Greenwood, Arkansas News & Announcements

Second Phase of Church Bell Tower to Begin

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:48:00 GMT

The rock mason has been engaged and donate steel elements should be arriving this week for the next phase of work on the Bell Tower being constructed on the grounds of the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church according to Pastor Orin Frank and Mayor Kenneth Edwards. The first cycle of the $50,000.00 grant Edwards applied for has been received and put to work on the massive concrete and steel footings and foundation work that is constructed so as to anchor the 36 foot tall structure of steel and cedar as well as the 400 pound cast steel bell.

(See Architect Concept Drawings Below)

Pastor Frank says that the committee from the church and the Historic Register Committee established by the Mayor are pleased to report that the work will resume as funds have been donated to the project and another cycle of grant money from the Arkansas Department of Heritage is due this month.

Mayor Kenneth Edwards has kept the grounds at the church for nearly ten years. He noticed that the Bell form the original church at Center and Bass Street was under the “new” 1922 building at Bass and Denver and not in use. Senator Ed Wilkinson suggested to Edwards that he pursue a grant from the Historic Preservation section at the Department of Heritage. “We knew when we got the plans back from the architect that the $50,000.00 grant would not be half enough”, said Wilkinson. “We got the metal donated from Davis Iron and Metal in Fort Smith and the utility companies have been very gracious in moving the lines around the project for free. That alone could have taken all the grant money”, Edwards added.

Pastor Frank will soon report to the Greenwood City Council on the progress. Though not a City project, the grant funds applied for by the Mayor were channeled through the city to the project and Pastor Frank reports that all funds are accounted for, some church funds will be used, donations have been made to the church for the project and no city money has been spent. Significant landscape changes are planned for the area surrounding the “Scots Kirk Bell Tower” that will surely be a tourist attraction in Greenwood once complete. This area owes much of its heritage to the Scottish farmers who settled here and founded a church or “Kirk” here in 1853 making it the oldest congregation in Greenwood. The Sanctuary was admitted to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

Greenwood Pursues "Shine" Award

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:46:00 GMT

The Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission sponsors annually the "Arkansas Shine Awards" for cities in six different population categories. Mayor Kenneth Edwards thinks Greenwood partnered with enough civic groups, school organizations, the Sebastian County Solid Waste District and city committees to qualify and win. The Mayor and his wife Sabrina Edwards have organized beautification efforts and encourage "Green" acitvities, cleanup campaigns through the Mayor's Community Improvements Committee enough to be the evny of the region. "Sabrina's efforts and those of the Greenwood Garden Club and other local service clubs have made a difference in the quality of life here. It would be a tremendous honor to win this coveted award for Greenwood", said Edwards.

The City partners with the school district and the Sebastain County Solid Waste District to operate the very popular Bulldog Recycle Center. The Parks Committee and Scout Troops plant trees in our parks and along walking trails. The hanging flower baskets have been very popular with locals and tourists alike according to Parks Director Doug Kinslow.

"Great communities don't just happen", said Robert Phelps, the Director of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission, "this effort attracts economic development prospects and is the type of community where people want to work and live. The 2010 Arkansas Shine Awards will be presented in September.

City to Build Community Center, Splash Pad Next!

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:16:00 GMT

The next step in fulfilling the Bell Park Master Plan got the green light from Greenwood City Council and Mayor on Tuesday night in a Special Called Meeting that followed a study session on the issue of the $1, 441,000.00 facility.

The sources of funding include a series of grants the City has received from the Arkansas Department of Rural Services, the portion of the ¾ cent sales tax that goes for parks and a loan that the city will need for about half the project.

A bid of $1,419,000.00 was accepted by the City from Circle M Construction Management, Inc. of Ratcliff, Arkansas at the August City Council meeting for construction of the center that is the focal point of the Bell Park Master Plan.

Mayor Kenneth Edwards pointed out that there will still be funds from the sales tax collections to build a splash pad or similar water park feature in Bell Park as a next phase of the full Master Plan development of the park. “I think our citizens will enjoy and benefit from the community center and I want the Parks Committee and Director Doug Kinslow to begin plans immediately for the splash pad”, said Mayor Edwards. City Councilmen Rod Powell and Dr. Lee Johnson agreed that the splash pad project could be planned very soon for the park.

It was pointed out by Finance Director Steve Tedford that the interest on the borrowed funds cannot be paid with city sales tax revenues. The interest money can be paid from other sources and perhaps grant funds or private contribution. City Councilman Lance Terry and City Clerk Wilma Jo Cabe expressed concern that the interest portion of the debt should not burden other city departments. “As long as I know where this interest money is going to come from, I will be totally in favor of this project.” Terry said. City Councilman Tim Terry also encouraged immediate plans for a water feature in the form of a splash pad in the park for younger children who might not use a pool or water park attractions.

Freedomfest 2010…the day, the event, the success and the news!

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:02:00 GMT

Freedomfest 2010….if you weren’t there, you’re the only one!!! The A&P Commission was so impressed with the results of their investment that they have already voted to fund the event next year!!!!

Greenwood Police Department estimated the crowd throughout the day at over 4,000 visitors to the square. During the evening when a local popular band-10 Spur-played to a crowd of over 3,000 cheering fans, it was the largest crowd ever assembled on the Greenwood Town Square. The band played again for the crowd following the largest fireworks display in the area. Rain earlier in the day did not dampen the event for the crowd’s enthusiasm.

Greenwood Mayor Kenneth Edwards thanked the Freedomfest Committee for the hard work that made for the biggest summer event ever. They include: A. C. and Kimberly Brown, Tina Skaggs, City Councilman Lance Terry, Fire Chief Stewart Bryan, Parks Director Doug Kinslow, Finance Director Steve Tedford, Joan Van Vactor, Steve Ratterree, Sabrina Edwards and the staff of the Parks Department and Street Department as well as Planning Director Sonny Bell.

Over forty vendors, free hot dogs, a dozen inflatable attractions, a horseshoe tournament, free ice cream, pony rides, games and contests for kids, Fort Smith Trolley rides through the city to Bell Park, the Historic District, a special Independence Day church service and big name bands for thousands of listeners-that was Freedomfest 2010 and a bigger event is planned for next year. The Greenwood High School BETA CLUB volunteered to help with the “bounce around” attractions. Volunteerism starts early in Greenwood!

Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Raddishes-a popular rock/oldies band from this area-even agreed to give back to the event $3,000.00 of their usual fee. The City decided to pay them the net difference instead. Instead of charging $4,450.00 for the event, they played for $1,450.00!

The owners of The Pizza Barn restaurant reported that they ran out of dough! That many people came to town to patronize local businesses.

Plans are now underway for this same committee to help with Fall Festival 2010 in Bell Park coming up in late October.

Denver Street Bridge to Open This Week!

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:43:00 GMT

The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department has advised Greenwood Mayor Kenneth Edwards that the paving of Denver Street above the new bridge site will be complete this week. The AHTD project was delayed due to weather earlier in the year, nonconforming sidewalks and the addition of a handrail to the project. The sidewalks have been replaced. Mayor Edwards advised the Department of his desire to have the handrails installed for the safety of those on the sidewalks above the bridge. The project took about a month longer than the AHTD expected.

The Denver Street Bridge project was 80% funded by state and federal funds sought by the Mayor to replace the failing and undersized bridge and widen the intersection of Denver Street at Center Street. “We have a dozen school busses full of our children cross that old bridge every day. We’ve been too lucky too long”, said Edwards. “The Street Department portion of our ¾ cent sales tax is paying for the City’s 20% share of the expense. We got really good prices on the contract. The Mayor and I got the easements and right of way for the project ourselves and saved the City about $200,000.00” said Street Department Director Don Keyes.

Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department Engineer Dean Nichols says the asphalt will be installed on Wednesday August 11 and the striping will be applied on Thursday. The $900,000.00 project will be ready for traffic Thursday evening or Friday morning. Mayor Edwards had promised the Greenwood School District and the Greenwood Police Department that the project would be complete before the beginning of the school year later in August. “This is just one of the projects that should have been done forty years ago along with sewer in Bell Addition and a remedy to Greenwood’s age old water source and water quality issue”, said Mayor Edwards, adding, “we’re knocking them out one at a time”.

Edwards expressed thanks to the adjacent property owners who accommodated the project and the residents who rely upon Denver Street. “Yeager’s, Dr. Singer and La Fiesta have been very gracious”, Edwards said. The Mayor also reports that the installation of decorative street lighting, the walking trail and the widened intersection will enhance the entrance to Greenwood.

Mayor to Honor Young Hero and Responder

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:40:00 GMT

On July 15 a little girl was pulled off her bicycle and attacked by a Pitt Bull mix breed dog in the Creekwood Subdivision on the east side of Greenwood. The Greenwood Police and First Responders of the Greenwood Fire Department arrived to find that the child was rescued from the peril by another child who ran to a nearby house to report the incident to an adult neighbor. The little girl was transported to a Fort Smith hospital for treatment. Both children will be the topic of a discussion Tuesday September 7 when the Greenwood City Council again considers the penalties for allowing dangerous dogs to roam in violation of the Animal Control Ordinance passed by the City Council last year. The adult neighbor who responded to the emergency and shot the dog wounding it until emergency services arrived will also be honored by the Mayor at the meeting. The dog was caught, taken to a local Veterinarian who found the animal aggressive. The dog was destroyed and found to not be rabid.

City to Re-visit Dangerous Dog Ordinance

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:38:00 GMT

The August City Council meeting in Greenwood included an update on the dangerous dog provisions of Greenwood’s Animal Control Ordinance. Steve Ratterree who drafted the final version of the ordinance addressed the council about the success and failings of the ordinance as it exists. He was accompanied by Police Chief Keith Jackson and Animal Control Officer Chris Fuller.

The concern is that there have been over a dozen incidents of dangerous/aggressive dogs attacking citizens since the ordinance passed last year. Many dog owners protested the potential banning of certain breeds with the city. That did not happen. “The goal of the ordinance was to make some pet owners more responsible for the behavior and keeping of their otherwise potentially dangerous animals”, said Mayor Kenneth Edwards following the meeting where the Mayor and council were presented with further options. These options include the identifying of dangerous dogs because of their incident history and stiffening penalties for allowing them out. Tougher penalties for violation of leash law provisions have also been suggested. The issue has come to the council’s attention recently due to an attack on July 15 of child in the Creekwood subdivision. Edwards has prepared documents recognizing the youngster who saved the life of this dog attack victim. They were unable to attend the August meeting and will be recognized in September.

Ratterree pointed out to the council that no suggestion is being made that any breed be banned saying, “We don’t have a dog problem in Greenwood. We have a dog owner problem and the Mayor wants this resolved and asked me to research the matter and make a recommendation to council.”

The matter will likely be on the agenda for the September meeting.

The City’s chases money…

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 01:00:00 GMT

Improvements in parks and walking trails, a stoplight, a new bridge, expensive firefighting equipment, computers and vehicles for the Greenwood Police Department and a new look for downtown in the Square and the courthouse grounds-they are all needed and expensive items. The city’s money only goes so far. So how is Greenwood getting all this paid for? “Grants and state/federal funding”, replied Mayor Kenneth Edwards. “I vowed to go after money to pay for the things we need and want and couldn’t budget for”, the Mayor promised when taking office in 2007. To date, the Mayor and his staff have successfully pursued well over $2.5 million dollars in outside financial aide for Greenwood. “I heard him say that he was setting a goal of two million for his first term and I was skeptical, but his legal background and familiarity with the how state government works has sure paid off” says City Councilman Tim Terry. “It is unprecedented for a town to get this much grant money in so brief a period of time. The legislative delegation, the State government and the Mayor’s office are working in perfect harmony and money is coming to Greenwood to enable some of make plans to become a reality.” said Senator Ed Wilkinson.

First was a matching grant for the Promenade in Bell Park. That was $125,000.00 from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. The city matched the grant with money from the ¾ cent sales tax passed in 2006. The last two legislative sessions have seen grants totaling $280,000.00 for the community center in Bell Park. Bids will soon be accepted for work on that project. Edwards and Parks Director Doug Kinslow expect another $140,000.00 or so for the project soon from the Arkansas Department of Rural Services. Cinda Bell has prepared the grant applications for the Greenwood Parks Committee. The latest success is $140,000.00 for the Veteran’s Memorial in the Town Square. Edwards enlisted the help of Rusty Myers and County Judge David Hudson in seeking $280,000.00 for the Greenwood Courthouse. The first half of this money has already been awarded. “Judge Hudson was very gracious in allowing us to pursue money for the grounds of the Courthouse. Greenwood owes him and the Quorum Court our thanks”, said Edwards. Parks Director Doug Kinslow grins and says, “It’s interesting to watch the Mayor work the State Capitol Building with our legislators-Senator Wilkinson and Representative Breedlove”. Kinslow added, “We went to Little Rock and came back with a matching grant of $125,000.00 for the Promenade and $67,000.00 for the walking trails. It makes thing happen and we are going after much more”.

Equally impressive are the numbers in the area of street and traffic improvements. The signal light at Highway 71 and Denver Street totaled $585,000.00. The city’s share was a mere $32,000.00. The Denver Street bridge is being replaced with state funding that totaling nearly $900,000.00. The city is out less than $200,000.00 for the replacement in the 80/20 match.

“Mayor Edwards spends time at the capitol during the legislative session tracking where the money is going and then is in Little Rock and conferences around the state applying for those funds when they are made available. He has helped me write appropriations bills that have resulted in money coming to Greenwood”, said Senator Ed Wilkinson. Wilkinson and State Representative Steve Breedlove have directed funds to projects recently like the Veteran’s Memorial Square.

Police Chief Keith Jackson and Fire Chief Stewart Bryan have been seeking these types of funding for their respective departments. Jackson has been awarded over $300,000.00 for vehicles, training, overtime pay and computers for police cars. This year saw the Fire Department awarded $100,000.00 for breathing apparatus equipment for firefighters and an $11,000.00 all terrain vehicle for rescue on the walking trails and in our parks.

Street Department Director Don Keyes estimates that assistance received from the County Road Department for work on creek cleanouts to prevent flooding totals over $200,000.00. “It’s working too. We have gotten rain amounts that would have resulted in flooding before and now no flooding is being experienced” Keyes said of the otherwise cost prohibitive cleanout operation. “$50,000.00 in FEMA money allows us to replace undersize drainage tiles”, Keyes added.

“A strong legislative delegation is essential. We have the best. Also, a mayor has to go where the money is. This is not something that can be done on the telephone. I appreciate a majority of the city council in allowing me to after these funds. You have to meet these people, travel to their conferences and explain why our needs are more important than those of other towns. A mayor doesn’t get that done by sitting in an office all day. We will never be able to thank Senator Ed Wilkinson for his help” Edwards concluded.

“Sidewalks Wrong”, State tells Contractor

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT

The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department inspectors advised Total Site Development Wednesday that the slope of the Denver Street Bridge sidewalks are out of ADA compliance in places. Total Site Development is the contractor awarded the project by the state. The AHTD is bound to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The sidewalks were recently found to slope to the street making the City and the AHTD potentially liable and they will be replaced before being accepted by the City. “We hope that this will not delay the project. It is ahead of schedule now and we are all eager to have Denver Street opened. We are NOT eager to get sued and there are those who prey on situations like this” said Greenwood Mayor Kenneth Edwards on Friday.

The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department will not turn the project over to the City until it is compliant. “We have recently won several lawsuits that were found to be meritless. The Arkansas Municipal League represents us as a part of our contract with them. It costs us $3,000.00 every time one of these lawsuits gets filed against us if the League lawyers represent us. We don’t want to pay out any more than we have to. It is a part of doing business as a city” said Edwards, adding, “litigation is expensive and we avoid it where we can. There are people who make a living suing cities and businesses”.

The recent litigation over the First Western Bank property ended fairly according to all sides. “Before that, the litigation filed against the City of Greenwood by ex-mayor Garry Campbell was thrown out of court but it still cost the City of Greenwood $7,299.14 in legal fees even though we won!” said Edwards, adding “those lawsuits against me and the city filed by Garry Campbell were not defended by the Arkansas Municipal League”.

The Mayor and Street Department Director Don Keyes will meet this week with AHTD officials and the contractor to discuss the timeline on the matter and the progress on the bridge. The Mayor will also meet with the League lawyers and City Attorney Mike Hamby to assure compliance.

FreedomFest 2010 to be City’s largest celebration ever

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 07:36:00 GMT

Hundreds of volunteer hours are necessary to put on an event the magnitude of this year’s Greenwood Freedfest Celebration.

Legislative Support for the Square

Fri, 28 May 2010 10:23:00 GMT

Area legislators awarded another $5,000.00 to the Veteran’s Memorial Square Project. This grant is for work on the stone and metal fence around the south side of the square.

“the square is the signature feature of our town and we legislators want to help Mayor Edwards with the work being done to beautify downtown Greenwood”, said State Representative Steve Breedlove” presenting the funds to Mayor Edwards. “We are all committed to seeing these plans through” said State Representative John Paul Wells of Paris, ”Senator Wilkinson has helped keep the Mayor apprised of where grant funding opportunities exist and the Mayor has tracked the legislation and gone after the money”.

Grant Received for Courthouse Grounds

Fri, 28 May 2010 08:10:00 GMT

The Arkansas Department of Rural Services awarded a grant to Greenwood and Sebastian County for renovation of the exterior and grounds of the Sebastian County Courthouse grounds. The $140,000.00 grant was from legislation that was tracked by Greenwood Mayor Kenneth Edwards. Edwards asked County Judge David Hudson to pursue the funding. Judge Hudson and Mayor Edwards enlisted the help of Rusty Myers with the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District to do the paperwork. “This work will coordinate the grounds of the Courthouse with the beautiful work being done in Greenwood’s Memorial Square”, said Edwards. “Judge Hudson has been very gracious in allowing us to improve the Courthouse as we improve downtown as we have gotten these grants”, added Senator Ed Wilkinson.

Work will begin on the plans drawn by Michael Lejong with MAHG Architects. The grounds of the Courthouse will match the work in stone and plantings being done on the square. Edwards noted. ”Our legislative delegation has been very supportive of this work and another $140,000.00 is being sought through this legislation. Grants make it happen”.

Pictured left to right are Senator Ed Wilkinson, State Representative Steve Breedlove, Mayor Edwards and State Representative John Paul Wells of Paris

ESA Quilt Show and Historic Tour

Thu, 13 May 2010 13:58:00 GMT

The Alpha Delta Chapter of ESA will have a quilt show in the historic sites around Greenwood, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday, May 15.

The quilt show will benefit the South Sebastian County Historical Society and also increase the public’s awareness and appreciation of the art of quilting, but also increase interest and support of the Historical Society.

Tours of historic sites in Greenwood will be held in conjunction with the display of antique and heirloom quilts. Beginning with coffee and cookies at the historic Harper House – an example of a two-story foursquare home once owned by a prominent Greenwood citizen and businessman, Robert Atlas Harper and listed on the National Register of Historic Places – the tour will then proceed to the Greenwood Presbyterian Church, a 1928 Gothic Revival church also listed on the National Register, and the historical district surrounding the Old Jail Museum in downtown Greenwood.

The Harper House is one of the oldest homes in the community. The home was built circa 1915 and is now owned by the Methodist Church.

Also listed on the National Register is the Old Sebastian County Jail, built in 1882 from stone quarried on Backbone Mountain near Greenwood. The old jail is now home to the Old Jail Museum, the building remains the oldest existing county building in south Sebastian County.

Antique quilts also will be on display at the Vineyard Log Cabin, Redwine Pioneer School and The Ole Barn, all located at the Old Jail Museum complex.

The tour will end at Greenwood City Hall, where more than 25 new quilts will be displayed.

A silent auction of several handmade items will take place in the Redwine School House, and four quilt shops will be sell quilting supplies in the VFW Hall. A wall quilt will be awarded during a drawing on the day of the Airing; drawing ticket donations are $2.00 each.

Tickets for the quilt display and historical tour are $5.00 per person and are available at any of the tour locations or in advance from Alpha Delta or South Sebastian County Historical Society members.

For more information, please contact Kay Voss, 479-883-0254 or Joyce Carmack 479-996-4474

Notice to Bidders for Self Contained Breathing Apparatus

Tue, 11 May 2010 17:10:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the City of Greenwood, Arkansas will receive SEALED BIDS at the Fire Department, PO Box 1450, 70 Bell Road, until 4:00pm MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2010. Bids will be publicly opened the same day during the City Council meeting starting at 7:00pm for the provision of the following: PURCHASE OF HIGH PRESSURE COMPRESSOR & CONTAINMENT FILL STATION TO SUPPLY BREATHING AIR FOR SCBA’S. In order to submit a Bid, a copy of the Bid Specifications must be obtained from the City of Greenwood Fire Department, 70 Bell Road, Greenwood, Arkansas or The City Clerks’ Office, 30 Bell Road, Greenwood, Arkansas. For additional information pertaining to these services, contact Stewart Bryan, Fire Chief, at 479-996-7822. The City of Greenwood reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and waive formalities. Stewart Bryan, Fire Chief

Notice to Bidders for High Pressure Compressor & Containment Fill Station

Tue, 11 May 2010 17:06:00 GMT

Veteran’s Memorial Square Progress

Tue, 11 May 2010 11:52:00 GMT

The 2010 Budget for the City of Greenwood includes $20,000.00 for the fence around Town Square that was begun last year as a part of the Veteran’s Memorial. The Executive Committee did not want to construct the fence with the money that I got in a grant from the Arkansas Department of Rural Services. I agree with them. We will let the grant money build the memorial and the parks department build the fence and complete the lighting around the square to match the other decorative lighting downtown. In the May City Council meeting, the decision was made to waive competitive bidding and allow James Weaver Masonry complete the stone work on the fence project. Work will begin this May 12 on the stone fence columns. The Street Department will soon begin the installation of the lighting.

Mayor's Essay Contest Winners

Mon, 10 May 2010 11:39:00 GMT

This year's Mayor's Essay Contest on Citizenship was won by Austin Synoground. First Runner-Up was Hope Hesslen. Second Runner up was Samuel Lisk. The honorable mention winners are: Angela Lamb, Kara Coffman, Presleigh Atkins, Hunter Leete, Colton McEvoy, Remington Pate and Jade Pate. The topic this year was on advice for the Governor from newly appointed members of the Governor's Advisory Committee on Education. Mayor Kenneth Edwards treated the winners, along with Wells Junior High Principal and Mrs. Kevin Hesslen, Mrs. Tammy Brewer to a visit to the State Capitol and meetings with all the State's Constitutional Officers. Photographs were taken with Governor Mike Beebe and Secretary of State Charlie Daniels. Each student was presented a Capitol Citation by Secretary Daniels. Lunch in Little Rock was provided by Farmers Bank. This is the third year for the contest which is conducted by the History Classes at Wells Junior High School.

City Council Approves Annexation

Mon, 10 May 2010 11:33:00 GMT

The Council approved the annexation of five separate land areas into the city limits on May 3rd, 2010 at the regularly scheduled Council Meeting.

Unimproved area north of Old Chismville Road an east of Deerwood Road
Area between Arkansas 96 and Arkansas 10 behind Keith Glass Motors
West of Ulmer Street
Lots on the corner of 10 Spur and west of Liberty Drive

Planning Director Sonny Bell was responsible for all the research work done on all these areas that needed annexation. The Council commended Sonny for all his hard work and said that the city would benefit for years to come.

Planning Department Updates

Mon, 10 May 2010 11:20:00 GMT

The City of Greenwood is revisiting its ordinances and planning regulations and passing those that progressive towns use. In the past few years, the City has passed animal control ordinances including a leash law and regulating dangerous pets, livestock in the city limits and nuisances.

The City has enacted regulations about yard sales to prevent those “permanent and ongoing yard sales” that tie up traffic, irritate neighbors and create problems for postal and emergency personnel.

The Mayor has successfully pursued grant funding for the Veterans Memorial in the Town Square and for the renovation of the grounds of the Greenwood courthouse in a collaborative effort with County Judge David Hudson. This will give downtown a new look and will paid for by those grants from the Arkansas Department of Rural Services totaling nearly $300,000.00. The Master Plan has been updated with the aid of a professional planner from the Arkansas Municipal League.

City Council Approves Purchase of New Fire Truck

Sat, 08 May 2010 10:54:00 GMT

One of the needs identified by the proponents of the ¾ cent sales tax on the 2006 ballot for Greenwood voters was a “ladder truck” or “platform truck” for the City of Greenwood Fire Department. The sales tax generates about $230,000.00 each year for the department. A committee appointed by Fire Chief Stewart Bryan has studied their options for three years. They have attended trade shows to look at various models and have brought several to Greenwood to demonstrate features to the department, the Mayor and City Councilmen.

Over one hundred private homes in Greenwood have been identified as those where the use of a ladder truck would be needed to safely and successfully fight a blaze. In addition to those homes, there are numerous apartment buildings, nursing facilities and school buildings that would require such a truck. Office buildings and public structures like the Courthouse, Sebastian County Library and commercial spaces around the Town Square are on the list as are dozens of church properties.

It has been determined that a ladder truck with a seventy foot ladder is best suited for the department. It will satisfy our needs and fit into the city’s main Fire Station #1 without structural modification of the building.

This year at a trade show in Indianapolis, delegates from Greenwood found the perfect truck. It is a Sutphen SP70 being constructed for use as a demonstrator and will be available to purchasers in October for $60,000.00 less than regular retail price for having been used as a “demo model”. The delegation met with the Apparatus Committee who reported their unanimous vote to the Greenwood City Council on Monday May 3.

The City Council and Mayor Kenneth Edwards questioned the committee chair Jeff Bryant, a Captain with the Department. He and Chief Stewart Bryan spoke on behalf of the other committee members who include: Assistant Chief Roger Corbin, Captain A.C. Brown, Lieutenant Randy Carter, Ed Wilkinson, Randy Davis, Bob Dodd and Mike McAlister.

The total price for the truck with equipment will be around $800,000.00. “This has been studied for years and is what the tax payers were told we were going to do with their money”, said Mayor Edwards. “It is providing our community with a higher level of protection and adding a greatly improved level of safety to firefighting for our volunteer firefighters who risk their lives for the rest of us every time their pagers go off”.

The City Council voted 4 to 2 in favor of the purchase. Councilmen Gossett and Newcomb voted against the measure. Jimmy Gossett expressed concerns about the sustainability of the tax revenue. Newcomb encouraged the purchase of a used vehicle. The Chief and Captain Bryant responded with concerns about the costs of maintenance and lack of warranty on a used item and not knowing who “certified” them for use. The cost of maintaining the aging items in the department’s fleet is substantial.

The vehicle will arrive in Greenwood in October and is being purchased with a loan from Farmers’ Bank to be repaid by the revenues from the 2006 ¾ cent sales tax.

City Adopts an Ordinance regulating the Substance K2

Fri, 07 May 2010 09:28:00 GMT

The City Council on Monday night, May 3, 2010, adopted an ordinance regulating the substance K2. Anyone selling, using or possessing K2 within Greenwood’s city limits may be arrested.

Annual Spring Cleanup Campaign

Thu, 06 May 2010 15:40:00 GMT

Spring is in the air and that means it’s time for our Annual Spring Cleanup Campaign.

Greenwood Quarterly Newsletter - November 2009

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:50:00 GMT

My Team.....Your Team.....! I will be the last to take credit for everything happening in Greenwood. Only the mistakes are all mine, that’s part of the job. When you put your name on the ballot, you find out painfully who your friends are and who will support what you hope to see done for the town you love. I have engaged the talent of the community in efforts to accomplish a long list of improvements that build a better Greenwood. After all, that’s the whole idea. Here is my team of folks who offer help, make suggestions and give of their time and talent to help me meet my goals. Click Here to Open the entire Newsletter

GREENwood Teens "Community Shred"

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:11:00 GMT

“GREENwood Teens”, a community service project that picks up and delivers recyclables of the homebound and disabled to the recycle center in Greenwood is hosting a “Community Shred” Saturday in Bell Park during Fall Festival 2009. The “Community Shred” will be from noon until 3:00 PM. “GREENwood Teens” will be on hand at your car window to take your sensitive materials. The shredder and the supervision are being donated by Arkansas Shred-it, Inc. of Springdale and is for household papers, not businesses.

If your attic or office file cabinets are full of documents that you can’t burn or do not trust the landfill, bring them to the “Community Shred” and watch them being shredded.

Small businesses may participate in Greenwood.

“GREENwood Teens” would like to thank Arkansas Shred-it, Inc. and the Sebastian County Solid Waste District for their support and Creative Whit for help with the T-Shirts.

We hope to see you in the Park Saturday!

Bell Park 5th Annual Fall Festival

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:43:00 GMT

Come celebrate the Fall Season with Arts and Crafts Vendors, lots of food, and plenty of activities for the whole family. Food Vendors are encouraged to call. Booth Applications may be picked up at City Hall

Sponsored with pride by your Greenwood Parks & Recreations Department.

Mayor Seeks Traffic Light Study

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:04:00 GMT

Mayor Kenneth Edwards is seeking a study of Greenwood Traffic lights from Joe Shipman, District Engineer for the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Dept. It was suggested that a study might be conducted on the flow of traffic through town on Hwy 10 East and Hwy 10 Spur West to Hwy 71. The feeling is that the signaling might be adjusted to smooth the flow of traffic through town on mornings during the school year. Mayor Edwards stated that he is currently seeking a bypass that would get drivers from the east side of town out to Hwy 71 along a southern route, but this study might provide some relief in the mean time. Mr. Shipman responded back to Mr. Edwards stating that he has asked the department traffic investigators to review the signal timing and coordination along the highway to determine if modifications are necessary to improve the traffic flow.

City Wide Garage Sale

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:51:00 GMT

The City of Greenwood will hold its annual City Wide Garage Sale on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19. The event will run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM with hundreds of yard sales and sidewalk sales through out town including non profit organizations, which will be set up on the town square.

Greenwood Quarterly Newsletter - July 2009

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Spring was a busy time for Greenwood. Rain in May kept the Street Department from mowing where they would usually have been, but it kept the reservoir full so that we did not have to buy water nor ration water through the months of June and July. Heavy rains caused vacant lots to become unsightly and the Code Enforcement Officer has worked with property owners on the issue throughout the quarter. Water: The Water/Wastewater Advisory Committee has been negotiating with both the possible sources for a long term solution to a fifty year old water problem of not having enough water for our growth expectations. The problem has plagued the last ten mayors and city councils. This hard working group of concerned citizens is nearing completion of their recommendation for City Council and you will be receiving news soon of the history making plans. Water/Wastewater Director Greg Cross reports that the plant is operating efficiently, but, is overworked since June 1st to maintain supply for our customer consumption and fire fighting capabilities. When you see the committee members, thank them for the long hours and endless meetings they have endured on our behalf. They are: Dr. Tom Cuthbert, Daniel McDaniel, Tom Scott, Randy Coleman, Roy (Guy) Moss, Jr., as well as City Councilmen Lance Terry and Dr. Lee Johnson. Water Distribution: Director Tim Posey and his crews have faced serious challenges in the second quarter with the extensive work being done on Jones Street and the Denver Street Bridge replacement project. Water lines had to be moved and the continuous threat of line failure draining tanks was alarming. This work was tedious and if not done exactly to plan, could have resulted in the loss of fire protection to major portions of our city, or, at the very least, water outages to parts of the business community during the workday. To avoid interruption in service to restaurants and other businesses, Tim and his crews worked at night until early morning hours moving fire hydrants and lines that service those businesses. The tax dollars generated by those businesses is important to us and the business community owes a good deal of gratitude to these crews. All this work was done by awarding “comp time” so as to not run up costs of overtime in the department. I am proud of that type of management and I know that you are too. Streets: The Jones Street project is growing with the water line issues I have described. When complete, this project should reflect what future street projects will look like in Greenwood. There is no need in building anything less than perfect with your tax dollars. While that project was put out for bid, Street Department Director Don Keyes and his crews have been working with other contractors to enhance intersections at Denver and Daisy Streets. We have more culverts that need to be replaced and we will get to them. This Daisy/Denver project could not be started until school was out due to traffic. Go see it. Don and his crews have also been replacing undersize culverts at Denver Street and Bell Road with “stimulus money” to reduce flooding in threatened areas. This is all part of our flood control project. During the second quarter of 2009 we received rainfall amounts that would have likely caused flooding in some neighborhoods had we not spent a good part of last summer cleaning out creeks and replacing undersized tiles under some streets and driveways. We will clean out more creeks toward the end of summer. $1,000,000.00! That’s right. One million dollars is what we are getting by participating in the bridge replacement program on Denver Street. All the paper work is submitted to the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. The negotiating is through and we are on track to have over 80% of that project paid for with State and Federal monies. The City of Greenwood has been deemed qualified for participation and Greenwood’s share of the costs will be around $180,000.00. I chose to obtain the easements and rights-of-way myself and not let the State do it. Don Keyes and I dealt directly with property owners and AHTD officials estimate that this resulted in a savings of nearly $400,000.00 on the project. Incidentally, we owe our thanks to the folks at Yeager’s, La Fiesta and Dr. Matthew Singer for their cooperation. The intersection will be widened and make for a safer and more attractive entrance to our community. Traffic will flow more smoothly and the bridge will no longer dam up flood waters into the Crooked Creek area behind Yeager’s. The bridge will also be designed with the Walking Trail beneath it so as to continue the trail to the next park and subdivision on its way to Bell Park. Parks: The Second Quarter 2009 saw extensive work on the Promenade in C. O. Bell Park. Go see the rock work on the promenade plazas. The stone masons are working on sections that will be duplicated in other areas of the park project. A community center sub-committee is working with architects now and the Parks Committee and Director Doug Kinslow are discussing ways to implement further aspects of the C. O. Bell Park Master Plan, including a pool, splash pad or other water features. The Parks Committee received a grant form the City of Greenwood Advertising and Promotions Commission to buy playground equipment for Ossie Louise Park on Ridgecrest Drive. That equipment has been selected from those contractors submitting bid proposals. Disk golf continues to draw visitors to Bell Park as do the newly installed soccer goals for practice fields. In the second quarter of 2009, the Parks Committee welcomed new members. I appointed Terri Smith, Steve Ratterree, Grant Lowe and Jeb Baldwin to the committee. Police Department: This quarter saw the retirement of Officer Allen Gossett after eight years on the force and 32 years in law enforcement. Police Chief Keith Jackson and the Greenwood Police Department welcomed to the force three new officers in the second quarter 2009 to fill existing vacancies. They are Jeff Fugatt, David Scott and Chad Rohmer. They have all proved to be good hires for the department. Officer David Stewart was certified in June to become the next School Resource Officer with the start of school in the fall. Officer Stewart will serve Easthills, North Main and Westwood. His office will be at Easthills. The Greenwood PD conducted a child safety seat inspection and installation training to the public in May. May also saw the Greenwood Police Department defeat the Greenwood Fire Department in the annual Mayor’s Cup Charity Softball Game to support the South Sebastian Boys and Girls Club. The event raised hundreds of dollars for a great cause and a fun evening. Fire Department: Your City of Greenwood Fire Department responded to 25 fire/emergency calls in the second quarter of 2009. Our First Responders served the community on 84 occasions. In 3 of those calls the Sebastian County EMS personnel were on calls in other parts of the county. That would have meant that Greenwood was left without trained emergency medical if not for these dedicated First Responders. Remember, these First Responders are business people in our community who have undergone extensive training to provide an increased level of safety for our citizens. The Fire Department is responsible for First Responders in Greenwood and I continuously salute these folks for their efforts on behalf of us all. Budget, Expenditures and Taxes: Sales tax collections in Greenwood have declined only slightly in the second quarter. Keeping a tight rein on expenditures has allowed the City to remain within its budget thus far. I appreciate the help of the department heads in curtailing any unnecessary expenses. Finance Director Steve Tedford reports daily to the various other departments concerning budget versus actual expenses and receipts. Our income to the city is sporadic and comes in lumps while our expenses are constant and regular! This takes exceptional talent in the Finance Department to keep the bills paid and the coffers from draining. We are regularly reminded that, “just because it’s in the budget does not mean that it’s in the bank! The S.I.G.N. (Shop In Greenwood Now) campaign seems to be working and I certainly want to thank the committee for help with this. The local business leaders report seeing the signs and that the comments on the project have been positive. It’s has never been more important to support local businesses. In times of economic concern, your neighbors who own local businesses appreciate your patronage and the City appreciates your help in keeping sales tax collections level to support vital improvements and essential services. So, remember: Shop at home. It’s the civic minded thing to do! Fuel costs fluctuating have made budgeting difficult and the rising costs associated with construction (concrete and lumber) have not helped. However, we are within our budget in every department and on schedule with each project. Jones Street being the lone exception. After the Jones Street project began, we approved changes that added to the time and the costs of the overall project, but will make for a better street, better water and sewer lines in the areas and improved drainage. Plans: The Police Chief brought to the attention of the Planning Department Director-Sonny Bell that children walk along the edged of Highway 10 to get to Wells Junior High. Plans are underway for sidewalks connecting King’s Mountain and Ridgecrest. The newly appointed Executive Committee for the Veteran’s Memorial Square confirms that all funds are accounted for and that the project is continuing with the engraving of the names of those veterans in whose honor stepping stones have been purchased. Meetings with the architect have produced both ideas and concerns about the clock tower and whether it can be saved, updated or removed. Engineers are being consulted and plans drawn. The Greenwood Veterans’ Memorial Square will be a timeless thing of beauty and a fitting tribute to the area’s veterans and likely a tourist attraction as well. The Mayor’s Community Improvements Committee (MCIC) has not only taken as active role in the S.I.G.N. campaign, but has awarded the Yard of the month Award throughout the quarter to those whose landscape efforts make their neighborhoods looks better. The Greenwood Garden Club’s help with this project has been valuable and the property owners seem to appreciate the honor. The MCIC is working on “entrance to Greenwood” signs with architect Michael LeJong. You should begin hearing and reading more about this project this quarter. The dry spell in June hurt the Farmer’s Market in the Square, but a few vendors have continued to show up. I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to bring activity to the square as this quarter progresses. Planning and Community Development: Sonny Bell and the Planning Commission have been working with Community Developer Jim Von Tunglen form Little Rock on the updates to Greenwood’s Master Plan. Jim is a consultant to the Arkansas Municipal League and is delivering some beautiful ideas. We budgeted for this crucial help and it will pay big dividends in having a well thought out plan for our community’s growth. It is worthy on note that Sonny Bell reports housing starts in Greenwood are exceeding projections for this quarter and for the whole year. Cities that fail to keep their Master Plan updated suffer serious budgetary woes when future money is spent fixing past mistakes. I encourage you attend public meetings to see the results of these efforts. It’s your opportunity for input into what the City of Greenwood will look like that we leave to our children and theirs. Watch the news for upcoming announcements concerning sewer in neglected areas, a committee to study a proposed bypass and grants I am pursuing. It’s all part of plans that I expect to unveil in the Third Quarter 2009. We at City Hall welcome your views and appreciate your input. The City Council and I thank you for your continued support. The Department Directors and I appreciate the kind notes and calls about progress in our town. Thank you and may God continue to bless Greenwood, Arkansas!

Annual Greenwood Rodeo and Parade

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:05:00 GMT

The Annual Greenwood Rodeo will be held June 26th and 27th at 8:00 PM nightly at the Greenwood Rodeo Arena. The cost is $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children.

The Rodeo Parade will begin at 5:00 PM on June 27th

American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life

Wed, 13 May 2009 17:00:00 GMT

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event in Greenwood will be held this year on the town square in downtown Greenwood on June 5th, 2009 from 7:00 PM until 7:00 AM on June 6th.

The Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity. It offers everyone in the community to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people from all walks of life have fun while raising much-needed funds to fight cancer and raise awarness of cancer prevention and treatment.

New Animal Control Ordinance

Wed, 13 May 2009 16:54:00 GMT

The City of Greenwood is implementing the new animal control ordinance, which went into effect on May 7. Animal owners living within the city limits of Greenwood are now required to register their pets.

Now through June 15, the City of Greenwood will be conducting the registration of pets at the Greenwood City Hall only. Owners are required to bring proof of current rabies vaccination from their veterinarian in order to register their pets. During this initial registration phase, all fees will be discounted 50%, which means a $2.50 charge for spayed or neutered animals and a $7.50 charge for intact animals.

After June 15, the regular registration fee of $5.00 for spayed or neutered animals and $15.00 for intact animals will apply, and owners may register their pets at one of three available locations.

The Greenwood City Hall
South County Animal Hospital
Greenwood Veterinary Clinic.

South County Animal Hospital and Greenwood Veterinary Clinic will hold a free registration day on May 30, from 10:00 AM until 12:00PM

Anyone with additional questions should contact the Greenwood Police Department at (479) 996-4119

Classic Truckers & Cruisers Club 22nd Annual Open Car Show

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:55:00 GMT

Join us the the 22nd Annual Classic Truckers and Cruisers Club Open Car Show, Saturday, April 25th on the Town Square in Greenwood.

Greenwood Quarterly Newsletter - April 2009

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 06:14:00 GMT

Greetings from Mayor Kenneth Edwards. Again this year, you will see all around you what sales tax collections can do and how dependant we are upon those dollars for the progress we are making. The Mayor's Community Improvements Committee is working on a program that you have been reading about to encourage our citizens to spend their money in Greenwood. It's good for business, it's good for the business owners who are your friends and neighbors and it's good for your city improvements. When you visit our parks, walk along the new trails, drive on improved streets, visit the recycle center or appreciate the better quality of water we are drinking, remember that the sales taxes on your local purchases pay for much of that. Sales tax collections in Greenwood are up over last year and that trend will need to continue in order to fund the many projects that we have to report to you in this edition of the Quarterly Newsletter. Click Here to Open the entire Newsletter

2009 State of the City of Greenwood Address

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Mayor Edwards 2009 Greenwood State of the City Address delevered January, 2009.

The Golden Age of Greenwood, Arkansas

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 15:06:00 GMT

Mayor Edwards 2008 Greenwood State of the City Address delevered January 7, 2008.