Arkansas R.F.D.: January 2007 Archives

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Monday, January 29, 2007 - 18:54:45

Lets talk pipeline

The Forrest City Times Heareld has a very interesting story today regarding the proposed construction of a natural gas pipeline to stretch from Conway County across east Arkansas. A public meeting will be heald January 31st for area residents.

Posted by Adam Weeks at 06:54 PM | Permalink | Comments [0]

A total of three bald eagles found dead on DeGrey

The Arkadelphia Siftings Hearald has a story today on the discovery of three dead bald eagles this winter on Lake DeGrey. You may remember that there was a much larger die-off some years ago. That event is also discussed.

Posted by Adam Weeks at 06:47 PM | Permalink | Comments [0]

Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 14:54:24

Green Forest community a conundrum

The Harrison Daily Times reports that upon taking a survey of the wants and needs of its citizenry, the Green Forest committee working to build an application to become an Arkansas Community of Excellence found that citizens:

...were most proud that the town was family centered and safe and secure. They wanted a small-town atmosphere that is safe and friendly.
At the same time, they wanted good jobs, nice restaurants, big box stores like Wal-Mart or Target and a major community center like Berryville’s.
Mayor Richard Deweese noted that to draw the amenities they wanted, Green Forest would have to become a bigger town.

This is why it is so vital that a community have strong leadership in its local government.

Posted by Adam Weeks at 02:54 PM | Permalink | Comments [1]

Ten year plans

There are lots of stories out there regarding ten year plans for school districts.

From the Log Cabin Democrat we have a report on the Guy Perkins plan.

From the Ashley County Ledger we have the Hamburg plan.

And from the Johnson County Graphic, we have the Westside School District plan.

Posted by Adam Weeks at 02:47 PM | Permalink | Comments [0]

Huckabee gets taken to the woodshed

The Baxter Bulletin has a scathing little editorial on the conduct of former governor Huckabee. They want to know what he had to hide on all of those hard drives. They also question his candidacy for President.

Posted by Adam Weeks at 02:38 PM | Permalink | Comments [0]

Monday, January 22, 2007 - 15:08:04

The Beaver Bridge

The town of Beaver Arkansas (near Eureka Springs) has learned that they are finalists for The Department of Parks and Tourism's Heritage Award. According to the article in the Carroll County News, the community was able to convince the Arkansas Highway Department to continue to maintain their one-lane bridge over (can't remember which lake that is).

If you've never seen or driven across the bridge, you're missing a real treat. Its a cable suspension bridge with wooden planks across the full expanse. You have to watch the stoplight on each end in order to know when its o.k. to cross. Then once you start across, the bridge has a sort of up and down sway to it. My favorite part though is the sound of your tires as they roll across the planks. I only wish they hadn't painted it that hideous color yellow. Its much more garish in person.

For more photos of the bridge, go here.

Posted by Adam Weeks at 03:08 PM | Permalink | Comments [1]

Downtown Texarkana

I ran across a post on Steve Harrelson's blog about a recent Op-Ed piece in the Texarkana Gazette regarding that city's downtown revitalization efforts. It sounds as though Texarkana is experiencing the same challenges as other communities attempting to revitalize their downtown: moderate success won at a snail's pace through the efforts of a a handful of visionaries blessed with a huge dose of tenacity.

We've all heard of the successes of Little Rock's River Market and Eureka Springs' Victorian historic district but around the state there are several other communities that have also had success with downtown redevelopment. Conway has seen new construction and loft living developed in its downtown. Harrison has been successful at creating a quaint shopping district around its historic town square. Russellville has been able to build momentum around the revitalization of its historic railroad depot. And Hardy's downtown has long been a haven for antique stores, crafts shops, and canoe rentals.

Posted by Adam Weeks at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments [0]