Our next upcoming event is Rods-N-Ribs on September 14th. It will be on the downtown square in Ozark with a car show, games, food from Rivertowne BBQ and prizes. A fun-filled family event!! Shipley’s Donuts will re-open in a couple weeks. They have been closed due to roof repairs. Yonder Mountain Harvest Fest tickets are now on sale at the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce. It is October 17-19th Tickets are $144 for all three days. This includes primitive camping beside the vehicle. Have a safe and happy Labor Day! Ribbon Cutting for Personal Touch
Pictured L to R: Linda Millsap (Ozark Chamber of Commerce), Sandy Key (Main Street Ozark), Carol Sneath (Ozark Mayor) Connie Kyllingstad (Personal Touch, Owner), Keva Chrisman (A Touch of Class), Jennifer Wilson, Tony Wilson (AR Valley Electric Co-Op). Back row L to R: Toby Hogan (Shelter Insurance), Harold Dickerson (Coca-Cola) and William Heffington (Heffington Insurance)
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Tony’s Tips from AVECC Caulk around plumbing penetrations that come through walls beneath bathroom and kitchen sinks. Caulk electrical wire penetrations at the top of the interior walls. In a basement, seal the sill and band joist with durable caulking or foam sealant.
From Tony Wilson, Member Services/Key Accounts
From The GrapeVine On behalf of the Wiederkehr Village Weinfest Committee, Wiederkehr Wine Cellars invites you to join us in celebrating our 50th Annual Weinfest, Saturday, October 12th. Don’t miss the Swiss Family Bistro and Swiss Family Vineyards wine tasting room as well as Village Liquors at exit 41 on I-40. (All open seven days.) For the early birds who arrive Friday evening, October 11th, the Weinkeller and Swiss Family Bistro will be open as usual. However, we have a special treat with some home grown talent. Live Concert in the Fest Tent. First Come First Seated. $5 Cover for the Concert Only. Lance Carpenter’s Nashville Band Kristen Church JustTheChips Saturday, October 12th, as always, the truly Tyrolean festivities begin early in the day with tours of the Historical Wine Cellars at 8:30 a.m. starting in the midst of the festivities and ending in the charming wine tasting room. Then catch a ride on one of the open trams or horse drawn carriage through the vineyards to an observation tower with a panoramic view of the Arkansas River Valley. Take a leisurely stroll and browse through the quality Arts & Crafts Exhibits. You will also want to tour the beautiful St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Join the fun, either as a spectator, or as a contestant in the many events such as the Stein Stemmen (stone toss), wine barrel rolling or the Baum Stossen (log toss) contest, which are always popular. Polka dancing is always fun and will be in full swing early in the day. You won’t want to miss the Grape Stomp which is always a sure audience delight. And then, there’s the FOOD! The concessions will be serving a variety of international ala carte cuisine during the day, such as Quiche Lorraine, Old World Potato Soup, Smoked Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, and many other delicacies. The famous Weinkeller Restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner, including patio dining
August 28, 2013 Round Table Report Promotions: Oct 5th – Rally on The River – A media event on River Street to focus attention on the importance of the Arkansas River, its history and prospective economic benefits to Ozark. There will be live music by local County Music star, Lance Carpenter, free hot dogs and soft drinks and fun for the entire family. Free T-shirts for the best signs. Free Admission
Library News
The Franklin County Library Board met Tuesday Aug 27th and selected the renovation plans for the Franklin County Library at Ozark. The renovation will take approximately 7 months. The temporary library will be located at 120 South 2nd Street, Ozark. The architectural firm of James Childers Architect Inc. will be doing the design. The project is scheduled to begin December 1st.
Oct 19th – 41st Annual Old Fashioned Square Gathering – Live bluegrass, Hillbilly Critter Contest, Needle in the Haystack game, chili-cookoff, Little Mister & Miss Pageant, Baby Photo Contest and 100+ arts& craft booths. Free admission
Nov. 22nd & 23rd – 3rd Annual Purple Friday Week-end – A retail event – Synthetic ice rink, Giant Snowzilla toboggan run, Santa Clause, horse drawn carriage rides around the square, music, food and shopping. All activities are free
Check out the web address www.arvrls.com for downloadable eBooks,FreeGal downloadable music, Zinio downloadable magazines, card catalog, data bases and much more. For information or help please call 479-667-2724.
Walk through History Brochure: Historic District and National Register buildings will be filmed and narrated. The film will be accessed by scanning QR Codes on historic plaques and by Main Street, Chamber and City Websites
http://www.ozarkchamberofcommerce.com/Library/Fr anklin-County-Library-61
Riverview Plaza – Construction should begin on the plaza before the end of the 2013.
- Sandy Key, Main Street Ozark
Thursday October 17, 2013 10 AM to 2 PM Mercy Ozark is gearing up for our Annual Health Fair, also cosponsored by Arkansas Tech University, Ozark Campus. The fair will be held at Arkansas Tech University (Student Services & Conference Center) Room 117. The event is FREE to all who attend. Arkansas Tech students will be available to offer assistance on site for anyone who has physical limitations or who need a little extra assistance. We will have drawings for door prizes which will be awarded at various times during the event. You must be present to win!! There will be a wide variety of vendors available to hand out information relating to various health issues. Drop by to get your blood pressure and pulse checked. Mercy Hospital will be offering FREE lab draws for blood Glucose and Cholesterol. Mercy Hospital also plans on offering Flu Shots at this time. Any male who would like the PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test done, please contact Patti Brown at Mercy Hospital (479-667-4138 Ext 8203) to be added to the list, she will need your name and phone number. This service will be provided by the Arkansas Prostate Foundation. We will need a minimum of 45 males signed up for this test and the screening to take place. Keep your eye on the Spectator for further details closer to this date. It is a privilege and blessing for our Mercy Family along with our Co-sponsor Arkansas Tech University, Ozark to provide this informative and health conscious event to our community residents. We look forward to seeing you all there!!!! On behalf of our staff of Mercy Ozark
Anne Porter RN COHN(s) ASC Clinical Education & Occupational Health
First Arkansas Tech-Ozark students receive Morris scholarship For the first time, the Dr. Justin Morris Scholarship is being awarded to an Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus student. Not just one student, but two. Kathleen Vire of Wiederkehr Village and David Post of Altus were presented a plaque and scholarship Friday, Aug. 16, in Little Rock at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds. Deb Crow, director of the Arkansas Livestock Show Association’s Competitive Events Department, gave Vire and Post each $1,000 to be used toward classes at Arkansas Tech-Ozark. The scholarship, which is named for Dr. Justin Morris, former distinguished professor emeritus with the University of Arkansas Department of Food Science, is designated for students enrolled in one of the following programs of study: horticulture, viticulture, hospitality, food science or culinary. Andy Allen, chair of the Arkansas Tech-Ozark viticulture and enology programs, said, “I’m very proud that David and Kathleen are the very first recipients of the Dr. Justin Morris Scholarship. Their enthusiasm and commitment about grape and wine production and their desire and drive to learn will make them great assets to the Arkansas grape and wine industry.” Vire, a viticulture and enology double-major, said, “I am honored to be receiving the Dr. Justin Morris Scholarship, more so after going to his mechanization seminar and actually meeting him, and for what he has done for the grape and wine industry.” Morris headed the Enology and Viticulture Research Program, which was established to conduct basic and applied research pertinent to both the current and long-term challenges that face the Arkansas, regional and national grape industries, according to its website. Vire, the vineyard and winery manager at Chateau aux Arc Vineyards and Winery, said, “I love what I am doing; if I wouldn’t have been through this program, I wouldn’t be able to do what I am doing.” Post, who works at Post Familie Vineyards, said, “Being in the vineyard is a passion of mine. I am very excited about the opportunity this scholarship is giving me to continue my education in viticulture.” Post is seeking a technical certificate in viticulture. After receiving a technical certificate in both viticulture and enology, Vire plans to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Viticulture and an AAS in Enology through the Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA). Arkansas Tech-Ozark is a member of VESTA, a National Science Foundationfunded partnership between the Missouri State University system, two-year schools throughout the United States, state agriculture agencies, vineyards and wineries
Kathleen Vire and David Post 10th anniversary celebration Sept. 10 On July 1, Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus reached a special milestone in the educational institution’s history, its 10th anniversary of joining the Arkansas Tech University system. A formal celebration is slated for Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Arkansas Tech-Ozark, and the campus asks that members of the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce mark their calendars and plan to join the festivities. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. “What the Ozark Campus has become over the past 10 years is truly amazing,” said Bruce Sikes, chief academic officer. “Since the merger with Arkansas Tech, our growth in enrollment, academic programs and business and industry outreach has been significant. “Our faculty and staff take pride in the role we play as an educational institution and as a change agent. We’re excited to celebrate our 10th anniversary with our students and the community.”
Provided by Charlie Gocio, public information coordinator at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus. For more information, he can be reached by e-mail at cgocio@atu.edu, or 5083314.
Well it looks like we are back in the dog days of summer. Spoiled as we may be, we will have to buck up and accept the high temperatures again. School is back in session and our Police Department has told me that the traffic control this year has gone extremely well. Good way to start the year off! We are well underway with our Ike 2 Drainage project east of Alston, Gibson, and 9th to 6th Street. Again, I ask for your patience while we finish this project. If you haven’t noticed we have resurfaced a portion of 29th Street, Gibson Street, 17th Street, 16th Street (with sidewalk), the road around the ballparks at the West Side Park, and also completed sidewalks repairs within the city. Along with this, I’m sure you noticed that Arkansas Highway Dept is resurfacing 18th Street (Highway 23). The city of Ozark Parks & Recreation Department proposed to honor Milanie Matthews by naming our Westside Park walking trail, the “Milanie Matthews Walking Trail”. Milanie has spent more time on this trail, has monitored its upkeep (many days either, Sue or Rick or myself get a call telling us this or that needs attention) and many of her showcase pictures are of flowers, bugs, or critters she has seen on this trail. Lanie, keep up the good work. We are proud to bestow this honor to you. Look for an article featuring Milanie in the Times Record this Sunday, September 1st. Sue McClellan and Sonya Eveld, along with their volunteers are getting the “Haunted Sewing Factory” all “SPOOKY”. If your organization would like to adopt a spot, be sure to contact them at 667-2238. They have put together a huge media campaign, so we should be drawing a lot of visitors from a 50 mile radius to visit our community and spending their tax dollars with us. Have a “Safe & Happy Labor Day Weekend”.
The Ozark Area Visitor’s Center will be open from 9:30-3:30 on Saturdays.
The September is derived from the Latin word “septem” meaning seven. September was the seventh month in the Roman calendar. In our calendar today it is the ninth month. September in the Northern Hemisphere is the seasonal equivalent of March in the Southern Hemisphere. September in Ozark is the beginning of a festive time of the year with many visitor attractions.
September 1st & 2nd: Arkansas State Horseshoe Pitching Tournament held at Ozark West Side Park, behind the City Swimming Pool starting time 10 am on Saturday.
September 14th: Young Eagles Fly-In Breakfast and Lunch; sponsored by EAA 1156 at Etna Airport starting at 7 am until 2 pm.
September 14th: 11th Annual Rods-N-Ribs Car Show held on the Ozark Square sponsored by the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce.
September 18th thru 21st: Bikes, Blues & BBQ Camping at Mulberry Mountain Events & Lodging. o There will be many events going on in the Ozark area that weekend. Bikers will be routed through Ozark to see the scenery. Please be mindful of our guests while they are visiting our area.
September 28th: Bluegrass in the Park at Ozark East Side Park starting at 6 pm. Bands are Crossroads, Flat Broke & Lonesome, and Crooked & Steep. Bring your lawn chairs, kick back and enjoy some of the best music around.
For more information about Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce events please visit: http://www.ozarkchamberofcommerce.com/news_events
The two big issues before legislators this month concerned the future of our students and the future of our veterans. As you know, thousands of students headed back to school this month. Education remains our top funding priority in the state with 47% of all General Revenue devoted to education. And during this recent session, we increased per student funding from $6,144 per student to $6,393 per student for this school year. One of the biggest challenges for the Education Committee is how to make sure our students have what they need to learn in this digital age. Recently, the Education Committee heard its first report from the Quality Digital Learning Study Committee. This study committee was formed to establish and maintain the necessary infrastructure and bandwidth to deliver a quality learning environment in each school district and public charter school. The Committee will also be researching access to affordable and effective digital learning tools.
Why is this important? Well, as members learned from the study committee this week the lack of broadband capacity in schools negatively impacts teaching and learning as well as rural economic development. For every one percent increase in broadband saturation, employment increases by at least .2%.This is an area where our state is currently struggling. This recent session we also passed legislation requiring 9th grade students in the 2014-2015 school year to complete at least one digital learning course before graduation. An example of digital learning may include teaching high schools students how to use data and charts to support reasons why they need a car. Another example would be a science class using digital projectors and software to learn about the solar system. I will update you on those committee reports going forward. Meanwhile, the Veteran’s Home Task Force has been touring the state visiting proposed sides for the new 150 bed Veteran’s Home which was approved by the 89th General Assembly. Possible locations include Fort Smith, Haskell, Jacksonville, and Russellville. The task force is required to submit recommendations to the legislature by October 31. I will continue to keep you updated and you can always view what meetings are scheduled on our website at http://www.arkansashouse.org/.
-Bill
Subway inside Loves #271: The special this month is a Chicken Salad Sandwich. $6.75 for a ft long, $4.50 for a 6” sub. They have ‘Lunch Anytime’ meals with select sandwiches and a 20 oz. drink for $4. Hillbilly Hideout at The I-40 Travel Center: The Razorback Burger is one of the special burgers you can get, as well as the daily specials like meatloaf and catfish. KFC/Taco Bell: $1 medium drink, $1 freezees, $1 loaded grillers from 2-5 p.m. everyday The Coffee Break: 3 new sandwiches, as well as specialty coffees. All sandwiches and Panini’s are $6.00 each and are served with a pickle spear and your choice of regular or BBQ chips. Rivertowne BBQ: Daily lunch specials such as ribs, brisket, catfish and barbeque as well as a full menu. Hours are from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. on Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. Wiederkehr Weinkeller Restaurant: The Weinkeller is buzzing in preparation for the 50th Annual Wiederkehr Village Weinfest on Friday and Saturday, October 11 and 12. Friday night Early Bird Concert/Party with Ozark's own Lance Carpenter and another fresh new talent from Fort Smith. Kristen Church, who sings a little red dirt and classic rock will be a great warm up for Lance. Mark your calendars. Beverages, Brats and Burgers will be plenty.
The Weinkeller is always hopping on Weinfest Eve. Make a plan and have dinner followed by a great home town reunion concert. Friday night Early Bird Concert/Party with Ozark's own Lance Carpenter and another fresh new talent from Fort Smith. Kristen Church, who sings a little red dirt and classic rock will be a great warm up for Lance. Mark your calendars. Beverages, Brats and Burgers will be plenty. The Weinkeller is always hopping on Weinfest Eve. Make a plan and have dinner followed by a great home town reunion concert. Swiss Family Bistro: in the Wiederkehr family of business at Exit 41 on I-40 is open 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Thursday for Lunch. The Bistro serves soups, salads, sandwiches and your favorite beverages. Call ahead for your lunch orders to make the most of your time and have lunch waiting. Swiss Family Bistro is open Friday through Sunday 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Some of the favorite dishes include the Philly Swiss Cheese Sandwich, Chicken Salad Sandwich, the Reuben, giant cheeseburger and the famous Swiss Onion Soup. Dine on the patio for a nice open air experience.
Emerging Technology in the Classrooms of the High School Campus
Ozark High School students and faculty are using more and more technology thanks to the addition of Chromebooks. Each student and faculty member was issued a Google Chromebook the first week of school with the intention of bringing our classrooms to the forefront of the emerging technology. Hopefully, the Chromebooks will replace textbooks in the near future as the school systematically replaces the hard copies with digital versions subject by subject over the next few years. In the meantime, students are utilizing the internet based tablets in all their classes by doing research, submitting assignments online, writing essays, working with vocabulary, and creating slide presentations.
The Judge’s Jot Franklin County employees have been busy with different meetings and conferences this past month. We have had several elected officials and county employees hitting the road to learn new laws, have refresher courses, and cyber workshops.
Shelly Wilson Franklin County Treasurer made a trip to Fort Worth, TX. Shelly attended the NACO (National Association of County Official) conference. The conference was very informative and Shelly specifically attended a cyber workshop. Shelly is also involved with a steering committee made up of county treasurers from all around the State of Arkansas. This committee is responsible for developing and testing new software programs for county treasurers. We are excited about everything Shelly is learning through these processes.
The ladies in the Franklin County Clerk’s office made a trip to Little Rock to learn of new legislation on Power Profile. Power Profile is a program used by the county clerk’s office for the voting process. There are extensive laws to follow just for the process of having an election. We are grateful these to these Ladies for taking time out of their busy schedules to extend their knowledge for the betterment of Franklin County.
The Arkansas Association of Counties held their annual meeting last week. Franklin County employees in attendance were County Clerk De Anna Schmalz, Deputy Clerk Shae Johnson, Assessor Cathy Bennett, Sherriff Anthony Boen, and Jail Sergeant Tina James. Each elected official and county employee attended classes and meetings to help in their specific office. De Anna stated that they have motivational speakers that help them all to get rejuvenated.
We really appreciate all of our Elected Officials and County Employees taking time from their families, offices, and other obligations to further their knowledge in county government. Great Job!
The Judge’s office doors are always open for visitors. Please feel free to come in or call with any questions or comments 479667-4726.
- Janet Powell, Franklin Co. Judge
Thank you to our Teacher Appreciation Breakfast Sponsors! We could not have done it without you! ATU/Ozark Campus Rivertowne BBQ Arkansas Valley Electric Co-Op Bank of the Ozarks Brigadier General Mark Berry Old 64 Hide Away Johnson Regional Medical Center Hug Chevrolet Buick GMC Simmons First Bank SGL Carbon Wal-Mart Leding & Hogan/Shelter Insurance State Representative Bill Gossage Smith Plumbing & Electrical & Hardware And thank you to everyone that donated door prizes for the teachers.
From the
OZARK FIRE DEPARTMENT th
As we head toward Fire Prevention week which is October 6 through the 12 and has the theme of Prevent Kitchen Fires some tips on home fires. Each year more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in home fires in the United States, with direct property loss due to home fires estimated at $7.3 billion annually. Home fires can be prevented! To protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire. Fire spreads quickly; there is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames. Wait till you are safely out of the house before calling 911. Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames. Inhaling the super-hot air can sear your lungs. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being awakened by a fire, you may fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio. Every day Americans experience the horror of fire but most people don't understand fire. Fire is FAST! There is little time! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames. Most deadly fires occur in the home when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you won't have time to grab valuables because fire spreads too quickly and the smoke is too thick. There is only time to escape. Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. A fire's heat alone can kill. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs. This heat can melt clothes to your skin. In five minutes, a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once: this is called flashover. Fire is DARK! Fire isn't bright, its pitch black. Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness. . Home furnishings are mainly constructed of petroleum based hydrocarbons and emit a thick black and very toxic smoke. If you wake up to a fire you may be blinded, disoriented and unable to find your way around the home you've lived in for years . Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill. Breathing even small amounts of smoke and toxic gases can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath. The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door. You may not wake up in time to escape. Only when we know the true nature of fire can we prepare our families and ourselves.
Before a Fire CREATE AND PRACTICE A FIRE ESCAPE PLAN In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. Twice each year, practice your home fire escape plan. Some tips to consider when preparing this plan include:
Find two ways to get out of each room.
If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window onto a neighboring roof or a collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows.
Only purchase collapsible ladders evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly, and that security bars can be properly opened.
Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
Windows and doors with security bars must have quick release devices to allow them to be opened immediately in an emergency. Make sure everyone in the family understands and practices how to properly operate and open locked or barred doors and windows.
Teach children not to hide from firefighters.
Find a safe area outside where everyone will meet , teach your children to stay in that area and await adults or firefighters. SMOKE ALARMS A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.
Install both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors
Test batteries monthly. Replace batteries in battery-powered and hard-wired smoke alarms at least once a year (except nonreplaceable 10-year lithium batteries)
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends installing smoke alarms both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions when installing smoke alarms.Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8-10 years or according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking – it can be a deadly mistake. Open a window or door and press the “hush” button, wave a towel at the alarm to clear the air, or move the entire alarm several feet away from the location.
During a Fire
Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
When the smoke alarm sounds, get out fast. You may have only seconds to escape safely.
If there is smoke blocking your door or first way out, use your second way out.
During a Fire
Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
When the smoke alarm sounds, get out fast. You may have only seconds to escape safely.
If there is smoke blocking your door or first way out, use your second way out.
Smoke is toxic. If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.
Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
If there is smoke coming around the door, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
If you open a door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
If you can’t get to someone needing assistance, leave the home and call 9-1-1 or the fire department. Tell the emergency operator where the person is located.
If pets are trapped inside your home, tell firefighters right away.
If you can’t get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out. Call 9-1-1 or your fire department. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll – stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out. If you or someone else cannot stop, drop, and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel. Use cool water to treat the burn immediately for 3 to 5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth. Get medical help right away by calling 9-1-1
Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut. Make sure security gratings on windows have a fire safety opening feature so they can be easily opened from the inside.
Consider escape ladders if your residence has more than one level, and ensure that burglar bars and other antitheft mechanisms that block outside window entry are easily opened from the inside.
Teach family members to stay low to the floor (where the air is safer in a fire) when escaping from a fire.
Prevent Home Fires Most home fires occur in the kitchen while cooking and are the leading cause of injuries from fire. Common causes of fires at night are carelessly discarded cigarettes, sparks from fireplaces without spark screens or glass doors, and heating appliances left too close to furniture or other combustibles. These fires can be particularly dangerous because they may smolder for a long period before being discovered by sleeping residents. Home fires are preventable! The following are simple steps that each of us can take to prevent a tragedy. Cooking
Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
Do not cook if you are sleepy, have been drinking alcohol, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy.
Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the stove.
Smoking
If you smoke, smoke outside. Most home fires caused by smoking materials start inside the home. Put your cigarettes out in a can filled with sand.
Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out. The cigarette really needs to be completely stubbed out in an ashtray. Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away. Never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash can.
Check for cigarette butts. Chairs and sofas catch on fire fast and burn fast. Don't put ashtrays on them. If people have been smoking in the home, check for cigarettes under cushions.
Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used, even if it is turned off. Oxygen can be explosive and makes fire burn hotter and faster.
Be alert - don’t smoke in bed! If you are sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy, put your cigarette out first. These are some very important tips and ideas that if followed will greatly diminish your chances of a home fire. And could also help you survive a fire should it occur. If you desire to learn more about fire safety or if you have any questions contact your local fire department.
Kevin Eveld Ozark Fire Department
Spotlighting Altus Greetings from Altus, the Third largest city in Franklin County . We have certainly enjoyed some cooler weather this summer; however, it seems as if the hot weather has arrived with the beginning of school. Altus is a wonderful place to live with it having that small town feel and its charming downtown area, with a beautiful Park which features a Coal Miners Monument as well as a new Veterans Memorial, along with a museum that displays many artifacts and history of Altus. Also some great businesses within its city limits, such as wineries, convenience stores, restaurants, churches, banks, civic clubs, organizations and many other attractions that you might enjoy visiting. There are three (3) convenience stores located in the City limits of Altus, PJ’s, Handy Mart and Circle M. These stores are great places in Altus to meet with friends and to find the latest local news. They offer a variety of seating at a table or booth where you will enjoy their great food, coffee, soft drinks, in a clean and friendly atmosphere. Each month we will highlight one of the local businesses or attractions in Altus. For the month of September I am Spotlighting “PJ’s Convenience Store” which is owned and operated by Jim and Lucy Yaple, conveniently located on Hwy 64 between Altus and Ozark. Their store has an easy on and off where you can purchase fuel and other needful things for your vehicle. As you enter their store you will find a variety of groceries, drinks and foods, including a great “Pizza Pro Food Bar” that is open from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday thru Friday. You will find a convenient sitting area to dine in or if you should choose, call in an order for a carry out. You will find his staff very cordial and prompt to serve you. We hope you will go by and say Hi to Jim, Lucy and their staff, and while there take time to browse around their store and sample some of PJ’s great food. Larry W. Stacy is Mayor of Altus Arkansas. Contact him at 479-213-7081 e-mail: mayorstcy@centurytel.net Follow me on facebook