By TAMARA JOHNSON
Managing Editor
The Caldwell elementary campus will close its doors one last time when the summer recess bell rings on May 26.
By a vote of 4-2, the Forrest City School Board on Monday elected to close that campus and relocate those students in kindergarten through fifth grades to the Old Stewart building near the Lincoln Middle School campus to begin the 2004-05 school year. Board members Henry Peacock and Rev. Ronald Williams voted against closing Caldwell.
A plan to reorganize the Madison campus as a pre-kindergarten facility was also proposed, but failed after the board vote ended in a 3-3 tie. Board members Rev. Aubrey Jayroe, Mallory Nimocks and Dr. Wayne Jones voted to reorganize the campus while Williams, Peacock and board member Sandra Taylor voted against the plan. That facility will continue serving pre-k through first grade students.
Both votes were taken during the regular board meeting that followed a public hearing at which opposition to each plan was voiced by supporters of both campuses.
In other business, the board authorized the final payment of $371,495 to Kenco Construction for the new junior high school.
Peacock said he had noticed some drainage problems around the building and asked that those be addressed. He voted against the final payment.
The board also reviewed several proposals for changes to student handbooks. Those changes will be addressed at the June meeting, after board members review the proposals. Among the changes in the student handbooks would be the removal of corporal punishment as an option for discipline at all campuses.
Board members approved some changes to the district's personnel policies for certified and classified personnel, but tabled a request for a pay raise.
Additional changes to the personnel policies were submitted,
but those were tabled until after the board reviews the plans.
By TAMARA JOHNSON
Managing Editor
Supporters of two elementary campuses in the Forrest City School District voiced their concerns over proposed changes during a public hearing Monday night in the Forrest City Junior High School auditorium.
The hearing was arranged for school board members to hear from patrons of each campus regarding the district's reorganization plan.
More than 50 people attended the hearing, with most of those speaking in favor of keeping the Madison Elementary campus intact. Only a few spoke on behalf of the Caldwell Elementary campus.
Superintendent Lee Vent opened the meeting by offering some background on the school district as a whole and the reasons behind his recommendation to the board that Caldwell be closed and Madison be used as a pre-kindergarten-only facility. The closing of Caldwell would force those students to relocate to the Old Stewart building near the Lincoln Middle School campus.
At the April board meeting, Vent outlined four plans for reorganizing the district, but at this time, only one of those is feasible, due to the district's free-lunch program designation.
Vent described the plan for Madison and Caldwell as "more effective and more efficient in financial and curriculum instruction. I know change is difficult, and change is hard. We're all turf shepherds by nature. Logistically, it's difficult for us to deal with Caldwell."
According to Vent, 45 percent of the students at Caldwell are transported to school via bus, and due to the district's transportation hub, those students arrive for classes 30 minutes late each day and leave 30 minutes early.
"That's five hours each week in instructional time lost, and the 30 minutes in the morning is prime instructional time," Vent said. Based on his figures, a bus riding student who attends Caldwell for the entire elementary period of kindergarten through fifth grade loses over a year of instruction because of the transportation issue. "Each child (riding a bus) misses about 36 days of instruction each year," Vent said. "The importance of all of this is the children. Caldwell is struggling, and what's sad is, those figures are conservative."
Stacy Price was the most vocal parent supporting Caldwell, and asked the board how she was expected to explain to her eight-year-old child that his school might close.
"To see Caldwell close is like a slap in the face to this school system. The teachers there are wonderful. I don't want to see Caldwell close because I believe it would be a disservice to the community and school," Price said. "They don't begin classes until all students are there. If you close Caldwell, you might as well close all of the Forrest City schools. This will disrupt not only this generation of students, but generations to come."
Caldwell Mayor Gary Hughes spoke on behalf of the Caldwell community to express what he referred to as "sadness and disappointment" over the proposed closing of the school.
"It would be a big blow to the continued progress of our community," Hughes said. "Caldwell is the fastest growing city in St. Francis County. Nothing looks worse than to drive through and see a school closed, especially one that is boarded up. I think we need to think about this. It's definitely going to be a big problem with our continued progress.
"I trust you will continue to look at options and find an option to keep the Caldwell school open," Hughes said.
Vent questioned Hughes' comments. "I'm confused about your support of the Caldwell school. We have signed affidavits showing that your kids attend Palestine-Wheatley schools."
Hughes responded, "We do have property in Palestine. We stay in Palestine during the week to comply with state guidelines, as most people do. I'm not sure what that has to do with anything. I support the Caldwell school and I'm speaking on behalf of the community."
Evette Wright, a parent of a Madison Elementary student, read a letter from the Madison Parent Teacher Organization urging them to keep that facility open. "We are proud of our school, and we do not want it to be closed or reorganized," she said.
Madison Mayor James Brooks requested on behalf of the city that the board allow the Madison school to remain as it is. "We're committed to improving and changing the conditions of our city. The school in Madison is a brand new school with two rooms not being utilized at this point. We've begun to see real benefits of that school. If there are any other options, rather than cutting back at Madison, I'd like for those to be considered."
Charlene Sykes addressed rumors she had heard that the Madison campus was being considered for an alternative school setting. "I know that is a needed school, but why would you want to move children out of a brand new school and bus them to other schools. For there to be no school in Madison, I think Madison will perish."
Jessica Lewis, a student at FCHS and the 2004 class salutatorian, said she is a product of the Madison school, and urged the board to keep the school open. "It is in the best interest of the city, our school system and our students," Lewis said.
Ennis Hardrick, a Madison resident and teacher at Madison Elementary, said she believes Madison is pro-education, and offered a petition, signed by Madison residents, to keep the school open.
Board President Rev. Aubrey Jayroe thanked the group for attending
the public hearing and said the comments would be taken into consideration
before a decision would be made. "We just want to have the
best education possible for all of our students and this community,"
Jayroe said.
By DAVID NICHOL
T-H Staff Writer
Unable to vote on any issues due to lack of a quorum, the Forrest City Civic Center Commission on Monday listened to concerns voiced by several representatives of civic clubs which meet at the center on a weekly basis.
The civic clubs are concerned that the current caterer's contract is set to expire May 30, and nothing is in its place yet.
Chairperson Delores Morelon began the meeting by reading a letter from Mayor Larry Bryant.
The letter states, in part, "I have concluded that we must combine the best of the old catering contract, with the new approach of having outside caterers, as passed in our meeting."
The letter goes on to advocate an advertised bidding process for an in-house caterer, "with stipulations."
The stipulations, according to the letter, should include the use of the kitchen by outside caterers, a fee schedule for both the in-house and outside caterers, cleanup procedures, who is responsible and the priority of catering events.
The letter requests that the commission discuss the points in the letter and advise the mayor, "so that I might incorporate them into my proposal to the City Council. I need your ideas by 3:50 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12."
The letter also suggested that all booked catered events be honored for up to 30 days after the bid is accepted.
Arlis Cummings, representing the Rotary Club, was the first to speak.
"Our concerns are mainly...is anything moving? Are you moving forward?" Cummings asked. "Of course, the letter says the mayor is working on it. The big question I guess over which everyone is concerned -- I know Rotary is -- is come June 1, what's on the table?"
He said there were concerns that there would not be enough time. He said the clubs need to know what to do.
"Are we going to be forced to look for another place to meet for a period of time? Are we going to be forced to look for a caterer to come in and provide our luncheon meal? If so, what credentials will that caterer need to have? It's going to be a challenge, finding someone on short notice."
It was stated -- and has been stated in City Council meetings -- that any qualified caterer, including Jim Hitchcock, the person who currently has the Civic Center catering contract, would be able to continue catering at the facility. However, part of the problem, according to Cummings, is that Hitchcock has said he will not continue catering their meetings after his contract expires.
"I don't know whether everyone understands that or not," said Cummings. "Yes, I guess Jim would be allowed to, but he's not going to. So after May 30 we have no one to prepare food at the Civic Center."
In another part of the discussion, there were concerns expressed over the proposal to have a fee schedule for both in-house and outside caterers. The price would be passed on to those who have meals catered by the in-house caterer. Some thought it might cause a financial problem for the smaller clubs, such as the Lions and Kiwanis, which also had representatives at the meeting.
Forrest City Alderman Roy Hancock, who attended the meeting, said it wasn't fair for the in-house caterer not to have to pay a fee to the city.
There was also some discussion of how many caterers there were locally. Cummings said there are only two caterers listed in the telephone book. However, there was some talk that as many as six had been mentioned.
Discussion was limited, because the only commission members present were Morelon, Lois Walker and Willie Ann Ford. Commissioners Shirley Harvell, Ted Parker and Marcus Freeman were absent. In addition, Hitchcock and Bryant were absent from the meeting and could not be asked questions directly.
Morelon was asked if the commission could have a called meeting before the Wednesday deadline which Bryant requested in his letter, and she said she wasn't sure. There was also doubt expressed that anything could be in place before May 30.
The valedictorian and salutatorian have been announced for the Forrest City High School Graduating Class of 2004.
Cara Joy Murry is the valedictorian, and Jessica Chante Lewis is the salutatorian.
Murry is the daughter of Tom and Rebecca Murry. While in high school, she has been a member of the Mustang Band, Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Principal's Club, Art Club, Spanish Club, and has served as a fire marshal.
In Addition, Murry is very active with the Rolling Readers program in the school district and also with the Forrest City Area Humane Society. During her high school career, she has maintained a 3.91 grade point average.
Murry plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and major in landscape architecture.
The salutatorian is Jessica Chante Lewis, the daughter of Johnnie Mae Lewis and the late Robert Lewis.
During her high school tenure, Lewis has maintained a 3.90 grade point average.
Also while in high school, Lewis was the president of the Principal's Club, vice-president of the Beta Club, a member of the Future Community Career Leaders of America, Mu Alpha Theta, Mustangs Against Drugs and Tobacco, and a delegate of Arkansas Business Academy.
Lewis plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and pursue a double major in finance and economics.
Graduation will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 14, at Sam Smith Stadium.
By KENDALL OWENS
T-H Staff Writer
A Forrest City woman charged with two counts of negligent homicide in connection with an accident that killed a Marianna couple last June received the maximum penalty of 10 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections this morning as part of a plea agreement.
According to First Judicial District Prosecutor Chris Morledge, Caroline Williams, 40, 340 Turner Circle, Apt. 11, Forrest City, entered a guilty plea this morning in Circuit Court. According to Morledge, as a condition of a plea agreement, Williams was sentenced to two 10 year sentences in the ADC which will run concurrent in connection with the deaths of John Jones, 49, and his wife, Danita D. Jones, 48, of Marianna.
According to a report from Arkansas State Police Troop D headquarters last year, the Jones' were traveling south on Highway 1 on a 1992 Harley Davidson when Williams, who was driving a 1993 Oldsmobile, turned in front of the motorcycle near the intersection of Hwy. 1 and South Rosser Street. John Jones died at the scene of the accident from injuries suffered in the collision and his wife Danita died a week later at the Regional Medical Center in Memphis.
Along with the negligent homicide charges, Williams faced charges of driving while intoxicated, failure to yield to a left turn and driving with an expired driver's license.
In other court action this morning, a former Arkansas State Trooper facing six counts of forgery and a theft of property charge saw his case continued until November after terms could not be reached on a plea agreement.
According to Morledge, the trial of former ASP corporal Howard Smith, 50, of Forrest City, is now scheduled for November 16, after the continuance was issued this morning.
"The state was prepared to go to trial today, but Mr. Smith's attorney had a mandate to be in federal court in Little Rock tomorrow and asked for a continuance until the November term of court. The state objected to the continuance but the judge issued it due to the federal judges mandate to the attorney and we understand that," Morledge said.
Smith, was accused of stealing close to $94,000 from the Special Olympics in February of 2003. At the time of the alleged offenses Smith, who was a 25-year veteran with the ASP, was still employed with the state police.
According to Morledge, Smith declined to accept a plea agreement offered by the state.
"We made an offer which included time in the Department of Corrections and he was not inclined to take it," Morledge said.
By DAVID NICHOL
T-H Staff Writer
Ann Harbin and Tammy Talley will face off in the May 18 Democratic Primary for the office of St. Francis County Treasurer.
Harbin is the incumbent. She lives at 253 Lexington Drive in Forrest City. She and her husband John have two children and three grandchildren. She is a graduate of Forrest City High School and has attended numerous workshops.
Talley, the challenger, lives at 1330 Highway 306, Colt. She is a graduate of Forrest City High School and is currently a second year student at East Arkansas Community College. She and her husband of 17 years, Tommy, have two children, Caleb and Cody.
Each candidate was asked the same set of questions. Neither candidate got to see the questions before they were asked.
1. What do you feel are the major challenges facing the office of County Treasurer today?
HARBIN: I really don't feel like there are any challenges facing the Treasurer's Office, except staying abreast of the laws that govern this office. I'd say that is the main thing.
TALLEY: I feel that the books need to be balanced correctly. Always have accurate accounts to give the quorum court or anybody else who requests figures. Always be on hand for the public to assist them.
2. Can these challenges be met, and if so, how?
TALLEY: Yes, they can be met. If it takes me all night to make sure the books are balanced, then that's what I plan to do. I will always be there with an open door policy.You'll see me there. We'll be open during lunch hours.
HARBIN: These challenges can be met in the Treasurer's Office by going to continuing education workshops that are provided by the Arkansas Treasurers Association. We do attend these meetings and keep abreast of the laws that cover the Treasurer's Office. We have a new, updated, computer system that is approved by the Legislative Audit. We can give accurate reports to our quorum court and other county officials, giving balances on a daily basis. With this new computer system we have instant access to data.
3. Why do you think you are the best person to meet those challenges?
HARBIN: I have 17 years experience in the Treasurer's Office. I have been involved with the budget committee, the county judge and county clerk in preparing the budget for the county, and I feel that with my knowledge of the operations of the office and with my experience, that I have the ability to do the job.
TALLEY: I feel that I work well with others. I love meeting new people. I'm friendly to everyone, all of them. I worked with the county for 10 years, and while I was there I always did my job, made sure it was done correctly, made sure it was the best I could do. While I worked, we always received good audit reports. I just feel that I'm qualified for the job.
4. Are there any changes you would like to make in the office of County Treasurer?
TALLEY: I don't see any changes other than what I've already mentioned.
HARBIN: I don't see any changes that need to be made in their office as I stated. We have the most current, up-to-date computer system that is used by almost all the treasurers across the state of Arkansas. The system of county government is one of checks and balances. We balance the books every month with the clerk, which is what we're supposed to do. We're not an island here. We have a system in place to make sure we're balanced.
5. Is there any final statement you would like to make to voters?
HARBIN: I just want to thank the voters of St. Francis County for giving me the opportunity for the last eight years to serve as their county treasurer. I want to thank them for the trust that they have given to me, and I promise to continue to be a servant for them, the citizens of St. Francis County, and I'm asking for their support for reelection.
TALLEY: I've enjoyed meeting everyone. I hope to make a lot of new friends. And I hope that if you will remember my on election day and let me help improve our community.
Three area men have been indicted in federal court in connection with an alleged bank fraud scam involving more than $200,000 in forged checks.
Those arrested are Christopher D. McGill, 31, of Forrest City; David F. McGill, 33, of Wynne; and Lucious A. Carroll, 27, of Cotton Plant and a former police officer with Forrest City.
All three men were ordered to appear before a federal magistrate later this summer.
The indictments concern an alleged scheme to counterfeit some State Farm checks. Once the checks were cashed or deposited, the crime became bank fraud, a federal offense. The checks were for amounts of a few thousand dollars each.
Reports of the counterfeit checks being cashed first surfaced in Forrest City in February of 2002. Several checks were reported cashed at different banks in town.
By March of that year, it was estimated that there were as many as 59 counterfeit checks deposited in as many accounts in Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Illinois, Michigan, Florida, Tennessee and Kentucky.
As of this morning, 216 St. Francis County citizens took advantage of early voting at the SFCounty Clerk's office in the courthouse. Both county clerk Elizabeth Smith and poll worker Earnestine Weaver said that voters have come in large numbers since yesterday. Smith cited media coverage for the large and constant turn out.
The times for early voting are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. There will also be early voting on Saturday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. The last day for early voting will be Monday, May 17. The primary election will be held Tuesday, May 18.