Lovely County Citizen Jan. 4, 2018

2017 Year in Review

VOLUME 19 NUMBER 30

Visit us online: www.lovelycitizen.com

JANUARY 4, 2018

Page 2 – Lovely County Citizen – January 4, 2018

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DISPATCH Desk: The Best of 2017 Jan. 20 12:45 a.m. -- A complainant advised that he had not heard from his wife since Wednesday afternoon and requested a welfare check on her. Officers responded and spoke with the wife. She advised that she was fine and would contact her husband. We haven’t heard from our ex-wife in months now, and we like it that way!

6:56 p.m. -- An officer responded to a report of custodian interference. Isn’t that a 15-yard penalty?

Jan. 21 9:54 p.m. -- A subject was arrested for driving while intoxicated, refusing to submit to a chemical test and driving left of center. Seriously, who wants to take a chemistry test when you’re drunk?

Jan. 22 5:55 p.m. -- An area restaurant advised that there was a female customer who wouldn’t leave the property. Officers responded and got the woman a taxi. This happened to us once at a Chinese buffet.

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Jan. 31 3:47 a.m. — A complainant advised that she was awakened by a male dressed in dark clothes running down the middle of the street. An officer responded and checked the area. A male subject was found and arrested for public intoxication and an outstanding warrant from the Eureka Springs Police Department for failure to pay and failure to appear. This is why we don’t go jogging at 3:47 a.m.

Feb. 10 3:16 p.m. — An officer took a report of an accident involving a vehicle versus a house. We’re pretty sure the house had the right of way.

Feb. 17 5:17 p.m. — A caller complained about the neighbors letting their chihuahuas run loose in the neighborhood. An officer made contact with the owners. The dogs were in their yard and supervised by the owner. Cash us ousside, how bow dah?

March 16 2:32 p.m. — A property owner requested to speak to an officer to report the prior property owner attempting to take stones off the property without permission. It’s like they always say: Those who visit past houses shouldn’t steal stones.

May 8 6:42 p.m. - A caller requested an officer for assistance with a problematic raccoon.

An officer responded and located the raccoon. There’s nothing worse than a problematic raccoon.

May 10 11:21 p.m. - An officer responded to a gathering of approximately 15 people on Spring Street that could potentially cause a disturbance. An officer stood by in the area. We’re guessing it was a spontaneous parade.

May 12 7:54 p.m. - A caller advised a male subject urinated publicly in front of one of their wedding parties in the parking lot. An officer responded but did not locate the subject. Sadly, this isn’t the worst thing we’ve seen happen at a wedding.

July 7 1:45 a.m. — A caller advised that two

individuals were having sexual relations on the second floor balcony of an area motel. An officer responded but was unable to make contact. No report was taken. Which really is a shame, because we’d like to read THAT report.

July 18 6:28 p.m. — A caller advised that her soon-to-be ex-husband was calling her from a friend’s number and she thought he might be using some kind of machine to show he was calling from another phone.

She advised he was also calling from a private number, but she could not prove it is him other than knowing his voice. The caller was advised the information would be logged into the system and an officer would be informed to add it to his report.

We wonder why they couldn’t make it work.

Aug. 4 4:13 p.m. — A caller advised someone had trashed her apartment and she could hear them in the building. An officer responded. No report was taken. Someone trashed our apartment, too, and now they’re sitting on our couch watching Netflix.

Aug. 25 10:13 p.m. — A caller advised her husband was missing. He did not show up at the hotel, she said, and his phone was found on the ground at the hotel by a friend. Later that night, the wife received a phone call from her husband stating he was in Joplin, Mo., and was getting a hotel room there for the night. We are certain there’s a great story there. \Nov. 30 1:50 a.m. — A disturbance occurred at an area restaurant between a husband and wife. When a third party tried to intervene, he was hit in the head with a bar stool. An officer responded and requested dispatch to send EMS. EMS responded, but the victim refused treatment. All parties refused to make a complaint. The husband involved in the disturbance had left the scene before arrival. At least it was a bar stool and not a beer bottle.

January 4, 2018 – Lovely County Citizen – Page 3

Eureka Springs voters renew Lake Leatherwood tax

By Samantha Jones

Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com

Citizens showed support for the Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation Commission on June 12 when they agreed to renew a 0.125 percent tax for Lake Leatherwood City Park.

In a special election, Eureka Springs voters cast 107 votes (65.6 percent) to renew the tax, compared with 56 votes (34.36) against it. Parks director Justin Huss said he’s happy that voters renewed the tax, saying the tax passed with a larger percentage than the first special election establishing it four years ago.

“It is a big relief and a great privilege,” Huss said. “We like to think this shows that people see what we’ve been doing and are enjoying that.”

Along with other members of the parks commission, chairman Bill Featherstone greeted voters outside St. Elizabeth’s Parish Center. Featherstone said he saw about 100 people come out to vote.

“They seemed pleased with the turnout, but for me, that seems kind of light,” Featherstone said.

Commissioner Ruth Hager said she was confident in the way the commission has spent the tax money over the past four years, saying she hoped voters felt the same way.

“We’ve proven we have done a good job with this money, so there’s just not reason to not allow it to continue,” Hag-

er said.

Featherstone said the tax costs the average household $30 per year. Over the past four years, he said, the commission has raised almost $500,000 from the tax and has received $175,000 in matching grant money.

“This costs everyone one penny for every $8 they spend in town. It’s such a small price,” Featherstone said. “What a great deal to have access to Leatherwood for such a penance amount of money.”

With the money from the tax, Featherstone said, the commission has improved the road leading to Lake Leath-

NEWS STORY

erwood, installed “the best playground in Carroll County” and added new campsites and tent pads.

“There are so many good things that will come out of this. It’s going to allow us to do some real, long-range planning for Leatherwood, and thinking in a completely different way than we’ve ever been able to,” Featherstone said.

He said the commission plans to use the tax money to work on some expensive, long-term projects, including fixing the dam, dredging the lake, updating the septic system and building a new bathhouse and pavilion.

“It’s going to do a lot of tangible, great things and continue what we’ve already put in place,” Featherstone said.

Community center goals become reality in 2017

By Samantha Jones

Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com

The Eureka Springs Community Center had an eventful year, kicking things off with the demolition of Building 100. Chairwoman Diane Murphy said the demolition was necessary to create space for the Eureka Springs Farmers Market and other community events.

Part of the contract required the foundation to salvage glass blocks to use in the project later on.

It was surreal, Murphy said, to see the building come down after years of planning the community center.

“All of this we have been working for is really happening. Here we are with it actually coming down,” Murphy said.

“It was pretty amazing.”

The first big event, Winterfest, was held at the gym only three weeks later. The event featured bluegrass bands, a potluck, a soup contest, silent and live auctions, a chance to win $20,000 and the farmers market itself. Joyce

Knowles, who helped organize the event with her husband, said she wanted to get involved so the farmers market could relocate to the community center.

“This fundraiser is to add money to that. We realized they needed much more than $10,000,” she said. “You can’t get much of a car for $10,000 anymore, and we knew that wasn’t going to be enough. We’re not telling them how to use it. We’re just trying to add money to that fund. We’d like to get them here sooner rather than later.”

The community center continued its Dine Around fundraiser, meant to help open the gym and create programming for Eureka Springs youth. The fundraiser was a success, raising $11,052 during

NEWS STORY

its first round. The money was put to use in March when the community center launched a trial after-school program for all public, private or home-school children from kindergarten to sixth grade. More than 90 students enrolled in the program’s trial run.

The program was meant to be held at the gym, Murphy said, but the discovery of mold pushed that back a bit. Instead, the community center funded the program and Eureka Springs Elementary School hosted it.

On April 20, the Eureka Springs Farmers Market finally made its move to the community center. Jon Toombs, president of the farmers market, said the market had been working with the community center for years to complete the move.

“The market has been going for 14 or 15 years now, but we’ve never really had a home we could count on. We’ve had some wonderful, wonderful people who have hosted us over the years. We

don’t want to in any way dismiss that, but they’re businesses and they have to make business decisions,” Toombs said.

“This is our first opportunity to be part of the community. The community center wanted us to make our new home here, and it felt like a great fit. Honestly, this is a great thing.”

The Eureka Springs Community Center Foundation received the SOAR Award at the Groundbreaking Solutions annual conference in Little Rock in June, which recognizes the community project of the year.

“It was a really nice recognition and very encouraging,” Murphy said.

The community center received a $25,000 grant from AT&T in July to start developing a greenhouse program.

The greenhouse will have community access, Murphy said, and an educational component.

The grants kept rolling in, with Windgate Charitable Foundation awarding See CENTER, Page 15

Page 4 – Lovely County Citizen – January 4, 2018

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Council votes to move meetings to community center

By Samantha Jones

Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com

The Eureka Springs City Council ended 2017 in a different place than it started.

The council began discussion of a permanent move after Joyce and Eric Knowles expressed concern over the ADA-accessibility of the meeting space in the courthouse. At the council’s May 3 meeting, Mayor Butch Berry said the Eureka Springs Community Center Foundation offered a room at the community center to the city for $20,000 for the first three years. After the first three years, he said, the city could pay $1,500 a month to hold all city meetings there.

On June 12, Berry said the foundation’s board offered to give the council exclusive use of another room at the site for $1,000 a month. The city would have to pay to renovate that room, Berry said, to make it ADA-accessible and suitable for city meetings.

Another option, Berry said, would be to use a building across the street from the Eureka Springs Hospital. He said the city already owns the building and it’s ADA accessible but could require extensive renovations.

On July 27, the ADA Committee discussed a complaint submitted by Joyce Knowles in which she said the council willfully refused to move meetings from the courthouse to a location where constituents can face council members.

She suggested the city council meetings move to a location where all members face the constituents.

The committee recommended that the city council move meetings immediately to The Auditorium, an interim space, and meet deadlines for moving to a permanent space. These deadlines include choosing the permanent site by Sept. 1 and getting bids from contractors by Oct. 1. The council denied the

recommendation at its Aug. 13 meeting, and Berry updated the council on the space available for city meetings.

Berry said the city has two or three possible locations being taken into consideration, saying he’s focusing on places the city already owns: Dr. Beard’s office in the historic district and the fire station downtown. The council would make its decision on the permanent move by Jan. 1, 2018, Berry said.

NEWS STORY

The council changed its tune Sept.

11, voting to temporarily relocate all city meetings to The Auditorium. The reason the issue came back to the mayor’s office, Knowles said, is that she and her husband hired an attorney to file an injunction in federal court.

Knowles said an attorney representing the city through the Arkansas Municipal League worked with her attorney to negotiate an agreement.

The negotiation included moving temporarily to The Auditorium, providing a print transcript or edited closed captioning of council meetings on Youtube, completing a city self-assessment of ADA standards, creating a plan to rectify deficiencies found in the self-assessment and giving Knowles a chocolate cake, Knowles said.

After having several meetings at The Aud, the council voted Nov. 13 to permanently move city meetings to the community center. Foundation chairwoman Diane Murphy presented a proposal for a five-year arrangement where the foundation would update the interior of the community meeting

room and the city would pay for outdoor renovations.

The city would oversee the construction of an ADA-compliant ramp and handrails on the west entrance of the activity center, Murphy said, and configure the parking lot west of the activity center to create required handicapped parking and signage. The foundation would perform all interior renovation including the community meeting room, the ADA-compliant restroom, entrance lobby and interior and exterior doors, Murphy said, with the city providing furnishings inside the room.

“There wouldn’t be any more outlay of cash or rent that first year. We would all just go ahead and expend those funds to get everything started,” Murphy said.

The city could pay $5,000 per year for rent after the first year, Murphy said, or public works could provide inkind services to cover the fee. Mayor Butch Berry said both options would be doable. The council’s decision wasn’t unanimous, with Bob Thomas, Mickey Schneider and McClung voted in favor of it, Peg Adamson voting against it and David Mitchell abstaining.

After the vote, Thomas said he voted incorrectly and wanted to re-vote but was told to wait until the next meeting.

He moved to reconsider the decision at the Nov. 27 meeting but his motion failed for lack of a majority.

Murphy said Dec. 18 that the foundation is in the process of having its attorney draft a lease agreement for the move.

“We’re going to move forward with the work on it, because we want that room available for the community to get to use regardless of how it might play out with city council,” Murphy said.

January 4, 2018 – Lovely County Citizen – Page 5

What do

think

Citizen Opinion by Cindy Worley

What is your New Year’s Resolution?

Parks commission approves new downhill mountain bike courses

By Samantha Jones

Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com

Walter Burrell

Michael Kuebler

Not to have a resolution.

To assist others in making their resolutions come true.

“Walter”

Chris

“Heavy”

Work on letting go of expectations.

“Grumpy”

Lorri D. “Lorri”

I surpassed my expectations last year.

Marilyn Sloas

Vincent Shipley

Do more positive things.

To give more to others.

“Magic Hands”

“Vinnie”

Citizen Survey What is your New Year’s Resolution?

The Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation Commission spent much of the fall negotiating with the Walton Family Foundation to create new downhill mountain bike courses at Lake Leatherwood City Park.

The commission approved a cooperative agreement with the Walton Family Foundation on Nov. 21 to build the downhill feature. That decision came after the commission’s Oct. 17 vote to allow parks director Justin Huss to negotiate trail-specific grants at a 10 percent match up to $100,000, including a heritage inventory at Lake Leatherwood.

Parks director Justin Huss addressed citizens at a public meeting Dec. 5, where he said biking and hiking trails have been a part of Eureka Springs for a long time. The biking trails are prominent during the Fat Tire Festival, he said, but it wasn’t until recently that parks decided to promote the downhill mountain bike courses at Lake Leatherwood.

That’s because mountain biking is blowing up, Huss said.

The parks commission has been working on connecting the in-town trails system this year, Huss said, so visitors and locals can get from place to place on foot or on their bike. The commission is still focusing on that, he said, but the focus has shifted a bit after the Walton Family Foundation agreed to work on adding more downhill courses at Lake Leatherwood. The courses would be located near the Miner’s Rock Trail, Huss said.

“One of the advantages of the area is it’s not well-suited for anything else,” he said. “It’s loose.

It’s hard to walk on, and it doesn’t grow a ton of things on every area.”

While looking through the plans with the foundation, he said, the commission saw a few problems in the area. There’s a part of the trail the city

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION

m Do more positive m Let go of expectathings tions m Do more for others m Something else

m Yes: 54.9% (28 votes)

Go to www.lovelycitizen.com and weigh in. Vote by 9 a.m.

Wednesday

m It was OK: 23.5% (12 votes)

Was 2017 a good year for you? m No: 21.6% (11 votes)

doesn’t own, Huss said, but the foundation has already purchased two properties in the area to secure the rights to build the courses. Another problem, he said, is the environmental impact of the project. Huss said the commission agreed to complete a heritage inventory at Lake Leatherwood before moving forward with new work there, saying the environment is important to him.

“We had to pump the brakes a little bit. We wanted to get everything in order,” Huss said. “We wanted the disposition of the property taken care of before we authorized anything to go forward.”

The new downhill courses will feature a shuttle to the top, Huss said, and a landing pad for helicopters in case of a medical emergency. Huss described what the commission has been keeping in mind throughout the project, saying parks needs to secure a permanent recreational easement for public access on the land used for the courses, ensure safety where the courses intersect with hiking trails and exercise best practices for low-impact development and storm water run-off.

“All work will be approved by me. Thisis with the help of other people and committees that come in,” Huss said.

He’s already approved one course, Huss said.

“We only approved that line. We said, ‘We can agree on that one. We can get you started,’ ” Huss said. “We’re not going to approve anything else until we do that.”

Adding these courses, Huss said, will make Lake Leatherwood even more of an attraction when it comes to events like the Fat Tire Festival.

See TRAILS, Page 15

NEWS STORY

51 votes cast

Page 6 – Lovely County Citizen – January 4, 2018

Election commissioner removed from office after October arrest

By Kelby Newcomb and Scott Loftis CCNNews@cox-internet.com

A Carroll County election commissioner was removed from his position after an arrest and commitment for treatment of a mental health issue.

Ken Sculley, 65, of Eureka Springs was sworn in on Oct. 18 to replace Eugene Walden, also of Eureka Springs, as the Democratic representative on the commission.

Walden, 44, was arrested on Oct. 3 after an incident in which he allegedly made a false report of a car accident, then engaged in a car chase and a physical altercation with a Carroll County Sheriff’s Office deputy. Walden allegedly threw feces at the deputy’s face during the incident.

On Oct. 6, Carroll County Circuit Judge Scott Jackson ordered that Walden be taken into custody and delivered to a mental health facility for screening and admission. A hearing on the commitment order was scheduled for Oct. 11, but Walden waived the hearing and did not contest the judge’s order.

The petition seeking Walden’s commitment, which was filed by the Carroll County prosecuting attorney’s office on behalf of an unidentified party, said Walden suffers from bipolar disorder.

Walden has a pending felony charge in an unrelated incident. He was arrested in April and is charged with second-degree forgery. Court filings show that Walden is alleged to have signed a legal document without authorization, but no further details were available. A pretrial hearing in that case is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at the Carroll County Western District Courthouse in Eureka Springs.

The Carroll County Democratic Party appointed Sculley to replace Walden on the county election commission.

“The Carroll County Democratic Party just had to make a decision about what was best for the county and what was best for Mr. Walden,” said county party chairman Charles Templeton of Eureka Springs. “It was the majority consensus that he be replaced with Ken Sculley.”

NEWS STORY

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Council OKs water, sewer rate increases

By Samantha Jones

Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com

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The Eureka Springs City Council spent much of the spring focusing on the water and sewer rates. The rates needed to increase, Mayor Butch Berry said, because citizens rejected a proposed 1-cent sales tax in November 2016 that would have helped the city meet its bond covenants for sewer and water.

The council considered three options for increasing the rates. Those options were increasing water and sewer rates 30 percent across the board, establishing a bond service fee or increasing the sewer rate by 21 percent and applying a usage fee to the final bill. The council approved the third option on April 24, with a handout detailing the increases.

According to the handout, there were 1,885 water and sewer accounts in 2016, with 792 accounts in Tier 1 (42 percent), 848 accounts in Tier 2 (45 percent) and

246 accounts in Tier 3 (13 percent). Tier 1 includes those who use less than 2,000 gallons of water a month, Tier 2 includes those who use between 2,000 and 10,000 gallons and Tier 3 includes those who use 10,000 gallons and up.

The handout described how the changes will affect the average water and sewer bill of a consumer in each tier. The average monthly bill of a consumer in Tier 1 is $20.70, with $11.20 going toward water and $9.50 going toward sewer. The handout said the sewer rate would go up to $11.49 with the 21 percent increase along with a $5 usage fee, making the average bill of a Tier 1 consumer $27.69. That is an increase of $6.99 per month.

NEWS STORY

The average monthly bill of a consumer in Tier 2 is $51.31, with $24.48 going toward water and $26.84 going toward sewer. The handout said the sewer rate would go up to $32.47 with the 21 percent increase along with a $10 usage fee, making the average bill of a Tier 2 consumer $66.95. That is an increase of $15.63 per month.

The average monthly bill of a consumer in Tier 3 is $2,606.93, with $1,176.32 going toward water and $1,430.61 going toward sewer. The handout said the sewer rate would go up to $1,731.03 with the 21 percent increase along with a $50 usage fee, making the average bill of a Tier 3 consumer $2,957.35. That is an increase of $350.42 per month.

The 21 percent sewer increase and tier-based service fee would bring in $459,775 per year, the handout said. The increase was reflected in the June billing cycle.

January 4, 2018 – Lovely County Citizen – Page 7

Thurow resigns from chamber; Miller named new president

By Samantha Jones

Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com

The Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce experienced a big change in April when its president and chief operations officer, Tammy Thurow, resigned. The Citizen spoke with Thurow and chamber officials to determine what led to the resignation and whether it really was a resignation at all.

Thurow said she had been planning to resign for quite some time, saying she had two job interviews in Northwest Arkansas before resigning from the chamber. The day she resigned, Thurow said, she had already moved most of her personal items out of her office.

Cathy Handley, chairwoman of the chamber’s board of directors, said she didn’t expect Thurow to resign the day it happened. Handley said she was meeting with Thurow about a salesperson Thurow recently hired. Thurow said chamber officials asked her to resign at the meeting. Handley said it didn’t happen quite like that, saying she and Thurow clashed over the salesperson Thurow wanted to hire.

Thurow said she and the chamber board agreed to say she resigned to pursue other business opportunities, saying the chamber didn’t follow through

with that. Thurow said the chamber sent out a press release announcing the resignation without saying Thurow would be pursuing other business opportunities.

John Speed, second vice chair of the chamber board, said Thurow caused the uproar by going to local businesses to talk about the chamber the morning she resigned. It was difficult to do her job fully, Thurow said, because the chamber’s executive committee changed the rules regularly. Handley said the executive committee can’t constantly change the rules, because the board meets once a month.

Moving forward, Speed said the chamber had nothing to hide from the community.

“Our meetings are open. Our minutes are public. We have total transparency about everything that has happened and transpired,” Speed said. “I don’t think we have anything to hide.”

And when it comes to Thurow?

“We wish her well,” Speed said.

“We do wish her well,” Handley said.

“We hope she finds a job and has a great life. We just really want to move forward.”

chamber, he said, and feel confident in it.

“We’ve had a tremendous experience with the chamber. We were well-invited into the community. We always felt included. We always had that reach back to them,” Miller said.

Miller spent the last 17 years with NASA. He said he was excited to bring the love he has for business development and creative business models to Eureka Springs to unify the chamber and the local businesses it serves. In his first six months on the job, Miller launched the Jackrabbit Reservation System, organized the 47th annual Antique Auto Festival and kicked off holiday cheer with the Christmas parade.

The chamber found its new leader in May, agreeing to hire Paul Miller as the new chief operating officer.

Miller officially started July 1, saying he was 100 percent committed to his role and the community.

“I’ve been part of Eureka now for five years, six years, so as far as settling in, I’m just very excited to start the position,” Miller said.

Miller described what brought him to Eureka Springs, saying he and his wife, Catherine Pappas, relocated from Houston years ago. Since moving here, he said, the two have started a business.

They have already worked with the

NEWS STORY

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Page 8 – Lovely County Citizen – January 4, 2018

Top photos from 2017

Tavi Ellis photo

Blowing colorful confetti from above, family and friends of Mardi Gras Duchess Mary Howze gather to cheer her on during the Mardi Gras Day Parade in February.

Tavi Ellis photo

The Good Shepherd Humane Society played matchmaker during the Valentine’s Adopt-a-thon held Feb. 11.

Tavi Ellis photo

Friends gather for a Full Moon Paddleboard excursion on Beaver Lake with Outdoor Adventures for Women

Tavi Ellis photo

Whoa there, sharpshooter! You’ll get your chance to be a local hero once again, at the next annual 1922 Bank Robbery Reenactment.

January 4, 2018 – Lovely County Citizen – Page 9

Tavi Ellis photo

Vietnam veteran Bob LeRay honors his fallen comrades during the 2017 Veterans Day events in downtown Eureka Springs.

Tavi Ellis photo

This competitor doesn’t waste time during the transition from swimming to cycling in the Eurekan Multi-Sport Event in August.

David Bell photo

This van made too wide a turn at the intersection of Magnetic Spring Road and Main Street in Eureka Springs and wound up floating downstream in the floodwater in April.

David Bell photo

Demolition of the old Eureka Springs High School building began in January.

Page 10 – Lovely County Citizen – January 4, 2018

CALENDAR of events Send calendar entries to Kelby Newcomb at CCNNews@cox-internet.com. The calendar is reserved for events sponsored by non-profit entities, benefits for non-profits and free events. First priority will be given to organizations providing a public service, such as rural fire departments, schools, churches, hospital auxiliaries and services for senior citizens or veterans. Submissions should be timely. Calendar listings should not be more than 30 days in advance of the event. The calendar is sometimes edited to fit the available space in the print edition. See the full calendar online at www.LovelyCitizen.com.

Jan. 5: Highlander Fundraiser Dinner

Jan. 8: Democratic Party

The Eureka Springs Highlander boys basketball teams will have a fundraiser dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at 2 Lake Lucerne Rd. Tickets are $7, and dinner includes a barbecue sandwich, chips, beans, dessert and a drink. All four Highlander basketball teams take on the Berryville Bobcats at Highlander Arena beginning at 4:30 p.m. as well. For more information, email BRambo@es.k12.ar.us and like the teams on Facebook at Eureka Springs Highlander Boys Basketball.

of Carroll County

Jan. 5: Parents’ Night Out The Eureka Springs First United Methodist Church will hold its first Parents’ Night Out of 2018 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at 195 Huntsville Rd. The church provides games, storytelling, crafts, music and dinner for the kids. Parents get three hours of alone time. The program is for kids ages 3 to 12. All area kids are welcome, and the event is free of charge.

Jan. 6: NW AR Permaculture Study Group The Northwest Arkansas Permaculture Study Group will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Eureka Springs Library Annex. Carol Bambeck will give a presentation and discussion on food security.

Jan. 7: Kings Hill Pioneer Church Service Kings Hill Pioneer Church will host Barbara Fairchild and Roy Morris as guest speakers at 10 a.m.

Sunday, Jan. 7. Fairchild is an award-winning country and gospel singer, as well as a powerful witness and speaker. The church is located on Highway 62, half a mile west of the Kings River bridge at 63 Kings Hill in Berryville. For more information, call 870-423-9399.

Jan. 7: EUUF Service Barry Reed, director of the USAID-funded program, DOBRE, will speak about “Ukraine on the Brink” at the Eureka Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (EUUF) at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, at 17 Elk St. Childcare is provided, and refreshments will follow the service.

The Democratic Party of Carroll County will hold its General Membership meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, at the Carroll Electric Building in Berryville. A meet and greet will begin at 6 p.m., and the meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. with discussion groups to begin planning the 2018 election year.

Jan. 8: Metafizzies Meeting Rebekah Clark will lead the Eureka Springs Metaphysical Society (Metafizzies) in a session of divine singing and sound meditation at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, at the Heart of Many Ways at 68 Mountain St. No vocal experience is necessary. Chants and mantras from multiple traditions will be used. All are welcome.

Jan. 10: EUUF Movie Screening The Eureka Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (EUUF) will open its 2018 season with a screening of “The Great Dictator,” Charlie Chaplin’s classic 1940 movie, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 17 Elk St. The screening is free, but donations are accepted.

Jan. 18: Vegetable Production Class The Eureka Springs Community Center will host a class on “Vegetable Production: Growing from the Greenhouse to Outdoors” at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, at 44 Kings Highway. The University of Agriculture Research and Extension is leading the class, which will focus on growing season, planting dates for basic vegetable production and transplanting from a greenhouse to outdoors.

Jan. 23: HIFDA Luncheon The Holiday Island Fire Department Auxiliary will hold their luncheon and business meeting at noon Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the Clubhouse ballroom at 1 Country Club Drive. The doors will open at 11:30 a.m. for social visiting, and lunch will be at noon. The cost is $8 for lunch and $12 for dues. Reservations must be made by Friday.

Jan. 19. Please call Drenda Higdon at 479-363-8125.

ONGOING MEETINGS A Universal Worship Service will be held from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. every Sunday at the Heart of Many

Ways at 68 Mountain St. in the downstairs meeting room to celebrate the world religions with candle lighting, readings, music and prayer. All are welcome.

Flora Roja Community Acupuncture and Herbal Apothecary will host a monthly herbal community potluck from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month at 119 Wall St. in Eureka Springs. Guests are asked to bring a dish to share. Vegans and vegetarians are encouraged to attend. This is a free event. For more information, call (479)-253-4968.

A Diabetes and Weight Management Support Group will meet at 6 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month from January to October at Abundant Health Wellness Center at 240 Huntsville Road in Eureka Springs. For more information, call 479-325-9749 or visit danawestrd.com.

There will be Shamantha and Tonglen meditation practice under the guidance of Khentrul Rinpoche at 5:30 p.m. every Monday. For more information or directions, call Alece at 479-244-6841 or Gary at 479-244-6840.

Eureka Springs First United Methodist Church’s “Walking in the Spirit” exercise group meets from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Wednesday and Friday to do a faithbased approach to staying fit with a program for every fitness level. There is no charge, and everyone is welcome.

Call 479-253-8987 for more information.

Eureka Springs First United Methodist Church’s Grief Group for widows and widowers meets at noon every other Wednesday in the church library. Anyone who has lost a spouse or partner is welcome.

Eureka Springs First United Methodist Church hosts the Issues on Aging meeting from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. every other Thursday in the church fellowship hall. The meetings present pertinent information and lectures on how to age with dignity and safety.

Eureka Springs First United Methodist Church hosts a Parents’ Night Out from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every first Friday of the month. The program is for children from ages 2 to 12 and offers games, crafts, singing and dinner while parents get a night off. It is free and staffed by loving trained people. For more information, call 479-253-8987.

January 4, 2018 – Lovely County Citizen – Page 11

Crescent Cottage restoration underway after fire

By Samantha Jones

Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com

A historic structure in Eureka Springs sustained damage after a fire Sept. 22.

Fire marshal Jim Kelley said firefighters received a call about a fire at Crescent Cottage at 9:23 a.m., saying he was one of the first firefighters on the scene.

“We had smoke coming from underneath the porch area at the street level and down on the sides of the building,” Kelley said. “There was no fire seen anywhere, but heavy smoke was emitted from major parts of the building.”

The owners of the building, Kelley said, were on the back deck drinking coffee when they heard smoke alarms go off.

“They went inside to see what it was and realized the parlor room on the street level was filling full of smoke fast,” Kelley said. “They got out of the house and called 911.”

The fire department put out a call for all available firefighters, Kelley said, including those from Holiday Island, Inspiration Point and Grassy Knob. Grassy Knob Rural Fire Department couldn’t respond because of Bikes, Blues and BBQ, Kelley said, but Holiday Island sent five firefighters and Inspiration Point sent four. Midwest Medical Transport was there on standby, Kelley said.

“We worked for just over an hour before we had control of the fire, and then about two hours later had extinguished it,” Kelley said.

That’s when the fire department began investigating the cause of the blaze, Kelley said.

“We began with the laundry level.

There was heavy fire damage to that room,” Kelley said. “The room above

it was the parlor room on street level, and it had moderate fire damage.”

The rest of the building had smoke damage, Kelley said, but very little water or fire damage. The investigation isn’t complete, Kelley said, but it’s likely the fire started in the laundry room.

“There was probably a lint fire in the dryer that extended out from the dryer to the rest of the room,” Kelley said.

The structure was saved, he said, because of its quick-thinking owners and a working smoke detector. Locals reached out to help Ray and Elise Dilfield, the owners of the 1881 Crescent Cottage Inn. Lynn Berry said friends and neighbors could make a donation to Cornerstone Bank to make it a little easier for the couple.

NEWS STORY

Ray Dilfield received approval from the Eureka Springs Historic District Commission on Nov. 15 to remove two secondary chimneys on the structure.

The fire weakened the structure, Dilfield said, and it’s possible the building will collapse if the two chimneys aren’t removed before construction continues.

“If we try to pull that wall back in, the chimney could collapse, which puts everyone and the structure at risk,” Dilfield said.

Commissioner Melissa Greene said she applauds Dilfield’s efforts to restore the building.

“I’m truly sorry you have to go through this. I think, considering the amount of work, the safety of this is far greater than those two chimneys,” Greene said.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the work.

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Jan 5 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 6 Jan 7

Chris Plowman 6-8pm Voxanna 8pm Elvis Tribute by Delvis 6pm Brian Martin 7pm Trivia 6pm

LIVE MUSIC

Jan 12

Jimmy Wayne Garrett at 6pm Matt Reeves at 8pm Johai Kufa 7pm Trivia 6pm

TuES: LOS ROSCOES 5-7

ThuRS: JIMMY WAYNE GARRETT 7-9

FRI: JIMMY W. GARRETT & LIBERTY BELL 8-11

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Jan 13 Jan 14

Jim Fain PhD • Jim Preslan Robin & Mary Nell 35 1/2 N. Main • Eureka Springs 479-253-7020 www.eurekaliveunderground.com

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Page 12 – Lovely County Citizen – January 4, 2018 Cost is $8.00 per insertion for the first 20 words.

Additional words are 25¢ each.

Deadline for classifieds is Tuesday by noon.

Announcements

Classifieds Services Offered

For Rent

FLORA ROJA COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE & APOTHECARY- providing affordable healthcare for the whole community. Sliding scale fee. $15-$35 per treatment with an additional $15 paperwork fee the first visit only. You decide what you can afford to pay! Francesca Garcia Giri, L.Ac, 479-253-4968.

119 Wall Street. www.florarojaacupuncture.com

BASS LANE STORAGE On Holiday Island.

Storage Sheds for rent, various sizes. Call Leon 479-253-7848 or 262-496-5025

APARTMENTS FOR RENT: 2BR/1.5BA for $550/mo+$500/deposit-Small pets okay with extra deposit.

AND 1BR/1BA for $485/mo+$500/deposit-Small pets okay with extra deposit. Call Don 479-244-5527

THE EUREKA SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET **We are accepting applications for new vendors. Come visit us for fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh baked goods, soaps, jellies, meats, and hot breakfast! In addition, the Saturday Market will now have beef, pork, turkey, chicken and eggs! We have some great vendors here, come on down. Winter Schedule: Thursdays & Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Community Center, 44 Kingshighway. (location of old High School)

FANNING'S TREE SERVICE Bucket Truck 65' reach. Professional trimming, stump grinding topping, removal, chipper. Free estimates.

Licensed, Insured. 870-423-6780, 870-423-8305

Help Wanted GREEN ACRE LODGE Has Immediate Opening for a CNA. Call 479-530-3779 or bring resume to 89 Hillside Dr., Holiday Island.

THE INSURANCE STORE Office/Clerical Opportunity Available Experience Preferred. Professional Environment.

Full-time Salary. Submit resume to: P.O. Box 327, Eureka Springs, AR 72632 Or Email: theinsurancestore1@outlook.com

Real Estate for Sale FOR SALE: 3BR/2BA with open floor plan in Holiday Island, AR. Large fenced yard with detached 1,500 sq.ft. shop and 2 car garage. Call Kevin 318-347-0553

Commercial for Sale OWN SOME EUREKA Excellent Opportunity. Turnkey Restaurant/Bar. Great Location and Parking.

Unlimited Potential, Under $100K. Owner Financing, WAC. 479-903-0699

Services Offered ANDY STEWART/OZARK PAINT COMPANY: Specializing in interior painting. Also exterior, decks and pressure washing services available. Call 479-253-3764.

CHIMNEYS AND DRYER Vents Cleaned. A+ Eagle Chimney and Dryer Vent Cleaning Service. 38 years experience. 254-413-1010 DEBRA REID, LCSW Psychotherapy.

Most insurances accepted.

Call for appointment 479-244-7784.

Sliding scale fee for cash payments.

CHIMNEY WORKS - Complete chimney services: sweeps, repairs, relining, and installation.

Call Bob Messer. 479-253-2284

HANDYMAN HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING Carpentry, drywall, decks, tile. One call does it all.

We do small jobs. Bonded. Serving NWA since 1977. Bob Bowman. 479-640-5353 TOM HEARST Professional Painting and Carpentry Painting & Wood Finishing Trim & Repair Carpentry Drywall Repair & Texturing Pressure Washing 479-244-7096

DUPLEX FOR RENT On Holiday Island, 2BR/2BA. All appliances included. $550/mo.+deposit plus water. Don 479-253-7255 or 262-496-5025 HOUSE MATE , $600/mo. Includes all utilities and internet. Furnished room, semi-private bath (occasional guests). Seeking neat, tidy female to rent temporarily or long term. Non-smoking house. Garden and greenhouse use, nice home in wooded hollow near Beaver lake Dam. Call 479-244-5743

HANDYMAN. Veteran. Inside & out. Repairs, reconstruction, cleanup, hauling, lawns, more. References. Accept Credit Cards. 870-505-6570 or 479-253-7147

SMALL CHARMING COTTAGE Suitable for one adult. No smoking/pets. $550/mo. includes gas/electricity/water. F/L+$275 security. 6 month lease required. Close to town. 479-981-6091

NEED HELP? CALL BILLY! Commercial or Residential. Deck Refinishing, Power-washing, Leaf removal, Carpentry, Painting, Light construction, Gutter cleaning, Yard clean-ups, etc. 479-244-5827

UNIQUE STUDIO APARTMENT in Eureka Springs.

Available November 1st. Utilities included. New hardwood floors & paint. Pet friendly. Mountain/forest view, W/D on premises. References, Background check. Call/Leave Message 479-981-3449 10am-6pm

For Rent 1-BR NEW REMODEL Available. See facebook Mountain View Apartments Eureka Springs photos.

Call/text 479-244-5440 between 10am-6pm. Deposit same as first month. Utilities included. Pets ok.

It’s Love At First Bite At

Myrtie Mae’s!

A VERY NICE 2BR/2BA With vaulted ceilings. Located in quiet neighborhood in Eureka Springs. $750/mo. First/last/deposit. 479-253-6283

TREE WORK - Skilled tree care: trimming, deadwooding and removals. Conscientious, professional arborist and sawmiller, Bob Messer 479-253-2284

SIMPLICITY COUNSELING "It's your time." A mental/emotional health therapy approach clients describe as deeper and more effective than any they've ever had, often life-changing. Depression, Anxiety, Self-Worth, Trauma, Grief, Codependency, Anger, Moods, Adjustment & Relationships. Call a licensed (LCSW) respectful, Professional 479-244-5181, a unique therapist in Eureka Springs since 2008 who will be delighted to hear from you.

Myrtie Mae’

A SINGLE ROOM EFFICIENCY Suitable for one person. No Pets. Bills paid. Onyx Cave Rd. $325/mo. First/Last/Security. 479-253-6283

SHORT TERM RESIDENTIAL Lease. Fully furnished & appointed. Interior designer offering contemporary secluded cabin-Available Now through April 27th. $1000/mo. some utilities included plus $1000/deposit. References required. Call for appointment and Craigslist info, 850-324-2628.

RIKARD PLUMBING, LLC - 50 years plus experience. Licensed in Arkansas. We do remodels, new construction, and service calls. 417-271-0345 after 5:30p.m. 417-271-6623

To place a classified ad in the CITIZEN, stop by the office, call 479-253-0070, or e-mail us at citizendesk@cox-internet.com

Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily Don’t miss our famous Sunday Brunch In Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Hwy. 62 West, Eureka Springs, AR www.MyrtieMaes.com

479-253-9768

VOTED “BEST IN EUREKA” BEST RESTAURANT IN EUREKA SPRINGS BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN ARKANSAS Arkansas Times 2016 Readers Choice

Casual, comfortable, just like home.

No Reservations Required OPEN Fri. & Sat. 5-9 Pm • SuN 5-8 Pm

OUR 26th YEAR In Eureka Springs Smoke Free • FREE Parking Wheelchair Accessible Ramp

UPSTAIRS APARTMENT 1BR/1BA Includes W/D, Stove, Refrigerator, D/W, Air conditioners. Renter pays half of utilities. $500/mo+$500/deposit. Sits on 6 acres. 479-244-6526

Misc. for Sale 26 White St. on the Upper Historic Loop

479-253-8806

4-POSTER QUEEN-SIZED BED, $200. Antique Oak Double Bed, $100. Chest of Drawers 6'9" Long w/2 Mirrors, $200. Phil 479-236-0613

FINE DINING RESTAURANT & LOUNGE EXTENSIVE WINE LIST FULL BAR

FEATURING Chef Jeff Clements THURSDAYS LOCALS NIGHT $14.95 $16.95 Specials

LunchServing 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thurs., Fri. & Sat. Dinner Nightly Dinner Nightly p.m. pm Seating from 5:005-9 – 9:00 37 N. Main • 479-253-6756 • RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED

January 4, 2018 – Lovely County Citizen – Page 13

Hospital commission moves forward with renovations

By Samantha Jones

Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com

The Eureka Springs Hospital Commission has had a busy year working to start renovations on Eureka Springs Hospital.

The commission agreed to work on the renovations with Allegiance Health Management, the company that runs the hospital, at a meeting in March. Chairman Michael Merry said June 21 that Allegiance expressed willingness to spend $8 million on the project, saying Allegiance had a list featuring several different possible renovations.

Merry said he would work with Allegiance to be sure the city isn’t on the hook for the cost of renovations. One way to ensure that, Merry said, would be for Allegiance to sign an assurety bond making the company pay for the renovations no matter what happens in the future.

The commission voted Aug. 21 to send out a request for bids in the Carroll County News and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for the project, with the bids being opened Oct. 16. Mayor Butch Berry said five architectural firms sent in packets containing their qualifications and references, saying there weren’t any bad seeds in the batch.

“They’re all quality firms. They all have good qualifications,” Berry said.

Berry said he narrowed it down to the two firms closest to Eureka Springs: Morrison Architecture and Bates Architects.

Both firms would do a good job for the commission, Berry said.

Berry recommended that the commission interview representatives from both firms to make a decision, saying it’s too close to call judging only by the request for qualifications.

The commission heard from both firms on Nov. 13. and agreed on Nov. 15 to hire Bates Architects and Johnson Architecture for the job. Commissioner Barbara Dicks said she had a problem with Morrison Architecture after the way the firm handled the new high school project in 2013.

“I didn’t like their presentation. They showed us all the drawings they did on Passion Play Road and Ramada Inn and out here and not much about what to do today on our hospital,” Dicks said.

On the other hand, Dicks said, Bates Architects flew a drone around the hospital and laid out several different options for the renovations.

“I really think they had done their homework,” Dicks said. “They also talked to the people in the hos-

NEWS STORY

pital and asked them their problems and what was happening with them, and the other firm didn’t do that.”

Commissioner Leva Murphey said she had nothing personal against Morrison Architecture.

“Both presentations were professionally done,” Murphey said.

She reached out to other people who hired the firms, Murphey said, and found that Bates Architects follow projects from start to finish.

“When it came to the different stages of the project, Bates people were there all the way down the line, even to the point of interceding with the contractors when there was an issue in order to get money back from the contractors because the work was not up to par,” Murphey said. “With the other firm, those kind of things hadn’t happened. Any work that was unsatisfactory hadn’t been addressed with the help of the architects.”

The commission voted, with Dicks, Walling, Murphey and House voting for Bates Architects and Johnson Architecture. Sell voted for Morrison Architecture and Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects. Berry said he was happy with the decision, saying both firms were good choices.

“I’m comfortable with either firm. I think Bates will give you a functional facility,” Berry said

Parker resigns as district judge after ethics investigation

By Samantha Jones

Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com

Carroll County District Judge Timothy Parker resigned and agreed never to hold judicial office again after an ethics investigation by the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission in January.

Parker submitted his resignation on Dec. 31, 2016, the last day of his term.

During his time as district judge, he ruled on cases involving misdemeanor traffic offenses and small claims.

Parker had served as a district judge since being appointed to the position in 2013. He previously served as an elected municipal court judge in Eureka Springs from 1999-2004.

According to a letter of removal from office that was sent to Parker and included with a press release from the commission, Parker admitted to ordering a friend to be released without bail and giving her a ride home in his car. The release says he should not have driven the defendant home after serving as the judge in her case that day.

Parker also admitted to improperly performing probable cause determinations, lowering bail settings and releasing defendants who were either friends of his or former clients from his part-

time private law practice. The release says Parker did not properly disclose his relationships with these defendants and often called the jail personally to arrange their release.

Parker denied allegations that he engaged in a pattern of personal relationships with many female litigants who appeared in his court, according to the letter. The letter says Parker allegedly released women without bond in exchange for sexual favors from the women or their family and friends. Parker allegedly traded cash and prescription

NEWS STORY

pills for sexual favors with many of these same women.

The letter says the commission has video statements from more than 12 women, recordings of conversations women in the jail had with Parker and text messages from Parker’s cell phone and the phones of female litigants to support these allegations. The investigation led to docket sheets and other records that corroborate the allegations, the letter says.

Parker resigned before receiving the details of the disputed allegations, preventing him from offering his own evidence or defending the allegations in detail. Parker said he agreed to resign See PARKER, Page 15

Page 14 – Lovely County Citizen – January 4, 2018 THE

D

Bacon’s not so bad

o you like bacon? Heads up, people, because MedScape has published the outcome of a study involving almost 90.000 people showing that there is no Jim Fain basis for restricting dietary fat to reduce clogged arteries or what they call Coronary Heart Disease (CHD).

This must be an end-of-the-year catharsis for the medical system as just a few weeks ago they reported a major failure of this year’s flu vaccine to protect an estimated 1 out of 10 people causing people to be “relatively defenseless,” their words. Seems Mother Nature slipped in an unexpected strain that this year’s vaccine didn’t cover (natural products can help). In all fairness, the group reporting on dietary fat has been saying for a long time that Coronary Heart Disease was not caused by dietary fat. This new report just clinches the conclusion. By the way, years ago I wrote about the older results that said the same thing in the Citizen and in Currents.

What do you do with this information? If I took a prescribed statin drug I’d certainly have a talk with my doctor. There are major long-term health issues connected to the use of statins with increased risk of diabetes just one of them. Of course, diabetes is a major risk factor for CHD. There may be a benefit in taking a statin such as reducing inflammation that is associated with CHD. We all know people who have had very high cholesterol and no CHD as well as the opposite — namely low cholesterol and CHD. So something more is going on and apparently it is not dietary fat-related.

In the research literature, I recall reading, that two influential medical researchers 30-35 years ago were “convinced” to change their focus from sugar to fat. They were looking for the cause of clogged arteries and sugar was the first on the list. Sugar is known to increase inflammation that we now know is connected to CHD. Increased sugar intake is clearly connected to diabetes as well. Somehow, their study focus did change and we have been on a goose chase since, apparently.

I suggest reducing red meat consumption for ecologic reasons, increasing veggies (Farmer’s Market!), reducing weight, staying active and getting a good night’s sleep (lack of enough sleep is a know risk factor for CHD). I’d reduce sugar intake by using a diet that is low-glycemic like South Beach or Mediterranean. Natural supplements like Red Yeast Rice and policosanol can help with cholesterol while fish oil, calamari oil and serrapeptase can reduce inflammation in your body. Talk to your natural health practitioner and by all means don’t worry so much about dietary fat.

Wisecrack ZODIAC ARIES: Life is sweet lately and you’re getting more kicks than Chuck Norris training for the Rockettes. Wear your best heels and fluffiest mustache, because someone in the audience can make you a star.

TAURUS: You may be a hammer in search of a nail, but unfortunately the universe only has an opening for a corkscrew. The only way you can get that twisted is writing for a Real Housewives reunion. Relax, being that close to open wine bottles will only help.

GEMINI: January’s resolutions will only lead to December’s regrets. Play it safe and set the bar low. If you’re caught up on your shows at the end of the year and you still have a pulse, you won.

CANCER: Taking your decorations down with a leaf blower may save time, but it will make the carpets crunchy for months. Put away the Christmas cheer slowly and you’ll pay for fewer Tetanus shots.

LEO: You don’t need money to make your resolutions happen. All you need is a SnapChat account, a photographer, a box of tiny wigs and a open-minded earthworm rancher. Just let the magic happen.

VIRGO: Just because you have an endless supply of love doesn’t mean you should be handing out free samples to everyone. Keep the list short, so you have fewer people to notify in case of a recall.

LIBRA: Congratulations! You have a goal. It’s a cute little goal, too. You should love it and hug it and call it George. Don’t let any of your family see it, or it will be over-fertilized.

SCORPIO: Beauty may walk in quiet grace, but ugly roars through having a good time with peppermint schnapps and bad jokes. Give your perfection the night off and boogie on down with some truly happy people. Remember to take everyone’s phones away first, so

there’s no photo evidence.

SAGITTARIUS: To everything there is a season, but idiots are ripe all year long. If you pick one, two more will grow in its place, so just walk away from the garden for a while.

CAPRICORN: Your will to lose weight starts off great until you walk into the back bedroom where you’ve hoarded Nutella and Twinkies. If you ever want to see that size 6 butt again, empty that treat closet.

© Beth Bartlett, 2013 Want more? Visit Beth at www.wisecrackzodiac.

By Beth Bartlett

AQUARIUS: Today is a fresh day in a bright, shiny new year.

Try to fake a better personality for a while, just to see what it feels like.

If it doesn’t feel right, grab your grouchy pants and jump back in the can with Oscar.

PISCES: Already given up on your resolutions? Don’t consider yourself a failure, just realize you’re really good at staying the course. Those new gym clothes are perfect for Netflix and pizza.

Eureka Springs School Menus Monday, January 8 Breakfast: Warm breakfast croissant with turkey sausage and cheese, fruit cup, box of raisins and milk or strawberry banana yogurt and wholesome oatmeal bar or bowl of cereal and string cheese or two wholesome oatmeal bars or mini chocolate or powdered donuts Lunch: Cheeseburger, Texas chili beans, sandwich veggie sides, mixed fruit, fruit cup and milk or corn dog Tuesday, January 9 Breakfast: Bosco pepperoni pizza stick, box of raisins, juice and milk or strawberry banana yogurt and wholesome oatmeal bar or bowl of cereal and string cheese or two wholesome oatmeal bars or mini chocolate or powdered donuts Lunch: Taco soup, jalapeño peppers, diced tomatoes, cucumber slices, fresh fruit, fruit cup, juice and milk or cheese pizza Wednesday, January 10 Breakfast: Mini pancakes, fresh fruit, box of raisins and milk or strawberry banana yogurt and wholesome oatmeal bar or bowl of cereal and string cheese or two wholesome oatmeal bars or mini chocolate or powdered donuts Lunch: Homemade macaroni

and cheese with popcorn chicken, green beans, fresh baby carrots, fruit cup, box of raisins and milk or Yoplait yogurt, string cheese and Cheez-It singles whole grain crackers Thursday, January 11 Breakfast: Tony’s turkey sausage breakfast pizza, fruit cup, box of raisins and milk or strawberry banana yogurt and wholesome oatmeal bar or bowl of cereal and string cheese or two wholesome oatmeal bars or mini chocolate or powdered donuts Lunch: Chicken salad croissant sandwich, tater tots, sandwich veggie sides, fresh fruit, juice and milk or peanut butter and jelly sandwich with string cheese and Cheez-It singles whole grain crackers Friday, January 12 Breakfast: Biscuit and gravy with turkey bacon, fresh fruit, box of raisins and milk or strawberry banana yogurt and wholesome oatmeal bar or bowl of cereal and string cheese or two wholesome oatmeal bars or mini chocolate or powdered donuts Lunch: Pepperoni stuffed sandwich pocket, fresh green side salad, corn, diced peaches, fruit cup and milk or Bosco sticks

January 4, 2018 – Lovely County Citizen – Page 15

Parker Continued from Page 13

because of the effect litigation would have on his family, the time and expense of the litigation and the fact that his term was set to expire Dec. 31. The letter says Parker is no longer eligible to serve in a judicial capacity in Arkansas again.

Emily White, deputy executive director of the commission, said Parker was permanently banned from serving as a judge in Arkansas to set precedent.

“These are very egregious allegations. It was important for us to set a precedent for other judges who may have conducted this type of conduct that we will come after you, even the day you come out of office,” White said.

“The victims deserve to have their story told, and we wanted to set precedent.”

White said the investigation began in October 2016 and was a collaboration

among state and local law enforcement.

The press release thanks Carroll County Sheriff Randy Mayfield and his detectives, Eureka Springs Police Chief Thomas Achord and his officers, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge’s Cyber Crimes Unit and special prosecuting attorney Jason Barrett. Barrett is the contact for the pending criminal investigation against Parker, White said.

Achord said he was proud of the way his officers handled the case, saying it was a pleasure to work with the commission and other law enforcement agencies.

“We had an excellent working relationship with the investigators from the judicial agency. They came up here or would call and interview our officers and also received information from court documents,” Achord said. “They built their investigation on statements and documents we had here locally. It went well.”

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Grant Continued from Page 1

the community center a $50,000 matching grant in August. The reason for the grant, Murphy explained, is to help the community center foundation get some buildings at the old high school ready for community use, beginning with completing mold remediation.

In November, the Eureka Springs City Council voted to relocate city meetings to the community meeting room at the

Trails Continued from Page 5

“It’s an extreme sport. We see that with Fat Tire, with regular trail usage all the time,” Huss said. “Having this helipad at the top is actually going to be an advantage. It’s much more controlled.”

As the commission works on the new courses, Huss said, he plans to move

community center. Murphy said the community center is working to get the room ready for the meetings after the first of the year. It’s incredible, Murphy said, to think of all the community center has accomplished in 2017.

“It was just in January that the big building came down,” Murphy said.

“All the progress you see up there has just happened in this calendar year. It’s really been a remarkable amount to get done. We want to give a big thank you to everybody for believing in it and helping us make it happen.” forward with the in-town trails in mind.

“That’s still our goal. We’ll still be working on it. You’ll notice a lot going on this year,” Huss said. “They say, ‘Life’s what happens when you were busy making plans.’ We were planning this in-town trail, and this opportunity arose. Since we had the planning processes in there, really this fast forwards us. It puts the accelerator down for a lot of projects at parks.”

Page 16 – Lovely County Citizen – January 4, 2018

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