By ALAN SMITH
T-H Staff Writer
With Halloween just a few short days away, the Forrest City Police Department and the office of Arkansas Attorney General Mike Beebe want area children and parents to know some safety tips that will help them have a safe and fun holiday.
FCPD Chief Clarence McNeary reminds Forrest Citians that while the actual holiday lands on Sunday this year, the city will celebrate it on Saturday, Oct. 30.
"We will have Halloween from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday," stated McNeary. "Those are the same hours we held Halloween last year. The key word in each and every Halloween is caution. That goes for both children and adults. Use caution when crossing streets, caution when going to the houses trick or treating and caution when driving through neighborhoods."
McNeary provided some safety recommendations for trick-or-treating children and their parents.
* Wear light-colored clothing that is short enough to prevent tripping and add reflective tape to the sides, front and back of costume.
* Make sure children can see well through face masks or use make-up.
* Adults should accompany young children.
* Go out in daylight and carry a flashlight for when it gets dark.
* Stay within the neighborhood and only visit homes you know.
* Watch for traffic.
* Only give and accept wrapped or package candy.
* Examine all candy before allowing children to eat it.
* Keep costumed children away from pets. The pet may not recognize the child and become frightened.
* Avoid hard plastic or wood props such as daggers or swords. Substitute with foam rubber which is soft and flexible.
"We are also encouraging kids to attend Halloween events that are sponsored by civic groups, schools and churches," continued McNeary. "All of us here at the police department hope that everyone has a safe Halloween. Part of that is making sure that both the adults and children are buckled up."
One such organized event will be the Village Creek State Park Halloween party. The event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 30, beginning at 6:30 p.m. There will be Halloween cartoons shown and treats given out at the visitor center auditorium. Costumes are optional, and there will be a costume contest for children. For more information, contact VCSP at 870-238-9406.
Simple common sense can do a lot to prevent accidents and injuries, according to a press release from Attorney General Mike Beebe's office. Some of the tips they provide are teaching children basic everyday safety rules, such as not getting into cars or talking to strangers, watching both ways before crossing streets and crossing with the light when trick-or-treating.
* Walk, don't run.
* Stay on sidewalks.
* Wear a watch that can be read in the dark.
* Never cut across yards or driveways.
* Accept treats only at the front door. Never go inside a house or an apartment.
* Have someone in your group take a cell phone, if possible.
* Never talk to strangers. If you think you are being followed, go to a house you know and tell an adult.
* Discard anything not in its original and undamaged wrapper.
* Keep homemade food only if you are certain who prepared it.
* Discard small candy and other small items that could cause a small child to choke.
* Notify the police of any suspicious treats.
* Make sure your child knows what time to be home and that you expect him or her on time.
By DAVID NICHOL
T-H Staff Writer
Deciding, as chairman Frederick Freeman put it, to "err on the safe side," the St. Francis County Election Commission this morning agreed unanimously to order more ballots for the Nov. 2 general election.
"My impression is to err on the safe side, and order additional ballots," said Freeman.
Commission member Pat Flanagin agreed.
"If this had been a few years ago, I wouldn't be alarmed, because there hadn't been much purging done for several years, of people who had died, moved away and all that," he said. "I understand they have done quite a bit of that...It's more of a lean group now."
He also reminded the other commissioners that in spite of purging, there has been an increase in the overall number of voters due to new registrations.
The commission agreed to order 300 additional ballots for each ward in Forrest City, and also to order an additional 400 so-called "style one" ballots, which deals with rural areas that don't have municipal races.
Originally, there had been 1,500 ballots ordered for each ward, and 1,000 style one ballots.
County Clerk Elizabeth Smith gave the commissioners a breakdown of registered voters in each ward as follows: Ward 1 -- 2,195 registered, with enough ballots for a 69 percent turnout; Ward 2 -- 2,368 registered, with enough ballots for a 64 percent turnout; Ward 3 -- 2,207 registered, with enough ballots for a 68 percent turnout; Ward 4, 2,206 registered, with enough ballots for a 66 percent turnout.
Working with a computer, commissioners figured that 200 more ballots for each ward would allow turnouts above the 70 percent range in the Forrest City wards, and 300 additional ballots in each ward would push it even higher. The commission opted for 300 ballots for each ward.
Freeman said he had been told that if the ballots were ordered today, they would be eceived in time for the election.
In other action, the commission agreed to test the vote tabulator at 1 p.m. Saturday. Freeman stated that the software was expected to arrive Friday.
The commission also said it might be necessary to start preparing the absentee ballots for counting earlier, which might make it necessary to have more workers.
Freeman also said commissioners need to be ready for election day.
"Everybody needs to be ready to work," he said. "We have to be ready to cover hot spots and handle complaints." He said he had already received calls from Hughes over possible concerns.
Freeman said he also wanted to "caution all candidates" about hanging around the county clerk's office during early voting. He said he had heard a complaint, about a candidate hanging around during Saturday voting.
"Get your business done and move on," he said. "Everyone be ladies and gentlemen, and don't do any campaigning in the clerk's office."
He also reminded campaign workers that no campaigning can take place within 100 feet of the entrance to a building that is being used for voting.
The city of Palestine will hold its annual L'Anguille River Festival and Barbecue Cookoff on Saturday, Oct. 30,
The Palestine High School Class of 1971 is planning to have breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. to help kick off the event. Also, graduates of all years are invited to an All-School Reunion.
The booths will open at 8 a.m., and so will the barbecue competition. Judging for the barbecue contest will be at 11:30 a.m., for ribs and butts. There is also a category entitled "anything else."
The pet parade, with awards for first, second and third place, will begin at 9 a.m.
At 10 a.m. the archery contest will be held.
Also beginning at 10 a.m., there will be a cake walk at the old fire department.
BINGO will be held in the old court room beginning at 11 a.m.
Also beginning at 11 and continuing until 2 p.m., will be gospel singing, featuring various groups.
Another event which has had a good response in the past is arm wrestling, and that will begin at noon, with first, second and third prizes in light weight, middle weight and heavy weight divisions.
At 2 p.m. there will be a greased pig contest, followed at 3 p.m. by a duck calling contest with awards given.
At 5 p.m. Gussie Michaelis will be on hand for her portrayal of Minnie Pearle.
A "Womanless Beauty Pageant" will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., and at 8 p.m., it will be time for the amateur hour.
At 9 p.m. the street dance will begin, with the Last Chance Band.
Festival organizers said some events may be subject to change, and there is still room for some gospel groups.
For more information on the festival, contact the Palestine City Hall at 581-2166.
By KENDALL OWENS
T-H Staff Writer
The race for the Ward 4, Position 1, spot on the Forrest City City Council will see incumbent Roger Breeding facing off against Bobby Woodard.
Breeding, who is seeking his second consecutive term as alderman, is the manager of Dixie Furniture Company and is a 1976 graduate of Palestine High School and attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He is the husband of Glenda Breeding, the father of four and has one grandchild.
Woodard, who volunteers with the Community Voices Center, is a 1985 graduate of Forrest City High School, a 1986 graduate of Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute and received a degree in business management from Mansfield Business School in Dallas, Texas. He is the son of Fannie Woodard.
Both candidate were asked a series of questions recently by the Times-Herald and their responses follow. Each candidate was asked the same questions, and no one was allowed to see the questions beforehand.
1. What areas of Forrest City do you think need the most attention?
Breeding: I would say that we need more economic growth and more adequate paying jobs for our citizens so that we can keep them here. We're losing people every day and we need to work with our existing industry so that we can develop them and initiate new industry.
Woodard: Right now, the area that needs the most improvement is Ward 4. We have a lot of youth in this area nad we need something for them to do. If the city does not provide something then they are going to find something to get into and sometimes that something isn't good.
2. City Council positions are two-year terms. If elected, what do you hope to accomplish during the next two years?
Woodard: What I hope to accomplish is to assist the mayor in bringing more economic development to Forrest City and I would like to see improvements to the roads throughout Ward 4. We also need better housing opportunities for Forrest City.
Breeding: I would like to see the city working more closely with the Chamber of Commerce, the county and the state in securing major manufacturers for this area. I would also call upon our police department to work with the local school children at an earlier age in awareness programs so we can make them aware of the dangers of drug abuse.
3. How would you work to move Forrest City forward?
Breeding: The city has to work with the county and state governments as well as communities in the surrounding area so that we can make major changes not only to Forrest City, but this entire area. The changes in the area would make us not only more attractive to potential industry and other jobs, but it would also make us more attractive to the working families that would follow those jobs to the area. The regional airport project is a great example of what working together can accomplish. If we can make this project work, it will be a benefit to Forrest City, to Wynne and to the surrounding areas.
Woodard: I would work to move Forrest City forward by working with the mayor and the city council. We have to work together for the benefit of Forrest City and not other cities. We need to see the vision of the mayor and stop working separately so that the city can benefit.
4. What do you think is the most important issue facing Forrest City?
Woodard: That would have to be economics. If we had better economic opportunities, then more people would stay in this area and we could bring people in to Forrest City.
Breeding: That question is a two-sided coin with drugs on one side and jobs on the other side. We have to educate our children on the facts and dangers of drugs so that we can attempt to eliminate the problem at the earliest stages.
While we have to work on the drug problem, we also need to keep our workforce viable and we need to expand our workforce.
5. To which city committee/commission would you like to be appointed? Why?
Breeding: I currently serve on the Airport Committee and I would like to continue serving on it. The regional airport is an opportunity for growth in the future of our community and we need to continue to work to make it a reality. I will gladly serve on any committe where I may be of service.
Woodard: I would say the Civic Center Commission. For the last few months, there have been problems with that commission and with my background I think that I could work to bring about a more peaceful solution to some of the infighting that has been taking place. Right now, I think things have gotten personal and the commission has to move forward.
6. If elected, how would you communicate with the citizens of your ward?
Woodard: Right now I feel that the people know me because of my community involvement and know that I am easily reached. Because of that, if elected the people will feel a connection to me because they already know they can communicate with me.
Breeding: I'm always just a telephone call away from anyone. Whether they call me at home, and my number is 630-1042, or they call me at my office, they can reach me. While I may not always answer questions in the manner that someone might want, I will answer them if I can. If I can't, then I will work with people to find someone who can answer their questions or concerns.
7. Why are you the best candidate for the job?
Breeding: Well my experience is a huge plus. I have 14-years experience on the council and dealing with governmental agencies and the budgeting process. When my constiuents ask questions I know many of the answers that they're seeking and if I don't, I have no problem asking the right people or looking to find those answers. If I don't know something, I'm not afraid to ask for help.
I also feel that I am the best candidate because I believe that the wishes of the voters should alwary be respected. If the majority of the voters in my district vote on an issue a certain way, then I will back that vote even if their opinions differ from my own.
Woodard: I feel I'm the best candidate for the job because I am educated and I am not a polictician. I am ready to stand and speak for Forrest City and not Wynne. I will work to make this city a better place and I will work with the mayor and council to try to bring jobs to Forrest City. We have to push for Forrest City.
By ALAN SMITH
T-H Staff Writer
The Ward 4 Position 2 seat on the Forrest City City Council will be contested between incumbent John Gadberry and former councilmen Chris Oswalt.
Gadberry, 45, is the owner of Gadberry's. He is a 1977 graduate of Forrest City High School and attended East Arkansas Community College. He has three children, Joey, Justin and Emma.
Oswalt, 34, is a mentor teacher/consultant for Core Knowledge. He is a 1988 graduate of Forrest City High School and has a bachelor's of science degree in elementary education. He and his wife Amy have one son, Zachary.
Both men sat down with the Times-Herald to answer questions about the state of the city. Either candidate was shown the questions prior to the interview.
1. What areas of Forrest City do you think need the most attention?
Gadberry : In the area of housing, we have been removing unsightly and condemned structures as a council. I would like to see us continue that process. I would like to see an increase of police patrols, especially in the neighborhoods, that is one of the complaints that I have heard while campaigning. I'd also like to see the city take a leadership role in industrial recruitment.
Oswalt: I think we need to look at the cleanliness of several neighborhoods in town. The city needs to really push harder to make people clean their lots or for the city to clean the lots and bill the owners. Another thing is crime prevention. We need more neighborhood watches and to develop business district watches, organizing the businesses in the area to watch each others property. We have had several businesses broken into and the police do a fine job of patrolling the city, but we need more citizen involvement in crime prevention.
2. City council positions are two-year terms. If elected, what do you hope to accomplish during the next two years?
Oswalt: First of all, I will work with everyone in my ward and in the city as I did in my previous two terms. The city council as a whole needs to look at ways of bringing in industry to the city and outside of the city. We also need to keep the industry we have now. If we choose to annex more property into the city because of the bypass, we need to make sure that what is built there is up to city code. We don't want anything built there that we don't want in the city limits. Forrest City is on a threshold now, it can go either way up or down.
Gadberry: I plan to see the completion of the multi-purpose center, to see the humane society shelter completed and the fire sub-station built. I would also like to continue the clean-up effort in the city by removing condemned structures.
3. How would you work to move Forrest City forward?
Gadberry: I as a councilman, along with the council, would support the Forrest City Area Chamber of Commerce with their industrial development. I am willing to meet with all citizens, not just those in Ward 4. I want to continue to make myself available to them so that they can express their problems.
Oswalt: I think anything that goes to the city council should be weighed by pros and cons. When I was on the council, I worked with other council members to make decisions that benefited the city as a whole, not just Ward 4. To move forward, the city council needs to put aside its differences and help the citizens of Forrest City.
4. What do you think is the most urgent issue facing Forrest City?
Oswalt: Two things that are urgent is keeping people here and creating more jobs. If people don't feel safe, they won't stay here very long. People want to live in an area that they can feel comfortable and we need to do whatever we can to make them feel safe. We need to support the Chamber of Commerce and work closely with them to bring in more industry and businesses.
Gadberry: Jobs. The Forrest City City Council needs to take a front row seat in creating and bringing in new industry. The council needs to support more housing for the middle class. There is no way for the city to fund housing, but we can support affordable housing. We want people who work here to live here and for that to happen we need more housing in the $90,000 to $100,000 market.
5. To which city commission would you like to be appointed? Why?
Gadberry: I am currently appointed to the water commission and I have enjoyed working with them. The water utility has plans for future growth, which means that Forrest City is growing. I hope to continue working with them.
Oswalt: When I was previously on the council, I was appointed to the Advertising and Promotion Commission and I enjoyed it. The A and P is a way that a group can not only get help funding events, but can also promote the city. By giving help to organizations holding events, the A and P brings people into the city and adds to the city's revenue. I know that some people don't like the tax that funds the A and P, but they do a great job in promoting events here. Also, I believe that the A and P could do just a little more to help the Forrest City Civic Center. Not as much as some people would like, but just a little more to help the city. The A and P should be expected to fund some things at the center, but not everything the center needs.
6. If elected, how would you communicate with the citizens of your ward?
Oswalt: I am always available. When I was previously on the council, I received two or three calls a week from people asking about things or having problems. I'm out and about in the neighborhood so if you need me, just flag me down. Now I'm not saying that I know everyone in my ward, but I do know many on them. Ward 4 is a large area and I wish I could meet everyone, but that is not always easy. I would like to hold community meetings in my ward so that people can come and express any problems they are having. Another person who was previously on the council did this and I hope to learn better what the concerns of the ward are. Councilmen are thought of as the "voice" of the people, but too many people don't know who their councilmen are. I will make myself known in my ward. When we hold these meetings, we will announce them on the radio and in the paper. People need to know who represents them on the city council.
Gadberry: I will continue as I have in my past three terms to have an open door policy. I have made myself available through my business to all citizens of Forrest City. I will make myself available to any community meetings or community organizations for them to express their concerns about the city and their neighborhoods. If reelected, I will continue to bring the concerns of the community before the city council.
7. Why are you the best candidate for the job?
Gadberry: I have been involved and working in this community for over 25 years, along with my six years on the city council. I have taken a hands-on approach with all the citizens of the city, not just Ward 4. I have supported growth in all city departments and want to see through major projects that are going on right now in the city, including the renovation of Southside Park, the multi-purpose center and the animal shelter. I want to continue keeping Forrest City clean. I also want to follow through with the four years of funding to the Chamber of Commerce for their industrial growth and development project.
Oswalt: I've served on the city council for two terms and that entire time I was available to anyone for questions about the ward and the city. I weighed issues on their pros and cons, without preconceived notions. I looked at issues and researched them. I never voted against anything that I didn't feel would benefit the ward and the city. I didn't always vote the popular way, but I listen to the people and looked at not just who it would effect directly, but how it would effect the entire city.
Early voting is on track to eclipse the numbers from the 2004 election.
Numbers from election officials this morning showed that 2,155 St. Francis County voters have cast early ballots for the Tuesday, Nov. 2, general election. The total number of early and absentee votes in the county for the 2000 general election was 2,388, according to the Arkansas Secretary of State website.
SF County Clerk Elizabeth Smith said this morning that she feels the numbers from the 2000 election will be exceeded before early voting is over.
"I'm expecting around 3,000 (early votes cast)," said Smith. "I think that one of the reasons more people are coming out to early vote is because the local media has promoted it, and the national media has really been pushing for people to get out and vote. Another thing is that I think people are more interested in the presidential race this time."
Early voting is being held in the vault of the St. Francis County Clerk's office at the courthouse from Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. There will also be voting on Saturday, Oct. 30, from 1 to 4 p.m.
The last day for early voting will be Monday, Nov. 1, the day before the general election.