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Patricia Ellis
TUESDAY, August 23, 2016 / Vol. 2 Issue 32 / 75 cents
No decision yet on water rates The Clinton City Council has again delayed a decision on raising water rates. At last week's City Council meeting, Mayor Richard McCormac reiterated that he is comfortable with a flat $20 per month increase in a basic water bill for all customers of the Clinton Water Department. This would not include the wholesale water associations -- Dennard, Bee Branch and Van Buren County -- or their customers. That amount,
McCormac said, is "something that can be swallowed." He said he is asking for $20 because "that's what we need. I didn't ask for $40 hoping to get $20, and I'm not asking for $20 hoping for $10." The Water Department, he said, is "paralyzed" as it continues to lose $30,000-$40,000 per month. Neither McCormac or department manager Todd Burgess was willing to say that $20 was enough for the foreseeable future and
they would not return to the well. Councilman Johnny Moore saw it another way. He said that $10 per customer per month would alleviate much of the shortfall and any other necessary increase could be eased in over the next few years. Burgess told the council that an audit of the Water Department had just been completed and would be available in a couple of weeks. The council decided to table the decision until they had a chance to hear
directly from the auditors. In another proposed ordinance, the councilors decided that emergency department heads for the city should live within 5 miles of the city limits. Those department heads would be fire and police. Newly hired Police Chief John Willoughby, who had to leave the meeting after presenting his report, addressed the council before the ordinance was read. He said he could be in town from his home with-
Willoughby head Tim Clark do not, but their positions are not considered with "emergency" departments.
Several file to run in council races
Truck crash injures firefighter A Choctaw vol-
unteer firefighter was taken to a Conway hospital after being injured in an accident Sunday morning. The firefighter was driving a fire truck on Highway 9 West when it lost control, rolled several times and landed in a creek. The accident happened about 10:30 a.m. when the firefighter was responding to a house fire. He had the lights and siren activated when the crash occurred. No other vehicles were involved. The firefighter was in stable condition Sunday evening. His injuries were not life-threatening. No further details were available by press time.
in 10 minutes and he really did not see it as an issue. Willoughby noted that he had been in his home for 17 years and would like to stay there. But, he said, if necessary he would uproot and move into the city limits. "Wherever we live, we call it home. I grew up here and I love this little town." The vote that came later was unanimous. It will have an impact only on Willoughby. Fire Chief D.L. Webb already lives in the city limits. Burgess and Zoning Department
In the clouds -- The clouds form a wispy image of what could be the Michelin Man during a break in the rain last week. Van Buren County should get a chance to dry out some after several days of rain, though scattered thunderstorms are possible Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, according to forecasts. (Photo by Robert Snyder)
Two members of the Clinton City Council have drawn opponents for this November's election. Three candidates have filed for each of the two seats that are being vacated by current counselors. In Ward 1, Position 1, incumbent Gayla Bradley will face a challenge from Charlie Angelle. In Ward 2, Position 2, Tony Soyani has filed to run against Timothy Barnes. For Ward 1, Position 2, the seat currently held by Nina Baker who is not seeking re-election, those filing paperwork by the noon Friday deadline were Richard "Dicky" Hink, Justin Allen and Jeff Pistole. For the Ward 3, Position 1 seat, those seeking the office are Justin Bintliff, Shon Hastings and Chloe
C. Bradley. That seat currently is held by Johnny Moore, who is not seeking re-election. Sammy J. Ward in Ward 2, Position 2, and Jason D. Lynch in Ward 3, Position 2, did not draw any challengers. Clinton Recorder/Treasurer Dena R. Thompson Malone did not draw an opponent either. In Shirley, three incumbents on the City Council will face challenges. Longtime Alderman Lisa Hackett will face Ashley Tackett in November for the Ward 1, Position 1 seat. In Ward 1, Position 3, Kevin Johnson, the incumbent, is being challenged for the seat by Ginny Kimmons Stone. In Ward 1, PosiSee Races on page 2
Notes Hunter's Ed
A Hunter’s Education class has been scheduled for 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the downtown Clinton Fire Station. The free class is mandatory for anyone born after Dec. 31, 1968, who wants to hunt in Arkansas. For more information or to register, call Jay Hagans at (501) 5922472. You can also register online at HunterEd. com.
Scrimmages
The Clinton Yellow Jackets Black and Gold game was rained out last week and won't be rescheduled. The senior boys football team will travel Tuesday night, Aug. 22, to
Pottsville for a scrimmage game. On Thursday evening, the junior boys team will scrimmage with Pottsville and Vilonia at home. Coach Chris Dufrene says that the team still needs sports drinks. He said anyone wishing to donate some should drop them off at the field house during school hours.
Road meeting
The Van Buren County Quorum Court Road Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Courthouse Annex on Highway 65 in Clinton. The meeting will be in the Quorum Court Room. It is open to the public.
Nature's beauty -- A spider took advantage of dry weather to weave its web on a Bee Branch lawn last week. (Photo by Wilda Johnson)