NEWS--Heat Advisory Extended Through Thursday, July 28, 2011 The National Weather Service has extended its Heat Advisory for the third time in as many days. With afternoon temperatures in the high 90's and high relative humidity, outdoor conditions could be dangerous and result in heat stress illnesses. Residents are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities between 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm, as heat indices are expected to be above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents are also encouraged to remain hydrated by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic and non-caffinated fluids. (Related: see our tips for beating the heat by clicking It is likely this Heat Advisory will end on Friday, July 29th, 2011 as current forecast models show increasing clouds, lower temperatures and increasing chances of rain on Friday. However, high temperatures are expected to return over the weekend.
The full text of the current Heat Advisory from the National Weather Service appears below.
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LITTLE ROCK AR 335 AM CDT WED JUL 27 2011 A Heat Advisory is now in effect until 8 pm cdt Thursday. * Event: Dangerous outdoor conditions are expected as heat index values reach or exceed 105 degrees.
* Timing: These high heat indices will occur during the afternoon and early evening through Thursday.
* Impact: Heat related illnesses become more likely with prolonged exposure to hot and humid conditions. Extra caution should be taken to minimize the effects of the heat.
Precautionary/preparedness actions: A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency; call 911.
- Posted 7/27/11 my MT
NEWS--Heat Advisory Extended Through Wednesday, July 27th, 2011 It is possible this Heat Advisory may be extended as current weather forecasts predict high temperatures for the next few days. Check back for updates.
The advisory from the National Weather Service appears below.
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LITTLE ROCK AR 253 PM CDT TUE JUL 26 2011 A Heat Advisory now in effect until 8 pm cdt Wednesday. * Event: Dangerous outdoor conditions are expected as heat index values reach or exceed 105 degrees.
* Timing: These high heat indices will occur during the afternoon and early evening through Wednesday.
* Impact: Heat related illnesses become more likely with prolonged exposure to hot and humid conditions. Extra caution should be taken to minimize the effects of the heat. Precautionary/preparedness actions: A Heat Advisory means that the combination of heat and humidity will create dangerous conditions outdoors. If you must be outside take frequent breaks in a shaded or air conditioned environment. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. If possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Remember, heat is the number one weather related killer in the united states. Heat stroke is an emergency; call 911. - Posted 7/26/11 by MT
NEWS--Hot Springs Concert Band On The Move Once AgainThe Hot Springs Concert Band--who were scheduled to perform a free concert in Whittington Federal Park on Monday, July 25th, 2011--have announced a change in venue. Because of the possibility of rain at concert time, combined with the ongoing Heat Advisory, the Band has decided to relocate its July 25th concert to the gymnasium at National Park Community College. This will be second concert in a row the Band has relocated to the Community College because of adverse weather conditions.
The Band’s first few 2011 Summer concerts were performed at the west end of the Federal Park, near the Showmen's Association and Weyerhaeuser. The National Park Service was re-seeding portions of the Federal Park and had asked the Band to temporarily relocate their concerts to the west end of the Park.
 The Hot Springs Concert Band Performing in Whittington Federal Park
on Memorial Day, May 30th, 2011. The Band has announced that in the future their concert performances will be held in the middle of the Federal Park near the West Mountain cut-through.
However, with reseeding complete, the Band has announced that future summertime performances (weather permitting) will once again be in the middle of the Federal Park, near the West-Mountain cut-through. This venue should be very familiar to most concert-goers since this is where the Band has performed for many years.
The Band has also adopted an new inclement weather policy. In the event of poor weather on concert day, the Band has made arrangements to perform at its back-up venue, the auditorium at National Park Community College. The Band's organizers asks that concert-goers check the Band's website, www.hotspringsband.org, after 4:00 pm the day of the concert to confirm where the Band will be performing. Also, we'll post the latest information on where the Band will be playing on our website as soon the information is made available. (Note: as reported earlier, because of concerns about the weather, the Band's July 25th concert has been relocated to gymnasium at National Park Community College.)
- Posted 7/24/11 by MT; Updated 7/24/11, 7:30 pm by MT
NEWS--Heat Advisory Extended Through Tuesday, July 26th, 2011 As has become all too common this July, the National Weather Service has extended its Heat Advisory through Tuesday, July 26th. The presence of high temperatures and high humidity will create dangerous conditions during the afternoon and early evening hours. Residents are advised to avoid remaining outdoors for any length of time between 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm, as heat indices are expected to be above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. (Related: see The advisory from the National Weather Service appears below.
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LITTLE ROCK AR 230 PM CDT SUN JUL 24 2011 A heat advisory remains in effect until 8 pm cdt Tuesday. * Event: Dangerous outdoor conditions are expected as heat index values will reach or exceed 105 degrees today.
* Timing: These high heat indices will occur this afternoon. Also with low temperatures only in the mid 70s to around 80 there will not be much relief overnight.
* Impact: Heat related illnesses become more likely with prolonged exposure to hot and humid conditions.
Precautionary/preparedness actions: A heat advisory means that the combination of heat and humidity will create dangerous conditions outdoors. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in a shaded or air conditioned environment. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. If possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Remember heat is the number one weather related killer in the United States. Heat stroke is an emergency; call 911.
- Posted 7/24/11 by MT; Updated 7/24/11 7:30 pm by MT
NEWS--Heat Advisory In Effect Through Saturday, July 23rd, 2011 Due high predicted temperatures and humidity levels, the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory. This is the second Heat Advisory issued this month. The earlier Heat Advisory was repeatedly extended (running from July 9-14) as high pressure settled over the area and oppressive temperatures ensued. The earlier Heat Advisory ended when intermittent thunderstorms moved through the area, dropping temperatures and much need rain in the Valley.The current Heat Advisory remains in effect until 7:00 pm Saturday, July 23rd. Residents are advised to avoid remaining outdoors for any length of time between 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm, as heat indices are expected to be above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. (Related: see our tips for beating the heat by clicking here.) It is probable that this Heat Advisory will be extended as current weather forecasts predict high temperatures for the next ten days. Check back for updates.
The advisory from the National Weather Service appears below.
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LITTLE ROCK AR 357 AM CDT TUE JUL 19 2011 The National Weather Service in Little Rock has issued a Heat Advisory which is in effect from 1 pm Wednesday to 7 pm cdt Saturday.
Event: Dangerous heat stress conditions are expected as heat index readings over 105 degrees will be common in the afternoon hours. Overnight lows will only fall into the mid to upper 70s which will not provide much relief from the heat.
Timing: Dangerous heat stress conditions will develop mid day Wednesday and continue through Saturday. Persistent and continuous daily hot conditions have and will continue to promote dangerous heat stress conditions.
Impact: The chances for heat related illness increases greatly with prolonged exposure to the hot and humid conditions.
Precautionary/preparedness actions: A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. Check up on relatives and neighbors.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, call 911.
- Posted 7/19/2011 by MT
NEWS--Heat Advisory Extended Yet Again; Continues Through Thursday, July 14th, 2011The National Weather Service has extended its Heat Advisory for a fourth time. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity will result in very high heat indices during the afternoon over the next two days. The National Weather Service advises that, if possible, people should stay in air conditioned environments and drink plenty of fluids. By late morning, heat indices will be at or near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, rising higher as the afternoon progresses. Dangerous conditions will exist for anyone outdoors between 1:00 pm and 8:00 pm as heat indices are expected to be between 105-110 degrees F. (Related: To see our tips for beating the heat, click here.)The full text of the updated advisory from the National Weather Service appears below.
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE...UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LITTLE ROCK AR 346 AM CDT WED JUL 13 2011 A heat advisory now in effect until 7 pm cdt Thursday.
* Timing: Expect heat index values to rise above 105 degrees during the late morning hours and persist through Wednesday evening. Night time temperatures will remain warm with the mid 70s to lower 80s expected. On Thursday heat index values will again rise above 105 degrees during the late morning hours and persist through Thursday evening.
* Impact: The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity values will produce afternoon and early evening heat indices between 105 and 110 degrees.
Precautionary/preparedness actions: Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
To reduce risk during outdoor work the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency; call 911.
- Posted 7/13/11 by MT
NEWS--Heat Advisory Extended 3rd Time; Continues Through Wednesday, July 13th, 2011 The National Weather Service has extended its Heat Advisory for Hot Springs and the surround area for the third time in a week. The presence of high afternoon temperatures at or over 100 degree Fahrenheit combined with high relative humidity will create dangerous conditions for any one outdoors Wednesday afternoon between 1:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Heat indices are expected to be between 105-110 degrees F. (Related: To see our tips for beating the heat, click here.)The full text of the updated advisory from the National Weather Service appears below.
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LITTLE ROCK AR 248 PM CDT TUE JUL 12 2011 A heat advisory now in effect until 8 pm cdt Wednesday.
* Timing: Expect heat index values to rise above 105 degrees during the late morning hours and persist through Wednesday evening.
* Impact: The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity values will produce afternoon and early evening heat indices between 105 and 112 degrees.
Precautionary/preparedness actions: Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
To reduce risk during outdoor work the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency; call 911.
- Posted 7/12/11 by MT
NEWS--Heat Advisory Extended Again; Continues Through Tuesday, July 12th, 2011With high temperatures and humidity levels predicted to continue in the area continuing through Tuesday, the National Weather Service has extended its heat advisory for the second time in as many days. The advisory now runs through Tuesday, July 12th. The National Weather Service advises residents to avoid being outdoors for any length of time between 1:00 pm and 8:00 on Monday or Tuesday, as heat indices are expected to be between 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit. Predicted highs today, Monday, July 11th are expected to be above 100 degrees F; the high tomorrow, Tuesday, July 12th, is also predicted to be above 100 degrees F. (Related: To see our tips for beating the heat, click The full text of the updated advisory from the National Weather Service appears below. URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LITTLE ROCK AR 402 AM CDT MON JUL 11 2011 A Heat Advisory now in effect until 8 pm cdt Tuesday, July 12, 2011.
* Event: A Heat Advisory is in effect.
* Timing: The Heat Advisory has been extended through early Tuesday evening.
* Impact: The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity values will produce afternoon and early evening heat indices between 105 and 110 degrees today and again on Tuesday. Readings will also remain warm tonight with lows only falling into the mid 70s to lower 80s.
Precautionary/preparedness actions: Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
To reduce risk during outdoor work the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, call 911.
- Posted 7/11/11 by MT
NEWS--Habitat For Humanity Dedicates New House In The Whittington ValleyAt 8:00 am on Saturday, July 9th, 2011, a crowd of more than fifty people gathered at the west end of the Whittington Valley to dedicate a new home built by Garland County Habitat for Humanity. With tan siding, cheerful ruby-red shutters and a covered front porch, the four bedroom residence will be home to Jackie Ferguson and her children.
 Garland County Habitat for Humanity's dedicates a new home in the Whittington Valley. The four bedroom residence will be home to Jackie Furgeson and her children.
Habitat Executive Director John Goodman welcomed everyone to the dedication and extended a special thanks to St. Joseph Mercy Health Center for sponsoring construction of the new house. Mercy has a long tradition of underwriting Habitat homes in Garland County, having done so for the past twelve years, Goodman explained. Several guests then addressed the assembled crowd. Glen Phillips, from Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church, Hot Springs Village, presented the new homeowner with a donation of foodstuffs from the Arkansas Rice Depot. Members of the “Sew What” Quilting Bee presented a large handmade quilt to Ferguson. A local artist with “Brush Strokes” gifted a large oil painting to the new home owner. A representative from the Community of Christ Church presented Ferguson with dishes and flatware. A member of the Garland County Master gardeners presented Ferguson with gardening equipment. Mark Toth, president of the Whittington Valley Neighborhood Association, presented the homeowner with a “Welcome to the Valley” gift bag containing homemade cookies and a set of the Association’s handmade greeting cards.
Reverend Doug Jones of the Union Baptist Church and Reverend Kenneth Gulley of the Greater St. Paul Baptist Church each lead the assembled crowd in prayers blessing the new homeowner and her family.
The new homeowner, Jackie Ferguson, then addressed the crowd. She began by thanking everyone “...who had made this day possible.” She spoke of how her oldest son, who was unable to attended the dedication because he was in military basic training, had helped build three walls in the new house and he had learned a great deal from the experience. Ferguson also explained how she had taken numerous pictures of the house while it was being built, but that her computer had crashed and the photos were now gone. “But, it all worked out,” Ferguson added, “because now, because of God’s will, I have the house.”
 At the dedication, Habitat volunteers served refreshments, including cake.
Goodman closed the dedication by talking about Habitat’s mission. He explained that Habitat for Humanity was founded on Christian principles. Habitat sells each of its houses to its new owner; with the sale being financed by a twenty-year, zero percent mortgage.
This was the 91st house built by Garland County Habitat for Humanity. Since 1996, working with volunteers in the community, Habitat has built safe, decent and affordable houses for people who otherwise might never get to own their home. Each new homeowner is required to invest at least one-hundred “sweat equity” hours constructing of their home--with family and friends making up the balance of the 350 required hours of “sweat equity.”
-Posted 7/10/11 by MT
NEWS--Heat Advisory Extended Thru Monday July 11th The updated advisory from the National Weather Service appears below.
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LITTLE ROCK AR A heat advisory is now in effect from 1:00 pm this afternoon to 8:00 pm cdt Monday. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity values will produce afternoon and early evening heat indices between 105 and 110 degrees today and again on Monday. Readings will remain warm tonight with lows only falling into the mid and upper 70s. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. To reduce the risk during outdoor work the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, call 911. - Posted 7/10/11 by MT
NEWS--Heat Advisory For July 9th and July 10th The advisory from the National Weather Service appears below.
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LITTLE ROCK AR A heat advisory will be in effect in the afternoon for Saturday and Sunday. Heat index values will reach around 105 degrees or above on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon, with a heat advisory in effect from 1 pm to 8 pm cdt both days. Temperatures will be from the upper 90's to around 100 degrees, and combined with high humidity values, heat index values will reach above 105 degrees.
Extra precautions should be taken due to the high temperatures, high humidifies and high heat index values. Area residents should use extra caution to minimize the affects of the high heat.
Precautionary/preparedness actions: a heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids; stay in an air-conditioned room; stay out of the sun; and check up on relatives and neighbors.
- Posted 7/8/11 MT; Updated 7/9/11
NEWS--Concert Band Performs June 27th Concert In Whittington ValleyOn Monday, June 27th, 2011 the Hot Springs Concert Band performed another free public concert at the west end of Whittington Federal Park. The concert was briefly delayed by the absence of Craig V. Hamilton, Pd.D., the Band’s principal conductor. Prior to the concert, Hamilton had been involved in a minor car accident on Central Avenue; fortunately he was not injured and once he arrived, the concert began in earnest.
 Members of the the Hot Springs Concert Band set-up for their June 27th Concert in Whittington Federal Park.
The crowd was noticeably smaller than the one at the Band’s Memorial Day concert--with temperatures near the century mark no doubt depressing spectator turnout. A crowd estimated at about 500 people enjoyed the Band’s lively performance and for the most part, the heat was made tolerable by the shade provided by the Park’s abundant large trees, early evening breezes and free donated cold bottled water. The band played for close to ninety minutes and offered concert-goers a snappy and spirited selection of songs and melodies.
The Band, with associate conductor Bill Morgan taking the podium, began with the "Star Spangled Banner." A brief intermission followed before Craig Hamilton (who’d been delayed by his car accident) took over as conductor. The Band then began with a medley that included "Oh Susanna" and "Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair." The Band next turned to a suite from the opera "Donna Juanita" followed by a medley of songs from hit Broadway musicals. There was "Tomorrow" from "Annie," "Maria" from "West Side Story," "The Hills are Alive" from the "The Sound of Music," "Seventy-Six Trombones" from "The Music Man," and "Hello Dolly" from the play of the same name. Next came a suite from the opera "Carmen" and a medley from the movie "Mary Poppins." The concert ended with a performance that featured the Band’s trombone section, much to the enthusiastic pleasure of concert-goers.
 Music-lovers and spectators at the Hot Springs Concert Band's
June 27th performance in Whittington Park. Concert-goers were
located on both sides of the park's creek.
Due to the lateness of the hour--caused in part by the concert’s delayed start--the Band had to cut a medley from the Broadway musical "Porgy and Bess" from their program; but conductor Hamilton promised that the medley would be added to a later Summer concert.
This was the second performance in the Band’s "Summer Concerts in the Park " series. Five additional public concerts in the Federal Park will be performed over the next three months. The June 27th concert was performed at the far west end of the Federal Park near Weyerhaeuser and the Showmen’s Association. The National Park Service is currently re-seeding the middle portion of the Federal Park where the band typically holds its summer concerts. It is expected that the Band will continue to perform at the west end of the park through mid-July.
The Band’s next concert will be Monday, July 11th at 6:45 pm at the west end of Whittington Federal Park . As always, the concert is free to the public but attendees are advised to bring their own chairs. For a complete list of the upcoming concerts in the park, visit the Band’s website at www.hotspringsband.org.
- Posted 7/8/11 by MT
NEWS--Valley Resident to Perform In Concert - Posted 7/7/11 by MT
FYI--Artchurch Studios Announces July EventsThe Valley's own Artchurch Studios, located at 301 Whittington Avenue, will host several public events during the month of July. These events include concerts, classes and art displays. A complete list of upcoming events is below:
Saturday July 9th, from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.
Afternoon at the “Arthouse Cafe.” Come and enjoy coffees and teas in the Arthouse Cafe and even a little live music. Sunday July 10th, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm The Artchurch Studios House Concert Series Presents: Frans Schuman (from New Orleans, LA).  Laughter Yoga with Susan Gonzales. Open to all Ages - $5.00 fee, drop-in class. Friday July 15th, from 6:00pm to 9:00 pm.
The Artchurch Studios House Concert Series Presents: Some Say Leland (from Austin, TX). This event is a part of the Artchurch Studios "Listening Room Performances - no cell phones please" House Concerts. On the Cathedral Gallery stage (upstairs) and with its amazing sound, this semi-acoustic concert is sure to be a night to remember! All ages welcome, no smoking. Admission is $10 at the door. Seating is limited. Saturday July 16th, from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.
Afternoon at the “Arthouse Cafe.” Come and enjoy coffees and teas in the Arthouse Cafe and even a little live music.  Laughter Yoga with Susan Gonzales. Open to all Ages - $5.00 fee, drop-in class. Saturday July 23rd, from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Wednesday July 27th, starting at 6:30 pm. Friday July 29th, starting at 7:00 pm. Saturday July 30th, from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.
Afternoon at the “Arthouse Cafe.” Come and enjoy coffees and teas in the Arthouse Cafe and even a little live music. Sunday July 31st, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Artchurch Studios Potluck & Fund-Raiser.  Come and enjoy a community Potluck & Fund-Raiser for the Artchurch Studios. Share a meal with family and friends at the Artchurch--and help support a fund-raiser to help keep the Artchurch Studios open. $5.00 buys a plate at the potluck. Enjoy local foods, bid on silent auction items, buy raffle tickets for great gifts and prizes! All proceeds benefit the Artchurch Studios. If you want to see the Artchurch in the next year, then you need to come out and support this fund-raiser. Sunday July 31st, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  Friday August 5th, starting at 5:00 pm.
First Friday of the Month Gallery Walk. Coordinating with other art galleries in downtown Hot Springs, the Artchurch hosts a public art display on the first Friday of each month. Free admission. For more information about any of the above listed events, please call the Artchurch Studios at (501) 463-9890 or visit their website at www.artchurch.org or send an email to artchurchorg@gmail.com.
- Posted 7/7/11 by MT
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