U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02), John Boozman (AR-03), and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced that Arkansas will receive a $1,914,413 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to create 127 temporary jobs for cleanup and recovery efforts resulting from recent natural disasters.  The federal dollars also will help provide food, clothing, shelter, and other humanitarian assistance for disaster victims.

“Severe storms and tornadoes destroyed a record number of Arkansas homes and businesses this year,” said Pryor.  “As residents work to put their lives back together, this funding will help them rejoin the workforce and provide for themselves and their families.  I will continue to fight for disaster relief funds for Arkansas and support programs that provide critical aid to communities in need.”

“This funding will provide much needed assistance to so many who are still suffering from the aftermath of this year’s severe weather, providing basic needs like food, clothing and shelter as well as temporary employment opportunities for those who have lost work,” said Berry.  “As I have visited with those impacted across the district, I have been struck by the toll that the storms have taken and by the perseverance of Arkansas people. Arkansans are strong people and we will get through this tough time by working together to rebuild our communities and make them even better than before.” 

“It has been a devastating spring for storms, but hopefully this funding will expedite the recovery efforts and help get these communities back on their feet,” Congressman Snyder said.

The grant, awarded to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, will fund temporary employment on the cleanup, demolition, repair, renovation and reconstruction of damaged structures and public lands within affected communities.  Funds also will be used for projects that provide food, clothing, shelter and other types of humanitarian assistance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared multiple counties in Arkansas as eligible for its Public Assistance program.  The state has targeted the counties of Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Conway, Izard, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Newton, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, Saline, Searcy, Sharp, Stone and Washington for assistance through this grant.   National Emergency Grants are part of the Secretary of Labor’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.

Congratulations to the City of Conway on today’s landmark announcement by the Hewlett-Packard Company.  I appreciate Hewlett-Packard’s interest in Arkansas and know this wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of Governor Beebe and his staff, Mayor Townsell, city officials and the community.  This new facility will significantly benefit from a talented local workforce and spur additional information technology development.

Downtown Batesville will be staying open on Friday evenings once a month beginning in August with the initial 2nd Friday Downtown “Wander and Wonder Walk.” The event is a joint project of Main Street Batesville and the Batesville Area Arts Council; organizers plan to create a festival atmosphere to attract both locals and visitors for an evening of shopping, special activities, music, dining, and just strolling in the downtown historic district, widely-known among architecture enthusiasts as an open-air museum of early 20th century architecture. Most downtown stores and businesses will stay open until 8:00 pm on the second Friday of every month; both Elizabeth’s Restaurant on Main Street and MorningSide Coffehouse on Harrison will remain open even later to accommodate all comers.

The monthly event was inspired by the growing popularity of the district’s antique and collectible stores. Six diverse stores form downtown’s nucleus: My Myra’s Antiques and Uniques, Back in Time Antiques, The Good Old Days Antique Mall, Judith Lee’s Antiques and Collectibles, The Spinning Wheel, and the Rainbow Mini-Mall Antiques and Collectibles. Life in the Ozarks magazine called the emerging antique district “a fortuitous mix of established institutions and energetic newcomers ready to welcome visitors from the traditional antique enthusiast to the junk shop junkie.” The magazine also pointed out that prices are extremely low compared to Hot Springs, Little Rock, or Memphis.

While the antique shops are the centerpiece of the event, visitors will find an eclectic mix of businesses, many of which will feature special activities or prices during the walk. Among the participants are the Paper Chase Bookstore, Thompson’s Jewelry, Skinner’s Jewelry, Nancy’s Embroidery, the Batesville Area Arts Council Gallery, and a number of new businesses that have opened recently. Most of the participating businesses are located on Main Street, but visitors can also visit the eclectic Rainbow Mini-Mall, just a block off of Main Street at 275 West College, and the Morningside Coffeehouse, 616 Harrison, which will remain open until 10 p.m.

The evening’s activities will include live music performances in the recently expanded Pocket Park, an Arkansas crafts area, working artists at the Batesville Area Arts Council Gallery, and the dedication of the recently-completed Old Independence County Courthouse mural in the heart of the historic district. A schedule of activities will be available in late July. To participate as a craft vendor or musician or for additional information contact Main Street Batesville at 870-793-4632 or downtownbatesville@sbcglobal.net. 2nd Friday Downtown is sponsored in part by First Community Bank.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, and of legal age to operate a motorboat, must have successfully completed an approved Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Boating Education Course and carry proof while operating a motorboat on Arkansas water. The law also affects operators of sailboats and personal water crafts.

Date/Time:      June 21…..10am-5pm
Location:       U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Visitor Center for Greers Ferry Lake, Hwy 25 North just west of dam.
Registration:   Required. Call (501)362-9067.
More Info:      U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Visitor Center for Greers Ferry Lake. The center is located on Hwy 25 North just west of Greers Ferry Dam near Heber Springs, AR.

The St. Louis Irish Arts performing group will appear at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, AR Friday, June 20 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, June 21. 2008, in full costume and they will also appear at an afternoon matinee on Saturday at 2:15 pm (no costumes). Admission is $10.00 for Adults and $6.00 for children ages 6 – 12 for the daytime entrance to the craft grounds, this includes the matinee and $10.00 for Adults and $6.00 for children ages 6 – 12 for the evening performance each evening. For those persons wanting to attend the matinee and evening performances a combination ticket can be purchased for $17.50 for adults and $8.25 for children ages 6 – 12. Season Passes will be honored for this event.

Central Batesville will be busy on Saturday, as history takes over for about five hours. Batesville is the second oldest town in the state and has a rich Civil War History. The BOOMING sound of a cannon will be heard again just like in the days of the Civil War. The events featuring blacksmithing and artillery re-enactment demonstrations and displays are scheduled for the downtown area, although one of the programs will be at Old Independence Regional Museum. For more information and schedule of events you may contact Project Coordinator, Gail Ferguson Harley at (870) 793-7739.

KFFB at Mitchells Used Cars in Clinton 10a-2p this Friday June 20. Mitchells Used Cars is located Hwy 65 Clinton, Arkansas 72031. Join KFFB 106.1 FM for fun, Petit Jean Hot Dogs, Pepsi, Branson Tickets and A Gas Grill to be given away at 2 pm no purchase necessary. But, you must register to win!

Dr. Matt Taylor, KFFB 106.1 Dale Gardner and Will Triplet Talk Live

Will Triplet talks with the folks during the broadcasts

2nd Annual Bootlegger Daze
                                                
Friday, June 20, 2008   11:00 am  – 10:00 pm

Craft Fair 11 am – 7 pm Friday and Saturday, Main Street.

Moonshine Still Competition presented by the
Izard County Historical & Genealogical Society,
Entries must be in place by 2:00 pm, Main Street.

Ozark Outlaws” performance presented by Mountain Valley Water Company,
 6 pm – 6:30 pm Main Street.

“Bootleggers” movie, at the Calico Rock Music Hall, 6:30 pm – 8 pm, $3 donation

Street Dance – Peppersauce Alley, Vic Stanley Band, 8 – 10 pm

Saturday, June 21, 2008   9:00 am – 9:00 pm

Farmer’s Market, Kerr Lot at Hwy 5 & 56, 9 am – 1 pm

Silent Auction presented by Yankee Candle Main Street, 11 am – 6 pm.
Music on Main Street 11 – 4 pm.
“Ozark Outlaws” performance, High Noon – Main Street.

Historic Trolley Tours begin at 1 pm, Admission $5 per person.

Motorcycle Poker Run, Calico Rock Music Hall, begins at 10 am.

Lawn Mower Race presented by Arkansas Western Gas Company,
2 pm, Main Street.

Grand Finale Dream Catchers presented by Mitchell’s Park Street Pharmacy
in front of the Music Hall 6 pm
Music Hall special performance by Memphis musician/songwriter:
Bill Lusk, Blues & Rockin’ Boogie 7:00 pm, donation $10 each, $15 per couple

Check out the website at www.calicorocket.org or call 870-291-8899 

Despite rising gas prices, current 2% tourism tax figures in Arkansas show that the eight county Ozark Gateway Region in north central Arkansas has seen a 31.2% growth from January to May of 2008 compared to the 2007 season. Total tax collected in 2007 was $42,994 from January to May but this year the tax collected is $56,414. The Ozark Gateway Region comprises eight counties which include: Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp and Stone.

“We were a little worried that high gas prices and bad weather this spring would put a damper on the tourism industry but we are delighted to see the growth so far this year,” states Cathy Drew, Ozark Gateway Region Executive Director. “We are very optimistic we will continue to see growth in the remaining 2008 year – we know people are very concerned about fuel prices and other prices that affect their households. We also know people need a relief from everyday pressures and our area is conveniently located and economical, and that plays in our favor.”

Tourism in Arkansas in 2007 was a $5 billion industry; in the Ozark Gateway Region it was a $219 million industry. Tourism is noted to be one of the top three industries in the state which makes it a very important catalyst to Arkansas economy.

The Ozark Gateway Region has long been known for its attractions and events to keep travelers entertained. Each of the eight counties is different and unique. For more information about economical tourism opportunities or for your free vacation/relocation guide, contact Ozark Gateway at 1-800-264-0316 or write: OGTC, Attn: Cathy Drew, P.O. Box 4049, Batesville, AR 72503. Web site is: www.ozarkgateway.com or e-mail: gateway@ozarkgateway.com.