Thursday, October 30, 2014 DeWitt Era-Enterprise • dewitt-ee.com
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LOCAL NEWS
Lodge Corner United Methodist Hosts Harvest Breakfast Over the years since Lodge Corner United Methodist Church was established in 1941, Hershel Richert, the first minister, was quoted saying, “Lodge Corner United Methodist Church was originally make up of many families of various faiths, but they were committed to build a beautiful sanctuary at the Corner, and in that process of building they became as one in Christ and so the people have continued in that commitment even today…. Many of those who served with me so diligently to build Lodge Corner Methodist Church are now deceased, and in their passing have confidently place the mantle of responsibility on you, the present generation. As your first minister, in this Church, I challenge you to remember your past, and in that reminding be strengthened for the future. May we all continue to grow in the knowledge and love of our Lord.” These words of Revered R. H. Richert still ring true today. The place on the map called Lodge Corner in the sanctuary which Revered Richert speaks has held many weddings, youth events, Sunday services, Bible studies, Christmas pageants, baptisms, anniversary and birthday
celebrations, schools classes, voting precincts, and Sat Night on the Corner festivities. Many changes have occurred in this community at the Corner; people have moved from the area; family life has changed; and many individuals are no longer on this earthly world. But some things remained the same. Lodge Corner United Methodist Church hosts it thirty-third Harvest Breakfast. This laity developed celebration where the ministry is shared and families come together to remember the past history of the Church, will be held on October 26, 2014, at 8:30am. Our guest speaker is the outstanding evangelist pastor, Rev. Ted Edmondson of Almyra and Hunter Chapel’s United Methodist Church. The event is held in the fellowship hall with the greatest breakfast served in Arkansas County (of course by the greatest cooks in Arkansas County). You are invited to enjoy in this gathering as the mantle of responsibility is represented for the present generation; you. Rev. Mary Welch 870-830-5727
City Council Still Considering Leaf Burning Ban By Terrye Seamon “We are talking about a life-threatening condition for a child,” Stacy Carr told DeWitt City Council members Monday night at their monthly meeting. Carr and her mother, Mary Carr, requested that the Council consider passing an ordinance banning leaf burning within city limits in June. “My child cannot go outside when people burn leaves. She has an inhaler and a defibrillator because she can go into cardiac arrest,” Stacy said. Due to lack of funds and manpower to offer citizens an alternative to leafburning, the Council has been considering the option of passing an ordinance banning leaf burning but has not taken any action as of yet. “I think a straight proposed ban will run into opposition with citizens,” Mayor Ralph Relyea said. Carr knows that the process of educating the public will take time, but since it is a life or death matter, she is at a loss at what to do and what kind of alternatives she and her daughter have. “I know there are a lot of people that are opposed to this, and I understand that.
I think it’s more of an educational process that people understand why,” Carr told the Council. “I know it’s always been this way but it used to be common to smoke in a restaurant too. I’m here to do whatever I can to help educate the public and get the word out there. But I think a lot of it is people don’t really understand why we are asking for this… that it’s not just a nuisance. It’s not that we just don’t like the smoke.” Council members are considering making a recommendation as opposed to an ordinance asking for cooperation from citizens concerning the issue. Council members also brainstormed various ways of educating the public such as Carr speaking to civic organ i z at i ons around DeWitt and utilizing social media. In the meantime, Mayor Relyea said he will
continue to look for grants to purchase a leaf vacuum as an alternative for leafburning. In an order of new business, Mayor Relyea asked the City Council to consider the possibility of funding half the cost of a family health insurance plan for city employees. Currently the city provides health benefits for all city employees at a total of $445.50 per employee, but the employee then has to pay for his or her family plan personally. “Health insurance has gotten to be a very big issue, whether you are for or against anything that is there. It is very difficult for families to be able to pay for their health insurance,” Mayor Relyea said. He is proposing that the city pay half of each employee’s family health care plan if they have a family and choose to carry them on their insurance. Currently an employee is required to pay a total of $544.50 independently for a family plan. If the city decides to pay half of that amount, then the city and the employee each would pay $272.50, which would help out considerably. The Council will consider this issue and will make a final decision in December. During the Public Works report of the meeting, Council members brought up the issue of abandoned houses and
junk cars throughout the city. “We have anywhere from 75-100 abandoned houses,” Director of Public Works Bill Paxton said. Concerning junk cars, such as derby cars, Police Chief Jim Tucker informed the Council that there is some confusion about the enforcement of a city ordinance concerning the removal of junk/derby cars from the city limits. City Attorney T. Buie said he would confer with Southern Arkansas County District Judge Park Eldridge about whether the official enforcement resides with the city police department or city inspectors. During the financial report, Alderman Heath Holbert reported to the Council that after outstanding bills are paid, the city will have $85,895.20 total funds available. Mayor Relyea pointed out that amount will change within the next few weeks when the city’s portion of county taxes come in. “We might make it until the end of the year,” the Mayor said. In other business, The Mayor informed Council members that the 2014 street paving project is scheduled to begin November 3 and will be completed within 45 days. The Council also unanimously passed Ordinance 775, which levies a 4.8 mill tax on property within the city.
2014 Girls and Boys Golf Teams Receive District Champion Shirts
Left to right (back row) Shelby Gifford, Kayla West, Ashley Gill, Savanna Bisswanger, Connor Blevins, Noah Smith- medalist, Shayna Young- medalist. (Front row) Peyton Gasaway, Hannah Ward, Taylor Dillion, Taylor Jo Mannis, Abbey Baker, Karli Rieves.
The DeWitt Athletic Booster club presented the 2014 girls and boys golf teams with district champion t-shirts. The girls golf team and the boys golf
team both won their 8-4A District Golf matches making them District Champs.
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