INDEPENDENTNews Herbicides a threat to ‘canaries of the deep’ B ecky G illette Tony Freeman, an airline pilot who lives outside Beaver, has lived in the area for 40 years. His property is near the preferred route for the proposed new
SWEPCO high voltage transmission line, and he fears much of what he values at his home could be destroyed. “It is going to absolutely devastate my view,” Freeman said. “The power
Independent establishes scholarship In order to assist a student in paying expenses for post-secondary educational expenses, whether for tuition, fees, books or personal expenses, the Eureka Springs Independent has established a $1000 scholarship open to all graduating Eureka Springs schools’ seniors. Answer in 500 words or less, “There are many options to attain a high school education – should high school students physically attend class versus taking classes online? State your opinion and provide evidence for your argument.” Applications must be completed and returned to the high school
counselor or office no later than May 10. A scholarship committee will determine the winner based on the following criteria: • Logic, reasoning and writing style • Enrollment in a community college, four-year college or vocational/ technical school for the semester following graduation • Likelihood of the student completing the post-secondary education program Include the name of college or vocational school enrolled in (attach acceptance/enrollment letter if available).
line comes within three hundred feet. While the line doesn’t touch my property, I’m affected dramatically. It’s really upsetting.” Freeman also has concerns about how the project could impact the most endangered animal species in the state, the fresh water mussel. “While taking daily walks on the White River banks, my neighbors took notice of an odd little animal that we probably all have seen numerous times if we have spent any time at all on the local lakes and waterways,” Freeman said. “This animal is the fresh water mussel. The point of concern for us is that the fresh water mussel is the most endangered species in the state of Arkansas, and the second most endangered group of animals in North America.” Freshwater mussels are an indication of superior water quality, and threats include erosion, development,
and sand and gravel mining, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Growing up in Eureka Springs, Freeman didn’t understand that the bald eagle could possibly be an endangered species as he observed thousands of them in the course of a year. “We were quite fortunate, and still are today to live in an area where these majestic animals are so abundant,” Freeman said. “I say this to illustrate a point. The same is true with the White River mussel. I have observed these animals for as long as I can remember yet I have failed to truly take notice of them. You can find their discarded shells by the thousands along the banks of the White River. One only need look down into the water for a few minutes and you will see one at some point along the banks, yet they are the single most endangered species in the state. We live in an area where they dwell in abundance.” SWEPCO – MUSSELS continued on page 31
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