Quantcast
Channel: Saline River Chronicle News
Viewing all 9807 articles
Browse latest View live

Community Action Meeting Suspended For Lack of Quorum

$
0
0
After conducting a good amount of the business listed on the agenda, the Southeast Arkansas Community Action Agency had it's meeting suspended due to concerns that it lost a quorum when one member had to leave.  Prior to the suspension, the board revised seven sets of board minutes dating back to April, 2014, approved the minutes of May, 17th, listened to a training session provided by DHS officials and voted by secret ballot for three new board members, who had been chosen by interested parties in Desha, Chicot and Bradley Counties.  Before the results of the vote were announced, the meeting was suspended and no action was taken by the board to seat those selected.  A representative of salineriverchronicle.com asked that the results of the vote be announced so that everyone present and the public would know who was selected for the board.  The chairman would not do so but stated the ballots would be left in the hands of state officials.  Action will be required at the next board meeting to confirm the appointments.  While a quorum was in effect, the board voted to approve a grant application for CSBG funding for 2016-2017.  Also Tony Baines was selected to represent the board on the Head Start Policy Council.



There continues to be questions and controversy about how the board and past executive directors have handled minutes and board vacancies.  State DHS staff have been attending meetings for several months in an effort to get the agency back on track and functioning in accordance to law and regulations.  Board members have been urged to get more involved by asking questions and making sure policies and procedures are being followed.

Board members were told it was time to have a new audit conducted and it was their responsibility to get things done and done correctly.  There appeared to be a desire by the members to get the organization operating properly, but some confusion seems to linger.  The agency administers millions of dollars to manage the Head Start program and to run other helpful programs to assist lower income families.  Warren and Bradley County benefit greatly as a result of the programs carried out.

According to state officials, the board needs to revise and update its bylaws and some procedures. The board must be properly elected and organized prior to making the needed changes.  

Quorum Court Discusses Land Purchase/Jail Status

$
0
0
After reviewing the minutes of the previous meeting, approving the monthly financial statement and studying other reports from elected county officials, the Bradley County Quorum Court discussed other issues of interest.  The meeting was held in the third floor courtroom of the Courthouse Monday, June, 21st.

Judge Neely talked to the Justices about the possibility of buying land adjacent to the county park, off the Old Camden Road.  Over 100 acres is available and he asked the Court if they were interested in trying to purchase some of the property.  Quorum Court members instructed the Judge to talk to the owner and negotiate a potential price.  He will report back to the Court for a final determination.

In other business the Judge informed the Justices that the building recently bought on Cedar Street for county Rescue equipment, has a few leaks that need to be addressed.  He offered three options to consider: patch at a price of $1650.00, resurface entire roof at cost of $6750.00 or install metal roof for a cost of $12,540.00.  After a good deal of discussion, the Court asked the Judge to conduct more research.


Two re-appointments were approved to the county equalization board.  Judge Neely submitted Joyce Trotter Hampton and the Quorum Court submitted Kim Forrest.

A large portion of the meeting was taken up with a discussion of a proposed regional jail.
Previously the Court had approved a resolution creating a four county jail commission.  There have been questions asked by the media concerning who will own the jail, the length of any contract with  the county, the location of the jail and the cost to the county.  Different ideas have been voiced whether the jail would be owned and operated by the commission or if a private company will own the jail.

According to Judge Neely, a private firm from Louisiana spoke to a recent county judges meeting in Little Rock and stated they would build the jail and operate it.  Each of the four counties who have joined to create the commission would sign up for a designated number of beds and would pay a fixed fee per day for use of each bed.  Some type payment would be required whether the space is used or not.  Everything is contingent upon the State of Arkansas Department of Corrections taking part by using a majority of the beds for state prisoners.  It is not known how long the contract with the counties would have to last.

The Judge and several Justices made the comment a number of times that the entire project rest upon action being taken by the State of Arkansas.  There was talk of setting up another meeting with all four interested counties and legislators from the area.  There appeared to be no final decision made on how to proceed.  A number of questions remain to be answered and made public.      

Officials of Warren And Hermitage Attend Municipal Meeting

$
0
0
Municipal officials from throughout Arkansas meet in Little Rock June, 15-17 for the 82nd annual Arkansas Municipal League Convention.  Included in the number were officials from the cities of Warren and Hermitage.  The three-day program included speeches from numerous state elected officials, workshops and training sessions.  The League is an association of the approximately 500 Arkansas cities and towns ranging from big cities like Little Rock to small incorporated towns of less than a 100.  The organization provides training and education for municipal employees and elected officials.  It also lobbies on behalf of local governments and operates self insured services for health care, workers compensation and other insurance needs.  The insurance programs save the cities of Arkansas millions of dollars.

Attending from Warren were Mayor Bryan Martin, Alderman Dorothy Henderson and Alderman Joel Tolefree.  Mayor Martin serves on the Worker's Compensation Trust Board and Alderman Henderson is a member of the First Class Cities Advisory Council.  Attending from the City of Hermitage were Alderman Tonya Kendrix and Recorder Kim Thomas.

Among the workshops attended by Mayor Martin and Alderman Tolefree was a training session entitled "legal tools to keep your city clean." City Attorney Jason Carter of North Little Rock spoke on the legal procedures that must be followed to force the cleanup of private property and the best methods to use in enforcing the law.  A manual of sample procedures and ordinances was provided each one in attendance.  Mayor Martin noted that Warren has ordinances on the books and has been active in tearing down dilapidated structures, but feels that a review of city laws and procedures would be wise and may help move the process along faster.  Both the Mayor and Alderman indicated that cleaning up old structures and junked up properties must be a priority for the city.  The workshop had a full house in attendance and every community in the state indicated that the need for cleanup is a serious problem. 

Hermitage Receives 4-Star Municipality Award

$
0
0
Arkansas State Governor Hutchinson is pictured with City of Hermitage's Council Member Tonya Kendrix and Recorder Kim Thomas. The City of Hermitage received a Four Star Municipality Award from the Ar. Municipal League. 

Record Contingent Of El Dorado Students To Attend UAM

$
0
0
            MONTICELLO, AR — The 2016 graduating class at El Dorado High School will be well represented at the University of Arkansas at Monticello this fall.
            A record-setting contingent of 20 students have accepted El Dorado Promise Scholarships to attend UAM, according to Chancellor Karla Hughes.  “This is wonderful news and we are excited that such a large group of students from one high school have chosen to come to UAM,” said Hughes. “The El Dorado Promise Scholarship Program is providing a lasting legacy for that community and we are pleased to share in the results.”
            The 20 El Dorado Promise Scholars who will attend UAM this fall are Halvin Boone, Krysten Charles, Sierra Creer, Donna Eads, Ciarra Fetterly, Yasmine Finley, Jesse Fite, Olivia Fricks, Imperial Gill, Ismael Gonzalez, Caderius Moore, Sakaia Noble, Henley Perry, Macy Reames, Vashantae Sapp, Davione Shutes, Kuvacya Steward, Kayla Vickery and Erik Washington.
            The El Dorado Promise Scholarship Program was created in 2007 by a $50 million gift from the Murphy Oil Corporation to allow graduates of El Dorado Public Schools to earn college degrees tuition-free. Since its inception, 1,588 students have received Promise scholarship funding.
            The amount of the scholarships is based on the highest amount charged at an Arkansas public college or university per semester for 15 hours, or per quarter for eight hours. Students must attempt a minimum of 12 hours each semester and complete 24 credit hours each academic year with a 2.0 cumulative grade point average to remain eligible.
            For more information, contact Jim Brewer, director of media services, at (870) 460-1274.

Joyce Smith Awarded Paraprofessional of the Year Award

$
0
0
The Arkansas Special Education Paraprofessional of the Year Award recognizes an Arkansas Paraprofessional who currently provides direct services to students with exceptionalities. The Arkansas Special Education Paraprofessional of the Year is an outstanding member of the profession whose work exemplifies the best in special education. His or her work reflects significant educational success for students.

This year's Arkansas Special Education Paraprofessional of the Year Award was presented to Mrs. Joyce Smith, paraprofessional at Eastside New Vision Charter School.  Mrs. Joyce has worked in the Warren School District for 15 years. Throughout that time she has worked directly with students with special needs, including summers and school breaks.  She has dedicated herself to ensuring all students are valued, cared for, and progress toward their educational goals.  

Day Campers Pass Swim Test

$
0
0
Congratulations to these YMCA Summer Day Campers for passing their swim test! Before being permitted to get in the deep end of the swimming pool, swimmers of all ages are required to swim the length of the pool unassisted. Swimmers are then given an orange bracelet for lifeguards to easily identify them.  Way to go, guys!

Y Pool Updates

$
0
0
The summer is here and the Donald W. Reynolds YMCA has made lots of updates to the pool deck! We’ve added more seating and picnic areas than ever before.  We are also offering concessions throughout the day.

Pictured you will see swimmers playing with the newest addition: a basketball goal!

We look forward to the best summer yet at the YMCA! Join today so you don’t miss out on the fun!

Gavin Places 1st in District 4-H O'Rama

$
0
0
Weston Gavin, son of Sandy and John Gavin, recently competed at the District 4-H O’Rama held at Hope High School where he placed first in the Reel Into Sports Fishing Category.  Gavin is a member of the Superstars 4-H Club in Warren. 

Bradley Co. Block Builders Put Together Project Book

$
0
0
The Bradley County Block Builders Extension Homemakers Club donated a quilt to Kim White when her house burned this past year.  As part of their work, the club put together a project book about the quilt to be judged at the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council Meeting in early June. Pictured is Linda Kercheval receiving the first place award for the book. 

NFHS Livestreaming Explained to Lions Club

$
0
0
Lions President Brandon Gorman and Lumberjack Live owner Rob Rep.
The Warren Lions Club met Wednesday, June 22, at noon in Molly's.  The topic for the program of the day was the changes to Lumberjack Live since owner Rob Reep has partnered with the NFHS (National Federation of High Schools) and entered into a contract with the Warren School District to cover year-round sporting events.  Reep explained the advantages of the new partnership as:
   a.  the ability to cover playoff games
   b.  the school will financially benefit by receiving part of the revenue generated from the subscriptions
   c.  access not only to live games but also to re-play games on demand
   d.  access to other NFHS live-streamed games from other schools (live and on-demand)

Reep also explained that subscription rates are very reasonable and are available at different levels. For just $50 a year, patrons will be guaranteed at least 20 sporting events throughout the entire school year.  However, season rates are available as well as individual games.

After football season, Reep plans to livestream a game of the week, whether it is basketball, soccer, baseball, or softball.  He plans to try to cover as many away games as possible.

UAM Sets Pre-registration Sessions for July 11-12

$
0
0
            MONTICELLO, AR — The University of Arkansas at Monticello will hold a pre-registration session for incoming freshmen July 11 and a second session July 12 for transfer students and re-admitted students, according to Tawana Greene, executive director of enrollment.
            The July 11 session for incoming freshmen begins at 12:30 p.m., in the Fine Arts Center. Only students who have applied for admission and have received mail notification may pre-register on this date. Letters of invitation were sent to each student with a request for a reply.  Limited places are available for each session.    
            Sessions for parents will provide information regarding the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA), academic programs, financial aid, student programs and activities, residence life, campus safety and services, and information technology.            
            Transfer students may preregister for the fall semester in the Office of Admissions in Harris Hall on July 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Transfer students who have received mail notification may pre-register at this time. Students who are being re-admitted to the university may also register during this time.          
            For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at (800) 844-1826 or(870) 460-1026.

Matthew Smith Interns in DC with CropLife America

$
0
0
Matthew Smith is spending his summer at our nation's capital where he's interning with CropLife America. Matthew is their governmental affairs intern where he has been doing legislative analysis on state bills that have been active in this year's legislature throughout the U.S.

So far this summer, Matthew has been attending meetings on behalf of CropLife America, going to hearings and seminars on the hill regarding agriculture and pollinators, and working with the CropLife Political Action Committee. He does research to keep his supervisors up-to-date on certain issues and has also helped develop the D.C. Ag intern Network which consists of interns across the city who are interning in an agriculturally related field.

#ATUagri #ATUagIntern #AgLoudAgProud
Sent from my iPhone
This e-mail, including any attachments, is confidential and may contain legally privileged information intended solely for the use of the addressee. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that reading or any other use of this message is unauthorized. Any views or opinions expressed in this message are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of Murphy Oil Corporation or any of its subsidiaries.

LifeShare Blood Drive Set for Monday

$
0
0
LifeShare will conduct a blood drive at the Bradley County Medical Center Out Patient Therapy Clinic located at 404 South Bradley St. on Monday, June 27, between the hours of 3:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Sign up today.  Contact Tiffany Holland at tholland@bcmed.org or by calling 870-2263731.

Tomato Festival Committee Thanks Sponsors

$
0
0
The Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival wishes to thank the sponsors of the 2016 Festival for their generous support and help in making this year's festival a success.

Union Bank
The Hermit
SouthArk
Tomato Fair & Market
Warren Ladies League
Sonic Drive In
State Farm-Joey Cathey
Potlatch
Dr. Kerry Pennington
Deloris' Family Pharmacy
Mitchell Lumber
Frazer's Funeral Home
First State Bank
Arkansas Superior Federal Credit Union
Shelter Insurance
Johnson's Hardware
Maxwell Hardwood Flooring
Warren Bank & Trust
Cash and Sons
Mallard Medical Supply, LLC
Dr. Karla Hughes
The Swap Shop
Warren Lions Club
Bradley County Medical Center
Cathey Insurance Agency
Bradley County Industrial Development
C & L Electric
4-M Foods
Townsend Flooring, Inc.
Haley, Claycomb, Roper, and Anderson
Ouachita Hardwood Flooring
Armstrong Flooring
City of Warren
Scott Claycomb
Dr. Bob Smalling
Timberlogistics, Inc.
Emrich and Scroggins, LLP
Bradley County Farm Bureau
Bryant Chiropractic Clinic
Warren Animal Clinic
South Arkansas Auto Sales
Lumberjack Yamaha
The Mane Event of Warren 
James Body and Glass
ProNails
Robert C. Milton
Busy Bees
ESCO
Dr. Dichelle George
Jennings Carpet Specialties
Ryburn Motor Company
George Motes
T & T Construction
Reep Professional Consultant
Carolyn Spraggins
Merchants and Planters
Trucks Heating and Air
El Palacio Mexican Restaurant
Robert A. Richardson
Sandine Body and Glass
E & M Tire and Lube
Cathey's Wrecker Service
ESCO-James Jones
Warren Woman's Club
John Wolfe
Robin Wood and husband
KWRF 
salineriverchronicle.com
Funderburg Electric
John Gibson, Jr.
Super Valu
Massey's
Dr. Ken Purvis
Tommy Maxwell
The Mad Butcher
Steamer's Carpet Care
Mike Nichols Auctions
Dr. Joe H. Wharton
Golden Girls
Bradley County
Tilco Construction
BrINN

pd. ad

Heritage Grants Received By Chamber

$
0
0
Left to Right: Lt. Governor Tim Griffin, Stacy Hurst, Mayor Bryan Martin, Chamber President Joel Tolefree, and Gary Clements
Bradley County Chamber of Commerce President Joel Tolefree and Warren Mayor Bryan Martin were in Little Rock Thursday, June, 23rd to accept two grants from the Department of Arkansas Heritage.  One grant for $1000.00 will be used by the Warren Downtown Network to assist local businesses with upgrades to their building awnings, while the second grant for $59,602.00 will be used along with other grant dollars and additional funds raised, to renovate the Railroad Depot on Cedar Street.

The grant awards were handed out by Heritage Director Stacy Hurst and Arkansas Lt. Governor Tim Griffin.  The program was held at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center.  A large crowd was on hand from communities and organizations from throughout Arkansas to accept their awards and to take part in a training session on how to utilize the grants.

Gary Clements of Clements & Ass. Architecture, Inc. was also present.  Clements will conduct the architectural work on the Depot project.
Left to Right:  Stacy Hurst, Joel Tolefree, Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin, and Mayor Bryan Martin

Harmony Free Will Baptist to Host VBS

$
0
0
Submerge - Vacation Bible School at Harmony Free Will Baptist Church at Rye will be held on July 11-15, 2016 from 6:30-8:30 PM each night.

If you need a ride you may call 870-820-1565 or 573-429-7807.


Emmaus Baptist To Host VBS

$
0
0
Emmaus Baptist Church will host Vacation Bible School July 17-21 beginning at 6:00 p.m. and concluding at 9:00 p.m. each evening.  The theme for the VBS is Cave Quest.  Following Jesus: The Light of the World.


Hermitage Raises Water Rates

$
0
0
The Hermitage City Council meet for their regular monthly City Council meeting June, 20th. Council members Carol Bell, Tonya Kendrix and Frank Ford were present.  Wade Wolfe was absent.

Reports were given by the water, sewer, fire and police departments.  No street report was available. Fire Chief Booker asked for an ordinance to bill insurance for car fires and rescue outside the city limits.  

Ordinance #111 was approved raising rates to cover the cost of water improvements. The ordinance also affects water deposits, reconnect fees and changes to rules and regulations of the Water/Sewer/Garbage Department.  The vote was 3 for and 0 against.

There was a discussion about the law that prohibits ATV's being driven on city streets, county roads and state highways.  First offenders will be issue a citation that carries a fine of no less than $145.00 and a second offense can result in the ATV or illegal dirt bike being impounded.

The council accepted the resignation of alderman Wade Wolfe and voted to hire Steven Baker to be paid from street funds at a rate of $10.00 per hour for 28 hours per week. 

Hospital Board Announces New Speech Therapist

$
0
0
During the June, 23rd meeting of the Bradley County Hospital Board, an announcement was made concerning a new full time speech therapist for the hospital.  Marci O'Neal Roberts will be providing speech therapy services for the hospital.  Marci is a native of Warren and a graduate of Warren High School.

Brandon Gorman, CFO for the hospital presented the financial reports which indicated that while the hospital did not make a profit in May, 2016, the finances remain strong for the year.  Mr. Gorman also updated the board on the Home Health Care Program and sales tax revenue.

The following medical staff recommendations were aprroved:
Benjamin Bartnicke, M.D., RAPA
Ashley Courtney, LPN to Dr. George
Heath Reep, APN to Dr. Wharton
Rafael Pita, M.D., Emergency Medicine
Mark Dixon, M.D., Emergency Medicine
George Norton, M.D., RAPA
William Lynn, D.O., Emergency Medicine
Kyle Knott, M.D., Emergency Medinine
Imtiaz Ahmed, M.D., Emergency Medicine
Ronald Owens, M.D., RAPA

Tiffany Holland provided the nurses report and it was reported that the Mammography Program MQSA Certification has been received.

Board members were informed that the community health needs assessment is underway and future meetings are planned.  After an executive session the board approved the Quarterly QI report. 
Viewing all 9807 articles
Browse latest View live


<script src="https://jsc.adskeeper.com/r/s/rssing.com.1596347.js" async> </script>