ES Independent Vol. 3, No. 25

From police chief to the classroom? What’s up next for Earl

Hands behind your back – Rachal Hyatt arrests hubby Earl Hyatt’s attempted swipe of frosting from a small version of the sheet cake served at his public retirement reception Dec. 16 at the Inn of the Ozarks. The screen in the background ran a surveillance of Chief Hyatt’s 29 years in law enforcement as community members dropped by to testify to his excellent service. The couple (allegedly) fled the state for Montego Bay the next morning. Photo by CD White

Becky Gillette Upon his retirement after 18 years as Chief of Police of Eureka Springs, what will Earl Hyatt be up to next? He plans to travel and recreate more with his family. But you might also find him in an unexpected place: Substitute teaching at the Eureka Springs Schools.

“I’m not going to do anything full-time for a while,” Hyatt said. “That is for sure. I have put my name in for substitute teachers at the school. Quite frankly, kids are the best people in the world, so why not surround yourself with them?”

His wife, Rachal, is a high school counselor.

So no doubt Hyatt knows the schools have a difficult time finding substitute teachers. But spending some time at the schools isn’t a novelty for Hyatt. He has made it a focus as chief to develop a good relationship with the school children so they trust and respect police officers.

“When I first came here as chief in 1996, there was a lot of theft and vandalism going on in Eureka Springs,” Hyatt said. “Cars got broken into all over town, and property was stolen from cars and homes. There was a lot of vandalism and many complaints about young people hanging out at Basin Park, harassing people and selling drugs.”

Children who never have positive interaction with police can be afraid of them – possibly not even calling them when help is needed.

Hyatt started assigning officers to spend time at the schools, and that has resulted in better relationships between youth and police.

“The kids are used to our officers,” he said.

“They are used to friendly interaction. They are

This Week’s INDEPENDENT Thinker A scary, violent hostage situation in Australia on Monday had potential to feed into anti-Muslim bigotry.

Muslims who wear hijabs for religious reasons were afraid to travel after the attack. So they took off distinguishing headdress in order to blend in and perhaps not be confronted as perpetrators or condoners of a hate crime.

It’s a shame anyone would have such fear they would have to disguise who they are to remain safe.

One teacher, Rachael Jacobs, saw a Muslim woman at a train station remove her hijab. Rachael walked up to the woman and said, “Put it back on. I’ll walk with you.”

Random acts of kindness empower goodness, defy ignorance and feel good.

accustomed to a level of respect that goes back and forth. They feel comfortable talking to the police officers. Teenagers will come up to officers on the street because they know them and are comfortable with them. If a child needs a police officer, they are more likely to call one.”

Hyatt has gotten personally involved including reading to first grade students every week and sitting with different classes at lunchtime.

“I make it a point to talk to the children in school each day,” Hyatt said. “It makes such a difference. I run into them in the grocery store and they start yelling my name and running towards me. That is very satisfying.”

He also started assigning officers to hang out at Basin Park, not being officious or threatening, just being friendly. He says a combination of those youth alternatives means juvenile crime in Eureka is rare.

“We have gone from the national average for juvenile crime to almost non-existent juvenile crime,” Hyatt said. “We would rather prevent something from happening than act after something has happened. The youth respect us and we respect them. It has really created a solution.”

Hyatt feels a deep sense of satisfaction with the state of the Eureka Springs Police Department upon his retirement.

“I love this town,” said Hyatt, who worked as a criminal investigator at the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office prior to taking the chief job in Eureka. “I have absolutely loved being police chief in this town, working with staff here at the EARL HYATT continued on page 19

Inside the ESI Bald Eagle

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Constables on Patrol

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CAPC 3

Independent Art

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Kent Crow

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Independent Lens

Judicial reform

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The Nature of Eureka

Ham radios

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Exploring the Fine Art of Romance 17

Planning 7

Astrology 18

Medical Marijuana

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Sycamore 19

Independent Mail

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Independent Soul

Independent Guestatorial

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Crossword 21

12–13

Independent Open House 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18. Come party with us!

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INDEPENDENTNews For love of an eagle Mary Pat Boian The Nov. 19 edition of the Independent had a front-page picture of an adult bald eagle that had been hit on US62 West and rescued by two men, Tim Brown and Jeremy Helms, who saw the bird and took it to a vet. From there Arkansas Game & Fish took it to Morning Star Wildlife Rehabilitation near Gravette, and the plan was to nurse the eagle back to health and release her where she had been found.

Rehabilitator Lynn Sciumbato confirmed Tuesday the bird had died.

“Unofficially, she died of lead poisoning,” Sciumbato said. “There is no official cause of death because a necropsy must be done at a wildlife health lab in Minnesota and it could take months to get results.”

“We know she was a female because of her big size,” Sciumbato said. “We did a full blood panel on her and she was very high in white cells, indicating infection.

She also had a high lead count.”

Sciumbato said x-rays were taken to find out if the eagle had recently ingested lead, but none was found.

“She could have picked up a lead sinker from a fish or after dining on a

dead deer that had been shot. Eagles like to noodle around behind ducks that have been shot. Twenty-five years ago a law was passed prohibiting lead shot on open water, and even though there is nearly 100 percent legal compliance, a duck can get it from a fish. If she hadn’t had the bacterial infection, the lead might not have been fatal.” Sciumbato said almost all eagles have lead in them.

“Fox, owls, coyotes, they don’t get it because they kill their own prey. Eagles prefer others do the killing, then they scavenge. Vultures are equipped to get rid of most anything, but eagles aren’t.”

A wildlife aficionado from Eureka Springs West who didn’t want to be identified said, “That eagle was the most photographed eagle of all time. She didn’t migrate, she lived here. She was always in the same spot at Parker Bend, people could find her there every day. She liked having her picture taken.”

Tim Brown, who wrapped the eagle in his jacket, put his hat on her head and transported her in his toolbox to the vet simply referred to her as “My eagle.”

All three people choked up while talking about it.

Geshe Dorjee at Library Annex Geshe Dorjee will discuss “The Subtle Reality of Impermanence and Emptiness” on Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. in the library annex Friends Room. Delve into the mystery of the underlying principal of the universe and how we fit in. Geshe welcomes your questions.

Silent meditation begins at 4 p.m. followed by the lecture from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Geshe will also show his personal photos of the children of Tibet in exile.

For questions call Steven Chain (479) 239-4546 or email steven-chain@ hotmail.com.

Blood Drive at hospital Dec. 19 Community Blood Center of the Ozarks has issued a Code Yellow Alert for all negative blood types. You can help by giving blood at the Eureka Springs Hospital, 24 Norris, Friday, Dec. 19, any time between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

You must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and present a valid photo ID. For more information visit www.cbco.org or call (800) 280-5337.

Dances of peace Dec. 19 Dances of Universal Peace will be held at the church at 17 Elk St. at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19. The Dances are simple and joyful moving meditations involving the singing of sacred phrases with accompanying movements from the world’s many spiritual traditions.

Participation is free. Contact email Rebecca Babbs, babbsrebecca@gmail. com or call (479) 253-8303 for more information.

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INDEPENDENTNews CAPC ‘on track’ as collections grow Nicky Boyette Mike Maloney, executive director of the Eureka Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission, distributed copies of the year-end report to commissioners at the Dec. 19 meeting, and reported October 2014 “posted the largest single gain [over the same month one year previous] in collections history at 13.4 percent or $154,769.28. At this posting, the CAPC is 2.1 percent ahead of last year’s collections and is on track to meet the $1.22 million projection.”

Maloney said he has spent $625,000 during the year advertising Eureka Springs in television, radio, print, outdoor digital billboard and the Internet. He said he concentrated on the four-to-six hour drive market which would include Kansas City, St. Louis, Little Rock, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Wichita, Joplin, Springfield/Branson, and the I-49 corridor.

Beyond the advertising Maloney bought, he said there was the equivalent of more than $3 million in free advertising around the globe through press releases, feature stories and articles about Eureka Springs. Publications such as National Geographic Travel, Time, USA Today, the

Los Angeles Times, AAA Southern Traveler and dozens more featured articles about Eureka Springs.

Maloney acknowledged publicist Gina Drennon for creating a strong social media presence to their marketing strategy.

Maloney said 322,645 people per month read about Eureka Springs on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Google Plus.

Next year, Maloney said he has earmarked $39,000 for co-op ads strategically placed alongside ads placed by the state Parks and Tourism Commission.

He said these opportunities have worked out well in the past.

He commented he wants Eureka Springs to be named the Best Weekday Getaway. To that end, he plans to market to the American Bus Association, Travel Alliance, Going on Faith, South Central Motor Coach Show and other tour bus operator connections.

Maloney said his plan is tentative until the commission passes the 2015 budget.

CAPC posts the media spending plan on the capc.biz site.

Website booking system on hold Maloney said his office sent 154

Sunday at EUUF

All are welcome to come celebrate the season at the Eureka Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 17 Elk St., for a program followed by refreshments. On Sunday, Dec. 21, the 11 a.m. service will be dedicated to a Holiday Music Sing-along. Childcare is provided. Extra parking at Ermilio’s Restaurant, 26 White Street.

Santa dropped by early – Mike Armstrong at Invictus Arms, along with Eureka Springs Ale House, the Cathouse, Hart’s Grocery and Eureka Grub and Pub raised money and collected toys to provide brand new coats, hats, gloves and pants for 13 kids, and more than 150 toys in their “A Shot at Happiness” campaign. All items went to their partner group, Subbing for Santa. Together they collected about 500 toys for more than 150 children from Carroll County. Part of the donation is pictured here at Berryville Ford. Photo submitted

surveys to lodging property owners in the area to see if they were interested in having the CAPC augment booking capabilities of the eurekasprings.org site. He said they received 34 responses, and 17 already have a system in place. “This limited response does not give much information for making a decision,” he said.

Commissioner Damon Henke, who originally brought up the idea of adding a third party booking system such as Jackrabbit or Regatta to the site, commented that some owners do not know the value of the booking systems available, but agreed they need more of a confirmation from the community before taking on any new system. The commission voted to table the concept for now. They agreed they have the information they need if there is ever a reason to act on it.

Other items • Finance Director Rick Bright told commissioners year-to-date collections are 2.1 percent ahead of last year, and the commission has $210,000 in reserves to fund their spending during the slow early months. Maloney acknowledged Bright for his aggressive pursuit of delinquent collectors.

• Maloney announced that Joe David Rice, Tourism Director for the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism, would make a presentation at the Dec. 17 workshop on advantages and strategies for local businesses for placing co-op ads in conjunction with ads placed by the state.

Maloney said these ads worked well for CAPC last year.

Next workshop will be Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 4 p.m., at the Auditorium. Next regular meeting will be Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m.

Due to the holidays, Eureka Springs Independent early advertising deadline for the Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 editions will be Friday, Dec. 19 at noon.

Any questions, 479.253.6101. www.esINDEPENDENT.com | December 17, 2014 |

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INDEPENDENTNews County court system not working well, says exiting judge Court reforms also needed statewide and nationwide Becky Gillette “Frankly, the judicial system in Carroll County is not working well,” Judge Kent Crow said. Crow is exiting this month as Carroll County Circuit Judge after a controversial six-year tenure where he received sanctions from the Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission for conduct in three cases. Crow, who handled about 20,000 hearings during his tenure, maintained in those three cases he was simply trying to make sure justice was served and the law was followed.

Carroll is one of the four counties out of 75 in Arkansas that have one judge who handles everything including civil, criminal, juvenile and family court.

“Everything that comes through the court system, one judge hears,” Crow said.

“That is a bad system. I think we were better off as a county when we had judges

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here from Benton County because we had five judges who shared the caseload.

When you have a judge who only hears juvenile cases or only family law or only criminal cases, the judge will be more technically proficient in the area of the law he is administering.”

Attorneys specialize. You rarely find one lawyer who does it all, and Crow said it is foolish to expect a judge to be proficient in five or six areas of the law and administer all those cases competently.

Crow predicts that sometime in the future Carroll County will be aligned with another county or counties as has been done in the past. That was changed because when Carroll County was combined with a larger county, candidates from Carroll County couldn’t win. But Crow feels eventually Carroll County will have to combine with a larger county.

“Frankly, this is not working well,” Crow said.

Crow was not well regarded by some local attorneys and court officials, but said he believes that stems from his work to better manage the court caseloads.

“When I ran for office, I ran on the platform that the Circuit Court needed to be put back on track,” Crow said. “I based that on my observations as an attorney and on things I have read about court management. What I learned was that it wasn’t just the Circuit Court that was off track. There is a great deal in the entire justice system nationally and locally that is in need of a lot of attention and work.”

When Crow took over in 2009, the Circuit Clerk’s office was still using typewriters and didn’t have email. He said when you start out dealing with those types of fundamental technological problems, you quickly realize it is going to be an uphill battle.

Earlier this year Crow received a Master’s degree in judicial studies from the National Judicial College, University of Nevada, Reno.

“They really teach you how court systems should operate to be effective and efficient,” Crow said. “And they caution you that when you attempt to operate a court system in the best possible

manner, you are going to run into a lot of philosophical opposition from bureaucrats and attorneys. That certainly proved to be the case here.

“The traditional model for court operations is a system run by the attorneys and not the judges. Attorneys see the judicial system as being there to serve the needs of the attorneys and not necessarily the clients. And many judges view attorneys as their clients; they are there to facilitate what the attorneys are doing and let the attorneys run the courts.”

Crow said that could end up causing problems such as a large backlog in which cases are not decided by courts for long periods of time. When he took over, there were cases on his docket six and eight years old that had never been resolved.

Crow saw the backlog as a tremendous disservice to the litigants, and instituted management that he said has been successful in disposing of about 99 percent of cases within a year.

“Attorneys don’t like that because they feel management of cases is something they are entitled to do, not the judge,” Crow said. “But one of the fundamental things about the American system of justice is that attorneys bill on an hourly fee basis. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out if you are paid by the hour, you don’t have the incentive to do business as quickly as you possibly can.

There are many attorneys who were not happy with me for the way I managed the court. That resulted in a deep philosophical divide between me as a judge, and many of the attorneys practicing in court. It doesn’t mean they are bad attorneys, just that we view the requirements for administration of justice differently.”

Although stressful and difficult, Crow said serving as a judge has been a great experience.

“The cliché in the law is that one year on the bench is worth ten years practicing law,” said Crow, who is returning to private practice. “I think that is really true.

There isn’t any way that any lawyer could handle as many hearings or cases as a judge sees in one year, in six years.”

INDEPENDENTNews Crow recommends changes to judicial system Becky Gillette Judge Kent Crow discussed what he sees as major flaws in local, state and national judicial systems, and offered opinions about what could be done to reform the system to make it more just: • Electing judges results in judges being too vulnerable to making decisions based on political considerations instead of the law. Judges should be appointed and then subject to recall by voters in a process similar to Missouri’s Non-Partisan Court Plan where appointed judges must go before the voters in a retention election.

The Missouri Plan is considered a model for the nation in how to reduce the role of politics in the selection and election of judges. Advocates state that it helps ensure the integrity of the judiciary by shielding candidates from undue pressure.

Crow learned first hand about political pressures put on a judge. When prominent members of the community come into the court, they may have an expectation that their presence will influence the outcome of the proceedings. If expectations are not met by the judge, the judge could suffer come time for re-election.

“If re-election is not a concern, judges are more likely to do what is correct legally and what is required from the standpoint of fairness,” Crow said. “That is why many states are moving towards the appointment of judges instead of election. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor believes election of judges is a great disserve to the administration of justice.”

• High incarceration rates in the U.S. and Arkansas are regrettable. The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world, and Arkansas has one of the fastest growing prison populations in the country leading to overcrowding and calls to build a new $216 million prison. High incarceration rates stem from increased calls for “law and order” starting in the Ronald Reagan era and the popularity of “three strikes and you’re out” legislation mandating long prison terms even for what might be considered minor offenses.

In many cases, penalties for crimes in the U.S. are three or four times as long as other countries. Judges should be given more discretion in sentencing.

• Laws are not written in plain language. Arkansas should do something

other states are doing, rewriting laws and codes in a way that is understandable.

“That to me is really the first step in providing access to justice,” Crow said. “It is a myth that people are presumed to know the law. The statutes of Arkansas take up six or eight feet of bookshelf space and new laws are written every two years. Legislators see that as their job, to write more laws.

Lawyers and judges can’t keep up with it.

Then the U.S. Code itself makes the laws of one state look very small and insignificant.

Federal regulations are promulgated on an annual basis. It is daunting.”

• Currently any criminal defendants who haven’t been able to make bond – and some people can’t afford even a $50 bond – are brought into court in handcuffs and chains. That is necessary for safety with two jailers transporting 15 or so prisoners. But it is dehumanizing. Crow suggests Arkansas do video hearings where the prisoner remains at the jail and is on camera.

“He can see the judge and his attorney and hear all the proceedings without

leaving the jail,” Crow said. “That greatly enhances officer security, court security, and minimizes cost and expense for transport and guarding of prisoners.”

• The workload for the county public defender is too high in Carroll County and across the state. The Public Defenders Commission went to legislature to ask for 46 more public defenders across the state and the legislature turned them down.

A large percentage of criminal cases are handled by the public defender. And while the prosecutor’s office has three full time prosecuting attorneys with a staff of three or four, there is only one public defender and one part time assistant on the other side of the isle.

“I think the excessive workload has a significant impact on the administration of justice here,” Crow said. “For example, in six years on the bench, the public defender has had only two jury trials. That puts the state prosecution in a pretty powerful position if they know the public defender is so overworked.”

Christmas at First United Methodist Eureka Springs First United Methodist Church choir, soloists, and instrumentalists will present Johann Sebastian Bach’s The Magnificat at the10 a.m. service on Dec. 21, along with seasonal sounds of the Jubilee Ringers.

Instrumentalists Indigo Fischer and Ger Van on flute and Fred Mayer and Susie Nierman on violin join Tatyana Hetzer on organ. Along with narration, choir and soloists Maura Caldwell, Beth Withey, Harry Swarts and Paul Gandy present The Magnificat, Mary’s Song from Luke, composed in 1723.

Christmas Eve service is at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, with Lessons, carols and candle-lighting. All are welcome at the church, 195 Huntsville Road (Hwy. 23S).

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INDEPENDENTNews Ham it up when cell phones don’t work David Frank Dempsey Many people have mental images from old movies of ham radio operators being nerdy types sitting in front of huge radio sets transmitting all over the world through tall radio towers mounted in the yard. They still do that. These days they can do a lot more though, including being ready to assist in communications with just about any hospital in the state in the event of a disaster that disrupts electric power, landline phones and cellular service.

Information Technology Director, Drew Wood, maintains three wireless radios for Eureka Springs Hospital in case of emergency. From a small equipmentfilled office in the hospital he can help coordinate emergency services around the state and beyond. As current vice president of Little Switzerland Amateur Radio Club, he has the support of other ham operators in the area ready to monitor and

while older models might continue to work.

The Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) sets provided to hospitals by the Arkansas Department of Health rely on repeater units set up around the state to extend range and capabilities of the radios. There are also wireless portable units using High Speed Multimedia Mesh to bring high-speed Internet capabilities into disaster areas.

Of the three radios at the hospital, one is a conventional small ham set, while the other two are handheld units that operate on the Arkansas Wireless Information P hoto by D avid F rank D empsey Network. AWIN radios extend emergency communication are coordinating monthly radio tests from hospitals in the county to make sure they can, capabilities to more emergency departments in turn, communicate with other hospitals like fire, police and EMS. All units in Northwest Arkansas. They also provide mentioned in this story require a license to operate. support for annual regional disaster drills.

Ham radio programs for hospitals The radios at the hospital are not big high frequency sets used to dispatch in the state are run by ADH Tactical Coordinator John messages from the Arctic in countless sci-fi Communications flicks. As Wood puts it, in an area disaster Nordlund, who is available to teach the twolike Joplin or Katrina we won’t need to talk day course preparing people for a ham radio with people in China, we will need to talk operator’s license. His courses are free, and to people in surrounding communities and anyone interested may attend when there is state government. Still, many members of a course in the area. There is a $15 test fee the club maintain and use older tube-type to get your technician license.

For more information about Amateur high frequency sets. One member said in the event of a nuclear disaster, most of Radio, or about the local club, check the modern solid-state sets would be fried, out http://www.lsarc.us.

Drew Wood demonstrates use of two emergency communications radios at Eureka Springs Hospital that can be used independent of telephone communications in event of a disaster. Wood was recently chosen as upcoming president of Little Switzerland Amatuer Radio Club, whose members are ready to use their own ham radio sets to assist Eureka Springs and other Northwest Arkansas hospitals and towns in emergencies.

help with communications from radios in their homes and automobiles.

Wood will assume the role of president of the club at the beginning of the year, as current president Rudy Behrens moves down to the VP slot. Among their duties

Miss Arkansas leads Christmas parade Dec. 19 Christmas parade sponsor, Arvest Bank, is holding a public reception for Grand Marshal Ashton Campbell, Miss Arkansas, from 3 – 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at 151 E. Van Buren. Come meet our state’s lovely representative and welcome her to Eureka.

Ashton, 20, second runner up for the Miss America crown, is from nearby Hindsville and is a business major at the University of Arkansas. Her platform, Aim Higher: Setting Our Sights on Higher Education, is designed to encourage young people to value and complete an education. Campbell will arrive early Friday to visit with Eureka Springs elementary school children.

Parade and parking The Christmas Parade of Lights will take place at 6 p.m. Avoid parking hassles by taking the special trolleys running from 4 – 6 p.m. from Planer Hill Park and Ride, the Transit and Welcome Center, the old high school, the Village at Pine Mountain and trolley stops between those lots and the downtown Depot.

Return trips will run for about an hour after the parade. Fare is one non-perishable food item each way per person, two items for a round trip, or $2 per boarding without a food item. The food will be divided between Flint Street and Wildflower Food Banks.

Make donations and get tickets early at the Transit and Welcome Center, 137 W. Van Buren, (479) 253-9572. For questions about the parade, call (479) 253-8737.

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INDEPENDENTNews Quick and lively for Planning N icky B oyette At its Dec. 9 meeting, the Planning Commission dispatched with three new construction reviews, engaged in lively debate and still adjourned within an hour.

Construction reviews were for an addition to the rear of 173 S. Main, adding two stories to existing structure and extending deck at 34 N. Main, and beginning Phase 3 of the Eureka Springs Treehouses. They were approved unanimously.

How big is a little house?

Commissioners took on the topic of minimum sizes for residences in commercial zones. Commissioner Pat Lujan said alderman Terry McClung wanted Planning to do research, and Lujan mentioned converting commercial space

into residential space is not uncommon and possibly deserved their attention.

Chair James Morris commented it is the role of Planning to help the city control its environment and the rules must be uniform for everyone.

Alderman Mickey Schneider, sitting on Planning to fill a vacant seat, said she did not like the idea of the city imposing this kind of restriction. “If I want to build a house, who are you to tell me how small my house can be?”

Morris pointed out they need more information about what council wants, so commissioners tabled the topic.

Multi-family dwelling ordinance “We proposed; council disposed,” commissioner Ed Leswig said referring to a proposed ordinance Planning had

sent to council which council voted down in its second reading. The ordinance would have required owners of multifamily dwellings, defined as three units or more, to get a business license.

Leswig asked Schneider, “Why does council discriminate against short-term rentals?” He pointed toward Lujan, who has a rental unit, and stated, “Patrick has to get a business license. [Commissioner] Melissa [Greene] has to get a business license. Why insist on business licenses for Bed & Breakfasts?”

Schneider tried to explain her view that any such ordinance should include all rental units and she recounted objections raised by other aldermen, but Leswig was not satisfied. He moved they drop the item from their agenda, and the commission agreed.

Exodus Morris stated it is not just tourism numbers that are down – the city is losing residents. He said the city ought to promote the benefits of living here.

Schneider contended part of the problem was folks moving out of town so they can get back to the land. It is tourism dollars that repair the city’s infrastructure.

“Tourism is also a strain on the infrastructure,” replied commissioner Steve Beacham.

The discussion rambled through costs of renting in Eureka Springs versus Berryville, local motels turning into apartments, an inadequate sewer system and ancillary topics related to the local economy.

Commissioners agreed to try to attend the Dec. 17 meeting of the economic development task force to discuss reviving economic vitality.

Vacant seat Morris mentioned there is still a seat vacant on the commission. Anyone interested should speak with the mayor’s office.

Next meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 6 p.m.

Organizers seek signatures to put medicinal cannabis on ballot. Again.

Becky Gillette If you have déjà vu when someone stops you and asks for your signature on a petition to put medicinal cannabis on the ballot in Arkansas, relax. Yes, indeed, you may have already signed such a petition more than once.

The issue was put to a vote in 2012, and many were surprised by how close the vote was in such a conservative state with 48.5 percent of voters favoring the initiative. Organizers failed to get enough valid signatures by registered voters to put the issue on the ballot earlier this year. But now

petitions to put the Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act on the ballot in 2016 are being circulated.

The petition drive has started all over again, so you have to sign once again if you want to put it to the voters whether people in Arkansas will have access to medicinal cannabis that can provide relief from pain and nausea without dangerous side effects.

Medicinal marijuana is now available in 23 states, but none in the Southeast. States with medicinal cannabis offer patients strains MEDICAL MARIJUANA continued on page 14

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INDEPENDENTMail The Eureka Springs Independent, Inc. is published weekly in Eureka Springs, AR Copyright 2014

178A W. Van Buren • Eureka Springs, AR 479.253.6101 Editor – Mary Pat Boian Editorial staff – C.D. White, Nicky Boyette Contributors David Frank Dempsey, Kenzie Doss, Steven Foster, Becky Gillette, Wolf Grulkey, Robert Johnson, Dan Krotz, Leslie Meeker, Melanie Myhre, Risa, Jay Vrecenak, Steve Weems, Bill Westerman, Reillot Weston Art Director – Perlinda Pettigrew-Owens Director of Office Sanitation Jeremiah Alvarado-Owens

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Gotta love #8

Editor, How do we love our unique Eureka Springs Farmers’ Market? Let us count the ways: 1) Fresh veggies harvested hours/days before 2) Yummy cheeses from happy animals 3) Breads and pastries that are still warm to the touch 4) Jams, jellies, honey, seedlings and tie dyed offerings 5) Happy faces of neighbors and vendors; toddlers roaming the Pine Mountain Parking lot 6) Musicians serenading our shopping experience 7) Opportunity to catch up on all the latest in our fine town 8) – this is the space for what I have forgotten – Supporting our Farmers’ Market breathes life into our small community.

We know how lucky we are to consume produce that was recently alive in the ground, brought fresh to us.

Our group of local, small farmers are brave people with rosy cheeks and big smiles. They work hard to bring better produce to our kitchens. We taste and feel the difference and are very grateful to have this year around bounty.

As 2014 draws to a close, we say a hearty thank you, thank you, to all the growers, suppliers and heroes who brave the harsh elements to feed Eureka Springs. What would we do without you? Yikes, we don’t want to think about that.... so we will continue to support you and spread the word. Winter hours are every Thursday (well, not Christmas

and New Year’s) from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

See you there!

Faith Shah

Christmas working well

Editor, Sometimes the stars align, the weather cooperates and months of planning work out. That is exactly the case for last Saturday’s events downtown and the whole of the EurekaSprings. com Christmas Festival. One merchant commented that they had happy kids munching on marshmallow snowmen while their parents happily shopped along Main Street.

What really happened to make this Christmas Festival a greater success than years past? Groups worked together to create a festive and fun holiday season for the community and visitors. It took the city, Police, Fire, Parks Department, CAPC, Chamber and ESDN Main Street all working together to create a seamless event that showcased many nonprofits and businesses hosting tours, dinners, art shows, musicals and plays during the season.

Christmas letters were written by Eureka Springs Elementary School children and hung in windows downtown, Santa appeared everyday in town thanks to the sponsorship of businesses and, in turn, we were able to sponsor 12 children from the Angel Tree. Eureka Springs High School Future Business Leaders of America made and sold Christmas Cupcakes and photographed families with Santa for two Saturdays in Basin Spring Park, Rotary Interact provided

International Characters with trading cards to collect, the Living Windows popped, the Boy Scouts filled hundreds of luminaries to light up downtown, and ESDN Main Street provided a new event to extend the season and stroll visitors down the boulevard of years gone by.

Thank you to everyone that contributed to the festivities this holiday season. Together we are brighter and our small part makes the whole so much better for everyone. I look forward to a tremendous coming year with the same spirit of this holiday season.

Jacqueline Wolven

HIFDA white elephant a crowd pleaser

Editor, The Holiday Island Fire Department Auxiliary sends a big thank you to everyone who made our annual Christmas White Elephant Sale a success – all the auxiliary members who helped to set up and sell, the fireman who are our master haulers and, of course, all of you who came to our sale. We’ll see you again Memorial Day Weekend.

Mary Amundsen, Joyce Crouse & Kathy Klages

People helping all year long

Dear community, Have you seen pink flamingos in town that give someone’s lawn a fresh look? That indicates a donation has been made to People Helping People, an organization that provides prescription medications for those in need. Your MAIL continued on page 23

WEEK’S TopTweets @trevsoelectric: Did you recently date Taylor Swift, only to be dumped and have a song written about you? You may be entitled to compensation. Call now. @JimGaffigan: Jeez did Santa’s agent turn down a single commercial? @conanobrienswyf: When I find something in my purse on the first reach-in I feel like I should get some applause or something. @jasonmustian: According to WebMD I may have something called “Your Computer Is Not Connected To The Internet” @awryone: Just kick higher, dammit! This isn’t Rockette science. @sucittaM: Eventually we’ll all just have one app on our phones

ES Independent | December 17, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

that electrocutes you when you stop looking at it. @HeyitsLori: Kids used to call me “four eyes” in school. I’m not sure if it was because of my nerd glasses or because I spelled my name Loriiii. @markleggett: You’re only limited by your own imagination!

And money. And talent. And genetics. And time. And other people.

Go for it! @aedison: There’s a big difference between writing poetry and just making stories with rhymes. Guess which one I’m good at, limes. @BDGarp: Some idiot just told an elevator joke ON an elevator. It was wrong on so many levels.

GUESTatorial

T

Cargill Op-Ed response

here are times in the course of human events, when things are so unbelievable I just have to gasp in amazement. That was my first reaction to food giant Cargill’s comments, as reported in a recent Eureka Springs Independent article, following the latest developments on the Buffalo River: A U.S District Court Judge found on Dec. 2 that in the case of the Cargill-supplied 6500-hog industrial facility located in the Buffalo River Watershed at Mt. Judea, the Farm Service Agency and Small Business Administration illegally guaranteed loans to the hog farmers, and the court now requires the agencies to re-do their Environmental Assessments within one year.

In the article, Cargill Pork Division President Mike Luker characterizes the farm owners as “three local families who have resided in rural northwest Arkansas for eight generations, farmed the land for half a century… raised hogs for more than a decade… grew up near… Mount Judea, learning to swim in local creeks… fish in local ponds…” This is all true enough. But it’s in the next paragraph where things start to get amazing. Luker paints the farmers as doing everything right, by the book, according to EPA rules, as if no court had just found serious flaws with environmental analyses that paved the way for the farm. From what Mr. Luker suggests, one wonders how such stalwart citizens could be suffering the brunt of legal actions.

Well, according to the court decision, the proceedings that enabled their farm’s existence were not so stalwart. Whether the farmers knew what they were doing in the events conspiring to establish C&H Hog Farms, or they just believed things would be all right if they followed the questionable lead of big business and state agencies, is not known. For sure, they allowed themselves to be propped up by Cargill and others on a platform as legally porous as the ground surrounding the farm. And somewhere in those proceedings and consequent illegal actions is where the culpability for this mess lies.

Under false pretenses, we now have a very large hog farm up and running in the Buffalo River watershed, coupled with numerous assurances of safety offered after the fact and in denial of the almost certain pollution of the river. “State of the Art,” the latest,” the “safest” – these are words and terms bandied about by Cargill to describe this first industrial size hog farm in the watershed, a refrain echoed by the hog farm owners, the powerful American Farm Bureau Federation lobby, and even the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality.

Cargill has publicly stated it intends to drain the current clay-lined lagoons holding two million gallons of feces and urine and rebuild them with plastic-like liners. In addition, they are entertaining the idea of something called a “plasma arc” system to zap the untreated waste and release it into the atmosphere, an expensive and questionable process that has never been fully tested on this type of byproduct.

While I appreciate Cargill trying to right a wrong, the singular right thing to do is relocate this facility to an appropriate location and remove its threat to one of the state’s finest rivers. Their offered solutions leave me asking “Why, if it ain’t broke, are they trying to fix it?” Do they, too, recognize that this “state of the art” CAFO is no match for the forces of karst geology, and will almost certainly compromise the Buffalo River?

Thankfully by court order, the validity of this CAFO in the watershed, put in place by faulty loans and faulty environmental analyses, must be thoroughly reexamined. And if in the process this family of farmers loses what they’ve gained under false pretenses, then let us cast our scrutiny on those who perpetuated the false pretenses.

Finally, with the new court findings and a more revealing and honest appraisal up ahead, if C & H, Farm Bureau and/or Cargill really had the community in mind, wouldn’t they find an honorable way to move the hog operation from its current inappropriate location, and not waste precious time?

Dane Schumacher Buffalo River Watershed Alliance

ThePursuitOfHAPPINESS

A

by Dan Krotz mong the many roles I inadequately fill is that of landlord. The duties of a landlord are twofold: to collect money and make repairs. My wife, who loves money, handles the collecting part of our business and tells new tenants, “We’re friendly, but business-like.”

What she means is that I’m friendly, and she’s business-like. I am the harmless, smiling duffer who mows lawns and tightens loose screws. She’s the General Accounting Office who advises them to pawn the baby’s crib if they’re short on the first of the month.

It hasn’t always been this way. When we were first married I handled the bill paying and family investments and tried the “don’t trouble your pretty little head” strategy. But inch-by-inch and day-by-day, she insinuated herself into these matters until I realized she was helplessly possessed by a lust for control, particularly when do-re-me was the subject at hand. I also learned, fairly early on, that she was better at it than I was. Cutting to the chase, I probably haven’t written a personal check in 20 years.

A lust for control is characteristic of Social Order Theorists, those individuals who optimistically believe the world will function perfectly if it follows their advice and consent. Maoists, social workers, diet gurus, and evangelical pastors are typical Social Order Theorists, while Jesuits, blue water sailors, introverts, and homicide detectives are their opposite, adherents of Chaos Theory. These often cheerful theorists subscribe to Hemingway’s admonition, “Blessed are they who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed.”

One anticipates that partnerships between Social Order Theorists and Chaos Theorists are rare, and fraught with turbulence, yet people like Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill, opposite theorists in every way, found ways to make government work effectively, and were friends as well. We expect little from our various legislative bodies these charmless days, yet still hope that Hemingway was wrong, that maybe they’ll get something honest done. It’s possible. I know that my personal Social Order Theorist has made my life a happy one, one in which I am frequently surprised by joy. I hadn’t expected that, either.

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A little help from our friends:

• 24-hour Crisis Line for Women – NWA Women’s Shelter serving Carroll County – “Empowering families to live free of violence.” (800) 775-9011 www.nwaws.org • Cup of Love free soup lunches – Hearty soup lunch Fridays from 9:30 a.m. 2 p.m. in front of Wildflower thrift shop (yellow building next to chapel) on US 62E. Cup of Love also provides soup lunches at Flint Street Fellowship Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (479) 363-4529 • Flint Street Fellowship food pantry, lunch, free clothing – Pantry open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Free lunch Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Free clothes/shoes closet, books and household items. (479) 253-9491 or 253-4945. Leave donations in barrel at entrance if facility is closed.

• Free Sunday Night Suppers at St. James Episcopal Church, 28 Prospect, 5 – 6:30 p.m., are once again available to the community, especially those who are out of work during the winter. Suppers will continue Sunday nights through March 29.

• Wildflower food pantry, furniture bank and clothing – Wildflower Chapel (US 62E) free food pantry 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Fridays. Thrift store and used furniture bank (now in big blue barn only) Wednesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday 1 – 6 p.m. Drop off donations Thursday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Celebrate Recovery – Soul Purpose Ministries, 801 S. Springfield, Green Forest, 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday.

Potluck meal followed by 12-step Christ-centered meetings for those suffering from addiction, habit, hang-up or hurt.

• No high school diploma? Take free GED classes in the Carnegie Library Annex every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9 a.m. - noon with study and tutoring for the GED test. Open to ages 18 and up. GED classes also in Berryville at Carroll County Center.

Some open to ages 16 and 17 per educational requirements. For info: Nancy Wood (479) 981-0482, Carnegie Library (479) 253-8754, Carroll County Center (870) 423-4455). Offered by North Arkansas College with Carnegie Library support.

• Coffee Break Al-Anon Family Group Women – Tuesdays, 9:45 a.m., Faith Christian Family Church, Hwy. 23S, (479) 363- 9495.

Meetings at Coffee Pot Club behind Land O’ Nod Inn: • Alateen – Sundays, 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Email alateen1st@gmx.com or phone (479) 981-9977 • Overeaters Anonymous – Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.

Barbara (479) 244-0070 • Narcotics Anonymous – Fridays, 5:30 p.m. (903) 278-5568 • Al-Anon Family Group (AFG) – Sundays, 11:30 a.m., Mondays and Tuesdays 7 p.m.

• Eureka Springs Coffee Pot AA Groups Monday – Saturday 12:30 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.; Sunday – Thursday, Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday, 8 p.m. (479) 253-7956 • AlAnon Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. All other meetings: See www.nwarkaa.org 10 |

INDEPENDENTConstablesOnPatrol December 8 9:39 a.m. – Businessperson on the east side of town reported illegal dumping behind their building. Constables added extra patrols in the vicinity.

5:49 p.m. – Concerned observer reported a female drinking in her vehicle. She had a small child as passenger. Constables watched for her vehicle but did not encounter it.

December 9 12:21 p.m. – Resident stopped a passing constable to report the door of a nearby residence had been open for the past two days. Constables checked residence and nothing seemed amiss, so he locked the door and left.

2:20 p.m. – There was a two-vehicle accident on Main Street.

No injuries.

December 10 5:27 a.m. – Garland County authorities arrested an individual on a Eureka Springs warrant for failure to appear and failure to pay fines and court costs. Constable drove to Hot Springs to retrieve the miscreant.

10:55 a.m. – Two vehicles bumped it up in a parking lot.

11:03 a.m. – Constable escorted a funeral procession.

12:14 p.m. – Worried son asked for a welfare check on his mother. He had not been able to make contact with her for two weeks. Constable went to her apartment complex and learned the mother had been committed to a facility.

Constable informed the son.

4:15 p.m. – Constable initiated a traffic stop and arrested the driver for speeding, driving on a suspended license and on a warrant out of Boone County.

5:04 p.m. – An agency in Florida asked ESPD to perform a welfare check on a child in a neighborhood east of downtown.

Constable found everyone doing well.

December 11 6:24 p.m. – Constables responded to a report that a male had damaged a motel room. They arrested him on a warrant out of Berryville.

8:12 p.m. – Constable responded to what sounded like dogs fighting viciously in an upstairs apartment. No one was at home.

December 12 4:34 a.m. – Constable went to the scene of an alarm ringing near downtown, but he found everything okay.

9:12 a.m. – Eyewitness alerted ESPD to a truck stuck at the bottom of Mountain Street blocking Main Street. Constable called in a tow truck to help clear the roadway.

9:20 a.m. – Bank teller reported a counterfeit bill in a business deposit. Constable gathered information and spoke with the business owner.

4:27 p.m. – Constables went to a trailer park where an unwanted guest was refusing to leave. They arrested her on a warrant out of Madison County. The person who called ESPD was also arrested on a warrant out of Boone County.

8:18 p.m. – Constables never saw a reportedly erratic driver headed toward town from the west.

11:29 p.m. – Constable responded to report of a female walking in the road near the old high school. He realized the woman had been arrested earlier that day. She requested a ride to a particular gas station and he complied. Then he learned she had walked away from ESH without being discharged and was heavily medicated. Constable provided a ride back to ESH.

ES Independent | December 17, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

December 13 1:02 a.m. – Traffic stop resulted in the arrest of the driver for DWI and driving left of center.

4:54 p.m. – Central dispatch told ESPD a man had requested an ambulance for his wife after she started having pains.

Dispatcher asked for a constable to stand by because the man sounded suspicious. Constable waited at the scene until the wife was transported to ESH. 11:19 a.m. – Downtown businessman told ESPD a female needing a place to stay had been going back and forth from his business to the food bank. Constable gave her a ride to her sister’s residence.

1:45 p.m. – Individual came to the station to file a theft report.

4:26 p.m. – A truck and trailer had been parked on a neighborhood street for three days partially blocking the roadway. Constable found the owner who moved his vehicle.

10:03 a.m. – Three constables responded to an accident on US 62 toward the western edge of town. A male at the scene was very combative and possibly intoxicated. Two constables escorted him to ESH. December 14 1:09 a.m. – Traffic stop resulted in the arrest of the driver for DWI, open container and speeding.

11:53 a.m. – A small dog rampaged on a road in the western part of town. Constable was able to return the beast to its owner.

1:13 p.m. – Complainant claimed a nearby dog had been howling for two hours. Constable tracked down the animal and called the owner who took it home.

5:26 p.m. – Restaurant reported an individual had called in an order, but when it was ready, refused to come pick it up or pay for it. Constable spoke with the customer and he paid his bill.

Last super spectacular book sale Friends of the Carnegie Public Library’s last holiday book sale is Saturday, Dec. 20. Come by the library annex at 192A Spring Street in Eureka Springs to find affordable gifts and treasures from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Prices start at 25¢. For more information contact the library (479) 2538754 or email info@eurekalibrary.org.

Holiday Island Hikers hit the holiday trail The intrepid hikers are at it again with a wonderful schedule of hikes through May including visits to local and area hiking spots. On Monday, Dec. 22, there will be an easy-to-moderate, 3-mile, Eureka Christmas Walk.

Meet at the Crescent Hotel at 10 a.m. Lunch spot to be determined.

A moderate hike in Roaring River Devil’s Kitchen is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 29, with lunch at the Sunrise Family Restaurant in Cassville, Mo. Trail is 1.7 miles, hike will be closer to 3 miles. Meet at the Holiday Island Recreation Center at 10 a.m. For the complete schedule of upcoming hikes, email dandtkees@cox.net.

Basin aglow – Basin Park was lambent with lights and luminarias for Eureka Springs Downtown Network’s first Illuminated Springs walk last weekend. Mild temps tempted many to take the stroll.

Photo by David Frank Dempsey

A Main Stage Christmas Carol You’ll be Scrooged if you miss it

Don’t miss a fully costumed, staged reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, at Main Stage Creative Community Center. Adapted and directed by Keith Scales, the show runs Dec. 18 – 21 at 6 p.m. with an extra 1 p.m. matinee on Dec. 21.

This event marks the official

opening of the 125-seat black box theatre/exhibition hall at Main Stage on N. Main. More than a show, the event also includes concessions and audience participation. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under.

All proceeds go to the Main Stage 2015 operating fund.

Dance in the New Year

Holiday Island Elks invite all to enjoy New Year’s Eve with the Carl Acuff, Jr. band at the Elks’ Lodge across from the post office in Holiday Island Park off Hwy. 23.

Festivities begin at 8 p.m. with heavy hors d’oeuvres and dancing to everything from classic rock to swing to golden oldies and more for $12.50 per person. Make reservations via (479) 363-6640. All are welcome!

Don’t forget Poetluck Thursday, Dec. 18, writer-inresidence Michele Irwin will read from her first novel, Last Light, which she is revising during her stay. Local writers and musicians are invited to read from or perform their work for up to four

minutes after Michele’s reading.

Potluck begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow, 515 Spring. Everyone is welcome, so bring a dish to share and settle in for a great evening.

Warm-up at holiday party after parade Dec. 19 Don’t miss the Light the World Parade Friday, Dec. 19, featuring a performance

by Melonlight Dance students and pros at 6 p.m. at Basin Park. Will they be dancing in the rain? Snow? Sleet? Forget the weather report, just come and cheer the show and parade. There’s a party immediately following at Melonlight, 121 E Van Buren, where you can warm up with dancing, a dessert potluck and holiday cheer! Only $5 per person.

INDEPENDENT Art & Entertainment Last week for Snow Train Village Christmas week is the perfect time to bring the family to see this special holiday attraction. The exhibit is now open daily until Dec. 23 from 5 – 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.

– 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 2051 US 62E in the Gaskins Switch strip mall.

See this delightful landscape of small town America including 300plus buildings in a wintery setting, together with three Lionel 0 scale trains and a Lionel 0 scale trolley, plus enchanting accessories and surprises. Admission at the door is $5 adults and $2 for children 5 through 12. Special tours for ten or more may be arranged by calling the museum (479) 253-9417, or emailing director@ eurekaspringshistoricalmuseum.org.

This amazing collection is a fundraiser for the Eureka Springs Historical Museum, shown through the generosity of Larry and Cathy Handley and Mrs. Shirley Bird.

Winter solstice event Celebrate the winter solstice with a seasonal Harmonizing Concert with original music and dance, meditation and ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 21, 4 p.m., at Melonlight Studio, 121 E. Van Buren.

Seating is in the round so bring a pillow for the floor; benches and chairs will also be available. Suggested donation is $10 at the door. For more information, email fiddlinfred51@gmail.com.

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INDEPENDENTLens

Musical matchup – Mayor Morris Pate and cellist Sara Sant’Ambrogio had a chat about music at the Queen Anne during Sara’s salon performance on Dec. 14. Sara did a guest appearance the night before with the Ozarks Chorale, in which Morris sings.

Photo by Melanie Myhre

Lots of lumens – Top-hatted Ralph Wilson led his group of happy luminaries along a route lit by hundreds of luminarias from Sweet to Grotto Spring during the Illuminated Springs Stroll Dec. 13. The luminous group stopped in front of the Rosalie for a photo.

Photo by David Frank Dempsey

Peaches – These three lovely peaches were spotted at the Peachtree Retirement Village Christmas Bazaar on Dec. 12: Vera Nanna, her Mom, Inge Stefanovic, and Eleanor Kreamer.

Photo by Jay Vrecenak

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Razzberry – Rick Sweaney offers a good-humored razzberry to friend Kaitlin Johnson, who keeps on smiling as part of Gift Corner’ s Living Window display on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Photo by David Frank Dempsey

Pizza with ham(s) – At Little Switzerland Amateur Radio Club’s recent meeting at Pizza Hut, outgoing president Rudy Behrens, left, shares a moment with incoming president Drew Wood. The ham operators meet twice a month and welcome anyone interested in ham radio. See story p. 6.

Photo by David Frank Dempsey

ES Independent | December 17, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

Find more pics of Eureka Springs’ busy week on our Facebook page!

INDEPENDENTLens

Hang on, Santa! – Alexis Mace, 1, almost sits with Santa during ESDN’s Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree at Basin Park ... if she can just hook that candy cane into Santa’s beard …

Photo by David Frank Dempsey

Marshmallow world – Eva Ellis, 5, takes a bite of s’mores from mom, Tavi Ellis, during ESDN’s Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree at Basin Park.

Photo by David Frank Dempsey

Let’s share! – Carly Gear makes a dive for 6-yr. old nephew Seth Ladd’s marshmallows at Basin Park. Warm temps brought a lot of people out for Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.

Photo by David Frank Dempsey

Turn about is fair play – Independent photographer Jay Vrecenak was caught on camera by Independent photographer Melanie Myhre during the Christmas Bazaar at Peachtree where Jay was showing and selling her paintings (and taking pictures of Melanie).

Photo by Melanie Myhre

Re-turn about is fair play – Independent photographer Jay Vrecenak caught Independent photographer Melanie Myhre at the Christmas Bazaar at Peachtree Village where she was showing and selling her photos and Soutache jewelry by David Rush (and taking pictures of Jay).

Photo by Jay Vrecenak

Joy to the World – The Eureka Springs Lions Club brought Christmas joy via the carols they sang for residents at Brighton Ridge Dec. 13. The club, chartered in May, plans to march and sing in the Christmas Parade.

Photo by David Frank Dempsey

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MEDICAL MARIJUANA continued from page 7

developed for different types of illnesses, and make it available in tinctures and baked goods that can be taken without having to smoke it.

Four states have legalized recreational marijuana use. The group spearheading the petition drive, Arkansans for Compassionate Care, says legalizing cannabis offers a better choice – carefully controlled access to a medicine that hundreds of studies have shown to be safe and effective for many conditions.

“We’re challenging you to join us in changing the course of Arkansas history and helping the many Arkansas patients and families who need this medicine,” Melissa Fults, campaign director, Arkansans For Compassionate Care 2016 said. “If you haven’t volunteered or donated to the cause, please do so. We have a strong army of volunteers, experience and time on our side. We will change Arkansas history in 2016.”

The recent November election resulted in voters approving changes to the ballot initiative process that will make it more difficult to put issues on the ballot. Fults said the change was disappointing.

“Arkansans voted against themselves by placing limitations on the people’s ballot initiative process and electing officials who hold anticannabis stances,” she said. “We have some challenges in front of us, but we aren’t backing down, we’re doubling down.”

The passage of Issue 2 means that organizers must turn in more than 75 percent of the necessary valid signatures in order to qualify for a 30day extension to continue signature collection. While this will make it more difficult for most ballot initiative committees, Fults said they have a strong advantage.

“This isn’t our first rodeo and we are already in process of collecting signatures, meaning time is on our side,” Fults said. “This year’s gubernatorial race reset the number of signatures necessary for an act to be placed on the ballot to roughly 67,000 valid signatures, an increase of nearly 4,500.

In 2012, our campaign was lauded for its high validity rate [50 percent] which means we’ll need to collect at least 134,000 ‘raw’ signatures.”

Florida failed to pass their medical marijuana initiative, and while the majority of Floridians did vote for 14 |

medical cannabis, they did not reach the necessary 60 percent required in that state.

“We’re studying their campaign now to learn what went wrong and how we can avoid the same problems,” Fults said. “It looks like Arkansas will have the lead in the South with a compassionate medical cannabis program.”

People who currently have medical conditions such as seizures, posttraumatic stress disorder or cancer who obtain marijuana illegally in Arkansas face the potential for being sent to jail.

“People should not have to make the terrible choice between being considered a criminal and being denied a medicine that is safer than many pharmaceutical medications,” Fults said.

Arkansas has some of the harshest marijuana laws in the nation.

“Despite increasing interest around the country for improvements to marijuana laws, the Arkansas Legislature has shown little interest in changing its cannabis laws,” said the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) said. “Possessing under four ounces of marijuana is a misdemeanor carrying up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Possessing an ounce of marijuana or more by those who have twice been convicted of possession is a felony punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $6,000.”

In 2012, there were at least 5,718 marijuana arrests in Arkansas. Of those arrests, more than 90 percent were for marijuana possession. In addition to wasting law enforcement time on victimless marijuana offenses, marijuana enforcement has been extremely unequal in Arkansas.

“African Americans in Arkansas are over three times more likely to be arrested for possession of marijuana compared with whites, although black and white populations consume marijuana at similar rates,” MPP said.

Petitions are available to be signed at Eureka Hemp Company, 17 Spring St., Granny’s Place, 75 Spring St., and Gazebo Books, 86 Spring St., all in downtown Eureka Springs. Signers must be registered voters who give their correct name, date of birth and address in order to be counted. If you use a nickname that is different from that shown on your voter registration card, you won’t be counted. If you use an address different from that on your voter registration, it won’t count.

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Holiday Hoops Dec. 29 – 31

KTHS 107.1 FM and Berryville Public Schools announce the 6th Annual Cornerstone Bank Holiday Hoops basketball tournament Dec. 29 – 31 at Bobcat Arena in Berryville for area senior high boys and girls.

Monday’s and Tuesday’s eight-game schedule begins at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday’s schedule will be split between Bobcat Gym and Bobcat Arena to ensure early completion on New Years Eve. Girls’ championship starts approximately 1:40 p.m. at the arena followed by boys’ championship around 3 p.m.

Eight selected boys’ and girls’ teams will be guaranteed three games, including boys teams from Monett and Forsyth Mo., and boys and girls teams from Elkins, Valley Springs, White County Central, Pocahontas and Green Forest, along with girls teams from Cassville Mo., and Blue Eye. Many teams have arrangements to stay in Eureka Springs for several nights

bringing students, parents and fans to Carroll County for an extended stay during the holiday season.

Daily passes are $6 adults and $4 students. Three-day pass is $15. Concessions will be available throughout the day and evening. KTHS 107.1 FM will feature hourly live updates along with a live broadcast of Wednesday’s championship games.

Library last call Eureka Springs Carnegie Public Library reminds everyone to stop by on Tuesday, Dec. 23, to stock up on holiday reading or audio books for your family road trip before they close for Dec. 24 – 26. They’ll be serving hot cider and cookies all day long, so come on by!

EATINGOUT in our cool little town

RESTAURANT QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

11. Eureka Live 12. Forest Hill 13. FRESH 14. Grand Taverne 15. Horizon Lakeview Restaurant 16. Island Grill & Sports Bar 17. Island Ice Cream Parlor

16 1718 23 26

10 22

2 15

13

8 4

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7

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6 19 3 31

HOLIDAY ISLAND

1. Amigos 2. Angler’s Grill 3. Autumn Breeze 4. Bavarian Inn 5. Caribe 6. Casa Colina 7. Chelsea’s 8. Cottage Inn 9. DeVito’s 10. Ermilio’s

20 28

1

27 30 29

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25 14 11

9

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18. Island Pizza and Pub 19. La Familia 20. Local Flavor Cafe 21. New Delhi 22. Oscar’s Cafe 23. Ozark Kitchen 24. Roadhouse 25. Smiling Brook Cafe 26. 1886 Steakhouse 27. Sparky’s 28. StoneHouse 29. Sweet n Savory 30. Thai House 31. The Coffee Stop

ES Independent | December 17, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

Free Christmas dinner and plenty of it

Christmas Services at St. James Sunday, Dec. 21, the St. James Episcopal Church choir will lead an Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols at 10 a.m., followed by a shared meal of “Stone Soup.” The public is invited to both events and may bring an item to add to the soup before the service begins.

Christmas Eve service begins at 7 p.m. with carol singing followed by the Holy Eucharist.

A Christmas Day Eucharist will be held at 10 a.m. The church with the red doors is located at 28 Prospect Ave. For further information, please call the church office (479) 253-8610.

TheNATUREofEUREKA

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hen traveling to foreign lands, it is always comforting to find something familiar. Such was the case with the brave souls in the party of the French Protestants under the leadership of Laudonniere when they arrived at the mouth of Florida’s St. John’s River in 1564. In the unknown flora, one tree stood out that was easily recognizable – the American holly (Ilex opaca),

Christmas Dinner will be served at the ECHO dining room on Christmas Day between 11 a.m. and 1 pm. Flint Street Fellowship is providing the dinner, which is open to everyone at no charge. ECHO is located at E. Van Buren and Rockhouse Road. Please call (479) 981-2379 if you would like to volunteer to help.

by Steven Foster

Hallowed holly

almost identical in appearance to the European holly Ilex aquifolium, associated with Winter Solstice and Christmas celebrations for many centuries. It was thought to be the same species until 1789 when the tree was given its present botanical name. In 1744, Archibald Campbell (1680-1761), the third Duke of Argyll, became the first European to grow the tree in Europe. From its symbolic association with religious observances, we have the name “holly,” meaning “Holy-tree.”

Although American holly’s range is primarily limited to the southeastern United States, the tree is familiar to all Americans regardless of where they live. By far the most well known use of the holly tree is hanging crimson berry-laden branches about homes for decorative purposes at Christmas time.

It is thought this tradition evolves out of an ancient Teutonic practice of hanging branches of European holly in homes as a refuge for sylvan spirits.

Aside from the greenery of Christmas trees, no evergreen is more familiar during the Yuletide season, decorating everything from hallways to napkins. Difficult to propagate and slow-growing,

wild trees served as the source of large quantities of branches for wreaths and decorations at Christmas celebrations. Today, it has been widely supplanted, except as a graphic symbol of the holidays, by conifer greenery grown specifically for the Christmas trade.

Today we give little thought to the holly. John Evelyn in his 1664 classic Sylva or Discourse of Forest Trees and the Propagation of Timber in His Majesty’s Domains, extolls the potential virtue of holly to develop impenetrable hedges in both warm and cold areas. The timber of the holly makes the best handles and stocks for tools. The millwright, turner and engraver, Evelyn informs, prefer holly to any other wood.

Hollywood – I like that name. Perennially green, the holly remains a symbol of Christian history. Some say the wood of the cross was made of holly wood. In Catholic tradition, the thorny leaves represent the crown-of-thorns, and the red berries, the blood of Christ. Modern traditions have origins beyond our memories. The holly is a symbol of continuity.

EXPLORING the fine art of ROMANCE...

We visit Eureka Springs often, specifically to enjoy the friendly acceptance of our same-sex relationship. I can’t help but wonder how the freedom to be publicly affectionate – or lack thereof – impacts our relationship. We’re never publicly affectionate in our conservative hometown. Is this damaging our relationship?

Y

our concern is valid. Public affection between couples visibly defines their relationship, creating boundaries and safety. Touch provides reassurance and sustains an important pathway for consistent communication. Affectionate touch nourishes relationships. When deprived of this basic nutrient, relationships can certainly suffer.

The majority of same-sex couples don’t reside in gay meccas like San Francisco and Miami, or Eureka Springs for that matter. What our society deems “acceptable” displays of public affection between same-sex partners pales in comparison to what’s common place for opposite-sex couples. Many samesex couples thrive despite this bias. For others the habit of withholding affection follows them home, creating

distance and impairing intimacy.

The extent to which society’s skewed perspective impacts same-sex couples depends on their commitment to maintaining connection through touch. It also depends on their commitment to living authentically amongst family, friends and colleagues. Touchy subject, I know.

Being “out” can be difficult and for some, even deadly.

Fortunately historical change is underway. Sixty-five percent of U.S. residents live in states where same-sex marriage is legal. Progress toward equal marriage rights continues. Given time, acceptance of same-sex public affection will follow.

Don’t despise and don’t despair over those who lack tolerance. Most people have had no exposure to same-sex public affection. Without exposure how can we expect change? Tolerance takes time to build and requires strong ambassadors. Teaching tolerance must become a personal responsibility. Be an ambassador, face oppression and model freedom – your freedom to express affection.

Struggling with acceptance? Put your tolerance to the test. Consider for a moment not having the freedom to express your affection.

by Leslie Meeker

Imagine not holding hands on your honeymoon.

Not gazing adoringly at your spouse during your daughter’s wedding.

Not proudly placing your arm around her waist at the company cocktail party.

Not being greeted at the airport with a joyful hug and kiss.

Not kissing him one last time as he’s wheeled off for surgery.

Not holding her closely as her soul breaks through her mother’s funeral.

Intolerable perhaps?

Questions?

Email leslie@esindependent.com.

Leslie Meeker, M.A., L.P.C., is a psychotherapist who has specialized in relational and sex therapy, sexual compulsivity and sexual trauma for the past 15 years, after receiving extensive training in human sexuality at the Masters and Johnson Institute in St. Louis, Mo.

www.esINDEPENDENT.com | December 17, 2014 |

ES Independent | 17

ESOTERICAstrology as news for week Dec. 17 – 24

2014

Giving & Giving Then Giving Some More

is almost over. Wednesday, Dec. 17, Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Light begins. We are in our last week of Sag and last two weeks of December. Sunday, Dec. 21 is Winter Solstice as Sun enters Capricorn (3:30 p.m. west coast). Soon after the Capricorn new moon occurs (5:36 p.m. west coast) – last new moon of 2014.

Sunday morning Uranus in Aries (revolution, revelation) is stationary direct (retro since July 22). Uranus/Aries create things new and needed to anchor the new culture and civilization (Aquarius). We will see revolutionary

ARIES: As an intelligent light is focused on all outer aspects of your life you wonder who you are in the larger society. Examining your purpose, standing and reputation you also ask what is your direction and how you’re progressing. It’s possible you will be sought out for honors, observed as a mentor, given tasks and projects of leadership and power. Tend to them carefully, using intentions for Goodwill and intelligent love in all endeavors. You can then lead others to the light.

TAURUS: New experiences, meeting people from different regions, perhaps by phone, email or conference calling, are broadening your horizons. You might consider giving, creating or attending a new course of study that’s intellectually disciplined, practical and purposeful.

New routines should be established so a new understanding of time emerges. For guidance, investigate laws concerning a new endeavor and ponder upon the new Aquarian Laws & Principles.

GEMINI: Your feelings, emotions and mind are working together providing subtle new information concerning life and death, wellness and health, money and resources.

Your inner self is being expanded through unusual activities occurring in your daily life. Are you caring for others? Your beliefs

18 |

by Risa

revelatory change in 2015. Capricorn new moon, buildingthe-personality seed thought is, “Let ambition rule and let the door to initiation and freedom stand wide (open).”

Capricorn is a Gate – where matter returns to Spirit. But the Gate is unseen until the Ajna Center (3rd eye), Diamond Light of Direction, opens.

Wednesday, Dec. 24 is Winter solstice, longest day of darkness of the year. The Sun’s rays resting at the Tropic of Capricorn (southern hemisphere) symbolize the Christ (Soul’s) light piercing the heart of the Earth, remaining there for three days, till Holy Night (midnight Thursday

are shifting leading to a deeper self-inquiry into money, resources, relationships and psychological healing. Maintain your tender care.

CANCER: As you interact and work closely with others, you understand more about yourself.

You’ll discover how you unconsciously make decisions affecting your actions. This leads a deeper aware of choices, hidden agendas, resentments and expectations. With awareness comes change and a light shed upon the value within all relationships.

Begin to have intentions for Goodwill in all interactions.

LEO: So many tasks to be accomplished and responsibilities to be considered!

You will be efficient and effective if you stay to the point, set timetables, examine techniques and procedures, and sharpen your mind with discriminating intentions.

Others will call for your input and have needs and wishes. Through trials and grief, having become one who serves, you will tend to all with equanimity and poise.

Before all else, though, tend to you daily health.

VIRGO: Perhaps you feel an unusual

ES Independent | December 17, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

morning). Then the Sun’s light begins to rise. It is the birth of the new light (holy child) for the world. A deep calm stillness pervades the world.

The entire planet is revivified, re-spiritualized. All hearts beating reflect this Light. And so throughout the Earth there’s a radiant “impress” (impressions, pictures) given to humanity of the World Mother and her Child. The star Sirius (love/direction) & the constellation Virgo the mother shines above. For gift giving, give to those in need.

Give and give and then give some more. This creates the new template of giving and sharing. For the new world.

happiness, expressing yourself, setting priorities, seeking amusement, fun and play. If not, then begin. It may take effort completing daily responsibilities.

Finish them early so your day is free.

Caring for children, pets, a garden, creates joy and happiness. In all endeavors, you’re more creative, imaginative, artistic, resourceful and inspired.

Applause.

LIBRA: Your personal life and people you intimately relate with are your focus. You seek a firm foundation, things familiar, reason and purpose to build the future. Much of your attention now must be focused inward to assess values (what do you value?) and recognize psychologically what you need. Events from the past are remembered, affecting you deeply.

Examining the truth of this past is most important. It’s not what you think.

SCORPIO: Observe your interactions with others and how you handle relationships. Are there communications and habits of thinking that enhance or undermine your effectiveness? Do you pour out all your energy? It’s most important to listen carefully to what others are saying. There’s an alchemy (magic) in listening. Creating spiritual dew within the heart that assuages loneliness. Confusion ceases.

SAGITTARIUS: Make a list of all resources in your life, physical and spiritual, and assess their value. You often seek to express yourself through non-material resources. Therefore a list of them is of value. Knowing more about yourself provides you with greater control psychologically. On the other hand, it might be time for a party celebrating your successes and resources, which give others fun, amusement and pleasure. Serve artful foods and drinks.

CAPRICORN: It’s time to renew yourself

for the New Year, to withdraw somewhat from the world, turning inward, into the darkness where, under the new light of Winter Solstice, new ideas form. This is not a selfish act, but one born from future needs. While in the world be sensitive to others. If relationships’ problems arise, resolve conflicts by calling upon the Soul’s help. The answer lies in what is the good for the whole and of greatest service. And how it comforts you.

AQUARIUS: Align (visualize this) your thoughts, words and actions. It’s important to be aware if several messages are being projected simultaneously from you to the world. You or others could be acting out unresolved childhood behaviors. Ponder on this. As the year ends review and reflect upon the past year. When feeling peaceful and quiet, plan the New Year. It should be more comforting, kinder and more prosperous than last year. Reflect on what you need.

PISCES: You’re recognizing the value of friendships and other close and important relationships. This assessment relates to your present life purpose and the visions and ideals you hope to manifest. Cooperate with others who are like-minded. Also, quietly observe others. Those you are attracted to reflect many different aspects of yourself. Cultivate these friends. It will be within a group that your ideals, hopes and visions manifest. Love more.

Risa – writer, teacher, founder & director, Esoteric & Astrological Studies & Research Institute, a contemporary Wisdom School studying the Ageless Wisdom teachings. The foundations of the Teachings are the study & application of Astrology & the Seven Rays and meditation in service to the world in need. Email: risagoodwill@gmail.com, Web journal: www.nightlightnews.com, Facebook: Risa’s Esoteric Astrology for daily messages.

Sycamore©

– Chapter 12, cont.

Sycamore, written by Constance Wagner and published in 1950 by Alfred A. Knopf, is the story of a sophisticated New York girl who marries a boy from Arkansas. The Wagners and their daughter lived in Eureka Springs while the novel was written.

In addition to five novels, Constance Wagner wrote numerous articles and stories published in The New Yorker, Atlantic Monthly and Collier’s.

“A

s I see it,” he had cried, “this town has been held back for years by this reactionary element. A handful of die-hards – won’t have anything changed – afraid they’ll lose their hold on things. Standing in the way of progress… All it needs is somebody to root ‘em out, get things moving, advertise, publicize, put Sycamore on the map. Why, how long have these fuddy-duddies been in office? High time there was a change.

New blood, fresh outlook –” He was visibly proud of the grasp he’d got on the situation in so short a time.

Pondering over his cup, Fenton was troubled by the idea that Jaffray was collaborating almost too perfectly toward Jaffray’s ultimate undoing. Might there exist even deeper strata of guile than those with which he was familiar? He had never known anyone who spoke frankly, whose motives in even the simplest transactions were not densely veiled by secrecy and indirection. Candor was so entirely foreign to him and to all his people, that, when it showed up in some outlander, they were instantly on guard, certain that here they must be faced with a superior brand of double-dealing…

“When we get to the property transfer,”

Jaffray had said, “the deeds – might be a little difficulty.” He looked at Fenton acutely from his pale eyes. “You married, Sayre?” Not married: Jaffray breathed easier. “That’ll simplify matters. Always louses things up if you have to get a wife’s signature to clear a title. Causes trouble sometimes. Now I’m a married man myself. Plan to bring the little woman down here, next month or so – hope it’ll help her asthma – but that won’t make any difference in my case –” Fenton dropped even deeper into reflection. He tipped up the heavy cup and drained it, no longer offended by the taste, hearing only on the outer edge of his absorption the choric rise and fall of voices along the counter – names called up in an instant, trailing gray accretions of stale history to be recapitulated, again and yet again, beneath the flyspecked pie case, the juke box labeled Out of Order, the Blake Insurance calendar on which time had stopped at August.

“Hear Walter’s moving into his new house today… Yes, having a big party, too.

All the Knowles’ friends and kinfolks…

And I shore want to see how that gal o’ Wally’s goin’ to make out now, with a house to keep all by herself. Right purty, but she don’t look to me ‘sif she got much

sense… Seen the house yet? I seen it awhile back, just about finished. ‘Tain’t much, to my mind. Just a kinda long, low-slung barn and stuck off there, plumb in the woods.

Looks like Wally could found him a better spot… Got him a spring, though. Tell me he opened up a cave behind the place…”

Here, Ray Braithwaite produced the now almost illegible clipping from the St. Louis paper, in which Mrs. Williams had briefly mentioned his thirty years of tenacious loyalty to Miracle Spring, and passed it from hand to hand – an empty rite, since they had all seen it before. “Tell me they’re lookin’ for a real good season next year.

Folks been readin’ all that stuff this Miz Williams wrote about Sycamore, braggin’ it up, and jest won’t rest till they traipses down here t’see it… We shore could stand a little cash money in this town… The money won’t do you no good. Nor me, neither. Only fellers that’ll stand to profit will be the Colonel – and Roger. … Don’t you go castin’ no slur agin Roger Knowles, now. Ain’t no tellin’ what’d happened to this-here town if ‘tweren’t for him. Smart’s a whip, Roger is. Come up from poor folks, the way he did… Married him the right woman, though.” (The half-hearted voice of cynicism, the nudge from someone,

eyes flicking toward Fenton Sayre, solitary over his coffee cup.)

CONSTANCE Then Virgil WAGNER Sugg, easing the tension: “Floyd in town now, Mona?” And Mona Jo, her face coloring hotly around the spots of rouge, her round body instantly tense with anger, crying out: “How should I know?” This followed by the broad wink and the slow, studied drawl that went with the laughgetting climax: “Why, Mona, I always figgered you and Floyd Skelton was right good friends!”

The laughter came, and over it the furious voice of Mona Jo: “Well, we ain’t no more, see?”

Fenton tossed a nickel on the counter, flung an indifferent “Hi” at the line of coffee drinkers, and went out. He passed the dark windows of the loan company, the Democrat office, and the bank, and paused at the corner to let the Dycus car go by – freshly polished, he noticed, as it slipped through the nimbus of the street light, and with the Dycus women sitting stiff inside their fur collars. On their way to Walter’s.

To hell with ‘em.

EARL HYATT continued from page 1

them time off later that week to lessen the impact on the budget. We also utilize reserve officers and part-time officers to reduce the impact on the budget.”

Hyatt said his department has been cognizant to the fact that many people make their living off the tourist trade, so the town doesn’t want to be seen as hostile to tourists. That means there is a high threshold for arresting someone for public disturbance or public drunkeness in a town that may have the highest per capita number of nightclubs of any town in the state.

“Our officers are instructed to do everything they can to get this person off the street and not put them in jail for public intox,” Hyatt said. “When they are called about someone who is drunk and causing problems, they ask them, ‘Where is your motel? We will get you a cab or give you a ride. Where do you live?’ We do everything we can. If they won’t cooperate, they are arrested for disorderly conduct or public intox.”

Hyatt said compassion is an important part of the job.

“You can’t do this if you are a machine,” he said. “If you don’t have compassion for people you are working for and with, you are just not going to succeed. People make mistakes in life.

All of us do. It is not my job to hold that against somebody.”

Eureka Springs is the only town in Arkansas that has passed a voter referendum to ask police to consider marijuana law enforcement a low priority. Although possession of marijuana is still against the law in Arkansas, Hyatt said when officers find someone with a small amount of pot, they will just say, “Give that to me,” and throw it in the ditch. “It is not worth the paperwork,” he said.

Police in Eureka Springs, as well as in Berryville and Green Forest, are paid better than the county deputy sheriffs.

Hyatt feels the city should pay officers well in order to retain people who can be trusted to “be ambassadors for the city, keep the peace without going overboard, and use their brain. We have got extremely well qualified people here enforcing the

law, and we pay them for that. Retention is a lot better than recruiting.”

There have been complaints about aggressive enforcement of parking limits. Hyatt said that money doesn’t go to the police department, but directly to the city’s general fund. And he said after three long-time traffic officers left, there was a transition period. After that, complaints went down.

“People find a way to work harmoniously,” he said. “We have to enforce the parking to keep people from going over the time limits. Fines are a source of revenue for city but, just as important, it is keeping parking places open so other people can come to park and shop.”

While new Mayor Butch Berry will decide Hyatt’s successor, Hyatt said it is no secret that he has groomed Thomas Achord for that position.

“That is why I promoted him,” Hyatt said. “He has a head on his shoulders and he knows the pulse of this town.

He worked downtown as an officer for several years.”

department, and with the people who live and visit here.

“Quite frankly, we have built one of the most professional police departments you can find anywhere. It is the people you surround yourself with that gives the public confidence. It is the people in my department who have made my job successful and pleasurable. I think this department is well perceived by the residents of this town.”

At times the police department has come under fire for the budget of the police department being so large for a small town. But at times the usual population of less than 2,000 can soar to 10,000 or more. Additional police are needed then to help with traffic congestion, direct traffic for parades, and other issues.

“Everyone who works here knows that on the busy weekends, you don’t get time off,” Hyatt said. “If you are looking for vacation, you have to do it when things are slow in town. We load officers up on the busy weekends, and then give

www.esINDEPENDENT.com | December 17, 2014 |

ES Independent | 19

Camptown Ladies perform Thursday, Dec. 18 at Chelsea’s 7 p.m. for Christmas Party.

INDYSoul

by Reillot Weston

Camptown Ladies, Naughty Pajamas, Independent Gathering, Parade of Lights

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elcome to cold! We’ve found ways to keep warm and cheerful: Thursday there are at least three Christmas parties, as Chelsea’s hosts Camptown Ladies, the Cathouse Lounge throws their annual Naughty Pajamas Christmas Party, and there’s an open house at the Independent, this paper, this office, starting at 4. Friday night the Christmas Parade of Lights winds throughout downtown starting at 6 p.m. Eureka Springs’s only night parade. Saturday night The AUD hosts Home for the Holidays Christmas Concert at 7, all local talent – Gina Gallina, Karen Jo Vennes, Michael Garrett, John Wiley, Catherine Reed and many more, more, more. Free!

THURSDAY, DEC. 18 CATHOUSE LOUNGE – Naughty Pajama Christmas Party, 7 p.m.

CHELSEA’S – Christmas Party w/ Camptown Ladies, 7 p.m.

EUREKA LIVE! – Country Western Jukebox, 8 p.m.

GRAND TAVERNE – Jerry Yester, Grand Piano Dinner Music, 6:30 p.m.

LEGENDS SALOON – StarSeed, Rock N Roll, 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 19 DOWNTOWN – Christmas Parade of Lights, 6 p.m.

BALCONY RESTAURANT –

Hogscalders, Bluegrass, 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.

CATHOUSE LOUNGE – Jori Costello Band, Americana, 8 p.m.

CHELSEA’S – Mountain Sprout, Bluegrass, 9:30 p.m.

EUREKA LIVE! – DJ and Dancing, 9 p.m.

GRAND TAVERNE – Arkansas Red, Amplified Acoustic Guitar, 6:30- 9:30 p.m.

LEGENDS SALOON – DJ and Karaoke with Kara, 8 p.m.

NEW DELHI – Masquerade Dance Party, Wear a Mask, 11 p.m.- 1 a.m.

ROWDY BEAVER – Karaoke with Tiny, 9:00 p.m.

ROWDY BEAVER DEN – Terri and Brett, Classic Rock, 9:00 p.m.

THE STONE HOUSE – Jerry Yester, Artist’s Choices SATURDAY, DEC. 20 THE AUD – Home for the Holidays Christmas Concert, 7 - 10 p.m.

CATHOUSE LOUNGE – Candy Lee, Americana, 8 p.m.

CHELSEA’S – Electric Rag Band, Blues, 9:30 p.m.

EUREKA LIVE! – DJ & Dancing, 9 p.m.

GRAND TAVERNE – Jerry Yester, Grand Piano Dinner Music, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

LEGENDS SALOON – Steampunk

Revolution, Americana, 9 p.m.

NEW DELHI – Masquerade Dance Party, Wear a Mask, 11 p.m.- 1 a.m.

ROWDY BEAVER – Brenda Meyer Band, Classic Rock, 9:00 p.m.

ROWDY BEAVER DEN – Matt Reeves (solo) 12 – 4 p.m., Matt Reeves Band, Rock ‘n Roll, 9:00 p.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 21 EUREKA LIVE – DJ, Dancing, and Karaoke, 7- 11 p.m.

OZARK MOUNTAIN TAPROOM – Service Industry Sunday, 2- 9 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 22 CHELSEA’S – Sprungbilly, Bluegrass, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 23 CHELSEA’S – Open Mic LEGENDS – Jam Night

Smell the cherry blossoms

Promise yourself a whiff of the fabulous blooms this spring by signing up now for the Washington, D.C., luxury motor coach tour leaving from the Holiday Island Recreation Center on April 16.

A minimum of 30 people is needed and there are still about 10 seats left. This amazingly affordable tour includes 8 nights’ lodging, day and evening tours, most meals, two full days of tours in D.C., plus trips to historic Mount Vernon, Baltimore Inner Harbor and more.

If you prefer to travel in the fall, how about a September trip to Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard for 11 days and 10 nights? For details or to request a flyer, contact Janice Murphy at (479) 244-7669, email reccenter@holidayisland.us, or call the Rec. Center (479) 253-9890.

Universal New Year’s Eve worship

Wed., Dec. 17 • 9:30 P.M. – JORI COSTELLO Thurs., Dec. 18 • 7 P.M. – Chelsea’s Xmas Party w/THE CAMPTOWN LADIES Fri., Dec. 19 • 9:30 P.M. – MOUNTAIN SPROUT Sat., Dec. 20 • 9:30 P.M. – ELECTRIC RAG BAND Sun., Dec. 21 • 7:30 P.M. – SWEET WATER GYPSIES Mon., Dec. 22 • 9:30 P.M. – SPRINGBILLY Tues., Dec. 23 • 9:30 P.M. – OPEN MIC

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ES Independent | December 17, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

Wednesday, Dec. 31, there will be a Universal Worship service presented by the Sufi Center of the Ozarks at 6 p.m. at the church building at 17 Elk St. Universal Worship honors the many spiritual traditions of humankind through prayer, song, dance, and scripture reading.

This will be the 15th year this service has been offered by the Sufi Center of the Ozarks.

All believers are welcome and participation is free. For more information contact Rebecca Babbs (479) 253-8303 or babbsrebecca@gmail.com.

GriefShare begins Jan. 4 GriefShare will hold a new, Bible-based, 13-week session Sundays from 2 – 4 p.m. beginning Jan. 4 in the Holiday Island Community Church Library (188 Stateline Drive) for those grieving the loss of someone close – whether recently or in the past. Join in any Sunday, as each lesson is self-contained. There is a one-time charge of $15 for a workbook.

For details or to sign up call (479) 253-8200 or 8925, or email lardellen@gmail.com.

DROPPINGA Line

W

ell, we have had some nice weather for December. Water temp on Beaver Lake and here at Holiday Island got up to 52° with the warm days.

Working white and chrome spoons, slabs or live minnows and shad off the bottom, or where you’re marking bait (or fish under the boat) is the best thing working now. Kastmasters work good, so if the fish hit the top you can still get them casting to them.

by Robert Johnson

Here’s a pic of Steve Gardner with one of the big whites we got into Saturday.

We had them all around the boat starting in the back of a creek, then later in the day off a good flat hitting kastmasters as soon as they hit the water.

Crappie fishing is a little slow moving in the deep brush with jigs or minnows from 12 – 30 ft. deep. Stripers on Beaver Lake are doing good and running with the white bass and small shad feeding on small bait.

We have a lot of all stacking up in the mid-lake area going any direction within two miles of the Hwy. 12 bridge. If fishing from shore, trout in Beaver tailwaters would probably be your best bet since they are coldwater fish. If you’re not a fly fisherman, try fishing Powerbait or a worm

off the bottom and you should get dinner.

Well, I got to go for now, got a friend telling me the walleye are getting thicker here at the Island, think I will go check it out. Stay warm. Robert Johnson, Johnson Guide Service. www.fishofexcellence. com (479) 253-2258.

INDEPENDENT Crossword

by Bill Westerman

Solution on page 23

DEPARTURE Jean Mackey Ward Feb. 12, 1926 – Dec. 12, 2014

J

ean Mackey Ward, 88, of Eureka Springs, Ark., passed away Friday, Dec. 12, 2014, at Brighton Ridge in Eureka Springs. Jean was born February 12, 1926, in Post, Texas, the daughter of Samuel Baxter and Ione Finnin (Durham) Bardwell. Jean was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Lt. Richard L. Rist and Duane Ward; son, Douglas Duane Ward; daughter, Casandra Sue Ward; two brothers, Nelson and Durham Bardwell; and sister, Mary Lee Bryant; Jean was of the Protestant faith. She was raised in Post and Lubbock, Texas, and lived in Whaley Bridge, England for a time. She married Lt. Richard L. Rist February 20, 1944, a World War II pilot who was killed six months after the wedding. Jean then married Duane Ward September 5, 1945, in Lubbock, Texas.

Jean moved to Eureka Springs,

Ark., in 1966. She was a homemaker and enjoyed Bible study and sewing projects for her home.

She is survived by son and daughterin-law, Samuel and Linda Ward, of Eureka Springs; grandsons, Neil Ward of Salina, Kan., and Cory Ward of Miami, Fla.; granddaughters, Chesney Ward of Bedford, Texas; Jessica Summerbell of Kenya, Africa; and Holly Lin Ray of Lake Dallas, Texas; six greatgrandchildren; and many other family and dear friends.

Memorial may be made to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 602, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632. Burial will be private.

Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Christeson Funeral Home. Online Guestbook: www. rollerfuneralhomes.com/harrison

ACROSS 1. Still 4. Distant 8. Drab’s partner 12. Raw mineral 13. Lump 14. Relaxation 15. Swimming 17. Liver output 18. Trumpet 19. Egg cells 21. Play part 23. Quick drink 24. Folk wisdom 25. Scandinavian 26. Intent 29. Anger 30. Book after Daniel 31. Big fib 32. Spread hay to dry 33. Toward the mouth 34. Play ten pins

35. Book before Amos 36. Tasty 37. African antelopes 40. Story, yarn 41. Information facts 42. Hot and humid 46. Bard’s river 47. Continental cash 48. Frost a cake 49. Baby’s first word?

50. Aft 51. Consumed DOWN 1. That 2. Time period 3. Leashed 4. Cave 5. Fencing lunge 6. Fuss 7. Famous 8. Clean software 9. Train track

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10. ____ of Capri 11. Spelling contests 16. First-rate 20. Indian stringed instrument 21. Narrow opening 22. Central part 23. Rope fiber 25. Subaru model 26. Baldness 27. Hawaiian bird 28. Blend 30. British bonnet 34. Indonesian isle 35. Hindu knowledge 36. Tastiness 37. Dutch cheese 38. Volcano ejecta 39. Tiny particle 40. Tuscan river 43. Regret 44. Play a part 45. Actor Marvin

ES Independent | 21

INDEPENDENTClassifieds The INDEPENDENT Classifieds cost $8 for 20 words, each additional word is 25¢. DEADLINE – Monday at noon To place a classified, email classifieds@eurekaspringsindependent.com or call 479.253.6101

ANNOUNCEMENTS FLORA ROJA COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE-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.

SITUATION

GUITAR SALE

NEED HELP WITH AN URGENT SITUATION.

HOLIDAY GUITAR SALE 20 – 50% OFF! – Call for your personal appointment or come in Saturdays 11a.m. – 6 p.m., Stringed Instrument Peddler, 53 N. Main, (479) 253-7335, (479) 244-9207.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

HUGE SALE! 20% – 50% off women’s clothing and accessories!

Awesome fashions for all ages! Hurry!

Quantities limited. Annie’s Boutique, 61 Spring Street, Eureka.

EUREKA SPRINGS FARMERS’ MARKET starting Dec. 4, every Thursday, 9 a.m. – noon. Vegetables and fruits, cheese, meat, eggs, honey and so much more.

Come for the food, music and to be with your friends. Catch us on Facebook.

BREAD ~ LOCAL ~ ORGANIC~ SOURDOUGH – Ivan’s Art Bread @ the Farmers’ Market – Thursday: Whole Grain Rye, Whole Wheat Sourdough rustic style and long breads plus specials like Cinnamon Rolls made with organic maple syrup, Fruit Griddle Muffins and more. Request line (479) 244 7112 – Ivan@loveureka.com WINTER IS APPROACHING, HOW ABOUT A LAUGHING HANDS HOT STONE MASSAGE? Great time to stock up on stocking stuffers with a gift certificate or purchase three one-hour massages for the low price of $120.

Also, selling t-shirts, short sleeve, long sleeve, as a benefit for the 40th Michigan Womyn’s Festival. Call (479) 244-5954.

WINTER SOLSTICE EVENT Sunday, December 21st, 4 p.m. in Melonlight Studio, 121 E. Van Buren in Eureka Springs, AR. Seasonal Harmonizing Concert with original music & dance, meditation and ceremony. Suggested donation $10 at the door. fiddlinfred51@gmail.com PRIVATE PARTIES!!! Ozark Mountain Taproom on Hwy. 62 is available for private parties. Holiday, Bachelor/ette, receptions, etc. Call (479) 253-7453 for details.

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Have two dogs which need temporary homes while looking to move.

Best out in country.

Used to cattle, horses.

Are on farm that has been sold.

Will explain more on phone.

Christine (860) 301-8856

AUCTION TWO STORAGE UNITS TO BE AUCTIONED to satisfy unpaid rent.

11 a.m., Saturday, December 27, 2014 at Community Storage, 199 Stateline Drive, Holiday Island, Arkansas.

FIREWOOD FOR SALE FIREWOOD – Seasoned hardwood split and ready to burn. Delivery available. $55/rick delivered. Call Steven (479) 981-0840.

Sell your stuff here!

Call 479.253.6101 to place your classidife.

PECANS FOR SALE FRESH CROP CRACKED PECANS arrived 12/11/14. John’s Pecans, 128 Spring St. (479) 253-7030, (479) 2535147

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RENTAL PROPERTIES COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE RETAIL – OFFICE SPACE. Holiday Island Shopping Center. Tom Dees (479) 981-2203

LOOKING FOR HOUSE TO RENT

1987 SUBURBAN 4X4 with 4 in. lift.

Restored. Low miles on new engine/ transmission. New front end. Custom paint. New interior, undercoated. $6,500.

(931) 222-9602.

WANTED, LONG TERM RENTAL. 3 bedroom, 2 bath house with garage. West Eureka, Beaver, Busch area. References.

(707) 246-6452

REAL ESTATE

OFF SEASON RATES now apply.

Monthly or weekly. Call Harlee Country Inn (479) 253-1056 for details.

COMMERCIAL FOR SALE TURNKEY SUCCESSFUL EUREKA RESTAURANT with proven track record. Sale includes real estate, all equipment to operate, and inventory. Owner will finance 50K. Selling price $495K. Serious inquires only (479) 304-8998.

PRIME RETAIL SPACE on Spring Street available FOR SALE OR LEASE. Currently operating as Melange, a ladies dress shop at 95 Spring Street. Call (479) 981-3700 to view or chat. Owners are going to take a second shot at retirement.

HOMES FOR SALE 2 BEDROOM, 1 BATH ON 2 ACRES. Quiet rural area. Some furniture and appliances included. Ample storage.

New water heater. (479) 253-2924

RENTAL PROPERTIES APARTMENTS FOR RENT HOLIDAY ISLAND VILLAS & TOWNHOUSES near lake and marina.

Peaceful and quiet, ample parking. From $375/mo. (479) 253-4385

COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE RESTAURANT – Holiday Island Shopping Center. Tom Dees (479) 9812203

ROOMS FOR RENT

Rent your space here!

Call 479.253.6101 to place your classidife.

SERVICE DIRECTORY GUITAR LESSONS GUITAR LESSONS for Beginners, Intermediates of all Ages. Anyone looking to broaden their musical palette or hone current skills. Call/text Sam, (479) 530-2249.

MAINTENANCE/ LANDSCAPE/ HOME SERVICES TOM HEARST PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND CARPENTRY Painting & Wood Finishing, Trim & Repair Carpentry, Drywall Repair & Texturing, Pressure Washing (479) 244-7096 REALTORS-PROPERTY MGRSLANDLORDS. I specialize in preparation of properties for showing and/or occupancy. Excellent references.

(479) 981-0125.

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

INDEPENDENTClassifieds SERVICE DIRECTORY MAINTENANCE/ LANDSCAPE/ HOME SERVICES FANNING’S TREE SERVICE Bucket truck with 65 ft. reach.

Professional trimming, stump grinding, topping, removal, chipper.

Free estimates. Licensed. Insured.

(870) 423-6780, (870) 423-8305 CHIMNEY WORKS Complete chimney services: sweeps, repairs, relining and installation. Call Bob Messer (479) 253-2284

CROSSWORDSolution

SERVICE DIRECTORY MASSAGE EUREKA SPRINGS DUET MASSAGE – “A Relaxing Couples Experience.” We come to you! Deep tissue.

Swedish, medical/clinical.

Aromatherapy included for December.

25 years combined experience. Please call or text (479) 544-4942.

PETS PETSITTING, HOUSESITTING. Holiday Island and Eureka Springs area.

25+ years experience. Reliable, references, insured. Call Lynn (479) 363-6676

UPHOLSTERY UPHOLSTERY–RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, CUSTOM BUILT. Furniture repair, antiques, boats, caning.

Fabrics & Foam. Free Estimates. No job too small. Call Aaron (479) 363-6583 or abunyar@sbcglobal.net

VEHICLES I BUY AND REMOVE OLDER CARS & TRUCKS. Reasonable prices paid. Also some scrap and parts vehicles. Call Bill (479) 253-4477

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donations help save lives and reduce the stress of emergencies.

We have so many wonderful people to thank for sustaining PHP since 1991. The support from The Office of Human Concern is invaluable and we are grateful for the Carroll County Community Foundation. Hats off to area pharmacists as they insure our funds are maximized, and to all who have pink flamingo donation jars out.

The Office Supply not only promotes giving through donation jars, but Christie and Cande have provided services that enable 100% of all donations to be spent on medication.

Bunch’s Quik Check and our area liquor stores are on board as well, so remember, loose change does add up!

In 2014, we filled 1,024 prescriptions

for a total of $23,236.95. We spend almost $2,000 a month. These are all urgent needs that were fulfilled thanks to generous donations. Grants alone will not fulfill the need.

It is amazing that this small organization (fewer than 10 volunteers) has provided help for 13 years! It is a group effort of which we cannot thank you all enough. Please know the people you help are the most grateful. We sent out a Fall letter and if you are not on the list and would care to receive our yearly request, please call Tim at the Office of Human Concern, (479) 636-7301 Ext. 103, or email tensley@eohc.org.

If you would like to make a donation, please make your check out to People Helping People and send to P.O. Box 243, Eureka Springs, AR 72632 Kathy McCormick

Lunch and a floor show – The Rogers Arkansas Academy of the Arts Show Choir performs on the final day of the Christmas Luncheon Concerts in the Crystal Ballroom of the Crescent Hotel Dec. 12. Earlier in the week, the Eureka Springs High School, Middle School, and Elementary School choirs performed, as did the Aurora Choir and the Berryville Sax Quartet. Photo by David Frank Dempsey

Watch for counterfeit money The Chamber of Commerce has reported an attempt to use counterfeit money at a location on the highway in Eureka Springs. Community First Bank representative Tammy Raley said when this happens it’s usually the work of someone “passing through.”

In any case, it’s a good idea to be aware when accepting 20-, 50- and 100-dollar bills. In addition to the pen marker available to detect bogus bills, there are several things to look for listed at www.secrestservice.gov/money. Click on Know Your Money under Investigations.

Royal Court announced Mardi Gras/Eureka Gras’s Krewe of Krazo has announced the 2015 Royal Court. From left are Duchesses Patty Barter, Computer Graphics, Marathon Oil, retired; Chrys McClung, Reading Recovery teacher, Eureka Springs Elementary School; Karmon Allen, Customer Relations and teller, Cornerstone Bank; Michelle Klimek, Personal Banker, Arvest Bank; and Chris Patton-Rodgers, owner, I Do Bridalwear and Hair Salon.

Dukes, from left, are Doc Beahm, retired dentist; Chuck Baer, artist and retired residential builder; Dusty Duling, general manager, Grand Central Hotel and Grand Taverne;

Bill Carmichael, retired B & B owner and former Razorback cheerleader; and Richard Schoenofer, manager, QA & Systems, Walmart Ethics.

Boom Boom Mardi Gras will resonate at the Krewe of Krazo Kings Day kick-off Rally at the Rowdy Beaver Tavern Saturday, Jan. 10, beginning at 5 p.m. Members of the Royal Court and the King and Queen for 2015 will be formally introduced followed by a gala party. The public is invited.

Entertainment, free munchies and King cakes with Happy Hour beverages. Laissez les bon temps rouler! More info at www.

Krazo.Ureeka.Org or email mpopovac@ cstonebank.net

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