The Voice of VBC November 22, 2016

Page 1

Of the people, By the people, For the people

Happy Thanksgiving

TUESDAY, November 22, 2016 / Vol. 2 Issue 44 / 75 cents

Crowd packs room as JPs mull closing shelter It was standing room only Thursday night at the Van Buren County Quorum Court meeting as an emotional crowd made its feelings known about the animal shelter. Justices of the peace who support the shelter say it is the only humane option and is a necessity; those who oppose it say it is a drain on county taxpayers. The current budget request from the Animal Control Facility is $111,000; that is down $40,000 from the 2016 budget. Several JPs read letters from constituents and national organizations, such as PETA, pleading with the Quorum Court to keep the shelter running. “We live in a civilized society, we’re not barbaric,” said JP Gary Linn. “We shouldn’t see dogs dumped in a ditch. …

A crowd fills the meeting room at the Courthouse Annex on Thursday to take part in the discussion on the future of Van Buren County’s Animal shelter. I really believe most of our county supports the shelter.” JP Dale James said the county needs to get more financial help from Clinton and other municipalities, but, he said, it needs to stay open. “We’re better than just pulling out the nuclear option,” he said. Representing the opposing view was JP Randy Story, who in-

Notes Thanksgiving

Corky takes a break under a Thong Tree. More photos, Page 8.

Mystery of the trees

Story and photos by Robert Gaut

You might call them Arkansas’ original road signs. They are commonly called Thong Trees – living artifacts left behind for us by Native Americans hundreds of years ago. The two original Indian Tribes that were in Arkansas were the Osage and Shawnee who lived in the Arkansas Territory prior to it becoming a State in 1836. The Cherokees gained ownership of hunting lands in Central Arkansas prior to it becoming a state by signing the Turkey Town Treaty in 1817, which did take land away from the Osage. Most of the Osage and Cherokees were moved out of Arkansas in 1825 to 1830, some went to Oklahoma and some to Texas but a lot of them refused See Trees on page 8

The Voice office will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 2324, so we can enjoy turkey and all the trimmings with our families. We don't want to fight the Black Friday crowds, so we will be back in the office by 8:30 a.m. Friday. Be safe and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Feast for less

The American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner for 10 survey shows prices are down an average of 24 cents, or 1 percent, from a year ago. Van Buren County is one of only a couple of places in the state that takes part in the nationwide survey. Our local grocery store

troduced Thursday’s ordinance to close the shelter June 30, 2017, and euthanize any animals left there on that date. The ordinance, if passed, would put an immediate halt to taking in animals and would allow the animals to be given away without any fees. Story says the county has been having to reduce spend-

shopper is Cindy Wilson who reports her findings to the national organization.

Runoff

Early voting begins Tuesday, Nov. 22, in the Clinton City Council runoff election. Alderman Ward 1, Position 2 is a race between Jeff Pistole and Richard “Dicky” Hink. Alderman Ward 3, Position 1 is between Shon Hastings and Dr. Justin Bintliff. Early voting times are 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. Nov. 22, 23 and Nov. 26, at the Courthouse Annex. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 29, and polling places are: West Griggs, Van Buren County Aging Office, 361 Yellow Jacket Lane; East Griggs, Clinton Municipal Airport Terminal; and South Griggs, Clinton First Baptist Church.

ing on its people, such as Senior Citizen Centers and the Special School, and says his constituents want to see their tax dollars spent on people, not animals. Linn argued that last year’s 10 percent cuts to several programs didn’t really hurt anybody. He said no child went without services and no senior citizen went hun-

gry.

JP Todd Burgess drew a round of boos from the crowd when he said, “I’m in favor of the county getting out of the animal control business.” Also vocal in his support for discontinuing funding for the shelter was JP Wes Newland. JP Kevin Housley said little at the meeting, but has made his views

known through social media. Also speaking in favor of keeping the shelter open were Mary Philips and Dell Holt. JP James Reed was not at the meeting. Reed’s, Story’s and Newland’s terms all are up at the end of the year. It is not See Quorum on page 8

Accused Missouri killer flees briefly

An accused murderer once thought to possibly be heading for Van Buren County, has been recaptured after 16 hours on the lam. Daniel G. Campbell escaped last Monday, Nov. 14, from the Texas County, Missouri, Jail. He fled out the back door of the facility while construction work was being done. He was spotted by a Missouri State Highway Patrol helicopter crew the next day, Tuesday, Nov. 15. Campbell, 39, was charged with first-degree murder in October. Campbell had allegedly made threats against a Van Buren County man and authorities feared he might be heading here.

On a roll – Shirley Blue Devils’ sophomore Luke Lucas goes up for a shot in a recent game. Story, photos Page 20.

The brilliance of autumn – Before the rain and cold came there were some amazing autumn displays throughout the county. This maple is on 16 West near Clinton. (Photo by Jeff Burgess)

Inmate hanged in cell

An inmate in the Van Buren County Detention Center was found dead in his cell last week. According to reports, Steven Brainard, 33, was found hanged in his cell about 6:05 a.m. Moday, Nov. 14, 2016, by detention officers who were picking up breakfast dishes. CPR was started by detention officers and paramedics where called, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. The Van Buren County corner pronounced Brainard deceased at the scene. Brainard, who

Brainard lived in Stone County, had been locked down after resisting and fighting with law enforcement upon his intake, according to the statement. Arkansas State Police are investigating the death. Preliminary investigation by the Arkansas State Police is that Brainard committed suicide. The Investigation is ongoing and findings will be submitted to the 20th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney for review.


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