The Voice of Van Buren County - December 31, 2019

Of the people, By the people, For the people

Home of subscriber

Christy Lester

TUESDAY, December 31, 2019 / Vol. 5 Issue 52 / 75 cents

(From left) County Judge Dale James and JPs Gary Linn and Nickie Brown at the Dec. 19 Quorum Court meeting. (Photo by Warren Johnson)

JPs pound out tax ordinance proposal

Christmas Day dawns - Christmas sunrise in Van Buren County.

(Photo by John Allbright)

Passions ran high as justices of the peace, members of the community, fire chiefs and Friends of the Library took turns addressing the Quorum Court on Dec. 19.

JP Nickie Brown said she had been on the phone for most of the three previous days, stating members of the Clinton area had said they would campaign against any tax increase that did not divide the money with Clinton receiving 15 percent or four times more than the rural fire departments.

JP Mary Phillips of Fairfield Bay and Brown expressed their concerns as to why they believe their areas should have the bigger portion of revenue based on population alone.

JPs Brian Tatum and Sarah Brown made compelling arguments for splitting the tax revenues evenly between all of the fire departments in Van Buren County stating the great need in the rural areas in order to keep those departments compliant and open with a 2024 state

mandate on the horizon.

Sarah Brown noted that fire trucks do not cost less for Chimes or smaller departments.

To give Clinton four times more money than the rural departments is “absurd to me,” Tatum said.

Campaigning against a tax that did not give them the bigger portion is cutting off your nose to spite your face. Sarah Brown said. “If the tax fails, everyone will get See Tax on page 3

A year in the life of Van Buren County From an escaped snake to the possibility of closing the library to a controversy over who can swing at the park, 2019 was an interesting year in Van Buren County.

In January, a new slate of elected officials took office, including County Judge Dale James, Sheriff Lucas Emberton, Treasurer Mistie Wilson, Collector Laura Shannon, Assessor Emma Smiley, County Judge Dale James, JPs - Nickie Brown, Sarah Brown, Virgil Lemings, Ester Bass.

No JP drew an opponent for the 2020 election.

In February, the Van Buren County Library board announced that it will not be able to meet its loan payment due in January 2020, setting off a year-long debate over its future.

The library was built in 2015 at a cost of $3.1 million, and resources were riding high with the gas and oil industry. The library’s loan obligation is $333,000 per year for seven years.

In April there was a public outcry over a proposed ordinance to combine library administrator and youth services jobs and raise the librarian’s pay to $25.24 per hour. The proposal was pulled from the agenda before the meeting.

In August, the Library Board collected signatures and planned to seek a special election for a 1 mil increase. The vote called off after it was said correct procedures were not fol-

lowed. At this point, James started to pitch a plan to extend th 1 cent sales tax that is set to expire in 2020.

Also in February, Voice mascot Skeeter the cat died. It is believed he was about 17 years old.

Also in February, Corky, the biker dude dog, died. He was 14.

And in February, Clinton got a new water department manager, Will Hinchey. By June, the Clinton Water Board was mulling plan to raise rates.

And in December, Hinchey said the rate increase on water and sewer bills - 5 percent per year for five years - will begin in January.

In April, the community mourned as Devon Wooten died at age 15. He had battled cancer since he was 5 years old.

Throughout the year, there were Homecomings, festivals, cook-offs, Scare on the Square and Christmas in Clinton.

In September, Chuckwagon Racers returned to the Eoff Ranch in big numbers.

Also in September, the Yellow Jackets football team kicked off a successful season with a 1-point victory over Heber Springs to in the Battle of the Litte Red. The Jackets’ season tended in a loss in Round 2 of the playoffs in November.

Also in September, a mom cried foul when her teenage daughter and friends were told to stay off swings at the city park. Clinton Mayor Richard McCor-

The Shirley Homecoming went off without a hitch in June. mac said the rules of the park are there for a reason — the playground equipment is expensive and the limits are an attempt to prevent things from getting torn up. But, McCormac said, Clinton Police will not be patrolling the park looking for illegal use of the swings. Like all things, the mayor said, “just use common sense, and play nice.”

In October, Van Buren County's budget concerns eased slightly as Flywheel Energy paid its 2018 assessment to the county, including the amount owed by Southwest Energy.

The bulk of the $4 million goes to schools.

In law enforcement circles, the sheriff’s office fired the Clinton School Resource officer and added K-9 Jack, a 4-year-old German shepherd, to the force.

Emberton encountered some criticism for changes at the jail and told The

(Freed Baker Nichols photo)

Devon Wooten lost his years' long battle with cancer in April.

(Robert R. Gaut photo)

Voice that he doesn’t think jail is more harsh under his administration, but he doesn’t intend to run a facility that someone wants to come back to.

Emberton said he sees the jail now as a more structured environment that leaves no question as to who is in control.

Asked if food is used as a disciplinary

measure, Emberton said it is not, except for the “loaf.” If inmates are misbehaving, he said, meals for everyone are blended together and baked in a loaf.

As to complaints that inmates’ children can no longer visit, Emberton said visiting hours at the jail are 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thursdays. He said he is not trying to

keep visitors away but must operate “within our means.”

In crime news, a brother and sister - Elmer William Hill and Lauren Jane Cates were accused of conspiring to burn down a home in Bee Branch where Hill’s estranged wife and children lived. That case is still See 2019 on page 3

The Voice of Van Buren County

Page 2

December 31, 2019

Dose of reality helps garden thrive

by Jeff Burgess bles and herbs require out by thinking small to

My long-time friend and fellow organic gardener, Lalla Ostergren, use to always say December was the month for planning next year’s garden. She would have received her first garden catalogs in the mail by then and would spend hours pouring over all the new and exciting seed choices.

Her enthusiasm was infectious.

So this past December I poured over my seed catalogs, as of this writing I’ve received four, and have created a long “wish list.”

I tend to favor the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company due to their emphasis on heirloom seeds, as opposed to hybrid seed that when saved rarely reproduce true to their parent. Also, I’ve enjoyed their annual festival in May in Mansfield, Missouri, and went crazy in their incredible seed shop, with choices from all over the world. It’s a longish day trip but I thought well worth the effort considering the vast amount of information provided. And, if you’re wondering, I have no financial interest in their company, nor do any of my relatives work for them.

It was their philosophy, as presented in their catalog, that first attracted me. “Seeds are the living component that connects us back to our ancestors, our own culture, and the amazing cultures and food traditions from around the planet. Saving this living link to the past and making a gift to the future is what seed saving is all about—preserving these precious seeds and their stories.”

Lalla was a voracious seed saver and continued planting her favorites year after year.

Unfortunately, many of her seeds had lost their vitality by the time I found them. “For most seeds, a relative humidity of 50 to 60 percent and a temperature between 32 and 50 degrees F. are preferred,” says the Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening.

Thankfully a few seeds are tougher than others so some of her favorites continue to be planted by me. While a 2,000 year old Israeli date palm seed was reported to have germinated, for most of our garden seeds, a few years of storage is the best we can hope for.

But let’s get back to planning our coming season’s garden.

We have to provide an optimal growing environment for our plants.

For example, while some plants like shade they’re not the types to be found in a vegetable garden. Most vegeta-

a minimum of six hours of sun per day, although some will tolerate partial shade. Usually, the less sun, the less productive.

Good soil drainage is essential. Pick such a spot or make raised beds with your own well-draining soil mix.

Have water available close by. Many a garden has been abandoned due to the extra effort needed during dry spells.

Lalla would say, “Grow what you like to eat.” It’s hard to generate enthusiasm for produce you don’t like, although growing a few items much loved by others in the family can be satisfying.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Big gardens are fine if you have lots of time and energy but try to be realistic. If you only have a little time maybe some herbs on the kitchen window sill would be a good place to start. If you have a bit more time, a couple grow boxes on the porch or patio might be just right. Even If you have lots of time, begin with a modest size garden. Gardening is a labor of love for me but it can still be a lot of work. Prevent burn-

begin with and enlarge as your successes continue.

Make the most out of the space you have available.

Cucumbers and tomatoes will take up a lot of ground space if you let them sprawl, but much less if you have them go vertical on a trellis or fence.

Rows are popular and orderly in a big garden but space is more effectively used in intensive gardening where each individual plant’s spacing needs are considered. Farmers like rows for their big equipment. Gardeners are not farmers and can attend to every plant individually.

Make your gardening easy. Lalla loved her hoe but maybe a small tiller would be more to your liking. At one time I hauled water to the garden in 5 gallon buckets but quickly realized a gravity fed system from my well was much easier. If you have difficulty with getting up and down, try raised beds you can sit and work, or even raised grow boxes that you can work standing. While work in the garden can be a healthy choice for our bodies and minds, there is no sense in making it an ordeal.

The VOICE of Van Buren County

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Remember, in the garden, timing is essential. Cool weather crops need to mature before it gets hot.

Warm weather crops need to mature before it gets cold. Most seed packets have information on days to maturity. Use this to determine the best times to plant.

And finally, start a record book now. Start with your wish list and layout plan. You can figure the best planting dates ahead of time too.

Once the season starts, list successes and failures, insects and diseases, productivity and flavor. With good records next season will be little easier. There is always an element of luck in gardening but good record-keeping turns much of it into good luck.

Hope to see you in the garden next month.

From the top clockwise: bean, squash, salsify, New Zealand spinach and mustard. Generally, the larger the seed the longer it can be stored, but more importantly is how they’re stored.

Homemade Salsa

• 1 Tablespoon lime juice • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar • 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes, • 1 teaspoon salt drain one can • 3/4 teaspoon pepper • 1 4 oz can diced green chilis • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin drained Combine all ingredients in food • 1-2 jalapenos, remove seeds to processor. Pulse in short spurts reduce heat until well-combined and desired • 1/2 medium-sized white onion consistency is reached. For best • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro results, refrigerate one hour or • 2 cloves garlic peeled overnight before serving.

The Voice of Van Buren County

December 31, 2019 2019 from page 1 making its way through court.

In October, the Jail Committee told the Quorum Court that for a variety of reasons, the county needs a new detention center. The county facility, which is about 20 years old, has been in non-compliance with state regulations every year since 2013. It was built to house 52 inmates; current population runs as high as 90, according to the committee.

In July a dispatcher at the jail lost her grievance hearing before JPs. At issue was Elizabeth Frye’s contention that she had been fired because she spread rumors that a deputy had been drinking when he was involved in a vehicle accident, according to the letter of dismissal from Jail Administrator Michael Shamoon.

Asked at the hearing by a JP if he had asked the deputy in question if he had been drinking, Emberton replied simply, “No.” Lawsuits: In July a woman filed a federal lawsuit against the sheriff’s office and police department, claiming her brother’s rights were violated when he was denied medical treatment and jailed instead. He was found hanging in holding cell in Nov. 2016.

In October, Michelle and Chris Rector filed a million dollar lawsuit in Circuit Court against Sonny and Kim Clifford after Michelle Rector was attacked by Silas, a sheriff’s office K9, at a social gathering. The lawsuit states that Michelle Rector has lost full use of her arm permanently.

In June, a Van Buren County man was shot to death at his wife’s home in Shirley. It was reported that William James Beck, 41, died during a reported exchange of gun fire with Van Buren County sheriff’s deputies, according to the Arkansas State Police.

In July, 20th Judicial Prosecutor Carol Crews released a letter clearing deputies in

The county saw some flooding in late May.

The library board announced in January that it would be unable to make its January 2020 bond payment. the shooting. The letter stated that Deputy Breezie Merriott fired into the bedroom from outside the home before returning to the front door and finding Deputy David Perkey behind a couch trying to clear a malfunction in his gun. The letter stated that the bullet that killed Beck was likely self-inflicted.

Less than two months later, in August, William Jones was shot and killed by Arkansas State Police after holding his son hostage in Formosa. In October, Crews issued a letter saying the shooting was justified.

In the Clinton School District, the high school principal was fired in March. In April, Tim Smith, a longtime employee of South Side, was hired. In August, Clinton named Casey Dunn as SRO at Clinton Elementary and John Ayers at Clinton Junior and Senior High.

In March, Petit Jean Electric named Michael Kirkland of Lebanon, Missouri as its new chief executive officer/ general manager.

Also in March, the firing of road supervisor Craig Clute was upheld by JPs at grievance hearing.

The Holley Mountain Volunteer Fire Department dissolved in March and became part of Burnt Ridge department. Lack of volunteers was one of the main reasons.

In November, Foods For Life ceased opera-

tions, also citing a lack of volunteers.

In May, Alan and Angela Mahan, owners of Rabbit Ridge Farms in Bee Branch, were named VBC Farm Family of Year. In June, they were named district winners.

The county also said natural disasters, including flooding across the county in May. In June, after months of complaints, Media 3 owner Alan Taylor came to Clinton for a town meeting. He promised better service but found the crowd a tough sell. One customer summed up his feelings with this: “I think you’re blowing smoke.”

In July, at the same meeting where JPs approved transferring $40,000 to the circuit clerk’s office to cover salaries, they also approved a resolution to allow the purchase of coffee, creamers, cups, water, sweeteners, and napkins for county offices.

Also in July, an 11-foot long boa constrictor escaped from its Shirley home. It was found and returned to its owner in November.

The snake was dead.

In August, it was announced that polling sites in Van Buren County would be reduced from 21 to four.

Registered voters can cast ballots at any of the centers. Those sites will be in Bee Branch, Clinton, Dennard and Fairfield Bay. In November, it was announced that the county will receive thousands of dollars worth

of new voting equipment. Van Buren County traded in $14,100 worth of equipment and reduced the number of machines needed while the state contributed $229,202.83.

Also in November, the issue of automatic aid vs. mutual aid was raised as two houses burned in Choctaw. The Clinton Fire Department, minutes away from the scene, was not asked to and did not respond to the blazes while other departments from as far away as Chimes and Fairfield Bay were at the scene. A Clinton City councilman and fire department volunteer Jason Lynch said he does not believe it is in the city’s best interest to be part of an automatic aid agreement.

Budgets: Work was completed on the county’s budget for 2020 and it appears there will be no need for layoffs.

Anticipated spending is $5.74 mil- lion while anticipated revenue is about $5.75 million. The figure for revenue includes $257,950 - or 90 percent - of the county’s reserve funds.

The Clinton city budget was adopted in December. According to figures pro- vided by the mayor, the budget for the water department is $2.2 million and the budget for the city is $2.145 million.

In Shirley, the 2020 budget was left undone at the Dec. 9 meeting.

Councilors voted to extend the 2019 budget through January 2020 as they continue to review the figures.

This boa constrictor escaped from his Shirley Corky the motorcycle-riding dog owned by home in July and was returned to his owner Robert R. Gaut, died in February. dead in July.

Page 3 Tax county capital improvefrom page 1 ments.

— 0.50 percent for nothing.” the purpose of providing Nickie Brown re- for operations, personsponded by stating in nel expenses and capher view it would be the ital expenditures of the rural department’s cut- Van Buren County Resting off their noses to cue Squad and of “qualspite their face. She stat- ifying volunteer fire deed that by giving Clinton partments”, which tax and Fairfield Bay more may also be pledged to to the tune of 27.5 per- secure the payment of cent that the remain- bonds issued to finance ing 15 fire departments and refinance any needwould receive $43,000 ed county capital immore annually. provements. Sales and JP Dell Holt ques- use tax capital improvetioned her math. ment bonds in principal Clinton City attor- amount is not to exceed ney Chad Brown, who is $2 million (the “Library married to Nickie Brown, Project Bonds”), for the said to give the rural de- purpose of acquiring partments the same the facility currently beamount of money as ing leased by the county Clinton tells him his life for the purpose of housis worth less than some- ing the Van Buren Counone who lives in an un- ty Library. incorporated area beThe levy of the 0.25 cause there will be more percent public safety money per person going and library sales and use there. tax and the 0.50 percent Later, Nickie Brown fire and rescue sales and said her calculations use tax shall cease as of had been in error. Ac- December 31, 2036. tually, the rural departNet collections rement’s would receive a ceived after payment of little less by not dividing debt service on Library the tax equally.

Project Bonds, may be A little less comes to used only for the purnearly $168,000 annual- pose of funding public ly for each of the remain- safety and library sering 15 departments. vices and operations in In the end, Phil- the county including but lips sponsored sever- not limited to 911 seral amendments, all of vices, emergency manwhich were voted down. agement services, law At one point she asked enforcement and jail if she could offer an- operations and library other amendment. JP maintenance and operVirgil Lemings stated ations. The 0.25 percent she could keep adding may also be pledged to amendments, but they secure the payment of were all going to be vot- bonds issued to finance ed down. and refinance any needPhilips was the on- ed county capital imly hold-out voting a re- provements and shall sounding no. terminated Dec. 31, The proposed ordi- 2036. After bonds have nance that the JPs ap- been paid, the collecproved would extend tions may be used onthe 1 percent sales tax ly for the county Resthrough Dec. 31, 2036. cue Squad and “qualiThough it is titled a “spe- fying volunteer fire decial election,” it will be partments.” The tax decided by voters during terminates Dec. 31, the preferential primary 2036. on March 3, 2020.

There will be six Highlightd include: different ballot ques— 0.25 percent for tions requiring a “for” or the purpose of fund- “against” vote. ing operation and mainNo. 1 concerns 0.25 tenance expenses and percent tax for Ozark capital improvements Health Medical Center. at Ozark Health MedNo. 2 concerns the ical Center. May also question of the issuance be used for payment of of Medical Center rebonds issued to finance funding bonds in princiand refinance capital im- pal not to exceed $2 milprovements at the Medi- lion. cal Center.

No. 3 Medical Cen— 0.25 percent for ter Improvement bonds the purpose of provid- in principal not to exing for public safety ser- ceed $5 million for the vices and operations in purpose of financing the the county, including but costs of acquiring, renonot limited to 911 ser- vating, constructing and vices, emergency man- equipping Medical Cenagement services, law ter improvements. enforcement and jail No. 4 Debt service operations, and library payment for library projmaintenance and opera- ect bonds. After bond tions, which tax may al- payment, the tax monso be pledged to secure ey will be distributed for the payment of bonds purpose of funding pubissued to finance and lic safety and library serrefinance any needed vices and operations No. 5 0.50 percent for rescue squad and fire departments after payment of library bond project.

No. 6 concerns the issuance of Library Project bonds in principal amount not to exceed $2 million.

(Warren Johnson contributed to this article)

The Voice of Van Buren County

Page 4

Obituaries p.m. at Clinton Funeral Service Chapel with Darriel Ezell officiating.

Donations may be made to the “Flame Riders” PO Box 98, Clinton, AR 72031.

Will Bryant

Wornie Wilburn "Will" Bryant, 92, of Clinton, Arkansas, Austin Community, passed away Monday, December 23, 2019. He was born September 14, 1927 in Fingertown, Arkansas (later named Austin Community).

He was the second of six children born to the late Mary Isabelle Gordon Bryant and Edd Bryant.

He is survived by two sons of the Austin Community, Ralph Bryant (Christi) and Michael Bryant (Donna); four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Coy Bryant (Juanita) of the Austin Community, and Roy Bryant (Mary) of Formosa; one sister, Connie Arnett of Formosa; and a host of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Edith Harrell Bryant; and two brothers, Troy D. Bryant and Grady O. "Bee" Bryant.

Will was an avid talker, gardener, and deer hunter. In his younger years he worked at cattle sale barns in Clinton, Marshall, Morrilton, and Conway. He also raised cattle on his farm.

At age 20 he was baptized into the Church of Christ.

Visitation was Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Clinton, with service following at 2 p.m. Burial was in Halbrook Cemetery, Austin.

Jessie Foshee

Jessie Dawson Foshee passed away on December 25, 2019.

Jessie was born on March 9, 1936 in Milburn, Oklahoma. Her parents were Sherman and Alice Dawson. She was the oldest of five siblings. She was married to the love of her life George Foshee in September 1964.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husban, sister Mary Jane Dawson, and brother Sherman L Dawson . She is survived by her sisters Bessie Dawson of Dennard and Betty (Rodney) Ferguson of Loyalton, California.

Jessie was a telephone operator for Pacific Telephone for 10 years in Loyalton, California. She then worked as a housekeeper for a construction company for several years.

Around 1981, she and her husband moved to Whistle Stop in Dennard. In 1988, she began working at the shirt factory in Marshall. She worked there for over 10 years.

Jessie was an avid reader. She would sit and do crossword puzzles and word searches for hours. Jessie was a talented quilter.

She was known for being patient when teaching others how to sew.

She loved to cook and share recipes.

Memorial service was 2 p.m. Sunday, December 29, 2019 at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton, Arkansas.

Danny Hicks

Daniel “Danny” Hicks, 63, of Clinton, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2019.

Born October 23, 1956 in California to David and Virginia Hicks, Danny ran his own construction company.

Danny enjoyed kayaking and motorcycles.

Left to cherish Danny’s memory are his wife, Terri Hicks; children Darryl (Meredith) Hicks, Jeff (Brittney) Hicks, Heather Adams, Angie Hutchins, Maegan (Taylor) Elkins; siblings Denise Gilmore, Dana (Deanna) Hicks, Darla (David) Cook; five grandchildren; numerous friends and other family.

Pallbearers: Brian Bell, Jeff Pate, David Newton, Stuart Leonard, Jason Brown, David Hicks, Chris Adams, W.R. Petty.

Visitation was Sunday, December 29, 2019 at 2 p.m. and services following at 3

David Elliott

David Wayne Elliott, age 59, of Lowell, Arkansas, passed away, Saturday, December 21, 2019, at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale.

He was born May 11, 1960 in Harrison, Arkansas to Dolf Lee and Geneva Scott Elliott.

He served in the United States Navy from 1979 till 1982, with the USS Kitty Hawk.

Elliott is survived by his wife, Mary Otterpohl Elliott; children, Lori Alexander, Lance Elliott and Leanne Malloy; sister, Twila Koenig; brother, Steve Elliott; six grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.

Visitation was Thursday, December 26, 2019, at Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Funeral service was 10 a.m. Thursday, December 26, 2019, at the funeral home with burial at Fayetteville National Cemetery.

Debbie Hall

Debra “Debbie” Hall was born Aug. 25, 1960, and passed away on Dec. 18, 2019.

She was a 1978 graduate of Clinton High School. Memorial service will be at 1 p.m.

Jan. 4, 2020, at Harris Funeral Homes, Morrilton.

Nobuko Davis

Irma Webb

Irma Lea Webb, 80, of Fairfield Bay passed away December 15, 2019 with her loving family gathered around her.

Irma was born on March 19, 1939 in Elba, Arkansas to the late Thomas and Bessie (Eoff) Lowrance, the seventh of 10 children.

She attended Plant Baptist Church.

Upon completion of her school years at Dennard and Clinton, she married Raymond Newman and had three daughters, Gail, Janice and Michelle. She was a seamstress. When her health began to decline and she moved to Ozark Health Skilled Nursing center and then to Indian Rock Village.

Irma is preceded in death by her parents; one child, baby Michelle; two brothers, Jessie Lowrance and William Lowrance; and one sister, Geneva Black.

Left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Gail Knight and Janice Lumpkins, along with their father; six siblings, Loretta Alexander, Ruby Black, Margie Colfax, Jim Lowrance (Jan), Berniece Isaac, Wayne Lowrance (Patti); six grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation was Thursday, December 19, 2019 at Plant Baptist Church. Funeral services were 11 a.m. at the church. Interment was at Plant Cemetery.

Nobuko Tonaki Davis, age 85, of Jacksonville passed away Sunday, December 15, 2019 at her home. She was born December 10, 1934 in Okinawa, Japan to the late Youzo and Yoshiko Higa Tonaki. She was a friend to everyone, loved to smile, laugh and cook.

As an 11 year old, she survived the bombing campaign during the Battle of Okinawa, sheltering in caves for safety. After the war, she worked hard to care for her siblings as the oldest child. She married a serviceman and eventually settled in Clinton and Jacksonville, Arkansas in 1977.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Arthur F. Davis, Jr. Survivors include her chil- Lucy Coleman Lucy Kay Coledren, Tony L. Davis, Debbie Topping, Allen man, 75, of DamasL. Davis and Kathy Da- cus passed away Frivis; siblings, Tetsu Tonaki, Youzo Tonaki, Yoshiko Chinen and Sadako Matsugawa; and four grandchildren.

Visitation was Friday, December 27, 2019 at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home.

Interment was at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.

The staff of The Voice of Van Buren County extends sincere condolences to all who have lost loved ones.

If you wish to express your appreciation to friends, neighbors, family, church and community members with a Thank You on the obit page, call (501) 745-8040 or email voiceads@artelco.com

December 31, 2019 day, December 27, 2019. Born in Damascus, Arkansas on June 10, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Hester Smith.

Lucy was also preceded in death by her husband, Harold Hughes Coleman Jr.; two sisters, Farriest Thompson and Ernestin Hankins; and three brothers, Roy Smith, Vernie Smith and Faye Smith.

She worked at Simmons Bank in Bee Branch for many years as a teller and was a long-time member of Sardis Freewill Baptist Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Angelia Bernhardt; sons, Chris Coleman and wife Sabrina of Lakeland, Tennessee and Greg Coleman and wife Elizabeth of Raleigh, North Carolina; nine grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at 12 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at Sardis Church, with funeral service following at 1 p.m. Bro. Gary Burdin and Dustin Burdin will be officiating.

Burial will follow at Old Salem Cemetery. Pallbearers: Bill Bernhardt, Greg Coleman, Chris Coleman, Gary Kent, Dustin Burdin and Dustin Coleman.

joyed her quiet time to read, write, and enjoy the little things in life.

She was preceded by death by her parents; her brothers Jimmie Dell Ward and Audous Eugene (Gene) Ward; and sister Margaret LaVonne Ward Screeton.

Survivors include her son, Stewart Todd French and his wife, Wendy Marie Muhlbradt French of Fort Collins; two grandchildren and other family members.

Funeral services were Saturday December 21, 2019 at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Greenbrier. Interment was in Pine Mountain Cemetery, Damascus.

Richard Mulder

Richard James Mulder, age 73, of Shirley, Arkansas, passed away December 20, 2019. Born on November 10, 1946 in Sheldon, Iowa, he was the son of the late James and Sylvia Haraldson Mulder.

Richard was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Karen Mulder; his sister Lana Peterson and her husband Jeff; and other relatives and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on January 10, 2020 in the Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Kara Shaw officiating.

Barbara Vinson

Irian French

Irian LaVelle French, age 76 of Fort Collins, Colorado passed away Monday, Dec. 16.

LaVelle was born on July 23, 1943 to O.A. “Pete” and Willie Ward.

She was of the Baptist faith.

She attended South Side High School in Bee Branch, Ark. In Fort Collins, she began a career in banking, with a brief stint of managing a luxury hotel in Helena, Montana in the early 1980s before moving back to Colorado.

LaVelle enjoyed traveling with her lady friends (The YaYa's) and participating in holiday and birthday events. She also en-

Barbara Jo (Spurlin) Vinson, 79, passed away December 17, 2019. She was born September 2, 1940 to George and Jewel Anna (Wood) Spurlin in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The most important thing in Barbara’s life was family.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sons James Paul Vinson Jr., John David Vinson; grandson, Joseph David Vinson; and sister, Claudia Spurlin Briley.

Left to cherish her memory are her grandson, and many other family and friends.

Graveside services were 1 p.m. Friday, December 20, 2019 See Obituaries on page 5

The Voice of Van Buren County

December 31, 2019 and enjoyed reading, Obituaries hunting and fishing. from page 4 Left to cherish his memory are his wife, at Woodland Memori- Linda Smith; children, al Park in Fairfield Bay, Christopher Smith (NiArkansas. ci), Steven Smith, both of Marshall, Amy Smith of Clinton; siblings, Kathy Rea of Marshall, Georgia Gay Cooper of Branson, Missouri, David Smith of Marshall, Mary Ann Smith of Marshall, Vonda Tucker of Marshall, James Smith of Oklahoma; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; friends and other Donald Meacham family members.

Dr. Donald FredRaymond is preerick Meacham, 75, ceded in death by his of Little Rock, passed parents and stepdad, away on Thursday, De- Searlton (Buck) Smith, cember 5, 2019. He and two grandchildren was born February 17, Seth and Eowyn.

1944 in Saginaw, MichVisitation was Sunigan to the late Arthur day, December 22, R. Meacham II and 2019, at the Botkinburg Jean Frederici Mea- Four Square Church. cham. He is also pre- Services were 11 a.m. ceded in death by his Monday, December 23, brother, Robert Mea- 2019, at the church with cham.

Brother Rocky Thomas Meacham gradu- and Brother Ester Bass ated from U.A.M.S. in officiating. Burial was Little Rock and served at the Grandview Cemhis patients for over 47 etery in Marshall. years. He had an office in Clinton. He attend- Jo Chandler Jo Ann Chandler of ed Fellowship Bible Fairfield Bay, born SepChurch in Little Rock.

He is survived by tember 23, 1932 died his wife, Ruthann Mea- December 19, 2019.

She is survived by cham; son, Michael Meacham; daugh- her daughter, Karan ter, Jennifer Meacham Henry of Jackson, Green; two grand- Michigan; a son, Marc daughters; and broth- Heuring of Angie, Louer, Arthur R. Meacham isiana; a stepdaughter, Susan Chandler PeterIII and wife Leila.

Funeral service son of Flagstaff, Arizowas Monday, Decem- na; two sisters, Beverly ber 9 at Fellowship Bi- Carl of Columbia, Misble Church, Little Rock. souri, and Judi Gracey Burial will be held at a of St. Charles, Missoulater date in Northwest ri; a brother, Mike Barnett of PlainArkansas. field, Indiana; four grandsons; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clark Chandler.

Jo was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri. She and Clark moved to Mountain View, Arkansas in 1980 and founded White RivRaymond Smith er Insurance AgenRaymond Albert cy. Jo was a manager Smith, 72, of Marshall, and volunteer at Wear Arkansas, passed away and Share for over 20 Thursday, Decem- years, and was acber 19, 2019. He was tive in raising funds to born March 17, 1947 in help build the Fairfield Marshall, Arkansas to Bay Library. She was the late Eva Mae Han- a member of Fairfield son Smith. Raymond Bay United Methodist served in the United Church.

States Army and later A memorial service established a career in will be held at a later construction, working date. Memorials may with drywall. He was a be sent to the Fairfield member of Botkinburg Bay Library.

Four Square Church

Neighbors Formosa Neighbors columnist Patsy Ward lost her husband, J.R. Ward, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019. Funeral arrangements were not known at press time. Patsy’s friends at The Voice are sending love and support her way during this time of loss.

James & Joyce Burns Scotland

Christmas dinners, Christmas plays, Christmas parties have made for a very busy month. Maybe with the New Year, things will slow down and there will be time to sit by the fire and complain about the cold weather.

At least 49 attended the last music night at Scotland Senior Center.

Next month it will be on Jan. 17, so mark your calendar.

James has been a little under the weather the last couple of weeks so I am resting and he is recuperating.

It is time for both of us to get busy.

Wednesday is New Year’s Day so the next Saturday, Jan. 4, is our First Saturday Breakfast at the Scotland School Cafeteria. We serve at 8 a.m.

Friday night the Masonic Lodge at Scotland - Pleasant Grove Lodge No. 380 - had its installation of officers and celebrated St. Johns night with dinner.

Several Masons and their families were in attendance.

They tell us this nice warm weather is about over, so now I guess we will have winter soon.

Stay warm and dry and start the new year in a positive way.

If you have any Scotland News call 592-3935 and we will get it in for you.

information see a member of EHC or ACRDC. The Volunteer Fire Department meets Thursday at 7 p.m. For info call 253-6264.

The Quadrantids meteor shower peaks Saturday night with up to 80 per hour. Scan the northern half of the sky.

The Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Check the Regs for details.

ACCDA meets Monday, 5 p.m. in the EHC building, near Alread. Then the next night, ACRDC meets at 6 p.m. in the same location.

The Old Farmers Almanac predicts for us the rest of the winter will be generally “mild, with soakers.”

A couple weeks ago, in The Voice, Berniece Jones threw down the gauntlet for me, that means “challenged.” Marge Koone did the same a year ago. They would like me to try the exercise program at the Alread EHC building, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 to 11 a.m. I sure need it after all the gluttony of the holidays.

I guess I’m just going to have to add this to my list of New Year’s resolutions.

If you have info about the greater Crabtree and west 16 community, call or text, Jeff Burgess, 745-1249.

Gregory S. Alexander Jeff Burgess Crabtree

Two Alread scholarships can be applied for beginning Wednesday. For applications or

DAMASCUS DRUG IS NOW OPEN!

We are conveniently located inside Cash Saver.

Our hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm.

We are here to serve the community of Damascus and the surrounding communities. We would love to be your pharmacy and take care of all of your prescription needs.

We accept most insurances and offer competitive pricing.

Stop by today and see Marion or Michaela and ask how easy it is to transfer your prescriptions. We look forward to being your hometown pharmacy!

Address: 5 AR Hwy 124 W Damascus, AR 72039

Page 5

Telephone: 501-335-7041

Fairfield Bay

Well, let me try to update you on the past two weeks. The resort (Community Club) and city held their end of the year Town Hall meeting Tuesday the 10th and

Have cue, will travel - Doyle Scroggins (right) attended a invitational pool tournament at Judsonia, Arkansas, last week. He brought home the third place trophy (presented by tournament director Ben Hensley).

Scotland Senior Center - The Dec. 23 winners of the Scotland Seniors Center pool tournament were (from left) first place Glendale Rogers and second place Jeff Brown. around 90 attended.

Fairfield Bay was one of eight Volunteer Cities of the year with populations of 5,000 or less, and Rick Pierce was named our 2019 Volunteer of the year, according to Mayor Paul Wellenberger.

The resort GM began with the changes of the past five months; first and most importantly is the new level of openness and transparency from the office and the board. If you haven’t been to a board meeting lately it is great. When the board is speaking the members or non-members can raise his/her hand to ask a question about the subject without waiting for the board to close the minutes. Second, is changing of the name from Fairfield Bay Community Club to Fairfield Bay Resort and Community. Also, plans will be announced in the first quarter to come up with a five-year plan.

The owners of H20 Sportz and Marine in Sherwood Arkansas will be bringing a boat repair shop to the Bay and the resort has entered into a lease so

will no longer be buying boats. H20 Sportz plans to lease out the Greenwood Building and in turn the resort will use funds to build a new fire station nearby.

Also, the resort plans to add another 28 boat slips to the marina next year. They have lowered golf prices; put an insurance program on the grinder pumps, updated the Bowling Alley adding automatic score boards, restarted the leaf pick up, and changed quarterly meetings to 6 p.m. to allow more to join in.

Survival Flight has committed to a $2.7 million investment with a new helicopter. A grant for the hangar has been received and conSee Neighbors on page 7

CLUBS

The Idle Hour Bridge Club met Dec. 19 at the home of Gay Whillock. High - Jo Nell Warren; second Cathy Farnell; traveling - Gay Whillock; bingo - Danna Hensley.

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The Voice of Van Buren County

Page 6

Step back in time

An Excerpt from the Journal of Capt. Griffin Frost

Captain Griffin Frost (1834-1909) chronicled his experiences while traveling through Searcy and Van Buren County, Arkansas, during the Civil War in 1862.

"Oct. 8: On our weary tramp again; passed through a small town called Searcy, found most of the inhabitants engaged in horse racing; we are near the mountains, and will rest a day or two, before we attempt to climb them.

Mr. Creasy is our gentlemanly host. Many of the people in some parts of Arkansas are rough and uncouth, but still we find them willing to give the cup of cold water, and often more too, to the sick and weary soldier. It is not always the learned and polished that have the kindest hearts.

Oct. 13: At the foot of the mountain, 12 miles from Burrowville [Marshall]. We have

been traveling in Van Buren county, over the roughest road I ever saw, and it appeared worse to me from the fact that I have been suffering with severe headache; fear I shall not be able to travel tomorrow; but will keep the road if possible, as we are anxious to reach the command.

Oct. 14: Within three miles of Burrowville [Marshall], and near the foot of Backbone mountain, which is the divide between the waters of Little Red and White rivers. In the course of our journey we have met with all grades and descriptions of people. Their mode of life, surroundings and obscure location, necessarily render them rough in their manners and appearance, but still we find the usual diversity in human nature; the back woods as well as New England, has its misers, its egoists and its independent thinkers, defying God or man if he contradicts their notions. On a different scale it is true, and with a change of scenery; but in the same spirit. We see women barefooted, sore eyed, squirting tobacco juice, belching out a miserable jargon for 'the right, law or no law‘, as a more enlightened circle would ex-

press it; but if a soldier sick and hungry, wishes to rest his weary bones under their roof for a night, they are quick and sharp for a trade, ready to bleed him to the last cent. I am sorry to record it, but such people are here, whether they sprung from any of the Mayflower seed, I am

December 31, 2019

Meetings All meetings are open to the public.

Van Buren County Quorum Court, 6 p.m., third Thursday of the month at the Courthouse Annex, Highway 65, Clinton.

Clinton City Council, 6:30 p.m., second Thursday of the month at the Clinton Municipal Airport off Highway 16 East.

Damascus City Council, 6 p.m., second Tuesday of the month at City Hall on Highway 65.

Fairfield Bay City Council, 7 p.m., second Monday of each month at 130 Village Place, Suite 2F in the conference room.

Shirley City Council, 7 p.m., second Monday of the month at the Shirley Commu-

nity Center.

Clinton Advertising and Promotion Commission, 6 p.m., third Tuesday of the month at the Clinton Municipal Airport on Highway 16 East.

Shirley School Board, 6:30 p.m., fourth Monday of the month at the PD Room, Administration Building.

South Side-Bee Branch School Board, 5:30 p.m., third Monday of each month in the Linda Pennington Conference Room.

Clinton School Board, 5:30 p.m., third Monday of each month at the Administrative offices building.

Van Buren County Library board of directors meetings are held at 4 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the library meeting room.

unable to say. But one curious circumstance is, we find these cases among those who have no friends in the army." - Capt. Griffin Frost CSA (Source: Camp and Prison Journal by Griffin Frost, Quincy, Illinois: Quincy Herald and Job Office, 1867) -Tina Lewis Johnson

NOTICE OF ELECTION

SPECIAL ELECTION QUITMAN SCHOOL MILLAGE JANUARY 14, 2020 The Cleburne County Board of Election Commissioners do hereby proclaim a Special Election will be held on Tuesday January 14, 2020.

To view a sample ballot go to Cleburne county ar.com. Voters with address changes or questions related to voting eligibility, please call the County Clerk's office at 362-4620 prior to Election Day. the purpose of making additions and improveNOTICE OF SPECIAL SCHOOL ELECTION ments to existing facilities. The surplus revenues IN QUITMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 21 OF produced each year by the debt service millage CLEBURNE COUNTY, ARKANSAS may be used by the District for other school purposes.

In accordance with the requirements of Ark. The total proposed school tax levy of 36.0 Code Ann. § 6-14-109, notice is hereby giv- mills represents an increase of 2.5 mills from the en that the special school election in the above rate presently being levied. named school district (the "District") will be held Only qualified electors of the District will have on January 14, 2020, for the following purpose: the right to vote and the electors may vote either for or against the question described above.

To submit the question of voting a total OFFICIAL BALLOT school tax rate (state and local) of 36.0 mills on FOR SPECIAL SCHOOL ELECthe dollar of the assessed value of taxable propTION QUITMAN SCHOOL DISerty located in this School District. The proposed TRICT NO. 21 OF CLEBURNE COUNtax includes the uniform rate of tax (the "StateTY, ARKANSAS JANUARY 14, 2020 wide Uniform Rate") to be collected on all taxable property in the State and remitted to the VOTE ON MEASURE BY PLACState Treasurer pursuant to Amendment No. 74 ING AN (X) IN THE SQUARE ABOVE to the Arkansas Constitution to be used soleTHE MEASURE EITHER ly for maintenance and operation of schools in FOR OR AGAINST the State. As provided in Amendment No. 74, the Statewide Uniform Rate replaces a portion FOR TAX  of the existing rate of tax levied by this School AGAINST TAX  District and available for maintenance and operation of schools in this District. The total pro36.0 MILL SCHOOL TAX posed school tax levy of 36.0 mills includes The total rate proposed above includes the uniform rate of tax 26.24 mills specifically voted for general main(the "Statewide Uniform Rate") to be collected on all taxable prop­ erty in the State and remitted to the State Treasurer pursuant to tenance and operation, 7.26 mills voted for debt Amendment No. 74 to the Arkansas Constitution to be used solely for maintenance and operation of schools in the State. As pro­vided service previously voted as a continuing levy in Amendment No. 74, the Statewide Uniform Rate replaces a portion of the existing rate of tax levied by this School District and availpledged for the retirement of existing bonded inable for maintenance and operation of schools in this District. The total proposed school tax levy of 36.0 mills includes 26.24 mills specifdebtedness, and 2.5 new debt service mills. The ically voted for general maintenance and oper­ation, 7.26 mills voted for debt service previously voted as a con­tinuing levy pledged for 2.5 new debt service mills plus the 7.26 existthe retirement of existing bonded indebtedness, and 2.5 new debt ing debt service mills now pledged for the retireservice mills. The 2.5 new debt service mills plus the 7.26 existing debt service mills now pledged for the retirement of existing bondment of existing bonded indebtedness, which ed indebtedness, which debt service mills will continue after retirement of the bonds to which now pledged, will be a continuing debt debt service mills will continue after retirement service tax until the retire­ment of proposed bonds to be issued in the principal amount of of the bonds to which now pledged, will be a $2,580,000, and which will mature over a period of 31 years and will be issued for the purpose of making additions and improve­ continuing debt service tax until the retirement ments to existing facilities.. The surplus revenues produced each year by the debt service millage may be used by the District for othof proposed bonds to be issued in the princier school purposes. pal amount of $2,580,000, and which will mature The total proposed school tax levy of 36.0 mills represents an increase of 2.5 mills from the rate presently being levied. over a period of 31 years and will be issued for

Early voting will be available from 8:30 o'clock a.m. to 4:30 o'clock p.m. from Jan 7, 2020 through Jan 13, 2020 (only on regular business days) at the following locations: Cleburne County Courthouse-301 W Main Street, Heber Springs.

Ballots will be opened, processed, canvassed and counted at 7:30 o'clock p.m. on January 14, 2020 at the following locations: Bulldog Complex at the Quitman Public Schools, Heber Springs City Hall (1001 W Main St) and Heber Springs Community Center (201 Bobbie Jean Lane). These totals will then be transported to the Cleburne County Courthouse in Heber Springs to obtain the final totals of all votes.

The election will be held between the hours of 7:30 o'clock a.m. and 7:30 o'clock p.m., on January 14, 2020, at the following polling places in the District, to wit: Bulldog Complex at the Quitman Public Schools, Heber Springs City Hall (1001 W Main St) and Heber Springs Community Center (201 Bobbie Jean Lane). Remember Cleburne County is now a vote center so a registered voter may vote at any polling location of his choice.

A list of appointed election officials, deputy county clerks, or additional deputies hired to conduct early voting can be found, beginning December 23, 2019 at the Cleburne County Courthouse- the Clerk's office.

An objection to the service of an elected official, deputy county clerk, or additional deputy must be filed as follows: File an objection to the Election Commission at the Cleburne County Clerk's office by January 3, 2020.

GIVEN t his 9th day of December, 2019 CLEBURNE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS /s/ Joe Tournear Chairman

The Voice of Van Buren County

December 31, 2019 See Neighbors on page 7 struction should begin early next year.

On Dec. 12th we had an Ugly Sweater Christmas party at Bogie’s, it was as fun as could be. About 45 attended. And on the 14th the FFB Yacht Club held its Christmas party and it was packed. And this year’s Commodore, Jim Butler, handed down the Commodore position to me. I have plans for the year and I’m hoping that they will be OK with the rest of the officers.

I’ve been driving to and from the last two weeks to Baptist NLR Center for my mother after she fell and broke her femur (upper leg bone) and now she is in a rehab in Conway, so the drive is much better. And I hated that she had to be in there over Christmas.

Hey by the way, The Chunky Dunk 2020 will be taking place January 1, 2020 at the Marina Swimming Area at 2 p.m. Meet at the Fairfield Bay V.F.W at noon to talk about the plan.

Free chili afterward.

The Plunge is open to the public. So come and join in.

I hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas and I wish you a Happy New Year.

Sudoku Solution

Page 7

Do the cows turn over at midnight?

New Year’s is an annual reminder that we are getting older.

And as our age creeps upward of the 50 mark, most of us become a little forgetful.

Some years ago, one New Year’s Eve, my husband, Gene, and I waited in our living room for our friends to arrive to spend some time with us.

Remembering other New Year’s Eves when we sat at home without any company, we talked of how we seldom ever stayed up to usher in the new year.

On this particular evening, at the sound of a knock, I opened the door to see our friends standing there. I invited them to come in.

We settled in the living room, sipping punch from a delicious recipe, which included juice from muscadines, those grape-like fruits that grow wild in the hills and along streams in Arkansas and other Southern states.

As usual, the conversation among the four of us started with a flying leap and kept its pace. We talked of many things and especially shared stories of our grandchildren.

They had a granddaughter and grandson and we had a granddaughter and grandson, born

THAT

BANNER MOUNTAIN GIRL

in that order. We often compared our experiences of raising children. Having known each other since our high school days, we always had plenty of things to talk about.

New Year’s Eve was still young when the conversation slowed down, and our friend indicated that he was ready to go home.

His wife countered his wishes by saying, “We could stay up until the cows turn over. I remember we did that once.”

“I never stayed up with you until the cows turned over,” her husband exclaimed.

“I know you did!” she replied.

“Till the cows turn over?” I interrupted. I had never heard that phrase and I wondered what it meant.

Ignoring my question, he told his wife, “I did not!”

“I know we did! I remember it!” She insisted.

Where had she heard “till the cows turn over?” When I

by Freeda Baker Nichols

asked again, she assured me that at midnight on New Year’s Eve, the cows get up and turn over to lie on the other side.

Meanwhile, her husband kept insisting that he never stayed up with her until the cows turned over. “That,” he said emphatically, “was some other man.”

Of course, that remark brought forth lots of good-natured laughter from all of us.

A long time before midnight, our friends went home. Gene and I tried to stay awake and usher in the new year.

But we began to get sleepy.

Was our friend right, I wondered? Or had he become forgetful? Had his wife become forgetful? Was there really another man on a forgotten New Year’s Eve? The brand New Year arrived, and I’m almost certain that the cows got up at midnight and turned over.

But I have no way of proving it. I was fast asleep.

Crossword Solution

The graduate - Ron Henson graduated from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas, on Friday, December 13, 2019.

He received his Master in Science Degree in Psychology summa cum laude with a GPA of 4.0. Henson has been a Registered Nurse for 35 years and is a resident of Clinton, Arkansas. He is currently employed as a home health nurse.

Attending the graduation were his wife, Paulette, and his sister-in-law Maryann Cappuccio and brother-in-law Alan Cappuccio who also reside in Clinton. After graduation, Ron and his wife went on a seven-day cruise to Jamaica to celebrate his accomplishment.

Wellness committee: It starts with you The Van Buren County Wellness Community would like to encourage taking care of yourself as part of taking care of others.

It's often small choices that are life-changing. Choosing a healthier meal option; keeping your body active instead of sitting; taking time to nourish yourself with hydration or rest; sharing an encouraging thought or a random act of kindness.

Holidays have a particular effect on our stress levels and amplify the battles we are fighting. You may be lonely, or depressed, or grieving. You may be a highly active person who is overwhelmed and exhausted. You may be strug-

gling to make ends meet or need help that you don't know how to ask for.

The answer is you.

Only you can choose to make the change you need, and only you can offer the comfort, kindness, support, or service that the rest of the community depends on. We all have something special to give, and when we make better choices for ourselves, we are empowered to make a difference for others.

Choosing wellness starts with small steps. Don't be afraid to reach out if you need something. Learn that it's OK to care for yourself. You may not realize the incredible value of what you have to give.

AGFC seeks public input PROPOSED BUDGET OF EXPENDITURES WITH TAX LEVY FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2021 TO AND INCLUDING JUNE 30, 2022 The Board of Directors of Clinton School District No. 1 of Van Buren County, Arkansas, in compliance with the requirements of Amendments No. 40 and No. 74 to the Constitution of the State of Arkansas and of Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-622 has prepared, approved and hereby makes public the proposed budget of expenditures, together with the tax rate, as follows: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Salary Fund Expenditures Instructional Expense Maintenance & Operation Expense Dedicated M & O Expense Pupil Transportation Expense Other Operating Expense Non-Bonded Debt Payment Bonded Debt Payment

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

9,478,860 849,660 219,300 0 549,780 0 110,281 1,249,316

Biologists with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are seeking public input on the current revision to Arkansas’s White-tailed Deer Strategic Management Plan. This is the first review and revision of the plan since 2013.

The plan is reviewed every five to seven years to adapt to

changing needs by developments in Arkansas’s deer herd and available habitat.

Comments will be accepted until Jan. 20.

The Deer Management Team will then make needed revisions and submit the final draft to the Commission at its regularly scheduled February meeting.

Cryptogram Solution Eleanor Roosevelt

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

To provide for the foregoing proposed budget of expenditures, the Board of Directors proposes a total school tax rate (state and local) of 36.8 mills on the dollar of the assessed value of taxable property located in this School District. The proposed tax includes the uniform rate of tax (the “Statewide Uniform Rate”) to be collected on all taxable property in the State and remitted to the State Treasurer pursuant to Amendment No. 74 to the Arkansas Constitution to be used solely for maintenance and operation of schools in the State. As provided in Amendment No. 74, the Statewide Uniform Rate replaces a portion of the existing rate of tax levied by this School District and available for maintenance and operation of schools in this District. The total proposed school tax levy of 36.8 mills includes 25.0 mills specifically voted for general maintenance and operation and 11.8 mills voted for debt service previously voted as a continuing levy pledged for the retirement of existing bonded indebtedness. The surplus revenues produced each year by debt service millage may be used by the District for other school purposes.

The total proposed school tax levy of 36.8 mills represents the same rate presently being levied.

GIVEN this 16th day of December , 2019.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CLINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1 OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS /s/ Tim Barnes President of Board /s/ Lacey Standridge Secretary of Board

We are an "all in one" cleaning company. We can help with general cleaning needs, as well as the heavy duty cleaning. House, rental, real estate, moving in or out, or carpet cleaning, which ever you need we can do.

Remember one call cleans it all!

The Voice of Van Buren County

Page 8

December 31, 2019

Top exhibitors - The "Superior Livestock Exhibitors," based on county, district, and state fairs, are from South Side-Bee Branch School District.

They are (from left) instructor Dikelin Evans, Kaley Rosse, Erin Holland, Parker Hutchins, Griffin Fortenberry, Mollie Leonard, Skylar Bradford, Kyle Evans and instructor Gwen Cifuentes. Not available for photo Brinkley Smith, Bentley Burroughs, Cole Pennington, Trinitee Hayen, Kyler Henderson, Brayden Newman and Bayler Hall.

Top shooter - Parker Hutchins of South Side - Bee Branch earned "Top Shooter" at the FFA State Shoot by hitting 50 out of 50 targets.

Where to find The Voice

of Van Buren County

Chess play - Clinton Gifted and Talented program hosted a chess tournament December 13 for students in grades 4-8.

Students from 10 schools, including all of the county schools, participated. Winners included Alec Huie (left in photo), a sixth-grader from Clinton. The other student in the photo was not identified.

Austin • The Austin Store (Inside sales)

Bee Branch • Snappy's (Outside Rack sales)

Choctaw • Elite Automotive (Inside sales) • Gasoline Alley (Outside Rack sales) • PEH Supply (Inside sales)

• Backyard Antiques (Inside sales)

(Submitted by Marcia Smith, Clinton schools)

Clinton • Assessor's Office (Inside sales) • CashSaver (Outside Rack sales) • Clinton Drug (inside sales) • Exxon ~ Doublebee’s (Outside Rack sales) • Flash Market ~ Citgo (Inside sales) • Huddle House (Outside Rack sales) • June's Cafe (Inside sales) • L'Attitude Bistro (Inside sales) • McDonald's (Outside Rack sales) • Petit Jean Electric (Outside Rack sales) • Ozark Health (Outside Rack sales) • The Voice of Van Buren County (Inside sales) • The Voice of Van Buren County (Outside Rack sales) • Western Sizzlin (Inside Rack sales)

Damascus • CashSaver (Outside Rack Sales) Shirley second-graders were treated to a puppet show by fifth-graders earlier this month. (Photo from Facebook)

School menus Clinton Junior and Senior High

Jan. 6 - No school Jan. 7 - Breakfast: Cereal, Graham crackers, fruit. Lunch: Mini corn dogs or chicken nuggets, bread, baked beans, salad, fruit cup/ fruit.

Jan. 8 - Breakfast: Pancakes, bacon, fruit.

Lunch: Chicken faji-

Fairfield Bay • Jack's (Inside sales) • Craven’s Grocery ~ Dollar General (Outside Rack sales)

toast, peaches. Lunch: Chicken and noodles, breadstick, salad, green beans, pears.

Jan. 8 - Breakfast: Ham, cheese biscuit, applesauce.

Lunch: Corn dog, coleslaw, baked beans, mixed fruit.

Jan. 9 - Breakfast: Breakfast pizza. Lunch: Taco, pinto beans, cinnamon roll, applesauce.

Clinton Elementary Jan. 10 - Breakfast: Jan. 6 - No school Pancake pup, pears.

Jan. 7 - Break- Lunch: Hamburger, ovfast: Cereal, cinnamon en fries, peaches. ta flat bread or pizza quesadilla, salad, corn, fruit/fruit up.

Jan. 9 - Breakfast: Breakfast pizza, fruit. Lunch: Chicken fried steak or pork roast/gravy, creamed potatoes, salad, green beans, rolls, fruit.

Jan. 10 - Breakfast: Cereal, doughnut, fruit. Lunch: Hamburger, oven fries, fruit.

Leslie • Misty's Conoco & Convenience (Outside Rack sales) • Smith's Citgo (Inside sales)

Oxley • Oxley Country Market (Inside sales)

Scotland • Lowder General Store (Inside sales)

Shirley • First Service Bank (Outside Rack sales) • Reaves Food Store, Hwy 330 S (Outside Rack sales)

www.voiceofvbc.com

December 31, 2019

The Voice of Van Buren County

Fun & Games

Page 9

Find at least 8 differences

Puzzle solutions on Page 7

Weekly Crossword

Sudoku Sudoku: The objective is to fill a 9x9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes (also called blocks or regions) contains the digits from 1 to 9. A cell is the smallest block in the game. A row, column and region consists of 9 cells and the whole game consists of 81 cells.

Where In the County Is This?

Where can you see this in Van Buren County?

Tell us for your chance to win a one-year's subscription to The Voice. See Rules, this page.

Rules

Cryptogram: Eleanor Roosevelt

Solve the Word Find or Where In the County Is This? for your chance to win a one-year subscription to The Voice. Puzzle entries may not be a photocopy; originals from newspaper only. A drawing from correct entries will be held each month and the winning name will receive a oneyear subscription to The Voice. There will

be one winner each month.

To enter, mail your puzzles to The Voice/ P.O. Box 1396/Clinton AR 72031 or drop them by our downtown office, 328 Main St., Clinton. You can also call 745-8040 to tell us where the week's picture was taken.

Deadline to enter is January 3, 2020 at 2 p.m. The drawing will be at 4 p.m.

The Voice of Van Buren County

Page 10

December 31, 2019

Classifieds • Legal ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lalla Ostergren’s books “My Road Home” $15.00 and "12 Months of Gardening" $10.00 at The Voice 328 Main Street Clinton

MISC. FOR SALE

FIRST DIVISION

Reflect A Moment He said, "By myself I can do nothing."

Shop Booth 75 at Howard's Antiques

REAL ESTATE For Sale

FOR SALE OR LEASE 20x40 Office with 8x40 Covered Porch and 3 Green Houses on 1 acre on Highway 65 South, Clinton, AR

Call 501-940-5448

For Rent Readers, use these Personal Spots to say Happy Birthday, Wish someone Good Luck, Contact old friends, make new friends.

Shout out that you are alive an well in Van Buren County.

The cost is $5.00 for 25 words or less.

Peace on earth, goodwill for all, begins at home.

WANTED

Horse drawn wagon or wagon parts in good condition.

Call Tom 501-745-4378

OFFICE FOR LEASE 425 sqft 758 Hwy 65B Clinton ****************** $250/month + Deposit ****************** Call: Gayle Bone (501)213-5733

FIRST DIVISION

VS.

NO. 71PR-19-98

BENNIE LINN DEFENDANT

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LAVON ROACH, deceased

NOTICE OF COMMISSIONER’S SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in pursuance of the authority and directions contained in the decretal order of the Circuit Court of Van Buren County made and entered on the 4st day of December, 2019, in a certain cause, No. 71CV-1991, then pending therein between Plaintiff, First Service Bank and the Defendant, Bennie Linn, the undersigned, as Commissioner of said Court, will offer for sale at public venue to the highest bidder, at the County Courthouse, in which said Court is held, in the County of Van Buren, within the hours prescribed by law for judicial sales, on the 14th day of January, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., the following described real estate, situated in Van Buren County, Arkansas, to-wit: PART OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (PT. NE1/4 NW1/4), SECTION SIX (6), TOWNSHIP TEN (10) NORTH, RANGE THIRTEEN (13) WEST, VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS, LYING EAST OF THE ARKANSAS HIGHWAY #95, SOUTH AND WEST OF AN OLD WIRE FENCE, AND NORTH OF SOUTH LINE OF NE1/4 NW1/4, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS: STARTING AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER NE1/4 NW1/4, SECTION 6, T-10-N, R-13-W, THENCE N89°15’E, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID NE1/4 NW1/4, A DISTANCE OF 91.18 FEET TO A POINT ON THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF ARKANSAS HIGHWAY #95, THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE LANDS HEREIN DESCRIBED, THENCE N 00’05’E ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY LINE A DISTANCE OF 184.96 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WESTERLY PROJECTION OF AN OLD WIRE FENCE AND TREE LINE, THENCE LEAVING SAID HIGHWAY AND RUN S 87°31’E ALONG SAID WIRE FENCE AND TREE LINE, A DISTANCE OF 284.52 FEET TO A POINT, THENCE CONTINUING ALONG AN OLD WIRE FENCE, S 01°37’ W A DISTANCE OF 169.04 FEET TO A POINT ON AFORESAID SOUTH LINE OF NE1/4 NW1/4, THENCE LEAVING SAID FENCE AND RUN S 89°15’ W, ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE, A DISTANCE OF 279.77 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, CONTAINING 49, 915 SQUARE FEET OR 1.146 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. TERMS OF SALE: On a credit of three months, the purchaser being required to execute a surety bond as required by law and the order and decree of said Court in said cause, with approved surety, bearing interest at the rate of ten percent per annum from date of sale until paid, and a lien being retained on the premises sold to secure the payment of the purchase money.

Given under my hand this 18th day of December, 2019.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY •••• Office or Retail Sites for lease 2000 to 2500 sq ft •••• NORTHSIDE SHOPPING CENTER Call: 501-253-0924

MISC. FOR SALE

FIRE WOOD FOR SALE at Pee Dee

Nice 1000 sqft 2-bedroom Duplexes with appliances. No Pets. No Smoking. $600-$650/month plus deposit.

Call: 501-745-5858 or 501-412-7682

******* $45.00 per rick you haul

Sponsored by J.P. N Brown VAN BUREN COUNTY QUORUM COURT ORDINANCE NO. 2019-60 BE IT ENACTED BY THE QUORUM COURT OF THE COUNTY OF VAN BUREN, STATE OF ARKANSAS, AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE TO BE ENTITLED: AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ORIGINAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE #2018-59, THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET FOR 2019, TO INCREASE THE PROJECTED REVENUE OF THE 911 FUND AND APPROPRIATE $2,545.15 FROM COUNTY GENERAL, MAINTENANCE BUDGET #1000-123.

WHEREAS: “Other Services and Charges” Group is in the Red in the 911 Budget; and WHEREAS: The December bill of $2,545.15 for AT&T will need to be paid before the due date.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE QUORUM COURT OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS THAT:

******* Call: 501-745-8158 or 870-321-9972

FOR RENT

Excellent condition with extras. Priced below market. $5,500.00.

Call: 745-4378

PLAINTIFF

/s/ Debbie Gray .

Commissioner of Circuit

DUPLEXES FOR RENT

Towlite 3 horse slant trailer

FIRST SERVICE BANK

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS

No. CIV-2019-91

Nondenominational.

RESEARCH

LEGAL

LEGAL

LEGAL

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS

for crocheted items, knickknacks, dishes and jewelry.

Experience, strength & hope offered to family & friends of problem drinkers.

Tuesday, 7:30p.m., 167 Joe Bowling Rd, Clinton.

LEGAL

Apartments and mobile homes in Bee Branch area. $425-$650/month.

Deposit required.

Call for availability (501) 581-8640 After 2:00 pm

Section #1: $2,545.15 be transfer and appropriated to the 911 Budget #3020-501-3071 Rent Machinery & Equipment from the County General Maintenance Budget #1000-1232022 Plumbing and Electrical Approved this 19th day of December, 2019 APPROVED: /s/ Dale James Dale James, County Judge ATTEST: /s/ Pam Bradford Pam Bradford, County Clerk

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS FOURTH DIVISION No: 71PR-19-120

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS SECOND DIVISION

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID HOWARD HOLMES, deceased

NOTICE

CASE NO: CNSC-19-10

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Last known address of decedent: 444 Quattlebaum Road Bee Branch, Arkansas 72031

Ester Bass, Plaintiff vs.

Jason Rivera, Defendant

LAST KNOWN ADDRESS OF DECEDENT: 49 Aled Lane

Date of Death: May 13, 2019

WARNING ORDER STATE OF ARKANSAS COUNTY OF VAN BUREN

Valparaiso, IN 46383

An instrument dated July 8, 2016, was on the 6th day of November, 2019, admitted to probate as the last Will of the above-named decedent, and the undersigned has been appointed Executor thereunder. A contest of the probate of the Will can be effected only by filing a petition within the time provided by law.

All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, duly verified, to the undersigned within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or they shall forever be barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate.

The defendant is hereby warned to appear in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this Warning Order and answer the Complaint filed against him by the plaintiff.

Failure to file a written answer within 30 days may result in an entry of judgment by default against you or otherwise bar you from answering or asserting any defense you have.

WITNESS my hand and seal as Clerk of the District Court of Van Buren County, Arkansas, this 4th day of December, 2019.

This notice first published the 31st day of December, 2019.

/s/ Annette Jacobs .

Chief District Court Clerk

Francelle Stiltner, Executor

This Warning Order first published on the 31st day of December , 2019.

By: /s/ Chad Brown CHAD J. BROWN, I.D. No. 2010085 Attorney at Law 203 Court Street Clinton, AR 72031 501-745-8801 FAX 501-745-6262

DATE OF DEATH: June 18, 2019 The undersigned on the 23rd day of December caused an Ancillary Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate to be filed with respect to the Estate of David Howard Holmes, deceased, with the Clerk of the probate division of the Circuit Court of Van Buren County under A.C.A. 28-41-101.

All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, duly verified, to the undersigned within three (3) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate.

THIS NOTICE first published this 31st day of December, 2019.

By: /s/ Kent Tester .

KENT TESTER, AR Bar #: 89123 Attorney for the Estate ]230 Hwy. 65 North, Suite 7 Clinton, AR 72031 (501) 745-7077 FAX (501) 745-6161 kent@testerlaw.com

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS DIVISION I NO. 71CV-19-127 CENTENNIAL BANK, PLAINTIFF vs.

ELWIN WAYNE LASLEY and NANCY LASLEY, DEFENDANTS NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given that the undersigned commissioner, appointed by the Circuit Court of Van Buren County, in cause No. 71CV-19-127 will offer for public sale, the following described lands: THE SOUTH HALF OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (S1/2 NW1/4 SE1/4), SECTION TWENTYSIX (26), TOWNSHIP TWELVE (12) NORTH, RANGE FIFTEEN (15) WEST, VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS, CONTAINING 20 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. Such sale will be held in the hallway adjacent to the door of the Circuit Clerk’s office of the Van Buren County Courthouse in the City of Clinton, County of Van Buren, State of Arkansas, at 10:00 a.m. on January 29, 2020. Sale will be to the highest bidder on a credit of three (3) months; the purchaser at said sale will be required to give bond, with approved security, to secure the payment of the purchase price and interest thereon at the highest rate allowed by law; and a lien will be retained on said lands to secure such purchase money.

WITNESS my hand this 23rd day of December, 2019. /s/ Debbie Gray Debbie Gray COMMISSIONER IN CHANCERY

Call 745-8040 to place an ad in the classifieds

Did You SERVE? The VOICE of Van Buren County

will publish a monthly Salute to our Veterans Page We will honor the

Veterans Living or Deceased

of Van Buren County and surrounding counties.

Email, mail or bring to our office: Photo of Veteran__________________ Name of Veteran__________________ Branch of Service_________________ Years of Service__________________ Hometown_______________________ Contact: Anita or Terry (501)745-8040 Email: thevoice@artelco.com Mail: P.O. Box 1396, Clinton, AR 72031

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VOICEOFVBC.COM

The Voice of Van Buren County

December 31, 2019 LEGAL

VAN BUREN COUNTY QUORUM COURT EMERGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 2019-59 AN ORDINANCE CALLING AND SETTING A DATE FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION ON THE QUESTIONS OF THE LEVY OF GENERAL LOCAL SALES AND USE TAXES AT THE AGGREGATE RATE OF ONE PERCENT (1.00%), THE ISSUANCE BY THE COUNTY OF SALES AND USE TAX REFUNDING BONDS, AND THE ISSUANCE BY THE COUNTY OF SALES AND USE TAX CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES; LEVYING GENERAL LOCAL SALES AND USE TAXES FOR THE PURPOSES DESCRIBED HEREIN; PRESCRIBING OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING THERETO; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

WHEREAS, Amendment 62 to the Constitution of the State of Arkansas (“Amendment 62”) and Title 14, Chapter 164, Subchapter 3 of the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated (the “Local Government Bond Act”) authorize the issuance of capital improvement bonds by counties, which bonds may be secured by the pledge of all of the receipts of the special county-wide sales and use tax prescribed by the Local Government Bond Act; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Amendment 62 and the Local Government Bond Act, Van Buren, Arkansas (the “County”) has previously issued its $15,200,000 Sales and Use Tax Capital Improvement Bonds (Van Buren County Memorial Medical Center Project), Series 2010A (Taxable Direct Payment Build America Bonds), of which $2,390,000 in principal amount currently remains outstanding (the “Prior Bonds”); and WHEREAS, the Prior Bonds are secured by and payable from the receipts of a one percent (1.00%) special county-wide sales and use tax previously levied under the authority of the Local Government Bond Act (the “Prior Tax”); and WHEREAS, the Van Buren County Quorum Court has determined that additional revenues are needed to finance critical County operational expenses and capital improvement needs, and that such revenues can be obtained by restructuring the County’s existing indebtedness secured by sales and use tax receipts through the refunding or redemption of the Prior Bonds, the abolishment of the Prior Tax, and the levy of the replacement sales and use taxes described below; and WHEREAS, Title 26, Chapter 74, Subchapter 2 of the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated (the “County Sales and Use Tax Act”) authorizes the levy of county-wide sales and use taxes in increments of one-eighth of one percent (0.125%); and WHEREAS, Amendment 62 and the County Sales and Use Tax Act authorize the issuance of bonds by counties to finance capital improvements, which bonds may be secured by the pledge of all or a portion of the receipts of the county-wide sales and use taxes authorized by the County Sales and Use Tax Act; and WHEREAS, if approved by the electors of the County, the County has determined (i) to levy a one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) general county-wide sales and use tax under the authority of the County Sales and Use Tax Act (the “0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax”) for the purpose of funding operation and maintenance expenses and capital improvements at Ozark Health Medical Center (the “Medical Center”), which tax may also be pledged to secure the payment of bonds issued to finance and refinance capital improvements at the Medical Center, (ii) to issue it Sales and Use Tax Refunding Bonds in principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000 (the “Medical Center Refunding Bonds”), for the purpose of refinancing the indebtedness represented by the Prior Bonds, and (iii) to issue it Sales and Use Tax Capital Improvement Bonds in principal amount not to exceed $5,000,000 (the “Medical Center Improvement Bonds”), for the purpose of financing various capital improvements at the Medical Center; and WHEREAS, upon the approval by the electors of the County of both of the questions authorizing the levy of the 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax and the issuance of the Refunding Bonds or the redemption of the Prior Bonds with receipts of the Prior Tax, the Prior Tax will terminate simultaneously with the levy of the 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax; and WHEREAS, if approved by the electors of the County, the County has also determined to levy a one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) general county-wide sales and use tax under the authority of the County Sales and Use Tax Act (the “0.25% Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax”) for the purpose of providing for public safety services and operations in the County, including, but not limited to, 911 services, emergency management services, law enforcement and jail operations, and library maintenance and operations, which tax may also be pledged to secure the payment of bonds issued to finance and refinance any needed County capital improvements, if approved by the voters; and WHEREAS, if approved by the electors of the County, the County has also determined to levy a one-half of one percent (0.50%) general county-wide sales and use tax under the authority of the County Sales and Use Tax Act (the “0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax”) for the purpose of providing for operations, personnel expenses and capital expenditures of the Van Buren County Rescue Squad and of “qualifying volunteer fire departments” (as defined in Section 9 hereof), which tax may also be pledged to secure the payment of bonds issued to finance and refinance any needed County capital improvements, if approved by the voters; and WHEREAS, if approved by the electors of the County, the County has also determined to issue its Sales and Use Tax Capital Improvement Bonds in principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000 (the “Library Project Bonds”), for the purpose of acquiring the facility currently being leased by the County for the purpose of housing the Van Buren County Public Library; and WHEREAS, the levy of the 0.25% Public Safety and Library Sales and

LEGAL

LEGAL

LEGAL

Use Tax and the 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax shall cease as of December 31, 2036; and

service on those Library Project Bonds approved by the voters.

Net collections remaining after the payment of such debt service may be used only for the purpose of funding operations, personnel expenses and capital expenditures of the Van Buren County Rescue Squad and of “qualifying volunteer fire departments (as defined in Section 9 hereof) in the County. The 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax may also be pledged to secure the payment of bonds issued to finance and refinance any needed County capital improvements, if approved by the voters. The 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax shall be levied and collected only on the gross receipts, gross proceeds or sales price in the maximum amount allowed from time to time under Arkansas law, subject to rebates and limitation as required for certain “single transactions” as from time to time required under Arkansas law. The levy and collection of the 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax shall commence on and as of such date as provided in the County Sales and Use Tax Act, and shall terminate on December 31, 2036.

Center Refunding Bonds in principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000 Question Three: There is submitted to the qualified electors of the Van Buren County, Arkansas, the question of the issuance of capital improvement bonds in principal amount not to exceed $5,000,000 (the “Medical Center Improvement Bonds”) pursuant to the County Sales and Use Tax Act (as defined in Question One) for the purpose of financing all or a portion of the costs of acquiring, renovating, constructing and equipping Medical Center improvements. If the issuance of the Medical Center Improvement Bonds and the levy of the 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax described in Question One are approved, the Medical Center Improvement Bonds shall be secured by a pledge of and lien upon all of the receipts of the 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax. Vote on the question by placing an “X” in one of the squares following the question, either for or against: FOR the issuance of Medical Center Improvement Bonds in principal amount not to exceed $5,000,000 AGAINST the issuance of Medical Center Improvement Bonds in principal amount not to exceed $5,000,000

WHEREAS, the purpose of this Ordinance is to call a special election on levy of the 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax, the 0.25% Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax, and the 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax and the issuance of the Medical Center Refunding Bonds, the Medical Center Improvement Bonds and the Library Project Bonds (collectively, the “Bonds”) by the County and for related purposes; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Quorum Court of Van Buren County, Arkansas: Section 1. (a) That under the authority of the County Sale and Use Tax Act and subject to approval by the electors of the County of Question One and Question Two set forth in Section 4 below, there are hereby levied (i) a sales tax at the rate of one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) on the gross receipts from the sale at retail within the County of all items and services which are subject to taxation under the Arkansas Gross Receipts Act of 1941, as amended (Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated §26-52-101 et seq.), and (ii) an excise (or use) tax at the rate of one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) on the storage, use, distribution or other consumption within the County of tangible personal property or taxable services subject to taxation under the Arkansas Compensating Tax Act of 1949, as amended (Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated §26-53-101 et seq.), on the sale price of the property or, in the case of leases or rentals, on the lease or rental price (collectively, the “0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax”). The 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax shall be levied, and the net collections received after deduction of the administrative charges of the State of Arkansas and required rebates shall be utilized, to the extent required, for the payment of debt service on those Medical Center Refunding Bonds and Medical Center Improvement Bonds approved by the voters. Net collections remaining after the payment of such debt service may be used only for the purpose of funding operation and maintenance and capital improvements at Ozark Health Medical Center. The 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax shall be levied and collected only on the gross receipts, gross proceeds or sales price in the maximum amount allowed from time to time under Arkansas law, subject to rebates and limitation as required for certain “single transactions” as from time to time required under Arkansas law. The levy and collection of the 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax shall commence on and as of such date as provided in the County Sales and Use Tax Act. Any collections of the Prior Tax received after the issuance of the refunding bonds described in Question Two (or any other excess collections of the Prior Tax) shall be used to fund operations and maintenance and capital improvements at Ozark Health Medical Center. (b) That under the authority of the County Sales and Use Tax Act and subject to approval by the electors of the County of Question Four set forth in Section 4 below, there are hereby levied (i) a sales tax at the rate of one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) on the gross receipts from the sale at retail within the County of all items and services which are subject to taxation under the Arkansas Gross Receipts Act of 1941, as amended (Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated §26-52-101 et seq.), and (ii) an excise (or use) tax at the rate of one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) on the storage, use, distribution or other consumption within the County of tangible personal property or taxable services subject to taxation under the Arkansas Compensating Tax Act of 1949, as amended (Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated §26-53-101 et seq.), on the sale price of the property or, in the case of leases or rentals, on the lease or rental price (collectively, the “0.25% Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax”). The 0.25% Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax shall be levied, and the net collections received after deduction of the administrative charges of the State of Arkansas and required rebates shall be utilized, to the extent required, for the payment of debt service on those Library Project Bonds approved by the voters. Net collections remaining after the payment of such debt service may be used only for the purpose of funding public safety and library services and operations in the County, including, but not limited to, 911 services, emergency management services, law enforcement and jail operations, and library maintenance and operations. The 0.25% Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax may also be pledged to secure the payment of bonds issued to finance and refinance any needed County capital improvements, if approved by the voters. The 0.25% Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax shall be levied and collected only on the gross receipts, gross proceeds or sales price in the maximum amount allowed from time to time under Arkansas law, subject to rebates and limitation as required for certain “single transactions” as from time to time required under Arkansas law.

The levy and collection of the 0.25% Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax shall commence on and as of such date as provided in the County Sales and Use Tax Act, and shall terminate on December 31, 2036. (c) That under the authority of the County Sales and Use Tax Act and subject to approval by the electors of the County of Question Five set forth in Section 4 below, there are hereby levied (i) a sales tax at the rate of one-half of one percent (0.50%) on the gross receipts from the sale at retail within the County of all items and services which are subject to taxation under the Arkansas Gross Receipts Act of 1941, as amended (Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated §26-52-101 et seq.), and (ii) an excise (or use) tax at the rate of one-half of one percent (0.50%) on the storage, use, distribution or other consumption within the County of tangible personal property or taxable services subject to taxation under the Arkansas Compensating Tax Act of 1949, as amended (Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated §26-53-101 et seq.), on the sale price of the property or, in the case of leases or rentals, on the lease or rental price (collectively, the “0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax”).

The 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax shall be levied, and the net collections received after deduction of the administrative charges of the State of Arkansas and required rebates shall be utilized, to the extent required, for the payment of debt

Section 2. If approved by the electors of the County, the aforementioned Medical Center Refunding Bonds, Medical Center Improvement Bonds and Library Project Bonds (collectively, the “Bonds”) may be issued in one or more series from time to time in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the respective principal amount(s) approved by the County’s electors. Any Medical Center Refunding Bonds and Medical Center Improvement Bonds so issued shall be secured by a pledge of and a lien upon all of the receipts of the 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax, as authorized by Amendment 62 and the Local Government Bond Act. Any Library Project Bonds so issued shall be secured by a pledge of and a lien upon all of the receipts of the 0.25% Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax and the 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax, as authorized by Amendment 62 and the Local Government Bond Act. Section 3. That there be, and there is hereby called, a special election to be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at which election there shall be submitted to the electors of the County the questions of the levy of the 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax, the 0.25% Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax and the 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax and the issuance of the Bonds.

Section 4. That the questions shall be placed on the ballot for the special election in substantially the following forms: SPECIAL ELECTION ON COUNTY SALES AND USE TAX LEVIES AND BOND ISSUANCE Upon approval of Question One and Question Two set forth below, and upon the issuance of the Medical Center Refunding Bonds (defined in Question One) or the redemption of the Prior Bonds (defined in Question Two), the County’s existing levy of a one percent (1.00%) sales and use tax (the “Prior Tax”) securing the Prior Bonds shall cease and such tax will be replaced by the one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) Medical Center Sales and Use Tax (defined in Question One). If approved, such 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax, the 0.25% Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax (defined in Question Four), and the 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax (defined in Question Five) shall commence on and as of such date as provided in Arkansas law.

Unless Question One and Question Two set forth below are approved, the 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax will not be levied, and the Prior Tax will remain in place until payment in full of the Prior Bonds.

Question One: There is submitted to the qualified electors of Van Buren County, Arkansas, the question of the levy of a one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) sales and use tax (the “0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax”) under the authority of Title 26, Chapter 74, Subchapter 2 of the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated (the “County Sales and Use Tax Act”), the net collections of which will be utilized to the extent needed for the payment of debt service on the Medical Center Refunding Bonds (defined in Question Two) and the Medical Center Improvement Bonds (defined in Question Three), if approved by the electors and issued by the County, and any remaining net collections shall be distributed only to the County and shall be utilized solely for the payment of costs and expenses associated with the operation and maintenance and capital improvements at Ozark Health Medical Center. The levy and collection of the 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax shall commence on and of such date as provided by Arkansas law.

Vote on the question by placing an “X” in one of the squares following the question, either for or against: FOR the adoption of a one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) Medical Center Sales and Use Tax within Van Buren County, Arkansas, the net collections of such tax to be distributed only to the County and used only for the purposes related to Ozark Health Medical Center described above AGAINST the adoption of a one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) Medical Center Sales and Use Tax within Van Buren County, Arkansas, the net collections of such tax to be distributed only to the County and used only for the purposes related to Ozark Health Medical Center described above Question Two: There is submitted to the qualified electors of Van Buren County, Arkansas, the question of the issuance of refunding bonds in principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000 (the “Medical Center Refunding Bonds”) pursuant to the County Sales and Use Tax Act for the purpose of refunding the County’s outstanding Sales and Use Tax Capital Improvement Bonds (Van Buren County Memorial Medical Center Project), Series 2010A (Taxable Direct Payment Build America Bonds) (the “Prior Bonds”). If the issuance of the Medical Center Refunding Bonds and the levy of the 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax described in Question One are approved, the Medical Center Refunding Bonds shall be secured by a pledge of and lien upon all of the receipts of the 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax. Vote on the question by placing an “X” in one of the squares following the question, either for or against: FOR the issuance of Medical Center Refunding Bonds in principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000 AGAINST the issuance of Medical

Question Four: There is submitted to the qualified electors of Van Buren County, Arkansas, the question of the levy of a one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) sales and use tax (the “0.25% Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax”) under the authority of the County Sales and Use Tax Act (as defined in Question One), the net collections of which will be utilized to the extent needed for the payment of debt service on the Library Project Bonds (defined in Question Six), if approved by the electors and issued by the County, and any remaining net collections shall be distributed only to the County and shall be utilized solely for the purpose of funding public safety and library services and operations in the County, including, but not limited to, 911 services, emergency management services, law enforcement and jail operations, and library maintenance and operations. The levy and collection of the 0.25% Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax shall commence on and of such date as provided by Arkansas law and shall terminate on December 31, 2036.

Vote on the question by placing an “X” in one of the squares following the question, either for or against: FOR the adoption of a one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax within Van Buren County, Arkansas, the net collections of such tax to be distributed only to the County and used only for the purposes described above .….◻ AGAINST the adoption of a one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax within Van Buren County, Arkansas, the net collections of such tax to be distributed only to the County and used only for the purposes described above Question Five: There is submitted to the qualified electors of Van Buren County, Arkansas, the question of the levy of a one-half of one percent (0.50%) sales and use tax (the “0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax”) under the authority of the County Sales and Use Tax Act (as defined in Question One), the net collections of which will be utilized to the extent needed for the payment of debt service on the Library Project Bonds (defined in Question Six), if approved by the electors and issued by the County, and any remaining net collections shall be distributed only to the County and shall be utilized solely for the purpose of funding operations, personnel expenses and capital expenditures of the Van Buren County Rescue Squad and of qualifying volunteer fire departments in the County. The levy and collection of the 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax shall commence on and of such date as provided by Arkansas law and shall terminate on December 31, 2036.

Vote on the question by placing an “X” in one of the squares following the question, either for or against: FOR the adoption of a one-half of one percent (0.50%) Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax within Van Buren County, Arkansas, the net collections of such tax to be distributed only to the County and used only for the purposes described above AGAINST the adoption of a one-half of one percent (0.50%) Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax within Van Buren County, Arkansas, the net collections of such tax to be distributed only to the County and used only for the purposes described above Question Six: There is submitted to the qualified electors of the Van Buren County, Arkansas, the question of the issuance of capital improvement bonds in principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000 (the “Library Project Bonds”) pursuant to the County Sales and Use Tax Act (as defined in Question One) for the purpose of financing all or a portion of the costs of acquiring the facility currently being leased by the County for the purpose of housing the Van Buren County Public Library. If the issuance of the Library Project Bonds and the levy of either the 0.25% Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax described in Question Four or the 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax described in Question Five are approved, the Library Project Bonds shall be secured by a pledge of and lien upon all of the receipts of the Sales and Use Taxes which are approved.

Vote on the question by placing an “X” in one of the squares following the question, either for or against: FOR the issuance of Library Project Bonds in principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000 AGAINST the issuance of Library Project Bonds in principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000 Section 5. That the election shall be held and conducted and the vote canvassed and the results declared under the law and in the manner now provided for Arkansas county elections unless otherwise provided in the County Sales and Use Tax Act, and only qualified voters of the County shall have the right to vote at the election.

Section 6. That a copy of this Ordinance shall be given to the Van Buren County Board of Election Commissioners at least seventy (70) days prior to the date of the special election so that the necessary election officials and supplies may be provided. A certified copy of this Ordinance shall also be provided to the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration and

Page 11 LEGAL to the Treasurer of the State of Arkansas as soon as practical.

Section 7. That the results of the special election shall be proclaimed by the County Judge, and his proclamation shall be published one time in a newspaper of general circulation within the County. The proclamation shall advise that the results as proclaimed shall be conclusive unless attacked in the Circuit Court of Van Buren County within thirty (30) days after the date of publication of the proclamation.

Section 8. That the County Judge and the County Clerk, for and on behalf of the County, be, and they hereby are authorized and directed to do any and all things necessary to call and hold the special election as herein provided and, (i) if the levy of the 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax and the issuance of the Medical Center Refunding Bonds are approved by the electors, to cause the 0.25% Medical Center Sales and Use Tax to be collected in accordance with the County Sales and Use Tax Act, (ii) if the levy of the 0.25% Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax is approved by the electors, to cause the 0.25% Public Safety and Library Sales and Use Tax to be collected in accordance with the County Sales and Use Tax Act, (iii) if the levy of the 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax is approved by the electors, to cause the 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax to be collected in accordance with the County Sales and Use Tax Act, and (iv) to perform all acts of whatever nature necessary to carry out the authority conferred by this Ordinance.

Section 9. That, if approved by the voters and not otherwise utilized for the payment of debt service on bonds, the 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax shall be distributed by the County on a quarterly basis to the Van Buren County Rescue Squad and to the various volunteer fire departments located within the County.

Distribution of the available receipts of the 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax shall be made each quarter in equal portions to the Van Buren County Rescue Squad and to all “qualifying volunteer fire departments” within the meaning of the following sentence. A “qualifying volunteer fire department” shall be a volunteer fire department within the County which is (i) certified as in compliance with the provisions of Act 833 of 1991, as amended, of the Acts of the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas, (ii) audited by a certified public accountant on an annual basis, which audit shall include a reconciliation that Act 833 moneys and moneys derived from 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax receipts and received by the department during the time period being audited were expended for purposes permitted by Act 833 and as provided in the following sentence with respect to receipts of the 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax, respectively, and (iii) deemed to have passed the most recent readiness inspection, if any, conducted by the Van Buren County Office of Emergency Management or its designated representative. Receipts of the 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax transferred by the County to the Van Buren County Rescue Squad and to a volunteer fire department may be utilized for operating expenses, personnel expenses and capital expenditures directly related to firefighting and rescue services. A volunteer fire department not meeting the requirements of a “qualified volunteer fire department” as set forth above will not be eligible to receive any portion of the receipts of the 0.50% Fire and Rescue Sales and Use Tax until such full quarter as the department shall be deemed to satisfy all of such requirements and any transfers which the department would have received in prior quarters had it been deemed a “qualifying volunteer fire department” are forfeited. It is the intent of the County that any moneys distributed to “qualifying volunteer fire departments” in accordance with this Section 9 be utilized as supplementary funding, and it is not intended that existing funding sources, including assessments and subscription fees, be discontinued or reduced as a result of the receipt of moneys under this Section 9.

Section 10. That the County considers this Ordinance to be its declaration of official intent to issue the Medical Center Improvement Bonds and the Library Project Bonds and to make reimbursement to the County with a portion of the proceeds thereof for all original expenditures incurred by the County, or on its behalf, in acquiring, constructing or equipping any of said projects between the date that is sixty (60) days prior to the date of this Ordinance and the date a series of such Bonds is issued, plus a de minimis amount and preliminary expenditures, as such terms are defined in Section 1.150-2(f) of the Federal Income Tax Regulations.

Section 11. That Kutak Rock LLP is hereby engaged as Bond Counsel and Crews & Associates, Inc. is hereby engaged as Underwriter with respect to the issuance of the Bonds.

The fees and expenses of Bond Counsel and the Underwriter shall be a cost of issuance of the Bonds to be paid with Bond proceeds.

Section 12. That the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be separable and if any provision shall for any reason be held illegal or invalid, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Ordinance.

Section 13. That all ordinances and parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.

Section 14. That it is hereby ascertained and declared that there is a critical need to establish a source of funds to finance vital capital improvements, services and operations in order to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the County and its inhabitants. It is, therefore, declared that an emergency exists and this Ordinance being necessary for the immediate preservation of public, peace, health and safety shall be in force and take effect immediately from and after its passage.

PASSED AND APPROVED this 19th day of December , 2019.

APPROVED: /s/ Dale James Dale James, County Judge ATTEST: /s/ Pam Bradford Pam Bradford, County Clerk

LEGAL

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS FOURTH DIVISION NO. 71PR-2019-75 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY ANN PATELOVELL, deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS LAST KNOWN ADDRESS OF DECEDENT: 2701 S. Main Street DATE OF DEATH: January 2, 2019 The undersigned was appointed Executrix of the estate of the above-named decedent on December 13, 2019. A contest of the probate can be effected only by filing a petition within the time provided by law.

All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, duly verified, to the undersigned within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate. Provided, that claims for injury or death caused by the negligence of the decedent shall be filed within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of the notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in such estate.

THIS NOTICE first published this 31st day of December, 2019.

HENRY PATE and MARY WILSON, Co-Executors By: /s/ M. Edward Morgan M. EDWARD MORGAN, Bar No. 82113 MORGAN LAW FIRM, P.A. Attorney for Estate 148 Court Street Clinton, AR 72031 (501) 745-4044

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS FIRST DIVISION NO. 71PR-2019-114 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PAMELA R. DEARMOUN, deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS LAST KNOWN ADDRESS OF DECEDENT: Dumont, Butler, Iowa DATE OF DEATH: July 25, 2019 The undersigned was appointed Executrix of the estate of the above-named decedent on December 10, 2019. A contest of the probate can be effected only by filing a petition within the time provided by law.

All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, duly verified, to the undersigned within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate. Provided, that claims for injury or death caused by the negligence of the decedent shall be filed within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of the notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in such estate.

THIS NOTICE first published this 31st day of December, 2019.

TYLER ELIASON and JOHN ELIASON, Co-Executors By: /s/ M. Edward Morgan M. EDWARD MORGAN, Bar No. 82113 MORGAN LAW FIRM, P.A. Attorney for Estate 148 Court Street Clinton, AR 72031 (501) 745-4044

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, ARKANSAS FIRST DIVISION NO. 71PR-2019-97 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DOYAL JUNIOR LINN, deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS LAST KNOWN ADDRESS OF DECEDENT: 205 Mt. Trail Road Shirley, AR 72153 DATE OF DEATH: August 4, 2018 The undersigned was appointed Executrix of the estate of the above-named decedent on December 5, 2019. A contest of the probate can be effected only by filing a petition within the time provided by law.

All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, duly verified, to the undersigned within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate. Provided, that claims for injury or death caused by the negligence of the decedent shall be filed within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of the notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in such estate.

THIS NOTICE first published this 17th day of December, 2019.

EMMA LINN, Executrix By: /s/ Edward Morgan M. EDWARD MORGAN, Bar No. 82113 MORGAN LAW FIRM, P.A. Attorney for Estate 148 Court Street Clinton, AR 72031 (501) 745-4044

The Voice of Van Buren County

Page 12

December 31, 2019

CHURCH PAGE

Photo by EuGene Smith

Thanks to those of you who called and correctly identified last week's featured church as Half Moon Baptist Church. If you can identify this week's Church call 745-8040.

(Remember to give me a contact for the history of your Church. We want to print the history of every Church in Van Buren County. With your help, we will!)

Antioch General Baptist Church 1608 Highway 9, Fox (870)363-4509 Archey Valley Community Church Highway 254, Chimes Bee Branch Baptist 11509 Hwy 65 South, Bee Branch 654-2630 Bethel Community Church 17904 Highway 95 W, Cleveland Botkinburg Baptist Church 9297 Highway 65 N, Botkinburg 757-2069 Botkinburg Community Foursquare Church 7054 Highway 65 N, Botkinburg 745-2311 Burnt Ridge Community Church 5846 Burnt Ridge Road, Clinton 745-6737 Calvary Missionary Baptist Church ABA 144 Nickie Ave., Clinton 745-3245 Choctaw Baptist Church 208 Highway 330 E, Clinton 745-7370 Choctaw Christian Center 4157 Highway 65 S, Choctaw 745-8264 Choctaw Church of Christ 233 Highway 330 E, Choctaw 745-8264 Christian Fellowship Church 674 Highway 658, Clinton Church of Christ 20452 Highway 16 W, Alread 745-5498 Church of the Nazarene 1664 Highway 65 S, Clinton Clinton Church of Christ 184 Third Street, Clinton 745-4252 Clinton Seventh-day Adventist Church 125 Skyhill Drive, Clinton 745-4532 Clinton United Methodist Church 636 Joe Bowling Road, Clinton 745-5181 Colony Church of Christ Hwy 92 E, Bee Branch Corinth Baptist Church 5158 Holley Mountain Road, Clinton Cornerstone Evangelical Church 3351 Highway 330 S, Fairfield Bay 884-6657 Crabtree Foursquare Church 11301 Highway 16 W, Crabtree 745-2894 Culpepper Community Church 6055 Highway 336 W, Culpepper Culpepper Mountain Church of Christ 118 South Essie Road, Culpepper Damascus United Methodist Church 17194 Highway 65 S, Damascus Eagle Heights Baptist Church Independent Fundamental VBC Fairgrounds, Clinton 757-0013

Eglantine Church of Christ 3796 Highway 330 S, Shirley 884-6880 Fairbanks Community Church 4753 Arkansas 356 E, Bee Branch Fairfield Bay Baptist Church 481 Dave Creek Parkway, Fairfield Bay 884-3371 Fairfield Bay United Methodist Church 765 Dave Creek Parkway, Fairfield Bay 884-3373 Faith Christian 10839 Edgemont Road, Edgemont 723-8109 Faith Church Highway 65 N & Harper Mountain Lane, Dennard, AR 72629 Faith Lutheran Church 310 Snead Drive, Fairfield Bay 884-3375 First Assembly of God Church 2466 Highway 65 N, Clinton 745-2285 First Baptist Church of Clinton 211 First Baptist Road, Clinton 745-6113 First Baptist Church of Damascus 43 Oak Tree Road, Damascus 335-7440 First Baptist Church of Sugarloaf 557 Arkansas 337, Higden 654-2354 First General Baptist Church 664 Highway 16 E, Clinton 745-4043 First Pentecostal Church of Clinton Highway 65 S at 1128 Lyn Road, Choctaw Formosa Baptist Church 630 Highway 9 W, Clinton 745-7709 Formosa Church of Christ 6603 Highway 9 West Clinton AR. 745-4446 Friendship Baptist Church 1321 Third St., Clinton 745-7177 Full Gospel Tabernacle 128 Catland Lane, Shirley 723-4500 Grace Church 3793 Highway 65 S, Clinton 472-7462 Half Moon Baptist Church 1031 Half Moon Road, Clinton 745-2273 Harmony Mountain Church of Christ Quattlebaum and Harmony Mtn Roads 745-2059 Hope Community Church 905 Damascus Road, Quitman Immanuel Baptist Church 498 Highway 16 E, Clinton 745-8528 Kaley Hill Missionary Baptist 6505 Highway 356, Bee Branch Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 3624 Highway 65 S, Clinton 745-8781

Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church 250 Dave Creek Parkway, Fairfield Bay 884-3304 Landmark Missionary Baptist Church ABA 229 Third St., Clinton Lexington Baptist Church 9525 Highway 110, Clinton 723-4787 Liberty Missionary Baptist Church 2712 Highway 254 W, Chimes Community Low Gap Community Chapel 4320 Low Gap Road, Alread Lute Mountain Community Church Lute Mountain Road, off Highway 16, Shirley 723-8299 Main Line Full Gospel 114 Mariposa Loop, Bee Branch 253-1005 Maranatha Assembly of God 11929 Highway 16 E, Shirley 723-8181 Mount Zion Church of Christ 1202 Highway 16 W, Clinton 745-2572 Mount Zion General Baptist 2333 Mount Zion Road, Bee Branch 362-3807 New Beginning Church 12200 Highway 254 E, Dennard New Hope Baptist Church 4198 Highway 65 N, Clinton 757-2332 New Liberty Church of Christ 4815 Highway 95, Cleveland 669-2575 New Life Apostolic Church of Clinton 198 Richard Road, Clinton 745-6411 Peace Lutheran Church of Edgemont 10849 Edgemont Road, Edgemont 723-4726 Pee Dee Baptist Church 2744 Highway 16 E, Clinton 745-4115 Pine Grove General Baptist Church 102 Silvertree Road, Shirley Pine Mountain General Baptist Church Gravesville Cutoff Road, South of Bee Branch Plant Baptist Church 4897 Highway 110, Clinton 745-6887 Pleasant Grove Friendship Church 22210 Highway 16 W, Alread 745-8450 Pleasant Valley Baptist Church 5092 Banner Mtn Road, Shirley 723-4737 Pleasant Valley General Baptist No. 1 5153 Highway 92 W, Bee Branch Point Remove Baptist Church 10954 Highway 336 W, Formosa

Rabbit Ridge Church of Christ 215 Rabbit Ridge Road, Bee Branch 745-4634 Red River of Life Church of God 10839 Edgemont Road, Edgemont 723-8109 Rupert Baptist Church 21434 Highway 16 W, Clinton 745-8593 Salem Primitive Baptist Church Gravesville Cutoff Road, Bee Branch Sand Springs Missionary Baptist Church Highway 124 E, Damascus 335-8003 Sardis Freewill Baptist 4141 Highway 124, Gravesville 335-8027 Scotland Baptist Church 278 Postal Lane, Scotland 592-3787 Scotland Church of Christ 297 Scotland-Formosa Road, Scotland Scotland Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Church 1476 Scotland-Formosa Road, Scotland 592-3311 Settlement Baptist Church 10277 Highway 16 E, Shirley 501-215-1595 Shady Grove Baptist Church 5448 Shady Grove Road, Shirley 723-4273 Shady Grove Chapel 4790 Highway 254 E, Dennard Shirley Church of Christ 10509 Highway 16 E, Shirley 723-8101 Shirley Community Church/First United Methodist 784 Matthew Clark Memorial Drive, Shirley 723-4387 South Side Baptist Highway 65 N, Damascus 335-7423 St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 250 Woodlawn Drive, Fairfield Bay 884-3349 St. Jude Catholic Church 3178 Hwy 65 S, Clinton 745-5716 Tabernacle of Praise 159 Boston Fern Road, Shirley 723-8280 The Gathering Ministry Outreach 80746 Highway 16 W, Rupert 745-3883 The Zoo Church 12174 Highway 65 N, Dennard 514-8535 The Power House (non-denominational) 159 Mt. Zion Road, Bee Branch, AR 253-2385 Trace Ridge Bible Church Highway 254 W at Morris Road, Chimes Walnut Grove Church 6940 Highway 95 W, Clinton 745-3445 Zion Hill Missionary Baptist ABA 29129 Highway 16 W, Jerusalem 745-4467

Last Week's Featured Church

Half Moon Baptist Church 1031 Half Moon Rd, Clinton, AR 72031 (501)745-2273

Pawn • Shooting Sports

VAN BUREN COUNTY PROUD 794 Highway 65B Clinton, Arkansas

Tournament Fishing Tackle

(501) 745-2581

OPEN TIL 6:00pm MON-SAT (501) 745-6991

1863 Hwy 65 South, Clinton, AR 72031

195 Highway 16 E, Clinton, AR 72031 www.garypack.com GaryPackLumber

Deb's Fashions

Fashions

OPEN M-F 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

SAT 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

debsfashionsonline.com

501.745.3901

314 Ingram St behind EXXON off Hwy 65 in Clinton

The Voice of Van Buren County

December 31, 2019

December 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Darrell Jenson December 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hazel Nicholson December 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicole Roberson December 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lee Taylor December 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kim Aliff December 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loyd Holley December 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . Alton Spraschinske December 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Taylor December 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Tillery December 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jimmy Willis, Sr. December 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Johnny Hamilton December 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Johnson December 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martha Kilcrease December 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denver Pickett December 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kimberley Buckle December 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry Cullum December 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pauline Pronia December 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annabelle Sowell December 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mat Treece December 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tracy Cooley December 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don Israel December 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jolita Kuykendall December 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dennis Loven December 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beth Nelson December 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren Smith December 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emma Swofford December 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bruce Blair December 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tiffany Collister December 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Billy Emerson December 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Hopkins December 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berniece Isaac December 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lutzia Roberts December 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Litaker December 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sonja Swanson December 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Weaver December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jesse Ammann December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beth Arnold

Make us your Birthday Headquarters!

Main Street Florist & Gifts Happy Birthday Wishes Tammie Williams, owner 374 Main Street Clinton, AR • (501)745-3569 We deliver same day.

Teleflora & FTD Wire Services Available

www.mainstreetfloristclinton.com

Page 13

December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Evan Callahan January 01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christa Gammill January 01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wayne Honeycutt January 02 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph Woolsey January 03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric Allen January 03 . . . . . . "Denise Lee (Geer) Burgess" January 03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Griffin January 03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kcy Kirkendoll January 03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Roberson January 03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kip Stringer January 03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry Swan III January 03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Betty Wilson January 04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Bradley January 04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Davis January 04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Etta Hall January 04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Harris January 04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Curtis Ragland January 04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glenda Smith January 04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leslie Johnson January 04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Betty Wilson January 04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Codi Wingfield January 04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Wood January 05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bruce Bradford January 05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald Brafford January 05 . . . . . . . . . . . Kala Lasater Ehemann January 05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vickie Gammill January 05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arnold Rodgers January 05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Tsosie January 05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bridget Williams January 06 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Davis January 06 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joanne Hefner January 06 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amanda James January 06 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandra Powers January 06 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dustin Sellers January 06 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roy Sewell January 06 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Walker

We will have a Monthly Drawing from the Birthday names for a gift from one of the Birthday Page Sponsors!

Simply stop by our office and add your family and friends to our birthday list or email names and dates to us at thevoice@artelco.com or call us (501) 745-8040.

Sign up once and you are done.

Happy Birthday Wishes

Clinton - 179 Elm Street - 501-745-2441 Fairfield Bay - 121 Lost Creek Pkwy - 501-884-3384 www.regions.com Member FDIC

from

Susie Allen’s Salon Please call for appointments

501-745-4247 for you and your family.

P.E.H. Supply Inc. Plumbing, Electrical, Hardware, Industrial.

Happy Birthday Wishes to You! Cletes "Bill" Blantz, owner MMC (SW) U.S. Navy (Ret.) 4319 Highway 65 South Clinton, Arkansas 72031 Phone: 501-745-6222 Fax: 501-745-2102

Happyhday birthes! wis RadioShack®

Northside Shopping Center 117 Bone St

501-745-4988

Page 14

The Voice of Van Buren County

December 31, 2019

WE GIVE HONOR TO OUR VETERANS THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN OF OUR ARMED FORCES

Thank You!

SPONSORS VETERANS DAY

Bank of the Ozarks City of Clinton City of Damascus

City of Fairfield Bay Crowell Saw & Supply Dan & Debby Prout First Security Bank First Service Bank French Feed Jim Gillam L'Attitude Bistro Leon & Cindy Wilson Lucas Emberton Main Street Florist PEH Supply Regions Bank Roger Hooper Soaring Eagle Camp Town of Shirley The Grillot Family Clinton Drug Stephen and Shayne Daly