By KENDALL OWENS
T-H Staff Writer
With the threat of winter weather looming as the interstate systems begin to back up with holiday travelers, Lt. Tommy Wicker with Arkansas State Police Troop D in Forrest City, is urging patience and caution for all drivers.
According to Wicker, while the actual holiday travel period may have already begun for many, the official start of the holiday period for Troop D will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday. The holiday period will end at midnight on Sunday, Dec. 26. The possibility of winter weather on Wednesday and Thursday could make congested travel more of a problem later in the week.
"People need to understand that there will be a lot of traffic on the roads this week. We're already seeing an increase in traffic on the interstate system, and it will only get more congested as the week goes on. Now, the weather forecasters are predicting quite a bit of rain for tomorrow with that turning into snow as the day goes on. If the temperatures get low enough, that's going to turn to ice and that's always a problem. Drivers need to be cautious on the interstate due to the traffic, but the weather means that everyone is going to have to be both patient and cautious so that everyone can have a happy holiday and arrive at their destinations safely," Wicker said.
Wicker also said that the increased traffic will also see an increase in troopers patrolling the roadways.
"We're going to have everyone on duty this week and they will be patrolling the highways and the interstate systems specifically. We want everyone to have a safe holiday so we'll be out there to assist motorists," Wicker said.
While there are no specific seat belt enforcement programs currently under way, Wicker said that troopers will have an eye out for those not following seat belt laws, specifically child restraint laws.
"We don't have any programs currently underway, but everyone has been told to keep an eye out for seat belt usage. We will enforce the seat belt laws and will specifically be on the lookout for those not using child restraints," he said.
By ALAN SMITH
T-H Staff Writer
The Forrest City Cyber Café hosted its first Christmas Village this past Saturday, providing food and fun for children in St. Francis County. The event was hosted by the St. Francis County Community Development Corporation. Carla Stewart, the housing coordinator for the SFCCDC, stated that the organization hopes to make this an annual tradition.
"We are hoping this will turn out to be a yearly event," said Stewart. "We are providing refreshments, games, computer access and pictures with Santa Claus. We wanted to give the children a chance to socialize and have a good time at Christmastime. They also have access to the Internet through our computers here. It has just been great so far."
Stewart stated that the event was just a part of what the Cyber Café does all year.
"This is part of our year round effort to give area children some where to go to with a positive atmosphere. We provide other special programs throughout the year, we give them a place to go after school to do their homework and to have access to computers. We are open to the public, not just children, everyone is welcome here and we provide snacks and Internet all free of charge."
The operating hours of the Forrest City Cyber Café are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Fridays.
By DAVID NICHOL
T-H Staff Writer
The Widener City Council on Monday discussed the possible purchase of one piece of property, and the possible condemnation of two others.
The property which the city is interested in purchasing is separated from the city hall property by an alley. It was reported to the council that there was a $2,000 asking price.
There is a house on the property, and a basement, which reportedly is flooded.
Mayor Dot Halford said she thought the price was too high.
There was a question of what the city might do with the property. Police Chief Shelly Bieber said it might be a good future location for a city shop.
The matter was tabled so that council members could mull over the asking price.
There are two dilapidated houses which the council would like to condemn, but members are concerned about making sure the law governing condemnations is followed to the letter. Bieber mentioned that the city does not have a building inspector.
There was some discussion about asking a qualified inspector to look over the two houses before actual condemnation procedures begin. Halford said she would try to find someone to do that part of it.
On another matter, the council agreed to give city employees bonuses for this year, amounting to one extra week's pay. No bonuses were given last year.
The Forrest City City Council is scheduled to meet in regular session at 7 tonight at city hall.
Councilmen will consider two items of unfinished business. Councilmen are expected to continue discussing a proposed preliminary plat for the Meadowbrook Subdivision near Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. The council will also consider a request by Joe King with King Disposal for a garbage rate increase based on the Consumer Price Index.
Under new business, the council will hear the second reading of two ordinances regarding the city's water service. The first ordinance would be to amend current water rates, and the second would be for the modification of water purchases and service contracts for Caldwell, Widener, Palestine and the St. Francis Rural Water Association.
In other business, the council is also expected to discuss the city's budget for next year and a resolution regarding the condemnation of structures within the city.
Two other meetings are also scheduled for tonight.
The Caldwell City Council will meet at 5 p.m. at city hall.
The Forrest City Water Department will meet at 5:30 p.m. at
the water department. Water commissioners are considering asking
the city council to approve a rate increase to provide extra money
for current and future improvements.
A Forrest City man is charged with two counts of breaking and entering after he was caught trying to break into soft drink machines at a local motel Monday morning.
Earvin Parchman, 41, 816 W. Broadway St., Forrest City, was arrested by officers with the Forrest City Police Department on two counts of breaking or entering.
According to the police report, an employee at Best Western saw Parchman allegedly trying to break into two soft drink machines about 9:30 a.m. The employee said he saw Parchman get out of his truck and walk through a breezeway toward the machines before he heard a loud noise, and when he went to investigate, saw the subject moving the machines away from the wall.
After being confronted by the employee, the suspect fled in his truck to a nearby auction yard where he was caught a short time later.
The employee told police he had checked the machines about 7:30 a.m. and there was no prior damage.
Also on Monday, an employee at Food Giant told police he noticed a soft drink machine at that business had been broken into during the night. According to the police report, about $40 was stolen and about $300 damage was reported to the machine.