Midweek 7-6-16

PRS RT S TD U.S . PO S TA G E PA ID

Little Rock, AR 72202 Permit No. 471

Wednesday, July 6, 2016 Number 27, Volume 37

MID-WEEK

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Servin g th e H ot Sprin gs / G a rla n d C ou n ty a rea s in ce 19 77

Park service gets its goats MAX BRYAN

The Sentinel-Record

Hot Springs National Park is testing the use of goats for park maintenance, namely the removal of unwanted plants.

The herd of goats, which was released into the park at June 28 by Stafford Goat Rental of Vilonia, is part of the park’s effort to exterminate invasive foliage from the park’s wooded areas. The goats will live in a three-acre fenced-in area in the park for the next five weeks, where the effectiveness of their plant consumption will be measured. The arrangements for the goats were made possible by the efforts of the Exotic Plant Management Team, donator Craig Young and Environmental Stewards as well as the park’s Geological Resources and Youth Programs divisions.

Shelley Todd, Natural Resource program manager and leader of the project, said the park hopes to use the goats to

Bike

exterminate Nandina Domestica, a flowering plant within the park that produces berries with a cyanide compound. She said that goats are an ideal candidate for extermination of such a harmful substance given their effectiveness in exterminating other toxic plants. She noted Wilson Park in Fayetteville and Point Reyes National Seashore in California as examples of such effectiveness.

“They were used (at Point Reyes) to control the Hemlock population,” Todd said. “With hemlock, which is poisonous to pretty much everything that eats it, goats were a great solution.”

One of the main reasons the park is using goats to exterminate invasive plant species is the sensitive nature of some of the park’s environments — particularly locations that hold thermal or spring water, according to Mike Kusch, chief of Resource Manage-

ment and Visitor Services.

Emily Roberts, Invasive Species Management intern, also explained that the park service expects that the use of goats will keep the park service from pulling plants up from their roots, which affects the park’s ground.

“With hand-removing some of these species, it would require pulling up the roots and disturbing the ground,” Roberts said. “It has potential to disturb archaeological artifacts.”

The park service’s notion of using goats for plant care was born out of an interaction with Arkansas Career Training Institute, a state agency that neighbors the park’s property. Kusch said the park service was looking for a way to engage the plants without using laborers or chemicals when ACTI asked if it had an issue with using goats on the neighboring property for that

GOATS, PAGE 5

The Sentinel-Record/Max Bryan

GOAT RENTAL: Goats were released June 28 to consume invasive foliage in Hot Springs National

Park. The goats were provided to the park by Stafford Goat Rental of Vilonia.

games

Ouachita Job Corps to close its doors JAY BELL

The Sentinel-Record

The Sentinel-Record/Mara Kuhn

Todd Thompson, of Thornton, Colo., drives as Chris Daigle, of Brighton, Colo., picks up “road kill” with a fish net June 25 during the Arkansas H.O.G. Rally bike games behind the Hot Springs Convention Center.

Sales tax passes amid low turnout DAVID SHOWERS The Sentinel-Record

A turnout in the low teens for the special election on June 28 on the sales-tax supported road improvement bond issue didn’t dampen support for the referendum.

The unofficial tally showed the five-eighths cent sales tax passed by about a two-to-one margin, with 4,601 voting in favor of it and 2,637 opposing it. The temporary levy will secure a $54,695,000 bond issue for road improvements that include a two-lane extension of the King Expressway from the Highway 70 east interchange to the junction of highways 5 and 7.

Bond proceeds will pay for $30 million of the estimated $65 million project, with the state picking up the balance of the cost. The other $20 million dedicated to road improvements will be divided between the county and its four municipalities on a population basis. The county will receive $12.3 million, and Hot Springs will get $7.3 million.

Northern Garland County voters overwhelmingly approved the measure. Unofficial election day returns from Faith Fellowship Church on Highway 7 north and the Unitarian Universalist and Village Bible churches in Hot Springs Village showed the referendum carried by a 708-95 margin.

Results from Jessieville First Baptist Church and Fountain Lake School were unavailable at presstime. The five northern Garland County polling locations had combined for more than 400 votes by early afternoon. Faith Fellowship Church was the busiest, with 117. The 1,080 votes cast there during early voting were the second most behind the election commission’s 1,861.

Voters skewed older, as more than half the ballots were cast by voters 65 or older. Their more than 3,700 votes outpaced the approximately 600 cast

The Sentinel-Record/Mara Kuhn

SPECIAL ELECTION: Jay Whaley, of Hot Springs, votes at Hot Springs Memori-

al Field during the June 28 special election on a sales-tax supported bond issue for road improvements. Voters were asked to decide “for” or “against” $54,695,000 in capital improvement bonds for road improvements, specifically a two-lane, 5-mile extension of the King Expressway to the junction of highways 5 and 7. by voters 44 and younger by a six-toone margin.

Unofficial returns available at presstime had Richard Street Baptist Church and Oaklawn First Church of God as the only polling locations where voters didn’t support the referendum. The former had 57 votes against and 51 for it, while the latter had 71 opposed to it and 64 in support of it. The election day vote at Hot Springs Memorial Field was deadlocked at 105 apiece.

The referendum carried the five days of early voting by a 2,472-1,498 margin. Monday was the busiest day.

The 945 voters who checked via the

county’s electronic pollbook system accounted for about quarter of the 3,970 unofficial early and absentee vote total.

By 2 p.m. on June 28, fewer than 1,300 voters had cast election day ballots, with more than half of them coming between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Voter traffic had slowed by the noon hour but picked up again during the early afternoon, with 262 votes being cast between 2-3 p.m.

County Judge Rick Davis was one of the referendum’s primary backers. He and other supporters solicited endorsements after the quorum

SALES TAX, PAGE 2

The U.S. Department of Labor has officially announced the impending closure of the Ouachita Job Corps program after 52 years in the Hot Springs area.

Job Corps National Director Tina Terrell spoke to employees the morning of June 30 at the center, which is located in Royal west of Hot Springs, about the process of closing it. She said the information would be featured on the Federal Register today.

The center was considered for closure in August and placed on the endangered list, primarily due to low attendance and graduation rates.

Ouachita Director Robert G. Fausti has previously said the center struggled to recover from a suspension of enrollment at all Job Corps centers in early 2013.

“We first have to deal with the students, because that is why we are here,” Terrell said. “We have to put a plan together of how we transfer the students. Then we have to deal with the employees because we are going to work to try to help them find other jobs, whether it’s other jobs in the Job Corps program or National Forest Service or other federal agencies.”

“This is something we’ve been working on for, oh, probably close to a year now,” U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-District 4, said this week. “I went out and visited the Job Corps and toured it and met the new director that had been put in place and was kind of impressed with some of the progress that they had made out there.”

Terrell said a human resources team will work on site with employees to assist them with job placement. A point person will assist Fausti with the process. Terrell said she wanted to stress to employees their jobs would not end without notice and they will be treated with respect.

“That’s all I want to do, because if I was in the same boat, I would want somebody to do that to me too,” Terrell said. “I’d want somebody to meet with me and say, ‘Can you answer my questions? OK, you can’t answer them now. Can you come back and answer them?’”

Some employees were frustrated with Terrell’s inability to provide them with answers to questions about some of their concerns, such as the time frame for the closure.

Terrell said she was unable to answer some questions because the department has not worked out all of the details.

“From the administration’s standpoint, this center is closed,” Terrell said. “My job is to implement a decision, which is the center is closed.

I don’t make the decision. The secretary of labor made the decision.”

Employees asked why the Cass Job Corps center in Ozark would remain open instead of the Ouachita program. Terrell reportedly said Cass would improve by the end of the year.

“It was very evident to many of

• 300 Spring St. Hot Springs, AR 71901 • To subscribe or place an advertisement, call 501-623-7711 or 922-0979 in Hot Springs Village •

the staff that she has never supported Ouachita,” one employee said.

Cass and Ouachita are two of only three Job Corps programs in Arkansas. The third is located in Little Rock.

Terrell said the closure process will begin today and she hopes to proceed methodically, intelligently, patiently and persistently, but also humanely. She spoke to students Thursday afternoon.

“The reason is because this is going to affect 71 students, who don’t know where they are going to end up and that is very disconcerting to them, understandably,” Terrell said.

“It’s going to affect 41 employees who want to know, ‘How come this is happening to me?’”

Terrell said closure decisions are based on the Labor Department’s complex labor exchange performance measurement system. She said Ouachita has been a low-performing center for the past five years and the administration closed the site to ensure tax dollars are managed effectively and efficiently.

“Obviously I don’t like it because I think the folks that work there and the folks at the Forest Service have done a good job with what they’ve got,” Westerman said. “Part of the problem is that they’re measured on the number of students that they have, but it’s the Department of Labor’s responsibility to send them students. So they’re going to close down the Job Corps for so-called poor performance because of the number of students that go through and it’s the Department of Labor’s responsibility to supply those students. It’s something the Department of Labor has contracted out to a group in Atlanta.”

“There are a number of aspects that deal with closing this place,” Terrell said. “You’ve got the students, you have the staff, you have the equipment, you have the buildings, you have contracts and you have agreements. All of that goes into managing an organization.”

Fausti said another factor was the number of “negative terminations” at Ouachita when the center removed students from the program due to unacceptable behavior, such as criminal activity, drugs or physical threats to students. He told The Sentinel-Record in March the center is a “significant contributor” to the local economy with 85 students enrolled, 50 employees and an overall annual budget of $4.8 million.

“I think they ought to give them more time to make the improvements that they had already demonstrated they were making,” Westerman said. “You know one of the reasons I like this Job Corps is because it trains people for vocational and technical jobs and it’s something that I hear employers are needing, so we’re taking that out of the equation now.”

“I like to focus on a decision has been made, but there’s a lot of other things that come in to implementing that decision,” Terrell said. “I am a bureaucrat, I don’t mind saying that, to say I can work through those

JOB CORPS, PAGE 5

2 The Sentinel-Record Mid-Week Extra, Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Hospital honored for patriotic support SALES TAX FROM STAFF REPORTS

CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs was recognized last week as a nominee for the Department of Defense Freedom Award by Arkansas Employer support of the Guard and Reserve.

CHI St. Vincent was nominated for the national award by Lt. James Hemund, a member of the 296th Medical Company, Army National Guard. He is employed with the ICU Team at St. Vincent, according to Richard Green, Arkansas ESGR representative.

Patrick McCruden, the hospital’s executive vice president, accepted a certificate honoring the hospital for being nominated for the Freedom Award.

“ESGR’s awards program culminates with the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers for their outstanding support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve,” Green said in a news release.

Each year, Guard and Reserve employees, or a family member acting on their behalf, have the opportunity to nominate their employer for the Employer Support Freedom Award. A national selection board comprised of senior Department of Defense officials, business leaders, and prior awardees select up to 15 employers to receive the secretary’s award.

Kimberly Ricker, director of the ICU Department, was also

From Page One

court voted in March to call for the special election. The prepared statement he issued on June 28 called the expressway extension an economic imperative.

“This project is a key piece of overall transportation and economic development and growth plans by providing more efficient transport of people, goods and services, and to also remove some of the heavy truck traffic and freight traffic from our county roads and city streets,” he said.

Davis said the low turnout was upsetting. The referendum for the five-eighths cent sales tax voters approved in October 2011 to build the county detention center saw more than 10,000 people go to the polls. The county has more than 60,000 registered voters.

The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce-affilThe Sentinel-Record/Richard Rasmussen iated Pave It Forward Ballot AWARD PRESENTATION: From left, Arkansas ESGR representative Richard Green speaks on June Question Committee spent 30 to CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs employees James Hemund, Kimberly Ricker and Patrick McCruden during an awards presentation at the hospital. McCruden, the hospital’s executive vice president, accepted a certificate honoring the hospital for being nominated for the Department of Defense’s Freedom Award, and Ricker received the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.

Hemund, who serves in the Army National Guard, nominated the hospital for the awards.

National Park College to add new mascot

fense program, seeks to “foster a culture in which all employJAY BELL ers support and value the emThe Sentinel-Record ployment and military service of National Park College could members of the National Guard become known as the Rangers, and Reserve in the United States.” the Lakers, or another name this fall after opening up its search ew officers for a new mascot to the public.

Jason Hudnell, dean of enrollment, announced the search during the board of trustees’ regular monthly meeting June 29 in the Gerald Fisher Campus Center. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are encouraged to participate by submitting mascot ideas at http://www.np.edu/mascot.

“It is something I would have loved to have done for a long time and I know students are interested in this,” Hudnell said. “We are going to be naming an NPC mascot this fall.

Some people ask, ‘Why do you need a mascot when you don’t even have a team?’ A mascot is so much more than an athletic team.

“A mascot is who you are and it’s what we are. Right now, if we could have something for our students, our faculty and our staff to rally behind, then it’s not just, ‘We are coming to National Park College,’ but we are coming out to be a ‘fill in the blank.’”

Rangers and Lakers were among the early submissions The Sentinel-Record/Mara Kuhn for the mascot. Submissions on Hot Springs National Park Rotary Club installed new officers and directors Wednesday during its meeting at the Arlington Resort Hotel June 29 included Pathfinders, & Spa. They include, from left, Gary Troutman, president, Ernie Hinz, immediate past president, Jim Pate, treasurer, Steve Turner, Bathers, Narwhals, Platypodes secretary, Jared Zeiser, vice president, and directors Neal Harrington, Tiffany Tucker, and Sara Brown. Not pictured is Don Gooch, and Blue Jays.

The college dropped “Compresident-elect, and Ira Kleinman, director. munity” from its name during a rebrand campaign in 2015.

Shades of blue, black and white are now used for the college’s Four Garland County students who will will major in Music Education and Political The winners receive first-year scholarships new logo instead of the former major in music or music education in college Science at the University of Central Arkansas. based on the quality of their entire applica- green and gold scheme. The rehave been awarded scholarships by the Hot He has already been teaching percussion pri- tion. If they remain a music major, they are brand introduced “Find Your Springs/Hot Springs Village Symphony Guild. vately and in another school district. eligible to receive $1,500 in subsequent years Path” as the new tagline for the The recipients were as follows: • Pianist Makayla Fulkerson performed until graduation from college, depending on college.

Sports teams at the school • Vocalist Katie Garner, who performed “Romance” by Sibelius. She graduated from their grades. two works for her audition in front of the Lakeside and will attend the University of Other students who apply may receive were the Lakers in the 1970s, Guild Education Committee, “Voi Che Sapete” Central Arkansas, where she will major in merit scholarships, which are not renewable, 1980s and the early 1990s when

by Mozart and “Cockeyed Optimist” by Rod- Music Education. but the students can still reapply for merit it was still Garland County Community College. The Lakgers and Hammerstein. She graduated from • Vocalist Sarah Isaacs performed “Il Mio scholarships in subsequent years.

Lakeside and will attend the Music School bel Foco.” She attended National Park Com“Our committee was delighted with the ers competed in sports such as of Webster University in St. Louis, where her munity College for two years before transfer- talent of the applicants,” said Martha Smither, basketball and tennis.

All entries must be submitted objective is performance. ring to the University of Central Arkansas. education vice president of the Symphony • Percussionist Barry Kohr performed She will major in Music Education.

Guild. “We are sure that they will achieve by midnight Aug. 31. The mascot “Impression for Four Timpani” by Firth on The scholarships are awarded annually their musical career goals and are happy will be announced during a pep timpani and “The Winner” by Markovich on to Garland County students based on an au- that we can make a contribution to their rally on Oct. 26 in the NPC Wellness Center gymnasium. snare. He graduated from Fountain Lake and dition, application, grades and presentation. education.” recognized with a Patriot Award for her “outstanding support” of Hemund, the release said.

The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range

$45,100 leading up to the start of early voting on an advocacy campaign that focused on garnering endorsements from civic clubs and other community organizations.

“It’s a little disappointing,” Davis said Tuesday night while watching the returns come in at the chamber of commerce. “I thought more people would be interested in this, but it’s a good project for our community and for our infrastructure.”

Davis said right of way acquisition for the expressway project will begin next summer, with bidding on the construction phase expected to begin in 2019. The project is expected to be completed in 2023.

Collection of the fiveeighths cent sales tax will begin in July 2017, after the current five-eighths cent sales tax paying down the $42 million in capital improvement bonds that built the jail sunsets later this year.

of measures, including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed, the release said.

ESGR, a Department of De-

N

Hot Springs/Village Symphony Guild awards scholarships

“Hopefully that will be something that appropriately attracts attention and helps us build our identity and build those relationships,” said NPC President John Hogan.

The college’s website reads, “College mascots are intended to create college spirit, engage the community, be inclusive of the college’s diverse academic programs and student body, and expand the college brand. The mascot will be utilized in college publications and advertisements, on the college website and various collateral materials.”

Submissions that do not meet the search’s criteria may not be considered. The mascot submissions are instructed to reflect the college’s “brand personality,” consider the culture and history of the college and the community, be easily represented in media and materials, and be accompanied by a name and costume idea.

All submissions will undergo an initial review by the NPC Mascot Selection Team. The team will select 10 finalists to advance to the next stage.

Thoughts on the process can be shared on social media with the hashtag, “FindYourMascot.”

The finalists will be chosen from the submissions to “best embody the spirit of NPC.” The NPC Student Government Association and college administration will select the top three concepts. The final three mascot concepts will be announced during NPC Spirit Week Sept. 19-23.

NPC students, faculty and staff will vote for their favorites during the last week of September. Voting will end at noon on Sept. 30.

The mascot selection must be approved by Hogan. The college’s office of external relations will be responsible for the final design of the mascot.

Hudnell updated the board on Wednesday of recruiting events and activities to be held in the summer, fall and spring semesters. He has been in his new role of student recruitment and advising since April.

NPC eyes tech center on Albert Pike President’s contract extended JAY BELL

The Sentinel-Record

National Park College will look to house its Innovative Technologies Center in a facility on Albert Pike if the necessary grant funds are approved next month.

A lease for the potential site was approved June 29 during the monthly board of trustees meeting in the Gerald Fisher Campus Center. The board also voted to extend the three-year rolling contract for President John Hogan.

William Polk, associate vice president for technical education, presented information about the lease to trustees during a building and facilities committee meeting prior to the board meeting.

Kelli Albrecht, vice president for workforce and strategic initiatives, has led the tech center planning with Polk.

The college identified a facility at 2223 Albert Pike with adequate office, classroom and warehouse space to house the tech center for an undetermined amount of time. The location is next to Bear State Bank, near Tractor Supply Company and across Albert Pike from Smokin’ in Style BBQ. The terms of the lease include a twoyear term at $2,375 per month for 7,261 square feet. The lease includes an additional monthly fee of $250 for common area maintenance and a two-year option to renew with no more than a 2-percent rate increase.

The agreement is contingent upon approval by the Arkansas Department

of Higher Education for the college to receive a Regional Workforce Implementation Grant. All of the expenses will be paid out from the grant funds.

Albrecht and Polk have said they hope to learn from the ADHE by July 1 if the grant funds are awarded. The college requested $900,000. The project moved forward with a $95,000 Regional Workforce Planning Grant last year.

“To get the grant, we have to do what we said we would do, which is have this Innovative Technologies Center,” Hogan said. “In order to do that, we had to find a place to put it. We don’t have a campus facility that would house this. The team shopped and found this space off Albert Pike.

“Our vision is we would temporarily occupy this facility, build the program and then look for a permanent location.”

The front of the building nearest to the street will house a “Tinkerspace” with classrooms and smaller technologies. Polk said the building will require a minimal amount of renovations. The group has worked with the Arkansas Building Authority to develop the plans.

Larger industrial equipment will be located in the rear of the building for training. Polk said much of the grant will be used to acquire the necessary equipment.

Goals of the Innovative Technologies Center include aligning academic programs to meet the needs of local and regional employers, preparing a workforce to be competitive in the 21st

century, expanding credit programs in aerospace and industrial technology, growing partnerships and transfer opportunities with universities, and providing a maker space and experiential opportunities for K-12 students. The tech center will include training in four main areas: additive and subtractive manufacturing, sensors and instrumentation, computer-aided design, and automation.

The board called an executive session at the end of the meeting to conduct Hogan’s annual employment evaluation and review his contract. Trustees voted to extend his contract by one year to June 30, 2019, and increase his salary by 2.8 percent.

Hogan was originally hired in 2014 to succeed Sally Carder at a salary of $160,000 plus fringe benefits. His annual pay increased to $175,000 last year with benefits including $1,500 per month housing allowance, use of a college vehicle including gas and maintenance costs, social membership to the Hot Springs Country Club provided by the NPC Foundation, annual Rotary membership and “the appropriate fringe benefit package as offered to NPC employees.”

The increase will make Hogan’s salary $180,000 for the 2016-17 school year with the same benefits. Board President Gene Parker said the decision puts the college in the “best possible position for the future.”

Parker said Hogan has helped the college maintain a fiscally conservative budget while it kept the cost of tuition

flat. He said he is “proud of the direction Dr. Hogan is leading the college and excited about his vision for the future.”

“I appreciate the support of the board to continue the work we are doing to support the mission of learning and student success,” Hogan said. “We hope to create more opportunities for our youth to grow and learn right here in Hot Springs and invest in our community.”

Brad Hopper, director of physical plant, said in the building and facilities committee meeting that members of the Building and Campus Development Committee will meet with architect John McMoran, of Lewis Architects Engineers, to further discuss the campus facility master plan. McMoran detailed a rendering of possible changes to the college’s campus during a board meeting in December.

The Development Committee is exploring the feasibility of creating a new “gateway” to the campus. A new main entrance would connect further south to Mountain Pine road.

The gateway would lead to a Learning Commons facility, which would be a “one-stop shop” for students’ needs with consolidated student services, study areas and flexible learning spaces for students. The designs are meant to make the campus more functional for students and visitors, create updated flexible classroom space, improve navigation between buildings, create extra space for students and address safety issues.

Hogan said facilities are important to students when they decide where to attend college. He said the college will work to make the community aware of the desired changes.

“We are going to require their partnership in meeting all of our facility needs,” Hogan said. “We are just talking about the next project. We are not talking about all of the things that need to be done on campus. It is a significant need.

“We are going to be laying that out to the community, talking about how we might raise the money privately, in addition to refinancing the bonds to see if we can meet our needs. These detailed conversations over the next few months are going to be significant in mapping the history of the college, in terms of our facilities.”

Jason Hudnell, dean of enrollment, updated the board on planned recruiting activities and events. He said the two main goals in recruiting are communicating reasons to attend NPC and establishing relationships with key stakeholders.

Mike Wiles was approved as the new director of National Park Technology Center during the meeting. Hudnell had been the NPTC director until April.

Hudnell ended his report by announcing the college’s search for a new mascot. Ideas can be submitted online at http://www.np.edu/mascot. The mascot will be announced Oct. 26 during a pep rally.

The Sentinel-Record Mid-Week Extra, Wednesday, July 6, 2016 3

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Journey to Jupiter: NASA spacecraft nears planet rendezvous ALICIA CHANG

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Jupiter takes center stage with the arrival this week of a NASA spacecraft built to peek through its thick, swirling clouds and map the planet from the inside out.

The solar-powered Juno spacecraft is on the final leg of a five-year, 1.8 billion-mile (2.8 billion-kilometer) voyage to the biggest planet in the solar system.

Juno promises to send back the best close-up views as it circles the planet for a year. Jupiter is a gas giant made up mostly of hydrogen and helium unlike rocky Earth and its neighbor Mars. The fifth planet from the sun likely formed first and it could hold clues to how the solar system developed.

A look at the $1.1 billion mission:

The arrival

The Associated Press

As Juno approaches Jupiter late Monday, it will fire its main rocket engine to slow down and slip into orbit around the planet.

This carefully orchestrated move, all preprogrammed, is critical because Juno will zip past Jupiter if it fails to brake. The engine burn — lasting about a half hour — is

designed to put Juno on a path that loops over Jupiter’s poles.

Since it takes 48 minutes for radio signals from Jupiter to reach Earth, mission controllers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California won’t be able to intervene if something goes awry. They’ll watch for beeps from Juno that’ll signal whether the engine burn is going as planned.

“Everything’s riding on it,” Juno chief scientist Scott Bolton said Thursday during a press briefing.

The mission Spacecraft have visited Jupiter since the 1970s, but there are still plenty of questions left unanswered. How much water does the planet have? Is there a dense core? Why is its signature Great Red Spot — a hurricane-like storm that has been raging for centuries — shrinking?

During the mission, Juno will peer through Jupiter’s dense clouds, flying within 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers), closer than any other spacecraft.

The goal “is learning about the recipe for how solar systems are made,” said Bolton, who’s from the Southwest Research

Institute in Texas.

Earlier visitors included the Voyagers and Pioneers, Galileo, Ulysses, Cassini and most recently, New Horizons, which reached Pluto last year. Most were quick flybys en route to other destinations. Only Galileo — named for the Italian astronomer who discovered Jupiter’s large moons — orbited the massive planet and even released a probe.

The spacecraft

Named after the cloud-piercing wife of the Roman god Jupiter, Juno carries nine instruments to map Jupiter’s interior and study its turbulent atmosphere. Also stowed aboard are three mini figures of Jupiter, Juno and Galileo designed by the Lego Group. The Italian Space Agency donated a plaque inscribed with Galileo’s writings.

Previous trips to Jupiter have relied on nuclear power because of the distance from the sun. Juno is the first spacecraft to venture this far out on solar power. Juno, about the size of an SUV, has three tractor-trailer-size solar wings that extend outward like blades from a windmill. The solar panels are designed to face the

JUPITER, PAGE 4

SOLAR STORMS: This composite image provided by NASA June 30, 2016 illustrates auroras on

the planet Jupiter. This view was produced by NASA using a photograph made by the Hubble Space Telescope in spring 2014, and ultraviolet observations of the auroras in 2016. Earth’s polar lights are triggered by solar storms, which occur when a cloud of gas from the sun encounters the planet’s magnetic field. Jupiter’s powerful auroras are sparked by the planet’s own rotation.

Child’s

play

The Sentinel-Record/Mara Kuhn

Joy Hope Millard, 4, left, and Jadynn Millard, 2, both of Hot Springs, enjoy the zinnias on June 29 at First Baptist Church. The flowers were planted by W.H. Humphrey, who has been taking care of the church grounds for 25 years.

Pretty

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Submitted photo

Pat Freeman was recently voted Artist of the Month by the Village Art Club. She received top honors for her iris watercolor painting.

The artist enjoys painting flowers of all kinds, especially poppies, sunflowers and irises, which are her favorite. Growing up in the Volunteer State, she saw a lot of irises, as they are the Tennessee state flower. Freeman has painted for more than 30 years, and has utilized watercolor, batik, oil, acrylic and colored pencil. She has taught several classes in various mediums, and has been a mentor to many beginners. Her painting will be displayed through mid-July in the Coronado Community Center lobby, 150 Ponderosa Way.

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4 The Sentinel-Record Mid-Week Extra, Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Webb House progress continues, more funding obtained STEVEN MROSS The Sentinel-Record

The campaign to save and restore the former home of John Lee Webb is picking up steam despite some minor snags, like a flea invasion and increased humidity that slowed the efforts of the workers who began demolition of the porch and porte cochere last week.

“It’s a lot of work and it’s going to take a lot of time,” Cheryl L. Batts, president and founder of P.H.O.E.B.E., (People Helping Others Excel by Example), which is spearheading the project, said Thursday. “God is teaching me patience because I was ready to roll, but you can’t just slap it together.”

Phase one of the three-phase, three-year project to restore the house, located at 403 Pleasant St., is well underway, with workers removing all the rotting wooden portions of the porch and porte cochere while leaving the brick portions, to give the house “a face-lift.”

Batts said they completed work on the porte cochere by July 1 and expected the porch to be finished by last week, noting, “so the historic house stands in grand elegance waiting for its new roof with the same historic look.”

“They took a lot of photos so they know all the angles and how it looked before so they can rebuild it,” Batts said, noting the wooden crossbeams had to be cut and carefully removed. “If you just pull them out you risk damaging the brick.”

Once the wooden portions of the porte cochere facing Grove Street and the porch that wraps around the house and faces Pleasant Street are removed workers will also be able to get to the upper windows to begin restoration, “especially the ones that circle around the house,” she said.

“You couldn’t set foot on the wooden portions facing the windows before, they were so rotted,” she said, noting the porch and windows were the major part of phase one.

“I am so excited about this.

We will be able to salvage most of the original glass in the windows which is important from a historical perspective,” she said.

On Thursday, Batts also finalized receipt of another grant, a $52,000 Historic Preservation Restoration grant from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. “It’s a matching grant so we put up $26,000 and they put up $26,000,” she said, with the money earmarked for the restoration of the iconic green tile roof.

“Phase three will be the roof,” Batts said. “That’s the biggie.”

They should know by September if they will receive another $50,000 grant through the Community Development Block Grant program.

She said Tony Usdrowski is the project’s supervising contractor and is a preservation carpenter who specializes in restoring historic buildings and has worked on numerous other local projects.

She said he was recommended by Taylor & Kempkes Architects, and noted that he and all his workers are local.

“So we get to keep the money here in Hot Springs which is what I wanted,” she said. “I’m just glad to be surrounded by professionals who know what they’re doing.”

David Reagan, project manager, said, “The project has just started moving along. As soon as the demolition phase is complete, we can get into the rebuilding phase.

That will move a little slower, but we’ll see some pretty immediate results in the next month as the porch is being rebuilt.”

Batts said they got an exterminator to come in Wednesday and completely “de-fleaed” the house.

“They had invaded the entire house and were moving into the yard,” she said, noting she blamed it on some raccoons in the area.

She said she and Kwendoche, a Little Rock-based preservation architect who is also being consulted on the house, were meeting with the Arkansas Heritage Department in Little Rock Thursday “getting training on how to administer the grant funds.”

Batts launched a fundraising campaign last year to save the house, which was built around 1900, and is located in the middle of the Pleasant Street Historic District, which is the largest African-American district in Arkansas. The house is just a few blocks from the Webb Community Center, which was donated by Webb

The Sentinel-Record/Richard Rasmussen

PHASE ONE: Phase one of the three-phase, three-year project to restore the John Lee Webb house,

located at 403 Pleasant St., is well underway, with workers removing all the rotting wooden portions of the porch and porte cochere while leaving the brick portions. Organizers of the renovation plan to convert the house into a community resource center and museum of local black history. in 1945 and named for Emma Elease Webb, his only daughter, after her death.

The goal for the Webb house is to restore the exterior to its appearance in 1926 and transform the interior into a community resource center and museum of local African-American history.

A native of Alabama, Webb was a builder and contractor and the Supreme Custodian of the Su-

preme Lodge of the Woodmen of the Union, an African-American fraternal organization established in Mississippi around 1903 and later headquartered in Hot Springs.

The Webbs moved here in 1918.

Working with Walter T. Bailey, renowned as one of the nation’s best black architects, Webb built the five-story Woodmen of the Union Building, now known as the National Baptist Hotel, on Malvern

Avenue in 1923, and it soon became the center of African-American culture in Hot Springs.

Organizers are planning two fundraising events, which will prove to be creative, innovative and necessary for the continued restoration of the house, Batts said. For more information about the house, or to donate, call 6249400 or visit http://www.theuzuriproject.org.

Cotton recognizes Hot Springs National Park FROM STAFF REPORTS

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on Tuesday recognized Hot Springs National Park in honor of the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary.

The recognition is part of Cotton’s new initiative, unveiled in April, to highlight Arkansas’ national parks and historic sites in celebration of the National Park Service centennial.

“Hot Springs is a world-famous tourist destination, and it’s not hard to see why,” Cotton said in remarks entered into the Congressional Record.

“Whether it’s to take advantage of

the many recreational activities like hiking or boating or to bathe in the hot, therapeutic waters found in the area — guests have traveled from across the country and around the world to visit Hot Springs. In an effort to preserve its unique hot springs, Hot Springs first became a protected area in 1832 when Congress declared the area a reservation. It was officially designated as a national park in 1921.

“In the years after it became a reservation, Hot Springs experienced extensive economic growth and majestic bath houses replaced the rudimentary wooden structures surrounding the hot water

196400

THRIFT STORE at 907 Hobson Avenue

springs. The remaining Bathhouse Row structures in Hot Springs National Park are now part of a National Historic Landmark District that sees thousands of visitors each year.

“But Hot Springs has more than just unique natural features. Over the last century, they’ve hosted Major League Baseball spring training. They are also home to Oaklawn horse racing and the notorious gangster Al Capone is even rumored to have spent time in town. Finally, former President Bill Clinton graduated from Hot Springs High School.

“Hot Springs National Park is a true

JUPITER

of each park or historic site.

“Arkansas is the Natural State and Arkansans have an inherent appreciation for the beauty of our parks. That’s why it’s no surprise that our national parks and national historic sites are some of the best in the country.

In celebration of the National Park Service 100th birthday, I want to encourage Arkansans to take advantage of our national parks and all they have to offer. I am excited to share some of my personal stories from these treasured places and highlight why they’re so special,” Cotton said in April in announcing the initiative.

From Page 3

sun during most of the mission.

After its launch on Aug. 5, 2011, Juno took a roundabout journey to Jupiter, swinging around the inner solar system and using Earth as a gravity boost to the outer solar system.

The pictures

N O W O PEN 9 a m to 4 pm M onda y,Tuesda y,W ednesday and Sa turday

Arkansas treasure and the surrounding town makes it that much better. This park has a storied history, but it’s best days are ahead of it. The hot springs are still flowing, the bath houses are still open, and the scenery remains breathtaking. In honor of the National Park Service’s 100th birthday year, I encourage you to go out and find your park.”

A news release said that, over the next year, Cotton would release several graphics featuring each of Arkansas’ national parks or historic sites. Cotton would also submit remarks to the Congressional Record throughout the year highlighting the history and significance

The Hubble Space Telescope and other spacecraft have returned stunning pictures of

Jupiter, including a new photo released Thursday of its northern lights. But scientists said the best views are yet to come. Juno will get in closer and will provide the most detailed look at the planet’s polar regions, clouds and auroras.

The camera onboard — the JunoCam — has been snapping pictures of Earth, Jupiter and its moons along the way. But the

camera and other instruments were turned off this week to avoid any interference during the critical arrival. So there won’t be images at the nail-biting moment when Juno enters orbit around Jupiter.

The public can also vote on where to point the camera. NASA has said pictures from the mission won’t be publicly released

until at least late August.

The finish Once Juno wraps up its work, it will deliberately dive into Jupiter’s atmosphere and burn up.

The fiery finale — expected in 2018 — ensures that the spacecraft doesn’t accidentally crash into Jupiter’s moons, particularly the icy moon Europa, a prime target for future missions.

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The Sentinel-Record Mid-Week Extra, Wednesday, July 6, 2016 5

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Rehab center celebrates opening STEVEN MROSS The Sentinel-Record

“It’s no easy task to build a hospital,” Janette Daniels, CEO of CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of HealthSouth, said June 29 at the grand opening of the new facility at 1636 Higdon Ferry Road, which will begin accepting patients Friday.

The newly renovated inpatient hospital, the former Health Park Hospital, includes 40 all-private rooms, an on-site therapy gym and cutting-edge rehabilitation technologies to provide comprehensive rehabilitation to patients who have suffered strokes, trauma, brain The Sentinel-Record/Mara Kuhn and orthopedic injuries, or other major illnesses or injuries.

GRAND OPENING: Janette Daniels, CEO of CHI St. Vincent Hot Daniels said her hospital leadership Springs Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of HealthSouth, speaks team initially met “on the back deck of to a crowd gathered June 29 afternoon for the grand opening of the new renovated facility at 1636 Higdon Ferry Road. The inpatient re- my house” for orientation and educahabilitation hospital offers 40 all-private rooms, an on-site therapy tion in the early planning stages, noting, “We did not have a space at the hospital gym and cutting edge rehab technologies to patients. yet. We had no internet access there.

But what we did have was a great view of the lake and a lot of excitement about what was to come. Well ladies, we’ve come a long way.”

She said, “This team made sure that only the best of the best were hired in order to provide high-quality service for our patients. I appreciate all your hard work and dedication to our company’s vision. You truly are servant leaders.”

Daniels said as HealthSouth “started this journey” they quickly realized the significant need for acute rehabilitation services in the Hot Springs area and looked forward to working with CHI and the medical community to provide it.

Anthony Houston, CHI president, also thanked all those “who were instrumental in bringing this facility back to life,” noting that, “Anyone who saw this facility in the interim, between when Mercy left and CHI came in, knew we The Sentinel-Record/Mara Kuhn needed to do something.”

He said when CHI entered this marSATISFIED CUSTOMER: Anne Dierks, of Hot Springs Village, speaks June 29 at the grand opening of the new CHI St. Vincent Hot ket “we really took a look around, wantSprings Rehabilitation Hospital about her experiences as a rehab ed to first and foremost bring this asset patient at CHI’s main campus before its operation was moved to back to life. It’s a great location and a the new facility. Dierks, who is recovering from back surgery in valued part of what we want to accomMarch, said she excited about the new facility and “will recom- plish in the community. There’s a real need for rehabilitative services here.” mend it to everyone I see.”

He stressed that they had rehabilitation services at their main campus “for many years” but “our partnership with HealthSouth is rich and deep and goes back over 20 years in Little Rock and we’re able to bring that expertise here.”

Houston said opening the new hospital, and “off loading one of their units” into it, allows them to “go back into the main hospital and move some things around. To refurbish, redo and transform the main campus.”

The new facility allowed them to expand from 27 beds to 40 beds so “not only are we bringing this campus back to life but we are renewing the main campus.”

Anne Dierks, of Hot Springs Village, a former patient of CHI, said after major back surgery in Little Rock in March she was brought to CHI for rehab. “I did not know what rehab was,” she said, noting that her 13-year-old grandson had asked if she was “an alcoholic or a drug addict” because she was going to rehab.

“I learned a lot the first day I got here,” she said. An initial evaluation involved her walking across the room and she noted “I could only take little tiny 2-inch shuffle steps with much pain.”

Only 12 days later, with the help of a walker, “I was walking so fast they said they couldn’t keep up with me.”

She said it happened because of the dedicated professional staff at CHI, including the doctors, management, nurses and especially the physical therapists. “They were respectful of my pain but encouraged me to do more each day. And it helped my progress.

Why? Because they love what they do and they do it very well. It’s not a J-O-B. It is truly what they love doing.”

Dierks said they were “in a very small area” for her rehab so she was “very excited” for the new facility, noting, “Believe me, I will recommend this to every person I see.”

Jay Grinney, HealthSouth Corp. president and CEO, said HealthSouth is “the largest provider of inpatient rehabilitative care in the United States” and “it’s our privilege to be here in Hot Springs and to partner with CHI, to continue a partnership which goes back

almost two decades.”

He said it was symbolic of where the health care industry is going. “In the past, we all sort of got into our little silos and tried to do the best we could and compete with everyone else out there,” but now the landscape was changing and “the best way to move forward is to partner with very strong, very capable, very deep partners.”

The new facility is the company’s fifth hospital in Arkansas, which also includes CHI St. Vincent Rehabilitation Hospital in Sherwood; HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Jonesboro, a joint venture with St. Bernards Healthcare; HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Fayetteville, a joint venture with Washington Regional; and HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Smith.

Those in attendance at the opening, including U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-District 4, state Rep. Bruce Cozart, R-District 24, along with other dignitaries and officials, were also given technology demonstrations and tours of the facility.

Hillary Carnel, HealthSouth’s communications manager, told The Sentinel-Record during a tour that of the 122 hospitals they had, “These are the biggest rooms I’ve seen so far,” noting, “They completely gutted this building when they were rebuilding it.”

She said 12.8 days was the average length stay for patients in their facilities, following their release from an acute-care hospital. She demonstrated some of the equipment in the spacious therapy gym, including a simulated vehicle that patients could use to relearn how to get in and out of the vehicle as well as operate the controls.

There were also rooms with a mock kitchen, dining room area, and washer and dryer, where the therapist could guide the patient through simulations of the day-to-day tasks they would be doing upon their return home.

“They even take patients for a mock shopping day” where they relearn the physical skills needed to put away groceries.

She noted that while it is exercise they try to make it enjoyable “so they want to come to therapy.”

Rotary speakers illustrate ‘Service Above Self’ motto

The Sentinel-Record/Max Bryan

GOAT RENTAL: Mary Stafford, co-owner of Stafford Goat Rental, oversees goats consuming shrubs

Tuesday in Hot Springs National Park. The goats were brought to the park to consume invasive foliage due to their resilient digestive system and proven effectiveness in other wildlife preservation projects.

GOATS

From Page One

exact reason.

“We were talking about it, and then we got a call from Arkansas Career Training Institute asking if there was a problem with using goats there on our property, just to make sure there wasn’t going to be any negative impact to the park itself,” Kusch said. “There wasn’t, and that’s when Shelley and I started talking about, ‘Can we have goats here?’”

The park service has laid out 40 one-meter land plots within the fenced-in area. Prior to the

JOB CORPS

herd’s release, the park took inventory of every species of plant in each land plot so that they can compare the land before and after the goats’ presence. The findings of this study will determine how the park chooses to treat invasive plants going forward.

“It depends on the data that we collect in the end,” Roberts said. “If we find that the goats are a viable alternative to maintaining these invasive species, then we may incorporate them into future plans.”

From Page One

aspects to address concerns.”

Terrell recently headed the closure of the Treasure Lake Job Corps center in Oklahoma. The process took about eight months.

“I didn’t get one employee grievance or one employee complaint,” Terrell said.

“I didn’t get one lawsuit. I didn’t get one media inquiry.

I closed a federal facility in eight months. How did that happen? I’m not saying I’m brilliant. I’m saying it’s because I basically said, ‘We are not going to do this and say thank you, goodbye, here’s your stuff.’ We are going to treat people with respect, literally, because that’s what it is. These are human beings.

Yes, they affected this center and, yes, they are affected by this center, which means we do this the right way.

“The right way is you put procedures in place, you follow those procedures, you put timelines in there and identify gaps. So that way, when a person at the end of the day, whenever the end of the day is, when they walk away, they either have a job, they either have a service

package, they may just walk away without either one, but they also walk away saying, ‘I got everything I requested to get to this point.’”

Westerman joined with other members of Arkansas’ congressional delegation in April to request U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez to halt further actions to close the Ouachita center.

“I’ve had meetings. My staff has worked on it. Other members of the delegation have worked on it,” Westerman said. “The Department of Labor, just basically, from what I’ve seen, does what they want to do. They’ll go through the motions to make sure they get all the boxes checked off, but I think they knew they were going to close this before they ever had meetings with us.

“We’re going to keep working on it, but I think the Department of Labor’s made up their mind, and I think they’re bent on closing this one and I’m worried about the one at Cass as well.”

Employees have vowed to continue searching for a mech-

anism to keep the center open.

“We are still fighting the fight,” an employee said. “We are here for students. Many of us have families here and cannot relocate. It is very heartbreaking that we have made improvement only to be told that we are going to be closed effective July 1.”

The Labor Department restructured in 2010 and removed the budgeting and procurement operations from the Office of Job Corps. The operations were placed within separate divisions of the Employment and Training Administration.

The program experienced a budget shortfall of more than $30 million the following year. The enrollment suspension was enacted in 2013 when more than 70 members of Congress from both parties requested explanations for a shortfall of about $61.5 million. Terrell officially began as director the following February.

Frank E. Lockwood, Washington correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, contributed to this report.

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — Members of the Hot Springs Village Rotary Club heard about service from around the area and around the world during a recent meeting.

The first speaker was Hot Springs resident Sallie Culbreth, who spoke about her organization, STAARR, or Sexual Trauma and Abuse Recovery Resources. The new nonprofit program is bringing online services for survivors of such ordeals, which she said constitutes about 20 percent of the general population.

According to a news release, STAARR will provide mobile accessible services on such devices as cellphones and iPads. Culbreth noted statistics that suggest fewer people are sitting in front of a computer, as more are utilizing mobile devices.

She also discussed STAARR’s June costume fundraiser, which was held to support the online services being offered. She anticipates it will become an annual event.

Culbreth said she and her daughter, Anne Quinn, the co-director of STAARR, wanted to emphasize having

Hoops

Paul Bridges

Sallie Culbreth

“a fun gala to provide funds to do our mission.”

Rotarian Paul Bridges, of Hot Springs Village, then spoke, giving an update on the club’s support of Ak’ Tenamit, a school for indigenous people in Guatemala.

Over the past decade, HSV Rotary has not only provided funds for such projects as medical supplies, solar energy equipment, water filters, and a floating dental clinic, but have also gone personally to the Guatemalan jungle to work alongside community members there.

Recent projects have in-

cluded constructing tilapia tanks for sustainable fishing, and creating a jungle ecolodge to help the villagers support themselves financially.

Whether around the corner or around the world, Rotarians strive to be there, honoring the motto, “Service Above Self.”

Membership in HSV Rotary Club is open to all, and guests are always welcome to attend weekly meetings, held at 7 a.m. Thursdays in the Fireside Dining Room of the Good Samaritan Society, 121 Cortez Road.

instruction

The Sentinel-Record/Max Bryan

Former WNBA player and member of Hot Springs Baptist Church Tiffany McCain, standing, right, instructs children June 25 during one of two Mission Hot Springs basketball camps.

6 The Sentinel-Record Mid-Week Extra, Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

The Sentinel-Record/Corbet Deary

RIVER’S RUN: The Cossatot River runs through a steep and rugged section of terrain in western Arkansas, providing both a challenge for white-water paddlers and outdoor opportunities galore for those

who are not adept at navigating through such harsh and potentially dangerous conditions.

Cossatot Falls: Heart of Ouachitas well worth trip Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Cossatot Falls.

Anybody who has spent much time in the outdoors would likely be quick to agree that we are blessed with two things here in the Ouachitas — we have an overabundance of rock formations and large boulders, and one certainly cannot ignore beautiful mountain-fed rivers and streams.

Both of these characteristics, within themselves, are attributes that draw folks from abroad to enjoy the landscape we call home. And when you throw them in the same pot, you have a recipe for beauty and outdoor opportunities unsurpassed.

There are several locations throughout our neck of the woods where boulder-infested substrates and crystal-clear waterways collide, each and every one of them proving special in their own individual ways. But there a couple of spots where the results are spectacular. And I can’t think of a better example than a small section of river in the western extremities of Arkansas referred to as Cossatot Falls. In fact, this location is so interesting that it is included in a 12mile stretch of land that has been dedicated as the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area.

Located near the town of Wickes, the entire state park is worthy of a visit, as the visitor center is impressive.

Consisting of 15,000 square feet, the facility sports a large exhibit gallery, classrooms equipped with labs, a gift shop and wildlife viewing area.

Interpretive programs are offered at the visitor center throughout the year, and those inquisitive souls who visit the facility will likely leave with a better under-

Corbet Deary Outdoor writer and photographer standing of the river’s ecology, and the geology, flora and fauna of this interesting section of the state.

Although I, too, always enjoy a stop at the visitor center, I am always most anxious to visit that small section of the river that beckons paddlers from across the country. You got it — this little strip of water roars after a significant rainfall. And for good reason.

The section referred to as Cossatot Falls drops 33 feet in elevation in only 0.3 of a mile. Huge boulders and sheer drops are prevalent in this section, producing some of the most fierce white-water paddling opportunities throughout the state.

Ev i d e n t ly, t h e Nat ive Americans who once lived in this area were acutely aware of this river’s raging potential following significant rainfalls also, as in their native language, “Cossatot” means “skull crusher.”

Although I spend a great deal of time on the water, that’s no indication that I am a white-water paddling enthusiast. In fact, I lack the skills to maneuver a boat through Class IV and V rapids without injuring or literally killing myself.

Howeve r, I d o e n j oy watching experienced paddlers manage waters so treacherous that their rapids have earned the titles of “The Washing Machine,” “Esses,” “Whiplash,” and “Eye Opener” from those who have accepted its challenge.

The river is mountain-fed and, in turn, its waters quick-

ly subside. But paddlers religiously show up to float this section of water immediately after heavy rains and continue doing so for the next few days until the levels recede back to a more normal status.

Of course, I savor the opportunity to watch these experienced paddlers. But I also enjoy the Cossatot when it is at normal levels — levels much too low to beckon white-water enthusiasts.

In fact, these are the times when I can actually partake in some of my favorite outdoor activities. The small, deep pools surrounded by huge boulders produce a perfect habitat for smallmouth bass to thrive.

In turn, those with a fancy for fishing should always consider carrying a rod and reel along with them upon embarking upon a journey to this beautiful location nestled in the heart of the Ouachitas.

The Cossatot is also bountiful with panfish. As a result, just about any small lure is capable of lending to hours of action-packed fun. Of course, most of these lures are also capable of coaxing a few smallmouths into biting.

But those who are most interested in catching these fierce fighters might consider being a little more selective with their lure choices.

Chuggers are certainly capable of calling smallmouths up from the depths. And I always carry a couple along.

One is also apt to coax a few into biting by dragging a small spinnerbait or crawdad colored crankbait through the crystal-clear waters. And again, I am apt to carry a few of these specific presentations in the box.

But these choices are all simply backups, and will likely never make it to the rod’s end, and for good reason.

Throughout the past 10 or 12 years, I have consistently ex-

perienced success at catching smallmouths with one particular presentation.

That’s right — seldom will you see me fishing for smallmouths in mountain-fed rivers with anything than a salt-impregnated, 2.5-inch, green pumpkin-colored tube.

If rigged properly, the lure is weedless and can easily be bounced across the rocky substrate, And I can’t think of anything more effective than tossing this small lure into the rapids and allowing the swift water to carry it downstream, dropping it into the pool below.

I thoroughly enjoy fishing the Cossatot. I can’t think of a better way to beat the summertime heat than strapping on a mask and snorkel, and exploring its crystal-clear waters.

We’re talking fish viewing opportunities galore. Snorkeling is a perfect opportunity to see just how many smallmouths and panfish lurk below its surface. And if one is lucky, they’ll see some of darter species that are endemic to this river.

Camping enthusiasts might also find this destination of interest, as a few primitive camping sites are located at the Cossatot Falls.

Nestled under the canopy of large native hardwoods, each site is well shaded and practically within a stone’s throw of the river’s edge.

Each site provides a good level spot for a tent. And restrooms are also located amid the small recreation area.

A short trail is also there for the walking. The designated path heads up a hill and runs alongside a bluffline. Although the hike to the trail’s end is fairly short, it is well worth the effort of walking. Along with glimpses through the trees of the river below, I have noticed an array of wildflower species

The Sentinel-Record/Corbet Deary

GREAT FISHING: Smallmouth bass are plentiful in the vicinity

of Cossatot Falls.

taking root within an eyeshot of the trail during previous spring and summer hikes.

Of the many places I visit throughout Arkansas, I can’t think of any that I find more intriguing than the Cossatot Falls section of the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area. It’s a location where one can watch others float untamed waters, or they can simply enjoy the outdoor activities they find most enjoyable.

Regardless of one’s preferences, the Cossatot Falls are certainly worth considering for one’s next excursion into the heart of the Ouachitas.

To get to Cossatot Falls, take Highway 70 west to Glenwood. From Glenwood, remain on Highway 70 west for about 4.3 miles and take a right onto Highway 84. travel for about 27.3 miles and take a right onto Highway 278. Go about 8 miles and turn right onto Weyerhaeuser Road No. 62200. Remain on the dirt road for a little over 4 miles and turn left at the Cossatot River Sign, and follow the road to the parking area. Or for more precise directions one can remain on Highway 278 and turn into the visitor center shortly after crossing the Cossatot River Bridge.

Flea market dealers say new location is improvement COLBIE MCCLOUD The Sentinel-Record

Settling into their new home at Temperance Hill Square Shopping Center, dealers who had to vacate Central Station Market Place at the end of May say the move was a “blessing in disguise.”

“For my family it was especially devastating, because I grew up in that building. It was life-changing.

My mom ran it for 20 years,” said Reagen Megee, co-owner.

Albanese Cormier Holdings of Beaumont, Texas, said in late April that four “strong national tenants” will be operating by early next year in the space formerly occupied by Central Station Market Place at Central City Shopping Center.

The company gave Megee and her

mother, Shelley, a 30-day notice at the end of April to vacate the space more than 200 vendors rely on to sell a wide variety of wares.

The Megees had to vacate the property by May 22. They soon broke the news to the vendors, and the rush to find a new location began.

“When we got the news and told everyone, everyone looked to mamma. She said, “I’ve got to do something for these people. I can’t let them down.” They said they’d follow mamma anywhere,” Megee said. “I told them, ‘I will fight like hell to keep this going.’”

“It was devastating. I was there for so long. It was home,” said Jim Erwin of Jim’s Toys, Records and Comics booth and a dealer at the original location for 25 years. “So

many of them were my friends and a lot of my customers were my friends.”

Going from 76,500-square-foot space to a 24,000-square-foot space, Megee, along with four other partners, were able to secure the former location of Southern Creek Rustic Furnishings, which closed its doors at the end of April.

“It was very frantic. We didn’t have time to think about it. Luck was on our side,” said Paul Wineland, co-owner and dealer for 15 years.

“We found a place in 30 days that was affordable.”

“You’re just kind of in shock and awe. Shelley and Reagen got on this real quick and got this place for us,” said Deb Campbell, a dealer for two and a half years.

Management and dealers banded together and cleared out the Central Station Market Place and secured the new location on June 1. By the third and fourth weeks in June, 95 percent of the spaces were rented out and dealers moved in.

“For seven weeks, I have been working 16- to 18-hour days since the news. Everyone banded together instead of chaos,” Megee said. “The fact that we’ve done this in a month, I’m in disbelief. Everything we needed to come together, came together just right and then some.”

Several dealers agree the location is cleaner and more appealing, hoping that the new location will draw old and new customers since it is in a shopping center near several chain stores and Hot Springs Mall.

“Even my mamma said, ‘Now I can bring my good stuff.’” Everyone is bringing the best of the best,” Megee said. “Our size used to be a major factor, but not only are we continuing our tradition, we are becoming innovators to upscale resale in Arkansas.”

The Central Avenue Market Place, 4330 Central Ave., opens today at 10 a.m. Store hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

“I think it is and will be the best in town,” Erwin said. “There’s something for everyone. Sometimes change is good.”

“This is a thousand steps above and is gorgeous,” Campbell said. “All the vendors have made their booths really nice. I think overall, it’s probably a blessing in disguise.”