Officers want safe, happy new year
Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005
BENTONVILLE — With New Year’s celebrations ahead, local law enforcement officials will be patrolling the streets and encouraging residents to have a happy and safe holiday.
Bentonville Police Chief James Allen said extra police forces will be out over the weekend, concentrating on high-traffic areas such as 14 th Street and Walton Boulevard. "We certainly want to encourage everyone to drive defensively (during the holiday weekend)," Allen said.
And for those who will be out consuming alcohol during the holiday, a designated driver is a must, he added.
Those who are caught driving while intoxicated will be arrested on the spot. In a press release, Benton County Sheriff Keith Ferguson stated that he wants to remind citizens that he is the proprietor of "the largest bed and breakfast in Benton County, where no reservation is necessary, and there’s always a vacancy."
Visitors to the hideaway, otherwise known as the Benton County Jail, can expect a tobacco and caffeine-free environment, room service, firmsupport mattresses, semi-private baths and three cold meals, among other amenities.
However, Ferguson warns of the hidden costs associated with staying at the jail, including attorney fees, court costs, valet parking fees and driver’slicense-reinstatement fees. "The only requirement to access these deluxe accommodations is to elect to drink and drive on the roads, streets and highways of Benton County," the press release states.
Officials from Rogers and Bentonville would also like to remind residents that fireworks are absolutely prohibited within the city limits. In both cities, the only days during which fireworks are allowed are July 3, 4 and 5, from noon to midnight.
With dry conditions in Texas and Oklahoma that have led to wildfires, Bentonville Police Chief James Allen said it’s not worth it.
Rogers Assistant Fire Chief Allan Skogen said the city is currently in a burn ban, during which "the city of Rogers does not allow fireworks," he said. "Normally, we have a pretty wet December, and we haven’t had any rain whatsoever."
As far as purchasing fireworks is concerned, "You can go buy them, but you won’t be able to light them off," Skogen said.
People in possession of or using fireworks within the Rogers city limits shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $200.
In unincorporated areas of the county, fireworks should be closely supervised, according to a news release from the Benton County Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
DEM Director Marshal Watson said that while a Benton County ordinance prohibits any open burning during a burn ban, there are no restrictions against shooting fireworks. County officials can only ask residents to be careful. "We certainly hope people will be somewhat cautious because we are under extremely dry conditions," he said.
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