The Kruth Talks

 

Library Offers Digital Downloads

Kindle format books are now available through Northwest Arkansas libraries that participate in the Library2Go digital website. Members of participating libraries can login using their library cards to download e-books, audiobooks, music and videos. The Library2Go selection is also supported by Windows, Mac, iPod, iPhone, Sony Reader, NOOK, Android, Blackberry and Windows Phone.

Beer permit for Dollar General
Fifty Dollar General stores in the state have been approved to sell beer, according to the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division. Stores that were approved for the permits include three in Fayetteville. Applications were denied where residents, churches, elected officials or law enforcement officials submitted a written notice of opposition.

Accident results in death
An accident on Sept. 21 on Joyce Boulevard in Fayetteville resulted in the death of a construction worker and the arrest of the woman who caused the accident. Jo Jackson was driving east on Joyce when she drove through a closed construction lane and struck city workers, Bradley Robbins and Jackie Luper. Luper died the following day because of complications from the accident. Jackson admitted to being under the influence of prescription drugs and she is facing charges in connection with driving while intoxicated, endangering the welfare of a minor and negligent homicide.

Free youth soccer clinic
Youth Sports is hosting a free soccer clinic on Oct. 6 at Randall Tyson Recreation Complex in Springdale and Oct. 7 at Ben Geren Park in Fort Smith. The clinic is for boys and girls ages 6-14 and will be led by former goalkeeper of FC Dallas Major League Soccer, Dario Sala. Registration is free but limited. Visit www.chevyyouthsports.com/soccer, select NWArkansas as the market and use the password kickit. Check-in each day is from 4 to 4:45 p.m. and the clinic runs from 5 to 8 p.m.

Fall foliage report
Arkansas Parks and Tourism posts a weekly status update of fall foliage reports on www.arkansas.com/fall-update.aspx. The reports are updated at 5 p.m. each Thursday and identify the color changes in three regions: Ozarks (northwest/north-central), Ouachitas (central) and the Delta (southern/eastern) Arkansas. These reports are helpful for travelers seeking out the best scenic experiences. The reports can also be retrieved by calling 1-800-NATURAL.

Foul tasting water not harmful
The unpleasant taste to tap water is caused by the annual algae turnover, where the top layer of the lake settles to the bottom, but has no harmful affects, according to a report by the Beaver Water District. A fact sheet and educational information about reducing watershed runoff, a main factor to the algae growth, is available at www.bwdh2o.org. Customers can take a few steps to minimize the taste and odor including chilling the water, adding lemons or using carbon filters.

Grant for startup companies
A collaborative application by Winrock International, the University of Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas Community College won a grant for $2.1 million to develop new technology startup companies in Washington, Benton and Madison counties. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration for the project designated “Launching the ARK.”

Categories: Commentary