Stories from Friday, June 24, 2016

Voting could become more accessible for Carroll County residents if the county election commission decides to move forward on proposed vote centers. County clerk Jamie Correia said a vote center combines multiple precincts and allows residents to vote at any polling site within the county. To make the switch to voting centers, she said, the commission will have to draft an ordinance and have it approved by the quorum court...

The Berryville City Council heard overwhelming support for the proposed Berryville Soccer Complex at its Tuesday meeting. The council held a public hearing to discuss and identify the city's parks and recreation needs at its June 21 meeting as part of the application process for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Outdoor Recreation Grant Program...

The latest mural by the Berryville Restoration Fund Inc. is cruising along. The Highway 62 mural will highlight the highway's influence on the development of the city. Mary Nell Billings, who helps execute the murals, said this mural is trying to sell not just Berryville but also Highway 62 as part of the city...

Meal prices at Green Forest schools will increase by five cents for the 2016-17 school year. The school board voted to approve the price increase at its Monday meeting after a recommendation by Superintendent Matt Summers. Summers said it had become necessary for the district to raise the prices to meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Paid Lunch Equity Standards and to adjust for the rising cost of groceries and cafeteria operating expenses...

The old Eureka Springs High School building was once again the primary topic of discussion for the Eureka Springs School Board at its meeting Tuesday night, as board members discussed a proposed lease-purchase arrangement with the Eureka Springs Highlander Community Center Foundation...

Here's what the buildings shown in Tuesday's Midweek edition look like today. The building on the left is Quality Tire. For years it was home to various car dealerships. The courthouse looks the same but the hamburger and chili cafe in-between is now the Community Building and public restrooms. ...

This year's Eureka Springs Fourth of July parade will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, July 4. Parade lineup and bicycle registration will begin at 9 a.m. by the Eureka Springs Carnegie Public Library, with Mr. Firecracker and the queen being named at 9:15 a.m...

The parables of Jesus have been referred to as "holy jokes." When he tells a story, there is a punchline that his listeners don't anticipate. Those who are "in the know" wink and grin, while the butt of his jokes -- most often the religious establishment -- blush with anger and embarrassment...

The Head community recently received a $15,000 Arkansas Rural Community Development Grant to renovate and preserve the Head Community Center. Pictured from left to right are state Rep. Ron McNair of Alpena, Arkansas Rural Development commissioners Glenn Priebe and James Myatt, Arkansas Economic Development Commission vice president Amy Fecher, AEDC executive director Mike Preston, David Gardner, Allen Beckwith, Jeannie Beckwith, Gov. ...

Eureka Springs School of the Arts (ESSA) will host Young Artist Week from Monday, July 11, to Friday, July 15. Students ages 11 to 17 can participate in five different beginner level classes taught by local artists. Each workshop is a five-day course. Registration is $150. To register or for more information visit ESSA-Art.org...

The Holiday Island Elks Lodge 1042 will host a barbecue from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 9, on the Cornerstone Bank parking lot near the Holiday Island entrance. It will cost $5 for a burger or a brat, chips and a soft drink or iced tea. The barbecue will raise money for the lodge's drug awareness program. ...