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Larry Bolden
TUESDAY, August 30, 2016 / Vol. 2 Issue 33 / 75 cents
2 sentenced to terms in DOC after guilty pleas A few cases were resolved last week in Van Buren County Circuit Court while many more were continued to September dates. Eric Kent Griggs pleaded guilty to delivering meth, a Class C felony, and was sentenced to 36 months
in the Department of Correction. Justin Wade Echols pleaded guilty to several charges, including possession with purpose of delivering meth, a Class B felony, and theft by receiving, a Class C felony. He was sentenced
to 120 months in the Department of Correction. Among cases continued until Sept. 9 were: -- Terry Meredith, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class D felony, and failure to appear, a
Class C felony. -- Jasson Lee Carle, fleeing, a Class D felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class D felony. -- Donna Miller, hot check violation, a Class D felony. -- Richard Miller, delivery of a con-
trolled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, manufacturing a controlled substance, both Class D felonies. -- William T. Mayfield, criminal impersonation-second degree, a Class D felony, possession with pur-
pose of delivery-meth, possession of drug paraphernalis-manufacture meth, possession of firearms by certain persons, all Class B felonies, and simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, a Class Y felony.
Quorum Court hears reports
A tractor-trailer rig flipped onto its side on Highway 124 near Gravesville on Sunday. The driver was not injured, a witness said. A crane was sent to the scene Monday and the road was expected to be shut down for several hours during recovery operations. (Photo by Joel French)
County Judge Roger Hooper told the Van Buren County Quorum Court at its meeting earlier this month that the Road Department has completed work in Fairfield Bay under its interlocal agreement with the city. He also said chip and seal work has been completed on Barrens, Barrens Loop and Klondike Road. Roads, he said, have sustained light to moderate damage from recent heavy rains. Also at the meeting: -- Members discussed the Van Buren County Animal Facility, with one wondering if it would ever become self-sustaining. The short answer to that, said Justice of the Peace Dale James, is no. The shelter, he said, is a public service, not a money maker. Sheriff Scott Bradley said he knows the shelter is a financial drain, but he is glad to have it because before that,
calls of stray and nuisance dogs had to be handled by the sheriff’s office. -- Judge Susan Weaver said District Court is $1,600 short for the rest of the year after $2,800 was taken out of its budget. The money covers necessities such as Internet, water and telephone. The Quorum Court will appropriate the funds at its next meeting. -- Sheriff Bradley told the court about his department’s updated website at vbcso.com. It features news releases, sex offenders list, jail roster and history on the county’s sheriffs. -- Circuit Clerk Ester Bass said his department has just closed out its second month of e-filing. He said it is working “great.” -- UA Extension agent Torrie Caston reported that there are currently 166 4-H members in the county and that number is likely to grow through county fair time.
Notes
Oct. 8 at the Clinton School Auditorium. Judi King’s Red River Cloggers will open the show. Visit cityofclintonar.com for ticket information.
Holiday
A Choctaw Fire Department truck went off a bridge on Aug. 21 on Highway 9. The driver was not seriously injured. (Photo by Joel French)
Fire tanker lands in creek A Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department truck ended up in a creek recently as it was headed to a fire near Culpepper. The driver was not seriously injured. The fire was not in Choctaw’s area, but under an automatic aid agreement with the Culpepper Fire Department, it was responding to the call. The tanker was carrying 2,000 gallons of water
south on Highway 9 near the cutoff road when the driver lost control and the vehicle rolled over, ending up in Slick Rock Creek. The water tank came loose from the truck chassis. The truck is a total loss. The driver was not speeding and did have his lights and siren working when the accident happened, according to information from the
Choctaw Fire Department. Ken Brown of the Choctaw department said they have been contacted by the Camden Fire Department and offered a fire engine it had taken out of service. He said they thanked the Camden department, but are working with their insurance company to get a replacement truck. Brown noted that accidents like this
can happen to any firefighters that drive the larger-size trucks and tankers. “These volunteers not only put their lives on the line at the fire scene when they enter a burning building they are also putting their lives on the line getting to the fire scene,” he said. “We truly need to thank them for their service to their community.”
Monday, Sept. 5, 2016, is Labor Day and post offices will be closed. The Voice will arrive in your mail boxes a day later than usual. Our office on Griggs Street in downtown Clinton will be closed in observance of the holiday. Happy Labor Day to all.
Music
The A&P Committee announces it is bringing country music star Mickey Gilley to town on
Taxes
July 2016 Muncipal Levy Receipts: Clinton -- $85,389 Damscus -- $5,191 Fairfield Bay -- $36,666 Shirley -- $2,916 July 2016 Municipal/County Levy Receipts Van Buren County -$265,517 Clinton -- $23,586 Damascus -- $2,266 Fairfield Bay -- $19,534 Shirley -- $2,638
Clinton Water Department employees worked Saturday on a leak on Highway 95 West and Highway 65B in downtown Clinton.