By DAVID NICHOL
T-H Staff Writer
The flu season is approaching, and the local Health Department expects to be able to start giving flu shots about the second or third week of November.
"We're ready, we're waiting," said Bonnie Dodson, head of the local Health Unit. "There are no indications whatsoever that there will be a delay" as there was last year. She said there is likewise no indication that there will be a shortage this year.
"It's not anything out of the ordinary," she said. "It's a part of the process. The flu season will be here soon, but we're still well within good recommended guidelines for getting the vaccine and getting everyone immunized."
The cost of the shots is not known yet. Dodson said the price is set by the state Department of Health, and "We haven't gotten an official notice as to what the fee will be."
The influenza season in Arkansas usually starts in late December. According to the Arkansas Department of Health, it takes around one to two weeks for a person to develop immunity after receiving the shot.
According to a press release, everyone is encouraged to get a flu shot; however, there are groups considered at high risk for developing complications from influenza.
These high risk groups include: Persons 65 of age and older; residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities that house people with chronic medical conditions; adults and children who have chronic disorders of their pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma; Adults and children who required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the proceeding year because of chronic metabolic diseases, renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies and immunodeficiency caused by medications or HIV/AIDS; children or teens (aged 6 to 18) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and therefore may be at risk for developing Rye Syndrome after influenza infection; women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season; persons who can transmit the flu to those at high risk, including health care workers, employees of nursing homes and chronic care facilities, employees of assisted living and other residences for persons in high risk groups; household members, including children of persons in high-risk groups.
Influenza passes from an infected person to the nose or throat of others. It can cause fever, chills, headache, caught, sore throat and muscle aches. The virus is spread primarily by coughing and sneezing. An effective way to stop the spread of the virus is frequent hand washing and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
In addition, there are four antiviral drugs currently on the market which can help ease flu symptoms.
According to the press release, it is also recommended that high risk groups get a pneumoccocal vaccination to protect against bacterial pneumonia.
By TAMARA JOHNSON
Managing Editor
A local motel clerk was tied up and robbed at gunpoint this morning.
A desk clerk at the Econo Lodge, 204 Holiday Dr., Forrest City, reported that about 4 a.m., a black male entered the lobby and began asking about room prices, but left.
The subject returned about 15 minutes later with another black male subject. Once inside the lobby, the first suspect pulled a gun on the desk clerk, jumped the counter and tied up the desk clerk. The two suspects then proceeded to remove the money from the cash register and look through the rest of the lobby.
No one was injured in the robbery.
Witnesses told police a white car was observed leaving the motel at a high rate of speed toward Highway 1 just after the time of the robbery.
Police described the first suspect as a dark-skinned black male about 25 years old, standing about 5 feet, nine inches tall, with facial hair and weighing about 130 pounds. He was wearing an orange shirt with a black jacket, blue jeans and a pair of black shoes.
The second subject is described as a light-skinned black male subject between the ages of 18 to 25, standing about five feet, five inches tall, weighing about 120 pounds and wearing a plain red cap on his head, a red shirt, dark blue jeans and black and red shoes.
The FCPD is asking that anyone with information regarding the robbery to contact authorities at 633-3434, or the Forrest City Crime Stoppers at 870-261-1499. Crime Stoppers may pay up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspects involved. Crime Stopper calls are anonymous.
By DAVID NICHOL
T-H Staff Writer
The Caldwell City Council heard a report on the recent Cotton Pickin' Festival at its regular meeting Tuesday night, and it was declared a success, both from an enjoyment standpoint and an economic one.
Mayor Gary Hughes and several council members commented that they had each been approached by people who had commented favorably on the festival. Hughes also reported that a healthy profit was made.
"We ended up with right at $5,000 in revenue for the festival," he said. "And the expenses are $3,100. So we are looking at about a $2,000 profit on the festival."
Hughes said it took a lot of people working to make the festival succeed.
"A lot of people worked harder than I did," said Hughes. "I know at one time I looked out, and we had 30-35 people working, volunteering their time at one time, with different things that were going on -- the kid games and all. For a small town, it's pretty good to find that many volunteers."
On another matter, the council passed a resolution opposing the passage of proposed Amendment 3, which if approved by Arkansas voters will remove the sales tax on food and medicine.
"Of course, we'd all love to have that, except for what the results would be," said Hughes. He said the loss in revenue would actually end up hurting those that the tax cut was meant to help, particularly those on Medicare.
Hughes also told the council that there will be a meeting of the Caldwell Planning Commission on Monday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m.
A Forrest City School District bus loaded with students enroute to school Wednesday morning was struck by a car at a local intersection.
The Forrest City Police Department reported the 1986 GMC bus, driven by Joel A. Davenport, 43, 3616 SFC 735, Forrest City, was struck by a 1970 Chevrolet, owned by Arnie Phillips, but driven by Benny Henderson, 47, 249 SFC 215, Forrest City. The accident occurred just after 7:30 a.m. at the Turner and Airport roads intersection.
According to the accident report, there were 50 students in various grade levels on the bus. No injuries were reported.
Police said Henderson was attempting to turn right onto Airport Road when he said he did not see the stopped school bus and struck it.
An estimated $2,500 damage was reported to the bus, and about $2,000 damage was reported to the car.
Henderson is charged with careless driving, no insurance, no vehicle license and a warrant for theft by receiving.