Sheets Gauging Interest for 4-H Forestry Judging Team

County Agent Steven Sheets says he’s working with a Hope teacher to see if there’s interest in putting together a 4-H Forestry Judging Team. A meeting is set for Friday says Sheets. The meeting will be aimed at home-schooled youngsters and will be held at 10:15am at the Washington Volunteer Fire Department. All interested persons are welcome to attend the Washington meeting. Anyone who needs more information may call Sheets at 777-5771 in Hope.

 

Private Pesticide Applicator Training This Month
The Hempstead County office of the Cooperative Extension Service will hold a private pesticide applicator training session this month says County Agent Steven Sheets. The training is set for 6pm Monday February 13th at the Southwest Research and Extension Center on state highway 174 North. You don’t have to register for the program, just show up at the Experiment Station. Those who need the training are urged to get it locally. If you miss the local training you might have to travel to another county or to Little Rock to get it. For information call Sheets at 777-5771.

Horticulture Meeting Set for March

The Cooperative Extension Service in Hope will hold a meeting on horticulture in March says County Agent Steven Sheets. The meeting is set for March 5th at 6pm. The subject will be ornamental horticulture. There will be a small fee. For information contact Sheets at 777-5771.


UACCH Will Offer iServe Again

UACCH will again offer their “iServe” program this summer for qualified Juniors and Seniors says instructor Jan Whatley. The enrichment program will allow qualified area juniors and seniors to take two college classes and also give 20 hours to a local non-profit organization. Whatley says the program has several aims including helping students work on their critical thinking and to heighten the students’ awareness of community needs.  Three students completed the course last summer and there will be room for more this year. For information visit uacch.edu or phone Whatley at the college at 777-5722.
 

Danny Martin to Seek Third Term as Nevada County Sheriff

Nevada County Sheriff Danny Martin has announced he will seek re-election for a third term.  Martin issued the following statement to his supporters and the media:

"I would like to take this time to thank the citizens of Nevada County for allowing me to serve as your Sheriff and Collector for the past three years; it has truly been an honor.
This is a few of our accomplishment since taking office January 1, 2009; I have been able to keep the Nevada County Jail open. When I came into office the jail was on probation and looked like it was going to be closed. I contacted Arkansas Department of Detention Facilities Review Committees and asked what need to be done to keep the Jail open. I was told to build a new jail. I explained to the committee what I had in mind doing to the jail. Five weeks later I contacted the Review Committee for a new inspection. The committee did the inspection and took the jail off the closing list. Since January 1, 2009, I have been able to keep the jail open and off probation, saving Nevada County thousands of dollars for not housing all inmates in other county jails if our jail would have been closed.
The Act 309 program was suspended when the jail was placed on probation. The Act 309 program allows jails to house a state inmate after they meet certain guidelines. The 309 can do the cooking, cleaning, and a lot of the maintenance around the jail saving the county money. After getting the jail off probation I was able to get the Act 309 Program reinstated for Nevada County.
I had a security fence built at the back of the jail to protect impounded vehicles from vandalism and acquiring storage fees. From time to time suspect vehicle are impounded or seized for investigational purpose. It also allows work release inmates to work out side while still in a secured area.
I pledge that I will continue to do my best to keep the jail open, improve the sheriff’s department skills, techniques and training to make sure all Nevada County citizens are provided with a professional, honest, and caring service.
I believe that continued support from the citizens is vital to successful law enforcement in Nevada County.
As your sheriff, I will continue to work with all agencies and citizen groups to improve the quality of law enforcement in Nevada County.
I am asking the citizens of Nevada County to re-elect me for a third term as your Sheriff and Collector on May 22. "

MAKING RAINBOWS TO PARTICIPATE IN “GREAT CENTRAL U.S. SHAKEOUT” ON FEBRUARY 7

HOPE, AR. – The children of Making Rainbows of Rainbow of Challenges will participate in the Great Central U.S. “ShakeOut” on Tuesday, February 7.  The activity is known as the largest earthquake drill in central U.S. history as thousands of schools practice earthquake and disaster safety. “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” is the theme for the two-minute drill and will take place at 10:15 a.m. More than two million people across nine states are expected to practice the life saving activity at that time. The “ShakeOut” is being organized by numerous organizations including the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium. More information regarding the drill may be found on the web at www.shakeout.org/centralus. For more information, please contact Rainbow of Challenges at 870-777-4501.

"Souper Bowl of Caring" this Friday and Saturday

The First Presbyterian Church of Hope is holding its 5th annual “Souper Bowl of Caring” today (fri 2-3) from noon until 6pm and tomorrow (sat 2-4) from 8am until noon. The effort has raised a substantial amount of food and money for Hope in Action in the past says coordinator John Ed Watkins. Last year’s effort brought in about $1,000 in cash and over 1,000 pounds of food for Hope in Action. Watkins say in the previous 4 years the total has been over $3000 in cash and 2000 pounds in non-perishable food. The drive will be conducted in the parking lot between the First Presbyterian “manse” or parsonage and Rodney Orr’s new office on south Main. Everyone is invited to drop off food, monetary donations, or just a word of encouragement.

Hope High Students Host Coffee

The Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Community Coffee on Wednesday February 1st was hosted by the Hope High Career and Technical Education students. Kayla Martin talked about her involvement in the program. She is involved in three different areas beginning with the Medical Professions class and the HOSA Club. She has also taken part in Food Production Management and Family and FCCLA. Martin says the only part of the program she has not participated in is the Ag program and Future Business Leaders of America. The health professions club has been very helpful as Martin plans to study to be a dental hygienist in college. Parents who would like to learn more can contact Cheryl Morrison at Hope High.


Singleton Briefs Quorum Court

The Hempstead County Quorum Court got an update from Sheriff James Singleton at their recent January meeting. The sheriff began his talk thanking the quorum court for their support in the past year as well as their support during his years as Chief Deputy. Sheriff Singleton noted that he and another Arkansas Sheriff recently attended an educational meeting in Colorado and they were the only sheriffs there who said they got good support from their JP’s. Sheriff Singleton briefed the group on programs, continuing education, improvements at the jail, storage issues, and even the jail census over the past year.

Historic Washington State Park will hold its Frontier Days February 17th and 18th for the general public. On the 16th is a special day for home school students says Vickie Schoenweis. The cost will be $5.50 per student and they will get to see encampments comparable to what would have been seen in Washington in the 1800’s. For information or to sign up call the park at 983-2684.

Hunter's Education Class to be Offered Again Feb 25th

The Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Conservation and Education Center recently hosted the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission’s hunter’s education class and had 17 people successfully complete the course. If you missed it you still have another chance at Grandview says Annesah Rasheed. The class will be offered again on February 25th. Registration is required at 870-983-2790. You may also call that number if you just need further information.

Kiwanis Awards Day

The final Hope Kiwanis meeting of January was awards day, the day to honor Kiwanians for perfect attendance for the fiscal year that ended in September. Kiwanis Secretary Charlotte Bradley announced the honorees. Sameer Patel was recognized for a year of perfect attendance, Paul Ball for two years, Steven Mullins for five years, Jack Easterlin seven years,Jerry Pruden for ten years, Dr. Bill Coffee for 14 years, George Straughter for 15 years, Floyd Young for 17 years, Dale Franks for 32 years, and Bob Willis for 39 years perfect attendance. Two Legion of Honor Awards were given. Steve Buelow was recognized for 30 years of membership in the club and Joe Don Webb recognized for 35 years. The awards were made by President-Elect Cliff Knowles who was filling in for President Trevor Coffee.

Candy Sales Continue Thru Friday

Candy sales are continuing through Friday (2-3) at Clinton Primary says Principal Kendal Montgomery. 3rd and 4th graders are selling giant candy bars and the money raised will be used for an end-of-year party for the students. Anyone who would like to buy a candy bar and isn’t contacted can call the school. The number to call at Clinton Primary is 722-2723.

Saratoga Man Arrested on Drug Charges

Hempstead County Deputies arrested Kenneth Lamb 34, of Saratoga on Saturday January 29, 2012, For Felony Possession of Drug Paraphenilia after deputies found items related to drug possession and ingestion on his person on Hempstead County Road 12.
While deputies were recovering a stolen 18 wheeler from Pilgrims Pride on county road 12, They interviewed Lamb as to his knowledge of the stolen truck Deputies observed Lamb drop a syringe and attempt to kick it away from site of the deputies. Deputies recovered the syringe which they believed was used to ingest Methamphatmine. Lamb was transported to Hempstead County Jail to await a first court appearance.

Man Arrested for Scrap Metal Theft

At approximately 1300 hours Deputy Jim Bush was dispatched to Highway 67 East and Nip and Tuk Road in the Perrytown area to meet a witness to theft of scrap metal.
Upon his arrival he spoke with the witness who stated that he witnessed Eric Turner stealing scrap metal from 7996 Highway 67 East. Turner stated that he did not have permission from the owner, and could not tell deputy Bush who the owner was.
Deputy Bush arrested Turner age 31 of Hope for theft of scrap metal and Criminal Trespass and transported him to the Hempstead County Detention Center

Hope School Board Meeting

The Hope School Board held a special called meeting Monday January 30th. After the meeting was called to order, the meeting recessed to a public hearing to detail the proposed facilities master plan. Superintendent Kenneth Muldrew detailed proposals for Clinton Primary, Beryl Henry Elementary, Yerger Middle School, Hope High, Garland Learning Center, the former Edith Brown School, and the school administration building. Included was the proposal to remodel classrooms in the science building to house the first year New Tech program if funded by Workforce Education. Also, the proposal calls for replacement of the exterior doors on the administration building. Mr. Muldrew also unveiled preliminary drawings of the renovation and construction planned for Hope High to be funded by the monies raised by the refinancing last year of the district's bonded indebtedness. The board passed a resolution approving the proposed master plan after reconvening into the meeting.
The board looked at bids for the project to put artificial turf at Hammons Stadium/Summit Field. The low bid was $622,000 from GeoServices of Baton Rogue, LA. Six bids were received and all were substantially higher than the winning bid. The board voted to accept that bid contingent on the Hope High Foundation being able to pay the first $180,000.
Assistant Hope High Principal Mike Spraggins gave a presentation on the district's "new tech" school planned for the Hope High District. The draft plan for the " Hope Academy of Science and Technology". The aim is for 50 candidates and Spraggins thought they would get them by the end of the week. He showed the board a timeline for implementation and also noted plans for the first year would call for a staff of seven. Spaggins outlined a proposal for staff selection and also showed the board a sample schedule. Spraggins also noted the need for equipment including tables to replace desks and laptops computers to be issued to each student. The board voted to accept the new tech proposal agreement.
Superintendent Kenneth Muldrew noted the Drum Ballet has been invited to Indiana to perform for a judge's convention in February. The board approved the trip for the students.
Personnel matters closed the meeting.

Man Sought in Church Break-In

On January 29, 2012, Deputies were dispatched to New Hope Baptist Church at 3725 Highway 278 West, in reference to criminal trespassing.
Upon arrival deputies met with church members who stated that some unknown person (s) had entered the church through a window. and while there cooked some food and made coffee and apparently used the phone.
Investigator's have reason to believe that the person responsible for this is TERRY LYNN PARMER a white male age 47 , Last known address 824 Highway 71 South Ashdown, Arkansas. PARMER, 5'11, 165 pounds, Brown hair, Green Eyes.
PARMER is also being sought for the theft of a Pilgrims Pride 18 wheeler and feed trailer on January 28, 2012 from the Pilgrims Pride feed mill on highway 29 south. Deputies and ASP Troopers located the truck in a wooded area off Hempstead County Road 12 at approximately 7:00 PM Saturday. The truck was returned to Pilgrims Pride. Deputies, Troopers, Hope City K-9 officer's and Game and Fish officers searched the area of county road 12 with negative results.
On Sunday January 29, 2012, at approximately 8:00 PM, Investigators went to a home in the Lakeview Estates area to try and locate PARMER, PARMER fled the area on foot and a short manhunt was conducted in the Perrytown area again without results.
Investigators are obtaining warrants for PARMER for the Theft of the Pilgrims Feed truck, the Breaking and entering of New Hope Baptist Church, and a theft in the DeAnn area. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of TERRY LYNN PARMER is asked to contact the Hempstead County Sheriff's Department or your local law enforcement agency. All information received will be kept Confidential.

UACCH Prep Academy off to a Great Start Saturday

HOPE, AR – The University of Arkansas Community College at Hope College Preparatory Academy began Saturday, January 28 on the UACCH campus with 34 students. This inaugural class of 9th grade Hope High School students in the UACCH College Prep Academy are being led by the following instructors:
· College Math Instructor– Gina Sutton
· Secondary Math Instructor – Michael Miller, Hope High School
· College English Instructor – Jan Whatley
· Secondary English Instructor – Whitney Ivy, Blevins School District
· College Reading Instructor – Glenda Formby
· Reading Instructor – Dara Goff, Nashville, AR
· Careers Instructor – Staci Shupe
· UACCH Academy Director – Edessa Walton

The purpose of the Academy is to provide enhanced academic opportunities for students to ensure that they are prepared to excel in postsecondary studies upon completion of high school. To accomplish this, the students and instructors will meet two Saturdays a month to hone the students’ skills in reading, English, mathematics, and career planning.

Help UACCH congratulate these students and instructors for their dedicated efforts to this program. For more information about the Prep Academy, visit the UACCH website at www.uacch.edu.

Girl Scout Cookies On Sale

Girl Scouts Cookies are now on sale and volunteer Mary Johnson says there is a new cookie that is really an old favorite. The new cookie is called “Savannah Smiles” and was available several years ago. The cookies are $3.50 per box. If you don’t know a Girl Scout and wish to order cookies you can call Johnson at 777-5507 after 6pm.

Powers Preparing for Fiscal Session

State Representative Bubba Powers is getting ready for the legislature’s fiscal session which will begin February 13th. Powers has been commuting back and forth to Little Rock for budget hearings to prepare for the session. Barring any special session this will be Powers’ final session as he is term limited and cannot run for re-election. He says it has been a privilege to serve the people of Hempstead and Nevada County in the legislature.

UACCH Offers New Classes
Nancy Kenworthy of UACCH serves as the college’s Community Education Coordinator. A variety of classes are set for this semester including several computer classes which she will teach. Kenworthy notes as the new classes are scheduled they are placed on the UACCH website. If you have questions you can call Kenworthy at 722-8102.

Valentines Dinners at Historic Washington

Historic Washington State Park has set its annual Valentine’s dinners for February 10th and 11th. Vickie Schoenweis has the details on the events. She notes the evening includes a surrey ride and a special valentine’s program. The cost includes a prime rib dinner for two as well as entertainment. Reservations are required and the programs are limited so phone 983-2684 for information or reservations.

Ribbon Cutting for Long-time/New Business
The Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce held its second ribbon-cutting of the new year Tuesday (1-17). The event was for a long-time business and a new business. The long-time business is J.B. Cook Auto Parts which is co-owned by  Kenneth Madlock and Jim Sparks.  Sparks and Madlock has also built Downtown Oil and Lube which is adjacent to the auto parts store. Hope Mayor Dennis Ramsey alluded to the long-time Madlock contributions to the Hope Business Community referring to the service station Madlock’s father, Ervin Madlock, used to operated at Third and Pine. The mayor thanked Kenneth Madlock for his efforts to establish and operate businesses in Hope and applauded his latest venture. J.B. Cook Auto Parts has undergone extensive renovations and Downtown Oil and Lube has a comfortable waiting room which features many a variety of Hope memorabilia. The businesses are located at 218 West Third and the public is invited to stop by the facility.
 

Clergy Appreciation Week
Hope Mayor Dennis Ramsey has declared this week “Clergy Appreciation Week” in Hope at the request of the Hope Civitan Club. The mayor signed a mayoral proclamation Friday January 27th. The club will hold a special clergy appreciation program in February for local ministers. For information contact any Civitan member or President Steven Russell at Southern Printing downtown.

Congressman Ross Honors Fallen Sergeant Wise in Congressional Record
Fourth District Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott Tuesday, January 24, entered into the Congressional Record a statement honoring U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Benjamin B. Wise, 34, who died January 15 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Sergeant Wise died of injuries sustained January 9 in Afghanistan from small arms fire.
Congressman Ross' comments include these statements: Sergeant Wise joined the Armed Forces in 2000 and was on his fourth overseas deployment--once in Iraq and three times in Afghanistan...During his 11 years as a soldier, SFC Wise earned three Army Commendation Medals, three Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals with Bronze Service Stars, three Iraq Campaign Medals with Bronze Service Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Non-commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbons, the Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, the NATO Medal, the Parachutist Badge-Basic, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Expert Infantry Badge, the Combat and Special Skill Badge, Basic Marksmanship Qual Badge, the Canadian Parachutist Badge, the Special Forces Tab, and four Overseas Service Bars.
SFC Wise was also posthumously awarded two Bronze Star Medals for his bravery in battle and a Purple Heart for giving his life in service to his country.
He was the son of Dr. Jean and Mary Wise of Camden. Dr. Wise has a medical practice in Hope.
 

State Park to Close for Renovations

Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge will be closed for 18 months as crews work on a $6.2 million renovation. State Parks Director Greg Butts says the lodge will close Feb. 16. It's expected to reopen in the summer of 2013. Officials say improvements to the 38-room lodge will include renovations to the guest rooms, lobby, gift shop and meeting room. Plans also call for a 10,000-square-foot expansion to add two more guest rooms and increase the size of the existing guest rooms.  The lodge sits atop Rich Mountain, which is more than 2,600 feet above sea level. Officials say the renovation calls for new windows in the lodge that will offer better views of the mountain

Quorum Court Holds First Meeting Of 2012

The Hempstead County Quorum Court convened Thursday (1-26) for their first meeting of 2012. Under old business the JP's voted to pay $11,600 for back pay for Veteran's Service Officer Doyle Ferguson. The state informed the county they needed to pay nearly five years of retirement for Ferguson as he is classed as a county employee even though the state reimburses the county for the position. The JP's approved the back pay after county clerk Sandra Rodgers explained the situation.
The JP's approved the county's legislative audit. Judge Martin noted the 2010 audit had to be added to the official minutes.
An authorization ordinance was approved to allow the county to purchase goods and services from quorum court member Ronnie Kidd.
The county is prohibited from doing business with a county official, employee or quorum court member without approving such an ordinance.
Kidd refrained from voting on the measure.
An appropriation ordinance was passed to pay for the new padded cell being installed at the Hempstead County Detention Center. $27,955 was appropriated from the Jail Lawsuit money for the padded cell. The JP's also passed two routine transfer ordinances. Also an ordinance set the regular time for regular quorum court meetings at 5:30pm on the 4th Thursday of the month with the exception of November and December when the meetings are changed due avoid conflict with the holidays.
Sheriff James Singleton gave a report to the Jp's. Included in the accomplishments the Sheriff noted the "certificate pay" the JP's approved to encourage deputies to further their educations. He also noted there was no turover in deputies this year. Also the sheriff noted each deputy and civilian have received training to help sheriff's personnel avoid lawsuits. Sheriff Singleton also noted he attended the National Sheriff's Institute in Colorado. Sheriff Singleton also noted some of the grants his department has secured in the past year. He had words of praise for Prosecutor Christi McQueen and also thanked Hope Auto for providing a vehicle for the DARE program. Also he noted they have obtained a military Humvee for Just under $500. The Sheriff also noted the padded cell was used for the first time on Wednesday (1-25). And he detailed a reorganization of the department's 7,500 pieces of evidence as well as the purchase of a scanning system to cut down on storage. The Sheriff also mentioned his gratitude for the deputies and employees of the department. He noted the deputies responded to 195 incidents involving weapons. Also he noted the average jail census was 60 in 2011, down from 71 in 2010. The Sheriff noted he has sent information to all the sheriffs offices in the letting them know we have space for prisoners for $40 a day. He also detailed a new "phone app" the department will get later this year to allow the public to check a variety of sheriff's department information.

AGFC Public Meeting Tuesday
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will hold public meetings statewide Tuesday, January 31 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. across the state. Locally, the meeting will be at the Hope Regional Office in Perrytown. Topics of discussion include the elk season, flood-prone zones, remove white-tailed deer from the approved lists of pets, moving the archery season opener to the fourth Saturday in September, increase the leased-land permit fee from $20 to $40, push turkey season back one week and reduce the youth hunt to one day, change the doe-only hunt to an antlerless hunt and move it to an earlier date, October 13-17, 2012, increase the squirrel bag limit from 8 to 12 and possession limit from 36 to 48 squirrels, during youth hunts, mentors will not be allowed to carry a weapon and antler restrictions on wildlife management areas and deer zones. For local information, call 870-777-5580

Center in Columbus Well Worth the Drive

One of the most unique Game and Fish Commission facilities in Arkansas is the Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Conservation Education Center near Columbus. Annisah Rasheed says the facility is well worth a trip to Columbus. It encompasses nearly 5,000 acres and is the biggest plot of “blackland prairie” in public ownership in Arkansas. The facility features two lakes, lodges that can be rented for the day or for overnight group accommodations and a new shotgun range. For information phone Grandview at 983-2790.

Nevada Basketball Team Looks Forward to Tournaments

The Nevada Blue Jay basketball teams are looking forward to the tournament season with anticipation says Superintendent Rick McAfee. The Junior District Tournament is at Ouachita (between Arkadelphia and Malvern on US 67). beginning February 6th. February 13th the Senior District Tournament will begin in Blevins. Stephens will host the Regional Tournament for Region 3 beginning February 22nd. Nevada will host the State Class A tournament in early March on the SAU campus. For information on any of the tournaments phone the school at 871-2418.

Club to Honor Ministers

The Hope Civitan Club will once again be honoring local ministers during their “clergy appreciation” activities says Mona Still of the club. The week is to include February 3rd to mark the unselfish actions of four clergymen who lost their lives during the war-time torpedoing of the S.S. Dorchester. January 29th through February 4th is officially “Clergy Appreciation Week in Hope” by Mayoral Proclamation as signed by Mayor Dennis Ramsey. The club will hold an appreciation dinner for local clergy in February. For information contact Still at Dr. Tyson’s office or Civitan President Steven Russell of Southern Printing.

County Roads Faring Better Than City Roads and Highways In Spite of Wild Weather

The drought conditions of the past year have caused a lot of problems to the city of Hope and the state highway department as roadbeds have contracted with the drought and expanded during the wetter weather. This has not been as much of a problem for Hempstead County says Judge Wallace Martin. He said this is more a problem for paved roads and many of the county roads have a gravel surface. Judge Martin says the gravel roads don’t have as many problems with the roadbed expanding and contracting because there is not a solid surface to crack or collapse. He says all in all the county roads are doing OK this winter.