Between Editions

Beebe signs guns in church, abortion insurance bills into law

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Admin

Gov. Mike Beebe has signed into law today a pair of provisions to allow houses of worship to permit guns on the premises and a measure to prohibit the sale of abortion insurance coverage through Arkansas’ health insurance exchange.

According to Arkansas News, the first measure amends a law that previously barred guns from all churches and instead allows churches to make the decision whether to let guns on the property. If guns are allowed a provision of the law requires a sign posted declaring guns could be present.

An emergency clause allowed the legislation to become legal with the governor’s signature today rather than waiting until 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

The second measure prohibits insurers from offering abortion insurance through the state’s health insurance exchange. To purchase abortion coverage, customers must purchase a separate rider and pay a separate premium.

Without an emergency clause the law will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

Posted in Business, By Allison Gatlin, Health, News, Politics | Leave a comment

Mellor Park Mall owners: TJ Maxx could lead to further national business

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Admin

With the announced inclusion of TJ Maxx at Mellor Park Mall, Owners Surendra and Sajal Agarwal hope to soon introduce further national businesses planning to take up residence in El Dorado.

During an interview today with the News-Times, the owners acknowledged issues of water damage and an approximately 40 percent vacancy rate, but said they’ve been working slowly to renovate the mall and are actively marketing to national clothing stores.

Although they wouldn’t say who — citing confidentiality agreements — the Agarwal father-son duo said several national chains have come knocking with the news that TJ Maxx signed a lease at Mellor Park. In addition, the two said they’ve been looking into the idea of a restaurant in the 280,000 square foot facility.

Anchoring Mellor Park with national chains will hopefully be enough incentive to fill the vacant 20,000 to 25,000 square feet with smaller business ventures, they said.

See more from their interview in tomorrow’s News-Times.

Posted in Business, By Allison Gatlin, Entertainment, Money, News | 2 Comments

Union employees locked out by Milbank

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Admin

Unionized employees of Milbank Manufacturing arrived at the El Dorado facility early this morning to discover their workplace blocked off by a rope barrier and Union County sheriff’s deputies telling them they’d been locked out.

Approximately 20 employees camped out in a neighboring lot midday Thursday, explaining that they’d voted down the final contract offer by Milbank the night previous. The negative vote resulted in the expiration of a three-year contract at midnight Wednesday.

Without a contract in place, Milbank locked its 109 union employees, a hefty majority, from the premises, said Union President Allison Howell.

Negotiations have been underway since Jan. 21 concerning the health insurance and attendance policies in particular, she said.

Next door, Milbank representatives refused to comment, according to the Union County deputy who escorted any media from the property.

The corporate office has yet to return multiple calls for comment.

Posted in Business, By Allison Gatlin, News | 1 Comment

Running back’s mother absconds with letter of intent

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Admin

Arkansas fans are waiting with bated breath to see if Alex Collins’ mother will return with the paperwork necessary for him to sign with the Razorbacks, according to fansided.com.

Collins, who rivals.com ranked as the 13th top running back in the nation, announced Monday on Fox Sports South his intention to sign with Arkansas. He wavered between Miami and Arkansas but ultimately elected to head for the SEC.

However, on National Signing Day various media outlets reported that before the Florida native could sign his National Letter of Intent his mother absconded with them, upset about his decision to move further from home.

A player cannot sign his letter without the signature of a legal guardian.

Collins was also being wooed by Florida, Florida State and Wisconsin.

Posted in By Allison Gatlin, Education, Family, News, Sports | 1 Comment

Are you ready for some Willie?

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Admin

The “Whiskey River” hint was unmistakable during Travis Tritt’s acoustic performance in El Dorado last week.

Not one to disappoint, Main Street El Dorado Director Mark Givens has followed through on that promise with a release stating Willie Nelson will pass through El Dorado for a “Willie Nelson & Family Live” show on March 14.

According to Arkansas.com, doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show set to begin at 7:30 p.m. on March 14 at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Thursday and will be available at the Main Street website or by calling 862-4747. Prices range from $30 to $100.

Posted in Business, By Allison Gatlin, Entertainment, Family, Money, News | Leave a comment

Beebe: Abortion ban may be unconstitutional

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Admin

Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe won’t say where he lands on the bill that would prohibit the majority of abortions in the state of Arkansas, but said today initial research by his office shows the measure could be unconstitutional.

The full Senate will tackle the bill before it can head to a House committee for examination.

According to the Log Cabin Democrat, Beebe is also researching the constitutionality of bills that would ban abortion at 20 weeks and would exempt abortions from the federal exchange created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

Posted in By Allison Gatlin, Health, News, Politics | Leave a comment

SouthArk Foundation touts stellar year

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Admin

South Arkansas Community College had a stellar year in 2012, highlighted by a sizable donation from a Fort Smith accountant, plans for Heritage Plaza underway and the development of a performing and media arts program, according to the Foundation’s annual report.

Much of SouthArk’s goings-on complement economic development efforts undertaken by the City of El Dorado, said President Barbara Jones and Foundation President Terry Norman. Among those, SouthArk will build onto continued process technology education efforts with the completion of a state-of-the-art industrial training center and further development of Heritage Plaza to touch on El Dorado Festivals & Events’ efforts to transform downtown into a theater district.

Thus far into fundraising efforts, the Foundation has raised more than $250,000 in funding for Heritage Plaza, Norman said. Among donations from First Financial Bank ($60,000), El Dorado Chemical ($30,000) BancorpSouth ($15,000), Simmons First Bank ($15,000) and Deltic Timber ($15,000), money for the project has also emanated from the South Arkansas Outdoor Expo and An Evening With the Stars. Other corporate donations have included $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, from Georgia-Pacific Crossett Paper Operations and Tetra Technologies for the process technology program.

Outstanding Alumni of the Year, presented at An Evening With the Stars, include Union County Sheriff Mike McGough and Great Lakes Solutions Public Relations Manager Patty Cardin.

Other highlights of the year include a quarter-of-a-million dollar donation by Norris Cunningham Taylor Jr., a Fort Smith accountant with no ties to the area who left more than $11 million in donations to institutions across the state. Planning for use of the donation hasn’t been specified.

Posted in Business, By Allison Gatlin, Education, Money, News | Leave a comment

Hammer assaults keep EPD on their toes

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Admin

The El Dorado Police Department has been busy today responding to incidents of aggravated assault at the hands of someone yielding a hammer, according to a pair of reports.

Yolanda Ford, 35, of 923 E. Elm, was arrested for allegedly striking her husband in the forearms with a hammer during a heated argument about his planned move out of state.

Upon arrival, the officer encountered a severely bleeding man who stated his wife followed through on threats of hitting him with a hammer while the two verbally quarreled.

Ford was taken into custody without incident.

The second incident reportedly followed a heated exchange between two longtime friends, according to an EPD report.

Arriving, the officer spoke with the complainant who reported he’d verbally sparred with the other man over a truck the two were supposed to be fixing. During the argument, the other man allegedly attempted to strike the complainant with a hammer in the head but instead hit him in the leg.

Red marks could be observed on the complainant’s leg where he said the blow landed as he attempted to blow a strike aimed at his head.

Abortion bill moves to full Senate

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Admin

Flying in the face of the 40-year Roe v. Wade decision, an Arkansas Senate panel OK’d a bill today that would ban abortion at the state level if a fetal heartbeat can be detected.

Only two of the eight-member Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee voted no on the measure. The Arkansas Human Heartbeat Protection Act, introduced by Sen. Jason Rapert, R-Conway, will now advance to the full Senate.

Before the House can vote on the measure, it will be up for inspection by the House Public Health Committee.

A fetal heartbeat can be detected at 6 weeks, Rapert testified, according to Arkansas News. He further added the U.S. Supreme Court stated in Planned Parenthood v. Casey that states have a right to protect life at the point of viability.

The bill does contain language that would allow abortion in instances of rape, incest or threat to the mother’s life.

Posted in By Allison Gatlin, Court, Health, News, Politics | 1 Comment

Batten down the hatches: Gusty winds, storms likely

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Admin

The National Weather Service has issued a lake wind advisory for El Dorado in effect until 9 p.m. tonight, cautioning against winds gusting on average between 15 to 25 m.p.h. and as high as 35 m.p.h.

A high of 79 is expected to drop to a low of 46 tonight as the chance of precipitation increases from 60 to 90 percent. Showers and damaging storms are most likely after midnight, according to NWS.

Temperatures are expected to be significantly lower on Wednesday when the predicted high is 58 degrees, complimented by gusting winds and sunny skies.

Posted in By Allison Gatlin, News, Weather | Leave a comment

Hesterly released to house arrest

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Admin

After contesting allegations that he threatened his ex-wife, federal authorities and witnesses in a bribery and conspiracy case against him, Ouachita County Judge Mike Hesterly was released Monday to home detention until his trial later this year.

According to Arkansas Online, Hesterly will be held at his parents’ residence in Camden on an electronic ankle monitor. Prosecutors had asked he be held until his trial in March due to the reported threats.

Leigh Adams, his ex-wife, testified Hesterly not only threatened to kill her, but asked her for information about the FBI agent investigating him for bribery, insinuating that he would cause him physical harm.

“He said ‘Well, I’m trying to find out where he lives and if he has a wife and kids because if he’s going to f up my life, I’m going to f up his,’” she stated.

Although Hesterly accused her of lying, an Arkansas State Police officer produced a tape covertly made of a phone call between the judge of his ex-wife in which he made similar threats.

While discussing the case, Hesterly reportedly said, “The motherf*s who caused this ain’t going to be OK. One of these days.”

Posted in By Allison Gatlin, Court, Crime, News | Leave a comment

McDaniel bows out of gubernatorial race

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Admin

In the wake of a personal controversy that shed light on an extramarital affair, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced today that he won’t pursue the governor’s seat when it opens in 2014.

According to Arkansas Times, McDaniel eluded to the December 2012 whirlwind of stories that quoted him admitting to “inappropriate” relations with Hot Springs attorney Andrea Davis. He further stated he didn’t want the campaign to center on his personal life.

“When it comes to our economy, our infrastructure and our schools — Arkansas is at a crossroads,” McDaniel wrote in an email to Max Brantley. “I believe that we need a visionary to lead our state forward on these critical issues. Arkansas deserves a campaign that will focus on those issues, so I believe it’s in the best interests of my family, our state and the Democratic Party for me to not run for Governor.”

In a follow-up conversation with Brantley following the initial news, McDaniel said he would return “dollar-for-dollar” most of the $1 million thus far contributed to his gubernatorial campaign. From the primary account he’ll use some donation money to pay outstanding bills, invoices and payroll. He’ll also follow through on a $40,000 promised contribution to Arkansas Democratic Party for its Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner

Posted in By Allison Gatlin, Money, News, Politics | Leave a comment

School violence bill hits Legislature

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Admin

Keeping with the topical tones that have the nation as a whole debating gun rights and mental health issues, one Arkansas senator has begun the process of drafting a bill to better prepare students and educators for potential violence on campus.

The words of the Republican Sen. Missy Irvin’s proposal seem somewhat vague at this point and are no where close to the call many have made for arming educators.

According to a release from the Arkansas Senate, “Training for faculty would include, but not be limited to, how to prevent and respond to acts of violence and terrorism. Also, training would be geared to improving communication between school officials and law enforcement agencies.”

Part of Irvin’s legislation would involve utilizing programs by the Criminal Justice Institute, a part of the University of Arkansas.

Between the two chambers, the Arkansas Legislature currently has 269 proposed bills in the till.

According to Arkansas News, the Senate has also passed through bills that would restrict where sex offenders can go in state parks, cover administrative costs of court clerks for an additional 60 days and help military families transfer their children among schools in different states. The Senate also passed an amendment to a law that would allow churches the decision of whether to let guns on their premises.

The former of which is also an Irvin proposal.

In the House, representatives approved $10 million in disaster assistance grants appropriations and nearly $310,000 in expenses and salaries for the governor’s budget.

Posted in By Allison Gatlin, Crime, Education, News, Politics | Leave a comment

UALR Professor touts Union County’s aquifer recovery efforts

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Admin

Local efforts in Union County to save the Sparta Aquifer from the early 20th century over-pumping that nearly destroyed the region’s source of potable water are being recognized statewide.

According to an email from Sherrel Johnson, Union County Water Conservation Board grants administrator, one University of Arkansas Little Rock law professor uses the South Arkansas Sparta Recovery Initiative/Ouachita River Alternative Industrial Water Supply Project as reason why students shouldn’t fret about a continuing statewide groundwater crisis.

Johnson advises she met Ken Gould, UALR law professor in one of many meetings she and UCWCB President Rob Reynolds have attended to contribute to the scheduled update to the state water plan. In subsequent emails, Gould said he’s used Union County as an example of exemplary groundwater work.

According to Gould:

“My Water Law class at the law school includes a heavy emphasis on the Arkansas groundwater crisis. After learning about general Arkansas groundwater law, policy, and politics, the students despair of a solution to the crisis. But their hope for the possibility of a positive resolution returns after I then present the ‘Sparta Aquifer Remediation Act’ [Act 1050 of 1999] and what has been accomplished in Union County — a model to which the rest of the state may want to look.”

“In addition, I am working with four law students on research projects related to the Water Plan work. That research is looking toward establishing a permanent Arkansas Water Law and Policy Institute at the UALR School of Law.”

Posted in Business, By Allison Gatlin, Education, News, Sparta Aquifer | Leave a comment

Treasurer: “That is a matter between the judge and Shannon and I won’t get involved.”

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Admin

The ongoing battle at the Union County Courthouse between Judge Mike Loftin and Clerk Shannon Phillips over a payroll issue has other elected officials on edge.

While not nearly as juicy as the continuing story of Ouachita County Judge Mike Hesterly — who was arrested last week for bribery and conspiracy to defraud and today waived a bond hearing — the strife between Phillips and Loftin continued last week with an ordinance that moved stuffing and distributing payroll duties to Treasurer Debbie Ray.

Today, Ray refused to get involved in the matter during a request for payroll records, which Phillips indicated were located in the treasurer’s office.

“That is a matter between the judge and Shannon and I won’t get involved,” Ray said. “I don’t want to be in the middle of it.”

She referred all questions about early released paychecks to Loftin who is out of the office today.

Posted in By Allison Gatlin, News, Politics | Leave a comment