The Montgomery County Road Department was treated to a reception Wednesday, September 4. The reception was made possible by Modern Woodmen Chapter 17374.
Dicey Miller, MWA Financial Representative and Woodmen members Ron Graves and Betty Harmon were on hand to represent the Modern Woodmen Chapter. They provided care baskets filled with useful items for the road crew employees. They also presented the crew members with a cake.
The reception was on of the annual Modern Woodmen of America service projects. As a fraternal insurance society, Modern Woodmen takes great pride in their local community and the people that live there.
“We wanted to let the road department know that we deeply appreciate them and their dedicated service to our county.” Dicey Miller stated.
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY
montcnews2@windstream.net
MOUNT IDA – A group of local residents gathered Thursday evening to discuss the possible benefits and logistics of opening a residential counseling home for women in Montgomery County.
A group of at least 40 people were on hand for the meeting held in the Mount Ida Civic Center. Pastor Brent Furr introduced Doctor Larry Pillow, who spoke on behalf of We Can, a Christ-centered network of transformation ministries for addicts.
Dr. Pillow shared that his vision began when he was pastoring Second Baptist Church in Conway several years ago. A failed attempt at a group home in 1995 did not deter Dr. Pillow, but it would be 2008 before he was able to open Renewal Ranch in Conway.
The success of Renewal Ranch drew others to learn how he and others had started the program. Since the opening of Renewal Ranch in 2008 He Can has been able to help 12 facilities open with two more to open soon.
Dr. Pillow shared his personal story about growing up with an alcoholic father. He also shared that he had lost a son to drug addiction. Knowing the pain as both a son and a father has helped him throughout his work with He Can.
Those in attendance heard testimonials from three graduates of the program who now work in one the facilities they had attended.
Angela Martinez shared that she was the first graduate of the Harbor House for women in the Conway area. She stated that she was originally from Mount Ida, but was sent to live with family at age nine. After struggling with addiction for years it was a chance return to Mount Ida that helped her make the decision to join Harbor House. She joked that many of the rules at Harbor House are there because of her mistakes, but she is honored to be the first graduate from the home. She now serves as a director at Harbor House.
Furr stated that he became aware of We Can and the work they were doing while listening to a radio program in his car. He shared that he believes Montgomery County needs a facility like Dr. Pillow is promoting to help women in the county struggling with addiction.
Dr. Pillow stated that the program is in two phases and lasts from six months to one year. It is a residential program so residents live in the facility full time while they receive treatment which includes extensive Bible study three days a week.
The program is a faith based program which believes the secret to overcoming addiction is to get to the reason someone is using and help them deal with the root problem. They believe the best way to do that is by fostering a relationship with Jesus Christ.
While answering questions from the audience Dr. Pillow shared that they do not employ certified counselors in their sessions. What most would call counseling sessions he labeled as deliverance sessions. He was quick to say he didn’t discount secular counseling, but pointed out that much of what they deal with involves demonic influence which requires a spiritual approach. He did add that one of the homes has just recently employed their first certified counselor.
Since 2015 the 12 facilities have graduated 233 residents from their program. Dr. Pillow stated that they have around a 50 to 75 percent success rate with participants.
The next step will be to find a local long-term leader for the program and then select a diverse group of people to form a start up team. The start up team will meet regularly for a few months praying as they seek to clarify a vision for the home. They will need to elect officers and apply for 501c-3 status with the state.
Eventually the start up team will be phased out and replaced by an operational ministry leadership team and board of directors. It will be their job to continue development of the program and promote the program to the community.
Once a facility is located and acquired the We Can team will come in and assist in any way needed to help open the home.
Homes are financed two ways. The mission model depends primarily on financial support from local churches, businesses and individuals. The work model depends primarily on funding provided through work projects performed by residents.
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY montcnews2@windstream.net MOUNT IDA – The Mount Ida Lions were unable to overcome a disastrous second quarter on their way to a season opening 39-14 loss at the hands of the Magazine Rattlers Friday night. Mount Ida turned the ball over three times in the second stanza and gave up 27 points to the more experienced Rattler team. Magazine outpaced the Lions with 42 carries and 303 yards and six touchdowns to 29 carries for the Lions and 137 yards and one touchdown. Magazine completed two of three passes for 18 yards and Mount Ida completed one of three for 62 yards and a score. Quarterback Tatum Scott was the leading rusher for Magazine with 101 yards and two touchdowns. He was one of 12 Rattlers to record at least one carry in the game. Hunter Davis led the Lions with 12 carries and 75 yards, followed by Baylor Bates with eight carries and 29 yards. John Hoeksema had three carries for 20 yards and AJ Perez recorded the Lions only rushing touchdown, carrying the ball four times for nine yards. Gavin Summitt had a carry for six yards. Hoeksema had the only Lion reception of the night on a 62 yard touchdown catch. The Lions struggled to get their offense going in the first half recording only two first downs. Magazine scored their only first quarter score at the 6:21 mark on a nine yard run by Scott. The PAT whiffed and the Rattlers held a 6-0 lead. Mount Ida followed up with their best drive of the first half, but were unable to score. They started on their own 38 yard line and moved to midfield on runs by Hunter Davis, Baylor Bates and Davis again. Davis took them into Rattler territory on a seven yard run. Bates recorded the second first down on a nine yard jaunt to the 35 yard line. Davis would push the line of scrimmage to the 29, but the Lions would end up turning the ball over on downs at the Rattler 32 yard line. Magazine launched an 11 play drive that ended in a 21 yard touchdown run by Xeng Yang at the 8:44 mark in the second quarter. Scott completed a pass to Jacob Hall to give the Rattlers a 14-0 lead. Things turned south for the Lions on the ensuing kick off with a fumble which was recovered by the Rattlers on the Mount Ida 18 yard line. Three plays later Magazine scored. The next two series for Mount Ida would end quickly in turn overs and subsequent scores by Magazine. The Rattlers took a 33-0 lead into the locker room. Magazine opened the second half on a short field after recovering an on side kick at the Lion 43. Three plays later Kobe Faughn took the ball in from two yards out for the score. With the clock rolling Magazine looked to their bench and Mount Ida took advantage of a less experienced opponent, scoring twice in the second half. The first Lion drive of the half started at their own 36. They quickly moved to midfield on a 10 yard run by Davis and a four yard run by Bates. Mount Ida methodically marched the ball down field to cap a 10 play drive with an 11 yard run by AJ Perez. The two point conversion failed and the Rattlers held a 39-6 lead. Magazine was able to reach midfield in their next series, but the Lions defense stood tall, forcing a punt on fourth and nine.
Mount Ida took over on their own 12 yard line. Mount Ida struggled with holding onto the ball, putting it on the ground twice in the next series, but they were able to recover both. Quarterback Austin Cooper and John Hoeksema connected on a 72 yard pass down the home sideline to cap the night with a touchdown. Bates took the ball in on the two point conversion to cut the lead to 39-14. The Lions had the Rattlers in a third and 22 situation on the Magazine 33 yard line when time expired to secure the Rattler victory. Coach Zack Wuichet stated that while it wasn’t the outcome he wanted he saw some good things on the field. He felt the Lions defense controlled the middle of the field, but struggled to contain Magazine in space on the ends. Offensively the Lions put the ball on the ground six times, losing three fumbles. Each turnover ended in a score for the Rattlers. The Mount Ida Lions will host the Jessieville Lions Friday at 7 p.m. The game will be preceded by a tailgate party sponsored by Diamond Bank. It will begin at 5 p.m. Former coach Mike White will be honored at halftime with the field house being named in his honor.
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY montcnews2@windstream.net GLENWOOD – Overwhelming support for the re-opening of Albert Pike Recreation Area to overnight camping was shared with a sprinkling of opposition during a town hall meeting hosted by Congressman Bruce Westerman. Westerman opened the meeting with an update on the aftermath of the flash flood in 2010. He recalled how 20 lives were lost and family’s were turned upside down as a result of the tragedy. Some families filed civil law suits against the U.S. Forest Service which prompted the forest service to close the campgrounds to overnight camping. They also closed most of the public restrooms at Albert Pike. Westerman explained that the law suits prevented the forest service from moving forward with Albert Pike, but as of July 2018 the law suits have been dismissed. He stated that he has since met with the chief of the U.S. Forest Service, as well as Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue regarding the issue. Westerman said that he believes the campgrounds are an integral part of the community. He cited economic, as well as aesthetic reasons he believes this to be true. He shared that some of his church friends moved to Arkansas after visiting Albert Pike.
U.S. Representative Bruce Westerman discusses the complicated history of the closure of the Albert Pike Recreation Area after the 2010 flash flood that claimed 20 lives. – Staff Photo
When asked about his personal feeling regarding the issue, Westerman stated that he believes public land should be public. He added that he understands there are inherent risks for people when they are in a natural setting. He also said that if we were to close every site that had suffered the loss of life then most would be closed. However, He did share that he understands that the forest service wants to do the right thing. He also pointed out that there are multiple sides to the story. He did say that he believes the U.S. Forest Service has been doing a better job managing national forests than they have in the past. Congressman Westerman turned the floor over to Norman Waggoner who works with the U.S. Forest Service. He began by saying that dealing with the Albert Pike situation is an unenviable task. Waggoner stated that he believes it is important to have an open dialogue and that he has talked with several people about the area. It is also important to look at topographical concerns, restrooms and other issues. The forest service has begun the process of making a decision on the future of Albert Pike Recreation Area by launching an environmental analysis. The environmental study includes input from citizens. Congressman Westerman opened the floor up to public comment. The meeting was attended by over 50 people with several speaking. Those in attendance included local residents, public officials, and business owners, as well as many people from other areas in Arkansas and other states. Everyone in attendance had a connection with Albert Pike. Many admitted to having first visited when they were children. Everyone who spoke shared a reverence and love for the area. They also shared their condolences for the families who lost loved ones in the 2010 flood. Marty Walker was the first to speak. He shared that he lived in Texas, but has visited Albert Pike annually since 1964. He had friends who died in the flood. Friends he had made camping at Albert Pike over the years. Walker has recently started a Facebook group titled “Save Albert Pike.” He stated that the same storm that produced the flash flood at Albert Pike also caused a flood in Texas the day before which killed two. The area in Texas was not closed down. Instead a recreation district was created and an early warning system was installed. He verified with Waggoner that an environmental analysis was not performed before Albert Pike was closed. He then stated that he didn’t feel they should have to do one to reopen the area again since one wasn’t used in the decision to close it. He closed by saying it was time to move on and open the campground to overnight camping again. Walker did support the installation of an early warning system. Most of those who spoke shared Walker’s sentiments regarding opening the area up to overnight camping once again. Glenwood Mayor B.T. Smith shared that the closure of Albert Pike to camping has had a huge economic impact on Glenwood. Other public officials, including Kenn Greene from Montgomery County, supported his statements regarding economic impact on local businesses in Pike, Montgomery and Polk Counties. Micah Goodwin, a representative of the Arkansas Canoe Club, stated that his club helped in the rescue and recovery efforts after the flood. He shared that they would also like to see overnight camping return to Albert Pike Recreation Area, but asked about issues that have arisen upstream at areas like Crooked Creek. He stated that the forest service has been turning people away from these areas as well. He argued that any early warning system that might be installed would need to include the installation of a rain gauge upstream from Albert Pike. The current rain gauge for the area is in Langley which would not provide an accurate enough measurement in another instance like what happened in 2010. Several business owners, including some who have owned bed and breakfasts in the area, shared how the closure has affected their businesses. They also stated that many people have moved to the area and become involved in local communities after a visit to Albert Pike. A woman identified only as Phyllis stated that you clean a cemetery and Albert Pike has become a cemetery. She said that she would like to see Albert Pike cleaned up and a monument, bathrooms and a play area built. She suggested a new campground be built nearby on higher ground and Albert Pike Recreation Area be opened to public use again. Janie McRae offered what could be construed as an opposing position. She lived along the river when the flood happened. She shared stories of how she fought to save people and how she found friends who had perished in the flood. She stated that she was not against the campgrounds being reopened. However, she was opposed to them being opened as they were. She stated that there isn’t enough law enforcement in the area and when the flood happened there weren’t enough camp hosts on site. She disputed the claim that the flood was a 500 year event. She cited floods in 1968 and 1986 which produced similar flooding conditions. It was also pointed out that a recent storm system that passed through the area July 16 of this year produced flood waters within five feet of the levels experienced in 2010. It was asked what the forest service needed from the local taxpayer to open the campgrounds again. Waggoner stated that forest service campgrounds are different than other campgrounds. While the U.S. Corps of Engineers, or the state parks might have electric hoop ups and running water, the forest service sites are primitive. He continued by saying how proud he is of the local forest service employees and how they manage their resources. He added that the need depends on the solution. Congressman Westerman stated that available funds for projects like Albert Pike are heavily affected by forest fires in other parts of the country. After an hour or so the meeting was brought to a close. The environmental analysis is scheduled to begin late autumn 2019. For more information on the Ouachita National Forest, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita. The environmental analysis will allow feedback from the public and other stakeholders, along with a thorough understanding of public safety and liability risks. The U.S. Forest Service believes this will help them make the best decision for the future use of Albert Pike. The Montgomery County News will provide information regarding the environmental analysis as soon as it is launched.
The sun shines bright upon a freshly mowed Little Fir Cemetery. Quapaw House had a crew mow and rake the cemetery last week. – Staff Photo
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY
montcnews2@windstream.net
LITTLE FIR – Members of the Little Fir Cemetery Board of Directors would like to thank Quapaw House for mowing and cleaning up around the Little Fir Cemetery.
A crew from Quapaw House made their way to the cemetery last Thursday, September 5. Ann Frazier, a board member for the cemetery, lives next to the cemetery. She stated that they were there early Thursday morning to begin work.
It took several hours for a single worker to mow and trim the grass. A van filled with volunteers arrived later in the day to rake grass and leaves and pick up limbs.
Quapaw House had agreed to maintain the cemetery when they took ownership of the property in the 1990’s, but had failed to do so on a consistent basis.
The Little Fir Cemetery Board had tried several times to get Quapaw House to mow the cemetery since the last court appearance in 2014. An article sharing their plight ran in the August 29 issue of the Montgomery County News.
Frazier stated that she was thankful that they came out and mowed the cemetery and hopes family and friends who have loved ones will come visit again.
The cemetery is a community cemetery that also includes remains and markers moved from the Buckville and Cedar Glades cemeteries. They were moved when the area was flooded to create Lake Ouachita.
Little Fir Cemetery is located just off Highway 188 in Little Fir Subdivision.
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY
montcnews2@windstream.net
MOUNT IDA – Discussion teetered on heated, but stayed civil for the most part as concerned citizens shared their grievances with the Montgomery County Quorum Court Monday night.
The meeting opened with a presentation by Pat Smith on behalf of ARCO in Action. She shared some geographic, economic and demographic statistics regarding Montgomery County before discussing some issues and possible solutions proposed by ARCO in Action.
Montgomery County has seen a decline in population, school enrollment and income over the last several years. Smith stated that while Montgomery County is one of the larger counties in size it is also one of the oldest in population age.
She shared that local schools need to promote and provide an education that fosters entrepreneurship and trade school training. Smith also stated that better cell phone and internet service are key factors to growing the community as both an attractive location for entrepreneurs and tourists.
She asked the Quorum Court to get involved in the economic development plan ARCO in Action envisions as part of the solution. She stated that she believes the annex building could be utilized as an innovation hub and hoped the JPs would become involved in a feasibility study on that project.
Judge Sammy Jones stated that he has heard similar proposals from several groups and wish they would all get together. He believes all rural counties in Arkansas are suffering from the same declines as Montgomery County. He believes infrastructure is important to bringing big job providing facilities to the county.
Justice of the Peace Kenn Greene, who is also involved with ARCO, stated that bringing entrepreneurs into the area could help provide jobs.
Smith responded to the judge by saying that ARCO is not saying the area needs one big company to move into the area. She stated that they would like to grow the economy through entrepreneurship.
“We don’t want to undo the wonders of what we have.” She said.
The next order of business was an ordinance to reestablish Montgomery County Fire district boundaries. The issue was tabled until a map marked with the new boundary lines could be brought to the meeting.
JPs also approved a resolution that encourages the U.S. Forest Service to reopen Albert Pike Recreation Area.
The rest of the meeting was dedicated to issues regarding the Montgomery County Fair and the governing board of the event.
Kim Miller was the first to speak. She shared packets with each of the JPs outlining her concerns regarding the upkeep of the fairgrounds. She read a letter she had written to the JPs outlining her concerns which were included in the packet.
Her concerns revolved around what she considered to be run down conditions at the fairgrounds. She also stated that she had submitted an FOIA request for all financial records for the past five years. She included that request and the response by a fair board member which state they would take the request under consideration, but had not released the requested information at the time of the quorum court meeting.
Miller stated that she was asking the quorum court to assist in filling her request for the financial records.
Jeff Robertson, President of the Montgomery County Fair Board. He stated that they have all the packets she was requesting, but added that “I don’t think that’s something that needs to go throughout the county personally myself, but we have it with us and you are more than welcome to look at it.”
He responded to her statements about the deterioration of the facilities by pointing out that the fairgrounds is over 90 years old. The fairgrounds was used as a depression era CCC camp before it was converted into the fairgrounds. He added that the rodeo arena was built in 1947.
The fair board is a non-profit volunteer organization that works on a limited budget and their annual utilities bill runs around five to six thousand dollars.
Judge Jones stated that he understands money is tight and mentioned a $4,000 grant available to the board annually through the state.
Jeff Robertson, President of the Montgomery County Fair Board answers questions during the quorum court meeting Monday. – Staff Photo
Robertson stated that they had not applied for the grant this year because they weren’t able to close last year’s grant in time for this year’s deadline. He and Judge Jones explained that the grant was a 50/50 grant with the grantee required to provide $4,000 in matching money or “in kind” labor. The labor is figured at $18 per hour, but they were unable to verify enough hours. At $18 per hour they would have to have logged just over 222 hours mowing and weed trimming at the fairgrounds.
Robertson was asked what they were doing to get new volunteers.
He answered by sharing how someone becomes a board member, which caused some confusion for a while. A person has to attend every fair board member for a year and then the current board members vote to add them to the board.
The Montgomery County Fair Board of Directors meets every third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds. The meetings are open to the public.
A volunteer does not have to be a board member and Robertson encouraged everyone to come help with the upkeep and maintenance at the fairgrounds.
Some of the people in attendance asked if the 4-Her’s could be used as volunteers and wanted to know if hours they had worked at the fairgrounds could be used toward the grant requirements.
Board member Jennifer Barrett stated that volunteer work had to be related to the grant in order to count toward the requirement. The 4-H project at the fairgrounds was for a 4-H merit.
Robertson was asked if they were going to say it was going to get better. He responded that he would like to say it was, but referenced Smith’s earlier statement about the declining economy as a factor in the current state of the fairgrounds.
Judge Jones shared that he had received several complaints about raw sewage in the rest rooms during the county fair. Robertson stated that they were aware of a drainage problem and thought they had it fixed before the fair. However, there was overflow in some of the bathrooms during the fair. He cited that drawings of the fairgrounds showed there was only one septic tank servicing all of the bathrooms. It was later shared by another board member that there are three 750 gallon septic tanks hooked into the system.
Misty Beggs also shared a list of concerns regarding the way the livestock judging is handled. She stated she didn’t agree with the practice of the board hiring the livestock judge when they have family competing. She added that at one time the extension office hired the judge, but the fair board started doing it because they said they could find someone to do it at a cheaper price.
She also stated that her kids had not been allowed to show certain animals because their paperwork had not been properly filled out and turned in on time, while other children, who she alleges were related to fair board members, were allowed to compete without turning their paperwork in on time.
She also stated that she had heard the board members were provided meals at each of their meetings and wanted to know why money was being spent to feed them.
She also stated that parents had provided shavings for the barns because they were told the fair board did not receive enough shavings this year. Beggs alleged that some of the kids found bags of shavings stored in a building and wondered why these shavings weren’t used.
Several board members responded to her accusations.
In regards to hiring a judge, they stated that they were able to get someone from Oklahoma who offered to do it for free. The most they have had to pay is $150 to $200.
Lisa Simpson responded to the meal question by saying the only time they eat at a board meeting is in December and it is a pot luck meal.
She stated that they do provide meals for volunteers working during the county fair.
It was stated that Ward Shavings had not been able to supply enough shavings this year.
Wayne Simpson stated that they did have 21 bags of shavings in a storage building that wasn’t used in the barns. He did not give an explanation why they weren’t used.
Jennifer Barrett stood up and said that while everyone was talking about what needed to be done no one was talking about what had been done.
She shared that they recently installed a new building at the rodeo arena that is being used as a concession stand. They are working on replacing the bleachers at the rodeo arena and re-roofing the buildings.
JP Matt Rae asked about having multiple family members on the fair board. Barrett stated that while they did have multiple members of some families on the board, there can only be one member of a family serve as an officer. There are currently four officers and 18 board members total.
She added that it isn’t uncommon for families to have multiple members on a fair board and pointed out that the state fair board association has an award they give to families for their service.
Judge Jones asked Lisa Simpson if she would provide Kim Miller with the requested financial information. She stated that she would give them to her Monday at the meeting.
Judge Jones asked if both sides could come back in January with solutions to the problems discussed. Everyone agreed to do so.
An ordinance declaring employees of the Montgomery County Library to be county employees was tabled and the meeting was adjourned.
Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) announced a three percent increase in college students this week, and an increase in new students for the second consecutive year.
As of the 11th day census, the College reported 2,081 degree seeking students, compared to 2,022 last year, a three percent increase. Preliminary numbers show that the total full-time equivalent (FTE) is down slightly, from 1792 last year to 1777 currently. The decrease is attributed to lower enrollment in concurrent credit programs this semester.
Concurrent credit enrollment is down from 662 last year to 495 this year. National Park Technology Center enrollment is flat with 674 students this year compared to 677 last year. Adult Education is up more than three percent from 477 last year at this time to 493 since July 1. Community and Corporate Training programs have served 410 students and logged 24,639 contact hours since July 1 compared to 584 students and 15,322 contact hours at this time last year, an increase of more than 60 percent in contact hours.
The College awarded 32 percent more President’s and Academic Achievement scholarships this year. Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Dr. Jerry Thomas said, “We are encouraged by this year’s enrollment increase and the continual climb in new students on campus. We believe scholarships, along with all of the growth on campus contributes to more students choosing NPC.”
NPC welcomed 681 new students to campus last month compared to 670 last year. This year’s class is 63 percent female and 37 percent male and includes students from 32 counties across the state with 497 from Garland County, 35 from Hot Spring County, 19 from Montgomery County, 13 from Pike County, and 14 new students from out of state.
NPC President, Dr. John Hogan said, “I’m pleased that NPC’s enrollment has continued to grow. We have a lot of excitement this year with a new Student Commons, new food services, new athletics teams, and next year at this time we will welcome our first group of students to our new residence hall, Dogwood Hall. We have worked to invest in our campus facilities, new faculty and four-year degree options through our partnership with Southern Arkansas University. It is a great time to be a Nighthawk.”
National Park College was established in 1973 and is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The College enrolls over 7,500 credit and non-credit students per year. NPC is a comprehensive two-year institution offering associate degrees and certificates as well as continuing education, community services and workforce training.
The weather may turn cooler, but the Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce and Mount Ida First Baptist will be turning up the heat Saturday, September 28, with a Chili and Queso Cook off.
This competition is open to everyone, whether you be an individuals, organization, or a business. Competitors will set up on the courthouse square in Mount Ida and begin cooking at 1 p.m. Each entry will be allotted a 10×10 foot preparation area with additional space available for an additional fee. All teams must consist of at least two people and they must supply their own equipment and ingredients.
All chili and queso must be prepared onsite and no prepackaged chili or queso dip may be used.
Each team is required to cook at least two gallons of chili and/or queso. Judges will select a winner in each category by blind taste test. You can make more chili and are encouraged to do so. A people’s choice award will be presented so the more chili/queso you make the more potential votes you can earn.
Teams are encouraged, urged and otherwise motivated to decorate their area and themselves. There will be a people’s choice award presented to the more attention you draw to your area the better.
Cooking begins at 1 p.m. and the event opens at 6:30 p.m. to the general public. Samples for judges will be collected at around 6 p.m. Winners will be announced at 8 p.m.
Mike Mayberry and the Slowhands will perform on the Front Porch Stage at 7 p.m.
If you think you have the best chili or queso in Montgomery County then bring your cooker, bowls, spoons and hottest ingredients to the Montgomery County Courthouse lawn Saturday, September 28 and prove it.
For more information and a complete list of rules visit the Chamber’s Facebook page or you can contact the Chamber at (870) 867-2723.
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY
montcnews2@windstream.net
LITTLE FIR – Little Fir Cemetery stands waist deep in grass in places as the cemetery board of directors struggle to get Quapaw House, Inc. to keep their agreement to maintain the grounds at the cemetery.
According to members of the cemetery’s board of directors Quapaw House agreed to maintain the cemetery as part of a deal to acquire property owned by Clara Dunston. According to public record information obtained from actdatascout, Quapaw House Inc. was deeded 23.98 acres of property, which includes a structure, in 1999.
While the cemetery does not sit on the property owned by Quapaw House, the agreement for them to maintain Little Fir Cemetery was a part of their agreement. The agreement was verified in 2014 in a court ruling regarding the case.
Dunston attempted to reclaim the property legally in 2014, but her request was denied by Judge Jerry Ryan.
In the Order After Hearing ruling Judge Ryan writes, “The personal property of Mrs. Dunston’s daughter may remain on the property as provided in Paragraph Four of the contract. Additionally, all other provisions of the 1999 contract between the parties shall remain in effect. As well as the 2008 agreement regarding Little Fir Cemetery.”
It also reads, “The quite Title is subject to Quapaw and their successors and assigns obligations to maintain the cemetery perpetuity as well as Mrs. Dunston’s right to occupy the storage building.”
Raymond Young, a former president of the Little Fir Cemetery Board of Directors, stated that the board has reached out to Quapaw House numerous times to get the cemetery mowed with little response. Young shared that as far as he knows Quapaw House has only sent someone out to mow once. The gentleman’s equipment wouldn’t work and he left without mowing.
Ann Frazier, a current board member and former president, stated that they have tried all summer to reach someone at Quapaw House before being told to contact their lawyer. She said that when they contacted their lawyer they were told he was out of town.
A visit last week to the cemetery confirmed the claims of the cemetery board members. Grave markers and tombstones peek out from large overgrown clumps of grass throughout the cemetery. Grass stands waist deep in some areas with walking impeded due to small markers hidden in the grass.
While the cemetery is a community cemetery, it also is home to several relocated markers from the Buckville area. The flooding of the Buckville area to create Lake Ouachita precipitated the moving of remains to Little Fir Cemetery.
Frazier stated that she had paid to repair and extend a fence along the border of the cemetery. She pointed out that the cemetery board of directors reimbursed her, but she feels this should have been Quapaw House’s responsibility as well.
Board members have stated all they want is for Quapaw House to maintain the property as agreed upon so families can safely visit their loved ones when they want.
Frazier shared that there is one gentleman who drives from Hot Springs Village regularly to visit his wife’s grave side. He is one of many who have to wade through tall grass to visit their loved ones at the cemetery.
The Montgomery County News was able to make contact Monday, August 26, with Quapaw House for comment. No official response has been made at this time.
MOUNT IDA – Students at Bobby Barrett Elementary School have better access to drinking water this year thanks to a new water bottle filling station at the school.
Principal Donna Whisenhunt is excited about the new water bottle filling station installed for use by all the school’s students. She stated that in the past they had an informal water bottle policy at the school that allowed students to keep water in the classroom. The new filling stations provide a safe way for students to have access to water all day without cost to themselves. The filling station, along with water bottles for each of the Mount Ida students grades K-6, was purchased with grant money provided through Healthy Active Arkansas and Delta Dental.
The water bottle filling station is centrally located in the building near the principal’s office and the cafeteria. Students can fill their bottles throughout the day to use in their classrooms, or while playing outside.
The district also has healthy information on display that compares sugar content from different drinks compared to water.
Principal Whisenhunt stated that the district passed a formal water bottle policy to allow use of the filling station in the classrooms. She stated that they are also working on getting a second station installed in the high school building.
