TOP
YEAR IN REVIEW
OF 2016 VOLUME 18 NUMBER 32
Visit us online: www.lovelycitizen.com
DECEMBER 29, 2016
Page 2 – Lovely County Citizen – December 29, 2016
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Dec. 20 9:26 a.m. — A caller advised that his CPAP machine was stolen during his visit to Eureka Springs. 9:50 a.m. — City Hall advised of a complaint that a meter was not registering time for money. An officer responded and repaired the meter. 1:19 p.m. — An officer arrested a subject on an outstanding felony warrant. 11:34 p.m. — A subject was arrested for driving on a suspended license, having an open container, speeding and a warrant out of Missouri. Dec. 21 4:03 a.m. — An officer responded to an alarm at an area business and located a worker who had accidentally tripped the alarm. 2:39 p.m. — A caller advised of an intoxicated male in the park area downtown. An officer made contact, and some locals offered to take the intoxicated subject home. 8:31 p.m. — An officer took an accident report involving a deer from two different parties. Dec. 22 7:48 a.m. — A caller advised of two small dogs running loose on the highway. The dogs were returned to their owner with a warning about the leash laws. The runaway dogs were just bad to the bone. 8:44 a.m. — A transit employee advised of a raccoon that was sitting in front of the depot downtown and said they couldn’t get it to move. The animal control officer responded to relocate the animal. 9:41 a.m. — Officers were advised to be on the lookout for a green Mitsubishi stolen from Missouri by a female subject with known associates in the local area. Officers were advised that she may be coming to this area to avoid arrest in Missouri. 10:32 a.m. — A clerk at an area business advised of a check received that was written on a closed account. An officer made contact and took a report on forgery. 10:53 a.m. — An officer called in a two-vehicle accident. No injuries were
By Kelby Newcomb
reported. A report was taken. 6:29 p.m. — A dog was injured on East Van Buren. A local rescue picked up the dog and took it to St. Francis. 10:11 p.m. — Officers were dispatched to a possible injured deer. Dec. 23 10:23 p.m. — An officer responded to a business for a burglar alarm. All was OK. Dec. 24 2:46 a.m. — The manager of an area motel requested extra patrol because of an issue with an employee’s boyfriend. An officer responded and checked the area. 3:05 a.m. — An officer responded to a disturbance in a trailer park. The officer spoke with both subjects involved, who advised that they were having a verbal dispute. The male subject said he was leaving to go to work. 6:51 a.m. — A local motel called to report a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot that had been there for more than four hours. An officer responded and spoke with the driver, who said he was using Wifi and fell asleep. 9:50 p.m. — A male subject was arrested on a warrant from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. Dec. 25 12:51 a.m. — A male subject was arrested for public intoxication after allegedly riding his bike in the middle of the highway and into oncoming traffic. 11:03 a.m. — An alarm company advised of a front door alarm at a local business. An officer checked the building and found that everything was secure. 12:42 p.m. — The alarm company advised of another front door alarm. Again, the building was secure. 3:49 p.m. — The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office advised of a reckless vehicle coming into town on U.S. 62 West. An officer made a traffic stop on the vehicle and advised it was just a lost tourist. 10:33 p.m. — A caller advised she witnessed someone stealing something out of her vehicle. An officer took a report.
December 29, 2016 – Lovely County Citizen – Page
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Eureka Springs voters reject proposed 1 percent sales tax By Samantha Jones Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
A proposed 1 percent sales tax in Eureka Springs failed to win voters’ approval in November, but dominated discussion at Eureka Springs City Council meetings for much of the year after Mayor Butch Berry suggested it at a meeting of The Auditorium Committee on March 10. The proposed sales tax was selected as the No. 1 local news story of 2016 by the editorial staff of Lovely County Citizen. Berry proposes sales tax Berry told The Auditorium Committee that the city would be seeking a sales tax increase in the November general election, with a portion of the revenue dedicated to operating The Auditorium. The proposal that was being considered, Berry explained, could generate anywhere from $125,000 to $150,000 for The Auditorium. Berry presented the proposal to the council on April 11, saying the proposed tax wouldn’t be new to the city. He said it existed around 10 years ago. In 2007, Berry said, the tax applied to food, lodging and retail. “Some of the retail merchants felt like they shouldn’t have to pay it so we took that off and raised it to 3 percent on food and lodging and took retail out of it completely,” Berry said. His proposal, he said, would reinstate the 2 percent tax on retail only. Berry said the proposed tax could potentially generate $1.2 million in revenue, with $200,000 allocated to The Auditorium and the remaining $1 million going to water and sewer improvements. Berry said the city has been operating through its reserves for quite some time, saying the city needs to improve the water and sewer department. If the proposed tax generated enough revenue to fulfill the five-year plan, Berry said the city could look at building its own water testing facility. Having a facility like that, he said, would save the city between $2,000 and $3,000 a month in testing fees. The portion of the proposed tax allocated to The Auditorium, Berry continued, would help maintain the building.
The proposed tax wasn’t the only option. Berry said he also considered increasing water rates. “We’d have to increase our water rates anywhere from 23 to 50 percent. That would affect everybody. That would affect the renters who pay their utility bills and have a hard time as it is,” Berry said. Council addresses proposed tax At a workshop July 5, the council asked Berry to start working on an ordinance for the proposed tax. Berry said the proposed tax was necessary to improve the city’s water and sewer infrastructure. The water and sewer departments have run a deficit for years now, Berry said. “What’s draining our revenues is the water and sewer, and we always kind of knew that,” Berry said. “We’ve been supplementing water and sewer at least since 2007. We’ve been loaning them money out of our reserves.” Alderman David Mitchell said the water and sewer infrastructure needs some work. “We’ve got leaky sewer lines. I get complaints on it,” Mitchell said. “You can’t kick the can down the road much longer. We have to start fixing it.” Berry said that the majority of the proposed tax will go to the city’s infrastructure, and alderwoman Mickey Schneider said she didn’t think it would be difficult to persuade residents to vote for the tax. “If we don’t get the infrastructure taken care of, they can forget about flushing the toilet and taking showers,” Schneider said. “Do you want to flush a toilet and take a shower? It’s not that hard to understand. They get it. They do. They understand this now.” Alderman James DeVito said it will be hard to get a majority to agree to raise taxes, and Schneider disagreed. She said the council should pass an ordinance by the end of August. Schneider explained that the ordinance needs to be done at least two months in advance if the council wanted it on the ballot during the election in November.
Council approves sales tax ordinances The council began considering two ordinances regarding the proposed tax on July 25. Ordinance 2224 provides for the levy of a 1-percent sales and use tax, and Ordinance 2245 calls for a special election to vote on the tax. Though Berry initially proposed a tax on retail only, Ordinance 2224 establishes a city-wide sales and use tax. The council approved Ordinance 2244 on two readings. The ordinance specifies how the revenue from the proposed tax would be spent, saying 25 percent would go toward The Auditorium and 75 percent would go toward the water and sewer infrastructure. The council also approved Ordinance 2245 on two readings, which calls for the special election on Nov. 8. On Aug. 8, the council approved the ordinances on second and third readings by title only. The council returned to the ordinances at two special called meetings Aug. 31, where the ordinances were amended and approved on first, second and third readings. City attorney Tim Weaver described what led up to the amendments. Weaver said the information in the ordinance wasn’t as descriptive as the county clerk would have liked. “We don’t fully explain what we’re doing, that we’re raising 1 percent on all retail, both lease and sale,” Weaver said. Mitchell asks for 10-year plan for The Aud With the election for the proposed sales tax getting near, Mitchell wanted to know what the Eureka Springs City Advertising and Planning Commission plans to do with the extra revenue from the proposed tax. He asked the CAPC to prepare a 10-year plan for The Auditorium on Sept. 12. Mitchell said he was worried the proposed tax wouldn’t pass if the CAPC didn’t respond to the criticism he’s heard from several citizens. When the council didn’t receive a plan by its next meeting, Mitchell said he still wanted to see it. DeVito, who also serves
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on the CAPC, said two weeks isn’t long enough to create the plan Mitchell asked for. The CAPC is aware of the concerns Mitchell raised, DeVito said, and was considering ways to bring more programming to The Auditorium. DeVito presented the plan Oct. 10. If the proposed tax passes, DeVito said, an independent, citizen-led commission will be formed to manage, maintain, operate and program the facility. Based on projections from the city’s finance director, DeVito said, the new commission would be left with $110,000 to maintain the building, hire additional staff and organize a volunteer force to operate and program the facility. He added that the new commission will hire a director for The Auditorium. DeVito said the CAPC will provide $110,000 per year for The Auditorium for the first three years the proposed tax is in effect. Between the fourth and sixth years, he said, the CAPC will support The Auditorium with $55,000. He explained that the proposed 1 percent tax will end after 10 years and said The Auditorium should be self-sustaining by that time. Voters reject sales tax When election day rolled around, an overwhelming majority of Eureka Springs citizens voted against the proposed sales tax. Eureka Springs voters cast 703 votes (66.4 percent) against the proposed tax, compared with 356 votes (33.6 percent) in favor of the tax. On Nov. 9, Berry said he was unhappy with the results of the election. “I’m disappointed. The people have spoken. I’m not sure whether it was against the whole tax or whether it was just against The Aud portion,” Berry said. “I’m not sure it really matters. It got defeated, so no matter the reason they voted against it, the water and sewer rates are going to go up.” Berry said he doesn’t know yet how much the rates will increase, saying the rates won’t go up 50 percent at once. He explained that the increased water rates will help cover costs for the water and sewer infrastructure. With the proposed See Tax, page 29
Page 4 – Lovely County Citizen – December 29, 2016
Eureka Springs Community Center Foundation has groundbreaking year The Citizen is published weekly on Thursdays in Eureka Springs, Arkansas by Rust Publishing MOAR L.L.C. Copyright 2016 This paper is printed with soy ink on recycled paper. Subscription rate: $57.50/year MANAGING EDITOR: Scott Loftis ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Samantha Jones EDITORIAL STAFF: Kelby Newcomb DESIGN DIRECTOR: Melody Rust PHOTOGRAPHERS: David Bell, Tavi Ellis ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES: Karen Horst, Jim Sexton, Diane Newcomb CLASSIFIEDS/RECEPTIONIST: Cindy Worley CONTRIBUTORS: Jim Fain, Beth Bartlett CIRCULATION: Dwayne Richards Cover Photo by Tavi Ellis OFFICE HOURS: Monday–Tuesday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Thursday–Friday 9 a.m.–Noon Closed Saturday & Sunday
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By Samantha Jones Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
At the beginning of 2016, the Eureka Springs Community Center Foundation had just announced its $200,000 fundraising goal to acquire the old high school property. Going into 2017, the foundation has met that goal, taken ownership of the property and begun planning programming for years to come. The community center’s development was selected as the No. 2 local news story of 2016 by the editorial staff of the Lovely County Citizen. The foundation kicked off the year with a tour of the old high school property Jan. 17, where chairwoman Diane Murphy said the old gym will be the heart of the community center. She said the existing locker rooms and restrooms will be renovated to create the activity center. Jack Moyer, treasurer of the foundation, said the band room will be used for exercise classes such as yoga and Zumba. Moyer said the room will be split in half by a floating wall, allowing the other half of it to be used for senior citizens’ activities. Al Larson, a board member of the foundation, said Building 100 will be will be mostly demolished to create a plaza. The plaza will have a stage for outdoor events and will retain the backdrop for the existing stage inside the building. It’s where the Eureka Springs Farmers Market will be located, he said. Bill Featherstone, also a board member, discussed the trail system and aquatic center. The trail system, he said, will feature a trail hub that will be the central location within the trail system with multiple trail heads leading in different directions.The first step the foundation will take on the project, he said, is creating a soft surface trail. The last piece of construction, he said, will be the aquatic component. Glenn Crenshaw, vice chairman of
Photo by Tavi Ellis
Al Larson, Larry Burkett and Bill Featherstone discuss fundraising during a picnic at Harts Family Center on June 10.
the foundation, said part of the existing building will be converted into office space that will be rented out to keep the center running. Crenshaw said this should generate between $100,000 and $150,000 a year. By March, Murphy said the foundation was getting closer to its $200,000 fundraising goal. She credited various fundraisers for helping the fundraising, saying the foundation also received donations through the Igave50 campaign. Between donations and pledges, Murphy said, the foundation had raised $50,000 mid-March. At the end of May, Murphy said the foundation had raised $155,000 for the project. She said Cornerstone Bank’s $50,000 matching fund helped make this possible. Part of that matching fund, Murphy said, went toward relocating the farmers market to the old high school. Other fundraisers in the first half of the year included an alumni basketball tournament, a picnic in the Harts Family Cen-
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ter parking lot and Paint Your Dreams at the farmers market. It wasn’t too much longer before the foundation met its first fundraising goal. Murphy reported June 29 that $200,000 was raised in six months by more than 400 contributors. “Eureka once again proves itself to be a totally amazing community!” she said. The foundation continued fundraising and working with the community, hosting a meeting on the proposed trail hub June 30. At the meeting, Murphy said $40,000 of the money raised for the project will go toward creating the trail hub. Featherstone said the city’s master plan for trails is to connect all of the existing trails in Eureka Springs by building new trails. The intent is for the trail system to be designated as an “epic trail,” he said, and the trail hub at the community center will be the main point of connection and access for system. Though the foundation met its initial fundraising goal, the lease-purchase agreement for the old high school property wasn’t signed yet. Murphy met with See Foundation, page 30
December 29, 2016 – Lovely County Citizen – Page
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Mayor institutes freeze on city spending By Samantha Jones Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
Mayor Butch Berry declared a freeze on certain city spending in April. The spending freeze was selected as the No. 3 local news story of 2016 by the editorial staff of Lovely County Citizen. Berry issued a memorandum on April 18 placing a freeze on “all non-operations essential expenditures.” The memo lists some of the expenditures affected by the freeze, including: new hires, as well as replacement hiring; pay rate increases; travel, conference, training, education, tuition and professional dues and fees; professional services; uniform purchasing; and maintenance on both buildings and equipment. Maintenance items related to the immediate and essential operation of the city, the memo says, will be considered on a case-by-case basis by Berry and department heads. Berry addressed the freeze at the Eureka Springs City Council’s April 25 meeting, saying he wasn’t sure when it will be lifted. “I don’t know when that’s going to be, until our revenue starts catching up with our expenditures,” Berry said. The reason behind the freeze, he explained, was to address the city’s budget problems. Berry said these problems have been mounting over the past 10 to 15 years. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we didn’t get here overnight and we’re not going to get out of it overnight,” Berry said. Berry continued, saying the city would keep paying for essential services such as ambulances, fire, water and sewer. He said he hopes the city’s revenues will eventually increase so funds can be placed in reserves to improve these services. One major improvement, Berry said, is a proposed water-testing facility. Berry said the city has been spending $1,500 to $2,000 a month for water testing. It would cost around $40,000 to build a water-testing facility, but Berry said this would benefit the city in the long run. If the city could save up
enough money in reserves, he said, more grant opportunities will be available. “I think we’re in a position where the state will help us and help pay for this, but we can’t even meet the grant matching. It’s like going to a twofor-one sale. I can’t afford to buy the two to get one free,” Berry said. “We’ve got to do something,” he added. “Otherwise, we’re going to have to look at increasing our water and sewer rates and I don’t think that’s a fair thing to do.” Berry thanked the council for supporting the freeze. “I appreciate the city council working with me and understanding,” Berry said. Alderman David Mitchell said the freeze makes sense. “That’s strong, sound city administrator actions, and you should be applauded for it,” Mitchell said. “We’re all trying to live within our means,” Berry responded, “and that’s where we are.” The city’s financial situation was back in the news in June when rumors swirled that the city would be reducing its emergency services because of the budget crunch. Berry responded these concerns on June 9, saying the city had no plans to limit or eliminate fire, police and emergency medical services. “It’s all innuendos and rumors,” he said. “There’s been no talk of eliminating the ambulance service.” Berry pointed out that the city was still under contract with the Western Carroll County Ambulance District, saying the contract will come up for renewal in 2017. At that time, Berry said the city will decide how to move forward. Likewise, Berry said, the fire department was in no danger of disbanding. He acknowledged that the department has a large budget and said it’s important to keep that budget in order, especially in light of the spending freeze. “We are in a budget crunch. Our taxes are coming in two months behind
the month they are due,” he said. “Our cash flow has been behind for years, and we’ve taken money from our reserves to make up for some of that.” Fire chief Randy Ates spoke about the city’s financial problems. Ates, who announced his resignation on May 26, said it’s important to fund emergency services even in a money crisis. At the Eureka Springs City Council meeting June 13, Ates said the fire department has been having budget issues. He expressed concern that the fire department would be affected negatively if the city has declining revenues. Agreeing that emergency services are vital, Berry said on June 9 that the fire department should still try to find ways to keep spending down. He recalled when he was working on the 2016 bud-
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get with various department heads, saying he asked every department head to cut their budget by 5 percent. All the departments did so, Berry said, except for the fire department. Still, he said the city had to cut the budget somehow. That cut was necessary, he explained, for the city to have a balanced budget across the board. He noted that these budget cuts and the spending freeze have been successful. Since issuing the freeze, Berry said, the city has saved around $100,000. Berry gave an update on the spending freeze at a city council workshop Oct. 24, saying he has seen some improvement in the city’s budget. Even with the spending freeze, he said, the city hasn’t brought in the revenue he hoped it would. Still, he said, the spending freeze has helped the city stay on top of things. “We’re actually a little bit ahead for a change,” Berry said.
Page 6 – Lovely County Citizen – December 29, 2016
Samac succeeds Ates as ES fire chief By Samantha Jones Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
The Eureka Springs Fire Department had some major turnover in 2016, beginning with fire chief Randy Ates’ resignation in May. Ates’ resignation and replacement was selected as the No. 4 local news story of 2016 by the editorial staff of the Lovely County Citizen. Ates announced on May 26 that he had accepted an assistant fire chief position with the Holiday Island Fire Department. His last day at ESFD was June 14. Eureka Springs Mayor Butch Berry named Nick Samac interim fire chief on June 13, saying he spoke with Samac about the city’s budget problems and felt confident Samac would keep the budget in check. Berry said Samac had been working with the department for 18 years as a firefighter and paramedic. “He’s seen both sides with volunteers and paid staff,” Berry said. “We’re really excited to have Nick step in and help us out, because we’re on a hiring freeze. He’s stepping into this issue right now, too.” Describing his time at the fire department, Samac said he felt ready to take on the new role. “I’ve seen all kinds of transition at the fire department. I’ve seen the budget grow, and I’ve seen the budget shrink,” Samac said. “There are things we can do to keep the service up and running.” It didn’t take long for Berry to promote Samac to full-time fire chief. Berry announced the appointment at the Eureka Springs City Council meeting on Aug. 8, saying he named Samac full-time chief earlier that day.
Photo by David Bell
Nick Samac was named full-time fire chief of the Eureka Springs Fire Department in August.
Berry explained why Samac is good for the job, pointing out that the fire department has been having some problems with funding and revenue. “I think Nick’s already brought up some cost-saving [solutions] that’s available to us,” Berry said. “I’m really excited to have Nick here. He’s a team player, and he’s going to be working with us to make our fire department and our ambulance district much more efficient.” Samac, who popped into the meeting in the middle of an EMT training session,
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quickly thanked Berry and the council. “I look forward to continuing serving this town I love. I went to high school here,” Samac said. “It’s nice to get the hometown kids rising in the ranks in the fire service.” He added, “We’re going to keep the quality of service we’ve always had and continue to do good things. Thank you. I look forward to meeting with all of you.” Samac’s resume speaks to his experience in emergency services. He was promoted to assistant fire chief in September 2015. He has an associate’s degree in fire administration and is an accomplished grant writer, having acquired more than $1.5 million in funding. He is the director of Carroll County’s office of emergency management and involved with the county special operations and response team. On Sept. 1, Samac spoke exclusively with Lovely County Citizen about his 20year career in emergency services. He said he spent the first 20 years of his life moving between Arkansas and Ohio. He was born in Cleveland, completed the sixth grade in Eureka Springs, returned to Ohio after that
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and moved back to Eureka Springs during his sophomore year of high school. “I graduated from here. That’s what I consider the growing-up years,” Samac said. “You make lifelong friends during that time, and I’ve still got them.” He got involved with emergency services in Ohio, Samac said, when he began hanging out with members of the local volunteer fire department. He joined the volunteer fire department, Samac said, and quickly realized he wanted to do more than that. He was accepted into an Ohio hospital’s EMT program, where he learned the basics of being an EMT. In the meantime, his parents decided to move back to Eureka Springs. Samac followed them and started working with the maintenance crew at the Great Passion Play. He liked the work, but Samac knew he wouldn’t have that job forever. “As good a job as working at the Passion Play was, I didn’t see a future cleaning the play after every performance,” Samac said. “I decided to go to paramedic school.” He went to school in Ohio, but Eureka Springs was never far from his mind. After completing the program, he moved back to Eureka Springs and received his paramedic certification in Arkansas. He soon began working with the Eureka Springs Fire Department and continued to do so off and on for 20 years. After such a long career in emergency services, Samac said he felt honored to be named fire chief of the department he grew to love. “I’m extremely humble and proud that the mayor and the volunteers and the paid staff of this department put their trust and faith in me to lead and guide this department,” he said. “The volunteers are such an amazing group of guys, and we’re blessed to have them. They’re such a valuable part of our organization.” Samac said he didn’t want to be in the office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Instead, he continued the shift work he’d been doing since he started working as an EMT. “I work my shift work, just like all the other guys here,” he said. “I’m going to be right there with these guys every step of the way, working with them and leading by example.”
December 29, 2016 – Lovely County Citizen – Page
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County incumbents win re-election; ES alderman is defeated By Scott Loftis and Samantha Jones
CarrollCountyNews@cox-internet.com
Two Carroll County officials were re-elected in the Nov. 8 general election, while a long-time Eureka Springs alderman was defeated by a first-time challenger in his bid for re-election and voters here rejected a proposed sales-tax increase by a wide margin. The election was selected as the No. 5 news story of 2016 by the editorial staff of the Lovely County Citizen. Carroll County Judge Sam Barr, a Democrat, received 6,026 votes (57.4 percent) compared with 4,472 votes (42.6 percent) for his Republican challenger, Green Forest Mayor Charles Reece. “I just feel honored and blessed to work for the people of Carroll County,” Barr said. “I want to thank the people who came out and voted.” Reece said he was disappointed with the outcome but pleased that he and Barr ran a clean race. “When you decide to run for political office, you always expect to win,” he said. “Naturally, I’m disappointed that I didn’t win, but in retrospect both Sam and I really strove to not go negative. … Looking at it from a realistic point of view, I’ve got some huge projects running in Green Forest right now. It’s probably a blessing to be able to take care of things going on in Green Forest. I really appreciate the support I received. It’s
always tough to beat an incumbent.” Sheriff Randy Mayfield, a Democrat, was elected to a second term with 5,858 votes (55.7 percent). His challenger, Republican Jack Gentry Jr., received 4,663 votes (44.3 percent). “I would like to thank the voters for their support,” Mayfield said. “My staff and I will continue to do our best to serve all the citizens of Carroll County.” Gentry said he will run again in 2018. “I thank everyone for coming out and supporting me,” he said. “We’ll do it again in two years.” In Eureka Springs, challenger Peg Adamson received 608 votes (59.1 percent) to unseat incumbent alderman James DeVito, who received 420 votes (40.9 percent). “It is very sweet of the people of Eureka Springs. They put some thought into it. I’m very happy to be on city council,” Adamson said. “It’s quite a brand-new thing for me. I’ve never served on anything before besides the cemetery commission. “I’m excited about representing and bringing to the table the concerns of the residents. I’m not quite sure what those concerns might be, but I hope to be open and ready to help in whatever way possible.” “I’ve been on council probably 10 years,
which is probably a record for Eureka Springs,” DeVito said. “I feel I’ve accomplished some good things as a councilperson and I’m proud to be able to represent the citizens of Eureka Springs.” DeVito said his defeat was a result of his support for a proposed sales tax in Eureka Springs. “It’s no surprise to me,” he said. “ I wrapped myself pretty tightly around the issue of the sales tax … I championed the cause of the tax and went down with the ship. I’ve lost before, so it’s not a big issue.” Eureka Springs voters cast 703 votes (66.4 percent) against the proposed 1-cent sales tax, compared with 356 votes (33.6 percent) in favor of the tax. In the March 1 non-partisan judicial election, then-Madison County District Judge Dale Ramsey defeated Carroll County attorney Chris Flanagin for a new district judge’s position covering Carroll and Madison Counties. Ramsey received 2,611 votes in Carroll County, compared with 3,578 votes for Flanagin, but Ramsey won the race with a dominant showing in Madison County. Ramsey received 3,397 votes in Madison County, while Flanagin got 1,140 votes. In total, Ramsey finished with 6,008 votes
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(56 percent) while Flanagin received 4,718 votes (44 percent). Ramsey said he and Flanagin competed as respectfully as possible in the non-partisan race. After the results came in, Ramsey said Flanagin called him to congratulate him and his wife. “He was very gracious. He had my wife in mind. He knows that these campaigns are not only difficult for the candidate but also our wives,” Ramsey said. Both he and Flanagin, Ramsey said, treated each other well while campaigning. “I think both Chris and I ran very clean, very positive campaigns, and I think it’s the way campaigns ought to be run. I think the folks in Carroll and Madison counties saw politics the way it’s supposed to be,” Ramsey said. Flanagin agreed, saying he enjoyed campaigning. “I’m very proud of the campaign we ran, and I am blessed to have been able to get to know so many people and have so many friends and supporters throughout the campaign,” Flanagin said. “I’d say Dale is a gentleman’s gentleman, and I have confidence he’ll serve this district well.” Just because he lost the race, Flanagin noted, doesn’t mean he won’t still be here to help Carroll County residents as an attorney. “I’ll be here for years to come trying to help the folks in this district with any legal needs they have,” Flanagin said.
Kendrick, Adamson join Eureka Springs City Council By Samantha Jones Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
The Eureka Springs City Council will include some new faces in 2017, following the death of alderwoman Joyce Zeller in June and the defeat of alderman James DeVito in the November general election. The changes within the council were selected as the No. 6 local news story of 2016 by the editorial staff of Lovely County Citizen. Zeller, who served on the council for many years, died unexpectedly on June 13. She was 84 and intended to remain on the council after her term ended, saying June 12 she planned to keep running for her seat.
In light of Zeller’s death, the council declared a vacancy at its June 27 meeting. City attorney Tim Weaver advised aldermen of the state statute, saying the council is required to vote on filling the position at the next meeting where a quorum of aldermen is present. Weaver pointed out that two aldermen would be absent at the council’s next meeting. Even though Mayor Butch Berry could stand in to create a quorum on other issues, Weaver said, he could not do so to appoint a new council member. The council voted 4-1 to declare the va-
cancy, and Weaver suggested setting a date to vote on filling the vacancy when a quorum of aldermen would be present. The council set the date for July 25. On July 25, the council appointed Kristi Kendrick to the vacant Ward 3 position over Ferguson Stewart. The council voted 4-1 to appoint Kendrick to the position, with one unsigned ballot marked for “none of the above.” During the general election Nov. 8, DeVito lost his seat to first-time challenger Peg Adamson. DeVito received 420 votes (40.9 percent) and Ad-
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amson received 608 (59.1 percent). DeVito said Nov. 10 he wasn’t upset about losing his seat. “I feel I’ve accomplished some good things as a council person, and I’m proud to be able to represent the citizens of Eureka Springs,” he said. One of the reasons he lost, DeVito said, is because he supported the proposed 1 percent sales tax. The proposed tax was rejected with 703 votes (66.4 percent) cast against it, compared with 356 votes (33.6 percent) in favor of the tax. “I’m well aware of what happened during this election. It’s no surprise to me. I wrapped See Council, page 8
Page 8 – Lovely County Citizen – December 29, 2016
Eureka Springs man charged with first-degree murder By Scott Loftis CarrollCountyNews@cox-internet.com
An apparent shooting Feb. 19 near Eureka Springs left one man dead and another in jail on charges of first-degree murder. The alleged murder was selected as the No. 7 local news story of 2016 by the editorial staff of Lovely County Citizen. According to a press release from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, dispatchers received a report at 8:44 p.m. Nov. 19 of a disturbance involving trespassers at Stone Wall Mountain, on Highway 23 north of Eureka Springs. “While the assigned deputy was responding, the caller notified dispatch that there had been a shooting,” the press release says. “Responding deputies located the caller, identified as Christopher Kevin Butler, and discovered a deceased subject in the driver’s seat of Butler’s vehicle.” In an update on Feb. 22, CCSO identified the victim as John Catlin Keck, 30, of Eureka Springs. Investigators from the sheriff’s office processed the scene and interviewed Butler, according to the press release. “Following the interview, investigators arrested Butler and booked him into the Carroll County Detention Center on charges of First Degree Murder (Class Y Felony) and Tampering with Evidence (Class D Felony),” the press release says. Butler had his first court appearance Feb. 22, appearing before Carroll County Circuit Judge Scott Jackson. Butler requested legal counsel before proceeding further. His bond was set at $300,000 during a court appearance on March 7. Carroll County District Judge Tim Parker set the bond for Christopher Kevin Butler, 43, after ruling that there was sufficient probable cause to hold Butler in connection with Keck’s death. In response to a motion from Butler’s attorney, Carroll County Circuit Judge
Scott Jackson ruled Nov. 23 that statements Butler made to investigators after Keck’s death will not be suppressed as evidence. In the motion, public defender Joseph Tobler of Little Rock argued that statements Butler made to CCSO investigators should be suppressed because Butler was questioned by then-deputy Janet Galland without being advised of his Miranda rights. Tobler’s motion said Butler was advised of his Miranda rights later, before speaking with CCSO Lt. J.J. Reddick and investigator David Deatherage. Tobler’s motion said Butler later was interviewed by Deatherage and investigator Jerry Williams. “During the interview, when given a moment to pause and reflect as Investigator Deatherage had left the interrogation room, Butler unequivocally invoked his right to counsel by stating ‘I’m at the point now to where maybe I should stop talking and get a lawyer,’ “ Tobler’s motion said. “At this point, rather than honoring Mr. Butler’s request for his constitutional right to counsel, Investigator Williams continued to question Mr. Butler in order to cajole him into continuing the interview. “Investigator Williams was successful at rescuing the interrogation, and in response to Williams’ question whether Defendant was in fact invoking his right, Mr. Butler relents, ‘I’m not yet.’ “ Tobler argued in his motion that “the interview should have stopped immediately at the point when Mr. Butler invoked his right to a lawyer,” and cited previous court rulings that he said support his contention. “Butler’s statement to Deatherage and Williams should be suppressed as it was not voluntarily made in waiver of Butler’s Miranda rights, but as the result of the detective’s pressuring Butler to talk after a clear invocation of his constitu-
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See Murder, page 13
Council
Continued from page 7
myself tightly around the issue of the sales tax,” DeVito said. “I’ve been joking before the election that I was the equivalent of Eureka Springs’ Hillary Clinton in that I was the only elected official for the entire city running for office, and I championed the cause of the tax and went down with the ship.” He added, “I’ve lost before, so it’s not a big issue.” Moving forward, DeVito said, he’s excited about working with the people in his ward. “I’ll still be able to actually lobby my representatives, because as a council person, you’re restricted from communicating with your other council people. I can assail a whole bunch of them,” he said. Adamson said Nov. 9 that she respects everything DeVito did in all the years he served at the council table. “He served so well for so many years. He should be thanked and congratulated for that,” she said.
Adamson said she’s excited to take a seat at the table in 2017. “It is very sweet of the people of Eureka Springs. They put some thought into it. I’m very happy to be on city council,” Adamson said. “It’s quite a brand-new thing for me. I’ve never served on anything before besides the cemetery commission.” She said she’s looking forward to working with other council members, saying she hopes to represent the people of Eureka Springs as well as she can. “I’m excited about representing and bringing to the table the concerns of the residents. I’m not quite sure what those concerns might be, but I hope to be open and ready to help in whatever way possible,” Adamson said. The council said goodbye to DeVito at its Dec. 12 meeting, where DeVito said the city hasn’t seen the last of him quite yet. He said there’s an open position on the Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion Commission coming up in January, and he plans to apply for it. “I hope I will get the nod from all of you here at the council,” DeVito said.
Citizens of the Week
Eureka Springs Fire and EMS employees Christian FitzPatrick, Billy Hayes, Derrick Terrel and assistant chief Billy Summers are this week’s Citizens of the Week. They worked the holiday shift on Christmas day to be sure everyone in Eureka Springs stayed safe.
December 29, 2016 – Lovely County Citizen – Page
What do
think
Citizen Opinion by Cindy Worley
2016’s most answered questions of the week 1. What should our government do about gun violence? (55 votes cast) • Give everyone guns!: 63.6% (35 votes) • Stricter gun laws: 23.6% (13 votes) • Nothing: 12.7% (7 votes) 2. Who do you think won the first presidential debate? (54 votes cast) • Hillary Clinton: 48.1% (26 votes) • Donald Trump: 38.9% (21 votes) • I didn’t watch it: 13% (7 votes) 3. Are you satisfied with the results of last week’s general election? (48 votes cast) • Yes: 64.6% (31 votes) • No: 33.3% (16 votes) • I’m not sure: 2.1% (1 vote) 4. What is your favorite historic building in Eureka Springs? (36 votes cast) • The Crescent Hotel: 41.7% (15 votes) • The Basin Park Hotel: 5.6% (2 votes) • The public library: 30.6% (11 votes) • The red barn: 2.8% (1 vote) • The courthouse: 5.6% (2 votes) • Something else: 13.9% (5 votes) 5. Are you excited about Bikes, Blues and BBQ? (34 votes cast) • Yes: 14.7% (5 votes) • No: 73.5% (25 votes) • I’m not sure: 11.8% (4 votes) 6. Would you like to see food trucks here in Eureka?
(32 votes cast) • Yes: 53.1% (17 votes) • No: 43.8% (14 votes) • I’m not sure: 3.1% (1 vote) 7. Fall is approaching. What is your favorite season? (32 votes cast) • Winter: 9.4% (3 votes) • Spring: 18.8% (6 votes) • Summer: 6.3% (2 votes) • Fall: 59.4% (19 votes) • None of these: 6.3% (2 votes) • All of these: 0.0% (0 votes) 8. What big name act would you like to see in The Aud? (32 votes cast) • Led Zeppelin: 25.0% (8 votes) • Ed Sheeran: 6.3% (2 votes) • Blake Shelton: 25.0% (8 votes) • Kid Rock: 6.3% (2 votes) • Ozzy Osbourne: 3.1% (1 vote) • Someone else: 34.4% (11 votes) 9. What is your favorite place to hang out in Eureka Springs? (31 votes cast) • Main Street: 6.5% • Downtown: 45.2% • The shops: 3.2% • Restaurants: 12.9% • Coffee shops: 16.1% • The parks: 16.1% 10. In lieu of a sales tax increase, how would you suggest raising money for infrastructure repairs? (31 votes cast) • Spend wisely: 58.3% • Benefit party: 0.0% • Toll roads: 8.3% • Lower tax: 4.2% • More meters: 4.2% • None of these: 25.0%
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From the EDITOR
N
Ringing in the year
ew Year’s Eve is this Saturday. For many of you, it’s a night to celebrate the end of the year with friends and family, likely with a fair amount of champagne. I’ve always liked New Year’s Eve, but this year it’s especially meaningful to me. This year, it’s my wedding day. Gideon and I have been together three years, but we’ve been friends around seven years. Our friendship began in 2010 at the end of our senior years of high school. I went to school in a small town in Southwest Arkansas. He went to a private school in Fayetteville. We met on April 26 at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock, where all the valedictorians and salutatorians in Arkansas were being honored. I was the valedictorian of my school, and Gideon was the salutatorian of his. I won’t let him forget that. Near the end of the reception, I was hanging around the refreshment table with a friend from my school. The friend dared me to hit on the next person who walked through the door. An old man walked through with his wife. We agreed they didn’t count. Then, I saw a tall, awkward guy amble through. His suit was a little too big, and he wore black from head to toe. He didn’t look like he wanted anybody to approach him, but a dare’s a dare. “Hey man, what’s up?” I greeted him. Clearly, I was an expert at flirting. He didn’t answer me at first. I think he expected me to walk away. He didn’t know how persistent I am. Eventually, he told me his name was Gideon and said he lived in Fayetteville. We chatted about movies and music for a little while. He said he wanted to go get some lemonade, handing me his iPod so I could look through his music while he was away. For a person who didn’t seem too happy about talking to a stranger, he sure put a lot of trust in me. He returned, collected his iPod and said he had to go. I told him I wanted his contact information so I could stalk him on social media. I actually said
this. For some reason, he gave me his name and said I could friend him on Facebook. Again, I don’t think he expected me to go through with that. Later that night, I sent him a friend request on Facebook. We became friends, talking pretty regularly and sharing our writing with each other. He was getting ready to go to school at the Samantha Jones University of Arkansas, while I planned to attend Lyon College in Batesville. Two days after we started talking, a guy from my college asked me out. I said yes, and we dated for three years. It was a bad three years. He didn’t treat me well, and he didn’t like that I was friends with Gideon. He always told me Gideon had a crush on me. I didn’t tell him I had a crush on Gideon, thinking it was one of those silly crushes that everybody has every now and then. I broke up with my college boyfriend in 2013, just after Gideon had ended a relationship with his first serious girlfriend. Gideon and I were both single for the first time since we’d known each other. Neither of us wanted to be in a serious relationship so soon after a breakup, so we lied to ourselves and said we would casually date. Gideon sent me a text saying he didn’t see anything “long-term or traditional” with me, which is something I like to bring up to him when we talk about the wedding. On New Year’s Eve in 2013, we saw a band we both liked in Dallas and shared one of those New Year’s Eve kisses you only see in the movies. The next New Year’s Eve, we were living together in Eureka Springs. He proposed on New Year’s Eve in See Jones, page 31
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION
23 votes cast
Christmas is the season of giving. What is your favorite local non-profit to give to? m USMC Foundation: 0.0% m Turpentine Creek: 13.0% m Good Shepherd: 30.4% m Community center: 13.0% m Flint Street: 8.7% m Something else: 34.8%
Page 10 – Lovely County Citizen – December 29, 2016
Good Shepherd reopens with renovations By Samantha Jones Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
It was quite a year for the Good Shepherd Humane Society, which emerged from a two-month shutdown of its animal shelter with a renovated facility and went on to have a successful year with fundraising and animal adoptions. Good Shepherd’s comeback was selected as the No. 8 local news story of 2016 by the editorial staff of Lovely County Citizen. At an emergency board meeting Jan. 16, the board voted to close the shelter for two months. Board president Mark Jankowski said the board received a loan in late 2015 to expand the shelter, saying the money collected from grants, fundraisers and two thrift store covers the costs of caring for the animals. After hearing then shelter manager Rachel Brix’s recommendations during the emergency meeting, he said, the board would use the money to make critical improvements, including erecting an extra storage building and perimeter fencing and painting and remodeling. The board met again on Jan. 27 to set priorities and vote on the changes at the shelter. Brix reported that the amount of food provided to dogs was increased, saying changes would be made to the food storage system. The board approved the acquisition of a new perimeter fence allowing the entire shelter area to be more fully contained, enhancing animal safety. With these changes in mind, the shelter was set to re-open on March 21. Jankowski said March 25 that the shelter would be fully open to the public on April 3. He said the shelter was opening a little later than expected, because it took a while to repaint the kennels. The improvements made to the shelter, he said, were immediately noticeable. Jankowski said the shelter installed a black perimeter containment fence to prevent dogs who might break out of their kennel from running onto the highway. A storage container to hold animal food was also added on-site. The juvenile cat house, he continued, was sani-
Photo by David Bell
GSHS volunteer Darlyne Warrings hangs out with shelter cat Jezebel at the annual Doggie Style Show Nov. 15.
tized and repainted. He said the shelter was also painting the office and dog kennels, as well as replacing broken sliding doors in the dog runs. Jankowski said a tankless hot water heater was installed to help maintain sanitation. The shelter, Jankowski said, added a new building with two rooms. He said the first room would be a meet-and-greet room, allowing potential adopters to meet animals they want to adopt in a private oneon-one indoor setting. The second room, he said, was a multipurpose room meant for meetings and a break room for the staff. The shelter hosted a reopening event to show off its improvements on May 1, where Jankowski said the shelter improvements included changing the structure of the staff. He said the board agreed to have two co-managers, one who focuses on animal care and another who focuses on the office. All the changes, he said, were almost immediately successful. “You can visually see it. I know there’s
been a lot of talk, but we have been focusing on what’s best for the animals,” Jankowski said. “We still have improvements we’re going to make, but it’s moving in the right direction.” By July, the board had a new president. Troy Johnson took the helm, working with new board member Jay Fusaro to find grants for the shelter. Johnson stepped down Sept. 28 because of health problems, and Fusaro was named the new president of Good Shepherd. Fusaro said Oct. 3 he was excited to help the shelter as president of GSHS. “I understand to the community it is concerning to have so much turnover on the board, but we have put together a board of local businesspeople from Eureka and Berryville that is a very strong and passionate board, and we have nothing but the best of intentions for Good Shepherd,” Fusaro said. He said he planned to focus on fundraising to ensure the shelter kept having successful facility improvements and day-to-day operations. When it comes to
NEWS STORY
fundraising, Fusaro said, the thrift stores generate around 55 percent of the shelter’s revenue. He said the other 45 percent needs to come from the residents of Carroll County. “We do not receive any state, local or federal funding,” Fusaro said. Fundraisers for the shelter in 2016 included Holiday Extravaganza, Poker Run and the Doggie Style Show. Since he joined the board, Fusaro said, the board also hosted two successful rabies clinics. He said the next improvement the shelter needed to make was purchasing new kennels. The shelter received a grant from the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District for its new meet and greet room, he said, so he wasn’t too worried about fundraising for that. Interim treasurer Rosemary Fusaro reported Oct. 26 that the shelter increased its revenue in September. She attributed the increase to Holiday Extravaganza but said it’s indicative of the improvements at the shelter, too. “We’re trending in the right direction. We’ve got a great board here. We’ve got great people, and we’re doing great things. The trend is positive,” she said. At the end of the year, the board members put up their own money to raise money for the shelter. Fusaro announced the Board Challenge on Nov. 30, saying the board put up $4,000 for a donation match until the end of the year. The board would match the first $4,000 raised in the community, Fusaro said. The idea behind the challenge, Fusaro said, came from the board’s desire to show its dedication to the animal shelter. “We want the community to know the board is committed to the success of Good Shepherd,” Fusaro said. “This is a visible way for the community to see that the board is committed to the success of Good Shepherd. The board is both committed and invested ... not only with their time and effort, but also with their money.” Moving into 2017, Fusaro said, the board is looking to keep raising money for the new kennels and to create new fundraising events. Those interested in volunteering or donating to the shelter should call 479-253-9188.
December 29, 2016 – Lovely County Citizen – Page
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Alleged bank robber arrested after holdup in Eureka Springs By Samantha Jones Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
A 19-year-old Berryville man was arrested Oct. 14 in connection with the robbery earlier that day of a First National Bank branch in Eureka Springs. The robbery was selected as the No. 9 local news story of 2016 by the editorial staff of Lovely County Citizen. According to the jail inChafin take log, Hunter Cody Chafin is charged with aggravated robbery and failure to pay on Oct. 14. Chafin allegedly took $3,350 during the robbery. No one was injured. A press release from the Eureka Springs Police Department says officers responded to call of an armed robbery
in progress at the First National Bank of North Arkansas at approximately 1:57 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14. The Eureka Springs branch is located at 23 Greenwood Hollow Road. An affidavit prepared by ESPD Detective Paul Sebby describes what happened when officers arrived on the scene, saying they started the investigation by staging and securing the area. Before arriving at the bank, the affidavit says, the officers were told that the suspect had fled the scene. After clearing the bank, the affidavit says, the officers established a perimeter and started contacting other law enforcement agencies in the area. The affidavit says Sebby and another officer began interviewing Kindred Marnoff, a teller at the bank. Marnoff filled out a statement saying a black car dropped off the suspect, and
the suspect asked if his accounts were open before going outside to wait on a taxi. “When [the] taxi arrived, he came back in...would not make eye contact and was nervous,” Marnoff’s statement says. “[He] handed me an envelope with a note stating ‘50s and 100s only ... no trouble, I have a gun.’ I handed him the 50s and 100s he asked for.” Marnoff said the suspect took the money and left in a taxi. Marnoff confirmed the suspect was Chafin, saying Chafin provided his name while inquiring about his accounts. She said Chafin left the bank with $3,350. Jennifer Matthews, also a teller at the bank, provided a statement saying she was working at the drive-thru window during the robbery. Matthews said she saw a young man hand Marnoff a brown
NEWS STORY
note and returned to her paperwork. Marnoff told Matthews she had just been robbed, the affidavit says, and the two informed their supervisor. From there, the affidavit says, an officer contacted the taxi service the suspect used. Using a GPS tracker, the affidavit says, officers learned the vehicle was in Bentonville. The affidavit says taxi driver Joanna Buck reported dropping the suspect off at in the 2900 block of Red Haven in Bentonville, where the suspect said he wanted to purchase a bike. Buck came back to Eureka Springs for an interview, the affidavit says. She reported driving to the bank, saying the suspect asked her to wait while he went inside to sign some papers. Buck said he came back after a few minutes and asked her to take him to Bentonville. During the drive, Buck said, the suspect told her his name was Hunter Chafin and said he wanted to purchase a See Holdup, page 23
Council takes no action on Henke’s CAPC seat By Samantha Jones Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
Damon’s Henke’s seat on the Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion became a point of contention in August, and the matter won’t be settled until at least January 2017. The controversy over Henke’s seat was selected as the No. 10 local news story of 2016 by the editorial staff of the Lovely County Citizen. The CAPC twice voted to recommend that Henke retain his seat. The first such vote was taken on Aug. 10, and the second on Sept. 14. The Eureka Springs City Council initially voted against keeping Henke on the CAPC, with alderwoman Mickey Schneider urging her colleagues not to approve the commission’s recommendation. After the CAPC sent its second recommendation to the council, the council voted on Sept. 26 to postpone a decision on whether to keep Henke on the commission. The decision meant Henke
would remain on the CAPC at least until January 2017. When the Aug. 10 vote came to the council for approval, Schneider said she wasn’t sure if Henke would be a good fit for the commission. She said Henke worked with the Passion Play to lobby against Ordinance 2223 last year. The council voted 3-2 with one abstention to approve Henke’s renewal, falling short of the required majority. Henke denied lobbying against the ordinance, but alderman David Mitchell said Sept. 26 that wasn’t why he voted against the CAPC’s recommendation. His concern, Mitchell said, centered around Henke’s actions when he was the interim director of the Great Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce. During that time, Mitchell said Henke’s business was the only link for lodging on the chamber’s website.
That has since changed, but Mitchell said he was worried about the way Henke promoted his business while working with the chamber. Mitchell alleged that Henke had to be corrected five or six times for misusing his role on the chamber and said he was told Henke has a temper. He moved to postpone voting on Henke’s position until January 2017. The council voted, with Mitchell, Schneider and Thomas voting in favor of the motion and DeVito, McClung and Kendrick voting against it. Mayor Butch Berry voted in favor of the motion to break the tie. Henke’s experience on the chamber Since the vote on Sept. 26, Henke has received both support and backlash from the community. Jack Moyer, who worked with Henke at the chamber, ex-
NEWS STORY
pressed support for Henke. Moyer remembered when the chamber brought Henke on, saying former director Mike Bishop was terminated after releasing a position statement in opposition to the city’s non-discrimination ordinance. “Damon was hired as an interim director 20 hours a week to help guide the search for the permanent director and to help re-stabilize the chamber in a time of great concern,” Moyer said. “We picked Damon because he was very much a community volunteer. He was very engaged, very well-liked.” Henke said he was open to being interim director of the chamber because of the work he had already done in the community. He had to hire a general manager for his business while working at the chamber, he said, to ensure his focus was on the chamber. Henke said he worked for 20 hours a week and received part-time pay for the position. See Henke, page 30
Page 12 – Lovely County Citizen – December 29, 2016
2016 Citizens of Week
Bob Ballinger
Butch Berry
Jim Swiggart
Darlyne Warrings
Diane Murphy
Diversity Weekend Organizers
Eleanor Lux
Eureka Springs Custodians
Heath Redding
Jacob Hager
Jake Allen
Jeff Danos
Johan and Johanes
Joyce Zeller
Kim Stryker
Larry Mansker
Loretta Crenshaw
Mary Bucholtz
Michele Gann
Mickey Schneider
December 29, 2016 – Lovely County Citizen – Page
Barry Milner
National Honor Society students
Carroll County Ozark Off-Road Cyclists
Pat Kasner
Phyllis Poe
Rachel Brix
Randy Ates
Shannon Haney
Sky Smith
Terry McClung
Angela Smith and Sara McCormick
Tom Beckendorf
Wyatt Pavelsek
Murder
Continued from page 8
tional rights,” Tobler said in his motion. Tobler’s motion asked the court to suppress all statements made to Galland and other officers at the scene before Butler was advised of his Miranda rights and statements made during his interview with Williams and Deatherage. Carroll County Prosecuting Attorney Tony Rogers responded to Tobler’s mo-
tion in a filing with the court, arguing that none of Butler’s statements should be suppressed. Rogers said in his response that when Galland first made contact with Butler on the night of the shooting, he indicated that there was still an armed subject in the woods. Rogers said that Galland’s questioning of Butler, and his responses “are covered under the ‘public safety’ exception to the Miranda requirements,” and cited a previous court ruling.
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Regarding Butler’s interview with Williams and Deatherage, Rogers said “the recorded interview with Butler is admissible because he was informed of his Miranda rights, waived those rights, then later made an equivocal and ambiguous statement about a lawyer that was insufficient to invoke his right to counsel.” A hearing on the motion to suppress was held Oct. 27 in Eureka Springs In his ruling, Jackson agreed that the public safety exception to the Miranda
rule applies to Butler’s responses to Galland’s question. He also ruled that Butler’s statements that he should “maybe” get a lawyer “is not the direct and unambiguous assertion required to to counsel and thereafter Mr. Butler states that he is not asking for a lawyer yet. These statements made by Mr. Butler are insufficient to require that the interrogation cease. Motion to suppress is denied.” Tobler said Butler’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 23.
Page 14 – Lovely County Citizen – December 29, 2016
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge rescues 110 animals in Colorado By Samantha Jones Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
In partnership with Tigers in America, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge acquired 110 new animals after purchasing the property and equipment of an animal facility in Colorado in October. The acquisition was selected as the No. 1 feature story of 2016 by the editorial staff of the Lovely County Citizen. Miranda Smith, who works with the refuge, said the animals were donated to the refuge by the previous owners of the Colorado facility. Smith said the refuge received more than 70 new tigers, saying 27 of these big cats have already been moved to Eureka Springs. The animals were promised lifetime sanctuary at the Colorado facility, Smith said, and they will receive that care through the refuge. She said 47 of the animals from the facility have been placed in other facilities, saying the refuge would place all the remaining animals by late December. She described the animals that have been moved to the refuge, including baby tigers and cougars. Three of the baby tigers, Smith said, came to the refuge with a bone deficiency disease. The bone deficiency disease is common among tigers that have been inbred, Smith explained. To
for the first time. It took a while for this to happen, McCormack said, because the animals had various health needs FEATURE to be met. “One of these guys was neutered last week. One of these white tigers has an abscessed tooth, and a lot of them have never touched grass,” McCormack said. “This is our mission. Part of the mission was to get everybody out into these big habitats.” Founded in 1992, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization operating one of America’s largest big cat sanctuaries. The 450-acre refuge, located seven miles south of Eureka Springs, is America’s premier refuge for big cats and other endangered wildlife. Admission prices are $20 for adults, $15 for teenagers, $10 for children 12-under, seniors, and military. Children under 3 are free. To donate to the refuge, visit http:// www.TurpentineCreek.org/colorado_project/. Additional information is available at http://www.TurpentineCreek.org.
STORY
Photo by Tavi Ellis
Staff zoologist Meghan Lahm treats the new tigers to a little playtime.
help the babies, she said, the refuge gave them the vitamins and minerals they needed. She said the baby animals took over the refuge’s new vet hospital. Helping the new animals adjust to life at the refuge could be tough, Smith said, because many of them had problems that needed to be addressed. Most of the ani-
mals lived on wood chips at the Colorado facility, she said, and had never stepped on grass. She recalled when some of the tigers were able to explore their habitat for the first time, saying one of these tigers was an entertainer in a magic show. Curator Emily McCormack said she enjoyed getting to see the tigers step on grass
Carroll County Riders help create, maintain Eureka Springs trails “We maintain and build trails and ride bikes,” Griffee said. “I’m really If you’ve enjoyed an afternoon on proud of what this group has done.” Some of the trails the group has built, one of the trails at Lake Leatherwood, he noted, include the Spring you have the Carroll CounGarden Trail near Harmon ty branch of the Ozark Off Park and Lake Leatherwood Road Cyclists to thank. City Park’s Slow Ride Trail Nate Griffee, chairman of and Miner’s Rock descent. the branch, explained that The Slow Ride Trail, Griffee the group, also known as said, is meant to be a beginthe Carroll County Riders, FEATURE ner’s trail. formed in 2015 to help cre“It’s sort of a beginate trails in the county’s ner-friendly trail just west of parks. The group’s work the ballfields parking lot,” was selected as the No. 2 feature story of 2016 by the editorial Griffee said. “We also built a re-route of the Miner’s Rock descent, which is staff of Lovely County Citizen.
By Samantha Jones
Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
STORY
being known as the NICA re-route.” Amanda Haley reported that the group worked on trails for 866.5 hours in 2016, with some members working unofficially for 205.5 hours. She said the group’s projects in 2016 include the Nature Conservancy Deckhouse Trail, Lake Leatherwood SloRyde beginner trail, a National Interscholastic Cycling Association course, the Crescent Hotel trail and routine maintenance of the trails at Lake Leatherwood, Black Bass Lake and in town. Haley added that the group will work on a drop-in single track trail at Black Bass Lake See Riders, page 30
Photo by Tavi Ellis
Amanda Haley and Nate Griffee take great pride in riding on a trail they helped create.
December 29, 2016 – Lovely County Citizen – Page
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ESPD raises money for school bus camera By Samantha Jones Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
On May 17, Eureka Springs Police Chief Thomas Achord and Lt. Al Frost announced that the police department had raised $3,500 to install a new camera on the school bus that experiences the most traffic violations. The camera purchase was selected as the No. 3 feature story of 2016 by the editorial staff of the Lovely County Citizen. Achord said Frost started the process after researching statistics on how many drivers pass a stopped school bus. Many young children, Achord said, have been injured or killed statewide because of accidents like these. He said Frost found a camera system that can be placed on the exterior of the bus, saying the camera can capture the face of drivers who pass stopped school buses. After finding out how much the
camera cost, Achord said, Frost began discussing putting the same camera on all accepting donations from the community. the school’s buses. “Everybody here at the police deInstalling the camera is necessary, partment donated $1,000,” Achord said. Achord continued, because it can be “Then he went to different members of difficult for officers to track down peothe community and got donaple who have passed stopped school buses. He said it’s imtions to fund that remaining $2,500.” possible for a police car to follow every bus that leaves Getting donations from community members, Frost at the beginning and end of said, wasn’t difficult at all. the day, saying identification is sometimes impossible even He said almost everyone he if officers are given a license talked to wanted to donate FEATURE plate number. something to the project. That “At best, we’d get a license attitude, he said, is common plate number but that doesn’t in Eureka Springs. “It’s always been like that here,” he mean we can charge,” Achord said. “We said. “I’ve been here for 20 years and I’ve need to be able to identify the driver of never seen a community that gives like the vehicle.” The new technology, he explained, this one does.” After the camera was installed on the helps officers do this. He said the camera bus, Achord said, school officials began will take images of the driver’s face and
STORY
the license plate number, allowing officers to match the owner of the vehicle to a driver’s license photo. “If we run the tag number and it comes back to John Smith, we can look those people up and get a driver’s license number and compare the photo to the bus camera,” Achord said. “Then we can issue a citation.” Frost added, “We’re going to follow up on each and every case, and if we can charge a violator we’re definitely going to.” Mayor Butch Berry thanked the officers for raising enough money to purchase the camera. “The police department took the initiative,” Berry said. “It speaks well for the department that they were willing to do this. They saw a need in the community and took the initiative to get it accomplished.”
For All of Our Terrific Volunteers
AND Everyone in Our Community for Adopting Their Pets From Us, Shopping at Our Stores and Supporting Our Fund Raising Efforts!
6486 Hwy 62 E, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
479-253-9188
Page 16 – Lovely County Citizen – December 29, 2016
2016: The year in pictures
Photos by Tavi Ellis
The turnout was as high as the wind at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge’s 26th annual Kite Festival celebration March 26.
Grotto’s sold-out Black Light Ball, hosted by Eureka Springs Downtown Network, was a hit Jan. 30.
Alan Margolies was feeling ‘artrageous’ at the Artrageous Parade on May 7. The parade ended the first week of May Festival of the Arts.
The staggering shuffle of zombie feet brought thousands of spectators out of the shadows and onto Spring Street at the Zombie Crawl Oct. 29.
Leaders from a wide variety of organizations attended a community meeting hosted by the Eureka Springs Community Center Foundation on Nov. 17.
Raymond Ulibarri and Emma Anne danced it out at the Mayor’s Ball on Feb. 6
December 29, 2016 – Lovely County Citizen – Page
Eureka Springs Elementary School students performed a dance at the school’s Cinco de Mayo celebration May 5.
Ashton Shaw, four-time winner of the Fleur Delicious Waiters Race, crossed the finish line in first place July 9.
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Lilah Stiger literally stopped traffic at the White Street Walk on May 20.
This pooch was paws-itively patriotic at the Eureka Springs Fourth of July Parade.
Page 18 – Lovely County Citizen – December 29, 2016
Single Parent Scholarship Fund hosts reception in ES By Samantha Jones Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
On Wednesday, June 1, the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas held a reception for its Pathway to Prosperity campaign at the home of Jeff and Kay Franco. The reception was selected as the No. 4 feature story of 2016 by the editorial staff of the Lovely County Citizen. Executive director Jody Dilday thanked the Franco family for offering the house, saying that type of community involvement is what has made the scholarship fund so successful. Dilday explained that the community has helped grow the Pathway to Prosperity campaign, which started in 2014 as a way to ensure the long-term sustainability of the scholarship program. From the very beginning, Dilday said the campaign had big goals. “We knew we needed to grow our endowment to $3 million in order to fill a gap in funding that we were experienc-
the committed and passionate community leaders we needed to steer this effort.” Through the campaign, Dilday FEATURE said the Carroll County Endowed Single Parent Scholarship was fully funded. She said several families in the county helped make that possible, allowing the nonprofit to award John Patrick with the first Carroll County Endowed Single Parent Scholarship earlier this year. The campaign was so successful, Dilday explained, that the fund to endow scholarships in Carroll, Madison and Washington counties surpassed $3 million. She said the new endowment funds will ensure that the nonprofit can continue to meet its region’s need for scholarships, fill the significant gap in funding
STORY
Photo by Tavi Ellis
Pictured from left to right are Jody Dilday, Sharon Spurlin, Glenn Williams, Susan LeVan, John Gregson and Gina Gregson.
ing,” Dilday said. “We began in Carroll County with a specific goal to meet a
$12,500 matching gift challenge, and we didn’t have to look very far to find
See Fund, page 31
103-year-old woman recounts family, local history the first woman who put up a fence when it was freerange,” Russell says. “What year was that approximateMary Jane Fritsch sits in the corner of the room at ly?” Fritsch says it was around the 1870s when Aunt MarGreen Acres Assisted Living, her wheelchair turned toward the window. A nurse says Fritsch, who celebrated garet began acquiring property in the Eureka Springs her 103rd birthday on July 29, can usually be found star- area. Aunt Margaret lived alone, and Fritsch says she preferred it that way. ing out the window. “Aunt Margaret always hated men,” Fritsch Fritsch confirms this. She says she loves says. “She said they drank and smoked.” looking over the landscape of Holiday IsThe men didn’t like Aunt Margaret too land. It reminds her of the place where she’s much, either, Fritsch says, when the state lived most of her life, she says. of Arkansas struck a deal with her to place “When the sun comes out, you can make a highway through her property so long as out a little white house in the distance,” she FEATURE fences could be placed on each side of the says, pointing to a small, bright spot among road. the trees. “This is just a beautiful, wonderful “Nobody liked it,” Fritsch says. “It was all place to live.” free-range in here, you know. Nobody had a At Green Acres, Fritsch notes, she’s not too far away from her home. She remembers growing up real fence around the pens and things.” Aunt Margaret made sure the fences were high-qualiin Carroll County, where she says her family allowed her ty, Fritsch says, by standing her ground against the state. to be the person she wanted to be. Fritsch’s friend Francie Russell approaches the table Fritsch says Aunt Margaret was strongly against placing and introduces herself. Russell, who has been friends the highway across her property and wanted to sue the with Fritsch since the 1970s, asks if Fritsch has told any state at first. She explains that Aunt Margaret consulted of the old stories. Fritsch hasn’t. See Fritch, page 31 “Tell us about your Aunt Margaret and how she was
By Samantha Jones
Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
STORY
Submitted photo
Mary Jane Fritsch turned 103 years old on July 29.
December 29, 2016 – Lovely County Citizen – Page
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Highlanders sports teams have successful year By Ty Loftis CCNSports@cox-internet.com
The Eureka Springs Highlander basketball team graduated one of the most decorated senior classes in program history a year ago. The Highlanders lost to Junction City in the first round of the Class 2A state tournament, but that was the second year in a row Eureka Springs had made it to the state tournament and the senior class finished with 79 wins. “This is one of the most decorated senior classes in the history of our program,” Eureka Springs basketball coach Brian Rambo said. “I told my guys that it’s disappointing because we didn’t get where we wanted, but they set the foundation and created a legacy.” To qualify for the state tournament, the Highlanders beat Lisa Academy 62-52 in the 2A West Regional Tournament. Reggie Sanchez scored 42 points in the victory. Home losses to Union Christian Academy and Magazine cost the Highlanders a chance to win the regular season district
championship, but Eureka Springs knew it could still win the district tournament championship. The championship game was a rematch between the Highlanders and Union Christian Academy. Eureka Springs won, 52-43. Sanchez scored 33 points and was 12-of-13 from the free throw line. “You hear guys talking about doing things on a regular basis and working on your body, perfecting your craft,” Rambo said. “Reggie is a perfect example of that. He has spent a tremendous amount of time since pee wee basketball up until now perfecting his craft.” Other graduates from the 2015-16 Highlander basketball team include Mathew McClung, Oscar Mendez, Dylan Harbour, Jayln Stokes, Dalton Kesner and Jacob Holloway. “I told these guys that this was a fun team to be a part of,” Rambo said. “They never doubted each other. They worked hard and of course with these seniors, I can’t say enough about them. They are a
set of fine young men and will be very successful one day.” At the state cross country meet in November, the boys brought home a second-place finish, 34 points behind Ouachita, and the girls finished fourth. Gabi Bloch finished second for the Lady Highlanders and Kayden Eckman finished seventh for the boys. “The boys ran a good race,” Eureka Springs cross country coach Kathy Manus said. “Ouachita is a good program. Gabi did a great job leading our girls and overall it was a good day.” Rambo’s golf team also found success in October when the Lady Highlanders were able to qualify as a team and play at Thunder Bay in Blytheville. Eureka Springs shot a team score of 327, good enough for third place. Molly Montez shot a 94, while Katelyn Ross shot a 105 and Grayson Ertel shot a 128. “Three of our four girls were freshmen this year,” Rambo said. “We had one senior in Molly, and she was our leader, but we
had a great year to be as young as we were. I was kind of surprised. I figured we would be right in there at districts, but I figured there would be some great teams at state and our youth would show, but we actually played really well. I was pleasantly surprised and am very proud of them.” Eureka Springs’ Koltin Massie was able to qualify as an individual and while he didn’t play as well as he wanted to at the Camden Country Club, Rambo knows it’s an honor for him to make it. “I tried telling him that whenever he looks back and we have teams in the state tournament and kids going year after year, that he was kind of the trailblazer,” Rambo said. The Eureka Springs girls finished seventh in the 2A state track meet in May. Bloch won the 3,200-meter run and finished second in the 1,600-meter run. Nicole Morrison finished third in the 100-meter hurdles. The boys finished 19th. Wyatt Pavelsek finished fourth in the 1,600-meter run.
DISPATCH top calls of the year Jan. 26 10:54 a.m. — A caller reported a chicken pecking around her yard, and the chicken was picked up. The owner of the chicken was advised where to pick up the hen. Across the road, maybe? March 9 6:29 p.m. — An officer removed a teddy bear with a plastic knife through its head from a stop sign. Looks like someone had a post-Valentine’s Day breakup. April 19 10:02 p.m. — An officer responded to a reported altercation at a local laundromat about stolen clothes. We hope he asked the important questions — who, what and wear? May 7 11:52 a.m. — A subject was arrested at a traffic stop for driving on a suspended license, obstructing government operations, violating the vehicle noise or-
dinance, failure to pay registration and on a Berryville warrant. Other than that, everything seemed to be going well. May 14 12:48 p.m. — An officer responded to a report of a verbal confrontation over a neighbor’s dog defecating in the caller’s yard. The officer spoke with the caller, and she advised she was going to speak to the mayor about the issue. Forget the budget, Mayor. This is important ... stuff. May 15 5:17 a.m. — An officer searched for but was unable to locate a reported intoxicated male having an argument with himself. We’re certain that once he sobered up, he got along just great. May 27 12:52 a.m. — A caller advised of a suspicious male wearing a hockey mask that had scared her and her friend. Officers located the male, and arrested him for public intoxication. Looks like Jason
has been hitting the bars again. June 14 6:54 p.m. — An officer responded to a report of an erratic driver and made contact with the driver. The driver was not drinking but admitted to not paying attention to the road at one point. Well, honesty is the best policy. June 18 10:43 p.m. — A caller advised that she had trespassers in her yard, had a gun and was about to use it. Officers responded and defused the situation. We think this lady wrote us a letter once. June 30 2:23 p.m. - An officer discovered a man attempting to climb a building. The man advised he was practicing climbing brick buildings. The officer asked the man to leave and not return. Oh, yes. The old “climbing brick buildings” excuse. July 15 1:01 a.m. — A caller reported that
a man was lying down in the roadway with a couple of dogs. An officer made contact with the subject and sent him on his way. If you lie down with dogs, you get up to flee. Sept. 7 7:08 p.m. — A caller advised that she was having problems controlling her 17-year-old daughter. An officer responded, and the caller advised that everything was settled for now. Trouble controlling a teenager? No way! Sept. 12 9:19 p.m. — The manager of a local motel advised officers of a possible domestic dispute. Officers responded, and the husband took the wife to the hospital to help her with her mood swings. Think they could help us? Sept. 16 4:55 p.m. — 911 called to report receiving a call from a woman who See Dispatch, page 31
Page 20 – Lovely County Citizen – December 29, 2016
2016 Eureka Springs Schools Pruitt hired as full-time Eureka Springs superintendent By Samantha Jones Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
Eureka Springs School District Superintendent Bryan Pruitt started 2016 in the best way possible. After six months of serving as interim superintendent, Pruitt was named fulltime superintendent by the Eureka Springs School Board on Jan. 21. Board president Chris McClung said Pruitt was hired on a three-year contract. Pruitt expressed excitement over being hired on a permanent basis, saying he enjoyed his work as interim superintendent immensely. “I’m really happy to be here,” Pruitt said. Part of his excitement, he continued,
comes from knowing he can have a positive impact on the district. Pruitt said he was excited to help solve problems the district is facing. “I think we’ve got lots of things we need to work on and lots of great opportunities for us to expand on. I’ll come back here tomorrow and roll up my shirt sleeves and work,” Pruitt said. His motivation, he said, has always been his students. “We’re here for the kids. We want our kids to be prepared and successful and go out into the world of work full of confidence,” Pruitt said. He credited the staff for providing a quality education and working to constantly maintain and improve standards.
“We have a great team here,” Pruitt said. The staff members returned Pruitt’s adoration, many attending the meeting to support him. Even more staff members attended a special called meeting Jan. 19, where the board met in executive session to discuss the superintendent options. Meleia Saab, an elementary school teacher, described the way Pruitt interacts with students and faculty. Pruitt, she said, tries to be part of even the small events in the district. “He showed up for our school picture. I think he’s the only superintendent who’s ever done that. That’s a lot. That means a lot,” Saab said. Cindy Holt, principal of the middle school, agreed.
“For myself and the other people who’ve worked with him, we’ve been exceedingly pleased,” Holt said. Pruitt’s wife, Eileen Pruitt, said she was looking forward to moving to Eureka Springs and integrating into the community. “This will be a change of life for us, and we’re very excited about it. It’s going to be a great move for us. I’m thankful and relieved that we’re here,” Eileen Pruitt said. Pruitt concurred. He said he hoped to continue bettering himself as a leader for the district’s staff and students. “I’m just excited I’ve got a chance to lead in a school and be a positive person. I’m working hard to try to set a good example for people as an educator,” Pruitt said.
Eureka Springs students shine in theatre, choir performances
don’t like my own character, but I like playing the part.” Eureka Springs Elementary School students capped off the season with the Scottie Christmas Program on Dec. 15. The students performed “Jingle Bell Jukebox: The Flip Side,” a sequel to last years performance. Music teacher Donesa Mann said the students did a good job. “They did well. I am really proud of them,” Mann said.
By Samantha Jones Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
The Eureka Springs School District had its fair share of choir and theatre performances in 2016. The high school drama department’s first big production of the year was “The Cry of the Peacock,” a play that sheds light on child abuse. It was performed April 29 and 30. Written by Billy W. Boone II, the play centers around Mary Blanton, who has suffered some kind of trauma and is haunted by monster-filled dreams. Drama teacher Rick Mann said senior Wyatt Pavelsek directed the production. “He does a lot. I gave him the opportunity. He had the choice to bow out or accept, and he accepted,” Mann said. “He has the respect of the kids.” The school held several productions during the holiday season, kicking it off with a choral concert Dec. 4. The high school and middle school choirs performed at the concert, as well as the middle school on-stage choir. Barry Milner, who directed one of the middle school choirs, said he liked see-
Photo by David Bell
Eureka Springs High School students practice for ‘Cry of the Peacock’ in April.
ing his students perform. The students prepared for the concert for around two months, Milner said. He said he’s enjoyed seeing how they’ve progressed over time. “I’m just ecstatic. I’m proud of them, and I’m proud of all the hard work they did,” Milner said. “They get to see the fruits of their labor. It’s just about sharing the joy, and sharing it with other people. That’s why we do what we do.”
The high school drama department performed “A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 9 and 10. Senior Simon Larson, who played the title character, said it was the first large role he’s had. What he enjoyed about the play, Larson said, was the different kinds of experiences it offered. “I love the variety of characters and the different types of acting we’re allowed to do,” Larson said. “Part of it’s humor. Part of it’s dramatic. I honestly
Hill, Johnson elected to Eureka Springs School Board There was no suspense in the Eureka Springs School Board election this fall. The Citizen reported Sept. 29 that the election had no contested races and was conducted through early voting and absentee ballots. No election day polls were opened. Joe Hill received 10 votes for Position 5, and Tina Johnson received nine votes for Position 6.
December 29, 2016 – Lovely County Citizen – Page
Wisecrack ZODIAC
THE
Think local in 2017
T
hink globally, act locally. We’ve all heard this slogan a million times and intuitively Jim Fain understand the wisdom but struggle with how to implement it in a way that has meaning. Certainly, with the immense events of the last year we all have had a lesson on the broad interconnections of a global community. Acting globally can be easier than acting locally as the places and people are far away. Whereas, acting locally means by definition doing something which affects your family, friends and community. People close to us have more emotional impact on us — they mean more to us. Living in balance includes this recognition; the health of your community affects not only your global connections but importantly you and your family. Our town struggles with a local Ozark economy — we all know what this means and just how difficult it is. It only takes one thing to occur to change the promise of good times to the reality of struggling through. Which most of us courageously and steadfastly do — some exhaust themselves and transition on. For you and your family I give you five of my favorite supplements. MSM in an organic sulfur which is found in all living tissue both plant and animal. It is a very fast-acting anti inflammatory taking pain away within minutes of swallowing or rubbing onto a body via crème. I know of no downside using up to 6000mg/day in almost all people. It also helps improve skin (collagen), hair and nails as well as improve cartilage while reducing allergies. I take 1000mg each morning as new research shows a linkage to not having enough MSM in the diet to coronary artery disease. I take 3000mg at bedtime if I need to be able to sleep the night without low back pain. Probiotics at low dose, 1 capsule each day, keeps digestion in line as well as supporting immune system health. I’ve read scientific literature linking inadequate probiotics to plaque buildup in all arteries due to certain proteins not being digested. Right at the end of prescribed antibiotic therapy a course of increase probiotics is called for otherwise trouble can follow. Yogurt isn’t strong enough and not all supplements are equal. Magnesium is required for a huge list of body processes yet we don’t get enough in our diet. Making this worse is that prescribed drugs like heart medicines See Fain, page 29
ARIES: Resolutions in January only lead to regrets and an ice cream coma in February. No need to raise everyone’s expectations for you now, so set the bar low. If you’re in your own underwear and you’re still breathing, you’re good. TAURUS: Pace yourself. If you resolve to quit self-loathing now, you’ll have nothing to give up for Lent. Try eating less kale. See? You’re already winning. GEMINI: Don’t worry about the new year just yet; the old one has enough perplexing puzzles. Why are you wearing tinsel as a thong? How did that walrus get in here? Do you own enough paper towels to clean up the mess in the kitchen, or should you just move? Solve those riddles and 2017 will be a breeze. CANCER: Enjoy that Apple watch in your stocking, because Santa will pay. Sure, your lap dance was better than cookies, but explaining all that glitter to Mrs. Claus as a craft-related accident will be a stretch. LEO: Good things come to those who wait, but they come faster to those who drive out to meet the UPS truck. Take some brownies, so the driver remembers your name. VIRGO: You invent a new dessert this weekend when you run out of snacks at your New Year’s Eve party, and pour two bottles of coconut vodka over a fruitcake you’ve had since 1989. Bonus: it can also serve as a festive Yule log. LIBRA: Every dog has its day, but sloths get up to a year. If you move slowly enough in 2017, you could be the next cute animal trend, and you don’t even need to glue fur to your face. SCORPIO: Slap a name tag on your rear end, because this Saturday night, you’ll dance until your booty falls off. Bring a tote bag to carry it home during your walk of shame.
SAGITTARIUS: Variety is the spice of life, but no one wants to see you whip out your cinnamon stick just yet. Try something easy, like rattling your salt shakers first. CAPRICORN: Your dedication to serenity and inner peace will last as long as it takes for your kid to throw a Hatchimal past your face. After that, it’s chaos and tears as usual. AQUARIUS: Don’t tempt the
© Beth Bartlett, 2013 Want more? Visit Beth at www.wisecrackzodiac.com
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By Beth Bartlett
universe by saying the new year can’t be worse than the old one. That’s just challenging karma. Keep your head down, and carry a sharp stick just in case it gets ideas. PISCES: Sometimes life is a breeze, and other times it blows hard enough to knock you down. Keep marching, no matter what debris it throws in your path, and duck the occasional patio umbrella flying past.
CROSSWORD Puzzle
Answers on page 29
Page 22 – Lovely County Citizen – December 29, 2016
2016 noteworthy Transitions Joyce A Zeller
Joyce A Zeller, aged 84, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 12, 2016, at her home in Eureka Springs. She was born Jan. 23, 1932, as Joyce Arlene Krone, in Harrisburg, Pa. She graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School in the class of 1949, where she graduated near the top of her class. In 1950, she decided to serve her country during the Korean War, and joined the Women’s Army Corps, where she was stationed in Fort Riley, Kan. She met her husband, Robert J. Zeller, in the Army at Fort Riley. They raised a family with four children in Arlington Heights, Ill. Joyce was always a take-charge woman, offering her leadership in many things, from Cub Scout Den Mother, to involvement in a number of local committees in Arlington Heights, to her long involvement in a theater group known as “Village Theater.” Joyce was also an established columnist for the Arlington Herald, where she had a cooking column entitled, “The Working Woman Cooks.” Joyce established her roots in Eureka Springs, in 1979 when she opened the Caswell-Massey perfume and toiletry shop. She and her husband Bob moved to Eureka Springs officially in 1982. Her store later changed its name to “The Spa Shop,” and thrived there for 32 years. Later in her life, she became more involved in local politics and finally ran for City Council of Eureka Springs. She was twice elected to the council, as her popularity among the Eureka Springs resi-
Jo Ann Clark, Agent 802 W Trimble Avenue Berryville, AR 72616 Bus: 870-423-3443 jo.a.clark.b2wo@statefarm.com State Farm, Bloomington, IL 1211999
dents, along with her determination, lifted her to her stature. Joyce also ran twice for mayor of Eureka Springs. One of the most memorable highlights of her political career occurred last year, when she was featured in an episode of the “Daily Show with Jon Stewart” on Comedy Central, which aired on July 29, 2015. Joyce has had a life-long ambition of being a writer and book author, and began writing her first manuscript for “The Haunting of Aaron House,” approximately 14 years ago. Since then, she has written and published six novels, which include “Maddie’s Choice,”, “Love in a Small Town,” “Accidental Alien,” “Love Out of Time,” “Christmas for Annabel,” and finally the publication of the “Haunting of Aaron House,” and a non-fiction book “Hidden History of Eureka Springs.” Joyce is survived by her daughter Pam and her husband Steve Babcock, her three sons: Perry and his wife Betty, Jeff and his wife Katie, and Steve and his wife Cynthia. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Her funeral service was held Saturday, June 25, at the First United Methodist Church of Eureka Springs.
Clementine Moncravie
Clementine Moncravie, a resident of Eureka Springs, was born Sept. 1, 1961, in Eureka Springs, a daughter of John Thomas and June Iris (Donnelley) Moncravie. She departed this life Friday, July 8, 2016, in Eureka Springs at the age of 54 years. She is preceded in death by her parents, John Thomas and June Iris (Donnelley) Moncravie; two brothers, Sonny Moncravie and Chris Moncravie. She was a huge Arkansas Razorback fan. She and Drew went to as many basketball and football games as they could. She is survived by her son, Craig Andrew “Drew” Moncravie; brother, Thomas M. “Miko” Hayde; sister, Magi Hayde; sister, Lisa Hahn and husband Larry; sister, Mary Katherine Lewis. She is also survived by two nephews, Nicholas and Cooper Hahn; two nieces, Dolly Williams and husband, Shaun; Beth Huber and husband, Ryan; great-nephew, Harrison Huber; great-niece, Lily Huber; several
other nieces, nephews, cousins and many close friends. A gathering of remembrance and celebration of life with family and friends was held Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016 at Nelson’s Chapel of the Springs in Eureka Springs.
Kenneth Fugate
Kenneth R. Fugate, a resident of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, was born March 26, 1949 in Kermit, Texas, a son of Lloyd Guinn and Wanda Rae (Wagner) Fugate. He departed this life Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 in Eureka Springs, at the age of 66 years. Kenneth proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He worked as the cemetery sexton of the Eureka Springs Cemetery and was of the Buddhist religion. Ken loved all animals. He was caring and compassionate. On June 29, 2015, Kenneth was united in marriage with Carroll Leo Heath who survives him of the home. He is also survived by three children: Shelaine and husband Henry Gonsalves, Erin and husband Robert Eddy and Bryan Fugate, all of the San Francisco Bay Area, California; mother: Wanda MacDonald of San Angelo, Texas; one sister: Sheryl Wetherby of San Angelo, Texas; one half-brother: Guinn Fugate of Texas; eight grandchildren: Blake Gonsalves, Bryce Gonsalves, Branden Eddy, Brooke Eddy, Jordan Eddy, Austin Fugate, Adriana Fugate, and Brayden Fugate; one niece and
one nephew: Deena and Daryl; and a host of other family, friends, and loved ones. Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Gwen Fugate. His memorial service was held at Wednesday, Feb. 24, at the St. James Church in Eureka Springs. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Good Shepherd Humane Society, 6486 Highway 62 East, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632.
December 29, 2016 – Lovely County Citizen – Page
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2016 noteworthy Transitions Merlin Leach
Dr. Merlin Leach, the founder of the Merlin Foundation, died Wednesday, June 15. He was 71. Leach founded the Merlin Foundation with his wife, Anita Engert, in 1993 as a way to provide assistance to victims of child abuse, rape and domestic violence in the Ozark Mountain region of Northwest Arkansas. Though he resigned from his position as executive director in 2009, Leach continued to work with the foundation for the past seven years. Berryville Police Chief Robert Bartos, a member of the foundation’s advisory board, remembered Leach’s passion for children, saying Leach worked hard to help children and families experiencing abuse. Leach worked with several community organizations, including the Berryville Rotary Club, Carroll County Resource Council, Drug Free Carroll County and the Alpena Historical Society.
Edmund John Leswig Edmund John Leswig, a resident of Eureka Springs, was born March 30, 1935, in Jamaica Long Island, N.Y., a son of Edmund John Leswig, Sr. and Constance Grace (McGinnace) Leswig. He departed this life Sunday, March 27, 2016, in Eureka Springs, at the age of 80 years, three days short of his 81st birthday. Edmund was a volunteer for the Salvation Army, member of the Elks Club, Rotary Club and was on the Eureka Springs Planning Commission. In 1960 he was united in marriage with Judith (Jakubek) Leswig, who survives him of the home. He is also survived by son, Christopher Leswig of St. Charles, Ill.; son, Douglas Leswig and wife, Kimberly of Paddock Lake, Wis.; four grandchildren, Samantha, Anthony, Gordon and Nicholas Leswig; and one great-grandchild, Beverly; several nieces, nephews and host of friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edmund John Leswig, Sr. and Constance Grace (Maginness) Leswig and one sister. A celebration of the life of Edmund J. Leswig was held Wednesday, March 30, at the Saint Elizabeth’s Parish Center, Eureka
“He did a whole lot. A lot of people have no idea how much he has done for the kids in Arkansas,” Bartos said. “He always put the kids first.” Bruce Knapp, who works with the foundation, said the foundation helped create Grandma’s House Children’s Advocacy Center in Harrison. At the advocacy center, Knapp said families coming out of abusive situations are comforted as they take necessary legal steps. “If there’s a wife being abused or children being abused, they take them to that house and it’s very comforting,” Knapp said. “It’s setting an ambiance. The warm setting to transition people into a care setting away from that trauma is the whole idea.” Leach’s advocacy, Bartos said, might have something to do with the way Arkansas lawmakers address child abuse today. Bartos said Leach visited Little Rock on
Holdup
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bike because he recently wrecked his vehicle. She said they talked about past drug use and jail. When she dropped him off, Buck said, Chafin gave her one $100 bill and one $50 bill. Sebby sent information on Chafin’s whereabouts to the Bentonville Police Department, the affidavit says. According to a press release from the Eureka Springs Police Department, Bentonville officers located and arrested Chafin at 3:41 p.m. The release says Eureka Springs officers took custody of Chafin from the Bentonville Police Department and transported him to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. The affidavit says Eureka Springs officers found two sleeves of cash totaling $3,100, a white and yellow band reading ‘$1,000,’ an Arkansas bill of sale saying Chafin bought a motorcycle for $2,900 and a note stating ‘$50s & $100s Only! NO Trouble I have a gun.’ When Chafin was questioned, the affidavit says, he said he had been plan-
many occasions to advocate for children, leading to the creation of laws that better protect families in abusive households. “He did a lot of work with lawmakers to make sure laws were passed and things were done to help these kids,” Bartos said. “I think this is a big loss for Arkansas in general.” Knapp added that Leach wrote several grants and received funding from the Walton Family Foundation. An article from a 2009 edition of the Carroll County News says Leach raised nearly $150,000 for the Merlin Foundation through grants that year. Leach’s intelligence helped him run the foundation successfully, but Knapp said his best quality was how much he cared for others. Leach was cremated through the Smith Family Funeral Home of Green Forest. A celebration of his life was held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 23, at the Berryville School District’s Bobcat Arena. In lieu of ning the robbery for a week or so. He said he was researching ways to not get caught and the penalties if he did, the affidavit says. Sebby asked why Chafin wanted only $100 and $50 bills, and Chafin said $20 bills have tracking strips in them. After arriving in Bentonville, Chafin said an officer in uniform showed up. Chafin said he paid the officer $2,900 for a motorcycle and wrote up the paperwork, bill of sale and title. He left the residence on the bike, Chafin said, and noticed the same officer driving beside him. Chafin waved, the affidavit says, before being pulled over and placed into custody. Eureka Springs police chief Thomas Achord said Oct. 17 that the investigation involved cooperation among the Eureka Springs Police Department, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas Game and Fish and the Bentonville Police Department. “Everyone did an incredible job. It was perfect ...textbook in how it all went,” Achord said.
flowers, his family requested that memorials be made to the Merlin Foundation. Online condolences can be left at www. SmithFamilyFuneralhome.net. He added that this is the first armed robbery in Eureka Springs in years. The last armed robbery he could recall in the city, Achord said, happened six or seven years ago at Arvest Bank. Chafin had his initial court appearance Oct. 17, where a judge found there was sufficient probable cause to charge Chapin with aggravated robbery. His bond was set at $250,000. On Oct. 26, Chafin’s attorney filed a motion requesting a mental examination for Chafin. The motion says Chafin is charged with one count of bank robbery and had his initial court appearance on Oct. 20. The motion says Chafin’s counsel is asking for the court to order a psychiatric/psychological examination for Chafin. The motion asks for the person who examines Chafin to prepare a report that will be filed in the court, with copies provided to the defense and prosecution. According to the Carroll County Circuit Clerk’s office, there was no ruling on the motion as of noon Tuesday.
Page 24 – Lovely County Citizen – December 29, 2016
CALENDAR of events
Send calendar entries to Kelby Newcomb at CCNNews@cox-internet.com. The calendar is reserved for events sponsored by non-profit entities, benefits for non-profits and free events. First priority will be given to organizations providing a public service, such as rural fire departments, schools, churches, hospital auxiliaries and services for senior citizens or veterans. Submissions should be timely. Calendar listings should not be more than 30 days in advance of the event. The calendar is sometimes edited to fit the available space in the print edition. See the full calendar online at www.LovelyCitizen.com.
Dec. 31: Universal Worship Service
The Sufi Center of the Ozarks will host its annual New Year’s Eve Universal Worship Service at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 17 Elk St. This will be the 18th year for this service, which honors all of the world’s spiritual traditions. This year’s service will have an accompanying slide show of the sacred sites from each tradition with the service culminating with the serving of desserts of that tradition.
January: New Mexico Tour
The Holiday Island Recreation Center is taking a trip to Albuquerque and Santa Fe, N.M., from Monday, May 22, to Sunday, May 28. Transportation is on a luxury Motor Coach with a tour designed by Diamond Tours of Fort Myers, Fla. Deposits for the trip are due in January. For more information contact Janice Murphy at the Recreation Center at 479-253-9890, 479244-7669 or visit GroupTrips.com/ HolidayIslandTravelClub.
January 2: Metafizzies Meeting
The Eureka Springs Metaphysical Society (Metafizzies) will feature Stephen Foster continuing his discussion on metaphysical interpretation of the New Testament at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, at Heart of Many Ways at 68 Mountain St. All are welcome.
Jan. 15: Five and Dime Script Submission
Five and Dime Drama Collective is soliciting scripts for the Spring 2017 theatrical production. Script categories include 10-minute plays, one act plays between 20 and 30 minutes or full-length plays between 60 and
90 minutes. Scripts must be original works that have never been produced and must be by a local Eureka Springs author. The deadline to submit a script is Jan. 15. For submission information and guidelines email FiveAndDimeDrama@gmail.com
Jan. 28: Historical Museum Garage Sale
The Third Annual Eureka Springs Historical Museum’s Garage Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center. Admission is $3 per person. Tables and booths are available for rent on limited basis. Set-up will be Friday, Jan. 27. Contact Kindra at 479-253-9768 Ext. 602 or email kindra@innoftheozarks.com for information and to reserve your spot. Admission and booth rental proceeds will benefit the Eureka Springs Historical Museum.
ONGOING MEETINGS
St. James Episcopal Church holds community suppers from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sundays. Meals are provided by local restaurants. St. James is the church with the red door located at 86 Prospect Ave. on the Historic Loop. Meals are served downstairs in the undercroft. Holiday Island Community Church will hold a Christmas Bible Study called “A Clear View of the Birth of Jesus” by Dr. Kenneth Bailey at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays in the church library at 188 State Line Dr. The study begins on Wednesday, Nov. 30 and ends on Wednesday, Dec. 21. A support group for those with Parkinson’s and their caregivers is held at 10 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month at ECHO Community Room.
For more information email Sally at SarahG@arkansas.net or call 479981-1587. New Day Fellowship will host a prayer night from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday at 440 Passion Play Road in Eureka Springs. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend this quiet time and meet with God for prayer and meditation. Griefshare is holding a 13-week grief sharing session starting from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays at Faith Bible Church in Suite C of the Holiday Island Shopping Center. This is a Bible-based, non-denominational support group for people that have lost a loved one, no matter how long ago it was. For more information call 479253-8925. Berryville’s Alcoholics Anonymous chapter meets at 7 p.m. each Thursday at the Community of Christ Church at 501 Orchard Drive. The meetings take place in the basement next to the lower parking lot of the church. For more information call 870-929-6236. Carroll County Cruisers and Collectables meets the last Monday of every month at various locations. Show and Shine Cruise-ins will be held during the spring and summer months on the Berryville Square. For more information call 879-423-7928. The Carroll County Senior Activity and Wellness Center will have board games available from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesdays at 202 W. Madison Ave. in Berryville. The Carroll County Senior Activity and Wellness Center will host an art class from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Fridays at 202 W. Madison Ave. in Ber-
ryville. The Eureka Springs Duplicate Bridge Club meets at 12:30 p.m. every Monday at the Holiday Island Clubhouse. For more information call Jean or Clarence at 479-253-2627. The Eureka Springs Garden Club meets the fourth Friday of each month at various locations. Everyone interested in gardening is invited to attend. For more information, call Annie at 479981-0624. Eureka Springs Hospital Guild meets at 1:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at the hospital cafeteria. For more information call Mary Lou at 479-253-9398. The Eureka Springs Rotary Club meets at noon on Thursdays at the Forest Hills Restaurant. A salad bar and buffet lunch are available. For more information contact eurekasprgsrotary@ gmail.com. Painter’s Palette Art School on the Berryville Square will host a free coloring book workshop from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Friday. Call Lynne Crow at 479-586-4868 for more information. The Everything Ensemble gets together once a week to play, from sheet music, all kinds of compositions, from Medieval/Renaissance through contemporary; and genres, from classical to folk/popular to modern; and from published and non-published composers and arrangers of all ages around the world. Opportunities for innovation, experimentation, arrangement and collaboration abound. Violin, viola, cello, string bass and wind instrument players especially welcomed. Participation is free. Call 479-253-6211 or email klucariello@gmail.com for more information.
December 29, 2016 – Lovely County Citizen – Page
25
2016 Clear Spring School Local artists help with Clear Spring fundraiser By Samantha Jones Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
The community came out to support Clear Spring School at an art auction March 12 at Rogue’s Manor Castle. Phyllis Poe, who teaches art at Clear Spring School, said the fundraiser has been popular over the years. Poe recalled hosting it throughout the 1980s and ‘90s, saying the school decided to pick it up again this year. “It’s great. The auction is always so much fun, and it’s great to see not just the Clear Spring family but community members and some people I don’t know,” Poe said. Local artist Valerie Hubbard Damon was one of those community members. Two of Damon’s books were donated to the auction; though she didn’t donate the books herself, she said she was proud to be part of the event. “Many of the philosophies in my book dovetail into the school. I’ve been in favor of the creative process and the brilliant people that cross Clear Spring School’s path for years,” Damon said. She recalled moving to Eureka Springs with her daughter years ago. During the
transition period, Damon said the teachers and students at Clear Spring made her and her daughter feel welcome. “They were wonderful working with her. They’re great. That’s why we’re all here to help,” Damon said. Buz Peine, who donated a handcrafted elm bowl, agreed. Saying he wanted to help the school however possible, Peine pointed out the importance of selfless giving. “I don’t sell anything. I don’t need the money, and so I have to figure out something to do with what I’ve got,” Peine said. “To give it away gives me great pleasure.” Giving to Clear Spring specifically, Damon noted, helps many young minds develop. “The school attracts very brilliant people who bring their energies and ideas to the children they nurture. It’s the synergy that happens,” Damon said. Students at Clear Spring, she continued, learn critical thinking skills with each lesson. “That’s why the school’s so great. The kids are being inspired to think and create, not just become little rote robots in society,” Damon said. “That’s the major distinction.”
Tavi Ellis photo
Dave Teigen was the auctioneer at the Clear Spring School’s fundraiser Saturday night at Rogue’s Manor Castle. The fundraiser featured an art auction and a large silent auction.
Clear Spring School hosts annual community clean-up By Samantha Jones Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
Clear Spring School students, staff and volunteers rolled up their sleeves to clean up the city at the school’s annual Trash-a-Thon Sept. 9. Dori Thomas, Clear Spring’s director of admissions and development, welcomed everyone before the clean-up began. Thomas introduced Eureka Springs Mayor Butch Berry, who read a proclamation in support of the event. “I want to thank y’all for helping make Eureka Springs a little bit greener and cleaner, because we need your help,” Berry said. “It takes all of us to keep the city clean. I hereby proclaim Sept. 9 as Keep Eureka Springs Beautiful Day, and I urge all citizens to join Clear Spring
School on this day.” Bryan Launius, who works with Carroll County Solid Waste Authority, thanked the school for cleaning up the city, too. Launius said it’s events like this that make Eureka Springs an example for many other cities in the state. “You’d be amazed at the example you’re setting. We have people from all over Arkansas come to our area to see what we do, to see how well we take care of our area,” Launius said. “We’ve even had folks from Branson come down and see what we do as a community to help the environment.” He pointed out that the clean-up would take place over two hours. “It’s not a big amount of time, but
See Clean-up, page 31
Submitted photo
Carroll County Solid Waste Authority’s Frank Wheeler picks up the trash collected during Clear Spring School’s Trash-a-Thon on Sept. 9.
Page 26 – Lovely County Citizen – December 29, 2016
LIVELY Entertainment
THURSDAY, DEC. 29 • Cathouse, 82 Armstrong, 479-363-9976: The George Brothers, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. • Eureka Live, 35 N. Main, 479-253-7020: Happy Hour, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Green Screen Karaoke, 9 p.m. • Farmers’ Market, Pine Mountain Village: Los Roscoes, 9 a.m. to noon • Grande Taverne, 37 N. Main St., 479-2536756: Jerry Yester, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. • Grub & Pub Club 169, 479-253-7122: TBA, 6 p.m. to close • Legends Saloon (Lumberyard), 105 E. Van Buren, 479-253-2500: Another Turn, 9 p.m. FRIDAY, DEC. 30 • Brews, 2 Pine St., 479-244-0878: The Lark and The Loon, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. • Cathouse, 82 Armstrong, 479-363-9976: Jesse Dean, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. • Chelsea’s, 10 Mountain St., 479-253-6723: The SOAPbox Congregation, 9 p.m. • Eureka Live, 35 N. Main, 479-2537020: Happy Hour, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Grande Taverne, 479-253-6756: Arkansas Red, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Grub & Pub Club 169, 479-253-7122: TBA, 6 p.m. to close • Legends Saloon (Lumberyard), 479-2532500: DJ Karaoke w/ Stan, 8 p.m. • Rowdy Beaver Den, 47 Spring St., 479363-6444: TBS, 8 p.m. • Rowdy Beaver Tavern, 417 W. Van Buren, 479-253-8544: 2 Dog 2 Karaoke, 7 p.m. SATURDAY, DEC. 31 • Brews, 2 Pine St., 479-244-0878: DJ Testtube Black Light Boogie, 8 p.m. to Midnight • Cathouse, 82 Armstrong, 479-363-9976: New Year’s Eve Celebration w/ September’s End, 8 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Chelsea’s, 479-253-6723: New Year’s Eve Party w/ Dime Trip, 9 p.m. • Eureka Live, 479-253-7020: DJ and Dancing; New Year’s Eve Celebration w/ Felicia Blackheart & Friends, Doors Open 5 p.m., $10 Cover • Grande Taverne, 479-253-6756: New Year’s Eve Party w/ Jerry Yester; Dinner 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Bar open to Midnight • Grub & Pub Club 169, 479-253-7122: New Year’s Eve with Live Music, 6 p.m. to close
By Cindy Worley
• Legends Saloon, 479-253-2500: New Year’s Eve Party w/ JAB, 9 p.m.; Cover & Champagne Toast at midnight • New Delhi Cafe, 2 N. Main, 479-253-2525: New Year’s Eve w/ Pete and Dave, 6 p.m. • Rowdy Beaver Den, 479-363-6444: New Year’s Eve Party w/ Blew Reed & the Flatheads, 8 p.m. • Rowdy Beaver Tavern, 479-253-8544: New Year’s Eve Party w/ Dr. Nola and the Soul Shakers, 7 p.m. SUNDAY, JAN. 1 Happy New Year!. • Brews, 2 Pine St., 479-244-0878: Trivia, 6 p.m. • Eureka Live, 479-253-7020: Green Screen Karaoke, 7 p.m. • Grub & Pub Club 169, 479-253-7122: Happy Hour, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. • Legends Saloon (Lumberyard): Texas Hold’em, 7 p.m. • Rowdy Beaver Tavern, 479-253-8544: Free Pool MONDAY, JAN. 2 • Chelsea’s: SprUngbilly, 9 p.m. • Grub & Pub Club 169, 479-253-7122:
Happy Hour, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. TUESDAY, JAN. 3 • Cathouse, 479-363-9976: Los Roscoes, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. • Chelsea’s: Open Mic, 9:00 p.m. • Grub & Pub Club 169, 479-253-7122: Happy Hour, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. • Legends Saloon (Lumberyard): Game Night: Texas Hold’em and Pool Tournament, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JAN. 4 • Brews, 2 Pine St., 479-244-0878: Open Mic, 6 p.m. • Cathouse, 479-363-9976: Jimmy Wayne Garrett, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Grub & Pub Club 169: Happy Hour, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Wild Women Wednesdays, Ladies Night • Legends Saloon (Lumberyard): Ladies Night • Rogue’s Manor, 124 Spring St., 479-2534911: ES Community Center “Let’s Open the Gym” Dining Out, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. • Rowdy Beaver Den, 479-363-6444: Karaoke, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Open Wed/Thurs 5pm • Fri-Sun 11am NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION Saturday, December 31st Doors At 5pm We Have Eureka’s
*LARGEST DOWNTOWN DANCE FLOOR *DJ FRIDAY & SATURDAY 9-Close *FAMOUS “WALK OF SHAME” BLOODY MARY BAR GREEN SCREEN KARAOKE THURSDAY 9pm SUNDAY 7pm
FEATURING FELICIA BLACKHEART & FRIENDS
*PARTY FAVORS * FOOD *CHAMPAGNE Come EARLY. Limited Seating $10 Cash Cover with Valid ID
35 N. Main • Eureka Springs • 479-253-7020 • www.eurekaliveunderground.com
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Weekly Special: Every Wednesday Night:
82 Armstrong, Eureka Springs
Texas Hold’em Poker
LIVE MUSIC
Weekly PrizeS for WinnerS!
479-363-9976
LOS ROSCOES TUES 5PM JIMMY WAYNE GARRETT WED 6PM GEORGE BROTHERS THURS 6PM JESSE DEAN FRI 8PM
12 Spring Street - Downtown Basin Park Hotel - 479-253-7837
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December 29, 2016 – Lovely County Citizen – Page
We still need homes
Adele
Apache
Autumn
Brett
Buddy
Bugaboo
Cayenne
Chantilly
Clove
Fred
Jasmine
Lancelot
Lilly
Lola
Marigold
Michelle
Natasha
Neo
Nicco
Noel
Paprika
Ruger
Starla
Sweetie
Timmy
Yakko
27
Page 28 – Lovely County Citizen – December 29, 2016
Are you facing extra holiday bills? Do you need to supplement your income?
In-Home Caregivers The Area Agency on Aging of NW Arkansas is looking for Personal Care Assistants (PCA’s) to work with our In-Home Care clients. We are looking for trained PCA’s with good work ethics and a caring attitude. If not trained, we will provide FREE training for the right applicants that are otherwise eligible for employment. Part- time schedules - up to 28 hours per week. $9.25 per hour UPCOMING CLASS SCHEDULE: January 9 – 13, 2017 For more information and to apply visit: www.aaanwar.org/Employment Employment is subject to a clear pre-employment background screen, drug test and approved PCA training. This position will remain open until filled. EEO Employer/AA/M/F/Vet/Disabled
Classifieds work! Call the Lovely County Citizen today and place your ad. (479) 253-0070.
December 29, 2016 – Lovely County Citizen – Page
Transition FINE DINING RESTAURANT & LOUNGE EXTENSIVE WINE LIST FULL BAR
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LunchServing 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thurs., Fri. & Sat. Dinner Nightly Dinner Nightly p.m. pm Seating from 5:005-9 – 9:00 37 N. Main • 479-253-6756 • RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED
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Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily Don’t miss our famous Sunday Brunch In Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Hwy. 62 West, Eureka Springs, AR www.MyrtieMaes.com
479-253-9768
Continued from page 21
In addition to cruising, hiking, tending their animals and scrupulously maintaining their Ozark homestead, Sarah and Kate enjoyed adventuring in their vintage VW van and camping in “Gypsy,” their restored ‘60s-era camper. They avidly supported The Nature Conservancy and The Good Shepherd Humane Society. Kate and Sarah’s beloved rescued shelter dog, Scoutie, preceded them in death and, no doubt, right now, he is exploring the hills of “never-never land” with them. Needless to say, these two remarkable women will be missed by many, especially friends and family in Arkansas and North Carolina. Anyone wishing to commemorate the lives of Kate Howard and Sarah Moore by making a contribution in their honor, can do so by donating either currency or volunteer time to The Nature Conservancy or The Good Shepherd Humane Society.
Tax
hangs in the balance. “It’s still in limbo. It’s still the stepchild. People are still going to complain that nothing’s going on over there, and they’re not willing to do anything about it,” Berry said. “They’ll still blame the CAPC for not doing anything.” Berry said Nov. 28 that he still wasn’t
sure how much the water and sewer rates will be increasing. He said he’s asked finance director Lonnie Clark to prepare a report on how much the rates need to increase so the city can pay an additional 20 percent on its bond payments. “All we’re really doing is bringing these water and sewer rates up to meet our obligations for the bond issue. It does not mean we’re going to have that much money to go back and improve the infrastructure,” Berry said.
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
Pet of the Week
Myrtie Mae’ tax failing, Berry said, The Auditorium
It’s Love At First Bite At
Fain
Kate Howard and Sarah Moore
Recently, a few friends of Kate Howard and Sarah Moore received a message from them dated December 20, 2016. Quotes from that message are included in this announcement. This was their farewell letter announcing that they “have passed on to never-never land”. In the message, they wished all their friends “all the best” and expressed their “thanks for the good times we’ve had.” They wanted to be certain that everyone understood that “there is nothing sad about this, just a decision made according to the circumstances we have been given.” Sarah’s cancer had progressed rapidly, and they chose to end both their lives “peacefully and on our terms without regrets.” True to their lifelong values and wry humor, their final comment was, “We are both so thankful that we will be escaping the Trump presidency.” Kate and Sarah lived their beliefs. They loved nature, animals, travel, folk music and the camaraderie of their friends.
Continued from page 3
29
decrease absorption of this very needed mineral. I like the chelated type and take 2 tablet daily. AdvaCal calcium is the only calcium I recommend. This is extremely safe as it is so highly absorbed … much higher than any other type or brand. Osteopenia, osteoporosis, bone health and even if you’re taking acid blockers like Pepcid indicate the need for this supplement. D-Mannose is remarkable and useful when you have an acute or even chronic urinary tract/bladder infection. Fast, to the point and easy to use describes this simple gift of nature. Change in life is often difficult but seeing is believing. Try these and see! I ask you all to recognize the importance of Eureka Springs to your lives. Look out for each other, adopt a concerned attitude — do what you can do for your community, your family, your friends, yourself. Act locally, think globally and have the best new year. He pointed out that a reason the tax failed could be the portion of revenue dedicated to the Auditorium. Berry said he is considering proposing another tax for the water and sewer infrastructure only. Berry encouraged residents to contact council members or the mayor’s office about a tax completely dedicated to the water and sewer infrastructure. “Should we do this or raise our water rates? Those are the two choices we have,” he said.
“Polly” (No. 93) is a very pretty, shorthaired, medium size tabby and white 13-month-old whose owner moved away. Polly has beautiful bright green eyes that grab your heart. She is very laid back, very friendly and loves the indoors, a lovable little girl just waiting for a new home. Polly has her shots and is spayed and is adoptable at the Good Shepherd Animal Shelter on Highway 62 east of Eureka Springs. The shelter is open from noon to 5 p.m. every day but Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information, call 479-2539188.
Page 30 – Lovely County Citizen – December 29, 2016
Riders
Continued from page 14
and a trail at The Farm on Highway 187 in 2017. Eureka Springs parks director Justin Huss praised the group for bringing so many people together to work on the trails. Huss said he has worked with many impressive volunteer groups throughout his career in parks, but the Carroll County Riders are by far the best group he’s encountered. With-
Henke
Continued from page 11
Mitchell stood by his comments at the Sept. 26 council meeting. He said Henke was responsible for developing advertising at the chamber. By running an ad for his own business, Mitchell said, Henke acted in a self-serving way. Moyer said the chamber had full disclosure of Henke’s business before he was hired as interim director. Henke was already advertising on the chamber’s website, Moyer said, when he started working there. Henke’s involvement with Ordinance 2223 When the council first voted on the CAPC’s recommendation to extend Henke, Schneider said she couldn’t vote in favor of someone who doesn’t believe in diversity. She said Aug. 10 that Henke worked with the Passion
Foundation Continued from page 4
the Eureka Springs School Board on July 14 to discuss the details of the agreement. After making a few changes in the agreement, the school board voted to approve it on July 21. Murphy said she was happy with the decision, saying the school board will continue to work with the foundation to improve the property. “They’re actively involved in getting the asbestos removed from the interior of the building,” Murphy said. “They’ll then move on to creating the bid package and working on the removal of [Building 100], and they’re working on
out the group, Huss said many of the city’s trails wouldn’t exist. He pointed out that, along with creating the trails, the group helps maintain them. This is important, Huss said, because the parks commission doesn’t have the budget to do any of this on its own. “I don’t have the staff and money to do that. If it weren’t for them, our trails wouldn’t be there because they’d be overgrown and back to nature already,” Huss said. “They clean them. They promote them. It’s hard to quantify every-
thing they do.” One of the best parts of the group, Kendall Smith said, is getting to enjoy the trails he and other members of the group helped create. “You appreciate it more,” he said. “To be riding through and say, ‘Hey, I built that,’ is pretty cool. I like that. I like helping out.” Alissa Smith agreed. “To find a really cool feature we incorporated into the trail system … we really enjoy that,” she said, adding that
you don’t have to be a trail building expert to join the group. “When we started, we knew nothing about trail building. Nothing.” Griffee invited anyone interested in the group to join. He said the group has a page on Facebook called the Carroll County Ozark Off Road Cyclists and meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month at Sparky’s Roadhouse Cafe. “Come on out,” Griffee said. “It’s fun. It’s a good group of people.”
Play to lobby against Ordinance 2223. On Oct. 3, Schneider said she hasn’t changed her mind about Henke. “I know he claims he was for 2223 and yet in regards to keeping the issue in the public eye, he and the Passion Play both did very well,” Schneider said. “Even though he claims he was for 2223, I saw how he was doing other stuff and have talked to him about that.” Henke said Aug. 23 that he supported the ordinance and continues to support diversity in Eureka Springs. Moyer said Henke took a stand against discrimination as soon as he was hired as interim director of the chamber. “To say Damon was against [Ordinance 2223] is completely false. Not only did he say it from the microphone right from the beginning, but he assisted in the guidance of getting it into the bylaws,” Moyer said.
‘Gossip and innuendo’ While the issue over his CAPC seat has brought more awareness to the CAPC, The Auditorium and the chamber, Henke said it also showed him how gossip and innuendo can spread in a small town. “It seems that old animosity toward the Passion Play, the chamber and the CAPC has come to the surface as a witch hunt,” he said. “The entire situation can be hurtful, and this is the absolute perfect example of why citizens hesitate to get involved and become part of city government. This is why people serve in positions unopposed.” He continued, “There isn’t one valid reason for those on city council to oppose my re-appointment as commissioner, yet here we are talking about old issues such as 2223. The people questioning my affiliations didn’t even take the time to find out that I supported
2223. They didn’t ask my fellow commissioners questions. They didn’t call me, nor did they follow up to see if the quotes from third parties were true.” Moyer said the council should focus on what Henke has done on the CAPC, not his role at the chamber or his alleged affiliation with the Passion Play during the vote for Ordinance 2223. Mitchell said it’s important to consider Henke’s service on the chamber. “One of my concerns has been the use of self-promotions in a business organization. When you’re in a position to be representing the businesses and the city as a whole, be it through a private organization or as a commissioner … it’s about the ethics,” Mitchell said. Henke said he was unhappy with the council’s decision. “It’s disappointing to see those in leadership roles create this situation, because, in the end, it discourages involvement in city government,” he said.
the roof as well.” The foundation officially took ownership of the old high school property on Sept. 1, celebrating with a party there. After years of planning, Featherstone said the community center finally felt real. “We’ve been counting the days, but today we start all over again,” Featherstone said. “Now, it’s kind of like each and every day, each every week ... is what have we accomplished? What’s new at the community center?” What came next was improvements on the site’s facilities. Murphy said Sept. 26 the asbestos had been removed from the property, with the foundation
planning to raze Building 100 in next few months. Murphy said the foundation worked with an architecture firm to create an updated site plan as well. She said the updated site plan included input the foundation received at community meetings earlier in the year. It also reflected developments over the year, she said, including the Eureka Springs Farmers Market relocating to the site and a perimeter walking trail being built around the property. Public input is very important to the foundation, she said. Murphy described how people have come forward to help the foundation, saying she’s received several requests from community mem-
bers to hold a fundraiser or other events on the property. “We’re kind of working on where the primary interests are and what we might be able to do to actually get some other facilities improvements happening so we can start using [the property],” Murphy said. The foundation kicked off a weekly fundraising event in November, partnering with local restaurants to raise money to open the gym. The foundation will continue fundraising and developing the site over the next year. For more information on the project, visit http:// www.eurekaspringscommunitycenter. org/.
December 29, 2016 – Lovely County Citizen – Page
Dispatch
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advised she wanted the National Guard, the governor and the U.S. Marshal’s Office to be informed of the electromagnetic radiation being emitted here in town. An officer responded to do a welfare check on the woman. She was accompanied by another woman who was escorting her home. All was well. We think we might know this woman. Nov. 19 9:58 p.m. — A subject was arrested for driving on a suspended license, driving while intoxicated, endangering the welfare of a minor in the second
Jones
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2015, and we’ll be married on that same day this year. Many things have happened this year in our country to make me worry 2017 isn’t going to be a year to look forward to. But I do know I’ll get to end 2016 pledging my love to the one person who understands me more than anyone.
Fritsch
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with a lawyer, who told her it would be difficult to win a lawsuit against the state. “He said, ‘Maggie, if the state of Arkansas wants to put a highway through your place, they’re going to do it,’” Fritsch says. “Well, she had cattle on
Fund
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that occurred in 2015 and sustain the scholarship program by using the income earned to fund a third of the annual scholarship budget. Without the help of the community, Dilday said, the campaign wouldn’t have been so successful. She thanked John and Gina Gregson and Glenn Williams for their help. “These folks worked tirelessly to open doors, make introduction and schedule
degree, no proof of insurance, implied consent and driving left of center. OK, maybe we aren’t having such a bad day after all. Dec. 12 5:01 p.m. — A caller wanted his residence checked for vagrants. Officers searched the house but were unable to locate any vagrants. Good thing they didn’t search our house. There’s a vagrant on our couch watching Netflix right now. Dec. 17 7:47 a.m. — Police got a call about a llama running loose on Forest Lane. Owners were able to locate the llama and pick it up. It was a llama on the lam. Gideon and I will go into 2017 together, for better or worse. No matter what happens next year, I know I’ll get to experience it with him. I can’t think of anything much better than that. ••• Samantha Jones is associate editor for Carroll County Newspapers. Her email address is Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com
Clean-up
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there’s a lot of people here, so you’re going to make a big impact,” Launius said. He asked the students not to pick up anything sharp, such as broken glass or needles, and said it’s important to separate the items to make it easier to recycle them. The groups cleaned Pivot Rock Road, Dairy Hollow, Harmon Park and downtown. When they returned, the students reported being surprised at how much trash they found. B’Elanna Powell, 17, said she found trash that must have been there for some time. “I was surprised at the age of the trash. We found a lot of antique bottles,” Powell said. Steven Rivers, 15, said he was astounded at how many alcohol bottles he saw littering the side of the road. Rivers said he and Powell were part of the group that cleaned up Pivot Rock Road. “Weirdly enough, there were a lot of alcohol beverage bottles. Most of them were empty,” Rivers said. Garrett Teigen, 11, said he found alcohol bottles where he cleaned, too. Teigen
both sides … and she was having a fit. She sued them anyhow.” Fritsch continues, “They put a fence on both sides of the road, a real good, woven wire fence. It was real heavy, with barbed wire on top of it on both sides. That’s what she got out of it. She got a good fence, I’ll tell you that. She was very independent.”
Russell points out that independence tends to run in Fritsch’s family. “It’s a strong line of strong women,” Russell says. Fritsch smiles and says both of her aunts were fiercely independent. “Aunt Jenny had a sweet disposition,” Fritsch says. “Aunt Margaret didn’t. I guess she was more like me.”
meetings on our behalf,” Dilday said. “And thanks to their efforts, the pathway to prosperity was paved with 165 gifts.” The average gift to the campaign, Dilday added, was $13,875. She noted that 61 of the campaign gifts came from firsttime donors. “Due to the success of this initiative, we now have 36 new, named and endowed single parent scholarships,” she said. Dilday introduced Susan LaVan, a recipient of a single parent scholarship. LaVan said she would be graduating from North Arkansas College in December
with a nursing degree. “I’m very excited to be able to finish that,” LaVan said. “I have a 13-year-old daughter at home. I’ve worked in the nursing field for probably the past 20 years.” LaVan’s story, Dilday noted, is inspiring to single parents who have similar goals. ”It’s been a longtime goal for her to achieve her registered nurse credentials,” Dilday said. “What a great example she’s setting for her daughter that it’s never too late to finish what you started.”
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said he was part of the group that picked up trash on Dairy Hollow. “We headed to Harmon Park and kind of look around there,” Teigen said. “We found about five beer bottles.” Lila Mahurin, 14, and Lucy Smith, 16, said they found several different bottles on Pivot Rock Road. Smith said she saw a lot of alcohol bottles, and Mahurin said she found a bottle with human body fluid in it. It wasn’t the most glamorous way to spend the morning, but Mahurin said she enjoyed it. “It feels really good,” Mahurin said. “I like knowing we helped, and little animals aren’t going to be out there with these gross things,” Smith added. Rivers said he was disappointed with the type of trash he found. “It’s not my number one task. I wish people would be more responsible and care for nature more, because it’s kind of a jerk move to just throw trash out the window,” Rivers said. “It’s not my favorite thing,” Powell agreed, “but we can tell throughout the year that people litter less and less because of the bags we pick up.”
a c e P on e Earth
Page 32 – Lovely County Citizen – December 29, 2016
Your Friendly Hometown Grocery Store!
Locally Owned & Operated Since 1973
30. BACON-STUFFED
Amount Measure 4 1/4 Cup 1 Small Can
ASK ABOUT OUR WHOLESALE PRICES FOR RESTAURANTS
2 1/4
Pounds Cup
BURGERS
Ingredient Amount Bacon Strips 112 Chopped Onion 1/4 Mushroom Pieces, Drained 2 And Chopped Fine Ground Beef 8 Grated Cheddar Cheese
SERVES 8
Measure Teaspoon Teaspoon Tablespoons
Ingredient Ground Pepper Garlic Powder Steak Sauce
Hamburger Buns, Split And Toasted
Cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings. Saute onion in drippings until tender. Remove to small bowl and set aside. Crumble bacon; add bacon and mushrooms to onions. Combine beef, cheese, pepper, garlic powder and steak sauce in a large bowl. Mix well and shape into 16 patties. Divide bacon mixture and place over eight of the patties. Place remaining patties on top and press edges tightly to seal. Cook in skillet or over coals until done. Serve on buns. Garnish as desired.