By CRYSTAL HOLLIS
T-H Staff Writer
An expected decrease in state funding was discussed during a monthly meeting of the Forrest City Public Library Board Monday afternoon.
Library Board Chairman Jim McInturff said he is not alarmed at the possibility at this point in time. "We have some money put back in reserves so we could operate for two years without the state aid," said McInturff.
According to information provided by the library, the facility received $32,000 from the state each year in recent years to pay the library director's salary.
McInturff said he would rather close the library for one night a week than lay off employees, but felt that would not be necessary just yet. He said they will continue a search for a head librarian, which will make the library eligible for more state aid.
Board member Brad Beavers said he would like to ask the state if they would reduce the requirements for a head librarian since the library will receive less funds.
"I would like to talk to our representatives and senators about the fact if the aid is going to be cut, then it's even more imperative that they review the requirements for a librarian to get the state aid. The state has all of these background and educational requirements that you can't get in the state of Arkansas, yet they require us to have somebody that has all that. Yet, you (state) cut our aid. I think that's something they could help us with," he said.
Also during the meeting, the board approved pay increases for two employees. They also passed a motion to stop categorizing the employees as Level I, II or III. The library employees will be called library assistants until a library director is hired. Children's services will be added under general duties, and will not be a title position anymore.
The board also voted to have all other appropriate duties be assigned by the co-directors, Deshawn Roberts and Sarah Jumper, who will share the position of co-directors until a librarian is hired.
The board discussed a web page for the library. The web page will allow the library to post its catalogs on the Internet.
By KENDALL OWENS
T-H Staff Writer
The Forrest City Education Association will host its annual retirement and awards banquet Friday, May 11, at the Forrest City Civic Center. The banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m.
State Representative Danny Ferguson will be the guest speaker.
"Representative Ferguson will be our keynote speaker for Friday night's event, and we're hoping that we have a large audience to hear him," said Mary Jeffers, FCEA representative.
According to Jeffers, Ferguson will be the highlight of a night that will see educators receive appreciation for their years of service to area children.
"During the festivities we will be giving awards to a number of teachers. Teachers dedicate a large portion of our lives to educating children and working with the generations of adults to come. This is a night that allows us to show appreciation to those that have spent their lives working to help and educate the children," Jeffers said.
Teachers with five, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30-plus years in education will be recognized for their achievements. Jeffers also said that teachers retiring from the district will be honored during the ceremony.
"Normally, each school gives their teachers something special during the banquet. This night is really a dedication to those teachers that have given their all to education. We will always try to do something to show appreciation to those who are retiring," she said.
For ticket information contact Nevada Banks or Jeffers at 633-3230.
Village Creek State Park invites the public to attend a star-gazing event being held Saturday, May 19 beginning at 7:30 p.m., in the visitor center auditorium
The Memphis Astronomical Society will be presenting programs on constellations and other night sky sights.
Following the programs, participants will be treated to a telescope viewing. In case of rain, the event will be moved to Saturday, May 26.
There is no charge for the program. For more information, call Village Creek State Park at 870-238-9406. The park is located about 15 miles north of Forrest City.