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Andy Andregg
TUESDAY, January 17, 2017 / Vol. 3 Issue 3 / 75 cents
Injury sends chief to LR hospital The Clinton police chief was briefly sidelined last week after an accident at his home sent him to a Little Rock hospital. Police Chief John Willoughby was doing yard work Tuesday when he was hit on the head by a falling tree limb. He was taken by helicopter to a Little Rock hospital and treated for a concussion and fractured hand. Willoughby returned home later that night and spent the rest of the week recuperating. He is expected back at work early this week. Willoughby was named police chief in July 2016 after the
Raising the flag
A flag-raising ceremony was held Saturday at the Van Buren County Library. About 40 people were in attendance as Boy Scout Troop 152 raised the flags. The flags and the flag pole were donated and erected by Patterson Masonic Lodge No. 111 and by the Maria Van Buren Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Steve Trawick sang the national anthem. The weather was threatening but held off for the ceremony. (Photos by Robert Gaut)
Willoughby retirement of Toney Parish, who was the city's top cop for 17 years. Previously, Willoughby was police chief in Fairfield Bay. Clinton Mayor Richard McCormac said police Lt. Eric Koonce filled in for Willoughby last week.
Traffic stop leads to weapons charge A pistol with a silencer and laser was discovered last week after a traffic stop in Clinton. According to a report by the Clinton Police Department, an officer stopped a black Dodge with a busted taillight and license plate that was hard to read on U.S. Highway 65 south of Clinton on Jan. 10. The report states that the driver said he did not have his license with him and identified himself as Jesse Reynolds. He told the officer the vehicle was not his. The report states that
Reynolds the officer radioed in the information while he stood beside the car window because the driver was visibly nervous and shaking. The dispatcher stated See Charge on page 5
What's going on
Council picks new mayor, trims budget
Meeting
The longest serving member of the Shirley City Council is now the town's mayor. Lisa Hackett was sworn in Jan. 9 to fulfill the remainder of the term of Johnny Sowell who resigned in December, saying he was no longer willing to deal with other elected officials he believed were doing things behind his back. His resignation was unanimously accepted. Alderman Brad Brown also resigned in December and his resignation was accepted unanimously as well. Randall Gardner was chosen to join the council, leaving one seat still open. Gardner has previously been on the City Council. County Judge Roger Hooper attended the meeting to swear in the new mayor and alderman. The vote on
The Clinton City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at the Clinton Municipal Airport. The meeting was rescheduled from last week because of a conflict with a Municipal League meeting, according to Mayor Richard McCormac. The meeting is open to the public.
Food truck
Hibachi Express is coming to Clinton. The food truck is expected to roll into town across from Fast Lube on Highway 65 next month. There is also a Hibachi Express in Greenbrier and it gets high marks from many locals.
How convenient
Wade Smith, owner of the Smith's Citgo in Leslie, has purchased property across U.S. Highway 65 and planning to build a convenience store some time this year.
Also expected to be constructed this year is the new location for Clinton Funeral Services on Highway 65, according to Darriel Ezell.
Sparkle and shine
Scrubbies carwash, according to its sign, has a new owner and new equipment. We haven't tried it yet, but a little bird left us a gift a few days ago so we will check it out soon.
How the wind blows
We were getting a cinnamon roll Friday at Donut Palace when we noticed repairs being done on the door. We thought maybe someone was in such a hurry for their doughnut that they busted through the door, but the young lady working there said the wind had blown the door open so hard it damaged the frame. Send your business news to voiceeditor@artelco.com.
Van Buren County Judge Roger Hooper swore in Lisa Hackett as Shirley's mayor last week. (Photo by Kay Weaver) Hackett and Gardner was opposed by Alderwoman Ginny Kimmons Stone who argued that no action had to be taken yet on the vacancies. The other council seat will be filled at the February meet-
ing. The city is asking any Shirley resident interested in helping govern the town to contact City Hall. The council then turned its attention to the 2017 budget. Some changes the council members
agreed to included not giving raises this year, instead considering an end-ofthe-year bonus; trimming the advertising budget from $1,700 to $1,250; cutting Homecoming expenses to $2,000 and the Light Up Shirley expense to $500; and seeking volunteers to mow when the current contract is up. Hackett announced plans to form a committee to seek a grant for the Water Department. Some lines need replaced and water tanks need repairs. Water Department Manager Larry Dollar said the last quote he got for the line work was $175,000. Hackett said Tom Kimmons would be asked to help with the grant search. Another committee Hackett plans to See Mayor on page 5