The Forrest City Police Department, in conjunction with the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration, will participate in the National Click It or Ticket Campaign next week.
The event will take place Monday, May 19, through Sunday, June 2, in an effort to further enforce the use of seat belt and child restraints.
According to Forrest City Police Chief Clarence McNeary, programs such as the Click It or Ticket program are needed in Forrest City. Last year, during the Buckle Up America Program, sponsored by the National Conference of Black Mayors, a seat belt usage survey indicated that less than 60 percent of Forrest City drivers use seat belts, and that the state average for Arkansas is 54 percent.
"This is an effort to try to get the citizens of Forrest City to buckle up for safety. We've participated in these types of programs before, and during this one we will once again be working under a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to seat belts," said McNeary.
According to Arkansas law, all children under the age of six or weighing less than 60 pounds, have to be restrained in a child passenger safety seat. Children over six or weighing at least 60 pounds have to be restrained in a seat belt. Arkansas drivers and passengers also are required to wear seat belts.
By ALAN SMITH
T-H Staff Writer
A Forrest City woman was killed in one of five wrecks Wednesday on Interstate 40 in St. Francis County.
Arkansas State Police with Troop D headquarters in Forrest City said Angela Faye Duff, 31, was pronounced dead at the Med Center in Memphis from injuries she sustained in the accident Wednesday morning.
Duff was involved in the first of the five wrecks that included one wreck a short time later on Interstate 40 between two tractor trailers. The trucks spilled purified isophtalic acid which left traffic moving slow or halted for much of the day.
Another crash occurred about 5 p.m. involving Robert D. Wells of Texas at the 227 westbound mile marker. According to the fire department, Wells' Honda was involved in a three-car accident and the fire trucks were called to the scene to extinguish the fire. However, when firemen arrived at the scene, the fire had been extinguished by another driver who had a fire extinguisher in his vehicle.
Firemen did help extract Wells from the vehicle, and he was airlifted to the Med where he is listed in critical condition today.
There were two other minor wrecks on the same stretch of I-40 Wednesday, but only minor injuries were reported.
Mayor Larry Bryant has announced that he is a candidate for reelection.
"The campaign season is quickly approaching; therefore, today I announce my intention to run for reelection to the office of Mayor of the City of Forrest City," said Bryant. "The campaign will focus on my record of accomplishments over the last three years."
Bryant continued, "During the last three years, the City of Forrest City has moved forward, running a surplus of over $3.5 million. The city has moved forward with an improved police department that has new cars, new communications equipment, better radar, state of the art fingerprinting equipment and a new mobile command vehicle. The city has moved forward with more firefighters, a new fire truck, new radio system, new bay doors, a new roof on the fire station and various equipment needed to deliver quality services to our citizens."
He said other signs of moving forward have been improvements in the recreation department, including restrooms at Stuart Springs Park, new fencing at the sports complex, replacement of old playground equipment at all parks, and more activities for youth and adults. He said the city is also moving forward at the Civic Center with a new video projector, new televisions, VCR's and DVD player, new lighting and other equipment.
He also said the city is moving forward by purchasing new equipment at city hall and all departments.
"Our motto is 'Just Do It,'" said Bryant. "We clear the ice and snow from our streets when needed, we remove the limbs and debris when needed, and we pave streets (over $1 million dollars spent), repair streets and build sidewalks all over town. We just do it, because that is our job. We work for the citizens of Forrest City."
Bryant continued, "I solicit your help to continue leading our city forward. If you want to continue having quality services for all the citizens of Forrest city, support the candidate who has a record of proven leadership, because leadership does count. If yo want to help in this effort, please contact me at 633-1013 or e-mail me at lys@ipa.net
"Check the record and join the team that works for all people. May the Lord continue his blessing on our city. Thanks to all of you who have helped me the last three years, and vote Mayor Larry S. Bryant for mayor on Nov. 5, 2002, a proven leader," he said.
St. Francis County Sheriff Dave Parkman is seeking his ninth term as St. Francis County Sheriff and Collector in Tuesday's Democratic Primary. Parkman is being challenged by Forrest City Police Department Animal Control Officer George Cochran.
Parkman, the father of three and the grandfather of six, is a graduate of Cross County High School and has spent several years working in law enforcement with both the Forrest City Police Department, where he served as both an officer and as chief of police, as well as his time as Sheriff. He is the widower of the former Irene Barnes Parkman.
Cochran, is the father of four and the stepfather of four, and is married to Doreen Cochran. He has served as a St. Francis County Constable and as the Animal Control Officer for Forrest City for several years. He is a graduate of Lincoln High School in Forrest City.
Both candidates sat down earlier this week for interviews with the Times-Herald, and answered a series of questions:
If elected, what changes would you make to the Sheriff and Collector's Office?
Parkman: "I don't foresee any major changes in my office. I want to continue operating in a fair and impartial manor and do the most efficient job of solving crimes and servicing the citizens of St. Francis County. Servicing the citizens is our major goal because I've always said that this isn't my office, it's the people's office, and I just manage it. I try to manage it in a way that the people can truly understand."
Cochran: "The Sheriff's Office would be more cooperative with the citizens not only of the county, but also the citizens of Forrest City. I would also have an open door policy and I would try to improve the relationship between the county and the city and state law enforcement agencies."
In your opinion, what services need improvements?
Cochran: "I feel that more arrests could be made in the county and I also feel that calls could be answered a lot quicker. Years ago we didn't have all of these problems with drugs and meth labs all over the county and that goes back to all of the law enforcement agencies cooperating with each other. That lack of cooperation is really hurting us."
Parkman: We're currently doing everything thing from unlocking cars to working homicides and everything in between, and I believe we do a pretty good job of that. There's always room for improvement, and we're going to continue to do the best job that we can."
What do you think is the most urgent issue facing counties today, St. Francis County in particular?
Parkman: "Curtailing the criminal activity and deterring the drug problem in the county is probably our biggest issue. Every county is in a real fight with the drug problem right now and we're doing our best to get it under control."
Cochran: "A lot of people in the county aren't working together. If we're divided nothing is ever going to get accomplished."
What type of experience do you have with budgets?
Cochran: "I don't have much experience with budgets but I would hire someone to handle the budgets. I would then get an auditor to check the books to make sure everything is correct. It doesn't make sense to me for the county not to have enough funding and I would look into that."
Parkman: "I've had 15-plus years working with the budgets of the three departments that I have under me and those three departments demand a big budget. We try to maintain conservative spending to help with those budgets because the Sheriff and Collector's office takes up a major portion of the county's general account."
Why are you the best candidate for the job of Sheriff and Collector?
Parkman: "All of my years in law enforcement have given me plenty of experience. I am retired from the Forrest City Police Department where I was also the Chief of Police and my time here has given me enough experience. I think that I am qualified for the job and with the problems that are existing now we need a person in here that has the experience that I do."
Cochran: "I think that it's time for a change and if given the chance I will prove myself."
How would your election benefit the residents of St. Francis County?
Cochran: "Once again, I feel that it is time for a change and I feel that I am the man for the job to do that."
Parkman: "For me everything goes back to service. I've always maintained an open door policy and that gives citizens an opportunity to come in and talk to me. If someone thinks that their problem is major enough to come to me with it then it's something worth listening to. I want to try to help people with their problems before they become major issues and I want to always take their issues seriously.
What word or phrase best describes yourself?
Parkman: "Honesty is the first word that comes to mind. I've always said that people might find someone else with the experience to come in here and do this job but they will never find anyone else more honest."
Cochran: "Honest and trustworthy."
In the St. Francis County Clerk's race, incumbent Elizabeth Smith is being challenged by Dick Krablin, former county clerk.
Smith, 63, lives at 1680 SFC 707, Forrest City. She has completed about 140 hours in the Clerk Certifica-tion Program. She has two grown sons, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Krablin, 69 lives at 69 SFC 3639, Colt. He is retired and has 162 hours in the Clerk Certification Program. He and his wife Jane have a grown daughter, a stepson and a stepdaughter, and one grandchild.
1. If elected, what changes would you make to this office?
Smith: I don't see a lot of changes. I have a couple of projects we're working on to make records more accessible to the public.
Krablin: I don't know of any changes I would make. That may sound like a strange answer, but I haven't investigated what's been going on in the two years I've been gone. I'm not knowledgeable concerning the activities that are being carried on at the present time.
2. In your opinion, what services need improvements?
Krablin: In my opinion, the service that needs improvement is being more compatible with other elected officials and people in the county, and trying to get harmony back in the courthouse.
Smith: I don't know exactly what services we could improve on. We wait on customers in a courteous and efficient manner as soon as they come in or as soon as possible.
3. What do you think is the most urgent issue facing counties today, St. Francis County in particular?
Smith: Probably our budget concerns with the shortfall we've been under. Every office has had to cut back. There have been some things we would like to update but haven't been able to because we haven't had the money to do it.
Krablin: I think the most important issue is to be aware of every expense involved versus the revenue that is going to be available to carry out the services that are going to be needed by the citizens of St. Francis county. In other words, I think the left hand needs to know what the eight hand is doing.
4. What type of experience do you have with budgets?
Krablin: The 14 years that I was the elected county clerk. And prior to that I was employed 27 years by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., 20 of those as store manager. And naturally, we had to operate within a budget.
Smith: I have worked with budgets for 30 years, because that is part of the county clerk offices duties -- working with budgets and financial matters.
5. Why are you the best candidate for the job?
Smith: I have 35 years experience in the County Clerk's office, working with the elected officials and other officials in the courthouse. I have knowledge of county government, budget, voter registration and elections.
Krablin. Well, I feel like I have gotten more experience as a county clerk than a deputy. I also feel I have worked with people to the point that I have the ability to keep peace among people when they are trying to work together to get a job done. I've done that not only during my political life.
6. How would your election benefit the residents of St. Francis County?
Krablin: In my opinion, my being elected would give them a friendlier atmosphere, someone who would be willing to help in every way possible. In the office I'm seeking, people come to the courthouse when they have a need.
Smith: I think the residents of St. Francis County will benefit because I am qualified. I have the knowledge to operate the office in an efficient manner. I feel responsible to the public, because they are the ones who put me in office. And I promise to do a good job for them as long as I am there.
7. What word or phrase best describes yourself?
Smith: I'll use the one on my card -- "Committed to good service for all citizens of St. Francis County."
Krablin. "Never give up. Never take no for an answer. Don't say no 'til you try."
Two people were sentenced to prison Wednesday on drug charges.
Ronald C. Midgett, 40, Caldwell, was given 15 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections for a reduced drug charge of intent to manufacture methamphetamine. He was arrested in February this year on a charge of criminal attempt to manufacture methamphetamine.
Roger Miller, 34, Forrest City, was sentenced to five years in prison. Miller was arrested in October 2000 on charges of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and driving on a suspended driver's license. The charges were merged during court activity Wednesday.
Three Forrest City men were arrested early this morning on charges of commercial burglary and theft under $500, in connection to a break-in at a local motel.
According to the police report, a caller informed police at about 2:50 a.m. that someone was breaking into one of the rooms at the Luxury Inn at 315 Barrow Hill Road. When the police arrived, they found three men allegedly breaking into a room. There was a television set in the truck of a vehicle that two of the men were sitting in. The manager of the motel identified the serial number of the TV as belonging in the room which was being burglarized.
Arrested were Charles Edward Cooley, 31, of 109 Church Street, Dale Walker Jr., 18, of 211 Oak Street, and Vincent Cordell Woodard, 20, of 301 Poplar. All three were charged with commercial burglary and theft of property under $500.
Over 700 St. Francis Countians have cast early ballots in the Democratic Primary races.
Early voting will continue from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and Monday with Saturday voting from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Polls will open Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. for the primary election.