Commentary, The Kruth Talks

The Kruth Talks

No Comments 01 September 2010

Purple Glow At The Show

Sound Tribe Sector 9 or STS9, known for their psychedelic instrumental funk paired with a spiritually moving light show, is allowing TFW to distribute purple glow necklaces at the AMP during the pre-show event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today (Sept. 2) at the Freekly party tent. Apparently in an effort to distinguish themselves from raves, the band usually prohibits glowing objects being brought into their performance venues. Thanks for making an exception in this case.

PediCabs

A new form of transportation was seen on the streets of downtown Fayetteville over the weekend.
Pedicabs are two-wheeled carts attached to a bicycle, like the human cabs seen frequently in the streets of southeast Asia. Current fares are $1 per person, tips accepted. Just another sign NWA is an emerging metropolis.

Women’s Football

Little Rock is bringing the Women’s Football Alliance to Arkansas. One of 40 teams in the nation, this is full-pad, full-contact football. Tryouts will be at MacArthur Park in Little Rock on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. www.football4women.com/LittleRockWildcats.html.

Shewmaker Center at NWACC

NWACC expands again with the opening of the Shewmaker Center for Global Business Development. Part of this program includes the Tyson Foods Culinary Learning Center and J.B. Hunt Transport Services Transportation and Logistics Institute.

Busted

School’s back so let the attempt at boozing begin again.
It’s no surprise that 18-year-olds just released from the observation of their parents will wander the streets in search of uninhibited freedom. They will readily discover its not just their parents who make rules — it’s a fact of life. (What did ya think? Your parents are part of a secret coalition intent on enslaving youth to prohibit all enjoyment?)
Be aware: the police are out in force, working bar doorsteps as bouncers, posing as underage patrons and working the liquor store counters to bust fake IDs and underage consumers.

FHS Phase 2

There was a reported small turnout at the information session for the FHS millage proposal. Was it because it was held at the First Presbyterian Church (do I have to point out the irony — is separation of church and state a dying principal?) or because voters are decided?
The Sept. 21 vote will ask property owners to sacrifice an average $4.50 a month. The Fayetteville Chamber has announced support of the latest millage proposal increase.
The progress of the renovations of FHS are under way, and the opportunity for this funding of Phase 2 won’t likely be presented again.
We can hold resentment for the failure of decision on Phase 1 — not accepting the UA bid (when it was on the table, it should’ve been taken, not slept on) and not building a new high school in a new location (our kids will attend a construction site for the next 3 years).
The rubble from Bates still lies on location, and don’t even get me started on the parking and asking for too much on the first millage proposal (it’s hard to say it was a well executed plan and a fair price when area schools did the same for half as much).
We could dwell on that and try to hold the board accountable for it’s shortfalls, but that will only cut us off at the knees.
It’s like voting for a president, often choosing the lesser of two evils and hoping he lives up to some of the claims he makes. We have to vote, and since we’re halfway down this path laid, we should aim to complete the journey.

Like A Pig In Mud

The Kruth Talks

Like A Pig In Mud

No Comments 26 August 2010

Times they are a changing … isn’t that what they used to say back in the old and golden years?

Well, now the saying is “The new busy ain’t the old busy,” and things aren’t what they used to be. Words said with a sigh of nostalgia, a twinge of resentment and a gleam of relief. The only thing constant is change.

The new face of TFW, once a small town alternative newspaper with its heart on the pulse of Fayetteville arts and culture, is now a new media tabloid delivering the interests of the Northwest Arkansas metropolis. As the new editor gets wet and feels out this transition, all the community, present-company included, watch anxiously as The (new) Free Weekly gets wings.

“The Kruth Talks” was born with the death of “Daddy Warbucks.” One of the most well-read and long-lived sections, Daddy had insight into big business and behind-closed-doors encounters that kept the public informed of the capitol façade. I certainly didn’t have the connections of Daddy when it came to information, but I’ve maintained the news tidbits to keep the residents in the loop of changes that affect our everyday life.

Now as The Free Weekly gains the attention of our neighboring communities, I ask that you feel free to share your voice, your insight, your tips and your rumors with this columnist. We would know nothing at all if we did not share our thoughts, aka gossip. A big believer of the truth (Kruth is just “Truth with a K”) I will filter out the nonsense from the need-to-know and hopefully the loyal readers of the Freekly can handle the Kruth.

With all the news sources available, we want to make sure that you can still reach out to The Free Weekly as the source for entertainment, arts and activities, cultural insight and news briefs that hit home and keep you involved and informed. Welcome to our world fellow cities of NWA — we don’t say “Keep Fayetteville Funky” for nothing! We may be a bit edgy, sometimes shocking, sort of sensational and most definitely different, but we weren’t all made to be the same. Take comfort in the different. Take refuge in the change.

Get your thoughts and town featured by writing to TheKruthTalks@gmail.com.

Here’s a few thoughts for you to chew on this week …

Pay Meters Get Defaced

Parking Meters vandalized on Dickson Street! The city’s reaction is to seal off the area around the spray-painted kiosks. An unfounded claim of $15,000 issued by the city in a news release. Most damage was superficial and completely predictable. Take a punch bowl like Dickson Street, mix two parts young and rebellious with two parts hot summer night, add a splash of liquor and what do you expect?

Beyond the WAC

The Fayetteville Task Force that was created to consider and attract diverse festivals and events is already met with a challenge. Because of the new paid parking movement, the Walton Arts Center parking lot can only be closed for events 16 days out of the year. The committee will have to look beyond the obvious center of downtown to host these festivals since most of those days are already scheduled. I hear Bentonville has some nice locations to host events!

Enrollment Shift

The Fayetteville Public Schools have moved 100 fifth grade students from Holcolmb Elementary to Holt Middle School for this school year. Overcrowding at the elementary school required an additional third grade classroom. A reported increase of nearly 500 students in the district gives encouraging evidence to support the ninth grade moving into the newly built high school.

The Kruth Talks

Hog hair heaven

1 Comment 12 August 2010

KRUTH TALKS

Amber Kruth akruth@nwaonline.com

Have you visited the new Garland Center Bookstore on the north side of the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville? Ali Sadeghi, director of the University of Arkansas Bookstore, tells us the second floor carpet squares add an additional tie to the Razorback theme: The squares are made of boar hair. Is that where the spirit of the departed Tusk II mascot now resides?

Nip it in the butt

Campuses across the state and nation are adopting the Clean Air act, which prohibits smoking on the property of state-owned institutions of higher education. The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville has had a nonsmoking policy since July 2008. It is expected that enforcement will increase. Some smokers will have to bite the bullet (or Nicorette) while on campus or face a fine of $100-$500. It is the general consensus amongst campus officials that warnings will be issued first, and depending on the compliance of the smoker, a fine may or may not be warranted. Will smokers gather at the corners of the campus to get their puffs in? Will there be more dorm room or closed-window car smokers? Will Habibi open its doors for lunch to allow the more refined smokers to congregate? Where there is a smoker’s will, there is a way. For those ready to get with it and quit, go to www.stampoutsmoking.com or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW and get free help and medication while supplies are available.

‘Private’ residences on state property

University of Central Arkansas President Allen Meadors got dragged into the newspapers with his devil’s advocate request to consider his household exempt from the Clean Air Act. Meadors questioned if private residences located on campus were considered in this statewide legislation. He spoke on behalf of the employees of the University and state that are required to live in designated housing within these regulated areas and used his wife as an example — a lesson every man learns in life to not make again. The Baxter Bulletin reported Meadors said his wife is a closet smoker, although he has only seen his wife smoke once in 29 years. Meadors responded his intentions were not to ask for an exemption for his household, but to make sure the law would not cross the line of privacy. That’s not the first time that line’s been used. Way to defend the “smoker rights,” President Meadors.

Fayetteville fights for the WAC

With the Aug. 2 deadline for site proposals on the expansion of the Walton Arts Center passed, it is only a matter of time until the facilities committee determines the path of arts and entertainment in NWA. There is no denying the WAC is a highlight of the area, attracting works of Broadway, legacy and wonder year-round. The Walton Family Foundation outlined they would be a lead donor only if the expansion of the center was in Benton County, although they would still support the current Fayetteville location. The city of Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas have submitted a favorable offer to keep the expansion in Washington County. The UA put the use of Bud Walton Arena and Reynolds Razorback Stadium on the offering table, and the city of Fayetteville offered to refinance Town Center bonds to help build a secondary theater and improved parking facilities. It’s good to know that the toughest decisions come from bountiful offers. Let’s hope the committee has the foresight to make a beneficial decision.

Amber Kruth provides a resident’s perspective on tidbits of news from around Northwest Arkansas — tidbits that make you think and keep you informed.

Features, The Kruth Talks

Rockin’ Those Roots

No Comments 05 August 2010

The Kruth Talks

By Amber Kruth

Spurred by Bryan Hembree of 3 Penny Acre, Fayetteville will birth a new music event this year named “The Fayetteville Roots Festival.” Although not technically a festival (yet), this first concert event will take place at Greenhouse Grille on Aug. 29. There will be music played from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. — free enjoyment for brunch customers — and the main event will be 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets for the evening show are available at www.wix.com/3pennyacre/3pennyacre.

Limited tickets are available, so get yours soon if you want to attend.

HERE’S A SCOOP

It may still be a bit humid to be thinking about your fall planting, but those of you motivated enough to plan ahead will want to bring a pickup down to the Compost and Mulch facility at 1708 S. Armstrong Ave. in Fayetteville.

One scoop (about 2.5 cubic yard which will fill up the bed of a regular pickup) of compost costs $20 and one scoop of mulch is $10. Hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the first two Saturdays of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Bring a water bill to prove residency.

PAY TO PARK

Just in case you hadn’t heard the official word (or have been subconsciously ignoring the news), the verdict is in and there will be paid parking in the downtown Fayetteville district.

There will be three meetings to help educate the public on the changes that will occur. The first meeting was July 29. Parking and Telecom Manager Sharon Waters (formerly Sharon Crosson) has heeded the request of working citizens to adjust the times of the next two meetings to take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Waters acknowledged most 8 to 5 employees in the entertainment district would be at work during that time.

The next meetings will be Aug. 5 at City Hall Room 219 and Aug. 12 at the Fayetteville Library Walker Room. Those who cannot attend can e-mail parking@ci.fayetteville.ar.us. for information.

AFFORDABLE ENERGY ALTERNATIVES

With the recent leak from the BP oil rig explosion, it is even more vital that alternative sources for fuel become available.

Volkswagen will join the race to find a cure by offering the Touareg Hybrid and a Jetta Hybrid in 2012. A representative for VW announced “Volkswagen will be the automaker that will offer the electric car attainable for every customer.”

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is embracing that philosophy by including the Nissan Leaf, a fully electric vehicle. Being that the company is most used for short-term rentals while vehicles are being repaired, customers can try out the new technology without fully committing. Enterprise claims all Leafs will come standard with GPS to help locate charging stations and even reserve a charging time.

Spurred by Bryan Hembree of 3 Penny Acre, Fayetteville will birth a new music event this year named “The Fayetteville Roots Festival.” Although not technically a festival (yet), this first concert event will take place at Greenhouse Grille on Aug. 29. There will be music played from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. — free enjoyment for brunch customers — and the main event will be 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets for the evening show are available at www.wix.com/3pennyacre/3pennyacre.

Limited tickets are available, so get yours soon if you want to attend.

HERE’S A SCOOP

It may still be a bit humid to be thinking about your fall planting, but those of you motivated enough to plan ahead will want to bring a pickup down to the Compost and Mulch facility at 1708 S. Armstrong Ave. in Fayetteville.

One scoop (about 2.5 cubic yard which will fill up the bed of a regular pickup) of compost costs $20 and one scoop of mulch is $10. Hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the first two Saturdays of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Bring a water bill to prove residency.

PAY TO PARK

Just in case you hadn’t heard the official word (or have been subconsciously ignoring the news), the verdict is in and there will be paid parking in the downtown Fayetteville district.

There will be three meetings to help educate the public on the changes that will occur. The first meeting was July 29. Parking and Telecom Manager Sharon Waters (formerly Sharon Crosson) has heeded the request of working citizens to adjust the times of the next two meetings to take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Waters acknowledged most 8 to 5 employees in the entertainment district would be at work during that time.

The next meetings will be Aug. 5 at City Hall Room 219 and Aug. 12 at the Fayetteville Library Walker Room. Those who cannot attend can e-mail parking@ci.fayetteville.ar.us. for information.

AFFORDABLE ENERGY ALTERNATIVES

With the recent leak from the BP oil rig explosion, it is even more vital that alternative sources for fuel become available.

Volkswagen will join the race to find a cure by offering the Touareg Hybrid and a Jetta Hybrid in 2012. A representative for VW announced “Volkswagen will be the automaker that will offer the electric car attainable for every customer.”

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is embracing that philosophy by including the Nissan Leaf, a fully electric vehicle. Being that the company is most used for short-term rentals while vehicles are being repaired, customers can try out the new technology without fully committing. Enterprise claims all Leafs will come standard with GPS to help locate charging stations and even reserve a charging time.

Features, The Kruth Talks

Here Come The Kids

No Comments 29 July 2010

By Amber Kruth

I was at the Blair Library today, and it struck me that school will soon be in session. Maybe it was the quiet thought in the back of my head that this may be the last “summer session” book I pick up for my son, or maybe it was the striking new appearance of those young scholars brewing in the lobby. There are 500 more freshman this year than last year, bringing in almost 3,500 new Razorbacks next month. In a news release, Provost Sharon Gaber said the University of Arkansas is ready and anticipated the increase in attendance. Improvements in housing, the Registrar’s office, the bookstore and academic halls preceded the enrollment. Welcome to Fayetteville, freshmen!

Incoming Class Is Impressed

Speaking of the Razorbacks, I had the pleasure to sit in on a briefing with members of the Razorback football coaching staff. The coaches mentioned the recruits get enticed even more to play for the Hogs once they visit the campus. The architecture, the hills, the halls, the staff, the people of the area, the resources, the quality and, not to mention, the stadium, really light up the eyes of prospects. The UA certainly creates quite a positive impression of the area.

Top Ranked Marriott In Fayetteville

Check out this list of awards: Marriott Courtyard Hotel of the Year, Chairman’s Award for Overall Guest Service & Satisfaction, The Platinum Award, The Diamond Award, Highest Guest Satisfaction in “Least Problems Experienced,” “Overall Satisfaction,” High Quality Breakfast” and “Top Room Cleanliness.” All of these accomplishments were achieved by The Courtyard by Marriott in Fayetteville. Now that sounds like the place to stay!

Speak Green To NWACC

The Northwest Arkansas Community College is open to new thoughts for programs of sustainability in both credit and noncredit courses. If you have a concept for training or course work that should be offered at NWACC, respond to the following links:

Student survey: www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22AXBKVX2T8

Community survey: www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22AXDANan also log on to freeweekly.com, find my story and click on the links.

A Blocked Thought

The Block Avenue Construction is about halfway done, and the intentions of creating a pedestrian-friendly area to connect Dickson Street to the Fayetteville square are noticeable. One of the most obvious improvements is the back-in parking along the first block of Block Ave. The city of Fayetteville is also revamping the water, sewage and drainage infrastructure of this area with the reconstruction of the pavement of these blocks. I hope the city also realizes the need for a stop sign at the first block of Block Avenue, since the eastbound vehicles along Spring Street can no longer see oncoming vehicles when the parking spaces are occupied. Since this project is intended to slow driving towards the square, a stop sign for approaching traffic seems like an obvious inclusion.

Features, The Kruth Talks

Under Budget

No Comments 22 July 2010

The extra piers needed for the completion of the Washington County Courthouse parking deck are estimated to cost about $1.7 million. Looks like the Quorum Court’s vote in February to pay per unit paid off. The contractor’s offer of a guaranteed flat payment of $2.85 million was way overestimated. The deck is expected to be completed by December.

Garland Construction

Garland Ave. will be under construction for the next two years. The plan is to expand the area between Poplar Street and Mount Comfort Road to make it appear more uniform with the avenue that leads into the University campus. The street will have four lanes and periodic 12-foot center medians.

Festival Movement

Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan has arranged a nine-member to assess the entertainment and economic draw of the town. The committee will focus on diversity, arts and entrepreneurism and hopefully construct more events and festivals that embrace the Fayetteville vibe. In addition, the committee will discuss how to streamline the application process for those wanting to host festivals.

New A&P Member

Bill Lyle, executive chef of Ella’s was recently appointed to the Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission. Lyle will be a sounding voice from the inside of a kitchen to help promote a balanced and progressive demeanor for Fayetteville culinary.

Springdale Jail

According to a recent news report, the Springdale city jail does not have the capacity to house any more inmates. Regulations require segregation of men and women, misdemeanor and felony charges and convicts versus contained and waiting for trial. Many of the four-bedded rooms are not fully utilized. As a result home-monitoring and lenient dismissal of non-violent crimes occurs frequently.

No, Deer

Eureka Springs has passed the first stage of a no-feeding policy for deer in the city to try and diminish the presence of the grazing mammal. The intent will also hopefully reduce the number of deer-auto accidents in the area. A first offense for feeding deer is $100 and a second $200. The ordinance could be intact by August if approved.

Energy Help

With the extreme heat of last month some may already be battling an enormous energy bill. The Office of Human Concerns will accept applications for Summer Home Energy Assistance to aid those with qualifying incomes. For information call 877-777-6422.

Flying Cars

First, 3-D TV and now a flying car? It was bound to happen. The car company that was founded by Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates has designed a light sport aircraft with retractable wings, airbags and a 30 mpg driving record. It can fly at 10,000 feet and is small enough to park in a household garage. The “Transition” Roadable Aircraft may be seen on the road and in the air as early as next year.

Features, The Kruth Talks

Taxes, Gas and Hungry Children

No Comments 15 July 2010

[thekruthtalks]
By Amber Kruth

Tax Vote Coming

The Fayetteville School District is still searching for ways to cover financing for the renovation and expansion of Fayetteville High School. A 4.9-mill increase was defeated last September, however government funding and a $2.5 million budget cut by the school board will pay for phase one. Recently a one-time government bond was offered and will save the district more than $29 million dollars in interest to pay for phase two. To accept this bond, the district needs a repayment plan, which will be feasible with a 2.9-mill increase that Fayetteville residents will vote on in September. Essentially, this would be about an additional $4.58 a month in property taxes per $100,000 home value.

The Natural State Indeed

Arkansas is the Natural State for more than one reason. Arkansas is ranked seventh in the nation for natural gas production. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Arkansas drove into the top 10 of gas producing states in 2008. The majority of the state’s resources are tapped in the Fayetteville Shale of the Arkoma Basin near Conway. Two leaders in this harvesting operation are Southwestern Energy and Chesapeake Energy.

No. 1 In Hungry Children

The Arkansas News Bureau renounced the results of a USDA Economic Research Service report that ranked Arkansas as the top state with children going hungry. The test analyzed how many children were “food insecure,” meaning they were uncertain where their next meal would come from. The report stated that nearly 40,000 more Arkansas children are going hungry this year compared to last year.

In The Black

Arkansas skidded through its fiscal year in the black this year, ending with $23.7 million left in the $4.4 billion budget. This result is primarily credited to Gov. Mike Beebe’s budget cuts of $206 million, with cuts in spending and layoffs across the state. It’s not easy for the state to cut finances and jobs in such a tight economy, but it’s good to know the sacrifice makes an impact.

New Mango

The newly opened Orange Mango, the fruit and frozen yogurt delight on Dickson Street, is already expanding. A second location is due to open warm weather season next year in Nelson’s Crossing Shopping Center, the plaza off the intersection of Joyce Boulevard and College Avenue.

Bikes, Babe and Boom

Bikes, Babes, & Bling came and went over the July 4th weekend. If you didn’t travel to Dickson Street, you may have thought the few groups of bikers seen on the road were just homage to the holiday. Organizers estimated attendance at 4,000 to 5,000, a favorable turnout for a first year event that was drowned out by a steady rain on Saturday.

Big New Store

A new 30,000-square-foot building called the Garland Avenue Center will be the new home of the University of Arkansas Bookstore. Relocating to the new space are the textbook department, the computer store, the Razorback Shop and the lab supply shop. The new space will open on July 26 and will also house some brand new perks including a coffee and tea shop, a card shop, athletic stores, a Clinique cosmetics counter and an OfficeMax school supply store.

The Kruth Talks, Uncategorized

Pride, Politics And Philanthropy

No Comments 08 July 2010

The Kruth Talks

By Amber Kruth

Record Breaker

The University of Arkansas athletics teams and community volunteers packed a record-breaking number of meals at “Razorback Relief Operation Haiti” on June 26. More than 1.4 million meals were sealed in the 24-hour marathon. This landmark figure surpassed the 1.2 million meals sealed in Kansas City this past January.

Pride Week

Mayor Jordan declared the week of June 21 as “Pride Week” in Northwest Arkansas at the fifth annual Pride Parade on June 26. The parade grand marshal was 10-year old Will Phillips, who refused to stand at school during the Pledge of Allegiance until all people of this country were delegated equal rights. The celebration of Pride Week grew substantially this year with the support of the Northwest Arkansas Center for Equality. The mayor’s proclamation will make this a significant date in years to come.

Footrace Winners

The national Cancer Challenge footrace began at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale on June 26. Congratulations to Andrew Evans and Valerie Reina for winning the 10K and Rogers Heritage High cross-country coach Lee Wood and Holly Gureski for finishing first in the 5K.

Winning Truckers

Two Con-way Freight drivers took the trophies in the 2010 Arkansas Truck Driving Championship in Springdale last month. Congratulations to Derek Cheader for placing first in the 4-axle division and Shane Simmons for winning the Straight Truck division.

FGC Awards

The city of Fayetteville Government Channel was recently awarded three bronze Telly Awards. The Telly is a prestigious award that has big name competitors like ESPN, CBS and the Discovery Channel. The FGC winning team is made up of Fritz Gisler, Neil Bilbe, Steve Odom, Frou Gallagher and Tyrone Rogers.

Boozman and Lincoln

It’s never too soon to start learning about the candidates on ballot this November. The Arkansas Democrat Gazette had a story on June 27 detailing the stance of John Boozman and Blanche Lincoln. Here are a few highlights: Reforming Health Care — Boozman against, Lincoln for. Wall Street overhall — Boozman against, Lincoln for. Economic Stimulus Plan — Boozman against, Lincoln for. Iraq War Surge — Boozman against, Lincoln for. Keep looking deeper into the issues, because the vote often doesn’t tell the full story.

Benton County Or Bust

The Walton Family Foundation set a letter to the Walton Arts Center saying the Bentonville area would be the best location for a new arts venue. “We do not foresee being the lead donor for a new performing arts facility in a location other than Bentonville,” a letter from the foundation to the WAC stated. This decision was likely paired with the construction of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American art, which Alice Walton invested her heart and cash into, as well as the physical limitations for expansion in the downtown Fayetteville area.

The Kruth Talks

Phones For Meals

No Comments 01 July 2010

The Kruth Talks

By Amber Kruth


Meals on Wheels needs your old cell phones and laptops, no matter what the condition. Meals on Wheels, which helps feed local elderly and disabled homebound citizens, will send the phones and laptops to an electronics firm and in return will receive a financial contribution. Currently there are 32 seniors on the Meals on Wheels waiting list due to limited funding. Individuals, institutions and businesses are encouraged to drop-off their cell phones and laptops from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Senior Center, 945 S. College Ave. or call Carl Smith at 571-2920.

Integrating Immigrants

The Hispanic Woman’s Organization of Arkansas is launching a “Reaching for the American Dream” program to help legal immigrants. Daniel Diaz, a recent University of Arkansas graduate, is meeting with immigration lawyers and will conduct workshops and registration drives to help legal immigrants integrate into the community. Diaz said that with more than 30,000 legal immigrants in Arkansas, it’s necessary for the community to embrace these newcomers and help them learn the language and responsibilities of citizenship. A large volunteer base is needed to help teach U.S. civics, history and English. The first workshop will be Aug. 21 at a site to be determined. If you are interested in attending a workshop or volunteering, e-mail hwoa2@jtlshop.jonesnet.org, call 751-9494 or stop by 614 E. Emma Ave. Suite 231 in Springdale.

Thinking Green

The NorthWest Arkansas Community College branch of the green-job training center opened this month at 4004 N. College Ave. in Fayetteville. The “NWACC Center of Excellence” will train contractors, code officials and HVAC technicians in energy efficiency. Coordinator Keith Knight says the first course offered will be a BPI (building performance institute) building analyst course, followed by a ResNet (residential network) energy-rated class. For information contact Jknight2@nwacc.edu or 444-6596.

Happy Birthday Hobbs

Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area visitors center celebrated its first anniversary May 27. In its first year, the center performed 1,543 programs, which were attended by 40,573 individuals. The 17,500-square-foot visitors center, east of Rogers off Arkansas 12, offers a range of educational and historical information, including touch-screen computers and taxidermy exhibits. Surrounding the center is more than 12,000 acres providing hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, permitted hunting and a firing range.

Doc Park

Mayor Lioneld Jordan declared June 16 as “Doc Mashburn Day” in honor of the Fayetteville obstetrician who worked here for more than 35 years. Doc Mashburn Park is at 1582 Fairlane St. and has a pavilion with picnic tables, an open play area and a community playground geared for children 5 to 12 years old.

Features, The Kruth Talks

Hogs for Haiti, Hotel High, Peace Heroes

1 Comment 24 June 2010

The Kruth Talks
By Amber Kruth

Hogs for Haiti

The University of Arkansas Razorbacks teamed up with Numana and are launching a 24-hour meal packing session starting at 7 p.m. Friday at Randal Tyson Track Center. Volunteers are needed to help pack 2 million meals to send to the starving people of Haiti. To volunteer, sign up the day of the event or e-mail richmorris@acumenholdings.com for group registration.

Hotel High

The Cherokee Casino has finished construction on a seven-story hotel and it’s open for business. According to Cherokee Nation Entertainment, the 140-room hotel is the tallest building between Springdale and Tulsa. Once a small bingo hall in West Siloam Springs, Okla., just across the Arkansas line, this venue is now 200,000 square feet of gaming with a private poker room, a 7,120-square-foot banquet room, a nightclub, coffee shop, three restaurants and now a hotel with three meeting rooms, seven suites and a fitness room. Quite a mark on the map for the once small town of Siloam Springs.

Swimming Good Time

Wilson Pool season started the summer with a record-breaking swim. Two hundred sixty-two people gathered at the city pool to break the Guinness Book of World Record for “largest swim lesson.” The pool is open daily, except for Mondays through Aug. 15.
Swimming is also an option at the Boys & Girls Club of Fayetteville daily except on Sundays. You must be a member to use the facility. Annual membership for youth is $60 for children, $200 for adults or $300 for a family. There is a scholarship-based membership available to lower-income families.
The pool at the Jones Center in Springdale is open for public swimming daily except for Mondays.

Summer Lunch

The Fayetteville School District is offering a free summer lunch program for kids 18 and younger. Lunches are served from 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily at Owl Creek Elementary School. Boys and Girls Club members can drop off their children at the center or adults can bring the kids directly to Owl Creek. No qualifications or registration required. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Peace Heroes

The OMNI Center has announced its annual Arkansas Peace & Justice Heroes award recipients. Honored at a July 10 banquet in Fayetteville will be: Barbara Harmony of Eureka Springs; Art Hobson of Fayetteville; Donna Massey of Little Rock; Robert McAfee of Hackett; and the NWA Workers Justice Center of Springdale. For tickets, call 935-4422 or order online at www.omnicenter.org.

Power Contract

The University of Arkansas announced that Arkansas Power Electronics International, housed at the Research Technology Park, was awarded $3 million in contracts to improve electronic technology in vehicles. This fund given by the Army through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will aim to develop silicon carbide power modules used in electrical ground combat vehicles and tanks. The ultimate consumer gain would be advanced technology in hybrid and electric vehicles.

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