Of the people,
Home of subscriber Stanley Murray
By the people, For the people
TUESDAY, November 24, 2015 / Vol. 1 Issue 7 / 75 cents
It rained, it poured
Photo by Jeff Burgess
Last week's heavy rains made for a beautiful cliff-side waterfall in downtown Clinton, but in other areas, it wasn't so pretty. Sawmill Road near Crabtree washed out during the downpours, while the scene outside the construction site for the Van Buren County Library was a bit concerning as water got close to the building. All told, the county received 4 or more inches of rain.
Happy Thanksgiving
This hay bale on Highway 92 in Clinton is all dressed up for Thanksgiving. This holiday, the Voice gives thanks to you for your support and encouragement.
Anita Tucker/Voice staff
Photo by Warren Johnson
County to ask for relief funds
By David Cook
Last Week over 4 inches of rain fell throughout the county causing flash flooding in some areas. Several county and city roads received damage as as result of the rainfall. Nearly all of the areas affected have already been repaired by the road department. County Judge Roger Hooper advised the Van Buren County Quorum Court that he will be seeking disaster relief assistance to assist the areas still working on repairs. Though the rain did not cause significant damage there are some areas that are still in need of some much needed repairs.
Also at the meeting Thursday, Ozark Opportunities reported that its summer utility assistance program has come to an end. This past summer Ozark opportunities provided over $45,000 in utility assistance to residents of Van Buren County. The organization will begin its winter utility assistance program in mid-December. Low income families who are in need of financial assistance will be able to contact the organization to receive help with the purchase of wood, propane, gas, and utility bills. To request assistance can contact the organization by calling 745-2437.
Live Nativity Play marks 18 years Years ago, a group of church friends were eating pizza after a Sunday Service when one of them shared a vision. Let's put together a live nativity play, Paul Rhoda suggested to the group. That was the beginning of an 18-year tradition. "Behold The Lamb," an annual live nativity with a cast of children and animals, begins its run on Tuesday, Dec. 1, and continues through Saturday, Dec. 5. The cast will include more than 100 kids as well as camels, donkeys, goats and chickens. It wasn't always
that way, Tamie Aday, one of the original organizers, recalled last week. At the first live nativity, there were seven or eight kids and one donkey, she said. And, she said, the weather didn't cooperate either. It was cold and snowed, she said. There have been problems over the years, including having to find a last-minute Baby Jesus a time or two. A few times a doll has had to be used, but this year a mother-to-be contacted the group before her baby was born to sign him up to play Jesus. "Everybody has a job," Aday said, "and
usually it works like a well-oiled wheel." She said the same kids are in the play year after year, playing different roles as they grow up. But, she said, there is always room at the inn for more. She encourages any child who would like to be in the play to let them know. Aday stresses that this is a community event and it doesn't matter which church the kids attend, everyone is welcome. The play now is held at the Van Buren County Fairgrounds on Highway 16 East. It began at Friendship Baptist Church then later moved to
the sale barn in Clinton before landing at the fairgrounds. The fair association allows use of the grounds to the organizers at no cost. There is a table set up at the play where donations are accepted, but Aday says nobody has to contribute. "We do it because it is a blessing," she said. "Behold the Lamb" will be presented at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. each night from Dec. 1-5. Free coffee and hot cocoa are served and the Nelson Family will sing between performances.
Council OKs $75,000 to pay bills The Clinton City Council held a special meeting Friday regarding the Water Department. Department manager Isaac "Zeke" Keeling requested that the council approve transferring money from the infrastructure account to the department's general account so that it can pay its bills. Councilors unanimously approved moving $75,000 into the account. Councilwoman Gayla Bradley was not present
at the special meeting due to an illness in her family. The department is currently working on a 10-year water system improvement plan that will result in higher water and sewer prices for all of its customers. The water system is in such a state that work can no longer be delayed, an engineering firm working on the project says. The City Council will hear more about the plans in the weeks to come.
Woman Arrested A woman being held in Little Rock on a parole violation is now in the Van Buren County Detention Center. On Nov. 17, authorities in Pulaski County took into custody 35-yearold Candid Butler of North Little Rock on a parolee violation hold. Butler was later transported Clinton to face new charges. On Nov. 3, a resident of Van Buren County reported a billfold containing money, identification and credit cards being taken from her vehicle. Video footage showed three black females enter a fitness center in Clinton on this same day. Butler was seen on the video and identified by her parole officer as the person reaching for car keys behind the business counter and operating the car's remote button on the vehicle until the vehicle was found, according to a report from the Van
Butler Buren County sheriff's office. Butler then gave the keys to an accomplice who walked around outside for a short while, the report said. In a post Miranda interview, Butler admitted to the crime, the sheriff's office states in the news release. Butler has been charged with felony breaking or entering, felony financial identity fraud, and misdemeanor theft of property. Butler is currently incarcerated at the Van Buren County jail on $5,000 bond and has a parole hold out of Pulaski County. Arrests of Butler's accomplices are pending.