Effective today, Monday October 24th, 2011, the city-wide burn ban has been lifted. The ban had been in effect for more than two weeks because of the lack of rain and unseasonably warm weather. However, over the weekend rainfall, combined with cooler temperatures, have reduced the fire risk. City residents still need to obtain a burn permit from the Hot Springs Fire Department before burning any agricultural materials. A residential burn permit is free.
For more information about obtaining a burn permit, contact the Hot Springs Fire Department at (501) 321-6971.
- Posted 10/24/11 by MT
NEWS--Habitat Dedicates New House In The Whittington Valley
Under sunny skies, a group of about fifty people gathered mid-morning on Saturday, October 22nd , 2011 to dedicate a new house in the Whittington Valley. The three bedroom, one bath residence, built by Garland County Habitat for Humanity, is located at the west end of the Valley, just across from the city park. The comfortable house--with tan siding, distinctive maroon shutters and a covered front porch--will be home to Sherry Hutson and her son.
On Saturday, October 22nd , 2011, Garland County Habitat for Humanity dedicated their newest house in the Whittington Valley. Members of the Neighborhood Association (WVNA) presented the new homeowner with a “Welcome to the Valley” gift bag. Pictured (left to right): John Lewis, WVNA vice president; Mark Toth, WVNA president; Sue Ann Albers, Interim Director Garland County Habitat for Humanity; and Sherry Hutson, the new homeowner, and her son.
The dedication ceremony started with a flag raising and the pledge of allegiance. Habitat Interim Executive Director Sue Ann Albers welcomed everyone to the dedication and introduced the new homeowner, Sherry Hutson, to the assembled well-wishers. Construction of the house was sponsored by Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore--a building materials and home furnishings resale center operated by Garland County Habitat for Humanity.
Several guests then addressed the assembled group. Mark Toth and John Lewis, president and vice president of the Whittington Valley Neighborhood Association, presented Ms. Hutson and her son with a “Welcome to the Valley” gift bag containing homemade brownies, a set of the Association’s handmade greeting cards, note paper and other gifts. Members of the "Sew What" Quilting Bee presented two large handmade quilts to Hutson, adding that a home should always be a place of warmth. Members of the “Brush Strokes” artists group presented a large drawing to the new home owner. The Whitfield Garden Club presented a plant to the new homeowner. The Rice Depot donated food, providing Hutson with a well-stocked refrigerator and other stables. A representative from the Community of Christ Church presented Hutson with dishes and flatware. And Steve Trusty, Board President of Garland County Habitat for Humanity, presented Hutson and her son with a new bible. Finally, Gordon Hegg, Habitat’s Construction Supervisor, presented Hutson with the house key.
Members of the "Sew What" Quilting Bee present two large handmade quilts to Sherry Hutson during the dedication of her new house here in the Valley.
Gordon Hegg (center, in front of steps), Habitat Construction Supervisor, addresses assembled well-wishers before presenting Sherry Hutson with the key to her new house.
Fedette Johnson sang “How Great Thou Art” as a housewarming blessing for Hutson and her son. The new homeowner, Sherry Hutson, then addressed her friends and neighbors. She began by thanking Habitat for Humanity for providing her and her son with a wonderful new home. She also spoke of how, she was “...grateful to so many for making this day possible.” Finally, Albers closed the dedication by encouraging everyone to tour the new house and enjoy the supplied refreshments.
At the dedication, Habitat volunteers served refreshments, including cake.
Since 1996, working with volunteers in the community, Garland County Habitat for Humanity has built safe and affordable houses for families who otherwise might never own a home. Each new homeowner is required to invest “sweat equity” in their new house, spending at least 100 hours working on their new residence--with family and friends allowed to make up the balance of the 350 required hours of “sweat equity.”
This is the ninety-third house built by Garland County Habitat for Humanity; and their forty-third home in the Whittington Valley. Habitat sells each of its houses to its new owner; with the sale being financed by a twenty-year, zero percent mortgage. Garland County Habitat for Humanity expects that it will complete its 100th house sometime in 2012.
On Saturday, October 8th, the Neighborhood Association held its 2011 Fall Potluck Picnic in Whittington City Park. At picnic time, temperatures were well above 80º F--more than ten degrees above normal--but abundant shade and a constant breeze made the warm temperatures bearable.
Group photo of the attendees at the Neighborhood Association's
Fall 2011 Potluck Picnic.
The well attended event offered friends, neighbors and guests great food and an excellent opportunity to gather, eat and converse. Among those attending were several visitors from the Park Avenue Community Association, who were warmly received.
The Association provided hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks; and the numerous side dishes and desserts provided by the attendees meant there was an abundant bounty for everyone to enjoy. Especially popular were Verna Linder’s now famous brownies, Mark Toth’s crock pot of baked beans and Fannie Hill’s banana cream pudding. Special thanks goes to our Vice President, John Lewis, for grilling the burgers and hot dogs to perfection.
- Posted 10/22/11 by MT
Update--Picnic Photo Published in Newspaper
On Sunday, October 16th, a black and white version of the group photo shown above was reprinted in the Hot Springs Sentinel-Record newspaper. The photo appears on page 7C of the paper.
- Posted 10/22/11 by MT
NEWS--Burn Ban Now In Effect
Effective today, Friday October 7, 2011, a burn ban is in place for all of Hot Springs, including the Whittington Valley. The lack of rain combined with unseasonably warm weather means the fire risk is high.
The burn ban prohibits all controlled burning within city limits. The ban will be lifted when an appreciable amount of rain falls.
- Posted 10/7/11 by MT
Update--Burn Ban Remains In Effect
Despite modest rainfall yesterday, October 13th, 2011 from a line of thunderstorms that passed through the area, the burn ban remains in effect. The rain was scattered and failed to provide sufficient moisture to allow for safe burning without an increased danger of uncontrolled fires caused by flying embers.
- Posted 10/14/11 by MT
2nd Update--Burn Ban Remains in Effect
Despite a line of strong thunderstroms that passed through the area early this morning (Tuesday, October 18th, 2011), the burn ban remains in effect.
- Posted 10/18/11 by MT
NEWS--Valley Resident To Perform In Concert
Louis Menendez, a talented conductor, pianist, educator, composer and collaborative artist (and Valley resident, we might add) will perform as part of “Trio Arkansas” at the Valley’s own First Presbyterian Church on Friday, October 14th, 2011 at 7:00 pm. Louis will be performing along with Geoffrey Robson on violin and David Gerstein on cello. Admission for the concert is free, however donations will be accepted.
The works to be preformed include pieces by J.S. Bach, Karen Griebling and Beethoven, including Beethoven’s famous "Ghost" Trio, opus 70 no.1. First Presbyterian Church is located at 213 Whittington Avenue.
- Posted 10/7/11 by MT
NEWS--Free and Safe Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste on October 15th, 2011
Garland County residents can bring unused or leftover household products containing toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive chemicals to the Garland County Fairgrounds for safe and free disposal on Saturday, October 15th, 2011 between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm. There will also be a recycle and reuse center for items that are still usable and stored in the original container with a legible label. Electronic waste and passenger tires (no rims) will also be taken for recycling.
Acceptable items include: automotive fluids such as antifreeze or brake fluid; paints, thinners, strippers and solvents; household pesticides and herbicides; water-based cleaners and bleaches; compressed gas cylinders; and old kerosene and diesel fuel. Electronic waste can include monitors, computers, keyboards, mice, VCR and DVD players, televisions 19 inches or smaller, electronic games and microwaves.
This event is sponsored by the Southwest Central Regional Solid Waste Management District. Please note that only household quantities can be accepted. Hazardous waste from companies and businesses will not be accepted. This annual collection program is intended to prevent hazardous items from ending up in our landfills, sewer treatment systems, storm drains or septic systems, and our streams and lakes. This is a great opportunity to clean out the garage, make your home safer and help out the environment.
The Garland County Fairground is located at 4831 Malvern Avenue (aka Highway 270 East). Recyclable electronics are also accepted weekdays between 7 am and 3 pm at the Regional Recycling Center behind the city sanitation office at 218 Runyon Street off of Valley Street. For more information about this event and/or responsible recycling, call the Hot Springs Sanitation Department at 321-6911.
Effective today, Friday October 7, 2011, a burn ban is in place for all of Hot Springs, including the Whittington Valley. The lack of rain combined with unseasonably warm weather means the fire risk is high.
Garland County residents can bring unused or leftover household products containing toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive chemicals to the Garland County Fairgrounds for safe and free disposal on Saturday, October 15th, 2011 between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm. There will also be a recycle and reuse center for items that are still usable and stored in the original container with a legible label. Electronic waste and passenger tires (no rims) will also be taken for recycling.