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James Koone
TUESDAY, July 18, 2017 / Vol. 3 Issue 29 / 75 cents
Maggio appeal fails, term upheld The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal in St. Louis has upheld the conviction and prison sentence of former Van Buren County Circuit Judge Michael Maggio. Maggio, 56, pleaded guilty to bribery in 2015 in a case involving a judgment against a Greenbrier nursing home. In that 2013 case, Maggio lowered the jury’s award to the family of the nursing home patient from $5 million to $1 million. About the same time, he received a $24,000 campaign contribution in his bid for an appeals court seat. In the opinion released earlier this month by the threejudge panel, Judge William Jay Riley wrote: "Harsh words and lengthy sentence notwithstanding, the (U.S.) district court allowed Maggio sixty days to get his affairs in order, and then granted Maggio's motion for release pending this appeal. The district court also had allowed Maggio to remain free for the fourteen months between his guilty plea and sentencing." "As the government makes a point of informing us, Maggio has not yet served any time for his misdeeds. That will soon
Maggio change," Riley added. U.S. Attorney Patrick Harris said his office will try to get Maggio behind bars soon. Maggio formerly served in the 20th Judicial District in Van Buren, Faulkner and Searcy counties. Maggio has tried to take back his guilty plea and has replaced his lawyers several times. He currently is represented by John Wesley Hall. Hall said a decision on an appeal will be made this week. Harris said that if Maggio cooperates with the federal government after he goes to prison, the U.S. attorney's office would have the right to ask District Judge Brian Miller to reduce the sentence. At the sentencing, Miller said a dirty judge is more harmful to society than a drug dealer.
The Buffalo River is managed by the National Park Service.
Price jumps for senior pass to parks If you are 62 or older and don’t already have a lifetime pass to the national parks, now is the time to buy one. Currently, the cost is $10, but that price will increase to $80 on Aug. 28. The lifetime pass is good to more than 2,000 sites and parks across the coun-
try that are managed by the National Park Service. Those who purchase the passes before Aug. 27 will never have to pay an additional fee to visit any of the national parks, according to the Park Service. The lifetime senior pass has been available for $10 since 1994. It covers
all entrance, day-use and vehicle fees, and provides discounts for things such as tours and campsites. At a site that charges per-person fees, pass holders can bring along three other adults for free. The price increase is part of a larger move to pay for major projects and enhanced
services. Seniors can still opt to buy an annual pass for $20. Those who purchase an annual pass for four straight years can convert their pass to a lifetime senior pass.
Cyclist killed in crash
Singing for a cause – Backwood Pickers were the final performers at Saturday’s Gospel Fest to benefit the Van Buren County Literacy Council. Organizers say the turnout was very good and everything went well. Also performing were the King’s Highway, Charles Crain, Spirit Breez, Born Again, Hallelujah Harmony Quartet and The Sulphur Road Pickers. More photos, Page 14.
A Damascus man died last week in a motorcycle crash on a state highway. Michael Shane Smith, 46, was riding his 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle east on Highway 225 about 12:20 a.m. July 10. He was trying to negotiate a left curve and appears to have lost control of the bike when he applied the brakes, according to a police report. The motorcycle overturned on its left side and slid down Wilson Bottom Road. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The weather was clear and the roads were dry, according to a report from the Arkansas State Police.
(Anita Tucker/ Voice photo)
Shirley now official owner of bank building Plans to restore some historic downtown Shirley buildings are moving forward as the mayor and treasurer signed papers to transfer ownership of the original bank building. Mayor Lisa Hackett outlined some
plans for raising money toward the restoration, and said volunteers are welcome to help work on the structure. However, they must sign a waiver releasing the city from responsibility for any injuries suffered because of the
volunteer work. Also at the July 10 City Council meeting, the councilors were looking for answers to animal control issues since Van Buren County is no longer in the business. Councilman David Cook said he will take
the city’s animal ordinance and meet with county Judge Roger Hooper. City Clerk Melissa Worthing was asked to send a letter and a copy of the pet ordinance to a resident whose pet chickens are running
loose. The resident will be asked to pen the chickens up. Hackett and Councilwoman Margaret Earnhart reported on road conditions in the area. They noted that cold mix would fix some of the problems. Oth-
er councilors recommended putting together a list of roads that need work and fixing them as the city is able to. The council’s next meeting is set for Aug. 14, 2017. The meeting is open to the public.