of the squares following the question, either for or against:FOR the issuance of Refunding Bonds in principal amount not to exceed $2,910,000.00 and bearing interest at rates not to exceed 2.50% for the purpose of refunding the County’s outstanding Sales and Use Tax Refunding and Construction Bonds, Series 2000………………………………………………..□AGAINST the issuance of Refunding Bonds in principal amount not to exceed $2,910,000.00 and bearing interest at rates not to exceed 2.50% for the purpose of refunding the County’s outstanding Sales and Use Tax Refunding Construction Bonds, Series2000…………….…………………………………………………□Voting will be held April 13 at the following polling sitesDamascus Community Center Bee Branch Fire Dept.Sand Springs Baptist Church Choctaw Church of ChristCulpepper Cemetery Community Bldg. Scotland Community Bldg.Morganton Fire Dept. Fairgrounds Dining HallFormosa Community Center Corinth Bapt. ChurchHwy.110 Fire Dept. Crabtree Four Square ChurchEglantine Church of Christ VBC Community CenterShirley Senior Center Dennard Fire Dept.Clinton Area Agency on Ageing Office Alread E H ClubFFB Baptist Church Faith Lutheran ChurchFFB United Methodist ChurchPlease note: There are five new polling sites in Van Buren County. Please check the latest copy of your voter registration card to determine your current voting site.Polls will open at 7:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m.All Mills, Shops and factories in Van Buren County are required by law to close down on Election day or exchange their working forces not later than 4 p.m. on Election Day so that all employees who are entitled to vote may vote.The Van Buren County Clerk’s office will be open for Early Voting beginning on April 6 from 8 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. Tuesday thru Friday and from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. on Monday April 12.Early voting and absentee ballots will be counted at the VBC Election Office in the Court House Annex Beginning at 6 p.m. on Election Day And polling location results will be reported as they are received.Van Buren County Election Commission, Van Buren County, Arkansas
PAWS REPORT
by Katie Joy
“LUCY”
Pictured here is Lucy, a female shepherd mix. She enjoys playing with dogs of all sizes, male and female. She is healthy, up-to-date on shots and spayed. Nearly one year old, she has calmed down a bit from her rambunctious puppy days. Lucy is a gentle, but playful soul and she seems to always want your approval. Some say that this trait makes dogs easier to train.
We are sad to report that our wonderful staff member, Lori, is leaving us for greener pastures. Pastures are always greener when they belong to you, right? She is excited to be going to her beautiful and spacious piece of property that is unfortunately, many miles away. We will miss you, Lori!
Any relative information, comments or questions may be sent to: ffbanimalshelter@gmail.com.
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Clearing Up Primary Voter Questions
March 30, 2010 by danfeuer
Filed under Local News
In the interest of trying to better educate the voters of Van Buren County as to the primary process it should be noted that the Democrat Primary and the Republican Primary are two separate elections.
These elections take place at the same time and on the same day but they are separate elections and the voter must make a choice of which election they want to vote in. The primary elections are for the purpose of the political parties choosing the candidate that they wish to represent their party in the November election. There is also a Non Partisan Judicial Election at the same time and place as the primary elections in which Judges will be ELECTED to serve.
You do not have to be a member of a political party to vote in the primary election but you can only vote in one party primary in an election year.
The voter will have a choice of three ballots on primary election day. A Democrat ballot, a Republican ballot or a Non Partisan ballot.
Both the Democratic and Republican Ballots will have the Non Partisan Judges race included but there will also be a separate Non Partisan Judges ballot for those voters that choose not to participate in the Primary Election.
FAQ on Voting
Q: If the election officials know me, must they ask me to present identification? A: Yes
Q: What if I need assistance to vote my ballot?
A: Simply inform an election official that you need assistance. You may ask two election officials to assist you in marking your ballot, or another person of your choice may assist you. If you are physically unable to stand in line, you may request to advance to the front of the line.
Q: What if I make a mistake on my ballot?
A: If you have not yet put your ballot into the ballot box, you may ask an election official for another ballot. You will be asked to sign a Spoiled Ballot Affidavit. Do not hesitate to ask to start over. You may “spoil” up to two ballots and receive another (three ballots total). Once you drop your ballot in the ballot box, no changes can be made.
Q: What if I’m at the polls and my current address differs from the one on the Precinct Voter List?
A: For you to vote a regular ballot: The election official must contact the county clerk, and the county clerk must verify that your address is within that precinct. If your new address is within the current precinct: You must complete a voter registration form to update county voter registration records. If your new address is NOT within the current precinct: The election official must contact the county clerk to determine the proper voting precinct, then you must go to the new polling site to vote.
Q: What if my name is NOT on the Precinct Voter List at my polling site?
A: The poll worker will contact the county clerk to confirm your current registration status usingyour name, date of birth and current address. The election officials will verify that you are a qualified registered voter in that precinct. If you are registered but have moved outside the precinct, you may be re-directed to the correct polling site or you may vote a Provisional Ballot. If your name or address differs from the Precinct Voter List, you must complete a Voter Registration Application form to update your voter record.
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Bruen Announces Candidacy
March 30, 2010 by danfeuer
Filed under Local News
George Bruen announces he is seeking the republican nomination for Justice of the Peace District 4 in the upcoming 2010
primary. He expresses appreciation to the voters of District 4 for placing their trust in him during his previous four terms and request t
hey will afford him the opportunity to serve them for two more years. Bruen stated he will continue to work to keep the County’s finances on sound footing and work for lower taxes. The Quorum Court during his tenure as twice reduced the millage on property taxes. Additionally, a Reserve Fund was established to provide for unexpected needs such as the recent mold removal project. He promises to continue to work for the best interest of the citizens of JP District 4 and Van Buren County.
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Obituary: Robert D. Traylor
March 29, 2010 by danfeuer
Filed under Obituaries
Robert D. Traylor, age 82, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, March 27, 2010, at his home. Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on July 13, 1927, he was the son of the late John D. and Edith Laura (Goodman) Traylor.
A resident of Fairfield Bay since 1989, Mr. Traylor was retired from “Racine Journal-Times,” having worked in the advertising department. After his retirement, he opened his own advertising business.
Mr. Traylor was a lifetime member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, a member of the Rotary Club, and the Audubon Society. He was a member of the Fairfield Bay United Methodist Church.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Traylor was preceded in death by his wife Rosemary, who passed away on April 11, 2003.
Survivors include two sons, David Traylor and John Traylor, both of Seattle, Washington; three daughters, Cyndi Traylor of Fairfield Bay, Sue Revai of Racine, Wisconsin and Sandra (Dan) Struble of Ozark, Missouri; and ten grandchildren.
Mr. Traylor is also survived by other relatives and his many friends. Graveside services will be held Thursday, April 1, 2010, at Woodland Memorial Park at 11 a.m. with Rev. John Walls officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Audubon Society.
Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home. www.olmstead.cc
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Obituary: Margaret Rose Medonich Crowl
March 29, 2010 by danfeuer
Filed under Obituaries
Margaret Rose Medonich Crowl, age 81, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, passed away at her home on Wednesday, March 24, 2010. Born in Rock Springs, Wyoming, on October 19, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Marko and Nettie Gould Medonich.
Mrs. Crowl was a homemaker and a member of the Peace Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald C. Crowl, who passed away in 2002.
She is survived by two sons, Donald A. Crowl of Central, South Carolina, and Russell P. Crowl of Palos Heights, Illinois; one daughter, Suzanne Sheets of Higden; and one brother, Frank Medonich.
A memorial service will be held Monday, March 29, at 10:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Sue Flemr officiating. Memorials may be made to the Peace Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 52, Edgemont, AR 72044. Olmstead Funeral Home. www.olmstead.cc
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