Of the people, By the people, For the people
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Eddie Linebarger
TUESDAY, January 15, 2019 / Vol. 5 Issue 3 / 75 cents
Clinton looks at public tree protection The Clinton City Council took up discussion on a Public Tree Care ordinance at its meeting last week. The ordinance would “enhance the quality of life and the present and future health, safety and welfare of all citizens, enhance property values and ensure proper planting and care of trees on public property.” Further, the ordinance would make provisions for removal of diseased trees on private property under certain conditions and provide for a penalty for violations. There were several questions about costs to homeowners, boards involvement, workload on city crews and cost to the city. There will be a meeting on the proposal at 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at the Courthouse Annex. The ordinance was approved on a first reading. Also at the meeting, Lori Treat gave a dismal report on the status of SNYP Animal Shelter. She has lost a volunteer for illness and Treat will be out for at least four weeks after she has surgery Jan. 23. The shelter is in dire need of help. Treat also reported that a sewer pump had gone out; it was replaced by the city on Jan. 8. Treat said they need a plumber to come by a couple of times and year to check on the pump’s status. She also said the kitchen ceiling is falling through. Some volunteers plan to fix it. In a financial blow, Treat said the local Walmart, which has donated tons of food to the shelter over the years, has been told to sell more and give away less. She said the dogs eat about three bags a week at $22 per bag. That will mean an extra cost of $3,432 per year. On the brighter side, the shelter has sent 19 dogs to rescue groups and have as many as eight puppies going to Chicago soon. In other news, Mayor Richard McCormac said the Water Department will begin placing the automatic meters this spring and should be finished in early 2020. McCormac also reported that Clinton has received a TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program) grant of $54,000 for Clinton School District sidewalk improvements. It is an 80-20 grant and Clinton will use in-kind labor to cover its part. Zoning boss Phillip Ellis reported one new business permit had been issued in the month, and he reminded business owners that this is the month to renew business licenses and pay their voluntary $25 for the license. The police department reported working 18 accidents, and issuing 53 citations and 21 warnings. The City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. every second Thursday at the Clinton Municipal Airport. The meetings are open to the public.
Teen court members decide cases.
South Side students join Teen Court On Monday January 7, 2019, more than high school seniors were sworn in to participate in the Faulkner County Teen Court. For the first time, students from Van Buren County were invited to join the program. Teen Court is a diversion program operated by the Juvenile Court for the 20th Judicial District. Circuit Judge Troy Braswell, who presides over juvenile court and the Teen Court program says: “Teen Court invites High School seniors to serve their community by learning
how to handle real juvenile court cases by serving as a prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, bailiff, court clerk and most importantly a jury. These students will provide at-risk youth with opportunities to get back on the right path.” The objective of Teen Court is reaching at-risk juvenile offenders through accountability. In recent years approximately 85 percent of the juvenile offenders and their families were indigent. Unfortunately, poverty is a risk factor for continued contact with the jus-
tice system. Youth offenders who participate in a teen court process are 20-25 percent less likely to re-offend than those who participate in traditional court. Teen Court was originally started in 2007 by current Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Rhonda Wood. After a twoyear absence, the program was reinstated by Braswell during his first year after election to the Circuit Court bench. Braswell explains that “Juvenile Court cannot be a cookie-cutter approach. Each case is differ-
ent. Each family is different. Our community suffers from a lack of parents and a lack of parenting. We must be willing to engage our community to find new ways to reach our youth. Teen Court was created to serve this need.” “I am excited to offer this program to students in Van Buren County.” Braswell credits South Side Bee Branch Principal Tim Smith for making this a reality. “During a meeting with school leaders, I mentioned my desire to offer more opportunities for Van
Buren County students. Principal Smith jumped at the opportunity and offered to provide transportation and other support for all students in Van Buren County who wanted to join the program.” For 2019, the students from Van Buren County all attend South Side Bee Branch. They are: Whitney Barnum, Kaylee Cossey, Maci Guinn and Kolby Strickland. Teen Court meets every other Monday from January to May. The students will handle approximately 16 cases this year.
Woman faces drug charges Emberton
Shaw
Churches
Shamoon
Lewis
Prout
Sheriff’s office names staff The Van Buren County sheriff’s office has announced its new administration. They are: Sheriff Lucas Emberton, Chief Deputy Randy Churches, Lt. CID Bric Lewis, Lt. Patrol Charles
Shaw, Jail Administrator Mike Shamoon, and Administrator Assistant Debora Prout. Collectively they bring 125 years of experience to the department. Emberton took office Jan. 1. Church-
es, his chief deputy, was former School Resource Officer at South Side-Bee Branch. They are ready to work for the citizens of Van Buren County. For assistance, call 501-745-2112
A recent sunrise over Clinton makes for a pretty picture.
A Van Buren County deputy was trying to check out a possibly stolen vehicle on Jan. 6 when he discovered illegal drugs in the driver’s pocket, according to an arrest affidavit. Terra Jones, 39, of Shirley told the deputy her mother was always calling in that her vehicle was stolen, the report states. As the deputy was performing a pat down on Jones, he found in a pocket a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana and a crystallized substance believed to be meth, the affidavit states. Jones also was accused of violating an order of protection. When Jones’ mother arrived to pick up her vehicle, Jones began screaming and curs-
(Photo by Robert Snyder)
Jones ing at her, the report states. Jones has been charged with possession of a controlled substance (meth), a Class D felony; possession of a controlled substance (marijuana). a misdemeanor; violation of order of protection and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, both misdemeanors. Jones is being held in the county jail on $10,000 bond.