2016 Progress

2016

The Courier

Sunday, October 16, 2016 1P

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Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center Experience, leadership and technology strengthen quality care for the region Submitted by Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center

Saint Mary’s and its affiliates reach significant milestones

Henderson

Marchky

Millard-Henry Clinic, an affiliate of Saint Mary’s Regional Health System, is one of the largest multispecialty clinics in the state. With more than and 48,000 square feet, the main clinic offers the River Valley’s largest medical office complex in the region.

This year is a major milestone as well for Saint Mary’s Wellness Fitness Center, an impressive 30,000 square foot facility that features an indoor track, basketball court, fitness rooms, sauna, and more. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the center opened in 1991.

Additionally, Saint Mary’s Turning Point Behavioral Health, the hospital’s short-term inpatient psychiatrist program, notes its fifth anni-

versary this month.

“Back in the 1920s, Dr. Smith sought to establish the best healthcare facility possible for his neighbors in Russellville and the surrounding area. We believe we are carrying on this tradition, and that his commitment to excellence will continue to guide us well into the future,” said Jim Davidson, SMRHS’ chief executive officer.

Understanding the vital importance of healthcare in the River Valley region, and diligently striving to provide those they serve with advanced services and compassionate care, Saint Mary’s is proud to

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bring two new exceptionally skilled and highly experienced healthcare leaders to its administrative team. Dr. Vickie Henderson has joined the system as the chief medical officer (CMO), and Tracy Marchky, RN, recently became the assistant chief nursing officer (ACNO).

Vickie Henderson, MD appointed Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vickie Henderson received her medical degree in 1991 from the Uni-

versity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology in 1995 with UAMS. Dr. Henderson practiced actively with the Millard-Henry Clinics from 1995 – 2014.

During Henderson’s years of active medical practice she received numerous honors and distinctions. She is the recipient of the Fay Boozman Award which is presented by Family Council for “Recognizing the

physician’s exemplary life of excellence and faith in family; faith integration in medical practice, concern and action for community service and health.” Dr. Henderson has also been recognized by the Arkansas Times as Obstetrician of the Year and Gynecologist of the Year.

Early in Dr. Henderson’s career she served as President of the Arkansas Junior Section of

Please see ST. MARY’S | 6P

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ARKANSAS AVENUE

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OUR FOCUS IS CENTERED ON FIGHTING CANCER

Highly experienced healthcare leaders join Saint Mary’s administrative team

INGLEWOOD

The year 2016 marks an important milestone for Saint Mary’s Regional Health System; the hospital is celebrating its 90th anniversary of providing quality care in the River Valley region.

Established by local physician Dr. R.L. Smith, Saint Mary’s was named for a nurse named Mary who greatly inspired and cared for Dr. Smith during a long-term illness and recovery. Since then, Saint Mary’s has grown into a 170-bed, full-service acute care center with more than 100 active physicians on the medical staff, becoming the surrounding area’s premier healthcare provider. Owned by RCCH HealthCare Partners and accredited by the Joint Commission, Saint Mary’s has multiple affiliated facilities which also support the health of the community.

Recently recognized for 70 years of service,

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Fighting cancer — your cancer — is the focus of Saint Mary’s Cancer Treatment Center. To that end, we’ve invested deeply in the fight.

At Saint Mary’s, we are passionate about providing powerful, leading technologies and emerging treatment options, including one of the most advanced radiation therapy approaches available anywhere, right here in the Arkansas River Valley. We are equally excited that when you choose Saint Mary’s, you have at the center of your care a team of field experts who understand your concerns and possess an unyielding commitment to your best care.

It’s the powerful technological resources and dedicated, compassionate care you can expect from Saint Mary’s Cancer Treatment Center. And it’s right here, close to home.

1808 West Main Street • Russellville, AR 72801 • 479-964-9118 saintmarysregional.com • facebook.com/saintmarysregional

RADIATION ONCOLOGIST: DARRELL SPEED, MD

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2P Sunday, October 16, 2016

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River Valley Assisted Living Submitted by River Valley Assisted Living River Valley Assisted Living is settled right in the middle of one of the faster growing communities in the state.

River Valley Assisted Living of Russellville is a cottage style assisted living community that offers the perfect setting for seniors to live with all the amenities of home, a comforting, family atmosphere and true freedom in living.

The community is pet friendly, so seniors can bring their beloved pet with them.

The community style living provides seniors with the freedom to choose what their day will include. Residents can socialize with friends in the living room, dine family style with customized menus or take apart in daily activities as they desire.

When it is time to settle in for the night, residents will have a place to call their own that includes all the amenities that they have grown accustom to

The perfect place to call home throughout the years.

The private apartments allow residents to bring the comforts of home to their new living space. Each floor plan includes a living area, one bedroom, a kitchenette and some also include a walk-in closet. Additionally, every resident’s living space includes wireless internet, DirecTV, housekeeping/laundry service and basic utilities.

Best of all, certified health care professionals are available 24 hours a day if needed, and nurses are available for medication administration and health care services.

Some of the benefits include an on-site beauty salon, transportation for shopping, physician appointments and activities on a scheduled basis.

All of these amenities, along with the individualized care each resident receives, makes River Valley Assisted Living the perfect place to call home.

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River Valley Food 4 Kids sees increase in service

BY SIERRA MURPHY murphy@couriernews.com

Since last year, the number of meals River Valley Food 4 Kids has served has almost doubled. And that’s exponential growth from just over three years of growth.

“We had huge growth over the summer,” said Kristin Foster, RVF4K director. “We served over double the number of kids we served last year, which we did not expect.”

When the organization began in 2014, it served 150 children in Pope County. To date, the organization serves Russellville, Dover, Atkins and Pottsville school districts, and has already served 178,000 meals to date. Last year alone, 100,000 meals were served. And now, 1,300 children are being fed.

“We’re continuing to serve more and more kids. The need is there to continue to support it,” Foster said.

Local school counselors are seeing this need first hand.

Mary Ann Talent, RVF4K board member and counselor for the Upper Elementary Fifth

Grade school complex, works with her students and fellow staff to provide food for children in need.

“We’re the first schools all the elementary schools feed into,” Talent said.

“We get to see the impact of the poverty of our community, kind of for the first time.”

That level of poverty, and in turn the need for food, has increased in the three years Talent has been over seeing the program.

“It appears our poverty level, our need for assistance, our food scarcity – whatever you want to call it – is increasing.”

District wide, 58.81 percent of students qualify for free and reduced lunches. Fifth graders average at 57.9 percent, similiar to the district wide average. Elementary schools, though, see a bit of a spike. Oakland Heights is the second highest average, with 83.76 percent of students qualifying for free and reduced lunches.

Crawford Elementary is the highest, with 87.47 percent of students qualifying.

The widened scope RVF4K has seen made it refocus on funding,

so the 501c3 can continue to service the four school districts during the school year, and Pope and Yell counties during the summer.

Aside from new fun-

draising efforts, RVF4K also procured a truck to shuttle food to and from food banks and schools.

“It allows us to pick up food from the Arkansas food bank and local gro-

cery stores,” Foster said.

“We were having to rely on volunteers for that, which with the amount of food, it gets a little overwhelming.”

Citizens looking to

donate food or funds to RVF4K are encouraged to visit its website at rivervalleyfood4kids.org or send donations to PO Box 1808, Russellville, AR 72811.

Pope County Library System: On your mark, get set, volunteer!

FOR THE COURIER

Chronister takes helm at the Help Network Courier staff reports

Although a familiar face at the organization, Amanda Chronister took on a new role near the end of 2015 at Help Network and assumed the position of executive director.

The organization’s board of directors made the decision in September 2015 to hire Chronister as executive director, following the resignation of Ed Seay. Board President Shannon Crews said Chronister has a heart for Help Network’s mission and “seemed like the logical choice” for the role.

Prior to starting her new position, Chronister served for a year as programs director for Help Network. Before coming to Help Network, Chronister had more than five years experience in low-income program support and case management.

As the executive director, Chronister will build on her knowledge of the organization as she manages the financial aspects and works to help grow Help Network and ensure its continued success.

Her biggest goal for the next year is to get the name of Help Network out to the community and build

awareness among both potential donors — as a faith-based organization, Help Network is funded by church benevolence funds and private donations — and clients about the organization’s programs and services.

As for the programs; director position Chronister vacated, Chera Lowe has come on board to fill that role. Lowe has four years of experience in customer service at Arkansas Tech University and two years of experience in quality assurance at H&R Block.

Lowe said she felt it was divine intervention that led her to her new position. She recently became a Christian, and a day or two afterward, she saw that Help Network was hiring.

Help Network is a nonprofit agency founded in 1992 by the Russellville Area Ministerial Alliance and a grant from the River Valley United Way. The organization provides emergency assistance to low-income families in crisis situations with a goal to offer a hand up, not a handout.

Help Network’s office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The organization can be reached at 479-9677890, online at www. helpnetworkinc.net or on Facebook.

The Pope County Library System (PCLS) is often asked what are the library needs which boil down to: staffing and funding. Two thousandfifteen was the year of the volunteer, and for fundraising at PCLS. The Library System’s primary concern in 2015 – 2017 will be to bring in funding for a new roof ($112,000) for the Pope County Library as we work to get State Aid permanently reinstated. We thank our officials who worked to get it reinstated on an emergency basis this year.

Over 200 volunteers volunteered 2,678 hours saving PCLS $56,238 in 2015. Volunteers stepped up to help in multiple departments with many projects including programming, book recommendation, and shelving after State Aid funding was mistakenly cut, and services were affected in hours open and staff hours reduced.

“Our volunteers can see that they make a difference. When they are not here, they can see physically when they get back, that they make a difference. If you are a teen, we have a place for you whether it’s creative or giving feedback, we have it for them. Teens who volunteer here see there is a way to make a difference, and we like teenagers.”

Sherry Simpson Teen & Adult Services Librarian

Fundraising PCLS worked to reclaim funds through recovery of overdue materials and finds; virtualizing servers; fundraising and creating branch book stores.

Over $2,347 was raised through: 5K Race for Literacy, online Arts & Crafts Auction, a Love Your Library, Love Your Sweetie Bake Sale, and a Teen Car Wash.

The Pope County Library’s first annual “Race for Literacy” had 80 participants who ran to raise funds to for the Pope County Library’s (PCL)’s programming department which gives 386 of the System’s 1100 yearly programs.

Branch bookstores were created in all of the

branches on the third anniversary of the PCL Book Store, where books that are too good to be discarded, but have run their life cycle, or that duplicate copies already owned within the system are resold. Funds from the book stores go back into the County Library Fund to be re-appropriated.

PCLS is looking to expand the libraries and to reclaim space through purchasing more eBooks, but patrons are requesting more paper books, programs, videos and databases. Patrons request more space, more hours, more computers, and parking daily.

Volunteers Volunteer

projects

included inventorying the collection, shelving books, tending the Pope County Library Community Garden, setting up the annual Haunted House, preparing books for the Book Store, and scanning in the Genealogy Department.

PCLS volunteers came to help from every walk of life: retirees, homeschoolers, high schoolers, part-time workers, and full-time volunteers, and worked in the Children’s, Teen, Adult, Genealogy, Circulation, and Interlibrary Loan Departments.

Sherry Simpson, Teen & Adult Services Librarian says, “Our volunteers can see that they make a difference. When they

are not here, they can see physically when they get back, that they make a difference.” PCLS has a place for everyone. “If you are a teen, we have a place for you whether it’s creative or giving feedback, we have it for them. Teens who volunteer here see there is a way to make a difference, and we like teenagers,” said Simpson.

For additional information on volunteering at PCLS, please contact Kathy Mullin, Pope County Library Assistant Branch Manager, at 479968-4368.

Volunteer applications are available online at: http://www.popelibrary. org/index.php/volunteers/

Pope County sales tax revenue down slightly FOR THE COURIER

This is information for taxes remitted to the state for purchases/rebates/refunds through the month of July, from the office of Pope County Treasurer Donna Wall.

Pope County received

$332,838 in gross collections in September 2016.

That is $13,086, or 3.78 percent less than received in September 2015.

Year-to-date through September 2016, Pope County has received gross collections of

$2,995,913. Year-to-date through September 2015, Pope County had received gross collections of $3,029,001. That is a difference of $33,087 or 1.09 percent less than what was received through September 2015.

Pope County will need to average approximately $338,000 in net receipts each month for the next three months, October, November and December 2016, to meet the projected net revenue amount of $3,950,000.

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Arkansas Hospice River Valley Atkins Nursing and Rehabilitation Home marks fifth anniversary

BY SCOTT CHRISTIAN This fall marks the fifth anniversary since the Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home in Russellville opened its doors – and began making a dierence for patients and families during one of the most diďŹƒcult times of their lives.

While most patients with advanced illnesses receive hospice care in their own homes or other places of residence, there are times when they need the special care of hospice professionals around the clock.

When these times occur, Arkansas Hospice meets the needs of these patients and families by providing inpatient care at the River Valley Home, a state-of-the art, eightbed inpatient center that

provides a warm, homelike setting. This facility, which features a private chapel, a gazebo, and a covered patio with an outdoor fountain, is Arkansas Hospice’s first free-standing inpatient center; the organization also has an inpatient center at CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock and one at CHI St. Vincent in Hot Springs.

As a not-for-profit organization, strong community support was crucial to the building of the River Valley Home.

Russellville businessman Jim Bob Humphrey chaired the Capital Campaign Committee to raise money for building the center. Many others, including Dorothy Babish, went above and beyond to help make the proj-

ect a reality. Events such as Sweetheart Saturday also boosted both morale and fundraising eorts.

In September 2011, the more than 7,000 squarefoot facility’s doors were opened to the community, so they could see the center they had helped build. Then, the River Valley Home accepted its first patient on Nov. 4, 2011.

Community support continues to play a key factor in supporting the River Valley Home.

An excellent example is the vital role that volunteers played this past April, as Arkansas Hospice Russellville hosted its 2nd annual Saturday’s Fair, a fun-filled, family-oriented event to benefit the inpatient center. Work will soon

be underway for 2017’s event, which is scheduled for April 15.

Another highlight for the year was being named as a recipient of the Hospice Honors Elite Award, which recognizes hospices providing the highest level of quality as measured from the caregiver’s point of view.

Receiving the honor places Arkansas Hospice in the top tier among thousands of hospices across the nation that use services provided by Deyta Analytics. The award was based on results from a survey given to the caregivers of hospice patients served by both Arkansas Hospice’s home-based oďŹƒce in Russellville and the Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home.

remodels facility

Atkins Nursing and Rehabilitation provides its residents with short term care, rehabilitation, long term care and an observation unit.

They remodeled their entire facility over two years. The remodel concluded over the summer of 2016. The facility also has a new medical director, Mary Puge. The therapy department has received new equipment. The facility has a new kitchenette and the facility has also redone its courtyard. “We have to have a pleasant, homelike environment to help the residents function. We have a compassionate sta and those that are interested in touring our

The remodel concluded over the summer of 2016. facility are welcome to do so,� said Cindy Jaroe, administrator at Atkins Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Atkins Nursing and Rehabilitation’s goal is to continue with the services it provides to make the lives of the residents better and to concentrate more on rehabilitation. The facility has been open since 1984 and is located at 605 NW 7th Street in Atkins. It has a sta of 103 people.

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Kirkland Family Medical Center Progress can be measured in many ways, but sometimes it’s just about staying home.

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1652 W Hwy 22 • Dardanelle, AR

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Pope County welcomes new HR director

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

The Pope County Quorum Court approved a recommendation from the Budget Committee and Personnel Committee to fund a human resources direction position during its April monthly meeting and appropriated over $102,000.

Seven applicants were chosen, five responded for a first interview and two

were invited back for a second interview. The applicant chosen was a veteran of human resources big and small.

Donna Ashley, a Cleburne County native, told the Pope County Quorum Court during her introduction at its July meeting that she has devoted 20 years to this field because she enjoys showing people that they can be all they can be — whether

it’s 200 employees or over 1,500.

Ashley said there were many discussions with current Treasurer Donna Wall and future Treasurer Larry Holman about putting a human resources department into place.

That includes making sure that there are services and programs for employees to be involved in, that they are connected to this county in different ways.

She said that she believes she can provide that for Pope County.

“I have worked for a union and nonunion organizations. I worked for industries as small as 200 employees, and I worked for an industry that went 1,500 plus. I worked in HR departments of one and all the way up to 36, which reported directly to me,” she said.

Pope County Judge

Jim Ed Gibson said hiring Ashley and creating a human resources department proves that Pope County is making a lot of strides.

“We average about 265 full-time employees, and that’s a pretty big number for anything,” the judge explained. “The laws change, there are health care issues we have to deal with and so forth. We want to make sure we are

abiding by the law.

“We are doing this for all of our employees. Any employee you get, is an asset for you. We’ve got some good employees here in Pope County. Human resources is just another service we will offer to them. I think we will be able to do that within our budget. So, that’s going to be good. Everything is looking good in Pope County.”

Holman to become county treasurer

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

Larry Holman, who will take over for Pope County Treasurer on Jan. 1, 2017, is well known to local city and county government officials.

The Johnson County native conducted audits for city and county governments when he worked for the Division of State Legislative Audit for over two decades.

He explained he wants to share the treasurer’s office with county residents and to go to work for them every day. Holman ran unopposed for the treasurer position and will take over for Wall next year.

Holman and his wife, Judy, and their four children moved to a farm outside Russellville a few years ago.

The next treasurer said he was very involved in the county’s human resources position, which was filled by Donna Ashley.

Holman said his goal will be to take care of the functions of the Treasurer’s Office, as well as provide everyone information related to the Treasurer’s Office.

The human resources position will be a big benefit to Pope County, although it won’t happen overnight. A couple or three years from now, and people may wonder how the county ever got by without one.

E M UR CO O IN AM O J TE

Communication, Teamwork, Safety, Quality, Compassion, Respect and Integrity.

Council fills HR position COME JOIN OUR TEAM…

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

The Russellville City Council voted 6-0 during a special meeting last November to hire Tanessa Vaughn as the city’s new human resources generalist at City Hall.

Vaughn was one of three finalists interviewed by aldermen during a previous special meeting. An employee of Taber Extrusions the past 10 years, Vaughn replaced Tracey ClinePew, who resigned to take a position in Pulaski County.

Vaughn decided she wanted to get back into public service and joined the city’s team. She said she was once involved in Arkansas Workforce and was interested in going back to the public service arena.

Vaughn’s husband works at Arkansas Nuclear One. Their children graduated from Russellville High School and Arkansas Tech University.

She explained the human resources position involves the hiring and placing qualified individuals in city positions and retaining the employees who are already here.

Are you looking for a place to make a difference?

WHO WE ARE

A place where you can challenge your technical skills while demonstrating your compassion. A place where you’re treated

You entered the world of

like family … then look no more. Come join Saint Mary’s

health care for a reason.

Regional Medical Center to include excellent benefit packages

Because you wanted to make a difference. Because

as well as competitive wages.

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helping people is a part of who you are. So why not join an organization that shares your ideals and rewards your efforts? One that invites you to be yourself, to express your individuality through the quality of care you deliver. An organization like Saint Mary’s

Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center is located in Russellville, Arkansas, a 170-bed facility, accredited by Joint Commission serving the Arkansas River Valley for more than 80 years. Russellville, Arkansas is located in the Heart of the Beautiful River Valley. Russellville offers an abundance of Natural Beauty with Mountains, Lakes, and Streams while still providing Shopping, Great School Districts and even a 4-Year University. Russellville is a great, safe place to raise a family – country living with the amenities of a larger city! Learn more about the Russellville community by visiting www.russellvillechamber.org/

Regional Medical Center, where our commitment to our employees is as deep as your commitment to your patients and your profession.

1808 West Main, Russellville, AR 72801

479-964-5654 • www.saintmarysregional.com

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River Valley Assisted Living expansion continues FOR THE COURIER

As our business has expanded over the past year we have been able to increase our employment opportunities in the healthcare field.

River Valley Assisted Living provides housing opportunities to the elderly, giving them the choice of services as their needs progress. We offer private, unfurnished apartments with ameni-

ties that include utilities (excluding a private inroom phone) wireless internet, cable TV service, housekeeping and laundry service, three meals daily plus snacks, transportation locally and activities.

River Valley Assisted Living is built in a cottage or pod style design.

We will begin construction on our fourth cottage later this year. Each cot-

River Valley Assisted Living provides housing opportunities to the elderly, giving them the choice of services as their needs progress. tage has 15 one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, a central gathering area and dining room, on-site beauty salon and

other amenities, allowing you to customize your services to your needs.

Future plans include a central atrium for activi-

The latest in MRI technology

and effectively treat CVI.”

ties and special events that connects all the cottages together.

River Valley Assisted Living enjoys participating in community events such as the Business Expo, the Chocolate festival and the Alzheimer’s Walk. We also have many special events within our community including live entertainment, talent shows, Queen’s Pageant and holiday events that

make life special for those that live within our community.

Here at River Valley we are always striving to provide the most up-to-date advanced care as possible and we feel that starts with our staff. We provide our staff with dementia training and other educational opportunities to benefit our residents and families, so we are better able to serve you.

ley and remains committed to investing in superior systems, ensuring long-term access to quality care for the patients we serve.

“Improving accessibility to safe, high quality health care is an ongoing goal of Saint Mary’s Regional Health System.

As our region grows, and many individuals and families gain access to coverage, Saint Mary’s is well positioned to provide enhanced access to some of the best diagnostic and treatment technologies as well as more physicians in more specialties,” said Jim Davidson, CEO. “We are committed to meeting the growing medical needs of the communities we serve well into the future.”

tion – does it require routine care or a trip to the ER? With Saint Mary’s Express Care, they don’t have to make that call.

Saint Mary’s Express Care team nurse practitioners and physician assistants can perform rapid assessment and work to provide the most appropriate treatment patients need, when they need it.

With Express Care and emergency care in the same location, timely, appropriate treatment for the illness or injury is right there, as the full range of advanced technology in Saint Mary’s Emergency Department is always available.

Saint Mary’s Turning Point Behavioral Health Unit expands to meet growing need

The hospital’s dedication to patient safety is evidenced by consistently being recognized by state and national organizations.

The Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care recognized Saint Mary’s for excellence in health care. The hospital earned a Hospital CAUTI Reduction Award from the AFMC annual Quality Awards program.

A proud member of the national Hospital Engagement Network’s (HEN) quality improvement team, Saint Mary’s was recognized in September for making great progress to improve patient care. The intensive twelve-month effort is aimed at improving the quality, safety and affordability of health care.

Saint Mary’s is the only hospital in the state to be quoted in the Joint Commission’s Implementation Guide for Reduction of Surgical Site Infections, and is one of 17 hospitals in the U.S. to be highlighted for “best practice.”

Furthermore, Saint Mary’s is the only hospital in the state to receive a Hospital Safety Score “A” Ranking for quality and safety for four consecutive years.

ST. MARY’S CONTINUED FROM 1P

the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and on the Editorial Board of the Arkansas Medical Society. She served as the Chairperson of Obstetrics and Gynecology, member of the Physician Leadership Group, Credentials Committee, and President of the Executive Committee for Millard Henry Clinics. Dr. Henderson also served on the Board of Trustees for Saint Mary’s in 2014 and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Arkansas Medical Society.

Dr. Henderson is a published author, lecturer, host of her own weekly online broadcast and a strong promoter of the Russellville community and the River Valley. She is married to State Representative Ken Henderson and they have three grown children.

Tracy Marchky, RN, named Assistant Chief Nursing Officer With more than 25 years of nursing experience, Tracy Marchky, RN, brings a wealth of experience to her role of assistant chief nursing officer (ACNO) at Saint Mary’s.

Marchky has served in a variety of settings from the intensive care unit, emergency department, cardiac catheterization lab to obstetrics. She has served in various roles during her 15 year career at Northwest Health System including administrative house supervisor and director for several clinical departments. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in nursing, Marchky also earned a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in healthcare management.

Prior to Northwest Health System, she served as chief nursing officer (CNO) of a long term care facility, director of cardiology education and has served as a clinical instructor in the area.

Tracy is married to Joseph Marchky and they have three children ages 18, 12 and 9.

New technology improves diagnosis of dangerous infections and thwarts antibiotic resistance Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center has recently implemented innovative molecular detection and surveillance technology which allows lab professionals to quickly and proactively identify dangerous infections that previously required 48 to 72 hours (or longer) to identify.

With the installation, the medical center now offers rapid testing onsite to detect and treat disease as quickly as possible.

The new system allows the hospital to manage all aspects of the testing process onsite, from sample preparation to identification. This means that the accurate answers patients need are now offered earlier, sometimes in as little as one hour, while medical value is highest. Saint Mary’s physicians can immediately prescribe treatments that target specific

infections. Getting the right antibiotic not only helps a patient get well faster, but also reduces the chance of antibiotic resistance. This is a significant advantage for our community and our region.

Saint Mary’s is one of a limited number of hospitals in Arkansas to have this technology. Investing nearly $112,000 in this system underscores the medical center’s commitment to adopting the most effective practices in preventing the spread of infection.

“Improving patient outcomes is the primary goal of any diagnostic system,” said Robert Gates, Director of Laboratory Services. “We are dedicated to providing better, faster and more accurate diagnosis and treatment, and to reducing the development of antibiotic resistance. This not only protects individuals, but it can have a positive impact on the long-term health of our community as a whole. Everyone benefits from getting the right results at the right time.”

The region’s first 128-slice CT scanner At a cost of $1.2 million, Saint Mary’s is the first hospital in the region to offer and fully utilize the powerful, new 128-Slice Computed Tomography (CT) scanner, revolutionizing non-invasive procedures including coronary angiography and lung cancer screenings. The high-speed scanner helps physicians see more anatomical detail at a lower radiation dose, accomplished in a fraction of the time previously required with conventional CT. The machine can scan the whole body in seconds and provide incredibly sharp 3D images of any organ.

This technology has been particularly effective for studying the beating heart. CT angiography utilizing the 128-slice CT provides clear non-invasive images of the heart and its major vessels. The scans can help in determining whether either fatty deposits or calcium deposits have built up in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. The scans can also be timed to use only images gathered between contractions, so that the heart and its vessels can be seen without blurring caused by motion.

For patients requiring a CT examination, and in particular for those requiring cardiac, brain, lung or peripheral vascular examination, the 128– slice scanner provides increased speed, reduced radiation dosage, detailed diagnostic information, greater convenience and improved patient comfort.

“This new technology will give us more versatility in our imaging protocols,” said interventional cardiologist Dr. Sastry Prayaga, Medical Director of Saint Mary’s Cardiac Cath Lab. “Rather than a one-scan-fits-all approach, we tailor each exam to meet the patient’s specific needs.”

As part of its mission to exceed expectations, Saint Mary’s recently invested $1.6 million in a powerful MRI system to enhance diagnostics capabilities. This technology offers increased comfort paired with the sharpest high resolution images on the market.

“This is the most accurate MRI imaging tool in the region. This system offers excellent images for more definitive diagnosis and meets the patient demand for a more comfortable experience,” said Imaging Director Ken Dilday.

New nuclear medicine technology Saint Mary’s has installed two nuclear medicine imaging cameras in the Imaging Department as well. Valued at nearly $385,000, the cameras and re-designed facility place the hospital among the leaders in nuclear medicine imaging technology statewide.

Nuclear medicine cameras provide very precise images of the area of the body being imaged. The more precise the information health care providers can obtain about a patient’s condition, the more effectively that patient can be treated. With improved efficiency and speed, these cameras allow for scan times and doses as low as half that of standard nuclear medicine protocols.

New treatment for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) Over 30 million Americans, predominantly women who have been pregnant and those who stand for extended periods at their jobs, have varicose veins. People often assume these blue, red or flesh-colored veins are just a cosmetic nuisance or confuse them with spider veins. Many also write them off as simply a sign of getting older.

However, varicose veins may be related to a more serious medical condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). If left untreated, CVI can cause leg pain, swelling, restlessness, skin damage and ulcers may occur.

“There are many misconceptions about varicose veins,” said Dr. Shuja Rajool of Cardiology Associates of North Central Arkansas. “At Saint Mary’s, we are working to debunk these myths and especially urge moms, who tend to put their own health last on their ‘to do’ list, to listen to their bodies and take action.”

“As we age, it’s important to take care of our entire body, including our legs, as they play a major role in helping us lead an active, healthy lifestyle,” he added. “People with varicose veins must understand that they don’t have to suffer in silence.

As vein specialists, we can screen, diagnose and treat their condition head-on. We use a minimally invasive treatment where radiofrequency energy is used to precisely

Cardiac and Vascular Care Center – leadership, physicians and technology Investing nearly $3 million in life-saving cardiac and limb-saving catheterization technologies, Saint Mary’s completed capital improvements in two state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs for diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular and vascular procedures.

Saint Mary’s has assembled a dedicated team of cardiac specialists devoted to providing outstanding cardiac care, right here, at home. These highly trained, board-certified cardiologists include Medical Director Dr. Sastry Prayaga interventional cardiologist, and Drs. Dai-Yuan Wang and Shuja Rasool, both invasive cardiologists and Dr. Ravishankar Kalaga, interventional Cardiologist.

These physicians make life-saving cardiac care available in the River Valley. Their practice, Cardiology Associates of North Central Arkansas, can be reached at 479-968-4311.

AirStrip OB App helps doctors monitor labor Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center launched a cutting edge mobile patient-monitoring program that allows Saint Mary’s OB/GYNS to keep a closer eye on labor and delivery patients, giving them immediate access to important data, and improving patient safety and treatment. The hospital is the first healthcare facility in the River Valley region to acquire the AirStrip OB technology that helps obstetricians closely monitor women in labor.

For obstetricians, the AirStrip OB program delivers live vital patient data including fetal heart rate, maternal contraction patterns, along with vital signs and nursing notes from the hospital labor and delivery unit - to a physician’s smartphone or tablet.

“AirStrip OB helps look after the comfort, safety and security of patients,” said Sherry McClure, Director of Saint Mary’s Women’s and Children’s Department. “No matter the demands of the day or a physician’s location, they can closely watch their patients in labor and be in a position to react immediately to a change in situation. That will contribute to improved patient care.”

Enhanced technology and Improved accessibility In addition, Saint Mary’s purchased new laparoscopic surgical equipment at $150,000 for the operating room — $78,000 was invested in patient monitors for a progressive care unit and another $260,000 is currently being expended to purchase a state-of-theart nurse call system for better patient care.

Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center has significantly enhanced the healthcare technology available to the River Val-

Mental disorders are common throughout Arkansas and affect people of any age, race or religion. In 2010, 12.5 percent of Arkansans reported having frequent mental distress compared to 10.7 nationally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To address this and other critical statistics, Turning Point Behavioral Health Unit opened in 2011 and is one of only a few facilities of its kind in Arkansas to accept adult Medicaid.

Since its inception five years ago as a 15-bed unit, Turning Point has expanded, bringing the total number of beds to 19. Additional space for recreational and other uses has also been converted. “This expansion is important because it meets a tremendous need to help people struggling with suicidal ideation, depression and other mental health issues,” stated Darci Englin, Turning Point Program Director.

Turning Point staff strive to help individuals struggling with multiple types of mental disorders.

In the last 5 years, Turning Point has admitted 3,300 patients. Patients have come from all over Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma for help from dedicated psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, recreational therapists, and mental health technicians.

“Now celebrating our fifth anniversary, we are extremely proud that our unit has been able to serve the community and make a difference with our mentally ill population. We are equally proud of our staff - the unsung heroes who truly impact people’s lives every day,” stated Darci Englin, Turning Point Program Director.

Saint Mary’s Express Care — More than an ordinary urgent care center Injuries and illnesses seem to happen at the most inconvenient time, and when they do, patients may need more than an ordinary urgent care center. At these times, a patient is faced with determining the complexity of the situa-

Recognized on the state and national level for quality and patient safety

About Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center With a medical staff of more than 100 active physicians in 18 specialties, Saint Mary’s offers a wide range of quality healthcare services to residents of west central Arkansas, including cardiac catheterization, surgery, diagnostic radiology, cancer treatment, rehabilitation therapy, women’s and children’s services, and 24-hour emergency services. Saint Mary’s employs over 900 healthcare professionals who are dedicated to providing quality care with courtesy and compassion.

As employers and providers of high-quality, essential care, Saint Mary’s Regional Health System is proud to be an integral part of the River Valley community.

Improving access to physicians, expanding services and investing in new technologies, the center is the cornerstone for a stronger, healthier River Valley, now and for generations to come.

For more information, visit www.SaintMarysRegional.com

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Scope of services increase at Area Agency on Aging The year 2016 saw an increase in client needs, rearranging of case managers’ territories and new and returning staff at the Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas’ Russellville location.

Throughout the changes, the agency’s mission has remained the same for the agency’s more than four decades of existence: to help seniors lead independent, meaningful and dignified lives. The way in which this goal is accomplished has changed along with seniors’ evolving needs.

Changes in Medicaid predicated changes in the agency. A new case manager was hired to meet increasing demands, and territories for other case managers shifted as a result. Case managers assist clients in matching their needs with resources, visit the clients regularly and help them fill out paperwork to qualify for assistance.

“Their role is a pivotal one in our agency,” said Tim Herr, Executive Director. “They are the first people that our clients see, and help guide them through the maze of paperwork, qualifications and documents. Our clients rely on them and look forward to seeing them.”

In-home personal care, family caregiver resources, case management, advocacy for long-term care residents, home-delivered meals and volunteer opportunities for seniors are just a few of the programs offered by the nonprofit organization, which serves Pope, Yell and Johnson counties from its Russellville office.

AAAWCA was established in 1974 by an amendment to The Older Americans Act to “monitor, assess, coordinate and pool” all resources, public and private, which provide services to seniors, the growing population of persons age 60 and older.

The agency, along with the seven other similar agencies in the state, was originally part of the Planning and Development Districts in Arkansas.

After a few years, however, it was clear that the AAA’s emphasis on social and human services required a different type of administrative style. The General Assembly passed legislation in 1979 making

Daiber Vision Care Daiber Vision Care in Russellville has added the Ivue SD - OCT scan this year, which dramatically improves its ability to view patients’ internal retinal health. This allows earlier diagnosis of common and not-socommon eye conditions.

The clinic is offering new frame lines like Fysh and Kliik, which tend to be trendy and colorful.

Coach, Micheal Kors, Ray Ban and Flexion frames continue to be a favorite.

Daiber was established in 1993 and is located on 317 East Parkway Drive.

Its clinic has two optometric physicians, Dr. Lori Canfield and Dr. Amy Daiber. They provide comprehensive eye health care including children vision, contact lens service, Lasik and surgical co-management, vision assessment, and eyeglasses, fitting the patients visual needs.

Through in-home personal care, Senior Companion volunteers and home-delivered meals, the agency delivers its promise to help seniors retain their independence. the Area Agencies separate entities, and the law was signed by then-Gov. Bill Clinton.

Over those four decades, the scope of services has increased amid changes in the needs of seniors and the aging population.

Today, the emphasis is on ensuring that seniors who wish to remain in their own homes are able to do just that. Through in-home personal care, Senior Companion volun-

teers and home-delivered meals, the agency delivers its promise to help seniors retain their independence.

AAAWCA also provides funding for and oversees the local Senior Activity Centers, which are located in Russellville, Dardanelle, Danville and Clarksville. The centers serve to keep seniors active and healthy through daily nutritious meals and activities, such as beanbag

baseball, day trips, dances and exercise classes.

In addition to in-home care, the agency offers a myriad of services including referrals to other agencies or service providers, case management, family caregiver assistance and long-term care ombudsmen.

As a nonprofit organi-

zation, many of the services provided by AAAWCA are free of charge, while others have various income guidelines or other criteria for participation.

Private pay arrangements are available for others.

Veterans Administration and Family Caregiver Grants may cover all or part of some services.

Knowledgeable case managers are always happy to talk to seniors about any needs they may have.

AAA has been proudly caring for seniors for 42 years. The Russellville office is part of the West Central Arkansas Region, which is managed by the Hot Springs Regional office.

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KEEPING OUR COMMITMENT TO KEEPING YOU HEALTHY OUR NEW CMO Saint Mary’s Regional Health System has announced Dr. Vickie Henderson’s appointment as Saint Mary’s chief medical officer (CMO).

From 1995-2014, Dr. Henderson actively practiced as an OB/GYN at Millard-Henry Clinic and Millard-Henry Clinic Women’s Center. During her years with the clinic, she chaired the OB/GYN group and served as executive committee president in 2000 and 2012-13.

Bringing to the position a reputation for dedicated

VICKIE HENDERSON, MD

expertise and experience, Dr. Henderson will provide

SAINT MARY’S REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

communication, leadership, and guidance to hospital and medical staff.

OUR NEWEST PHYSICIANS As the Arkansas River Valley’s largest multi-speciality clinic, Millard-Henry Clinic proudly announces the addition of Dr. Jonathan Brixey and Dr. Nathan Henderson to our growing staff of leading physicians.

Dr. Brixey specializes in internal medicine and pediatrics.

He was reared in Pope County, and prior to receiving his medical degree at University of Arkansas-Medical Sciences (UAMS), Dr. Brixey completed an undergraduate degree at Arkansas Tech University (ATU). He is married with two children, and is active in his local church and with outdoor activities.

JONATHAN BRIXEY, MD INTERNAL MEDICINE/PEDIATRICS MILLARD-HENRY CLINIC

Dr. Nathan Henderson also has deep family roots in our area.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree at ATU, he completed medical school at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, and a residency at UAMS/AHEC West.

Dr. Henderson specializes in rural family medicine; he, his wife, and their children plan to live near Dover.

The Hendersons hope to be active in the region’s outdoor and community activities.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Brixey, call the main clinic weekdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at 479-968-2345.

An appointment with Dr. Henderson can be scheduled by calling the Dover clinic (also weekdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) at 479-331-3880.

RUSSELLVILLE • ATKINS • DOVER

NATHAN HENDERSON, MD FAMILY MEDICINE MILLARD-HENRY CLINIC/DOVER

saintmarysregional.com

2016

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Conway Regional Health System Forming partnerships with doctors to improve access to health care for North Central Arkansas Submitted by Conway Regional Health System

Conway Regional Health System is partnering with physicians to improve access to primary and specialty care in north Central Arkansas.

Most recently, Don Steely, M.D., an interventional cardiologist, entered a partnership with Conway Regional and the Jack Stephens Heart Institute at CHI St. Vincent. Conway Regional’s Chief Operating Officer Alan Finley said, “The cardiovascular clinic is a first for us, but still part of our ongoing efforts to form a stronger affiliation with our physicians.”

Conway Regional also has seven primary care clinics including three in Conway and one each in Vilonia, Greenbrier, Clinton and Mayflower.

“This is a beneficial arrangement for everyone. It gives us a vehicle for growing cardiology services,” he said.

“When you’ve got a lot of your cardiologists interested in being in clinics that have a relationship with a larger entity, it helps us in recruitment, developing new services and just being more tightly affiliated with the physicians. It gives us an opportunity to bring more services to the community.”

Finley added, “We are always looking for opportunities to help physicians deal with all the headaches of practice management, giving them more time and energy to focus on patient care. We will manage the business side of the practice so the doctors don’t have to worry about the role of being physician and practice manager. Dr. Steely and the primary care doctors can focus on patient care both in

the clinic and the hospital.”

As for Dr. Steely, he is all smiles. “I’ve just had a huge load lifted off my shoulders. This will be a very beneficial arrangement for me and my patients.”

In addition to Dr. Steely, there are currently two other Interventional Cardiologists on the Conway Regional Medical Staff: Parker Norris, MD, and Lensey Scott, MD. They are complemented by the cardiothoracic surgery practice of Dennis Woodhall, M.D., who has extensive experience in performing invasive cardiothoracic procedures such as bypasses and valve replacements.

Obstetrics and gynecology services in Conway are also continuing to grow with the addition of Lauren Nolen, MD, to the Conway OB Gyn Clinic. Nolen is the 13th OB Gyn to join the Conway Regional Medical Staff.

Orthopaedics services are continuing to grow as well with the addition of Jimmy Head, M.D., to Conway Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Clinic in September. Dr. Head, who recently completed a foot and ankle surgery fellowship, joins seven other highly-qualified orthopedic surgeons on the Conway Regional Medical Staff.

Conway Regional also offers a closer location for River Valley residents who may be looking at Little Rock as a source for other specialty care services. Conway Regional has high quality, accessible vascular, orthopedic and general surgery, neurology, gastroenterology, urology, ear, nose and throat services, an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, and inpatient senior mental health services.

To learn additional in-

THE COURIER / Submitted

Conway Regional President and CEO Matt Troup (left) is pictured with Dr. John Dobbs and Meghan Mallett, an APRN, during an open house for the Conway Regional Medical Clinic Prince St., one of seven primary care clinics in the Conway Regional system.

“When you’ve got a lot of your cardiologists interested in being in clinics that have a relationship with a larger entity, it helps us in recruitment, developing new services and just being more tightly affiliated with the physicians. It gives us an opportunity to bring more services to the community.”

Alan Finley Conway Regional’s Chief Operating Officer

formation about these specialties, visit the Find A Doctor section of www.

conwayregional.org or call 1-800-274-2762 for a physician referral.

THE COURIER / Submitted

Interventional Cardiologist Don Steely, MD, has joined forces with Conway Regional to increase services provided to the River Valley.

The best way to measure a hospital is by looking at the people who choose to work there.

From physicians and nurses to volunteers and managers, the entire team of Conway Regional is part of your healing process.

One Team. One Promise.

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Exciting time for city of Hector

BY JOHN RILEY Mayor of Hector

HECTOR — The most enduring characteristic of the people of Hector has always been in their willingness to work together.

As result of the dedication and hard work of its citizens, the city of Hector has had a successful 2016 and is poised to experience continued opportunity and growth.

During the 2016 budget discussions, the city council determined that infrastructure and facilities improvement was imperative in order to promote investment in our community. The primary focus in 2016 has been on the improvement of parks and city streets.

In March, the city council approved the funding for improvements in drainage, fencing, seating and scoreboard installation for the youth baseball field at Linton Park.

Through community partnerships with the Hector Youth Athletic Association and the acquisition of a Walton Family Foundation Grant, we were able to complete the first phase of park improvements in May with significant savings, reducing the burden on general operating funds.

In addition to park facilities improvement, the city council prioritized the funding of street, sidewalk, and culvert improvements. In September, the city resurfaced a section of Elm Street and completed culvert replacement on Mulberry Street and Wildcat Lane.

The Willow Street resurfacing project is currently in planning and should be completed by the end of October. The city is currently in the planning stages of significant street projects for Wildcat Lane, Maple, Sycamore, and Pine Streets.

The city has placed a strong emphasis on the quality of life and opportunities for recreation.

In 2016, the City of Hector became the first municipality in Arkansas to offer its citizens free Air Med Care Network Services. The contract with Air Med Care provides citizens and their households with free air medical transport from any location in Pope County.

In 2016, recreation opportunities have been readily available. So far this year, the city has hosted its annual Dogg Daze Community Festival and the inaugural Hector Fest (Music Festival).

Hector Fest exceeded our expectations in providing a free community concert featuring 10 bands on two stages. For the fourth year, the City of Hector hosted C.A.S.A of the Fifth Judicial District and the 4th annual Arkansas Zombie Challenge 5k and car show on Oct. 15.

The city of Hector has experienced good business growth in 2016. The recent construction of a national retailer, current construction of an auto repair shop, and the reopening of several locally owned businesses is reason for optimism. It is an exciting time for the City of Hector.

The city is currently in the planning stages of significant street projects for Wildcat Lane, Maple, Sycamore, and Pine Streets.

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Results of tragedy have been amazing

BY CAROLYN MCGEE Mayor of Dardanelle

DARDANELLE — The city of Dardanelle has seen some amazing progress during this year.

In August of 2015, the citizens of Dardanelle witnessed a huge loss when a fire took out three buildings on South Front Street. Damage was done to Millyn’s (owned by Lynne Gleason Murphy), an antique store next to Millyn’s and an office building (owned by Pat Woodson and her son, John) that was located next to the antique store.

Though the loss was great, the results have been amazing. Millyn’s rebuilt their store from the ground up. Dr. Diane Gleason has built an office and there is a courtyard between the two buildings. The Woodson building has been renovated and remodeled.

The entire block has a facelift and looks beautiful.

The Dardanelle School District has acquired the old Arkansas Valley Bank building located on the corner of South Front and Market Streets. The building has been cleaned and there has been some painting done on the outside. It has also been renovated and remodeled on

McGEE the inside.

The Uncommon Communities group has cleaned and painted three to four buildings on the 100 block of North Front Street and also painted Benny’s Barber Shop on Quay Street. They also planted shrubs and did other landscaping on the corner of North Front and Union Streets.

Plans for the fall include working and painting on additional buildings on Quay Street.

Parks and Recreation The Community Center has been busy this year.

The building has been booked for the majority of the weekends for family reunions, birthday parties, weddings and

receptions, baby showers, pageants, etc. There is also a martial arts class that meets here at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. From looking at the calendar, we only have one weekend available for the rest of the year and we are already have several bookings for next year.

On the sports side of the Parks and Recreation, we had 380 boys and girls signed up to play ball this past spring/ summer. We had 6 t-ball

teams, 5 machine pitch t-ball team, 13 baseball teams and 10 softball teams. Out of those 13 baseball teams we sent 11 to play in the AABA State Tournament.

We also worked on and turned in a grant application that if approved will help us build a concession stand and restrooms at the new ball complex at Merritt Park. We will hopefully know whether we are approved by the end of this year.

Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce officers this year are: President; Montie Sims,1st Vice President; Josh Buchanan, 2nd Vice President; Nancy Moore; 3rd Vice President; Danny Bunting, Treasurer; Jennifer Reed.

This years board members are: Wendy Wells, Celia Carter, Sherry Fowler, Carrie Cornwell, Jayne Jones and Rashad Woods. Former officers include: Barry Sims, Mark Thone, Carolyn McGee and John Thompson.

Russellville Fire Department reports to City Council

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

Downtown Russellville sees major growth

BY SIERRA MURPHY murphy@couriernews.com

As downtown ages, it seems like it continues to get livelier. From the finishing of Depot Park to the increase in businesses that have moved to and in downtown, the growth it has seen in the last year has been substantial.

Perhaps the most recognized change, Executive Director of Main Street Russellville Betsy McGuire said, is the finished construction of Depot Park. The sidewalk, light fixtures, greenery and stage all saw a revamp to open up the park, just in time for the summer concert series that downtown hosted in June, July and August.

“We’re seeing events and activities happen there like they did before, but in greater numbers now,” McGuire said.

“People are really seeing that vision of the depot area, the depot park, the depot building, really becoming that town square we’ve never had. That public gathering place in the heart of the city. And that has been the vision for this all along.”

Other events Depot Park has hosted include “Songs, Scenes, and Songs,” a production commemorating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, put on by an Arkansas Tech University theatre professor. And on Oct. 1, local organization River Valley Food

“People are really seeing that vision of the depot area, the depot park, the depot building, really becoming that town square we’ve never had. That public gathering place in the heart of the city. And that has been the vision for this all along.”

Betsy McGuire Director of Main Street Russellville 4 Kids, which provides food to local schools for children in need, hosted Foodstock 2016, a fundraiser to supply the money needed for their backpack program and Christmas campaign.

Depot Park isn’t the only aspect of downtown getting a revamp.

The Depot itself is celebrating 25 years in 2017, and McGuire is already working on its refreshment process; community service projects include painting the Depot.

In terms of downtown, business and other private development has flourished. Businesses like Little Red Hen, B St. Books, B Street Traders, Pasta Grill and Dog Ear Books have all opened store fronts in downtown within the last year, and Big Country Tattoos and Kaleidoclasm have made the move back to downtown. Now, the construction of Old Bank Grill in finished. And while Main Street Russellville has been spearheading a lot of projects for downtown

growth, McGuire said the organization is proud to see others take a hand in downtown growth.

“Even though we’re not making this investment ourselves, that’s what all this groundwork has been laid for.”

But Main Street Russellville’s plans, McGuire said, will be revealed at the end of October and the annual Fall Festival and Chili Cookoff.

The festival and chili cookoff acts as a “community reunion of sorts,” McGuire said. The daylong event starts with the pancake breakfast, and the car festival and children’s costume contest follow. And in recent years, the event has grown to encompass all of downtown.

Aside from the Chili Cookoff, Main Street Russellville has also had a hand in organizing monthly merchant meetings, continuing implementing Master Plan recommendations and finalizing construction of the Depot Park stage.

Russellville Fire Chief Kirk Slone told the City Council durings its July report that firefighters answered 1,213 calls through the first six months of 2016. He went on to touch on some highlights of the department this year, which included two new employees.

Promotional testing was completed with fantastic results, Slone said.

Twenty-one potential firefighter candidates have been put on promotional lists by the Russellville Civil Service Commission.

Ground broke June 20 on the new Central Fire Station after Van Horn Construction of Russellville, also the construction manager for the Aquatic Center project, was awarded the fire station contract.

RFD hosted a two-week hazardous materials technician class and will host several fire departments from across the state.

Three instructors from Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock who specialize in advanced pediatric patient assessment skills provided Russellviile firefighters with the opportunity to learn and practice those skills.

They used a children’s advanced high fidelity Sims mannequin.

But the most significant highlight came from two of the newest graduates of the Arkansas Fire Academy. Ian Simpson and Cody Wilcox represented RFD during the academy.

“It would be great for you to recognize Mr. Simpson and Mr. Wilcox,” said Lonnie Har-

Twenty-one potential firefighter candidates have been put on promotional lists by the Russellville Civil Service Commission. rell, standards coordinator from the Academy, in a letter to Slone and the RFD. “The academic award is for the highest GPA through seven tests. The rookie award is voted on by students and instructor staff. It’s for leadership, practical skills and overall ability on all aspects of the Standards test.

“Mr. Simpson was by far the leader in votes, with Mr. Wilcox coming in second place. Having one student win both awards, and the other coming in second place, shows the quality firefighters the Russellville Fire Department is getting. It is obvious the dedication your fire department has in selecting and training firefighters to attend the Arkansas Fire Training Academy.”

Slone went on to say that it was an exciting time for the city of Russellville and the Russellville Fire Department.

He thanked the citizens, mayor and city council for the support and service.

The council and audience responded with a standing ovation.

During the council’s September meeting, Information Technology Director Lyn Jacimore

let Fire Marshal Richard Setian explain how the Fire Department has gone almost paperless since firefighters started using iPads from inside the training room to on fire trucks, Fire Marshal Richard Setian reported.

The department started using iPads in September 2013, and firefighters are impressed with how great they are and how efficient the department has become.

“Software (called Firehouse Software) manages the entire fire department,” Setian explained.

“Trucks have been equipped with iPads and give us preplan information en route to a call. We can get information about the building at 2 in the morning. It has gone really, really well.” iPads are used for floor plans so firefighters don’t carry notebooks. He said Capt. Chris Vick, who will soon be a battalion chief, added a program called Active 911 that minimizes radio traffic and makes responders more efficient by telling them where the call is, what engine companies are going to the scene, other units going and closest hydrants.

Setian said HAZMAT emergency response guidebook, NAFTC quick reference guide on how to do vehicle extrications with electric cars, and his inspections are all on iPads now. He can approve an inspection, have a property owner sign with their finger, and the email will get to them right then.

“I’m telling you, we have become way more efficient with this technology,” he added.

Russellville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Russellville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center hired a new medical director this year, Mary Annette Pugh MD. Dr. Pugh specializes

in geriatrics and wound care. The center is located on 215 S. Portland Ave., in Russellville. Its principle officer is Amber Strom. The center serves

the elderly population that need 24-hour care or strengthening therapy to go home. They offer an on site optometrist, podiatrist and dentist.

12P Sunday, October 16, 2016

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Salvation Army welcomes the Thorsons

BY PATRICIA SPEARS pspears@couriernews.com

The Salvation Army in Russellville gained two new commanders in June.

Lt. Andrew Thorson and his wife, Lt. Shannon Thorson, officially began work in Russellville, their second appointment, on June 27. The Thorsons have an 11-year-old daughter, Nadia, and a 5-month-old son, Andersson.

Shannon said she didn’t know the Salvation Army existed until she met Andrew in 1996.

The couple was ordained in 2013 and their first assignment was Texas City, Texas, in Galveston County which lasted three years.

Andrew said they are going on their fourth year of being pastors with the Salvation Army and it is similar to the military for assignments.

“It’s very much like the

regular army where you get moved from place to place, or even with the Methodist church how they move their pastors from place to place depending on your skill sets and where the need might be, he said. “An average an assignment is three to four years, but there has been an appointment that I know of in Texas that was over 20 years long.”

Andrew said they have several responsibilities as commanders for the Salvation Army in Russellville.

“Especially in an appointment like this we’ve got responsibilities such as managing and organizing the thrift store to get it in place, social services, pastoral services, sermons, childcare when we have Sunday school classes, janitorial work if we don’t have anyone to help the clean building and human resource du-

ties among being parents and spouses,” he said.

“Pretty much anything that incorporates the ministry or even just the operation of the facilities falls directly in line with what we have to do. Eventually we will be able to get some of that delegated out as we get some new employees of course but the ministry will stay full-time for us.”

Andrew said they currently have five employees and about four steady volunteers that help.

“We even have youth groups that come on a weekly basis of around 15 kids,” he said. “We’ve got a pretty good base of people who like to help.”

He added they still need volunteers for the thrift store.

“We need volunteers for the thrift store. That’s a big need right now,” he said. “And also help around here (the office building).”

Yell County voters to use new machines

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

DANVILLE — When Yell County voters go to the polls on Nov. 8, they will use new election machines furnished by the state and already used at lthis year’s school board elections.

Judge Mark Thone said the Quorum Court voted during its regular meeting in March to use the new election machines.

Kelly Boyd and Rob Hammonds of the Secretary of State’s Office in Little Rock explained to justices of the peace that the county could participate in a pilot program

About 38 percent (3,761) of Yell County’s 9,820 registered voters took part in the March 1 Super Tuesday primary. that would provide the new voting machines, the software necessary to operate them and training, all at no cost.

Thone said they were

Dr. Amy J.S. Daiber Dr. Lori Boyd Canfield Optometric Physicians

told these were the best voting machines in the country.

Thone said the new machines will speed up the process from when registered voters cast their ballots to when they are counted by election workers. He said the big poll books voters are asked to sign will also be eliminated. About 38 percent (3,761) of Yell County’s 9,820 registered voters took part in the March 1 Super Tuesday primary.

Thone said the cost of the machines to the county would have been $375,000.

The Russellville and Dardanelle clinics offer prescription and non-prescription sunglasses, safety & fashion eyewear including: Coach, Nike, Flexon, Wiley X, Guess, Harley Davidson, Candies, Skechers, Ray Ban, Banana Republic, Bongo, KLiik, Fysh, Costa Del Mar & Michael Kors.

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• Adults & Pediatrics • Infusion Therapy • Pain Management • Medication Management • Chronic Disease Management • Wound Care • Palliative care • Balance & Gait Training

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www.trinityhhar.com • 479-968-4544 1708 West C Place • Russellville, AR 72801

Please Join us for our Open House & Ribbon Cutting November 10th 10:30 A.M.

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FBC construction nears completion Courier staff reports

Construction of a new worship center at First Baptist Church is tentatively expected to be complete in the spring of 2017. The new building, which is located at the corner of West 2nd Street and South Glenwood Avenue, is designed to meet the growing needs of the congregation.

According to the website www.fbcgenesisproject.org, the old sanctuary, which was build in 1962 and renovated in 1996, no longer entirely fits the needs of the church.

The new worship center will increase capacity by 69 percent, or 368 seats. The new worship

center will have 1,000 new seats total and will include: • A larger projection screen on both the left

and right side of the stage.

• An off-stage area for worship preparation and rehearsals.

• A larger stage to hold

Water, sewer rates go up in Atkins

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

ATKINS — During its meeting in March, the Atkins City Council voted for a $4 water rate increase to go along with a $4 sewer rate increase. In July, and every July to follow for the next five years, a customer’s bill will increase 5 percent each year.

Aldermen approved during their August meeting an updated contract for people who rent the W.J. Matthews Civic Center.

Mayor Jerry Don Barrett said the rental amount increased to $75 and a cleaning deposit increased to $75. People who rent the civic center will also pay a $10 key deposit.

Barrett said a committee formed to take care of the civic center suggested

painting the inside walls and showed an interest in building or buying a storage building so items stored in the kitchen and inside the civic center that took up needed space could be stored outside.

The city approved its 2016 budget that included the purchase of a second Ford Police Interceptor SUV for the Atkins Police Department.

Atkins Water and Sewer Department personnel continued to work on fixing problems at the Southwest Water Treatment Plant and satisfy the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).

Barrett thanked the chairman of the Planning Commission for agreeing to find a way to ease restrictions that hamper building in Atkins. Charles

Baker said at the Planning Commission meeting he supported the mayor’s idea of relaxing requirements, including paved curb and gutter when a subdivision is built.

“It has hampered growth in Atkins,” he said, adding more subdivisions would help the community’s tax revenue and schools tremendously.

The council voted to relocate its state revenue office that is open Wednesdays from the old train depot on Main Street to the old Millard-Henry Clinic on Main Street.

Lee’s Trash Service was selected as the city’s trash service. The Russellville company received a two-year contract after it submitted a bid of $11.13 per customer during the council’s November meeting.

full orchestra, larger choir and additional instrumentation.

• New lighting.

• A design focused on

bringing the congregation closer to the stage.

The project, which costs $11.5 million, will strive to further renovate

the current sanctuary and make many other campus improvements.

The building project will not interfere with the church’s mission giving or budget. According to the church’s website, “If at any time the budget or missions fund is not going to be funded, money will be removed from the building project to fund it. Missions and ongoing ministries are the No.1 priority.”

The church has seen 454 new members in the last five years. Their preschool total enrollment has increased from 174 in 2009 to 310 in 2014. Average Sunday school attendance is averages 871 and peaks at 1,000.

Arkansas Occupational Health Clinic Monday - Friday 8:00 - 5:00 Locations: Springdale, Van Buren, Russellville

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Saint Mary’s Cardiology & Vascular Services team (left to right): Drs. Shuja Rasool, Dai-Yuan Wang, Sastry Prayaga, and Ravishankar Kalaga.

FOUR BOARD-CERTIFIED CARDIOLOGISTS, TWO STATE-OF-THE-ART CATH LABS, ALL HERE FOR ONE HEART — YOURS. Time is muscle. If you or a loved one experience a heart attack, you must act fast.

Experts agree that an emergency treatment called angioplasty can be crucial to saving your life.

Where you are taken when you have a heart attack matters because the longer a person waits for this procedure, the more heart tissue dies. Thankfully, Saint Mary’s is just minutes away.

Saint Mary’s is equipped with two premiere cardiac catheterization labs, ready for emergency angioplasty, should you need one. The treatment is one of many remarkable cardiovascular services performed every day by our exceptional team of board-certified interventional and invasive cardiology specialists.

To schedule an appointment with one of our leading cardiologists, call:

479-968-4311

Caring for the heart of the River Valley.

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New health care, kitchen system created for PCDC

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

Pope County Sheriff Shane Jones and his staff have searched for ways to upgrade the Pope County Detention Center (PCDC), reduce expenses and save the county money since he was elected.

The Pope County Quorum Court formed a Detention Center Medical Expense Initiative Committee in January 2015 because over the last few years, sheriffs or jail administrators had come to Justices of the Peace in the final months of the year and asked for additional funding to cover increasing medical expenses.

Chaired by JP Bill Sparks and including David Ivy, Don Daily, R.E. Hodges and Mary Metz-Blaylock, they were tasked with coming up with a solution to keep spiraling medical costs from escaping the detention center and ending up in front of the Quorum Court toward the end of every annual budget cycle.

County officials interviewed four companies, but were impressed with a regional company based in Oklahoma City that promised to hire local people and take responsibilities of health care off the hands of sheriff’s personnel. The cost was $248,000 a year, which was less than the jail’s projected budget of $268,000 for medical expenses.

Turn Key Health started providing health care services on March 4, and

Jones the improvements were almost instant, Sheriff Shane Jones said.

A nurse, hired locally, takes care of all the inmates’ medical needs and issues 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Jailers and administrators do not have to figure out what an inmate is taking or have to spend hours with them on a trip to the hospital that may result in nothing.

Rowdy Sweet noted a big responsibility was transporting prisoners.

X-rays can now be done at the jail, along with EKG and other treatments or analysis that had to be done at the hospital or Millard-Henry Clinic.

Transporting inmates would also take up time of Pope County EMS paramedics.

Turn Key Health staff can also review the medical and prescription history of an inmate, which means they are getting better treatment than before the provider took at the PCDC. “It’s just a better environment,” Jones said.

“The protection and care

“It’s just a better environment. The protection and care of our inmates is important while they are here. That is our job, and it is required of the department to do that. With this company coming in and doing that, the inmates are definitely getting better care.”

Shane Jones Pope County Sheriff of our inmates is important while they are here.

That is our job, and it is required of the department to do that. With this company coming in and doing that, the inmates are definitely getting better care.”

Kitchen service saved $60-$70K Jones hired Tiger Correctional Services of Jonesboro, which provides county, state and federal prisons with inmate food service, commissary and jail management software.

“We discovered through shopping around and figured out from other sheriffs that a company could take over our kitchen and save our taxpayers money,” Jones explained.

“I talked to some of their customers and had real good responses. We expected to save around $50,000 per year, but last year we ended up saving between $60,000 to $70,000 for the year.”

The detention center provides inmates to work in the kitchen. Tiger Correctional Services provides a dietician at the

New directors selected for Alliance, Russellville Chamber of Commerce

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

The Arkansas Valley Alliance for Economic Development (AVAED) and Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce (RACC) announced separate directors in August.

The Alliance board of directors has appointed Paul Harvel as the Interim CEO of the Alliance.

According to a letter distributed to Chamber members, Harvel has a long history of working with economic development organizations in the state.

He has previously served as President and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce. While CEO of the Fort Smith Chamber, he established the regional economic organization that was

The Alliance board of directors has appointed Paul Harvel as the Interim CEO of the Alliance. According to a letter distributed to Chamber members, Harvel has a long history of working with economic development organizations in the state. responsible for the creation of over 1,200 new jobs and an economic investment of $390 million over a five-year period.

Harvel will oversee the efforts of this organization as they continue their mission of recruiting new industries to the area, and assisting existing industries with expansions, capital improvements and job creation and retention.

Alliance board chairman Gregg Long said

Harvel had done some work with the Alliance in the past and was aware of the departure of former Chamber and Alliance director Jeff Pipkin, who resigned Aug. 15. Long said Harvel reached out to and offered to help during the transition and was asked to step in as interim CEO. He agreed.

The Chamber board of directors named current Chamber Executive Vice President Stephanie Beerman as interim

executive director. Beerman joined the Chamber staff in 2013 and currently runs day-to-day operations, programs and events, and committees for the Chamber.

After she graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a degree in hospitality administration, Beerman has worked for Saint Mary’s Regional Health Systems and the Schumacher Group. She is currently serving as the board chairman of the Arkansas River Valley Tri-Peaks Association.

The letter to Chamber members stated that Beerman and the Chamber staff will continue efforts to sustain the positive momentum and prosperity enjoyed in the community and will continue to be the leader in the development of the best possible business environment and the constant pursuit of social prosperity.

jail to make sure inmates get the calorie intake the state requires. The company also provides the food, which it can do at a reduced rate because it provides food for up to 200 prisons and jails throughout the U.S. Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Blake Wilson explained to the Pope County Quorum Court in August that the $28,500 appropriation for the Detention Center was grant funding that would go towards monitoring equipment at the PCDC. It was approved 12-0, along with an or-

dinance that transferred funds previously appropriated for the Detention Center General Fund, Detention Center Communications Facility and Equipment Fund, and the Sheriff’s General Fund to purchase a 2017 patrol vehicle.

Wilson added that he was “very proud” he and Shane Jones were able to move funding around in the 309 division to make the purchase of a new patrol vehicle a reality without asking the Quorum Court or residents for any additional funding.

PCSO launches website including inmate roster Courier staff reports

The Pope County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) launched a new website on Aug. 2 where residents can find the latest information regarding the operations of the Sheriff’s Department as well as locate area sex offenders.

The new website will serve as an information resource for the public and assist with community policing efforts.

The new website, www.

PopeCoSO.org, features press releases, messages from Sheriff Shane Jones which are updated frequently, pages on the services of each division of the Sheriff’s Office, as well as a link to submit crime tips via email.

Other features of the website Social Media Links — Allows the public to follow the Pope County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.

Most Wanted Listings — Allows the public to view photos and descriptions of wanted individuals.

Sex Offenders — Allows the public to view photos and information for sex offenders living in the county. The interactive map feature on the website allows the public to view sex offender locations on the map, view offender photos and profile information about the offenses.

PCSO later added a new feature to the site — a jail roster of current inmates.

Having the jail roster online, which can be accessed at popecoso.org/inmateroster, will now allow the public to view photos and booking details for individuals in the detention center as well as those released within the last 48 hours.

One of their goals when developing the new website was to provide a centralized location for current information such as press releases and where sex offenders are currently living within the county.

For information about the website, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 479-9682558 or visit their website.

Clarksville Chamber of Commerce We’ve been caring for seniors since 1974. It is our privilege to help seniors lead independent, meaningful and dignified lives.

Case Management In-Home Personal Care Respite Care

Senior Companion Program Long-Term Care Advocate Family Caregiver Resources

479-967-9300 or 800-467-2171 915 South Arkansas Ave. Russellville www.seniorspecialists.org

The Chamber Board of Directors is the policy-making body of the organization and guides the work of the Chamber for the coming year. The leadership for the Clarksville-Johnson County Regional Chamber of Commerce took office on Jan. 1, 2016, and represents an influential network of business partners, leaders and government officials in the Clarksville region.

Each board member serves one 3-year term.

Executive committee members are: President; Karla Harkreader, University of the Ozarks, 1st Vice President; Jim Taylor, Walmart Distribution Center, 2nd Vice President; Sherry Boen, Individual, Secretary/Treasurer; Kris Muldoon, Farm Bureau Insur-

ance, Immediate Past President; Clayton Caldwell, First Security Bank Board members are: Erik Dickerson, Journey Church, Nikki Dorn, Johnson Regional Medical Center, Brian Eisele, Oark General Store and Cafe, Jason James, Centennial Bank, Estelle Jimenez, Clarksville Light amd Water, Dinah Lewis, Clarksville Insurance Agency, Clint McGuire, Walmart Super Center, Roylene Slaughter, Mid-South Roller, Jim Stanley, Coldwell Banker Premier Realty, Ex Officio board members are: Herman Houston, Johnson County Judge, Ronnie Garner, Mayor of Coal Hill, Mark Simpson, Mayor of Clarksville, Jerry Boen, Mayor of Lamar.

The Courier

Pope County brings in new emergency notification system

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

The Pope County Quorum Court approved a contract with Everbridge in December 2015 to keep county residents, staff and emergency personnel safe and informed with quick and reliable emergency notifications and public service announcements. The county can use Everbridge Resident Alerts to communicate with citizens and businesses during emergencies and other critical events.

Pope County 911 director Jim Campbell said the emergency notification and public announcement service was paid by a grant from Entergy. The service will cost $19,500 per year, with the grant of $25,000 covering the first 15 months. Many other counties in Arkansas already use the Everbridge notification system.

Residents can register online at the website www.popecountyar.com and click on the link to Pope County Emergency Alerts Powered by Everbridge. The notifications system is a one-way system that allows registered users to receive messages and notifications. Users

Pope County is using the Everbridge emergency notification system to alert residents about a variety of events, ranging from severe weather, fires, floods and other emergencies, to more routine announcements, such as road closures and water utility maintenance.

nance.

Messages will be sent to residents on their preferred contact paths — cell phone, SMS, home

will not be able to send messages and notifications.

Pope County is using the Everbridge emergency notification system to alert residents about a variety of events, ranging from severe weather, fires, floods and other emergencies, to more routine announcements, such as road closures and water utility mainte-

Manna House sees 5 percent growth

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON simpson@couriernews.com

The Manna House Food Pantry, an outreach of the First United Methodist Church, saw five percent growth throughout Aug. of 2016 — which translates to 5,037 times a needy family in the Arkansas River Valley had food in their pantry where otherwise they might not have.

“Now, it’s important to note that the same family can come once per month for 12 months,” said Associate Pastor Gail Brooks. “So that’s not 5,037 different families.”

Still — it’s food in bellies.

This year, Manna House partnered with Because We Can at Arkansas Tech University to further provide food for area families.

“We have been thrill with the opportunity to receive and distribute the food items, which includes cassaroles, veggies and many different items alongside our other staple items,” Brooks said. “It’s enhanced what our client base can receive, and it helps Tech keep from wasting food.”

Manna House, which Brooks said is not a lineitem on the church’s budget and is funded through donations from the congregation and community alike, provides staple items like crackers, macaroni and cheese, rice, cereal, peanut butter, canned goods, ramen, fruit, frozen meat and tuna. It also provides personal hygiene items such as shampoo.

“They don’t quite get to grocery shop,” Brooks said. “It’s the same products all the time, but they get an amount based on the size of the household.

Some of it is donated and some is purchased.”

Manna House was one of the beneficiaries of the first annual Hoops for Hunger basketball tournament hosted by the Rotary Club and Russellville High School. The tournament raised over $30,000 for several area programs.

To qualify for Manna House one only needs

Sunday, October 16, 2016 15P

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to reside in Pope or Yell County. Families are eligable to receive food 12 times per year from the date of their first visit.

Manna House opened its doors in September of 2000.

“We consider it a priviledge to serve those who are hungry,” Brooks said.

“We do so because of God’s love for us and our desire to serve the least of these as Christ commanded.”

phone, email, fax, pager and more — to ensure real-time access to potentially lifesaving information.

Russellville Kiwanis Club Russellville Kiwanis Club was internationally established in 1915, they are a civic club of volunteers who serve the needs of children of the River Valley.

They continued their work with the Boys and Girls Club as well as numerous organizations that support children.

The club members meet on Wednesdays at Western Sizzlin’ restaurant. Visitors are welcome to attend. Matt Stephen is their president and their website is www.russellvillekiwaniaclub.org

The River Valley’s Newest Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility

At Johnson County Health and Rehab, enjoy the privacy of single or spacious double rooms (featuring a wall between the shared space) with a host of conveniences to make life easier & more enjoyable. Best of all you’ll be a step away from friend and organized daily activites.

We are proud to be the newest, state of the art facility here in the River Valley. Stop by to tour our beautiful grounds and see for yourself all of the amenities Johnson County Health and Rehab has to offer.

Johnson County Health & Rehab

1451 East Poplar Street Clarksville, AR 72830 479-754-2052

www.johnsoncountyhr.com

Russellville Family Clinic PROVIDING COMPLETE HEALTH CARE FROM NEWBORNS TO ADULTS. Ken Turner, M.D. Ben J. Kriesel, M.D. Jeneen Wood, M.D.

Russellville Family Clinic

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Clinic Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

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Jeneen Wood, M.D.

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Russellville Family Clinic 108 Skyline Drive, Russellville 479-968-7170

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We’re all on the same team.

Yours.

Nurses. Physicians. Technicians. Admissions. At Conway Regional, more than 1,300 people throughout our system are working together for your health. Whether it’s a check-up for peace-of-mind, a new life entering the world or a procedure that saves your life, we’re here for whatever you need. That’s our team’s promise to you, just as it has been for almost 100 years.

One Team. One Promise.

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2016 The Courier

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FOR THE COURIER / ATU University Relations

Arkansas Tech University inducted 1,591 freshmen as students of the institution during its 2016 freshman convocation at Tucker Coliseum.

Academic innovation is alive and well at Arkansas Tech University Submitted by Arkansas Tech University

New undergraduate programs of study in chemistry education, computer science education, electrical engineering biomedical option, environmental science, game and interactive media design and physics education are debuting on the Russellville campus during the fall 2016 semester on the Russellville campus of Arkansas Tech University during the fall 2016 semester.

“These six programs are aligned with the recently adopted strategic plan for Arkansas Tech University,” said Dr. Robin E. Bowen, president of Arkansas Tech. “We are already recognized as a leader in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education in the State of Arkansas. Adding these programs will make us even stronger in those areas while providing students with access to in-demand careers of today and tomorrow.”

According to figures released as part of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 1,656 first-time entering students at Arkansas Tech who were graduates of Arkansas high schools chose to major in one of the STEM fields from fall 2011 through fall 2015.

That figure represents 20.6 percent of all STEM students from the State of Arkansas at Arkansas colleges and universities since 2011, and it ranks Arkansas Tech ahead of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (1,262 students), Arkansas State

FOR THE COURIER / ATU University Relations

Game and interactive media design students participate in collaborative learning in a new computer lab at Norman Hall.

University (1,235 students), the University of Central Arkansas (1,191 students) and the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (680 students) in attracting Arkansans to study in the STEM fields over the past five years.

Bowen went on to note that the three new education degrees will help the state and region address teacher shortfalls in tough to fill positions.

“The computer science education degree is in step with Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s leadership on creating a generation of Arkansas kids who can code,” said Bowen. “It is our intention to produce licensed teacher candidates who can answer that call and make Arkansas a hub for technology careers in the decades to come.”

Hinkle

Abdelrahman

Graduates completing the electrical engineering biomedical option will be prepared to apply the concepts and principles of engineering to careers in a variety of health care disciplines.

The environmental science degree will create opportunities for graduates to work in government and private industry. The program will include courses in animal and plant taxonomy, geographic information systems and environmental

Hutchison

assessment.

Successful students in the game and interactive media design program will acquire the skills necessary to work in the video game and entertainment industries. Other career paths for graduates of the program could include animation, simulation programming, web design and interactive visualization construction.

New facility opens on campus The constantly evolv-

ing physical presence of Arkansas Tech University changed once more in April when a new $15.1 million academic facility, Dr. Robert Charles Brown and Jill Lestage Brown Hall, was dedicated.

Named for the 11th president of Arkansas Tech and his wife, Brown Hall is a four-story, 66,900-square foot structure designed to serve academic, student support and administrative needs of the university.

The facility includes classrooms and conference rooms on all four floors. There are also offices for operating areas such as admissions, registrar, student accounts, financial aid, veteran services, payroll, budget, human resources and the university’s federallyfunded TRIO programs

— Upward Bound and Student Support Services.

“This facility will provide Arkansas Tech University with one of its greatest needs — classroom space,” said Bowen on the day Brown Hall was dedicated. “Students and faculty from all disciplines will have the opportunity to benefit from the technological advances that appear at almost every turn. There are even spaces for two of our students’ favorite things — Starbucks coffee and our campus ambassador, Jerry the Bulldog. In short, Dr. Robert Charles Brown and Jill Lestage Brown Hall is an important element in our plan to build upon their legacy by taking Arkansas Tech University to the next level of excellence.”

Construction of Brown Hall began in spring 2014. Funding for the project was made possible through general improvement funds from the State of Arkansas, Arkansas Tech physical plant funds and the sale of revenue bonds.

New vice presidents added to executive council

Three new vice presidents have joined Arkansas Tech in recent months.

Dr. Mohamed Abdelrahman took office as vice president for academic affairs on June 1.

Abdelrahman previously served as associate vice president for research and graduate studies at Texas A&M University-Kingsville from 2011-2016 and

Please see ATU | 18P

Discover Tech

discover.atu.edu

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ATU

FOR THE COURIER / ATU University Relations

Opened in April 2016, Dr. Robert Charles Brown and Jill Lestage Brown Hall includes a new home for the Office of Admissions on the first floor.

CONTINUED FROM 17P

Providing Quality Healthcare and Rehabilitative Services to the River Valley Since 1965!

Russellville Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Dr. Mary Annette Pugh

We are proud to welcome our new medical director, Dr. Mary Annette Pugh. Dr. Pugh specializes in geriatrics & wound care.

215 S Portland Avenue, Russellville, AR 72801

479-968-5256

Childcare Directory Quality Care for Kids. Peace of Mind for Parents.

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Serving The River Valley Over 30 Years

as a member of the faculty there since August 2010.

He was a member of the Tennessee Tech University faculty from 1997-2010.

“When we began our search for the next vice president for academic affairs at Arkansas Tech University, it was our goal to locate a person who recognized the quality of our intellectual tradition and had the capacity to lead us to the next level of academic excellence,” said Bowen. “In Dr. Abdelrahman, we found that person.”

Bernadette Hinkle became vice president for administration and finance at Arkansas Tech on June 13.

Hinkle was associate vice president for finance, budget and business services at West Chester University of Pennsylvania from 2011-2016.

Prior to her tenure at West Chester, Hinkle worked in the University of Arkansas system for 15 years. She started as associate director of internal audit in 1995 and progressed to serve as director of financial reporting and associate vice president for finance over the next five years. From 2000-10, Hinkle was chief financial officer for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.

“Through her previous professional experiences, Ms. Hinkle has demonstrated the level of expertise and stewardship necessary to lead the financial operations of Arkansas Tech University,” said Bowen. “Our institution will benefit from her extensive background in and knowledge of the State of Arkansas.”

Michael V. Hutchison was selected to serve as vice president for advancement at Arkansas Tech University beginning March 1.

Hutchison previously served as vice president for institutional advancement at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., from 2012-2016. He was associate vice president for development at Hendrix College (2007-12) and director of major and planned gifts at Texas A&M-Commerce (200507). He also filled a variety of roles at Austin College (1998-2005), including director of major and planned gifts, director of alumni and athletic advancement and assistant director of annual giving.

“Mr. Hutchison has a proven track record of connecting philanthropic individuals and organizations with worthy causes in higher education,” said Bowen. “We believe that he will take our advancement programs to the next level of excellence.

It is an important and meaningful pursuit. Se-

FOR THE COURIER / ATU University Relations

The 2015-16 GAC AllSports Trophy was presented to Arkansas Tech University in June.

curing private sources of funding provides our students with resources and opportunities that might not otherwise be available.”

Tech wins GAC AllSports Trophy

Arkansas Tech University is home to the top intercollegiate athletics program in the Great American Conference for a fifth consecutive year.

The 2015-16 GAC AllSports Trophy was awarded to Arkansas Tech on Tuesday, June 21. Tech has won the award for each of the five years that the GAC has existed.

Schools earned points toward the GAC All-Sports Trophy based upon their finish in all sports that are sponsored by six or more member institutions.

Tech accumulated 81 points through its 2015-16 conference finishes in 10 sports — baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s cross country, football, men’s golf, women’s golf, softball, women’s tennis and volleyball. Harding University finished second in the all-sports standings with 79 points.

Strategic plan posted for public view

The Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees culminated a 12-month process on May 19, 2016, by approving a strategic plan that is designed to chart the course for the university’s future.

“This document is a reflection of months of hard work from members of the executive planning council, strategic planning committee, working group chairs and working group members,” wrote Bowen in a memorandum presented to trustees.

“Feedback and suggestions from our faculty, staff, and students have been considered, though not all have been included, in the final draft. In sum, I believe the strategic plan captures the spirit of what and where Arkansas Tech University aspires to be in the next five years.”

The full strategic plan is available at www.atu.edu/ strategicplanning

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FOR THE COURIER / ATU University Relations

Arkansas Tech University inducted 1,591 freshmen as students of the institution during its 2016 freshman convocation at Tucker Coliseum.

The Courier

Sunday, October 16, 2016 19P

www.couriernews.com

Tuition freeze spurs continued enrollment growth at University of the Ozarks FOR THE COURIER

CLARKSVILLE — University of the Ozarks’ 2016 Fall Semester enrollment is the largest at the university in 13 years.

Officials at the private, fouryear university announced in September that 686 students are enrolled at the university, the largest number since 731 in 2003. This year’s enrollment represents a 5.4 percent increase over last year’s 651 students.

It marks the fourth consecutive year of growth at the university. Enrollment has grown 17 percent since 2014.

University Provost Dr. Travis f Feezell attributes the growth to the fact that U of O has not d raised tuition, room and fees for t four years as well as continued success in student retention.

The freshman retention rate from fall 2015 to fall 2016 is 73.3 percent and the overall retention rate for all students exceeded 77 percent. p “We have seen tremendous growth in enrollment the pret vious two years due to both r traditional admission of new students and the retention of continuing students,” Feezell said. “On both fronts-attracting n students and keeping them on h track to graduation-we are crer ating a powerful experience of t incredible value.”

The new student incoming s class of 241 students, which ins cludes first-time freshmen and r transfers, is the second-largest e since 2008. e “We’ve not raised tuition for the fourth straight year and this 1 year we eliminated compulsory 6 fees, thus creating an actual re0 duction of costs for our students s and families,” Feezell said. “In today’s higher education ens vironment, controlling, and in s this case reducing costs to families while growing enrollment, is d indeed unique.”

The University’s fall semester n enrollment includes 55 percent s from Arkansas and 13 percent from Johnson County. There are also 85 international students representing 16 countries, including Belize, Columbia, The

Republic of Congo, Croatia, France, Germany, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama and Rwanda.

In addition, for the second consecutive year U of O has been ranked No. 1 in the “Great Schools, Great Prices” value category among universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report.

In its 2017 edition of America’s Best Colleges, which hit the newsstands in mid-September, U.S. News & World Report listed U of O third overall among the more than 75 Regional Colleges in the South Region. The overall rankings examine such criteria as academic reputation, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving.

It is the 18th consecutive year that Ozarks has been ranked a “top tier” university by the publication. Ozarks has been ranked

among the top 10 of schools in the South Region in each of the past six years, including eighth overall last year.

In the “Great Schools, Great Prices,” value category, Ozarks was once again ranked first in the South Region in the annual late summer publication that analyzes institutions of higher education. It is the second consecutive year and the third time in the last six years that Ozarks has been ranked atop the best value category.

“The university is committed to its mission, ‘True to our Christian heritage, we prepare students from diverse religious, cultural, educational and economic backgrounds to live life fully,’” said U of O President Richard Dunsworth. “Receiving the No 1 ranking of ‘Great Schools, Great Prices’ is wonderful recognition of the work being done to deliver on the mission and to prepare students

to live life fully.”

The value rankings evaluate the cost of attending a college or university relative to the quality of the institution. According to the magazine, “the higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal.”

U.S. News also ranked Ozarks second in the region in the category labeled “The Foreign Student Factor,” which looks at the percentage of undergraduate international students enrolled at universities. Ozarks had 12 percent international students in 2015-16, second in the region behind Florida Memorial University’s 14 percent international population.

“Our graduates will live and work in an ever increasingly diverse, multicultural and multinational world,” Dunsworth said. “We believe creating a multinational campus in the Natural State is not only a great

extension of our mission, but it’s also preparing our students to be able to compete in a global economy.”

The publication’s 12-state South Region consists of primarily undergraduate colleges and universities in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia.

This year’s 32nd edition of America’s Best Colleges includes data on nearly 1,800 colleges and universities. Among the quality factors measured in the rankings are peer assessment, graduation and student retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving. U.S. News uses the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education to produce categories of rankings for colleges and universities.

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Atkins School District Atkins School District created an alternative program this year called the HUB to accommodate students working and going to school, updated its facili- Fisher ties and updated its science and math curriculum to meet the changing state standards.

Their goal this year, according to Joe Fisher, superintendent, is to continue their HOL Technology initiative into the elementary grades.

The Atkins School District was established in 1925. For more information, visit www.atkinsschools.org

Dover says goodbye to WPA gym

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

DOVER — This summer was a somber one for this community, as Pirate family and friends said goodbye to the WPA Gymnasium, then watched as the gym was torn down in a matter of days.

The WPA Gym, dedicated in 1938, could not be preserved.

After a report from a structural engineer, the state fire marshal and Arkansas Department of

Education, it became clear the gym should be torn down.

The Dover School Board exhausted all possibilities and voted to have it torn down during its April 28 meeting. The public could visit it one more time May 28-31 and June 3. A memory box was located inside.

Friends and family were invited to write a memory or submit a photograph.

A special ceremony was conducted June 4 so the spirit and

memories from the WPA Gym could be carried over to the current Pirates Gymnasium on the high school campus.

“It turned out really nice,” volunteer Megan Musgrove said.

“We didn’t have a huge crowd, but kind of an intimate service.”

Musgrove said the materials are being taken to a local property, where residents can get some pieces of the WPA Gym if they like. Musgrove said she can be reached online through the

Dover Old Gym Memorial Committee page on Facebook.

“People are happy we are not burning all of it and sending it to a landfill,” she added.

A replica of the WPA Gym is in production. Memories from the memory box will be put inside the replica when it is completed for permanent preservation.

Steve Leavell of the Dover Times contributed to this report.

Danville School District FOR THE COURIER

The Danville School District was awarded a $100,000 state-of-the-art Live Positively Fitness Center through a National Foundation for Governor’s Fitness Center grant this year.

Fitness guru and Body by Jake CEO Jake Steinfeld was on hand for the grand opening.

The center is used by students during the school day, and it is open to the community during non-school hours. The district has received two grants from Coordinated School Health for additional fitness pursuits. The first $30,000 grant was used to purchase materials for an outdoor community fitness center. The center is expected to open this fall and will be available to all 24 hours

a day, 7 days a week, at no cost. The second CSH grant was just awarded, and it was also for $30,000. The grant will allow the district to put a fabric-duct air conditioning system in the basketball gymnasium. This will allow for school and community use of the gymnasium during the hot summer months.

S.C. Tucker Elementary and Danville Middle Schools run a well attended, after school program that helps students achieve academically while exposing them to interesting activities and potential hobbies.

Some of the most popular classes in after school include archery, scrapbooking, cooking, board games and maker spaces. The after school program is funded through a 21st

CCLC grant worth $660,000 over a period of five years.

The district offered an after school free dinner for anyone 18 or younger to combat hunger. The dinner is provided by Child and Adult Care Food Program, and those wishing to attend can come to the district safe room between 4:30-5:30 p.m. on days when after school is in session (generally MondayThursday). “Danville Schools continues to provide the best opportunities and experiences for our students and community. We truly strive to maintain a culture of excellence,” Superintendent Gregg Grant said.

Danville school’s website is dps-littlejohns.net

20P Sunday, October 16, 2016

The Courier

www.couriernews.com

Superintendent letter: Pottsville School District As we journey into the 2016-2017 school year, Pottsville School District is proud to announce the positive transformations we have experienced to maintain our high standards.

Our student enrollment is at a record high of 1,714 which indicates the trust and the respect that parents and the community have in Pottsville’s abilities to help our children succeed. With that in mind, to ensure our students have a safe and positive learning environment, we have a full-time resource oďŹƒcer furnished by the district as well as a part-time

resource officer provided by the county.

We also know that in order to continue helpDugger ing our students grow academically and personally, we must keep up with societal changes‌including the on-going technology demands and challenges of our world. Therefore, our K-12 classrooms are equipped with state-ofthe-art devices such as SmartBoards, Chromebooks, iPads, laptops, and other forms of technology to provide

our students with the hands-on skills and real-world applications they need for their future endeavors. In 2012, our High School (grades 10-12) was one of the first schools in the surrounding area to implement the 1:1 Initiative.

We have now progressed to implementing the 1:1 Initiative in ALL grade levels (K-12). Thus, the WiFi at our Elementary and Middle Grades has been doubled to support the WiFi coverage for the 1:1 Initiative. Other ways we are enhancing student achievement with the assistance of technology include: integrating a coding curriculum K-8; implementing Google

Apps for Education; enriching student problem solving skills and critical thinking skills by using resources such as MobyMax (9-12) and Vocabulary.com (10-12); and by using Google Classroom in grades 1-3 and a mixture of Google and Moodle Management in grades 4-12 (These are Learning Management Systems for students, but they also keep all digital learning organized so the parents can see assignments and student work as well).

In addition to our advancement in safety measures and technology, we are excited to announce our school achievements and top honors earned

over the past year as well as the teamwork exhibited by Pottsville to promote positive social skills, citizenship and lifelong lessons. • Pottsville High School—Recognized as a High Achieving School by the OEP (OďŹƒce of Educational Performance); 66 students scored a 3 or above on AP Exams; our 2015-2016 graduating class earned approximately 3 million dollars in scholarship awards; the London Feed Mill, a JBS Company, recently donated a total of $1400 to three dierent PHS groups: (1) the HS Student Body received $500 to help fund a large flat panel monitor for the

cafeteria. --The monitor will be remotely connected to an oďŹƒce computer, allowing for the display of important announcements, event, achievements, lunch menu, and student generated information; (2) $500 was given to help fund the Environmental Science Students annual “Green Fair.â€? This will allow those students to expand the fair from just an in-school event to one that includes public outreach and a Parent’s Night; (3) $400 was received to a group of students planning an educational trip to Little Rock.

The trip includes stops at

Please see SCHOOLS | 21P

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BY LARRY DUGGAR Pottsville Superintendent

The Courier

Sunday, October 16, 2016 21P

www.couriernews.com

St. John Catholic School St. John Catholic School in Russellville is proud to announce the addition of several new faculty and staďŹ&#x20AC; members for the 2016-2017 school year.

Amy Duggan has been selected to serve as the Librarian and Media Specialist. Duggan is parishioner and a parent of children at St. John School.

She has a BA Degree from

Texas A&M University.

She has worked previously as a third grade teacher at Harris Elementary in Austin, Texas, and as a bilingual and ESL classroom teacher at Williams Elementary in Georgetown, Texas. Mrs. Duggan also worked as a Home Educator from 2006 until 2015. She has most recently served as a regular

substitute teacher at St. John School.

After serving for seven years as a regular classroom teacher, Debbie Ford has accepted the Pre-K Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position.

Ford has a BS degree in Business Administration from Arkansas Tech and a Master of Arts in Teaching from UCA. As Director, Ford will be

coordinating the Pre-K Montessori program at the school.

Our new first grade teacher comes to us from the Pottsville School District. Jennifer Siebenmorgen is a parishioner and has worked as a paraprofessional at Pottsville since 2010. Siebenmorgen has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood

Education from Arkansas Tech University.

Mallory Sweeden will be teaching second grade.

Sweeden has worked as a paraprofessional in the South Conway County school District and Sacred Heart School. Sweeden holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Arkansas Tech University.

Our Extended School Care program has three new staďŹ&#x192;ng additions.

Administrative Assistant Rose Crowell will be serving as ESC Coordinator this year. Cynthia Phonvilai and Ericka Segovia will serve as Child Care Providers. Phonvilai and Segovia are both members of St. John Catholic Church.

Trusted, Compassionate Care Russellville bands set record at all region in a place that feels like home FOR THE COURIER

Exactly 100 students from Russellville Junior High School and Russellville Middle School qualified for Junior High All-Region Band during the Arkansas Band and Orchestra Region IX Ju-

nior High Band tryouts on Dec. 5, 2015.

Over 800 students from area schools attended the auditions. This marks the second year in a row that RSD has had the highest number of students in the all-region band, and it is

also the highest number of students that have ever qualified at RJHS and RMS in one year. Of the 100 qualifying students (listed below), 43 were eighth graders, 46 were ninth graders and 11 were seventh graders.

Dover School District FOR THE COURIER

Dover School District has completed an agricultural education center, the new middle school and demolished its old gym this year.

The district has added a partnership with UACCM that gives their students the opportunity to graduate UACCM with an Associates Degree at the same time they graduate high school and receive their diploma.

Dover School District has increased

its focus on career and technical skills, technology in the class room and expanded individualized student education opportunities.

They plan to add volleyball in the fall of 2017 to their extra curricular activities.

Dover School District was established in the 1890s and has had graduates since 1923. Their oďŹ&#x192;ce is located on 9371 Market Street in Dover and their website is www.doverschools.net

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SCHOOLS CONTINUED FROM 20P

the Museum of Discovery, the AGFC, and to see the construction of the new river bridge. â&#x20AC;˘ Pottsville Junior Highâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Competed with two teams in the National eCYBERMISSION Competition which is a webbased STEM competition designed to inspire student interest in STEM and challenge students to develop solutions to real-world problems in their local communities.

One team earned honorable mention. The other team placed second in state (among 8th graders) and each team member received a $500 savings bond; Our 8th grade History Club works with the community by organizing tours and sharing Ozark legends at the historic Potts Inn Museum. â&#x20AC;˘ Pottsville Middle Gradesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Recognized as a High Achieving School in the State of Arkansas by the OďŹ&#x192;ce of Educational Performance (Ranked 8th overall and 4th in the Northwest Region; 3rd in the State in Math and 3rd in the Northwest Region in Math); Recently established a Coding Club to give students a chance to learn to code based upon various projects and materials. â&#x20AC;˘ Pottsville Elementaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Promotes Family Fun Nights to help parents and students learn strategies for literacy and math; our 1st grade students perform an Arkansas History Musical; there are monthly Character Education Assemblies that students and teachers attend; they visit places such as the Arkansas Arts Center and Lake Dardanelle State Park to learn about various cultures; Elementary PTO sponsors fundraisers like the Harvest Hoe Down to help supply books for the Book Room, playground equipment, etc.; and there is our Proud to Be An American Day in honor of our military and veterans.

We credit our accomplishments to the vast array of hard-working students, supportive parents and community members, and our outstanding and dedicated teachers and staďŹ&#x20AC; who perform well above and

beyond the call of duty to ensure student success happens. Pottsvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motto of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big enough to challenge, Small enough to careâ&#x20AC;? continues to remain steady and true.

Pottsville Middle School is also No. 1 for the state according to MSNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top middle schools in every state. The middle school is ranked fourth nationwide.

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22P Sunday, October 16, 2016

The Courier

www.couriernews.com

School removed from fiscal distress list

BY STEVE LEAVELL Hector Superintendent Walt Davis formally announced to the school board at its December 2015 meeting that the district had been removed from the state’s fiscal distress list.

Davis presented a notification from Cherry Norris, State

Coordinator of Fiscal Services and Support, which said that Hector’s petition for removal had been approved by the State Board of Education at its Nov. 12 meeting, effective immediately, and added that “the Hector School District is to be congratulated on this accom-

plishment.”

Hector had been placed on Fiscal Distress status at the end of the 2013-14 school year because of a pattern of increasing expenditures and declining fund balances.

Davis stressed that the success of the district was a “total

team effort,” and gave credit to Melody Crane and Michelle Brown of his office staff, administrators, faculty and staffs, students and parents and the Hector community in general.

He reviewed the end of fiscal year 2015 state audit, saying it was “very clean,” with the only

critical finding being a shortcoming in “segregation of duties” handling financial matters.

“This will always be a problem in districts our size,” he said. “Because we just don’t have a large enough staff to avoid duplication of responsibilities.”

RussBus becomes own nonprofit

BY SIERRA MURPHY murphy@couriernews.com

When Fred Teague sat down and tried to think about the number of people and the amount of help he has provided, he couldn’t. For him and the RussBus, it’s not about the numbers; it’s about the fight against poverty and homelessness. And in the last year, the RussBus has made a dent in both.

This August, the organization became its own 501c3, or a nonprofit organization. That comes after almost four years working under the The One, Inc., based out of Little Rock.

The transition, Teague said, has helped the level of care it provides for Russellville. But perhaps the second venture, and arguably most exciting, was the breaking ground on the transitional living facilities the organization has been working towards for more than a year.

“The thing we’ve learned in three and a half years is we assume people have the right knowledge to make the right decisions and they don’t,” Teague said. “In order to make a difference, we’ve got to be able to give them the knowledge to make the right decisions. That’s where the life skills comes in.”

The transitional living facilities will provide an apartment style living situation for citizens looking to live in a more stable living situation. These citizens are usually “transitioning,” or moving from, tents and motels to apartments and other situations with a heftier set of responsibility and expected time spent there. With this set of housing units, though, Teague reinforces the fact that members will also be signing on for lessons in budgeting, time management, conflict resolution and more.

“Our goal is successful, long term transition,” Teague said.

“And until we educate someone, we can’t integrate them or even reintegrate them into society.”

A life skills course, already being crafted by RussBus supports, includes grocery shopping how to; knowledge of appliances in the kitchen; home maintenance; hygiene; personal security practices; giving back to the community; and how to navigate rental contracts, just to name a few. The entire course, Teague says, is geared towards equipping citizens with the skills they need to navigate problems on their own.

Hector names Taylor superintendent

BY PATRICIA SPEARS pspears@couriernews.com

HECTOR — The Hector School Board called a special meeting in April to consider a new superintendent.

Out of approximately 16 applications, the board voted to hire Mark Taylor, as the new superintendent with a two-year contract, beginning July 1.

Taylor began working at the Hector schools as a coach/teacher and has

served the past year as high school principal.

W a l t Davis, the current superinTaylor tendent who has been with the Hector School District for six years, accepted the superintendent position at Perryville.

River Valley Driver Education

River Valley Driver Education improved services to the Hispanic community and provided driver training for four counties; Pope, Yell, Johnson and Conway this year.

They increased outreach in programs for college students this year.

They provide drivers

education to teens, driving lessons to adults, and defensive driving courses. The owners are Lee and Maria Campbell.

The River Valley Driver Education is located at 301 S. Inglewood, in Russellville.

The driving school was established in October of 1995.

“As a society, we’ve given enough stuff away. We’ve given housing, we’ve given food, we’ve given all of this stuff away and it’s not working. We’ve not tried educating people out of the process.”

Teague said he hopes to have the facilities finished, and ready for residents, by Christmas.

However, with another living facility in talks, Teague beseeches the Russellville community to have a hand in the success he claims belongs to it.

“I’m a product of Russellville.

I grew up in this community – it molded me into who I am. So I challenge everyone that has graduated and been molded by this community to give back to

this community.”

River Valley Gives Back is a giving campaign Teague and colleagues are championing to raise the $750,000 needed for the next phase of living facilities. The 90 day campaign is solely focused on building, and outfitting, the new facility.

Churches, graduating classes, local businesses – Teague challenges everyone to “compete” and raise more than their counterparts.

These particular living facilities, outfitted with a classroom and a shop for automotive work and other related learning lessons, can be used by more than just the surrounding homeless community.

“We realized what we were doing with the homeless would benefit the foster care system,” Teague said.

Both the life lessons and transitional living facility can be made available to Department of Human Services workers, foster children and foster families alike. Parents either on the verge of having their children removed from the home or parents working on getting their children back can take part in both the program and the living facilities. However, Teague said, him and his team can’t do it alone.

“That’s going to take more than the RussBus; that’s going to take a community.”

UACCM providing a skilled workforce for the River Valley FOR THE COURIER

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton is a two-year community college serving west-central Arkansas.

Throughout its 50-plus year history, UACCM has been committed to excellence in learning and personal enrichment.

UACCM offers certificate and degree options to accommodate students with a variety of goals.

Students may complete a careerspecific technical or professional program and quickly enter the workforce, or they may earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree in a small, comfortable campus setting. UACCM also offers adult education, community education and workforce training programs.

A core component is technical education. The campus offers career programs including air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration; automotive collision repair; automotive service technology; business; computer information systems; drafting; early childhood development; emergency medical technician; industrial mechanics and maintenance; practical nursing; registered nursing; surveying; and welding. The college also has plans to develop a diesel mechanics program.

Demand for these programs is high because they offer excellent opportunities for graduates and they address the workforce shortage of skilled technicians. The programs have strong support from businesses and industry, many of which offer internship opportunities, technical expertise, equipment donations, and monetary support for scholarships.

The Associate of Arts and Asso-

ciate of Science degree programs allow students to complete the general education requirements of a bachelor’s degree. The completion of these programs provides students the opportunity for full transferability of credits to the state’s four-year universities. UACCM offers the transfer degrees in the areas of general education, business, education, liberal arts, and general studies.

UACCM students are provided with an array of support services, including academic advising, career services, counseling and disability services, testing services, and free tutoring. Financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, career pathways, veteran benefits, and vocational rehab services are available to eligible students.

Construction will soon begin on a 53,000-square-foot Workforce Training Center to house automotive service; heating, air conditioning and refrigeration; welding; and industrial mechanics and maintenance labs as well as a space for specialized workforce training classes. The project was developed to replace aging facilities that were built over 50 years ago when the college first opened.

The success of technical programs is directly related to the quality of the training space and the access to technical equipment that is current and relevant.

UACCM recently conducted the “Give Meaning” campaign to help fund the Workforce Training Center. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration awarded UACCM a $1.1 million, and the campaign has raised over $2.7 million, including donations from corpo-

rate and individual donors. The opening of the Workforce Training Center will allow UACCM to double the enrollment capacity of technical education programs thereby increasing the number of graduates with credentials and positively impacting the regional economy.

UACCM is partnering with area high schools to offer a concurrent program for high school students wishing to enroll in technical programs at UACCM. These classes may be at little to no cost to the student, with the tuition and fees being split between UACCM and the student’s high school.

This partnership gives high school students the opportunity to earn credits toward a college degree in a technical field, while encouraging them to continue their education beyond high school.

In addition to the credit programs offered at UACCM, the college is expanding its workforce and community education program. The workforce and community education classes are shortterm, non-credit classes offered throughout the year, and they can be customized for specific businesses when requested. Classes vary from beginning piano, Microsoft training, occupational Spanish, arts and crafts, and genealogy, to CPR/first aid, basic welding, and CDT training.

The new, non-credit, Commercial Driver Training Program is now being offered with classes beginning every four weeks and consisting of 160-164 training hours.

Upon completion of the program, students will be tested for their Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

The Courier

Sunday, October 16, 2016 23P

www.couriernews.com

Russellville Chamber of Commerce The 2016 executive committee for the Russellville Chamber of Commerce are: Todd Meimerstorf, of Centennial Bank, as chairman, Seth Coulter, of Coulter Physical Therapy, as past chairman, Brad Allen, of McDonalds Inc, as Vice Chairman, Dr. Stephanie Roth, of River Valley Foot and Ankle Clinic, as Secretary and Treasurer, Adam Anderson,

Nationwide Insurance, as oďŹ&#x192;cer at large, Tony Lee, of Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trash Service, as oďŹ&#x192;cer at large and Sarah Keating, of Lake Dardanelle State Park, as an officer at large.

The Russellville Chamber of Commerce 2016 Board of Directors are: Chip Blanchard, of First State Bank, Dr. Robin Bowen, of Arkansas Tech University, Danna Caldwell, of JTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial,

Bryan Fisher, of Arkansas Tech University, Lee Ann Hartley, of Lee Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelry, Steve Mallett, of City Corporation, Mike McCoy, of Saint Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regional Health Systems, Gina Pack, of Rivertown Bank, Wendy Sparks, of Russellville School District, J.W. Stratton, of Shelter Insurance, Randall Williams, of Russellville School District, and Joe Wolf of JBS.

Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce oďŹ&#x192;cers this year are: President; Montie Sims,1st Vice President; Josh Buchanan, 2nd Vice President; Nancy Moore; 3rd Vice President; Danny Bunting, Treasurer; Jennifer Reed.

This years board members are: Wendy Wells, Celia Carter, Sherry Fowler, Carrie Cornwell, Jayne Jones and Rashad Woods. Former oďŹ&#x192;cers include: Barry Sims, Mark Thone, Carolyn McGee and John Thompson.

PCLS

.

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Pope County Library System

...because there are dragons that need slaying, love that needs ďŹ nding, and lives that need saving!

@ the Pope County Library â&#x20AC;˘ Work With Published Author â&#x20AC;˘ Get Published â&#x20AC;˘ Win Autographed Book â&#x20AC;˘ Improve Your Writing Learn About Writing-Based Scholarships Russellville Hours: Mon-Wed: 8:30 A.M.-5:30 P.M. â&#x20AC;˘ Fri: Noon-5:30 P.M. Thurs: Noon-6:00 P.M. â&#x20AC;˘ Sat: 9:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.

116 East 3rd Street â&#x20AC;˘ (479) 968-4368 â&#x20AC;˘ www.popelibrary.org

! " ! !

# $ % &

5th and Greenwich

Church of Christ 479-967-4627 Sunday a.m. - 9:15 - Bible Classes 10:10 - Worship Sunday p.m. - 4:30 - Singing 5:00 - Worship Weds. p.m. - 6:30 - Bible Classes www.5thgreenwich.org Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great life when you love the Lord!

FIRST BAPTIST DARDANELLE

Pastor Carl Fair Sunday School 9:15 am Worship 10:30 am Sunday Evening Groups 6:00 pm Wednesday Classes 6:00 pm Classes for all Ages

Dardanelle Church of Christ Iglesia de Cristo 209 Union Street, Dardanelle

Sunday Bible Study â&#x20AC;˘ 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:30 am & 6:00 pm Wednesday â&#x20AC;˘ 7:00 pm

479-229-3395 Sunday Worship 9:15am 11:00am 6:15pm

200 South Denver Russellville 72801 479.968.1316 www.fbcruss.org

Sunday Lifegroups 8:00am 9:30am 11:00am 5:00pm

First United Methodist Church

304 S. Commerce Ave., Russellville 8:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:40 a.m. Worship Service 9:40 a.m. Sunday School www.fumcrsvl.org 479.968.1232

Wednesday 6:00pm Awana, Youth & Adult Bible Studies

6:00 pm Wednesday 5:30 pm

$$$%&

'

CATHOLIC CHURCH PASTOR Rev. Jack E. Sidler ASSOCIATE PASTOR HISPANIC MINISTRY Rev. Mauricio Carrasco

Sunday 9:00am 10:15 am

!#

ST. JOHN 118 S. Second St. â&#x20AC;˘ Dardanelle, AR â&#x20AC;˘ 229-3727

6:30 pm

Sunday School Morning Worship & Kid Style Evening Worship Youth Worship Youth Meal and Bible Study (7th-12th grade) Adult Bible Study Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bible Study (1st-6th grade)

MASS SCHEDULE Weekdays (Tuesday-Friday) Saturday Evening 5:00pm Sunday Mornings 7:00am (Spanish) 10:00am RECONCILIATION Saturday 8:00am & 3:30pm

REDISCOVERING THE FAITH...

The Church wants you to know that you are a child of God, called by name, precious in his eyes and loved by him.

WELCOME HOME.

1900 WEST MAIN STREET RUSSELLVILLE, AR 72801 479-967-3699 www.saintjohnrussellville.org

w w w.rccenter.org

(479) 968-7965 Sundays 10:15 am & 6 pm

Wednesdays at 7 pm

24P Sunday, October 16, 2016

www.couriernews.com

The Courier

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Learn more at discover.atu.edu.

2016 The Courier

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Sunday, October 16, 2016 25P

Russellville Hearing Clinic celebrates 15 years products will operate for around 24 hours. The paRussellville Hearing tient simply puts the aids Clinic had it’s 15th year in the charging dock each serving the people of Rus- night and they are ready sellville this year. Since to go the next morning, opening in 2001, it has with no worries about seen steady growth year overcharging since the after year with 2016 shap- system shuts down when a full charge is reached. ing up to be the best yet.

These aids are an Dr. Charlie excellent choice Palmer, owner for those patients and operator, says with dexterity isthat one driving sues or simply factor in the inanyone not wantcreased growth ing to mess with is the continued frequent battery improvement in changes. hearing instruBecause of ment technol- Palmer these types of imogy. “Not only provements, the are these not your parent’s hearing instru- average age of the firstments, they can hardly time hearing aid user conbe compared to products tinues to decrease. “Peofrom just a few short years ple are often surprised ago. Not only do we have at the age range of pabetter noise processing, tients sitting in our waitfeedback management, ing room. Sure, we have and speech processing, plenty of patients in their significant improvements 60s through 80s, but it’s have been seen in wire- increasingly common to less technology and we have people becoming now have rechargeable interested in amplificahearing devices as well,” tion in their 40s and even 30s”, Palmer states. AdDr. Palmer stated.

Wireless products such vantages of treating hearas those made by GN ing loss sooner include quicker acclimaReSound offer the tion to amconvenience of plification, connectivity to increased most of the chance of latest smart preservphones, ing word allowing underthe pastanding tient to capamanipubilities, late the and a settings decrease of their inin the struments chance directly of havthrough their phone.

They also allow streaming of audio through ing othmost recent Apple products so the patient can er health related issues not only hear their phone related to untreated hearconversations through ing loss such as hypertenthe instruments, but their sion, depression, anxiety, music or videos as well. and even memory loss.

“It’s not just my younger When it comes to hearing patients that enjoy these loss treatment, sooner is features. The app is very always better as opposed intuitive and people that to later.

Russellville Hearing don’t think they are very tech-savvy have taken to Clinic continues to be the only hearing clinic in it as well”.

Phonak, another lead- town that is not part of a ing manufacturer of chain, buying group, or quality hearing instru- both. “This is important ments, recently released to us because it allows us their rechargeable line of to maintain our indepenproducts. With only three dence, “ Palmer noted. hours of charge time, the “We are not obligated to Submitted by Russellville Hearing Clinic

purchase a make or model of instrument, nor are we recommending a certain manufacturer based upon higher profit margins, but on the best product for the patient’s needs. In short, we have no outside, non-local influences controlling how we provide care and products to the

people of Russellville and surrounding areas.”

Dr. Palmer adds that he continues to enjoy working and investing in the River Valley community and looks forward to many more years of providing quality service and hearing products to those in need.

“Not only are these not your parent’s hearing instruments, they can hardly be compared to products from just a few short years ago.”

Dr. Charlie Palmer Owner, Russellville Hearing Clinic

Call today to schedule an appointment with the most experienced audiologist in the Russellville area.

Charlie Palmer, Au.D.

26P Sunday, October 16, 2016

The Courier

www.couriernews.com

Pope County buys building, welcomes HR director

BY JIM ED GIBSON Pope County Judge

Pope County has had a good 2016.

Sales tax revenues are projected to be about 1.1 percent, or about $50,000 less than 2015 projections.

The county purchased the 200 West Main Building because of additional space. The county’s juvenile probation offices were moved there and are together for the first time.

The other office to be in the building will be the county’s first human resources director, Donna Ashley.

She joined the staff earlier this year, and we are proud she is here to put her knowledge and expertise of human resources to work for the employees of Pope County.

Pope County EMS call volume has increased, and the service was able to replace an ambulance with a new

unit and remain in the black.

Pope County 911 has undergone a phone upgrade and will go through a radio and recorder upgrade in November.

The Sheriff’s Department has made improvements to the Detention Center without asking for additional funds, and saved money by hiring companies to take over medical and food services for inmates.

The Pope County Road Department has resurfaced 53 miles of county roads — 45 miles with seal or overlay, and eight miles from dirt to resurface. The department continues to try to upgrade its equipment as efficiently as possible.

We are also pleased that Pope County has received over $150,000 in grant money to fund various needs to serve our citizens better.

Gibson

A: Local, Helpful, Useful Q: Three words that describe

We are

ALL ABOUT PETS Call for an Appointment today!

Slone named new fire chief

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Courier staff reports

2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015,2016

Full Ser vice Grooming Caring Professio nals

• Salon Baths wit

h Mini Massage • Medicated Bath s • Natural Flea Trea tment • Mani & Pedis

David Oates Dr.Dr. Charles David Oates Dr. Heath Stump Dr. HeathD.Stump Medical • Surgical Dental • Boarding Small Animals & Equine Monday - Friday 8 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. Saturday 8 A.M. - 12 P.M.

2300 W. Main 1110 • West Main Shopping Center

1210 Street 1210East East 14th 14th Street Russellville Russellville 479-967-7777 479-967-7777 russellvilleanimalclinic.com

Veterinary Clinic

CANINE DESIGN Big & Small, We Love ‘Em All! We offer a caring, safe environment for your pet “babies.”

• Medicated Baths

& Animals

LARGE

small

Full Service Hospital Over 30 Years of Service Family Owned & Operated Ask About Our New Laser Surgery & Laser Therapy!

Boarding & Grooming Available!

Jeana Kaufman, DVM Dale Kaufman, DVM Julie Fletcher, DVM 4461 Pleasant View Rd. • Russellville

479-968-6700

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• All Natural Flea & Tick Treatments • Hydrosurge Massage Baths • Facials • Teeth Brushing • Deshedding Treatments • Boarding with Sunday Pickup Available • Heated & Air Conditioned Runs

968-8979 200 W Tacoma Russellville

The biggest motivation for Russellville’s new fire chief is to live up to his colleagues’ expectations.

Kirk Slone, a Russellville firefighter since 1992 who was named interim chief June 5, became the new chief in early August during a press conference inside the Central Station fire engine bay.

He wants to live up to their expectations because they “went to bat” for him in a big way the last couple of months.

Several battalion chiefs and firefighters approached Mayor Randy Horton — after he announced an intense nationwide search — and basically told him he was wasting his time.

Slone’s firefighting career began with the Russellville Fire Department (RFD) in 1992 and he served as battalion chief for 16 years. During that time, RFD has more than doubled in size while its mission has grown exponentially.

As a battalion chief, Slone’s administrative duties included oversight of the Budget Committee

and Hazardous Materials Program.

He was instrumental in the AWIN digital radio system transition and is active as a Liaison to Pope County 911 Communications. He also served on the Wellness Committee and New Central Station Committee. Russellville Fire Marshal Richard Setian explained that he’s known Slone for a long time.

Slone holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and accounting from Arkansas Tech University.

He is a Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Hazmat Technician, a graduate of the National Fire Academy, Chief Officer Curriculum and numerous command training courses.

Slone is married to Cecelia Slone, who is an emergency department RN at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.

They have two sons: Owen, 13; and Simon, 11; who are students at Russellville Junior High and UE5G.

Russellville Downtown Rotary Club The Russellville Downtown Rotary Club meets at Chambers Cafeteria in the west dining room each Tuesday morning at 6:30 a.m.

The officers are Don Moore, president, Sherry Polsgrove, presidentelect, Troy McSpadden, treasurer and Carol Shoptaw, secretary.

Each year the club does one major district grant project. This year it was the club built two chain linked dog runs for the Russellville animal shelter.

Their 2017 project is a playground for the battered women’s shelter.

They provided a dictionary for every single third grader in the clubs

school district with help from the bar association, provided 100 cans of vegetables for the backpack program at Dwight Elementary School each month, provided shoes for kids in all of Russellville’s schools, clean Old Post Road at least two times a year, provided three scholarships, and have the club’s appreciation cookout for public servants.

The club does a fundraiser each year where the club cooks 400 chickens, 350 pork loins and 350 ribs.

The club shares their profits with Dwight Elementary and the rest goes to the clubs yearly projects.

Parade Of Progress 2016

28P • Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016

1875

The Courier

1885 Pope Co. Library System

www.couriernews.com

1898

1902

Cornwell Funeral Homes

Leonard’s Hardware Ace

1909

Arkansas Tech University

1916

1916 Lemley Funeral Service

The Courier

The Courier

A History of Pope, Yell, and Johnson County Businesses

Going Beyond the Original Dream

A timeline of business successes 1925

Saint Mary’s Hospital

1949

1944

1958

Cogswell Motors

Peters Family Living

C&D Drug Store

1875

Lemley Funeral Service In 1903, W.M. Lemley and Sons partnered in a general mercantile business that branched out in several directions. One son, O.R. Lemley, developed the funeral and furniture businesses with his father. Families would come

The Courier

1964

1944

Peters Family Living

The PCLS has three branches located in Atkins, Dover and Hector. And, is headquartered at its Russellville branch library.

In 1940, he bought the business and had the stone building built at 300 S. Commerce where he continued the feed, food and hardware sales until 1958. His son, Jack, then returned from the U.S Air Force to partner with him in Bill Price & Son. Seeing the need for an expanded feed division, Jack and his wife, Helen, founded Price Milling Co., on South Knoxville in 1964. Along with their sons, Jay and Randy, they custom mixed animal feeds, handled government corn and had the only bulk garden seed table in the area. They also formed a long standing partnership of 34 year with the Purina Company becoming one of their Premier stores.

Again seeing the need to diversify, daughter Andrea came on board to handle bookkeeping and plans were made to build this present facility in 2004. Andrea’s husband, John Looper, joined the team and many new items for the home and garden were added too reflect the name change to Price’s Town & Country Store.

1970

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201 E. 2nd Russellville, AR www.couriernews.com

Russellville Family Clinic 108 Skyline Drive (behind Four Seasons market) 479-968-7170 • Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm • Monday - Friday “Committed to Serving the Families of the River Valley”

1 9 8 5

Cornwell

FUNERAL HOMES 207 Quay St. Dardanelle 479-229-2524

756 Main St. Danville, 479-495-2525

Anniversary Circa 1916, Before WWI

1885: The idea for a city library in Russellville started with a group of civic-minded young men in the Excelsior Club who started raising funds for a library in 1885.

1889: High School Superintendent, A.E. Lee donated books to a group of literary-minded women who started a library in Wiggs’ Drug Store. The first home for the library was the City Hall Building, and in 1924 a small one-room frame building called the Russ-Ark Library was erected on the vacant lot north of the Central Presbyterian Church.

2007 - Present

1937: first brick and mortar building was erected at 114 East Third Street in Russellville, and is now called the Heritage Hall.

1975: the library system received a Library Services and Construction Act grant for building for an 8,100 ft2 building, a $324,000 project that held 12,000 books, but currently houses a rotating collection of 67,447 items. There are 119,323 items in all of the branch libraries collectively.

1319 South Arkansas

1902

968-2142

Free Popcorn on Friday

Leonard’s Hardware

Frey Paints

2003

Arkansas Hospice

1958

C & D Drug Store

C & D Drug Store, named for its founders Charles Oates and Dale Walker, was opened in 1958. The store is still in its original location at 121 N Commerce in downtown Russellville. Evelyn Walker and Jean Oates worked along side their husbands at the drug store for many years. In 1990, Dale Walker’s son, pharmacist R.D. Walker and his wife Johnna purchased the drug store and continue the long tradition of courtesy and service to the patrons of C & D. Pharmacists Melinda Reams, Yanci Walker and Will Walker (both grandchildren of Dale & Evelyn) also are employed at C & D.

The C & D Snack Bar is a fixture in downtown Russellville and workers and families alike have enjoyed the snack bar for several generations.

C & D Drug Store offers hometown values as well as the latest innovations in pharmacy to meet the growing needs of its customers. Stop by anytime to visit with the friendly, knowledgeable staff at C & D Drug Store.

Is the oldest retail business in Russellville and was started by John Paul Leonard’s grandparents, Jesse F. Leonard and Sara Ellen White Leonard. The business has changed from a small business downtown to a 36,000 square foot store.

The store is operated today by Shirley Leonard and Lucy Leonard Carr.

Opening in 1970, Newton’s Pharmacy was established by Dr. Billy Newton.

Originally at 218 West Main, Billy decided to move to a larger building (now current location) in 1986 to help serve his growing business & community.

Newton’s Pharmacy offers front door parking, convenient drive-thru and delivery service. With 5 friendly pharmacists, they are continuing to grow and expand to meet your needs. The soda fountain offers old fashioned milkshakes, drinks and ice cream treats as well as daily lunch specials. Stop by and visit today at 715 West Main in Russellville.

1 8 9 8

114t h

Pope County Library System (PCLS)

Newton’s Pharmacy

1 8 7 5

1986

Founded in 1949 by Keith Cogswell, Sr., Cogswell Motors has been a contributing part of its community for over 67 years.

Keith Cogswell Sr.’s two basic goals were to become a successful Ford dealership and to be a contributing part of the community.

Today these are not only goals but are central to the workings of the dealership. Keith Cogswell, Jr. joined his father in 1950 after returning from college and became president in 1958 after his father’s death. He followed his father’s example of providing top quality products and service to move Cogswell Motors to one of the nation’s top Ford and Lincoln dealerships. Today these ideas are still in place at Cogswell Motors with Keith B. Cogswell III, or Keith B as his friends and employees know him. Cogswell Motors is now a leader in the automotive industry.

Bill Peters is still on the job every day, blessed with a team of associates who constantly strive to improve upon F. C. Peters’ vision. This firm is known by locals as a customer-caring business offering great brands, competitive pricing, and most of all, nice people. Through its 72 year history, Peters Family Living has become known as “A SYMBOL OF HOMETOWN TRUST,” treating its Family of Customer like Family.

At age 16, Bill Price was making deliveries in a mule drawn wagon filled with animal feeds, 20 pound sacks of flour, meal and sugar and parts for tools and harness. Often it meant going up into the mountains for the company he worked for which was located on South Commerce in Russellville.

Sorrells Body Shop

Russellville Family Clinic

2000

Russellville Hearing Clinic

Cogswell Motors

1885

Price’s Town & Country Store

Newton’s Pharmacy

1974

1949

As others have come and gone, Peters Family Living continues to thrive with its tradition of “Taking Care of Customers.” In 1944, F. C. Peters established this Furniture and Appliance business in a 5,000 sq. ft. building at the corner of West B and North Commerce. His vision was his two sons someday taking over the business and Serving Customers in a way of which he would be proud. He lived to see his creation grow into a business occupying a complete city block facing North Arkansas Avenue. He saw fulfillment of his vision of providing the Best Customer Service Possible from the initial sales process, through financing, delivery, and post-sale service. .

Celebrating 52 Years!!

1970

Price’s Town And Country

1971

The Russellville Democrat, forerunner of the Weekly Courier-Democrat, was established in 1875 by a group consisting of J.L. Shinn, George E. Howell and J.F. Munday and M.L. Baird. The photo to the right shows the Courier office, in 1905, with the staff and Rev. Eakes, pastor You can expect top service, accessible and flexible finance, and honest and ethical business practices. of the Southern Methodist Church and Arthur Livingston, editor.

to town and buy a locally crafted wooden coffin from Lemley and Sons. Families soon wanted full service and Lemley Funeral Service began. From a downtown store building in 1916, to their new family-friendly home completed in 1998, Lemley Funeral Service has had the honor and privilege of serving our neighbors in their times of need for more than five generations. Celebrating 100 years of caring affordable service. For more information, call 641-2589, stop by their office at 1401 N. Church St. in Atkins or visit online at www.lemleyfuneral.com.

1964

Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016 • 29P

www.couriernews.com

Established 1925

1 9 2 5

1 9 0 9

1 9 8 6

Living our values.

Keeping our promise.

(479) 968-2841 1808 West Main Street Russellville, AR 72801

Serving the River 2 Valley Since 2000

479-968-7071

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Charlie Palmer, Au.D. Russellville Hearing Clinic 200 N. Quanah, Russellville• 479-968-7250

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1971 1903 S. ARKANSAS

(479) 968-3991

2 0 0 3

Sorrells Body Shop Sorrells Body Shop, now owned and operated

by Jamie Sorrells and Eric Hartzell, has been repairing cars in Russellville for over 40 years.

Ray’s Body Shop was established in 1971 by Jamie’s parents, Raymond and June Sorrells, in a two-bay gas station at the corner of Eighth and South Arkansas. In 1975, Ray purchased Buchanon’s Body Shop at 410 West D Street (now Parkway) and changed the name to Sorrells Body Shop. Ray retired in 1988 and sold the business to Jamie who later moved the operations to the present location at 1903 South Arkansas. Eric Hartzell became a partner in the business in 2003 and now manages the daily operations of the shop. Over 12,000 vehicles have been restored since Sorrells Body Shop opened their doors in 1971.

30P Sunday, October 16, 2016

The Courier

www.couriernews.com

A

b

River Valley Christian Clinic provides over $17 million in 10 years

BY TRAVIS SIMPSON simpson@couriernews.com

River Valley Christian Clinic will celebrate 10 years of service on Jan. 11.

In that time, the clinic has provided $17,428,257 in free healthcare to the citizens of the Arkansas River Valley.

“It’s amazing,” said clinic administrator Marcia Chronister. “It’s just awesome what we’ve been able to accomplish.”

The clinic, which has a goal of providing medical services to those who are unable to afford it, is funded through corporate and church donations, as well as grants.

The clinic administrator is the only paid, full-time employee. A part-time nurse practitioner was added in 2009 and a daytime pharmacist on day per week in 2012.

All other professionals

— around 60 people — provide their services as volunteers.

Clinics are held on the first and third Thursday of every month, with a follow-up clinic on Tuesday. The clinic sees an average of 250 patients per month.

Since opening its doors, the clinic has seen 12,723 office visits, 2,818 dental visits, 2,946 optical visits, given 50,480 pre-

scriptions, provided 1,265 pairs of glasses and pulled 7,068 teeth.

Chronister said the facility has still met a very important need, despite the Affordable Care Act. “Even with the Affordable Care Act, there are those who can’t make their deductibles,” she said. “Yesterday, I talked to a man who has Medicaid, owes a bill he can’t afford and can’t see a doc-

tor. What are these people supposed to do?”

The board of directors is Dr. James Carter, Suzanne Yelverton, Don Loudon, Steve Frick, Shirley Judkins, Dr. Stanley Teeter, Montie Sims, Don Guess, Dr. Michael D. McCormick, Ron McDonough and Harold Barr.

Registration applications are available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and those seek-

ing an appointment must call 479-229-2566 for an interview.

Because there are no doctors available during the day, the clinic begins at 6 p.m. A nurse practitioner and pharmacist are available at the clinic each Thursday during business hours.

So far in 2016, the clinic has provided $681,916 in medical services to the community.

Yell County Sheriff’s Department: Council hires Retail Strategies Unprecedented progress on a historical scale to promote city

BY JOHN M. FOSTER JR.

Chief Deputy Yell County Sheriff’s Department

BY SIERRA MURPHY AND SEAN INGRAM www.couriernews.com

The Russellville City Council called a special meeting in August and signed an agreement with Retail Strategies at City Hall.

Mayor Randy Horton said the $45,000 appropriated will be for the first year of service from Retail Strategies, a company from Birmingham, Ala., that promised to improve the physical and retail landscape of Russellville.

The ordinance, approved following the Finance Committee and Agenda Prep meetings, indicated that the company will provide commercial and retail business consulting services for the city.

Horton said competitive bidding was waived because an emergency existed, an immediate need existed to employ Retail Strategies to promote economic development, and it wasn’t practical or feasible to delay in order to invite competitive bidding.

The company’s CEO said he would need as much time as possible to “package Russellville” and present the city during retail trade shows in Dallas, Texas, then Chicago, Illinois.

Competitive bidding must be conducted on goods, services or equipment that costs in excess of $20,000, in accordance with Arkansas Code Ann. 14-58-503.

Another reason competitive bidding could be waived was Retail Strategies was one of four firms that visited Russellville during the last year and made presentations to the council.

The city will pay the $45,000 from one of its economic development funds.

Matt Petro, chief development officer for Retail Strategies of Birmingham, Ala., told aldermen during their July meeting that Russellville has a “unique market” when it comes to retail development.

He made a presentation to the council last year and was invited back since discussion began of establishing an economic development department within the city and hiring a firm to help bring certain retailers to Russellville.

A primary goal is to increase tax revenue within the community, which Finance Director Jerry McKaughan reported was 1.22 percent above year-to-date projections at the end of April. Millennials is the largest consumer group, and Russellville’s average age is lower than the national average, Petro pointed out.

There are over 88,000 prospective retail customers within 30 minutes of Russellville, he explained, adding a quick analysis of Russellville retail showed that the city was down three restaurants and at least one clothing store.

“There is a lot of potential here,” he said.

Petro said he could make retailers aware of Russellville as early as October at a national retailer trade show.

DANVILLE — For our agency it almost goes without saying that 2016 will be remembered as a year that brought unprecedented progress on a historical scale. Much of that progress was of course set into motion several years ago by community leaders like Sheriff Bill Gilkey, County Judge Mark Thone and the Yell County Quorum Court as they put forward plans for the voters to decide whether or not we would build the new Yell County Law Enforcement Center which includes the new jail.

Thankfully our voters decided to invest in the future of our community and our justice system by moving forward, and that’s not something we take lightly. We understand that voters have given us a great opportunity and that much more is expected of us because of it, and we are doing everything we can to rise to that challenge.

After approval from the voters of Yell County it took almost two years to open the doors of the new facility on April 18. The first few months of 2016 were an absolute whirlwind for us as preparations shifted from the contractors who built the facility, to our staff which worked tirelessly to put all the pieces into place while at the same time keeping up with ongoing daily operations.

Our justice system is based on the principle that there should be consequences for not following the rules.

The hope is that this will discourage folks from putting themselves above others and victimizing someone else to gain something for themselves. In order for there to be consequences, the community has to have the ability to administer those consequences.

Had our old jails been shut down without a new one, something which we were on the verge of seeing, there would have been very few ways to impose real consequences of those that victimize others.

Obviously, a larger jail can hold more inmates, but there is much more to the equation than that. When there is little possibility of being sent to jail, there is also very little incentive for people to pay fines. This means there is little if any restitution recovered for victims of crimes. Our court system stagnates as it becomes flooded with arrest warrants for people who fail to meet their legal obligations with fines and court appearances.

It had already reached a point

where when someone was picked up for failure to pay or failure to appear there was no room to hold them so they were often let go again without paying anything and just given another court date, which they would often miss as well. There were people with literally dozens of pending failure to appear charges because there was no room to hold them as the old jails were full of persons with more serious and violent charges.

Think about what that was doing to society, because in a lot of ways we were training young criminals, who are often come into the system on petty crimes, that there were no consequences for what they had done.

Not surprisingly many of them escalated their criminal activity with more serious and more frequent crimes.

This had already began to overwhelm the felony system by flooding it with these new cases. We had already begun having to decide which felons would be held and which of them would have to be let go for lack of room. This something that is no longer an issue in our community.

In the last few months we have already seen a dramatic increase in collections of bail bonds, fines, etc. and that is due in no small part to the presence of the new facility. Officers are now able to take enforcement action on smaller offenses that in the recent past they hadn’t been able to do. Now if someone is stopped with a warrant for failure to pay or failure to appear, they are likely to be coming to the new jail. Most don’t go to jail for long, but it’s not because they are being let off easy, it’s because the system is once again working and they are posting bonds to ensure they come to

court, instead of simply being let out on their own recognizance because there was no room. Many of those individuals are now going ahead and paying off their fines and making their court appearances because they know there will be a consequence if they don’t.

We are stepping up our game in lots of other ways as well. We have just recently added Computer Aided Dispatch, and EMS Medical Dispatch has been consolidated with our 911 center. These are both major advances that add to the safety of our community by streamlining operations and expediting responses while increasing the quality of work being done in the 911 center. Operators are now trained and certified as Emergency Medical Dispatchers so that they are better equipped handle medical calls and help people over the phone until EMS arrives.

We recently had our first dispatch assisted baby delivered prior to EMS arriving and all our staff was very excited that everything went smoothly. I listened to the playback of the call and couldn’t brag enough on the operator who sounded like she had done that hundreds of times before as she remained calm and coached the caller through delivering the baby while constantly reassuring them.

We will soon be adding new evidence handling software, jail booking software as well as fine and collections management software which for the first time will all be part of an integrated system. This will do a lot of things to make our operations run much more efficiently and help us to achieve the level of professionalism that our voters deserve.

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Sunday, October 16, 2016 31P

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Construction on taxiway extension begins

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

Construction was expected to start on the new taxiway extension at Russellville Regional Airport earlier this month. The contract calls for the project to be completed in 120 days.

The Airport Commission voted during a recent special meeting to accept the bid of $307,711 for the taxiway extension project.

Two bids were submitted for the taxiway extension project.

Hard Rock Construction of Russellville submitted the lowest

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bid for the project, $307,711, which according to Mayor Randy Horton was about $65,000 under budget. The other bid was submitted by Crow Paving of Morrilton for $367,912.

The project will be funded by a 90/10 FAA and State Department of Aeronautics grant at no cost to the city.

Commissioners also reviewed three requests for qualifications submitted for the airport’s geographical information systems (GIS) survey. The AGIS is part of the taxiway extension project being funded by state and fed-

eral agencies. The commission voted for Miller-Newell Engineering of Malvern.

The evaluation criteria commissioners considered from the three submissions included experience (25 points possible), capability (15), reputation (15), ability to meet schedule with budget (15), quality of previous projects (10), proximity and familiarity (15) and interest shown (5), for a total of 100 points.

Airport Director Keith Frazier told the commission that aviation and jet fuel sales halfway through 2016 were 18 percent

better than the halfway point of 2015. Fuel sales through June 2016 totaled 40,234 gallons compared to January through June fuel sales one year ago that totaled 33,015 gallons.

Fuel volumes were 32 percent above last year’s sales at the end of April and 22.7 percent above last year’s sales at the end of May, Frazier reported.

A gazebo was built in the airport parking lot, and the fix based operations building (FBO) was refurbished and painted.

Commissioners had to re-

place one of their own after the passing of Phil Cowger. Former Alderman and Mayor Phil Carruth was appointed to the commission by the Russellville City Council. Carruth, however, passed away in September and another commissioner will have to be appointed.

The commission voted 6-0 to meet on a quarterly basis rather than conduct monthly meetings.

The next Airport Commission meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m the fourth Tuesday of October, then will meet again the second Tuesday of January 2017.

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City Corporation Submitted by City Corporation

Update on Bond Funded Wastewater Projects On March 19, 2015, the Russellville City Council approved a proposal to increase water and wastewater rates and fees primarily to fund needed capital improvements in both the water and wastewater systems. The Russellville City Council then approved the issuance of a $48 million revenue bond in July of 2015 to begin addressing these water and wastewater improvements. The funding from the bond was broken down as $20 million for water improvements, $20 million for wastewater improvements and $8 million to re-finance a 2012 debt issuance. Currently, this 2015 bond is the only debt incurred by City Corporation.

The needs in the wastewater system are primarily related to addressing deficiencies cited in a Consent Administrative Order (CAO) issued in November of 2009 at the direction of EPA. The CAO cited issues related to permit violations

at the treatment plant and chronic wastewater overflows primarily due to lack of system capacity during wet weather events. We recently completed a $13.2 million treatment plant expansion in September, 2015 to achieve compliance with the treatment portion of the CAO. This project was funded in large part through a $9 million bond issue in 2012 which was refinanced through the 2015 bond issue. The only notable improvement remaining at the wastewater treatment plant is the installation of sludge handling equipment which is currently under construction.

The collection system improvements required to address system overflows are estimated at approximately $35 million. We have committed to ADEQ to comply with the overflow portion of the CAO by January of 2022. The capital projects schedule prioritizes two phases of collection system projects over the next 6 years that include both increasing the capacity of and making repairs to the collection system. We have com-

Sunday, October 23, 2016 1P

Wastewater System Bond Funded Projects - Phase 1

pleted four major collection system projects to date, including two that were completed prior to the bond issuance. We fully expect that these efforts along with the completion of the remaining projects will reduce the stormwater that enters our system and increase our system capacity, thus minimizing the capacity related overflows. The rate plan that was adopted in April is sufficient to fund the second phase of wastewater improvements, estimated at $21 million. Our progress is noted in the table.

Update on Bond Funded Water Projects In 2014, City Corporation updated the Water Master Plan which identified various needs with regards to maintenance of our current water system and preparation for future growth. Based on the recommendations in the update, approximately $20 million was allocated from the 2015 bond funds to begin addressing these various needs. Additionally, the rate plan that was approved in April, 2015, is sufficient

to fund a second round of capital improvements in 2018 estimated at $10 million that would be primarily dedicated to pipeline replacement.

The projects identified in Phase I are primarily related to address aging infrastructure, growth and improved efficiencies through new technology. The first major project that was completed from this list is the upgrade of the water meters throughout the system.

This project was complete in November, 2015, at a cost of $4.3 million. Also included on the list is the addition of a 2 million gallon water tank at the water treatment plant which will not only provide needed additional system storage, but also provide us with the flexibility to remove part and/or all of the water plant from service for maintenance.

This project is currently under construction. Other projects include system improvements to address operational flexibility, reduction of high velocities, lack of backup power and pump station deficiencies.

A portion of the bond funding, estimated at $4.4 million, is earmarked to begin the process of replacing the aged water piping in the system, some dating back more than 60 years.

While the Water Master Plan identifies the need to replace an estimated $103 million over the next 25 years, we have prioritized the piping with regards to age, type and condition in order to maximize the impact of the funding spent to address this long term effort. We are currently targeting the existing galvanized and cast iron water mains as they are have proven to be the most problematic. This piping also contains the very small amount of lead that we have in our system. We fully expect that this work will continue to reduce our “Unaccounted for Water” which will not only reduce treatment and pumping costs, but also the labor and materials cost for continually repairing these pipes.

Water Meter Replacement Project Produces Results

In November of 2015, City Corporation completed a project that included replacement of all 12,400 existing water meters in the system. Prior to committing to the project, a sample set of 199 meters were tested for accuracy and it was projected that the revenue loss through Please see CITY | 6P

2P Sunday, October 23, 2016

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Construction on LPHA O Street continues

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BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

Russellville City Council members have remarked that some of the most-asked questions are about the O Street project.

When will it start? How long will it take? What’s been the hold-up?

One answer came in October 2015, when O Street from Boston Street to Interstate 40 was closed early that month to thru traffic for reconstruction and for an extended amount of time.

The council, during its August 2015 meeting, approved a bid from Clay Cole Construction of Russellville for the O Street construction project..

Mayor Randy Horton said it was a good day because the cost of the O Street project was estimated at $3 million, but the winning bid totaled $2,286,757.20 — a difference of $713,242.80.

Aldermen also approved an appropriation of $1.6 million to get the O Street project started.

Public Works Director and City Engineer Kurt Jones provided some answers during a recent meeting about the project.

First, the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) turned over and released the roadway to the city, Jones explained.

After the city’s design of

the roadway was completed, the wait involved relocating utilities.

“The process will be pretty straightforward now,” Jones said. “We will have to enter into some form of agreement with Arkansas Tech University. Our previous meetings have been extremely positive, and they are as anxious as anyone to see the project built.”

The project will involve 3,800 feet from Arkansas Avenue up O Street and almost to the Interstate 40 bridge. Jones said he will talk to a couple of contractors before it is bid, but he expected construction to last approximately 270 days.

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Nearly 2,500 run during RussVegas weekend

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

The third annual RussVegas Half Marathon wrapped up a big April weekend in Russellville, as 1,400 runners finished the 13.1-mile course that Saturday.

Add the 5K run and 1K kids run the Friday before the race, and you had 2,450 people running their way through downtown Russellville. That’s an increase of about 1,860 from last year’s races.

The Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) Angels raised over

The Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) Angels raised over $50,000 compared to last year’s $40,500, according to race organizers and volunteers Chris Olson and Christie Graham. $50,000 compared to last year’s $40,500, according to race organizers and volunteers Chris Olson and Christie Graham.

They took a break before the weekend running began to look back at some numbers from last year and show how the event is growing and making a bigger economic impact on the city of Rus-

sellville.

The first RussVegas Half Marathon in 2014 featured over 1,000 runners. Last year that number grew to 1,327 registered runners. Of those, 1,217 reached the finish line.

That Saturday, over 1,400 runners crossed the finish line after 1,650 registered for the half

marathon from 34 states throughout the country.

Last year, people came from 24 states for RussVegas.

The 5K race last year had 201 registered competitors, while 217 kids signed up for the 1K fun run. Those numbers doubled this year. Registration was shut down six weeks ago when the 5K

Phoenix Trail dedicated

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

Russellville Recreation and Parks Director Mack Hollis said a after culvert was installed on the Phoenix Trail, the final 100 yards or so of asphalt work was done, striping was finished and the trail was dedicated in October.

He told the Recreation and Parks Commission that more people will use that trail more than the others in the city.

According to Hollis, workers were developing a 150-foot area where they were going to bring in rock and set up a bridge where it goes into the woods. But when they tried, they got a vehicle stuck and decided it would be better to wait until dry conditions prevail.

The Recreation and Parks Commission approved the Phoenix Trail addition plan that will connect West Parkway Drive to the bottom of the Bona Dea trails and sanctuary.

Hollis said last year the proposed trail project would cost around $6,500.

Last May, Arkansas Tech University’s Board of Trustees granted a 30-foot easement across ATU property to the city of Russellville for a period of 99 years at a cost to the city of $1 per year to create the pedestrian and bicycle trail.

ATU applied for and received a grant that would connect Phoenix Avenue to the center of campus at O Street.

The city of Russellville has added over 11 miles of trails in the last six years, following the

“It’s not something you do overnight. Every trail you put down is important. You apply for trails through grants to go around our parks, then you get grants to connect those trails to the parks and through town. I have been amazed now supportive the community has been with our trails.”

Theresa Herrick Professor of Recreation and Parks Administration, Arkansas Tech University Phoenix Trail ceremony, the dedication of the Orbit Lane Trail — a 2.2mile asphalt trail located at 3694 Pleasant View Road in the competition water ski area in Pleasant View Park — and the Ouita Coal Co. Mountain Bike Trail in Illinois Bayou Park at 6630 U.S. Highway 64 West.

It was only natural that Theresa Herrick, a professor of Recreation and Parks Administration at Arkansas Tech University for three decades, was suggested for a position on the Russellville Recreation and Parks Commission and unanimously appointed by the City Council.

“I’ve always done civic work,” Herrick, who also encourages her students to attend city government meetings, said. “I’ve always been involved, and this is a more formal way to be involved. If you live here, you have an obligation to your community. I applaud anyone’s efforts to help the community.”

Herrick explained the city has been able to build additional trails and join them around

the city and Arkansas Tech University through developing plans and obtaining grants.

“We are always working on a few more trails,” she said. “I am very pleased Arkansas Tech and the city are working together.

The extension and renovation of O Street will be a great improvement.

“It’s not something you do overnight. Every trail you put down is important. You apply for trails through grants to go around our parks, then you get grants to connect those trails to the parks and through town. I have been amazed now supportive the community has been with our trails.”

Herrick said it’s not only a way to stay active, but it’s an additional way to get around town and improves the community’s quality of life.

“It helps when you get a group behind you,” she said. “That’s the only way you can do it, now that the city is getting behind it. [City Engineer and Public Works Director] Kurt Jones has been very helpful.

reached 403 registered runners and the 1K kids run had over 200.

Participants were encouraged this year by the Double Down medal, which could be earned when runners ran that Friday in the 5K then came back and finished the half marathon the next day.

Graham said 300 Double Down medals were available but didn’t know how many were awarded.

Barrett & Associates doubled the prize money to winner Daniel Kirwa of Searcy, who cut two minutes off his 2015 time and

finished in 1 hour, 7 minutes and 42 seconds. The native of Kenya won in 1:09 last year.

According to Graham and Olson, 5,500 people from Pope County went to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. A dozen patients volunteer for the RussVegas weekend.

Last year, 77 ACH Angels raised the $40,500, and 120 Angels made their donations fly to over $50,000 by the end of the half marathon. About 300 local volunteers come together every year to make the event possible.

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Downtown Master Plan update heard

BY SEAN INGRAM AND SIERRA MURPHY Downtown Russellville experienced another step forward in its growth and future in September.

Members of the Walker Collaborative consulting firm returned to Russellville on a Monday and Tuesday and gave their review and suggestions on the city’s five-year Downtown Master Plan.

Phil Walker, Wade Walker and Keith Covington presented their findings to the public Tuesday afternoon.

“Many of the needs that we addressed initially may still be needs,” Main Street Russellville Executive Director Betsy McGuire said. “We’re looking to the future and how we might need to revise some of those plans.”

Jimmy Streett, master plan chairperson, said much of the work done

since the last review meeting has surpassed previous goals.

“This has been one of the most successfully implemented plans in Arkansas,” Streett said.

The goal now, Street said, is to, “not only attract people to come to specific service providers, but attract people to come to Russellville Downtown as a standalone destination.”

Members of the firm said since the the Downtown Master Plan will be correlated with the city’s Master Plan currently under review and Arkansas Tech University’s master plan, “We are all working toward good things in our community.”

Five years ago, the primary issue was abandoned buildings.

“Congratulations. You have a parking problem,” Phil Walker said

more than once. “Parking problems can also be an opportunity. It is a good problem to have.”

One solution would come when Main Street became more pedestrian friendly. That started with the addition of bulbouts a few years ago. Now, add pedestrian signals and countdowns, which Wade Walker said he understood was in progress.

That would lead to people who would want to park south of Main Street and not be intimidated about trying to cross Main to get to downtown.

“If you add pedestrian timers and signals, it will improve parking south of Main Street,” he said. “A lot of people will not park there because they have to cross busy and dangerous main street.

“We heard very little about parking four years ago. Now it’s all about

Expressions Hair

downtown mobility — let’s make streets move people, not just cars.

Start to increase driver awareness that there are actually pedestrians.

“Do we really want four lanes in each direction?

You may want to explore a turning lane and one lane on each side,” Wade Walker said. “It is still worthwhile to determine what it would take to rebalance Main Street. How do it make it more friendly for pedestrians? Reconstruction of railroad crossings; pursuing a quiet zone in downtown, where a train horn doesn’t sound in downtown. One town in Ohio has done just that and made their downtown much more viable. Make sure you make all sidewalks bike and pedestrian friendly.”

A bicycle roadway on El Paso Avenue could turn off before it gets to the

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railroad and provide a quicker connection from ATU into downtown.

They also suggested some kind of gateway at Main and El Paso.

Other updated recommendations included start managing downtown parking. Parking would be more intuitive for visitors if there were a time limit. They said to continue looking at a parking garage downtown. A garage study was completed by a committee earlier this year.

The firm looked at three different sites for a parking deck in 2011.

Someone suggested a parking garage where the City Mall parking lot is located.

Historic buildings Covington explained that historic buildings are the brand of downtown, and Russellville downtown has got a lot of good building stock. What has helped the last few years included reopening doors and windows, getting rid of inappropriate canopies and providing better signage.

“You have rehabbed buildings and they look a whole lot better than they did before,” he said.

“You are also getting use out of these buildings.

You’ve made great strides in that. Stick to your guns when it comes to design guidelines.

“Focus on existing buildings. Rehab those buildings. Revise zoning regulations to make sure the form and character of your downtown is appropriate to its context.”

McGuire pointed out the largest form of incentive to this point was federal tax credits and 25 percent state tax credits available for building downtown.

Depot Park “Depot Park is green,

a stage has been built,” Covington said. “Depot Plaza is a focal point for downtown. It has the potential to be central space, different than the courthouse square.

There are a lot of unique qualities to be followed through. The west end of the depot will have to be re-programmed since Veterans Park is building in another location (off Lake Front Drive).”

El Paso Corridor

Phil Walker said visitors from Northwest Arkansas and other states to look at El Paso and its complete-street concept.

“One thing that is important is to try to make sure the downtown and El Paso are not competing against each other,” he said. “This has become a case study for how you do a complete street.”

They recommended the city and ATU look at the El Paso corridor in more detail. The university has started to acquire land for redevelopment.

“Arkansas Tech has commissioned a plan for this corridor,” Walker said. “Our team is coordinated with their team.

It is also coinciding with comprehensive master plan. Coordinate with ATU on that plan, and embrace the recommendations from that plan.”

McGuire mentioned the complete-street concept could be stretched all the way to Main Street from El Paso to the historic 500 building.

“That is a local landmark, and it is ripe for something,” she said.

The members of the collaborative said the presentation will be put online once it is completed so all interested persons can review it. The finished document will be given to Main Street Russellville as well as city officials.

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CITY CONTINUED FROM 1P

the old meters, if recovered through the installation of more accurate meters, would yield a payback of less than 7 years.

Our unaccounted for water, which was hard to accurately measure due to the nature of the previous manual read system, was nearing 15% on a 12 month average. The new system has produced a more consistent and accurate percentage of unaccounted for water and is now trending between 10 and 11%, which is better than projected. Using 2015 revenues, this reduction in non-metered water would have equated to approximately $250,000 of direct increased water revenues. The meters are now read remotely, which has reduced vehicle expense and allowed us to eliminate one of the four field service positions through attrition. The increase in water revenues when coupled with the corresponding increase in wastewater revenues plus the savings in labor and associated meter reading expenses is expected to meet the 7 year projected payback.

The new meters are the latest generation in “smart meter” technology and are

not only much more accurate, but also provide the customer with an interac-

tive link to the meter that allows for the monitoring and management of the

water usage. For example, the new technology allows the customer to access

their water usage data through the internet and not only view the data, but also set a usage threshold that would trigger an alert via email or text informing the customer of high usage and/or possible leak.

This service enhancement alone leads to the quick identification of customer leaks, thus reducing water loss and high water bills.

Customers can sign up for this service by visiting our website at www. citycorporation.com and clicking the link toward the bottom of the home page for EyeOnWater.

The signup process is simple, just enter your service location zip code and billing account number, then when prompted, fill out your full name and e-mail address and create a password. You will then get a confirmation e-mail from Beacon EyeOnWater and you must verify by clicking the link in the confirmation e-mail.

If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Android smartphone or tablet, download the EyeOnWater app through the Apple iTunes Store or Google Play Store to access your EyeOnWater account via your mobile device.

Business Permits

New business licenses issued by the city of Russellville’s Community Development department for November 2015 through July 2016, indicated by business name, location and type of business: • Mary’s Kitchen, 427 E. 4th St., meal prep/ take-out restaurant.

• J&K Media Solutions, 15251 State Highway 105 North, Hector, new restaurant tech.

• Icarus Distribution, 415 N. Fairbanks Apt. 2, Russellville, buy wholesale electronics to sell online.

• Shape It Up, 201 S. Knoxville Ave., weight control..

• River Valley Career Solutions LLC, 104 S Laredo Ave., state contractor..

• Bryler Corp/Kaleidoart, 121/125/127 East Parkway Drive, art supplies, art gallery, art lessons..

• Speedway Towing and Wrecker Service, 1221 E. 14th St., Suite B, towing and wrecker service..

• Sports Clips No. 111, 2601 East Parkway Drive, Suite C, hair salon.

• Dub’s Electronics, 402 East M, Internet electronic sales.

• Moore’s Garage, 1119

S. Frankfort, mobile auto and tire repair.

• Restored Life Services of Arkansas, 127 East Third, drug and alcohol outpatient services.

• Apex Towing, 216 N. Boston Place, towing.

• CD Bewley Construction Inc., 2 N. Oaks Lane, tree service, landscaping, bushhogging.

• Trade Star Enterprises Inc., 1607 S. Knoxville, pawn shop/car lot.

• Brooke Clair Boutique, 4506 Tanya Circle, online children’s clothing boutique.

• Dan Scott Consulting, 309 Briarwood Court, information technology consulting.

• Critter Getters, 1070 State Highway 164, Hector, light animal and wild animal relocation.

• Kelsey Pruitt Photography, 121 E. Harrell Drive Suite 7, photography studio.

• Pasta Grill Inc., 319 W. Main St., restaurant.

• Patriot Storage World, 4301 W. Main St., storage units.

• Catherine’s Bakery, 311 West B St., bakery.

• Edge Salon Academy, 410 S. Arkansas, cosmetology school.

• Bradley Lane Instrument Services, 2712 Bradley Lane, small musical instrument sale, restora-

tion.

• Bowden’s Offroad LLC, 3308 Bernice Ave., automotive work.

• The Bargain Barn LLC, 104 S. Knoxville, wholesale/retail.

• The Bookwheel, 105 E. Parkway Drive, new and used books.

• Diamond Bank, 2209 E. Parkway Drive, bank.

• Now & Later Lawns, 1104 Skyline Drive, lawn and yard service.

• Greater Outdoors Property Maintenance, 1206 S. Ithaca, landscaping.

• After Hours, 420 E. Main St., heat and air and electrical.

• Rustic Clothing, 3211 N. Arkansas, resell shirts.

• Stoker’s Caffeine & Cones, 527 N. El Paso, coffee shop.

• Mr. Rooter of Central Arkansas, 3008 Highland Drive, plumbing, electrical, HVAC contracting.

• Steak ‘n Shake, 2006 E. Parkway Drive, restaurant.

• River Valley Food Bank, 880 Tyler Road, food bank.

• Courtney Sotomayor, 3595 N. Arkansas, ballfield concession stand.

• Create & Escape Paint Parties, 2215 Laredo, athome paint party organizer.

• Dearl Dudes, 3220 N.

MAUS IMPLEMENT

Arkansas Ave., discount store.

• River Valley Pro Clean, 1119 Avenue Six SE, Atkins, external cleaning company.

• As You Wish By Jami and Sarah, 5457 U.S. Highway 64 East, Pottsville, party and event planning/building.

• Junior’s Landscaping, 9 South 5th Ave., Dardanelle, landscaping.

• Young Love Creations, 1524 East 11th Cove, Russellville, online retail.

• H&A Maintenance Services, 840 Pisgah Road, Pottsville, home and auto maintenance service.

• T&T Detailing, 84 Hays Lane, London, auto detailing.

• Lawnscape of the River Valley, 134 Pebble Branch, Russellville, lawn and landscape.

• American Auto Detail, 2906 N. Arkansas Ave., auto detailing.

•Another Car Company, 405 N. El Paso Ave., car lot.

• Energy Foods Inc., Zaxby’s, 2605 E. Main St., fast food restaurant.

• Valley Services No. F3320, 8th Street Cafe, 2409 E. Main St., food service.

• Small Town Girls, 407 N. Arkansas Ave. Suite 11,

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face painting/art.

• Combs House Moving, 9281 State Highway 22, Ratcliff, house moving.

• Wedge Equipment Sales LLC, 1214 E. 14th St., repairs on refrigeration units.

• Michael Gilbert Auto LLC, 910 E. Third St., Suite 4, auto repair shop.

• PAWfection, 1014 S. Boston Ave., dog grooming.

• H&S Lawn Service, 1413 W. C St., lawn care.

• B Street Books, 319 W. B St., used book store.

• UFO Lawn and Small Tree Service, 502 E. G St., lawn care.

• A-Z Project Restoration, 3608 E. Fourth St., handyman.

• Abounding Web Ventures Inc., 903 Muscadine Lane, Ecommerce.

• Roger’s Tax & Accounting Services, 612 W. B St., financial service.

• Jon Price, 520 E. Parkway Drive, watermelon sales.

• Do It All Drywall & Construction Co., 1213 Bowen Estates, drywall installation.

• Amber Beatty Photography, 107 E. Sixth St., photography.

Convention Center plans tabled

by Planning Commission sean@couriernews.com

1187 HWY 9, Morrilton

boutique.

• Alexander Lawn Care, 10337 Cherokee Road, Dardanelle, lawn care.

• Russellville Family Funeral, 3323 E. 6th St., Russellville, funeral home.

• Pathfinder, 911 West B St., mental health counseling.

• Vapor World, 103 Weir Road, Electronic cigarettes.

• MRC Detailing, 415 Valley Plaza Suite 2, Russellville, auto detail.

• Freydaddy326, 220 Cantebury Circle, Internet retail sales.

• River Valley Auto Repair LLC, 311 S. Pittsburg Ave., auto repair.

• Crazy Daisy Designs, 2611 W. Main St., photography and furniture refurbishment.

• Life Metro LLC, 107 E. Parkway Drive, clothing retail.

• Aspen Dental, 331 Weir Road, dental practice.

• Hoyt’s Lawn Care, 189 Bowen Estate, lawn care.

• Southern Sno, 6171 Market St., mobile shaved ice stand.

• Larenda Dane, 403 Muscadine Ave., educational resources online.

• Feather on the Breath Studio, 3224 Walnut Valley Road, Dover, traveling

A large-scale development plan and preliminary plat for The Landing hotel and convention center were on an early agenda for the Russellville Planning Commission meeting in September.

The items were tabled until the commission’s October meeting because it gave engineers and the city’s Department of Public Works time to answer some questions about the project.

David Hunt, CEO of Hunt Properties Inc., said in August he sent all the final paperwork to Russellville Mayor Randy Horton and wanted to get the plans approved.

Hilton approved his Hilton Garden Inn hotel plan and sent those plans to Horton.

The final drawings of The Landing must be approved by the Russellville City Council after they are

approved by the Planning Commission.

Hunt explained he realized there is an August 2017 deadline for completion of phase one of The Landing, which is a 32,000-square-foot convention center and 136room Hilton Garden Inn hotel. It took more time than expected for the final contract to be signed with Hilton, then wanted to work with community leaders on making sure the convention center would be a “perfect fit” for Russellville.

“Once we get approval and permitting and I get appraisal from my bank, I would hope the City Council would be gracious enough to expand the time period,” Hunt said. “the council will have to expand the time period. I would like for them to both open at the same time.”

The Hilton Garden Inn will be next to Lake Dar-

danelle, with the indoor/ outdoor pool and outside sitting area in the back of the facility which adjoins the lake. It will eventually include a walkway along the bank that will include a gazebo that stretches into the lake.

The floor plan for the convention center includes seating for over 900 in a one-room setting, or partitions can separate the facility into three rooms. It includes a tourism office, a catering area for food to be brought in. Doors will be big enough to allow vehicles or other items for various events. The floor will have carpet and walls will be at least 18 feet high.

The Russellville City Council got its first view of The Landing during its October 2015 regular meeting. Hunt signed a contract with the city to be done with phase one in August 2017.

The Courier

Sunday, October 23, 2016 7P

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Island planter among city projects during past year

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

Russellvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department of Public Works made some improvements to the planter island at Main Street and Arkansas Avenue.

After years of being taken care of by Mary Cohoon and her husband, Public Works Director Kurt Jones said they planned on making some changes a couple of months ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So we looked at replacing what was out there, but the playground edging timbers used to build the planting beds are no longer readily available,â&#x20AC;? Jones explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All of them need to be replaced.

Originally, we were going to do it ourselves during a little project, but by the time we had a real plan worked up, we felt it would be better to turn it over to a contractor.â&#x20AC;?

Bids were sought

on the project in late September 2015. The project included the construction of a masonry wall planter in an existing island at the intersection of Arkansas and Main Street as described in plans and specifications available at the Department of Public Works. The contract called for the completion of the project in 45 days.

Jones said the project was made to look like the walls at the Burris Memorial Plaza across the street and the planter island around the conductor at the Depot.

Jones told the Russellville City Council last August that 21 employees are responsible for the maintenance and repair of 170 miles of streets, 162 acres of mowing, 52 miles of major drainage channels, 33 traďŹ&#x192;c signals, and 48 miles of sidewalks.

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January 6 Winter Wonderland Lights Off

8P Sunday, October 23, 2016

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The City Corporation board of directors is a group of dedicated citizen leaders from our community who give their time and expertise freely, without compensation, to serve the needs of our customers.

They take great pride in the leadership.

Luke Duffield, Chair Harold Barr, Vice-Chair Bill Harmon, Secretary Susie Nicholson, Member Chip Blanchard, Member

Huckleberry Creek Reservoir

City Corporation Voted Best Tasting Water in North America!

While many across the state and nation are struggling to meet current water demands and facing difficult and costly options for expansion, we are fortunate that previous leadership at City Corporation and the City of Russellville made it a priority to secure a long term water supply almost twenty years ago. We are equally fortunate that the citizens of Russellville alsoWe realized this critical need andthat voted for adrinking 1 cent sales taxwas to address that in the are excited to announce YOUR water selected as need the People’s early 1990’s.

ThisTasting investment by our community the primary reason has been Choice for “Best Drinking Water in NorthisAmerica”.

The honorRussellville was awarded on able21st to maintain highAmerican standardsWater of water quality and quantity.

June at the 2016 Works Association (AWWA) Conference and Expo to 1995, the city Russellville depended on theby Illinois Bayou for our drinking inPrior Chicago, Illinois.

Theofdrinking water was selected conference attendees as the best tasting water among 22 other locations across thewater United States and Canada. water, which at times presented major challenges with quality and/or quantity All to ofthe thetreatment entries qualifi fordecision the national tastemade test by plant.ed The was then to winning develop alocal, long state term and waterregional source competitions. for Russellville and the river valley that could provide safe and reliable quantities of high quality raw water. byto thehave construction of thefrom Huckleberry Creek This is a great honorThis andwas weaccomplished are very proud been selected thousands of water systems across America.hasBut make no mistake, this about luck, it’s about Reservoir.

Since 1995,North this reservoir provided exceptional rawisn’t quality water to our

a treatment community that decided years ago toThe make sound decisions that have led reservoir to havinghas the facility on a consistent basis. most recent study shows that the a capacity very hightoquality water source,water which is the foundation for aassuming high quality drinking meet the projected demands through 2040, typical growth. water.

The exceptional rawtreatment water quality provided theinHuckleberry Creek Reservoir, With regards to the water facilities, we arefrom again, a very favorable situation when coupled with modern treatment facilities and a dedicated plant staff, allows us to compared to others in the state. Our existing treatment facility has the capacity to handle consistently exceed the water quality criteria set by state and federal agencies. growth until around 2037 based on current projections. The exceptional raw water quality While manyfrom across state and nation are with struggling to meet current water demands and provided thethe reservoir, when coupled modern facing difficult and costly forplant expansion, we are that previous leadership treatment facilities and a options dedicated staff, allows us fortunate to atconsistently City Corporation and the City of Russellville made it a exceed the water quality criteria set by state priority to secure a long term water supply almost twenty and federal agencies. This not only is of great service to our years ago. We are equally fortunate that the citizens of customers in the Russellville area, but also serves as a great Russellville also realized this critical need and voted for a attract new business to the area. We are required 1 incentive cent salestotax to address that need in the early 1990’s. to provide an annual that illustrates our performance This investment by ourreport community is the primary reason in meetinghas these criteria, which can behigh viewed on our of Russellville been able to maintain standards website at www.citycorporation.com or can be pickedbyupthe at water quality and quantity. This is clearly evidenced our officeasatthe 205“Best WestTasting 3rd Place in Russellville. selection Water” in North America!

Thanks the foresight theand Russellville community, City For moreto information onofthis many other water and Corporation is poised to handle the water system wastewater related items, pleasegrowth visit ourinnewly re-built with regards to our supply and treatment facilities for years website at www.citycorporation.com. to come.

Steve Mallett, General Manager

“On behalf of the staff at City Corporation, I want to extend our appreciation to the community for the opportunity to serve the River Valley by providing quality water and wastewater services at the best value.”

- Steve Mallett

The Courier

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Sunday, October 23, 2016 9P

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Sunday, October 23, 2016 9P

2016 The Courier

Arkansas Nuclear One Powering Life in the River Valley

Submitted by Arkansas Nuclear One

Arkansas Nuclear One is a source of safe, clean, secure and reliable power located in Russellville.

The site, owned and operated by Entergy, is home to two pressurized water reactors. Unit 1 of Arkansas Nuclear One began commercial

operations on Dec. 19, 1974, followed less than six years later by Unit 2, which began commercial operations on March 26, 1980.

For more than 40 years, the station has been providing low-cost power to customers in Arkansas, including the Arkansas River Valley.

Together, the units have enough capacity to supply 60 percent of the power used by Entergy Arkansas commercial and residential customers.

In terms of the entire state, the units generate enough power to meet just under 25 percent of the total energy demand in Arkansas.

Electrifying the economy In addition to electricity, ANO continuously generates a significant positive economic impact in the River Valley. Entergy remains one of the area’s premiere employers and attracts highly skilled, talented and well trained workers who live and invest in the community.

The station currently employs more than 900 full-time workers with an annual payroll around $84 million. In addition, hundreds of baseline contractors are employed to assist in daily plant activities each year, and hundreds of long-term contract personnel assist in completing major site projects.

During a typical refueling and maintenance outage, about 1,000 workers — including hundreds

of locals — are hired to assist in helping plant employees complete required maintenance activities.

Many travel to the area and are patrons of local hotels, restaurants and stores for up to a month during a given outage.

Economic gains are also realized through the annual purchase of materials, services and fuel from more than 175 Arkansas companies totaling well over $10 million.

The site pays roughly $9 million in state and local taxes, which help sustain the community and public schools.

Commitment to community Entergy and the employees at Arkansas Nuclear One have a strong commitment to help the communities we serve.

Each year, grants totaling as much as$100,000 are awarded to local nonprofit organizations, while employees partner with Entergy Corporation to donate in excess of $200,000 to the River Valley United Way for distribution to its partner agencies.

Various employee groups give their time and efforts to the local community as well. For

instance, the ANO Women in Nuclear chapter has supported the Summer Food for Kids program in addition to sponsoring foster children from the Angel Tree program at Christmas.

Our employees enjoy educating school groups, leading scout troops, judging science fairs and

coaching sports teams.

Many also serve on various community committees and boards dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the River Valley.

Countless hours are donated each year by employees who live and raise Please see ANO | 10P

Power for the future.

Arkansas Nuclear One. We’re more than just a nuclear energy plant.

We’re part of a company dedicated to improving our community and environment. By harnessing nuclear energy, we can help solve the challenge of climate change, reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and meet the growing electricity needs our contemporary world demands.

And as a part of this community, the things that matter to your family matter to us as well. That’s why we are always working hard to deliver safe, clean and reliable energy. We’re your neighbors, friends and fellow coworkers and we’re doing everything in our power to make our community solid and strong...because we live here too. entergy.com

A message from Entergy Arkansas, LLC ©2016 Entergy Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

10P Sunday, October 23, 2016

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Pope County buys nearby Vance building

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

The Pope County Quorum Court voted 10-2 during its June meeting to purchase the building west of the county courthouse in Russellville at a cost of $215,000. The court has discussed purchasing the building from David Vance during the past few meetings.

Justices of the Peace David Ivy and Lane Scott voted against the appropriation. Voting in favor were JPs Philip Haney, Doug Skelton, Reuben Brown, Jackie Heflin, Mary Metz-Blaylock, Ca-

leb Moore, Bill Sparks, James Kusturin Jr. and Blake Tarpley. Don Daily was absent.

Moore explained initial offers of $177,500 and $200,000 were turned down. Another structural inspection was conducted, and a EEG spokesman said no environmental conditions were found that affect the property.

Dave Garza of Barrett and Associates was called upon to fix the easement that did go all the way to Arkansas Avenue and will now to go through the courthouse parking

“I think it’s a wise investment for the county.”

Judge Jim Ed Gibson lot to B Street. Moore said he didn’t know when a survey will be complete.

Judge Jim Ed Gibson said the new human resources office should be located next to the treasurer’s office on the third floor of the courthouse.

“We’re out of space,” Gibson said. “We remodeled to this courthouse space in 1995. You’ve got to stop and think, that

was 20 years ago. Every day someone comes to me and says we are out of space. Hopefully people will say 20 years from now, those guys had foresight to buy that building. We can’t expand the courthouse. We already don’t have enough parking.”

Justice of the Peace Caleb Moore told the Quorum Court during

its July meeting that the county officially owned the building next door to the courthouse.

Moore said everything went smooth during a meeting when the sale was finalized.

“On the ground floor, there are five offices plus a reception area plus a meeting room plus a break room,” Judge Jim Ed Gibson said. “There’s work we need to do, including make the bathroom handicapped-accessible. But I think it’s a wise investment for the county. Thank you Caleb and Bill Sparks.”

Gibson told the Quorum Court during its August meeting that an appropriation of $29,000 will be used to make repairs at the 200 West Main Building next to the courthouse.

Work that needed to be done in the near future at the building included replacing the front door and side windows, about $6,000; bathroom estimates to make it handicap accessible, about $16,500; to fix cracks and paint outside, roughly $20,000, and fix staircase and install door, $6,200.

ANO CONTINUED FROM 9P

families in the community and have a vested interest in seeing our neighbors thrive.

The path forward It is important to each of us at Arkansas Nuclear One that our friends and family in the community understand our dedication to the safe and secure operation of Arkansas Nuclear One. Since March 2013 and throughout the subsequent regulatory process, Entergy, with support from industry experts and under the NRC’s regulatory oversight, has investigated and addressed the underlying causes and subsequent findings. All deficiencies have been addressed, and Entergy is ensuring all possible actions are taken to prevent similar conditions in the future.

These actions have further improved the margin of safety not only at ANO but at all other Entergy nuclear facilities.

We will continue our focus on strengthening performance to ensure ANO and other Entergy Nuclear plants consistently meet regulatory standards of the NRC and other governing authorities.

We would like to sincerely

thank the community for the continued confidence and support.

We welcome your questions about our efforts and invite you to submit them to Jennifer White at jwhit19@entergy. com. Our goal is sustained excellent performance so we can continue serving and supporting this great community for years to come.

2016 Entergy Community Grants & Support Through just the first three quarters of 2016, Entergy and ANO have supported the local community with more than $50,000 in charitable grants, not including direct donations from employees and volunteer time. Direct charitable grants have been made this year to the following organizations to assist in important community work: ■ Habitat for Humanity, Pope County ■ River Valley Christian Clinic ■ Russellville High School ■ Atkins High School ■ CASA ■ River Valley Shelter for Battered Women and Children ■ Russellville School District ■ River Valley Veterans Coalition ■ One Inc. DBA The Russ Bus

FAMILY OWNED

GREAT PLACE TO WORK EMPLOYEE COMMITMENT SOLUTIONS THROUGH INNOVATION

3500 East Main Street, Russellville, AR 72802 479-968-2232 www.innovationind.com

The Courier

Sunday, October 23, 2016 11P

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Progress in Johnson County FOR THE COURIER

CLARKSVILLE — Johnson County will soon see the expansion of the Detention Center reach its conclusion and be ready for opening. This expansion will raise the capacity from 54 inmates to approximately 96 inmates. The expansion cost right at $1 million and was able to be built without a tax increase.

This is a credit to the Quorum Court, who had the foresight to see that this would be a needed project in the future, and set funds aside to make this possible. We are doing our final walkthrough and punch lists and hope to be able to have an opening in early Spring of 2017.

Detention Center health care services A letter of agreement between Johnson County and East Arkansas Emergency Physician, PLLC was entered on Sept. 14.

The plan acknowledges that according to federal law of EMTALA & Cobra, the provider is legally prevented from complying with any eligibility verification, drug formularies and authorization programs.This agreement was effective Oct. 1.

The Johnson County Quorum Court approved an agreement with Darrell Elkin for health care services at the county jail during its September monthly meeting. Elkin, who is a physician assistant, will allow for inmates at the Detention Center to have on-site medical services to assist with diverting emergency room and outside office visits to reduce costs to the county as well as manpower needed with inmates are trans-

ported to outside providers.

Elkin has 25 years of medical experience, including over 15 years of experience in correctional facilities.

Double Seal 2.0 miles 20 ft. wide = $119,442.00 Single Seal 2.9 miles 20 ft. wide =$ 65,670.50 Total = $185,112.50

Johnson County Explorer Post 55

Historic preservation grant

The Johnson County Law Enforcement Explorer Post 55 held graduation for its first basic training class on Sept. 13 at the Clarksville High School Fine Arts Center. Graduates will now begin an advanced training program that includes doing ride-a-longs with officers as well as job shadowing at the detention center and the 911 dispatch center.

A new class of 30 cadets has since begun in a new basic training class. The Explorer program is open to students ages 14-21 who are interested in a career in law enforcement.

Since the program began in September of 2015, two cadets have been hired as full time employees at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department.

For more information about this program, individuals may contact Deputy Kenny Smith at (479) 754-7811 or through email at deputysmith@johnsoncosheriff.com.

Phase I: A Historic Preservation Grant for $59,200 was completed in the spring of 2016. The project consisted of repoint and seal the outside of the courthouse and pressure wash the entire building.

Phase II: Johnson County received a grant from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program for $71,570. The project includes removing and replacing all handrails around the front porch of courthouse and remove existing balustrades and replace with new to match shape and sizing; remove and replace concrete from front porch entry area; remove and replace concrete sidewalk from the main street on the north side of courthouse toward the front of courthouse.

The Johnson County Courthouse houses the county office of the County Judge, the County Clerk, the Circuit Clerk, the County Treasurer, the County Collector, the County Assessor, the Quorum Court Coordinator and the general public. The offices are used for county business, the courthouse is open Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

State aid for Road Department work completed Double chip and seal with state aid for 2016 was 1.4 miles at Batson and 7.5 miles of single seal-reseal at Batson from State Highway 103.

Johnson County independently bid out 2.0 miles of double seal and 2.9 miles of single seal.

Online auction Johnson County recently sold $238,561 in outdated road department equipment. This was a very successful way to sell outdated equipment. An online

Steak ’n Shake Steak n’ Shake opened its doors for business in February 2016.

Zaxby’s Zaxby’s restaurant began construction in 2015 and opened for business in February 2016.

auction reaches a broader network of people.

GIF grants To date Johnson County has received a total of $102,479.07 of General Improvement Funds for the Woodland Community Center, Johnson County Courtroom renovation, Oark Alumni Association, Oark Fun Park, Johnson County Historical Society, Johnson County 4-H, Johnson County Shooting Sports Complex, Srygley Cemetery, Hagarville Community Center, Coal Hill Community Center and the Johnson County Senior Center.

Grant for courtroom Administrative Office of the Courts, Pete Hollingsworth, Director of Security and Emergency Preparedness obtained a 2016 Court Security Grant; Act 576 of 2007 grant totaling $15,000 to install and implement video conferencing between detention facility and courtroom to conduct nonadversary proceedings in accordance with Rule 8.4 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Johnson County Community Watch Program The Johnson County Community Crime Watch Program has set up an emergency alert system that will notify you via telephone or email to communicate information from the Sheriff’s Department to our local communities.

This system, called Alert Express, is used in conjunction with what fire district you live

in. There are a total of fifteen fire districts throughout the county, each of which has been deemed a community through our crime watch program.

Alert Express will be used to notify residents in a particular area, or county wide, for a variety of reasons. The system will call you with information regarding a lost child or hunter, when police are in your area looking for a person or vehicle of interest, during inclement weather when roadways are being closed, or for any other reason that you the citizens need to be aware of events going on in your area.

This system is free of charge and you can get signed up two different ways. You may attend your local community crime watch meeting or contact our office at (479) 754-7810. The information that we need to register you with the system is your name, phone number, email (optional), and which fire district you reside in. If you are uncertain of your fire district, we can assist you with that information.

We encourage everyone to take part of this program. This is just one way that we can continue to build the relationship and communication between law enforcement and our community. If you have any questions about the Community Crime Watch Program or the Alert Express System, contact our Public Information Officer Kenny Smith at (479) 754-7810 or email him at deputysmith@ johnsoncosheriff.com.

N E W F A S T F O O D

12P Sunday, October 23, 2016

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Promenade Point Dance Company FOR THE COURIER

Promenade Pointe Dance Company renovated the former Hancock Fabric Building, located on 1408 South Arkansas Avenue, this year.

They were established in July of 2016.

This upcoming year the dance company would like to expand their scholarship program to include foster children.

The owners are Kerrie Carothers, Sandi Ratliff and Karey Turnipseed.

Their current employment at the dance company is seven people.

Gourmet Coffee & Foods • Cookware Bakeware • Cutlery • Electrics • Gadgets Bridal Registry • Cooking Classes Gift Cards • Wish Lists "essentially... everything you need for your kitchen."

Cookware

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Gadgets

Cutlery

LeCrueset

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479-280-1933 • CITY MALL • 407 N. ARKANSAS AVE. STE 10 • RUSSELLVILLE • www.kitchenessentials.net

Saint Mary’s Cardiology & Vascular Services team (left to right): Drs. Shuja Rasool, Dai-Yuan Wang, Sastry Prayaga, and Ravishankar Kalaga.

FOUR BOARD-CERTIFIED CARDIOLOGISTS, TWO STATE-OF-THE-ART CATH LABS, ALL HERE FOR ONE HEART — YOURS. Time is muscle. If you or a loved one experience a heart attack, you must act fast.

Experts agree that an emergency treatment called angioplasty can be crucial to saving your life.

Where you are taken when you have a heart attack matters because the longer a person waits for this procedure, the more heart tissue dies. Thankfully, Saint Mary’s is just minutes away.

Saint Mary’s is equipped with two premiere cardiac catheterization labs, ready for emergency angioplasty, should you need one. The treatment is one of many remarkable cardiovascular services performed every day by our exceptional team of board-certified interventional and invasive cardiology specialists.

To schedule an appointment with one of our leading cardiologists, call:

479-968-4311

Caring for the heart of the River Valley.

The Courier

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Your Road To Success

RIVER VALLEY’S TOP EMPLOYERS

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Careers

RIVER VALLEY TOP EMPLOYERS NEXT EXIT

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Sunday, October 23, 2016 13P

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WE PLACE PEOPLE FIRST www.penmac.com

Quality People. Quality Service.

Affordable Rates. Benefits.

Staffing...Like No Other!

• Industrial • Transportation • Temp to Hire • Clerical • Medical • Temporary • Professional • Screenings • Direct Hire Serving Central Arkansas Since 1995 1000 N. Arkansas, Ste. 1 • Russellville • 479-967-8827 4600 Towson Ave. • Fort Smith • 479-478-9106 3560 Kirby Parkway • Memphis, TN 1004 S. Mt. Olive, Ste. L, Siloam Springs, AR • 479-300-6197

E M UR CO O IN AM JO TE

Communication, Teamwork, Safety, Quality, Compassion, Respect and Integrity.

COME JOIN OUR TEAM… Are you looking for a place to make a difference?

WHO WE ARE

A place where you can challenge your technical skills while demonstrating your compassion. A place where you’re treated

You entered the world of

like family … then look no more. Come join Saint Mary’s

health care for a reason.

Regional Medical Center to include excellent benefit packages

Because you wanted to make a difference. Because

as well as competitive wages.

www.saintmarysregional.com

helping people is a part of who you are. So why not join an organization that shares your ideals and rewards your efforts? One that invites you to be yourself, to express your individuality through the quality of care you deliver. An organization like Saint Mary’s

Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center is located in Russellville, Arkansas, a 170-bed facility, accredited by Joint Commission serving the Arkansas River Valley for more than 80 years. Russellville, Arkansas is located in the Heart of the Beautiful River Valley. Russellville offers an abundance of Natural Beauty with Mountains, Lakes, and Streams while still providing Shopping, Great School Districts and even a 4-Year University. Russellville is a great, safe place to raise a family – country living with the amenities of a larger city! Learn more about the Russellville community by visiting www.russellvillechamber.org/

Regional Medical Center, where our commitment to our employees is as deep as your commitment to your patients and your profession.

1808 West Main, Russellville, AR 72801

479-964-5654 • www.saintmarysregional.com

14P Sunday, October 23, 2016

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Photo by Liz Chrisman

New facility at Arkansas Tech-Ozark

BY SAM STRASNER Students at teh ATU Ozark campus had a landmark occasion in January 2016 for a landmark structure at Arkansas Tech UniversityOzark Campus.

Students from the paramedic/emergency medical services program and the practical nursing program were among the first to hold classes in the new Health Sciences and Wellness Building, a 20,273-square foot facility designed by Crafton Tull and constructed by The Cone Group.

“This building will give students more incentive to come here because we have the latest and greatest technology,” said Kelsi Andres, a paramedic/ EMS student from Solgohachia. “It’s like we’re

actually in the ambulance. I want to transition into nursing, so the paramedic program gives me the bridge to be able to further my education and become a registered nurse.”

The Health Sciences and Wellness Building is Arkansas Tech-Ozark’s first two-story structure.

It features laboratory and technology expansion, offices for faculty and support staff, a fitness center, student lounge areas and a testing center.

It will house five of the campus’ allied health programs --- paramedic, health information technology, physical therapist assistant, practical nursing and registered nursing.

“I’m just thrilled with it,” said Ester Leonard,

“We have a standard of excellence throughout our program, and I think now that we have the new building and the new equipment, I think the students will be able to see that we have the facilities to achieve that.”

Joshua Freeman Program chair, paramedic/emergency medical services program chair for the practical nursing program at Arkansas TechOzark.

“I really think the students will rise to the occasion. We’re moving very much to what we want to be, a state of the art campus. We have a lot more technology capabilities,

including new simulation labs that will allow us to work students through some stressful situations without the stress of a live patient.”

“It’s a state of the art facility,” said Joshua Freeman, program chair in paramedic/EMS. “A lot of colleges do

not have the ambulance simulator, so that is a big deal for us. We have highfidelity mannequins that go in it and act almost like a real person. Being able to have that and make it as real as possible for their training is a benefit that we haven’t had in the past. That’s the best part for us.

“We have a standard of excellence throughout our program, and I think now that we have the new building and the new equipment, I think the students will be able to see that we have the facilities to achieve that,” continued Freeman. “The realism of the simulation lab and the equipment we have in the classroom will allow us to teach them to the level they need to be able to go out and take

care of patients. Ultimately, that is our job.”

Bethaney Blackwell, a paramedic/EMS student from Lavaca, was able to sum up her reaction to the building in one word.

“It’s awesome,” said Blackwell. “It looks like there will be more opportunities to learn with more space and new equipment.”

The building also has three new computer labs available for student use.

“We have a lot of students who do not have good computer access at home,” said Leonard.

“The new computer labs will make a big difference for our students, and the exercise room will get students more involved in activity and promote a healthy lifestyle throughout campus.”

RussVegas Tailgate Classic, triathlon

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

The Arkansas Razorbacks rallied, forced the TCU Horned Frogs to go to overtime, and eventually beat TCU on a quarterback sneak in double overtime.

Sounds like everybody who participated in the first RussVegas Tailgate Classic at Pleasant View Park couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Before the thrilling game, however there was the community’s first triathlon, kids course and games. The race was sponsored by the RussVegas Footraces Foundation, the group also responsible for the RussVegas Half Marathon.

Like the half marathon, proceeds from the triathlon will benefit Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the River Valley Circle of Friends. The triathlon will start at 4 p.m. and race to the finish line, where the Arkansas-TCU game will be shown on a 25-foot-big-screen TV and be surrounded by Pleasant View Park lined with tailgaters, live music and much more.

But the triathlon, which will include approximate-

ly 150 participants, is a small part of the Tailgate Classic Saturday, event organizer Steve Olsen explained.

“It’s an official tailgate when you have Tusk (IV)

here,” he said. “The biggest deal I’ve been trying to get across to people that the triathlon is a small part of the whole day’s tailgate and games and entertainment. It’s all

about the tailgate party atmosphere. A family of four can spend $35 on a tailgate space, then $10 for passes for the kids to get into the Kids Zone, where we have something

for all ages. We will have a really cool Ninja Warrior course for the kids.”

“We have 12 businesses that are going to participate in the corporate games,” he noted. “I am

figuring just with people we have registered, there will be 1,000 people out here. You don’t have to buy tailgate space, you can just come out.”

Olsen said his organization is trying to fill the void left when ValleyFest, the annual fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of the Arkansas River Valley, ceased to exist.

“The whole premise of the Tailgate Classic is we are tailgating for a football game. Come out and do everything you would do at a regular tailgate.

We will have a public Baggo tournament, where we will give away tickets to the Arkansas-Alabama game and other prizes.”

Olsen praised his group of volunteers and the city’s Recreation and Parks Department for the work they did cleaning up Pleasant View Park.

“Once people come out here and see everybody is having fun and having a blast, we hope they will talk about it for the next year and we’ll have a huge turnout next year. We’ve just got to get people out this year,” he said.

For more information on the event and activities, visit russvegastailgate.com.

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Sunday, October 23, 2016 15P

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Standing Together in the Fight Against Breast Cancer Statistics indicate there will be more than 256,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in American and Canadian women this year, and breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women of both countries. Thanks to early detection and treatment advances, survival rates have improved dramatically, but much room for progress remains. As diagnosis and treatment options continue to evolve, medical experts agree that early detection is a key factor in overcoming the disease, and performing a monthly breast self-exam is often vital to detecting abnormalities, including lumps or tenderness, in the breasts that may indicate illness. Take steps to protect yourself against breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month by initiating healthy lifestyle changes, beginning monthly breast self-exams, and talking to your doctor about the appropriate clinical breast exam and screening mammogram schedule for you.

Dedicated to a Cure, in the Name of Love.

In 2015, it is estimated that over 230,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and that there will be more than 39,000 breast cancer deaths. Experts agree that early detection of breast cancer saves lives.

Screening tests can help diagnose breast cancer in its early stages, when it’s most treatable. Doctors recommend a clinical breast exam every three years beginning at age 20, and a mammogram every year starting at age 40.

Breast self exams and healthy lifestyle choices that include exercise, good nutrition and not smoking can also help protect women against the threat of breast cancer.

During October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we remember the mothers, daughters, friends, sisters and wives who have lost their lives to breast cancer. We also salute the survivors whose successful fight against breast cancer gives us hope for the future and a cure.

Pamela A. Magness, CPA, PA

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O C TO B E R I S N AT I O N A L B R E A S T C A N C E R AWA R E N E S S M O N T H

Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women.

Did you know the 5-year relative survival rate for women with stage 0 or stage I breast cancer is close to 100%?

So early detection is crucial. If you are a woman 40 or older, or you have a family history of breast cancer, get your annual mammogram.

SOURCE: AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

TO SCHEDULE A MAMMOGRAM AT SAINT MARY ’S, CALL:

479-964-5999

16P Sunday, October 23, 2016

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Community is power.

We fuel growth. We ignite development. We power communities. At Arkansas Nuclear One, we believe that we have an obligation to help the communities we serve. That’s why we’re working hard to improve education, economic development, and our environment. Arkansas is our home — where we live and raise our families.

Our commitment is strong, because our state’s future is our future. entergy.com

2016 Entergy Community Grants Habitat for Humanity, Pope County CASA River Valley Christian Clinic River Valley Shelter for Battered Women and Children Atkins High School Russellville High School Russellville School District One Inc. DBA The Russ Bus River Valley Veterans Coalition

A message from Entergy Arkansas, LLC ©2016 Entergy Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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2016 The Courier

Sunday, October 23, 2016 17P

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Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center

Access to Clinics, Physicians and specialties expands within Regional Health System Submitted by Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center

Committed to meeting the River Valley’s growing medical needs, Saint Mary’s Regional Health System (SMRHS) has grown to become a fully integrated healthcare network.

As such, the system continues to aggressively recruit family medicine and specialty physicians. Today Saint Mary’s active physicians on the medical staff total more than 100. Additionally, physician assistants and nurse practitioners have joined the hospital’s network of clinics and the hospital’s Emergency / Express Care Department that now serve higher patient volumes, improve accessibility and reduce wait times.

“Saint Mary’s is dedicated to serving the Arkansas River Valley. It’s our home, and its people are our friends and neighbors. So we go the extra mile, working to bring the right technology and expertise that our growing community needs,” said Jim Davidson, Saint Mary’s chief executive officer (CEO).

“Our patients want and deserve safe, quality care provided by outstanding medical professionals,” he added. “We’ve attracted some of the finest doctors, nurses, and caregivers available anywhere, and we will continue to aggressively recruit more physicians in more specialties to keep our community healthy, active, and well.”

Millard Henry Clinic: A Center of Care, Well Within Reach

For more than 70 years, the Arkansas River Valley has turned to the physicians of Saint Mary’s affiliate Millard-Henry Clinic (MHC). Today it is the area’s leading multi-specialty family healthcare provider.

“Quality care has never been more ac-

cessible than it is today. Whether your needs are routine or urgent, our clinic enterprise is here to take care of you and your family,” said Tim Whetstine, Saint Mary’s Regional Health System’s executive director of Clinic Operations.

Millard-Henry Clinic’s facilities include a 48,000 square foot, patient-friendly main campus building on Skyline Drive, the adjacent Millard-Henry Clinic Women’s Center Obstetrics & Gynecology center, and satellite offices Millard-Henry Clinic/ Atkins and Millard-Henry Clinic/Dover.

Millard Henry Clinic Advances in Patient-Centered Care At a cost of $6.2 million, the MillardHenry Clinic main campus was designed and built using ‘Lean concepts,’ a systematic method that for the clinic promotes efficient patient access and optimizes patient time while in the facility.

Using this methodology has translated into more available appointments and reduced wait times for patients since the building became operational 19 months ago.

The main campus currently accommodates 28 medical practices and is home to medical specialties that include Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Pediatrics, Urology, General Surgery, and Pulmonology.

Millard-Henry Clinic Surgeon Begins New GERD Treatment Dr. Valentino Piacentino is helping people throughout the River Valley who suffer with daily heartburn or other symptoms of reflux such as regurgitation, chronic cough, hoarseness and dental erosions. Until recently these people faced either lifetime of daily medications, and often incomplete resolution of their symptoms, or the risks of invasive sur-

gery. With the TIF procedure (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication), they now have another option.

“The TIF procedure can significantly improve the quality of life for our patients.” said Dr. Piacentino. “Reflux medication can help relieve patients’ heartburn symptoms but doesn’t solve the underlying anatomical problems or prevent further disease progression.

After the TIF procedure, most patients can eat and drink foods they avoided for many years. Because the procedure is performed through the mouth and is incisionless, there is reduced pain, reduced recovery and no visible scar.”

“I had awful acid reflux for as long as I can remember. I was taking up to four different medications which no longer helped,” said Cindy Pfeifer, a recent patient of Dr. Piacentino. “Now I have absolutely no heartburn - none what so ever. I no longer take any medication and I can eat anything without any reflux symptoms.”

For additional information about the TIF procedure, or to view Cindy’s video go to saintmarysregional.com.

Dr. Piacentino, who joined MillardHenry Clinic’s general surgery team last year, earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, and completed his residency at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. In addition to his expertise in general surgery, Dr. Piacentino brings years of study, research and practice to the River Valley in the areas of vascular and thoracic surgery.

Brixey

Henderson

Millard-Henry Clinic Pediatrics Welcomes New Physicians, Increases Availability Dr. Jonathan Brixey, who specializes Please see SAINT MARY’S | 23P

Kalaga

NO ONE IN THE REGION PUTS MORE INTO CARING FOR YOUR HEART. We hope you never experience issues with your heart or vascular system. But if you do, you’ll thank us for the life-saving and limbsaving investments we’ve made on your behalf.

We’ve invested in the right expertise. Our team of leading board-certified cardiologists bring an enormous depth of experience and unsurpassed dedication to your good health.

We’ve invested in the right technology. Saint Mary’s is equipped with a 128-slice CT scanner and two cardiac catherization labs where we provide advanced cardiac and vascular care.

Whether you come to us for a scheduled procedure or because you have experienced a life-threatening heart event, we are ready to care for you. No one in the region puts more into caring for your heart.

SASTRY PRAYAGA, MD

SHUJA RASOOL, MD

DAI-YUAN WANG, MD

RAVISHANKAR KALAGA, MD

SAINT MARY’S CARDIOVASCULAR SERVICES: • Chest Pain Evaluations

• Cardiac Catheterization

• Peripheral Atherectomy

• Nuclear Stress Test

• Pacemaker/AICD Placement

• Venous Ablation

• Echocardiograms

• Coronary Angioplasty

• Electrical Cardioversion

• Holter EEG and EKG

• Peripheral Angiography

• Transesophageal Echoes

• Cardiac Doppler

• CT Angiography

• Cardiac Perfusion Imaging

18P Sunday, October 23, 2016

Yell EMS now EMD certified

BY SIERRA MURPHY murphy@couriernews.com

This August saw a communications upgrade for 911 operators.

Yell County SherriďŹ&#x20AC; Bill Gilkey said in August ambulances began being dispatched through a computer-aided dispatch system and 911 operators successfully completed training on Emergency Medical Dispatch and are now EMD certified. OďŹ&#x192;cials said they hoped this will increase eďŹ&#x192;ciency and expedite response time for the citizens of Yell County as the agencies work together to expand and improve emergency services.

Community Foundation marks 40 years For the Courier

Pope County Community Foundation is participating in the statewide celebration of 40 years spent helping Arkansans protect, grow and direct their charitable dollars and learn more about community needs.

From an initial gathering of 13 community leaders in 1976, Arkansas Community Foundation has grown into a dynamic statewide connection for good.

In the past 40 years, more than $310 million has been gifted to the Community Foundation, and while over $140 million has been granted to nonprofits to impact lives and transform communities, current assets top $275 million. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Back in 1976 a group of visionary Arkansans chartered the Community Foundation to harness the unique power of endowments,â&#x20AC;? Heather Larkin, Community Foundation President

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The foundation can help individuals, organizations and corporations realize their charitable goals and meet our communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs.â&#x20AC;?

Madelyn Ginsberg Executive Director of Pope County Community Foundation

and CEO, said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The grants and assets of Arkansas Community Foundation continue to grow thanks to generations of donors who have entrusted their charitable giving dollars to the foundation as a part of our family of philanthropy.â&#x20AC;?

The Community Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal of fostering smart giving goes beyond acquiring financial assets. Some of the ways the organization has partnered with Pope County to build stronger communities through philan-

Russellville Eye Clinic, P.A. OPHTHALMOLOGY (Eye M.D.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) â&#x20AC;˘ The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eye Careâ&#x20AC;? Specialist Our Commitment Is To Provide Our Patients With The Best Medical and Surgical Eye Care Available

No-Stitch No-Shot No-Patch CATARACT SURGERY Most Technologically Advanced Lens Implants

In-House Laser Surgery

201211

David S. Murphy, M.D.* â&#x20AC;˘ Frank M. Lawrence, M.D.* John N. Gillespie, M.D.* â&#x20AC;˘ Kim Patterson, O.D. Best of Best *Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology

Readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Awards

2014

Š

Best of the Best

Best of the Best

Readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Awards

2012

Dr. Murphy

Readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Awards

2015

Dr. Lawrence

partnering with the Community Foundation to support the causes they care about now and in the future,â&#x20AC;? Madelyn Ginsberg, Executive Director of Pope County Community Foundation, said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Foundation can help individuals, organizations and corporations realize their charitable goals and meet our communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs.â&#x20AC;?

Contributions to the Community Foundation, its funds and any of its 27 local aďŹ&#x192;liate oďŹ&#x192;ces are fully tax deductible. Visit www.arcf.org for more information.

Pope County Community Foundation was founded in 2001 and has established 26 permanent endowments benefiting Pope County. For more information on Pope County Community Foundation, call (479) 967-3083 or visit www. arcf.org

Highway 124 lane widening moving ahead of schedule murphy@couriernews.com

Comprehensive Eye Examinations, Glasses, and Contact Lenses, Optical Shop Featuring: Oakley, Marchon, Fossil, Anne Klein and Harley Davidson

Readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Awards

thropy include targeting areas in the community with grants where they make the biggest impact. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grants went to help with homelessness, food insecurity, foster children, cultural enrichment through the arts and other areas.

Pope County Community Foundation was founded in 2001, and has assets of $2,247,000, for the year ending in June, 2015 with cumulative grants awarded of $540,000. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Join the Arkansans who are

BY SEAN INGRAM AND SIERRA MURPHY

Diabetic & Glaucoma Laser Treatment â&#x20AC;˘ Eye Lid Surgery â&#x20AC;˘ Botox & Collagen Fillers OCT Laser Scanning Instrument used for detection of Glaucoma & Retinal Disease

Best of the Best

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Highway 124 construction continues, and engineers say itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ahead of schedule.

Mike Hays, resident engineer for the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD), said the State Highway 124 realignment project is now 68 percent complete.

It is a stage construction project, where half the roadway is added on, a

new half is built, and traffic is moved over before work on the other portion is begun. The project includes overlay for .07 mile on State Highway 326 (Weir Road) and widening 3.2 miles of State Highway 124 from two lanes to five lanes.

The low bidder was Blackstone Construction LLC in December 2014. The bid proposed 265 working days, which would amount to a twoyear project, for a little more than $14.7 million.

Improvements are funded by an 80/20 federal aid project partnership grant, where federal funding covers 80 percent and the remaining 20 percent is paid by the state.

The Russellville City Council approved an appropriation of $3 million toward the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 20 percent during a November 2014 meeting.

Hays said he expected the $14.7 million project to be completed in April 2017.

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Best of the Best

2013

Delta Pest Control

Best of the Best

Readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Awards

Readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice2016 Awards Dr. Gillespie

Dr. Patterson

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1700 West â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Street â&#x20AC;˘ Russellville, AR 72801 Since 1955 â&#x20AC;˘ (479) 968-7302

For The Courier

Delta Pest Control has seen an increase in bedbugs and fire ants in Arkansas this past year.

They have completed approximately 1,500 jobs across the state in the last year.

Delta Pest control oďŹ&#x20AC;ers termite control, pest con-

trol and minor repairs.

Delta Pest Controlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s repair division has doubled since last year.

The company has also made improvements to its website.

This year there is an insect and rodent library to help people to identify pests. In addition,

customers can now pay their Delta Bills online and request information online.

The owners of Delta Pest Control, located at 1215 E. 14th Street in Russellville, are Doris, Bill and Lindsey Lawrence.

They currently employ 42 people.

Beyond and Back Travel For The Courier

Progress can be measured in many ways, but sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just about staying home.

We at AMCARE would like to thank YOU for the continued progress that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve experienced this past year. Our pledge to provide professional, compassionate personal care for you, your loved ones, and the communities we serve is stronger than ever.

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CENTRAL FIRE STATION

On Track New Fire Station construction on schedule

BY SEAN INGRAM AND PATRICIA SPEARS The Courier

“Things are going very well,” Russellville Fire Marshal Richard Setian said about construction of the new Central Fire Station.

Foundation piers and foundation slabs have been poured and Setian said steel should start going up in early November as the project continues to remain on schedule.

Russellville firefighters, employees with Van Horn Construction Inc. and local dignitaries performed the official groundbreaking for the future Central Fire Station behind the well known “500 Building” on North El Paso Avenue on June 20.

The Russellville City Council voted 5-3 during its May meeting to accept the construction bid of the new Central Fire Station that totaled $6,498,993.77.

Russellville firefighters, employees with Van Horn Construction Inc. and local dignitaries performed the official groundbreaking for the future new Central Fire Station behind the well known “500 Building” on North El Paso Avenue on June 20.

Chad Weisler of Van Horn Construction Inc. said the cost could be reduced depending on some material prices that have not come back, and value engineering will still be utilized throughout the project construction.

Voters approved a onecent sales tax renewal that earmarked $6.5 million for construction of a new Central Fire Station and $7 million for a new aquatic center. Construction on the aquatic center began in April.

“From a response standpoint the building will meet FEMA standards, which means it will be better protected if a big storm came through as well as the firefighters,” Fire Marshal Richard Se-

tian said. “It will be bigger and equipped with the latest technology making it more efficient for dayto-day operations and response.”

He said with the design, they will also have the ability to expand at some point.

The new station will be 24,849 square feet, span one half of a city block, and three stories tall with the exception of the training tower which is designed to be four stories.

The drill tower or training tower is a new addition to the Russellville Fire Department, Setian said.

“The tower will give the firefighters the ability to train with fire protection,” he said. “It will offer a stairwell (for practice

climbing), repelling and a standpipe sprinkler system.”

Another addition for the fire department will be a wellness and fitness room.

The first floor will include all necessary apparatuses for the fire department.

“Everything that needs to be accessible like equipment, storage, the medical supply and turnouts has to be on the ground floor,” said Setian.

Living quarters with individual bedrooms and shared baths, a day room and kitchen will take residence on the second floor.

The current station can hold an occupancy of eight but the new station will be able to sleep 11 plus quarters for the

battalion chief. According to Setian, the new station may have the ability to house 11 but the plan is to only occupy seven. The remaining four will be used for future expansion if possible.

The third floor will be reserved for administration including fire marshals who are currently located in Russellville City Hall, the fire chief, a conference room and administration assistants.

“The public will be able to enter the first floor and take an elevator straight to the third floor,” Setian said.

In the design plans, the training room will be larger and will have the ability to hold 40-50 participants. There will also be

twice as many bay doors.

Setian said the current station has three bays which require firefighters to back trucks in causing road hazards from having to stop traffic.

The new station will feature three drive-thru bays for large pumper and ladder trucks exiting onto El Paso Avenue and three drive-thru bays for short auxiliary vehicles and reserve pumper trucks exiting onto West B Street.

The drive thru bays will allow drivers to bring the trucks in through the back, eliminating the need to stop traffic and back in.

The fire department offers tours to the public and will continue giving tours once in the new station, according to Setian.

“One of the services we provide, especially for kids, is tours of our location,” he said. “Our intent is to continue with tours in the new station.”

20P Sunday, October 23, 2016

The Courier

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Dance with Joy

Aerial dance added to class lineup FOR THE COURIER

Dance with Joy Enterprises, Inc., has added aerial dance in the past year to its list of available classes.

They added an extra studio to accommodate more students in September 2016. They offer dance, fitness, acrobatics, aerials and classes for ages 18 months to adult. This year Dance with Joy equipped one of their two facilities with aerial rigging and equipment, dance flooring and mirrors.

Dance with Joy has equipped their studio on 2007 South Arkansas Avenue with silks, hammock, aerial hoop, lyra, pole, trapeze and circus arts equipment.

They currently have a six students

Cr o s s t h e b

Dance with Joy hopes to one day open an East and West studio to accommodate all areas of the river valley. to one teacher ratio, but are looking to add to staff with qualified dance instructors.

Dance with Joy currently employs five. The dance studio was established in 1978. Dance with Joy hopes to one day open an East and West studio to accommodate all areas of the river valley.

c e n ic s r o f e r id g

January – Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet March – Wine & Cheese Festival April – Talent Show @ Community Center: Rock’n on the River Free Concert

Pope County Home Sales Pope County Home Sales Month 2015 2014 September 76 97 October 73 113 November 73 84 December 73 82 Month 2016 2015 January 54 49 February 97 53 March 80 47 April 49 62 May 71 72 June 73 74 July 76 87 Total Value, Homes Sold (in millions) Month 2015 2014 September $7.7 $11.3 October $9.6 $13.6 November $8.7 $10.1 December $8.4 $9.3

v ie w s , h i s t o r ic c h a r m a n d

Dardanelle

May – Yell Fest July – 4th July City Celebration Chocolate Festival August – Dog Daze Front Street

2016 2015 (in millions) January $5.5 $5.8 February $11.2 $17.3 March $10.3 $6.5 April $6.4 $8.6 May $8.5 $9.7 June $10.5 $9.5 July $11.1 $11.9 Average Prices, Homes Sold Month 2016 2015 January $113,299 $118,337 February $115,499 $125,628 March $128,821 $113,333 April $131,261 $139,259 May $119,932 $134,285 June $143,613 $128,534 July $146,708 $136,874 — Arkansas Realtors Association

f r ie n d l y

f ace s

September – Chicken Fry: Taste Along the River BBQ: Miss Mount Nebo Pageant November – Veterans Day with DAR December – Christmas Parada: How the Grinch Stole Christmas Movie Night

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Sunday, October 23, 2016 21P

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Lake Dardanelle State Park beautification

BY SIERRA MURPHY murphy@couriernews.com

Lake Dardanelle State Park Superintendent Sarah Keating said 2016 has seen more improvements to the park, a lot of those for the visitors that frequent it. For instance, in the visitors center, the fish tanks have seen a repopulation in fish and even additional exhibits highlighting other native

fish and amphibians.

The updates, Keating says, are ways the Park can thank Russellville citizens for their continued support.

“We love that the town of Russellville likes to come out to the park so we want to give them something exciting for when they come out to visit us,” Keating said.

“Something new, maybe

they didn’t see the last time they were here.”

The aquariums aren’t the only exhibits open to the public.

The park also hosts a variety of workshops and tours citizens can attend, for free, if they call the park and sign up.

Workshops include skill-based lessons in dutch oven cooking and bird identification. Boat

tours are also available.

In fact, the bald eagle boat tours will begin this October; interested parties are encouraged to call the park’s office and sign up for a spot.

Campsites are also available.

The Russellville side hosts 74 sites, and the Dardanelle side 18. The Dardanelle site is also going to see renovations

this fall, coming as the tail end of 2016 park improvements.

Previous improvements include a repaved boat ramp, reroofed picnic benches and implemented pet waste stations, the latter an effort to make the park more pet friendly. Improvements to the fishing pier were also made, like replacing weathered wood

and putting a new structure on the pier. “This year we’ve finished the painting,” Keating said.

“The exterior of the building is looking wonderful.”

A new interpreter has also joined the staff. Keating encourages citizens to schedule visits with the interpreters and welcomes visitors to the park.

Funeral Homes and On-Site Cremation Services

Cornwell Funeral Home, and on-site cremation service with locations in Danville and Dardanelle, is a family-owned business established over four generations ago. President Rush Cornwell expressed that since its establishment in 1898, “Cornwell Funeral Home has strived to ensure that we provide personalized and compassionate services to the families who have entrusted the care of their loved one to us.” He further adds that at no additional cost, Cornwell Funeral Home accepts all pre-arrangement contracts and insurance policies that a family has with other funeral service providers. According to the Cornwell family, honesty and a true concern for those we serve have been the building blocks and hallmark of our reputation.

The professional staff at Cornwell Funeral Home is committed to providing dignified, respectful and personalized assistance to every family.

Recognizing that each family is unique, it is important to Cornwell’s staff to work with each family to create a meaningful service that honors the life and memory of their loved one. Mike Cornwell always believed that such personal service is part of the reason Cornwell Funeral Home is the second oldest existing business in Yell County, the fifth oldest funeral home in the state of Arkansas and why more families put their trust in Cornwell Funeral Home more than any other, year after year. And the only funeral home with an on-site crematory and personalized caskets, Cornwell Funeral Home is moving into the 21st century.

Come visit with us and see the difference why more families are choosing Cornwell Funeral Home over all the others in the River Valley. You will see the difference between a funeral home and a funeral business.

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On-Site Cremation

ll funeral homes advertise cremation services, but most people are shocked to learn that the cremation process is usually subcontracted out to third-party industrial crematories. However, all cremations at Cornwell Funeral Home are performed at their own Dardanelle facility by one of their four certified crematory operators.

Having an on-site crematory puts Cornwell Funeral Home in a class of its own. As expressed by Rush Cornwell, this is just another way in which we guarantee that your loved one’s care is always within reach and our number one priority.

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Personalized Caskets Each individual has a unique character that should be refl ected in their funeral service. We understand and value this concept, which is why we offer a variety of service options as unique as the individuals that we serve.

At Cornwell Funeral Homes every veteran is cremated with a “retired” flag. It honors the veteran and provides one more patriotic duty for the flag.

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479-495-2525 756 Main St. Danville

22P Sunday, October 23, 2016

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Danville plans $1.5M aquatic center

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

DANVILLE — Residents voted to renew a half-cent sales tax during a special election in August to fund a proposed $1.5 million swimming complex.

According to the Yell County Clerk’s Office, voters overwhelmingly approved two issues that renewed the half-cent sales tax. A proposal to renew a .125 percent sales and use tax won 81-11. A .375 percent sales and use tax was approved 80-12.

Danville Mayor Phil Moudy said he and the Danville City Council realized the swimming complex would replace the current swimming pool and bathhouse at the same location at Danville City Park. The mayor said the aquatic center will be “quite a bit bigger” and cost approximately $1.5

million.

“Our current swimming pool lasted almost 50 years,” he said. “We had to shut it down this summer.”

The mayor explained that residents voted in favor of the .375 issue to pay off debt on a $1.495 million bond issue in 15 years. The .125 will go towards operation and maintenance and the upkeep of city parks and city parks programs in the Danville community.

“This is an opportunity that we cannot let pass by.” The mayor added that the Danville Aquatic Center will feature a zeroentry swimming pool.

“It’s designed for the elderly and the handicapped,” Moudy said.

“It’s like when you walk into the ocean at the beach. There are no steps to worry about.”

City Corp. water judged best tasting in tri-state region

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

Old Bank Grill to open in October

BY SIERRA MURPHY murphy@couriernews.com

Downtown Russellville continues to grow, as does the business ventures of Bill Newton.

In early 2014, Newton’s dream of a sports grill became a reality when he was approved for state and federal tax credits to help with construction.

Soon after approval, construc-

tion began at 218 and 220 West Main Street in downtown Russellville.

Previously known as the Old Bank of Russellville, Newton decided to keep the namesake, dubbing the eatery Old Bank Sports Grill.

Bill and his wife, Marlene, said they wanted “to help with the revitalization of downtown Russell-

ville by building a business that will help to restore the downtown area to be a destination point and continue what others have done in bringing life and enthusiasm back into the downtown area.”

The space itself is 8,000 square feet. The entire restaurant has seating for 350 people.

Old Bank Sports Grill is due to open Oct. 24.

Members of City Corp. and its Board of Directors celebrated last October when the city’s water utility was voted best tasting water in the tri-state region earlier this month.

Six months prior to that, City Corp. staff entered Russellville’s drinking water in the statewide Drinking Water Taste Contest at the annual convention in Hot Springs and was voted best tasting water in Arkansas for the first time since 2005.

For the first time in the utility’s history, Russellville went up against competition from Oklahoma and Louisiana at the Southwest Section regional conference in Shreveport, La., and was selected as the best tasting drinking water in the three-state region.

City Corp. earned the right to take the awardwinning drinking water to Chicago in June to compete in the national competition, where it won the People’s Choice award.

City Corp. General Manager Steve Mallett said much of the appreciation goes to the staff and operations manager Larry Collins, who represented the utility at the water conferences and prepared the samples to be taken to Hot Springs and Shreveport, and on to Chicago next June.

First and foremost, such an award starts with

a quality water reservoir, Mallett explained.

“It all starts with Huckleberry,” he said. “This award is about a community that decided years ago to make sound decisions that have led to having a very high quality water source, which is the foundation for a high quality drinking water.

“The exceptional raw water quality provided from the Huckleberry Creek Reservoir, when coupled with modern treatment facilities and a dedicated plant staff, has allowed us to consistently exceed the water quality criteria set by state and federal agencies.”

Mallett pointed out while many systems across the state and nation are struggling to meet current water demands and facing difficult and costly options for expansion, City Corp. staff are fortunate that previous leadership within the utility and the city of Russellville made it a priority to secure a long-term water supply almost 20 years ago.

“We are equally fortunate that the citizens also realized this critical need and voted for a 1-cent sales tax to address that need in the early 1990s,” he said.

“This investment by our community is the primary reason Russellville has been able to maintain high standards of water quality and quantity.”

4-H – The largest youth organization in America For The Courier

4-H empowers young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime.

It is a research-based experience that serves more than 129,000 youth in urban, suburban and rural settings in Arkansas and has more than 6.5 million members in the United States.

Youth from 5-19 years old can learn important life skills like leadership, teamwork, critical thinking and communication to help prepare them for successful futures – and they do it while engaging in fun, hands-on 4-H activities.

In 2016, the 4-Hers and staff from the Pope County Cooperative Extension Service reached over 7,000 youth throughout

Youth from 5-19 years old can learn important life skills like leadership, teamwork, critical thinking and communication to help prepare them for successful futures – and they do it while engaging in fun, hands-on 4-H activities. the county with our 4-H handson learning programs.

Youth took part in learning to preserve food through pressure canning and dehydration workshops, and spent time learning about wildlife officers’ and park rangers’ duties during a fun day at Lake Dardanelle State Park.

Members of 4–H learned to design and build their own wooden block puzzle to intrigue their family and friends. Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills are incorporated into learning as of-

ten as possible.

Members of 4-H from the Pottsville community worked together to plan a special day for K-2nd graders to learn about the animals that are shown at the county fair.

A group of 25 4-Hers and parents hosted more than 600 school children and provided education about the responsibilities involved in raising poultry, hogs, cattle, goats, sheep, rabbits and horses.

Members of 4-H are constantly demonstrating the skills

they learn by leading activities around Pope County. You have seen 4-Hers speaking at the annual Farm Bureau Banquet, assisting with the Dog Show during Russellville Fall Fest, providing petting zoos at Pediatrics Plus and the Augsburg Fall Festival, putting together lunches for Paint the River Valley, promoting 4-H at community events such as Atkins Pickle Fest, Hector Dog Days, Ozark Memory Days, Tractor Supply and during Christmas parades, and assisted in many commu-

nity services during the year.

Not to mention the promotional displays that are designed and crafted by 4-Hers each year during the week of the county fair and displayed inside the educational building.

So keep your ears and eyes open, 4-H is everywhere, especially in Pope County. If you would be interested in being a part of the amazing opportunities that 4-H has to offer, please contact the Pope County Cooperative Extension Office by calling 479968-7098.

Pope County offers 17 different 4-H clubs within Pope County and is open to all youth between the ages of 5 and 19.

The Courier

City Corporation awarded grant

SAINT MARY’S CONTINUED FROM 17P

in internal medicine and pediatrics, recently joined Millard-Henry Clinic at the main campus. He will serve patients in both specialties.

Reared in Pope County, Dr. Brixey is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University (ATU) and the University of ArkansasMedical Sciences (UAMS). He is married with two children, and is active in his local church and with outdoor activities.

Additionally in the area of Pediatrics, Dr. Lynette Smith has expanded her practice hours this year. Drs. Brixey and Smith are accepting new patients.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Brixey or Dr. Smith, call 479-968-2345 weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

APRN Moves to MillardHenry Clinic from Valley Health Services

Moving her practice from Valley Health Services to Millard-Henry Clinic’s main campus is Candace Welcher, APRN. As with other nurse practitioners, Welcher provides several services that include diagnoses, treatment, and health education for patients. She is accepting new patients as well.

Millard-Henry Clinic Women’s Center Obstetrics & Gynecology

Millard-Henry Clinic Women’s Center Obstetrics & Gynecology welcomed Dr. Susanna Chatterjee last year. Dr. Chatk terjee, who has trained extensively in all facets of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is skilled in both general and high-risk obstetric management. Along with her obstetrics practice, she is in performs both minor and major gynecologic procedures. Dr. Chatterjee is accepting new patients; to schedule an appointment call 479-890-2428, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dr. Chatterjee joins Drs. Jody Callaway (GYN), and OB/GYNs Michael Escue, David Nelson, Cristina Clark, and Scott Sosebee, who recently returned to practice at Millard-Henry Clinic.

Millard-Henry Clinic – Atkins

Last year, Millard-Henry Clinic – Atkins expanded its facility from 4,500 square feet to more than 6,400 square feet. This expansion has meant greater convenience and family health care opportunities for the Atkins community and beyond. Located at 1601 North Church Street, Millard-Henry ClinicAtkins now houses 14 exam rooms, five clinical professional offices, two nursing stations, a lab, an x-ray facility, and a procedure room.

Millard-Henry Clinic–Atkins is staffed

by Dr. Timothy Johnson, who specializes in Family Practice, and Dr. Chad Masters, pediatrician, who joined the Atkins team last year. Dr. Masters’ move to the clinic allows Millard-Henry to bring fulltime, complete pediatric care to Atkins and surrounding communities. He is the only pediatrician with a full-time practice located between Russellville and Conway.

Clinical mid-level providers Carey Ellis, APRN, and Breckenn Findley, APRN, provide essential care for patients as well.

Millard-Henry Clinic-Atkins is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To schedule an appointment with any member of the medical staff, call 479641-2255.

Millard-Henry Clinic-Dover With family roots running deep in

Sunday, October 23, 2016 23P

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our area, Dr. Nathan Henderson has returned to the Arkansas River Valley to join with Dr. Dale Barton at MillardHenry Clinic/Dover. Upon earning his undergraduate degree at ATU, Dr. Henderson completed medical school at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, and a residency at UAMS/AHEC West. Dr. Henderson specializes in rural family medicine; he, his wife, and their children plan to live near Dover. The Hendersons hope to be active in the region’s outdoor and community activities.

Dr. Henderson is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment at Millard-Henry Clinic-Dover, call 479331-3880, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Millard-Henry Clinic-Dover is located at 8979 Market Street in Dover.

Cardiology Associates of North Central Arkansas After investing $5.1 million in life-saving cardiac and limb-saving catheterization technologies last year, Saint Mary’s Regional Health System welcomed a new cardiologist to Cardiology Associates of North Central Arkansas.

An interventional cardiologist, Dr. Ravishankar Kalaga joined Dr. Sastry Prayaga, also an interventional cardiologist, and Drs. Dai-Yuan Wang and Shuja Rasool, invasive cardiologists. All four are board-certified.

Dr. Kalaga had served at Faith Regional Health Services, Norfolk, Neb., prior to joining Cardiology Associates. He attended medical school in Visakhapatnam, India, as well as the University of Nebraska Medical Center-Omaha, where he completed his residency training. Dr. Kalaga completed two fellowships in cardiology (UNMC-Omaha and Bridgeport [CT] Hospital), and a fellowship in interventional cardiology at UAMS. The team at Cardiology Associates takes a collaborative approach in providing cutting-edge treatments to patients in Russellville and the surrounding areas. They utilize the hospital’s two cardiac catheterization labs for diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular and vascular procedures as well as the region’s first 128-Slice Computed Tomography (CT) scanner for diagnostic imaging technology in non-invasive procedures like coronary angiography.

This technology is particularly effective in studying the beating heart, producing clear non-invasive images of the heart and its major vessels.

Cardiology Associates of North Central Arkansas offers a wide range of advanced cardiology and vascular services.

Their office is located at 2205 West Main in Russellville. To schedule an appointment, call weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 479-968-4311.

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

The city of Russellville and its water utility, City Corporation, got some great news in July — about $1.7 million worth.

General Manager Steve Mallett and Mayor Randy Horton told the City Corporation Board of Directors that U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker

announced the $1.7 million grant to the city of Russellville to make water infrastructure improvements needed to serve the convention center and Interstate 40 corridor projects.

According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 200 new jobs. “Ensuring that our communities have

the modern infrastructure they need to grow and thrive is of critical importance to their competitiveness,” Pritzker said. “EDA’s investment to establish the water infrastructure needed to bring the Russellville Convention Center to fruition will generate economic development and job creation in the region.”

Construction Permits Commercial construction permits issued by Community Development from November 2015 through July 2016, indicated by address, construction type and construction cost: • First State Bank, 3503 W. Main St., sign, $15,000.

• First State Bank, 3103 E. Main St., sign, $18,000.

• Custom Sign & Neon, Aspen Lane and Interstate 40, sign, $60,000.

• Diamond Bank, 229 E. Parkway Drive, bank, $100,000.

• Taber Metals, 1500 S. Elmira, fence, $15,500.

• Ford Engineering, 1009 E. Parkway Drive, restaurant, $250,000.

• Van Christiansen, 301 E. Main St., alteration, $19,000.

• Pasta Grill, 319 W. Main St., alteration, $28,000.

• Nabholz Construction, 200 S. Denver, addition, $9,408.049.

• 2601 W. Main St., sign, $15,000.

• 409 N. Elmira Ave., alteration, $60,000.

• 3415 East 6th St., $300,000.

• 2006 E. Parkway Drive, sign, $12,000.

• 1900 W. Main St., addition, $13,900.

• 201 East Parkway Drive, accessory building, $19,500.

• 2401 S. Arkansas, accessory building, $45,000.

• 3943 Main St., com-

mercial, $250,000.

• 2605 Main St., sign, $15,750.

• 2001 Parkway Drive, fence, $19,870.

• 1001 Parkway Drive, sign, $17,000.

• 2300 Main St., remodel, $35,000.

• 218 W. Main St., Old Bank Sports Bar & Grill, $1,500,000.

• 1001 Parkway Drive, sign, $17,000.

• 1001 Parkway Drive, sign, $17,000.

• 2407 N. Arkansas Ave., alteration, $70,000.

• 308½ W. Main St., remodel, $48,000.

• 2403 N. Arkansas Ave., alteration, $50,000.

• 922 N. Sidney Ave., alteration, $70,000.

• 2902 Bernard Way, remodel, $224,777.

• 2700 E. Main St., alteration, $48,000.

• 2000 W. Parkway Drive, sign, $48,000.

• 500 Industrial Boulevard, alteration, $38,500.

• 302 S. Phoenix Ave., sign, $15,000.

• 2001 W. Parkway Drive, fence, $21,273.

• 319 West B St., alteration, $60,000.

• 1616 S. Arkansas Ave., auto sales, $50,000.

• 805 West 2nd Court, addition, $130,000.

• 319 W. Main St., alteration, $125,000.

• 305 Knoxville, accessory building, $11,423.

• 2797 East Parkway Drive, accessory building, $8,495.

• 620 Tyler Road, sign, $7,000.

• 2500 N. Arkansas

Ave., building addition, $6,500.

• State Highway 247, alteration, $50,000.

• 1026 N. Rochester, $12,000.

• 3845 E. Main St., mini storage, $250,000.

• 111 E. Harrell Dr., alteration, $20,000.

• 2409 E. Main St., alteration, $35,000.

• 3415 E. Sixth St., fence, $10,900.

• 721 N. Arkansas Ave., alteration, $254,044.

• 2306 N. Arkansas Ave., alteration, $125,000.

• 227 E. Main, car wash, $579,000.

• 4161 S. Arkansas, commercial building alteration, $8,000.

• 512 S. Arkansas, commercial building alteration, $30,000.

• 300 E. Harrell Drive, commercial building alteration, $47,000.

• 3515 W. Main St., commercial building alteration, $8,000.

• 1501 S. Detroit Ave., alteration to commercial, $2,250,000.

• 2005 Fairway Blvd., commercial building, $350,000.

• 404 Jimmy Lyle Road, wastewater facility, $2,918,000.

• 721 N. Arkansas Ave., sign, $35,000.

• 1802 E. Main St., remodel, $51,000.

• 3901 W. Main St., mini storage, $1,750,000.

• 2207 E. Main St., sign, $40,631.

Outpatient Therapy Center Complimenting the growth of specialty services, Saint Mary’s Outpatient Therapy Center expands its offerings.

For those with heart and lung problems, the Outpatient Therapy Center provides physical therapy with telemetry and oxygen saturation monitoring. Patients with diabetes can participate in both group and individual classes for diabetes selfmanagement education. Treatment programs are available for incontinence for both men and women, and lymphedema treatment is available for patients with chronic swelling of limbs.

Call Melanie Mullinax at 479-9683733 for more information or visit the Center at 809 West Main. Talk to your doctor regarding a referral.

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24P Sunday, October 23, 2016

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KEEPING OUR COMMITMENT TO KEEPING YOU HEALTHY OUR NEW CMO Saint Mary’s Regional Health System has announced Dr. Vickie Henderson’s appointment as Saint Mary’s chief medical officer (CMO).

From 1995-2014, Dr. Henderson actively practiced as an OB/GYN at Millard-Henry Clinic and Millard-Henry Clinic Women’s Center. During her years with the clinic, she chaired the OB/GYN group and served as executive committee president in 2000 and 2012-13.

Bringing to the position a reputation for dedicated

VICKIE HENDERSON, MD

expertise and experience, Dr. Henderson will provide

SAINT MARY’S REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

communication, leadership, and guidance to hospital and medical staff.

OUR NEWEST PHYSICIANS As the Arkansas River Valley’s largest multi-speciality clinic, Millard-Henry Clinic proudly announces the addition of Dr. Jonathan Brixey and Dr. Nathan Henderson to our growing staff of leading physicians.

Dr. Brixey specializes in internal medicine and pediatrics.

He was reared in Pope County, and prior to receiving his medical degree at University of Arkansas-Medical Sciences (UAMS), Dr. Brixey completed an undergraduate degree at Arkansas Tech University (ATU). He is married with two children, and is active in his local church and with outdoor activities.

JONATHAN BRIXEY, MD INTERNAL MEDICINE/PEDIATRICS MILLARD-HENRY CLINIC

Dr. Nathan Henderson also has deep family roots in our area.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree at ATU, he completed medical school at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, and a residency at UAMS/AHEC West.

Dr. Henderson specializes in rural family medicine; he, his wife, and their children plan to live near Dover.

The Hendersons hope to be active in the region’s outdoor and community activities.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Brixey, call the main clinic weekdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at 479-968-2345.

An appointment with Dr. Henderson can be scheduled by calling the Dover clinic (also weekdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) at 479-331-3880.

RUSSELLVILLE • ATKINS • DOVER

NATHAN HENDERSON, MD FAMILY MEDICINE MILLARD-HENRY CLINIC/DOVER

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2016 The Courier

Sunday, October 23, 2016 25P

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26P Sunday, October 23, 2016

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Animal Shelter opens new addition

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

A new 1,200-squarefoot building addition was commenced and completed at the Russellville Animal Shelter.

The new addition allows better separation from cats and dogs, and sick animals can now be separated from the general populations.

During his report to the Russellville City Council in May, Animal Shelter Director Mike Vernon thanked those who were responsible for the installation of two pens outside the addition to help with space.

Vernon told The Courier before the addition was completed that the new building would house a series of kennels to help house the city’s stray and neglected animals.

The facility’s $142,000 cost was appropriated by the City Council last year and includes 10 new dog kennels and space to house additional cats.

The addition also includes an area to wash and clean animals.

Vernon said the building would ease the burden placed on the site’s main kennels.

“It will provide a quarantine area where we can put new cats and dogs who might have diseases,” Vernon said.

“Hopefully, it will help with health. When we were limited to just one room, we couldn’t treat animals with disease because they would spread it to the other animals.

“We haven’t euthanized because of space in five years,” he said. “We only do that for health reasons, or because the animal is aggressive or because of the banned breed legislation.”

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Sunday, October 23, 2016 27P

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City completes water meter replacement

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

City Corp. General Manager Steve Mallett told the Board of Directors during their 2015 November regular meeting that the $4.1 million project to replace Russellville’s 13,000 water meters is complete.

Employees with Utility Meter Systems (UMS) were wrapping up the final touches on a few meters, Mallett said. The new wireless system replaced the old reading system and collects multiple remote readings a day, which will allow for better leak protection, increased billing accuracy and better customer service.

The project was fully funded through a water and wastewater rate increase last summer and approval by the Russellville City Council. Mallett previously said based on studies, the project should produce increased revenues and pay for itself in six years.

Customers will be provided with information on how to access and utilize their interactive software, which will allow customers to monitor and/or troubleshoot their water usage over the Internet.

Gone are the days when water department employees drove around, one going from meter to meter yelling a bunch of numbers, and another in the truck writing them down.

Russellville’s advanced wireless metering infrastructure system will improve efficiency and allow employees to conduct water meter reading via wireless.

And City Corporation can track the usage of your water for improved conservation, increased billing accuracy and improved customer service.

“Utility Metering Systems is a leader in deploying utility infrastructure systems and resource conservation measures.

They support our commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for our citizens through cost-effective and innovative programs,” Mallett said.

“Advanced metering also supports our commitment to preserving and protecting our environment by reducing carbon emissions by taking meter readers off of the road, enhancing our ability to quickly detect and stop leaks, and providing customers with daily information on water use so that they can improve their efforts to conserve.”

The system works via wireless cellular technology to send readings and usage data to the utility and customer.

This new equipment is sensitive and attached to the blue meter box lid by a cable. Removing the meter lid abruptly could damage the equipment.

Damage to this equipment could result in a $100 tampering fee plus time and material cost to replace this equipment.

It is strongly discouraged that anyone other than City Corporation employees open the meter enclosure.

However, in situations where a problem could result in property damage, it may be necessary to shut-off the valve in the meter box.

To minimize accessing your meter in this situation, the state of Arkansas Plumbing

Code requires a shut-off valve be located on the customer line between the meter and the residence.

This “customer shut-off valve” can be installed just past the meter for quick turn-off of the customer’s water supply.

Customers can access and utilize the interactive software which will allow customers to monitor and/or troubleshoot their water usage via the Internet.

The new ultrasonic meters will have a higher degree of guaranteed accuracy for a period of 20 years and are equipped with cellular based communications that will allow two-way

communications with the meters and eliminate the need to manually visit these meters for readings, re-reads, etc.

This technology will also provide staff and customers with a portal via the internet that would allow for the monitoring of the customer’s water usage which could be used to notify the customer of leaks, increased usage, etc.

This tool will provide the customer with the ability to manage their water usage, and ultimately their water bill, which has not been possible in the past.

The amount of water that is currently produced at the Rus-

sellville water system when compared to the amount of water sold to the customers of the Russellville water system yields a difference of approximately 15 percent on average.

This “unaccounted for” water can financially impact the system through lost revenues and increased pumping and treatment costs. Mallett said the industry standard is set at 10 percent for most systems. City Corp. staff began addressing the two main factors that contribute to this number, inaccurate meters and leaking pipes last August.

A firm was hired to sample 199 existing meters ranging

Planning commissioners approve final plans for Casey’s General Store

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

The Russellville Planning Commission voted 7-0 during its regular meeting in July on three items that related to the final design plan of Casey’s General Store.

Chairman Dennis Boyd thanked Casey’s representative, Kevin McClaflin of Morrison Shipley, for store officials working with the city and planner Greg Walden, who said those who work for the store “went above and beyond what the city requirements are.”

For example, Casey’s will provide additional

landscaping along Third and Fourth Streets and in front of the Pope County Library System Russellville branch, located behind the proposed convenience store. Additional sidewalks will be built around the property.

Due to its location on South Arkansas Avenue, Walden said a

right-in and right-out only designation will be provided for Arkansas Avenue drivers going north.

The primary concern was blocking traffic for those who are in the Fourth Street center turn lane. The company also considered surrounding the canopy beams with brick to match the store’s design.

Public Works Director Kurt Jones said he was “very satisfied” with the design plans.

Walden said the project is consistent with the master plan and the staff’s recommendation

was approval.

Separate requests for public hearings and motions to approve the large-scale development plan for Casey’s General Store; recommendation of a special use permit to operate a convenience store with fuel sales for the property; and approve a replat for the lot all passed on 7-0 votes.

Members of the commission include Shirley Hatley, John Whiteside, Peggy Stratton, Wendell Miller, Boyd, Doug Skelton, Mike Wilkins, Todd Meimerstorf, Nathan Barber and Freddie Harris.

from ⅝” residential meters to 6” industrial meters. The majority of the meters were past their guaranteed accuracy period of 10 years, and some were older than 20 years.

Study results projected that replacing all of the city’s meters with remote cellular transmitters will produce an annual financial benefit of $689,191, which includes a projected revenue increase of $499,000 annually due to the installation of more accurate meters.

Any additional questions or information can be answered or obtained online at www.citycorporation.com or by calling 968-2105.

Thank you

BY HERMAN HOUSTON Johnson County Judge

CLARKSVILLE — I want to say it is my pleasurer to serve as your Johnson County Judge. As county judge we have completed several projects in the county and some are still ongoing.

The new jail is a huge project that we are just completing.

The GIF grants from West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District in Hot Springs and Western Arkansas Planning and Development in Fort Smith have been a way for the citizens in Johnson County to make improvements to their communities.

We are enthusiastic to

get started on several new features in the historic Johnson County Court Room.

We will also soon be starting Phase II work on the outside of the courthouse.

I am so proud of all that we have accomplished in the county. My goal is to continue making our county a place the citizens can be proud of. I can hardly wait to see how we can improve on our goals for next year.

It is truly a pleasure serving as Johnson County Judge and always encourage citizens to call our office at 479-754-2175 or come by and see me.

Thank you.

28P Sunday, October 23, 2016

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Concerns, issues facing Russellville ■

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Reimagine Russellville 2040 Workshop looking to change the future

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BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

City Planner Greg Walden said the Reimagine Russellville 2040 community workshop, conducted in September at City Hall, was a very important part in constructing the Comprehensive Master Plan for the next 25 years.

Over 60 people took it to heart and participated in Thursday’s workshop.

Mayor Randy Horton echoed the appreciation felt by Walden and his team members, Ben Lykins and Phil Walker.

“It is inspiring to see this many people, since we are here because we want to decide where will be in 2040,” Mayor Randy Horton said. “We appreciate everybody being here.”

Like they were asked during Steering Committee sessions, the audience was asked to write down what they believed were five issues or concerns that face Russellville today. They then voted on the 61 items in order of their importance and gave some of their suggestions on how to take action on those issues or concerns.

All of them are listed later in this story. But the top five were familiar to Russellville residents: • Economic resiliency • Wet/dry issue • Arkansas Tech University graduates retention • Drainage/flooding

“It is inspiring to see this many people (participate), since we are here because we want to decide where will be in 2040.”

Randy Horton Mayor One resident pointed out that she would simply like to be able to vote on the wet/dry proposal, but organizations outside Pope County do not want county residents to be able to vote on the issue.

(Johnson County pulled its wet/dry proposal off the Nov. 8 ballot, and Yell County did not turn in petition signatures before the Aug. 10 deadline.)

Another resident said existing empty buildings, like the National Home Center site, could turned into smaller kiosks that would attract small businesses to the community.

“That building has been just sitting there for years,” he said.

Jim Peters mentioned a problem that will face the city after the completion of the aquatic center and convention center.

“There’s a possibility of our city taking a bite and they can’t chew it up,” he said. “I’m talking about maintenance of new facilities, like the aquatic center or the convention center. I am concerned about tax moneys for facilities.”

That concern over operation and maintenance expenses was one of a few issues that were related to one of the most important, economic resiliency and development.

Others said the inclusion of broadband and new technology would help to build economic development and attract small and newer businesses. One resident said there should be a “Shark Tank” kind of way where incentives and funding is offered if they invest their business in Russellville.

New businesses with newer technology would help Arkansas Tech University graduates stay here, they said. Then there’s the regular complaints about drainage and flooding, which are being addressed in the city’s Master Street Plan on an annual basis.

Audience members were asked to write down what they thought were the assets and strengths of the community and leave them. Walden and Lykens said another great tool is the website www.russellville.plany-

ourcity.com, where anyone can go and utilize a map and voice their complaints about a particular area and what they would do to fix it.

Residents can also identify specific projects or actions they think should be undertaken and indicate the city’s primary strengths and assets.

“You can also see what other residents have said previously on the interactive map,” they said.

Walden wrapped up the near two-hour workshop with a timeframe of the rest of the elements of the Comprehensive Master Plan. After more interviews and stakeholder groups sessions, a 40-page Existing Conditions Report will be released around the end of October that will specify the five to seven major issues that face the Russellville community.

In November, residents will be able to sit down in groups and come up with ideas they want to see happen in the city. After a plan development phase, Walden said he hoped the final plan would be ready by midsummer 2017.

“There will be a couple more opportunities of engagement,” he reminded the crowd as they left the City Council chambers and again encouraged them or anyone who didn’t attend Thursday’s workshop to go to the website.

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Non-participation by minority groups in this process today.

Public transportation, as in we have none.

Flooding and drainage.

Blue laws, wet/dry issue.

Diamond oil pipeline could affect our drinking water.

Lack of street lights.

Large trash cans.

Economic development, resiliency.

Community based programming that contributes to the quality of life.

Lake dardanelle advantages.

Nothing available for students, 18-older. Lack of weekend activities, nightlife.

Exodus of ATU graduates, lack of student retention.

Rail traffic impact; traffic flow in downtown relating to railroads.

Turn lane needed on East Parkway Drive, from Weir Road to the east; convert it to two lanes and center lane.

No plastic bag usage.

More bike and pedestrian friendly.

Pedestrian signalization; downtown walkability.

Retail infrastructure needed.

Empty commercial buildings.

Lack of traffic lights at schools, traffic at RHS and RJHS. Intersection disability.

Sidewalk connectivity.

Abandoned building enforcement.

Emphasizing recycling.

Downtown storefronts.

Recycling not an option, should be available in businesses and city parks.

East Main Street character.

Zoning exceptions.

Road improvement in general.

General maintenance on edges of city.

Code enforcement on edge of city.

Downtown parking.

Overhead electrical.

Downtown building maintenance.

Sustainability and growth of tax revenue.

Capturing growth in the Arkansas River Valley.

Fiber connectivity. Broadband internet.

Encouraging more small business.

Lights in suburban areas.

Modernization of zoning codes.

Eastside north side road, keep trucks off Arkansas Avenue.

Gateway downtown impressions.

Not wasting development opportunities.

Geographic value.

Operation and maintenance expenses.

Better utility availability.

Workforce development.

Adaptive reuse of existing facilities.

Voting access at ATU. Poor access parking lots.

More college-related jobs.

Balance small business with large retail; stop retail leakage.

Rendering plant smell.

Community gardens, landscaping.

Better community information.

Library.

Great Police Department, but more drug enforcement needed.

Multiculturalism and safe spaces.

Entertainment district.

Centralized location for farmer’s market.

More affordable housing.

Outdoor aquatic park.

The Courier

www.couriernews.com

Sunday, October 23, 2016 31P

Veterans Memorial Park parking lot paved

BY SEAN INGRAM sean@couriernews.com

Veterans Memorial Park had its parking lot paved and curbing and striping completed before work on the Walk of Honor could begin.

Alderman Bill Eaton said the first 20 tiles of the Walk of Honor have already been engraved.

He said he believed 50 more have been ordered, and the second batch of names are with the engravers.

“We don’t want to start the walk until we get the parking lot finished,” he said.

A coordination meeting between City Engineer Kurt Jones and the architect took place to ensure the pavilion and walkway are where they will match up, the former mayor said.

Construction of the pavilion will not start until the necessary funds are available. Eaton said grants have been sought to help with the cost.

“We are hoping if we get these grants we applied for, we will able to complete the park with what we have requested,” he said. Eaton said he and local veterans were hopeful the park, located at 399

Applications for the tiles can be obtained through the Veterans Service Office on West B Street behind the Pope County Courthouse Annex.

Lake Front Drive, could be completed within a year and a half, if everything goes well.

Tiles are available for purchase for $150 each and will always be available for veterans and their family members or friends to honor those who served and fought for their country.

“The tiles can be bought not just for military members, but a family member in the military, to honor friends, no matter if they’re from Florida to Washington state,” Eaton explained.

“They can all purchase tiles. There are no restrictions on that. All we ask is that they are honorably discharged servicemembers. Once the pavilion is completed, those who have lost their lives from the area, their names will be placed in the pavilion. There is no

charge for that. We want to recognize all those who lost their lives that way.

“There will be two main legs to the Walk of Honor, and some connecting legs as well. We will be selling tiles and will provide additional legs for that walk for a long time. There is not a deadline to purchase the tiles. We would like people to purchase them fairly soon. The more we sell now, the more rapidly we can complete our walk. Ten years from now, if someone wants to buy a tile, there will be someone here who will help them make that happen.”

Applications for the tiles can be obtained through the Veterans Service Office on West B Street behind the Pope County Courthouse Annex. Ken Harper is the veterans service officer for the county.

He will assist with applications and take money for them, Eaton said.

LIKE THE LITTLE ONES IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD, OUR CARE FOR YOU CONTINUES TO GROW. Dr. Lynette Smith announces extended practice hours at Millard-Henry Clinic.

Call 479.968.2345 to schedule an appointment.

MILLARD-HENRY CLINIC Lynette Smith, M.D. | Pediatrics

millardhenry.com | facebook.com/mhcpediatrics

32P Sunday, October 23, 2016

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