Democrat/Gazette December 21, 2009, editorial advocating saving sale-barn land for Fayetteville National Cemetery pleases majority of veterans and neighbors, but the problem is that saving Town Branch homeowners from flooding downhill from the cemetery is still being ignored: VA already at work preparing to dredge and fill wetland and pipe stormwater directly to Hill Avenue and thus to the 11th Street bridge on the Town Branch

Please click on individual photos to ENLARGE view of wetland area along the north edge of the Fayetteville National Cemetery being prepared for dredging and filling for grave sites. The depressional wetland developed over centuries because it is above a bedrock karst area where groundwater sinks into the underground caverns and aquifers and reduces surface-water flooding. When it is piped to the Town Branch it will further aggravate the flooding danger between Ellis and Van Buren avenues already created by the University of Arkansas' failure properly to manage stormwater on the campus and by paving and development along Martin Luther King Boulevard and on the Aspen Ridge/Hill Place project.

Save acres for vets

Now buy the land for the cemetery

Monday, December 21, 2009

Print item

LITTLE ROCK — LIKE WARM Arkansas Christmases, dry eyes after It’s a Wonderful Life, and little boys from the Natural State scribbling “LSU gear” on their annual wish lists, some things are just not meant to be. That’s the way it seems with the controversial student apartments that apparently won’t be built in south Fayetteville. You know, where Washington County’s historic livestock auction house operated until June.
A lawsuit that sought to override the city’s denial of a rezoning request seems to be kaput. Campus Crest developers of North Carolina wanted to buy the property from the auction house’s owner, Bill Joe Bartholomew, and build 500 apartments on the property. But the drawn-out legal ordeal surrounding this purchase became just too much to bear. Mr. Bartholomew now wants his suit dismissed.
The proposed sale to Campus Crest became a flashpoint for veterans and others last summer. They wanted to secure the site across Government Avenue from the city’s National Cemetery so they might preserve the sacred nature of that location. They basically argued that more student apartments in an overbuilt Fayetteville wasn’t an appropriate use of the land. They had a point. The former auction barn parcel does provide an ideally located space to enlarge this rapidly filling cemetery.
Fayetteville’s council denied Mr. Bartholomew’s request to rezone his property. The rezoning would have sealed the sale and enabled Campus Crest to purchase and develop the property. That’s when Mr. Bartholomew filed his suit against the city.

This latest development means the corporation that oversees the cemetery’s operation, Congress, the national office of Veteran’s Affairs, and veterans’ organizations need to find a way to purchase this property. The space needs to be preserved and protected as a final resting place for our veterans in the decades to come.

Senior Democrats meeting at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday November 17, 2009

Hello Everyone!

Below is a quick notice from Bonnie Cook regarding Senior Democrats tomorrow. It is at the Western Sizzlin in Springdale. Make sure to attend!



We are very fortunate to have Brenda Gullett as our guest speaker at Senior Democrats on Tuesday, November 17th. Brenda is on the State Board of Education. She served four years as a State Senator and two as a State Representative. Brenda continues to participate in many other activities. Brenda's topic will be: Charter Schools and Home Schooling verses Traditional Public Schools in Arkansas--Pros and Cons. A question and answer period will follow.

Here are some other things that will happen tomorrow.
We will elect officers for next year. All officers want to return. You can nominate people from the floor.


You may want to join Senior Democrats now for next year. It will help if you print off the form and have it filled out. Hopefully, we will have or get some forms at some point in case you don't have a printer.

I did get in the newspaper twice and we are suppose to have press coverage. One more time, please make a special effort to attend tomorrow. I feel education is the key to our future in so many ways.
--

Veterans Memorial 5K entry form for 8 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2009, linked below video

Veterans Memorial 5K entry form for Saturday, November 7, 2009

Please click on image to move to Flicker site and ENLARGE.

Please click on image to move to Flickr page and ENLARGE view.

Please click on image to ENLARGE view of a sample of items that will be in the goody bags of the first 300 runners who sign up for the Nov. 7, 2009, Veterans 5K.

Please click on image to go to Flickr page to Enlarge logos of first two major sponsors of the Veterans' 5K race set for November 7, 2009, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Washington County Democratic Central Committee to meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 9, 2009, to elect a new chairman

Message from Tim Freeman, treasurer of the Washington County Central Committee:
For those of you who were not at the regular meeting on Monday, or have not yet heard, our chairman, David Whitaker, has resigned his position to run for congress! This is VERY exciting, and we wish him all the best in his run against Boozman!!
Although we typically do not have a meeting in November, we will need to have a special meeting in order to vote for a new chairman. It was decided on Monday that the meeting would be held on Monday, November 9th, at the Homewood Suites by Hilton. This date is the 2nd MONDAY IN NOVEMBER, and is not to be confused with our typical meeting date of the 3rd Monday in November. It will be at the regular meeting time of 6:30 PM, with social hour beginning at 6:00 PM.
The meeting will be held in the meeting room of the Homewood Suites by the Hilton in Fayetteville (Exit 64). Only members of the central committee will be allowed to run or vote for chairman. We are currently working on getting a proxy form from the state party, and we will send it to you via email when it is available.
Thanks so much for your time, and we'll see you on the 9th of November!
Tim
Tim Freeman
Treasurer, WCDCC

David Whitaker discusses his candidacy for Congress with members of the Washington County, Arkansas, Democratic Central Committee on October 19, 2009

Please click on images to ENLARGE view of David Whitaker at October 19, 2009, meeting of the Washington County Democratic Central Committee in Fayetteville, Arkansas.


Please click on images to ENLARGE view of David Whitaker at October 19, 2009, meeting of the Washington County Democratic Central Committee in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Democratic women of Washington County offer barbecue and live music and and auction starting at 4 p.m. Saturday

Bonnie Cook reports:
Washington County Democratic Women will have their Annual BBQ Event on October 17 (this Saturday) at the Randall Tyson Recreation Complex. It's from 4 to 8 P.M. They will have a band, and auction and lots of other things. I think (I'm not quite sure) that admission for adults is $25 and $10 for children. If you have questions email Laura at LLaur20@aol.com

Senior Democrats of Northwest Arkansas will meet on Tuesday, October 20th at 11:30 A.M. at Western Sizzlin in Springdale. John Brummett a popular newspaper columnist and blogger will be guest speaker. YOU are invited to come and bring all your friends for a buffet luncheon.

Benton County Democratic Women will meet on Monday, October 26 at the Clarion Inn at 11:30. Laura Kellams --Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families will be guest speaker. You need a reservation for that. Questions--email me and I'll look up who to call.

Political Animals will meet on Wednesday, November 11th at 7A.M. at the Clarion Inn in Fayetteville. John Camp a retired CNN reporter will be guest speaker.

An event none should miss: Ducks Unlimited Banquet October 29, 2009, in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Please click on images to move to Flickr site and use magnifying tool above photo to ENLARGE for easy reading.

Runners and Sponsors sought for Nov. 7, 2009, 5K veterans' memorial race to benefit Fayetteville National Cemetery

Please click on image to move to Flickr site and ENLARGE for easy reading. The Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation meets at 10:30 a.m. Saturday October 10 and needs to add sponsor names to the file for the race T shirts and the brochures so that printing can begin. Already, Tyson Foods has donated at the Medal of Honor level and has challenged others to join them at the top of the list, thanks to the effort of RNCIC Secretary Peggy McClain.

Veterans' Memorial 5K race set for November 7, 2009, in Town Branch neighborhood: Sponsorship information below

The Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation (RNCIC) is organizing a Veteran’s Memorial 5K race on Saturday, November 7th at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville. The purpose of this 5K race is to raise funds for purchase and clearing of land to expand the Cemetery and, even more importantly, to raise the awareness of the Cemetery and the ongoing threat of closure.
We write to ask that you consider sponsoring the event.
The sole mission of the nonprofit RNCIC is to secure and clear land adjacent to the Fayetteville National Cemetery to ensure that the cemetery can continue to receive veterans for burial. Established immediately after the Civil War, the Fayetteville National Cemetery is an important part of the history of this region and the country. Veterans living in Northwest Arkansas, as well as many veterans from here but now living outside our region, have planned their final resting place here. But that may not be possible in the near future.
The Veteran’s Administration maintains the Cemetery, but the purchase of new land to expand
existing National Cemeteries has not occurred in decades.
When the RNCIC was organized only seven unfilled grave sites remained at Fayetteville National
Cemetery and the Cemetery was soon to be permanently closed to new interments. We have kept the Cemetery open and increased its size by over 120 percent in the ensuing 25 years, but with the passing of the World War II generation of veterans, the Cemetery will be full in a few years and closed to new burials.
Unless, of course, we act now to prevent that.
The recent controversy over the possible rezoning and development of the adjoining property has regularly been on the front page of local newspapers this summer. The massive turnout of veterans and non-veterans alike to public hearings demonstrates the deep emotional currents that surround the National Cemetery. We are grateful for past commitments to support veterans made by this community. We plan to make the race an annual event and, in this inaugural year, we are happy to give you the opportunity to associate yourself with keeping an important part of this region’s and nation’s heritage alive and to honor those who guarded us. We hope that you will see your way clear to sponsor this event. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Respectfully submitted,
Wesley Stites, Race Organizer
wstites@uark.edu
Tel: 479-871-7478
5K RACE
VETERANS MEMORIAL
Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation
P.O. Box 4221
Fayetteville, AR 72702
http://regncic.tripod.com

2009 Veteran’s Memorial 5K Race Sponsorship Levels
We thank you for considering sponsorship of this fundraising event. As you may know, all
proceeds of the race go to purchase and clear land for the expansion of Fayetteville National
Cemetery. The Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation is a registered nonprofit
with a 25-year history. Through the efforts of this group and, even more importantly, the
generosity of past donors, land has been purchased, cleared, and donated to the Veterans Administration increasing the size of the National Cemetery by 120% and keeping it open for
burial of veterans. However, without additional purchases of land, the cemetery will be closed in 14 years or less.

MEDAL OF HONOR - $1000
Business name and logo prominently on front and back of race shirt
Business name and logo on all race materials and race website
Sponsorship noted in all press releases
Business name and logo on finish line banner
Business recognized at award ceremony
Distribution of marketing materials and/or product samples in race goodie bags
10 complimentary entries and/or race shirts

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE - $500
Business name and logo prominently on back of race shirt
Business name and logo on race website
Business name and logo on finish line banner
Business recognized at award ceremony
Distribution of marketing materials and/or product samples in race goodie bags
5 complimentary entries and/or race shirts

SILVER STAR - $250
Business name and logo on back of race shirt
Business name and logo on race website
Business recognized at award ceremony
Distribution of marketing materials and/or product samples in race goodie bags
3 complimentary entries and/or race shirts

BRONZE STAR - $100
Business name and logo on back of race shirt if room allows
Business name and logo on race website
Business recognized at award ceremony
Distribution of product samples in race goodie bags
1 complimentary entry and/or race shirt
CONTACT Information:
Wesley Stites 479-871-7478
All checks should be payable to Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation or to R.N.C.I.C.
Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation
P.O. Box 4221
Fayetteville, AR 72702

Please see Mike Odom on Tour de Cure Web site and help him raise the final $150 to compete in the race to fight diabetes!

Ride with other area bicylists on October 3, 2009!
Arvest Ballpark, 3000 South 56th Street, Springdale
For more information, call 1-888-DIABETES

Mike Odom of Fayetteville on Tour for the Cure site

Information about tomorrow's Tour de Cure in Springdale

Minutes of September 2009 meeting of senior democrats of Northwest Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas Senior Democrats
September 15, 2009 Meeting Minutes

Note: Corrections to the August 2009 minutes "Members of the Gridiron cast were introduced by Kathryn Shryl: Kim Morton, Rusty Turner, and Emily Katz." Correct spelling is "Katherine Shurlds, Kim Martin, ...Emily Kaitz."

The meeting was held at the Western Sizzlin' restaurant in Springdale, Arkansas.

President, Nancy Goliff, thanked Bonnie Cook for all her help with the media.

Bonnie introduced the guests: Jan Judy, Uvalde Lindsey, Mark Henry representing Courtney Henry, Julia Haak (?) and associates Kelly and Zach., Mike Hathorn, Beth Storey Bryant-judge candidate, Steve Zega-judicial candidate, Fred Leding, Bill Ramsey, Don Marr-Fayetteville mayor's office and a representative from the Springdale mayor's office.

Amy Wilson introduced Theresa Marks, Director of the AR State Environmental office. She was appointed by Governor Beebe and previously worked in the Arkansas Attorney General’s office. She was appointed in 2007. The mission of the agency is to restore the natural environment for the well being of all Arkansans. The regulatory agency handles appeals. It occupies the first green building in North Little Rock. It also covers areas of air, land and water issues. It covers areas of field work, office management and community out reach. Its authority pertains to laws passed at state and federal level, most federal programs delegated from U.S. environmental protection agency and regulations approved by state pollution control and ecology commission. It also permits race tracks. In regard to public hearings, there is a 30 day notice period. It is governed by the Clean Water Act of 1972. The agency handles water issues in regard to domestic water supply, fisheries, primary control recreation, and extraordinary resource waters. In regard to question about gravel removal, it is prohibited unless it is done on your own property or you have an issues waiver from a county judge. The agency must compose an Impaired Water Body List, i.e. Illinois River impaired for sediment. Water quality criteria-one size does not fit all-must stay in compliance with 303(d) Impaired Water List and TMDL-restoration plan. Phosphorous levels effects are algae blooms, low oxygen which results in fish kills. Oklahoma's regulation impact Arkansas. Area growth contributes to phosphorous levels. A cross borders study to be in future involve-ing Arkansas and Oklahoma. The meeting was opened to questions and answers.

Nancy reminded those that had local school board elections to be sure to vote today.

John Brummett will be the speaker in October.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

Myra Moran, Secretary

Senior Democrats meeting minutes from August: Next meeting noon Tuesday September 15

Sr. Democrats Aug minutes
From: Nancy Goliff (nancygo@earthlink.net)
Sent: Sat 9/12/09 10:15 PM
Minutes of Northwest Arkansas Senior Democrats August Meeting

The meeting was held at the Western Sizzlin' restaurant in Springdale, Arkansas.

Vice President, David Hart, called the meeting to order. President, Nancy Goliff, is out of town. He turned the meeting over to Bonnie Cook. She introduced guests Doris Tate, candidate for Secretary of State, Missy Kincaid, Jan Judy, Sheriff Tim Helder and Fayetteville mayor Jordan. Shirley Brown of the County Clerk's office, County Clerk Karen Combs, Judge Marilyn Edwards, Linda Pinkins, Bella Vista, Charles Duell, Rusty Turner, Kathy Spann, Bill Ramsey, Representative Uvalde Lindsey, Representative Jim House and Diane Bryant.

Members of the Gridiron cast were introduced by Kathryn Shryl: Kim Morton, Rusty Turner, and Emily Katz. The Gridiron is an annual event presented by local journalists who write and perform. They sang songs from past years performances. The AAUW (American Association of University Women) also sponsors the event and has for the last six years. The event is held at the Rogers Little Theatre who is also a co-sponsor. Some of the titles of the skits were "Too funny to Fail” Gas Prices, Presidential race-Obama and Clinton, Sarah Palen, Hilary Clinton. The event is October 2 and 3 and cost is $25.00 for general seating. Food is available before the show and during intermission. There is a cash bar. Ads are for sale in the playbill.

Bonnie introduced Doris Tate from Fort Smith. She is a candidate for Secretary of State and has been the Sebastian County Clerk and Recorder for nineteen years.

Berta Seitz, treasurer, reported a club balance of $2,787.29.

Representative Uvalde Lindsey reported on the Governor's Health Initiative Tobacco Tax. He emphasized three main areas: (1) AR KIDS-first insurance program. 70,000 uninsured children in state. (2) Community Health Clinic (CHC) insurance for non holders-expanding in Rogers and Siloam Springs, 42,000 clients last year. 60% without insurance. Kathy Grisham is the director. (3) Department of Health-add new physicians. Seven million over two years. A university medical center to be located in Northwest Arkansas to train doctors in area. l.5 million for autism, 10 million for senior centers, also to service breast and cervical cancer. Also, factors considered are trauma centers, foster care-grandparents rights, adoptive services, achievement gap in education. Representative Jim House who worked with Rep. Lindsey in the state legislature thanked him for his presentation. The floor was open to questions and answers.

Next month's speaker will be Theresa Marks.

Dick Bennett brought a petition to be signed regarding Nuclear Disarmament.

There were two new members. The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

Myra Moran, Secretary

Political Animals to meet in Fayetteville on Sept. 9; Madison County Democrats have an event On Sept. 8

Bonnie Cook reports:
Political Animals will meet from 7 to 8 A.M. on Wednesday, September 9th. at the Clarion Inn in Fayetteville. Rep. Allen Kerr will be guest speaker. He was the one who brought to light the retirement scandal. . Rep. Kerr is mentioned as a possible challenger to Gov. Mike Beebe in 2010. The event costs $9 per person and includes breakfast. You can make a reservation by emailing Richard Hundson -- rhudson@uark.edu or you can call Carter Ford at (479) 575-7964

A reminder-- Madison County Democrats will have an event on Tuesday, September 8th starting at 7 p.m. You are invited to hear and visit with Director of the Arkansas State Police Winfred Phillips. Phillips is a Huntsville native. The event will be held at the Carrol Electric Community Building. Refreshments and finger foods will be served. You take 412 East from the Huntsville City Limits.
Bonnie Cook

August meeting of the Washington County Democratic Central Committee

Please click on images to ENLARGE views from August meeting of Washington County Central Committee. Vickie Thomas, the new superintendent of Fayetteville schools, presented the case for raising the millage on Fayetteville residents to build a new high school.

Director of Arkansas State Police to address and visit with Madison County Democrats

Madison County Democrats invite you to come hear and visit with Huntsville’s very own Colonel Winford Phillips, Director of the Arkansas State Police at 7 p.m. September 8.
Refreshments and finger foods provided in Carroll Electric’s Community Meeting Room on U.S. 412 East of Huntsville’s city limit.

Little Flock picnic moves to Bella Vista's Blowing Springs Park

Thurman just called me and asked me to relay that the Benton County Democratic Little Flock Picnic has been moved from the Samaritan House in Rogers to Blowing Springs Park in Bella Vista. To get there go the the light at Dartmoore, turn right and go through 4 way stop and you will run into the park. He says to be there early between 4:00 and 4:15PM, bring lawn chair and if have folding table that would be good also. He is not sure of seating arrangements.