75¢ After a journey of more than 5 years (launched Aug. 5, 2011), the Juno spacecraft entered the orbit of Jupiter on July 4 and is now ready for its detailed look at Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. Juno’s mission is: to understand the origin and evolution of Jupiter, look for solid planetary core, map magnetic field, measure water and ammonia in deep atmosphere, and to observe auroras.
Using “Eyes on the Solar System” and simulated data from the Juno flight team, one can ride along with the spacecraft, on a Mac or PC computer, in REAL-TIME at any time during the entire mission - all in 3D. The experience is available by downloading the NASA’s Eyes app at: http://eyes.jpl.nasa.gov/juno
Juno
Jupiter
1 SE CTI ON - 12 PAG ES V OLUME /Y EAR 109, WEEK 49 (5,684 WEEKS SINCE 1907)
“A F REE P RESS AND A F REE P EOPLE - A N U NBEATABLE T EAM ” D ES A RC , A RKANSAS (C OUNTY S EAT ) P RAIRIE C OUNTY
P U B L I S H ED E A C H T H U R S D A Y S I N C E 1 9 0 7 TH UR SDAY, JUL Y 14, 2016
Quorum Court approves new telephone/internet service for Des Arc and DVB courthouses
ACTIVITIES CALENDAR SAT., JULY 16, 8:00 AM Pride of the Prairie Football Camp Hinson-Rollins Field MON., JULY 18 & 19 Plea Day Hearings Des Arc and DeValls Bluff TUES., JULY 19, 6 PM Master Gardeners BancorpSouth Bank In Hazen TUES., JULY 19, 7 PM City Council Meets Administration Bldg. THURS., JULY 21, 6:00 PM Steamboat Days Membership Drive T.J.’s Kountry Kitchen $5.00 Membership Fee WED., JULY 20, 8AM-3PM Seniors Register Also Senior Pictures SAT., JULY 23, 6:30 PM Gospel Singing Judson Memorial Northside Community MON, JULY 25, 7 PM Des Arc School Board Superintendent’s Office SAT., JULY 30, 5-8 PM Class of 1996 20-year Reunion Dondies Banquet Room SAT., AUG. 13, 6PM DAHS Class of 2001 Reunion at Dondies Banquet Room
Obituaries Pg . 4
Anna Arnold, 88, Searcy Brandon Barron, 45, Stuttgart Donnie Clark, 54, Brinkley William Cook, 72, Searcy Fred Duke, 91, Beebe Dale Ellenberg, 85, Searcy Jerry Fitch, 78, Beebe Gertrude Hickman, Brinkley Clora Pendergrass, 96, Biscoe Emily Ray, 20, Beebe Frances Reynolds,89,Griffithville Betty Rippy, 63, Searcy Barbara Wells, 70, Kensett
Outstanding US Mail Delivery continues ! 13 straight weeks of Next-day (Fri) Delivery
Julie Benafield, Chief of Staff for Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge’s office, standing back center, was special guest speaker at the Prairie County Republican Party meeting held at the Hurley House Cafe in Hazen on Monday evening, July 11. Benafield explained the amendments that will be on the ballot in the November 8 General Election. Benafield is native of Hazen.
No new filers for county’s school boards Municipal Filing News As the filing period for the September school board election ended July 12, there were no new names filed, according to the county clerk’s office in Des Arc. Two filers for re-election to the Des Arc School Board were Johnny Reidhar, at-large position, and Billy Hinson, Zone 4. These were the only expiring terms on the board. Filing for re-election on the Hazen School Board were Vickie Skarda, Zone 2, and Freddie Rogers, Zone 4. According to Deputy Clerk Janell Taylor, the filing period for municipal
office will begin at noon on Friday, July 29, and end at noon on August 19. “Those seeking a position may pick up a petition at the Prairie County Clerk's Office in Des Arc or call at 870-2564434 to request a petition,” Taylor advised. Deputy Taylor also provided a map showing location of the three city wards in DeValls Bluff. The map with a brief description of the three wards is printed on Page 12 in this issue of the White River Journal. “This will be the first year candidates will file by wards in the City of DeValls Bluff,” said Deputy Taylor.
Recognizing Dr. James Cohen in July 4 parade in Alameda, CA for his 53 years of service. His wife, the former Pamela (Pam) Rhodes is the granddaughter of the late Linnie Booe (C. A.) Walls and the niece of the late Effie (Roy) Wirthlin, Claudia (Elmer) Berry, Charles J. and James Walls, all of Des Arc. (Both Pam and Jim were passengers in the convertible - Jim in front, Pam in back)
Treasurer Judy Burnett explains new telephone / internet replacement to Quorum Court (4 of 9 JP’s in view from left: Bobby Willeford, Dennis Tipton, Eddie Ciganak and Mary Sue Roe) Judge Mike Skarda began the regular July Quorum Court meeting Tuesday night, July 12, by telling members that he, Billy Don Johnson and Sandra Patterson had met with Congressional and Corps of Engineer representatives earlier Tuesday about what could be done to increase the relief flow on the east side of White River at Des Arc to prevent the kind of flooding that damaged or destroyed over 200 homes in May 2011. “When the new White River Bridge was built in 1970 and the east approach to the bridge (Hwy 38 dump) was re-routed; the #relief bridges along the dump were reduced from 3 to only 1, thus becoming a major factor in the flood damage that ocurred in 2011. Flood water on the north side of the dump was backed up 2.5’ higher level than that on the south side.” About 40 minutes of the hour-long meeting was used by County Treasurer Judy Burnett to explain and answer questions re: a proposed new telephone and internet system for the two county courthouses at Des Arc and DeValls Bluff, as well as the courthouse Annex and Justice Bldg in Des Arc. Per Burnett, funds paid Prairie County by the State from real estate transfer taxes for the past 3 years, and dates received were: July 2014 ........... $ 16,920 July 2, ‘15 ........... $ 34,695 July 5, ‘16 ........... $ 80,706
With the “extra” $46,011 received this year, she has proposed utilizing a portion of it to upgrade the antiquated telephone (and internet) systems for both courthouses. A quotation of $13,000 had already been received last year to replace the telephone wiring, which is partially exposed on the exterior of the Des Arc Courthouse. Currently, it’s not possible to transfer calls within the courthouse, sound is staticky, and calls are continually lost. There have been recent conversations between CenturyLink and Treasurer Burnett regarding the complete rewiring of both courthouse telephone systems, new telephone equipment (including phones) and running fiber optic cable for faster internet service to both locations. The current CenturyLink monthly bill for combined telephone and internet service of approximately $3800 - $4000 would not be expected to increase by much - and in fact might be reduced. The Court unanimously approved proceeding with this project, authorizing the Treasurer to enter contract if total amount is below $20,000. Although the carrying of concealed weapons by Q.C. members, and possibly other county officials, was discussed again near the end of meeting, the subject was “tabled” until the August meeting.
Magnificent Crepe Myrtle Trees (Tallest in Des Arc - 12-15 trunks each) Located at 13th & Main, home of Chad and Cory Tallent
(See Tracking Chart, Pg 11) * Both Des Arc Routes 1 & 2 delivered Thursday, July 7 (WRJ notes Error here July 7)
The Jour nal w elcomes y our input (c omments , s ugges tions, pers onal new s, photos , etc )
New/Renewed Journal Subscribers . Contact Us: Email: wrjnews1@centurytel.net
Janice Taylor, Brinkley, AR / Betty Stallings, Conway, AR / Miles Patton, Des Arc, AR Mail: PO Box 1051, Des Arc, Ar 72040
Tel: 870-256-4254