April 2023

The 2023 Poultry Blood Testing Schools have been scheduled for Wednesday, May 10 in Batesville, Arkansas, Friday May 12 in Little Rock and Friday, May 19 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The School in Batesville will be held at the University of Arkansas Livestock & Forestry Research Station, 70 Experiment Station Drive. Coming from Hwy 67/167, take exit 55 toward Batesville. Turn left on US64/167 for 32 miles, keep right on US-167 Batesville Blvd., turn left on SR-69/ White Drive about 10 miles, turn left on Hwy106 about 3-4 miles then turn left on Experiment Station Drive. Registration for the Batesville school will begin at 9:30 a.m. with class convening at 9:40 a.m. The school in Little Rock will be held at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Auditorium, 2301 South University, located between UALR and 12th Street. Registration for the Little Rock school will begin at 8:20 a.m. with class convening at 8:30 a.m. The school in Fayetteville will be held at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Auditorium, 2536 North McConnell. Take Exit 66 off of I-540. Registration for the Fayetteville school will begin at 8 a.m. with the class convening at 8:10 a.m. The class should end late-afternoon. All classes should end in the early to mid-afternoon. Successful completion of these testing schools will result in the issuance of a Private Blood Tester's license. The licensing schedule is as follows: Issuance of licenses are as follows: 1st attendance of school - 1 year license 2nd attendance of school - 2 year license 3rd attendance of school - 5 year license Every 5 years thereafter, payment and agreement by mail will be acceptable. A licensing fee will be due upon issuance of license - $22 per year. Cash payment will not be accepted. Please pay by money order or personal check. If more information is needed, please contact: Faye Ratthasombath: 501-823-1717 Tonya Bryant: 501-823-1747 Email: npip@agriculture. arkansas.gov.

The Viola City Council meeting was held on April 10 with Mayor Jackie Estes, Councilmen Jerry Allen, Brandi Johnson, Robert Lash, Mike Sherman, Dennis Harber, Water Superintendent Joel Huett, Bookkeeper Sarah Huett, and Recorder Tracey Sherman, and 7 citizens all present. According to Estes, financial statements for the month of March were presented with Jerry Allen making a motion to approve with a second by Mike Sherman. All were in favor 5-0. “A summary of the progress on the sewer system noted that as of April 10, 80 homes have been connected to the sewer system,” Estes said in the meeting minutes sent to The News. “Most are located on Pecan St., Hickory Street St., and Pickren Hall St. along with a few on Hwy 223 south and Hwy 62. The sewer treatment plant is working with only a few technical issues remaining which require techsupport staff to return.” The minutes stated concerned citizens said to the council their concerns about clean up on yards, septic tanks and lines being filled in. “They are being investigated to see about getting them fixed.” Financial and usage reports for March water use were presented by Water Superintendent Joel Huett, along with the list of adjustments to the March bills. The adjustments were approved unanimously by the council. A road bore across Hwy 223 was discussed and is said to be needed to, “supply water to new homes and apartment buildings currently under construction.” A bid from Roese Construction came in for $11,000 for a 10-inch bore to be used for a 6-inch waterline in a 10-inch steel pipe. The cost also factors in for materials. The fire hydrant will be funded by the fire department. Forty feet of old cast iron waterline on Hwy 223 on the west side is also needing replaced. The bore and materials and replacements were approved unanimously. “A citizen is concerned about paving the city park,” the minutes said. “It is being looked at also for the future after ball season is over.” The council meet

The reunion will be held on June 11 at 1 p.m. at the Fulton County Fairgrounds Hickenbotham Building in Salem. If able, bring a dessert or snack food. Bring pictures or other memorabilia to share. Contact Rita Havner for more information at 870-371-1312.

The Fulton County Library at Salem is gearing up for the Summer Reading Program – “All Together Now!” This program is for students entering kindergarten through sixth grade in August (ages 5 – 12). The program will be from 2 to 3 p.m. each Thursday in June, beginning June 1 and ending June 29. Come by the library to register your child by May 19. There are limited spots available due to space constrictions, so sign up today!

The Fulton County Fair Association is accepting reservations for commercial booth space for the 2023 Fulton County Fair. Local businesses, clubs, and individuals are encouraged to reserve commercial booth space now as space is very limited inside the Civic Center. Veteran’s Day is July 19, Senior Day is July 20, and Kid’s Day is July 21. No events are scheduled in the Civic Center on Saturday. Inside booths are 10 x 10 ft. and rent for $75 per space with an additional fee of $10 for electricity. Outside booths are 12 x 20 ft. and rent for $130 per space with an additional fee of $20 for electricity. Any vendor selling items must abide by Arkansas sales tax laws.