By KENDALL OWENS
T-H Staff Writer
After a weekend filled with rain, and no end in sight, several St. Francis County roads are beginning to show signs of wear.
St. Francis County Judge Carl Cisco said road crews spent a portion of the past weekend closing roads and assessing the damage from this rain that occurred during the weekend. The rain this week is adding to the problems.
"We were out Sunday, putting out barrels and closing roads that were covered. We have used up all of our barricades, so we're hoping that we don't see much more of this. Right now, we haven't had significant damage, but we're seeing some washouts and some pot holes that are a concern for us," Cisco said.
Although there is no major damage, Cisco said that due to the continuing rain, crews may not be able to handle major repairs until the rain ends.
"The biggest problem that we're facing is that we can't get our equipment out on many of the roads because it's just too wet. We can't grade roads that are rough and have holes, and the road conditions will make it tough for some of our other heavy equipment," Cisco said. "There were a few spots that we were about to start some major work on that now we have to wait to get to. We have the rip and pipes out there, but now we have to wait a little while longer to get in there and get everything fixed."
Forecasters are calling for more rain this week.
By DAVID NICHOL
T-H Staff Writer
The City of Caldwell is seeking a grant from the state Department of Economic Development for a generator to serve the city hall and fire department, and is looking into the possibility of seeking a grant for a new fire engine.
Those two possibilities were discussed during a brief city council meeting Monday.
"We've submitted an application for a grant for a generator, and we expect to hear something from that before the next meeting," said Caldwell Mayor Gary Hughes.
On the subject of the fire engine, Hughes said the fire department's existing equipment is getting old. The grant he is looking at going after would be a 90-10 match.
In the only business conducted, the council approved a building permit for a garage on Ross Street.
Because of recent heavy rains, the subject of flooding came up.
"I'm not sure of anything, no one's called me," Hughes said, and added that the city will have to do some paving this spring. "There are a few areas that still have a few more potholes."
Frank Killingsworth, who was appointed to fulfill the unexpired term of council member Joe Hughes, was present but did not vote. Hughes said arrangements would be made to have him sworn in before the next meeting.
St. Francis County Quorum Court Justice Donald Cagle announced his plans today to seek reelection to the position of District 11, Justice of the Peace.
Cagle, who is seeking his second term on the court, emphasized the importance of continuity in the court as justices attempt to work through the budget problems facing the county due to a lack of state funding.
"During our current economic time of struggle, with the lack of funding from the state, we all have to work together. This court has managed to budget at the same time staying away from any major layoffs in comparison with some other counties across the state. I feel that in the upcoming months the problem will be even greater and we will have to continue to work together to make the cuts necessary to see the county through," Cagle said. "By working together I think we can continue to provide the citizens of St. Francis County with the level of service that they have become accustomed too," he added.
Cagle, a resident of Palestine, is the husband of Linda Cagle. The couple are the parents of three, a son, Jeff Cagle and two daughters, Donna Matthews and Denna Simpson. They also have seven grandchildren.
"I want to thank the people of District 11 for their support and I would like to ask for their continued support on May 21," Cagle said.
St. Francis County Quorum Court Justice B. McCollum Jr., announced today his intention to run for reelection to the Quorum Court Justice District 2 position.
McCollum, who has served on the Quorum Court for over 30 years, has been a member of the jail committee, the regional jail committee and is presently a member of the county's budget committee.
McCollum, who was born and raised at Greasy Corner near Hughes, said, "I've always stressed to my constituents that when anything comes up, I'm just a phone call away, and that has not changed. I appreciate the support and trust that I have earned in the past. I have enjoyed serving, and hope to continue to serve the citizens of District 2 and St. Francis County."
According to McCollum, a retired farmer, his time on the Quorum Court has taught him that working together as a court is what works best for St. Francis County. McCollum also stressed that his relationship with not only his fellow justices, but also the county officials, could be the key in getting the county through the current budget strife facing the county with state funds still low.
"I have a good working relationship with the entire court and all the county officials. I feel that my experience, and a good working knowledge of how county government operates, will help us get through this time," said McCollum.
McCollum and his wife Jeanette are members of the First Baptist Church of Hughes. They have one daughter, Sheila, of Memphis.
March is National Nutrition Month, and in keeping with that, the local Cooperative Extension Service has planned an event to help families put an emphasis on good nutrition and health.
The event, "Start Today For A Healthy Tomorrow," will be held Thursday, March 21, at the Forrest City Civic Center, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
There will be events for the entire family, including children, teenagers, parents and grandparents. Health screening will also be available.
Games and quizzes on nutrition and health will teach important lessons in an enjoyable way.
There will also be exercise and physical events, and competitions.
There will be a concession stand, as well as samples of nutritious snacks.
Partners with the Cooperative Extension Service with this event include Traylor Chiropractic Clinics, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the Tobacco Prevention and Education Coalition (TPE), the St. Francis County Farm Bureau Women's Committee, St. Francis County Hometown Improvement (HHI), Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), Baptist Memorial Hospital-Forrest City, St. Francis County 4-H and Extension Homemakers Club members.
National Nutrition Month (NNM) is also a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by the American Dietetic Association (ADA).
Times-Herald readers can now find each evening's television listings in the daily editions of the newspaper.
The Signs of the Times magazine, which had been previously inserted inside each Friday's edition, has been discontinued.
Times-Herald readers will find a television grid listing evening programming from 6 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Entertainment page inside each day's edition.
Times-Herald Publisher Weston Lewey said there are a variety of reasons for the change. "The costs for producing a separate television guidebook for our readers was far outweighing the revenue being produced by the product. There are also so many different channels on television now that there is no way we could carry all of the cable listings. We just did not feel the TV guide was timely anymore.
"We believe the placement of the TV listings in each afternoon's edition will better serve our readers and this newspaper," Lewey added.