Annexation going to trial

TRACY M. NEAL Staff Writer tracyn@nwanews.com

BENTONVILLE — The city of Bella Vista followed proper procedures when it annexed 12 unincorporated pockets, but Circuit Judge David Clinger must decide whether each of the pockets fits the factors required by state law. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

In case of emergency : Notification system could be in place soon

CHARLES HUGGINS Staff Writer charlesh@nwanews.com

The city is close to implementing an emergency notification system for its residents in the event of severe weather, or worse. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

He epitomizes the word “volunteer”

CHARLES HUGGINS Staff Writer charlesh@nwanews.com

One can’t help but see the volunteer spirit in Bob Rishel and the jovial, welcoming smile he carries around with him. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Boys and Girls Club accepting applications for the summer

JASON BEATTY Staff Writer jasonb@nwanews.com

Parents are encouraged to register early if they want their children involved in summer activities provided by the Bella Vista unit of the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Blood supplies in northwest Arkansas are running low. A pleas has been issued for type O-negative blood, and those possessing it are asked to donate, according to Rebecca Long with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. : Blood supplies running low

CHARLES HUGGINS Staff Writer charlesh@nwanews.com

- Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Eighth-graders walk the Thin Blue Line

ANDRA ATTEBERRY Staff Writer andraa@nwanews.com

Instead of learning lessons in front of chalkboards, or at their desks, three junior high school students from Bella Vista recently learned theirs in patrol cars, at the dispatch console and in other offices at the Bella Vista Police Department. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Prosecutor seeks access to jurors in grenade trial

AKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

The U. S. attorney for the Western District of Arkansas wants to talk to jurors who acquitted a Bella Vista man of a charge of illegal possession of hand grenades. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Village House changes date of support group meeting

Village House Adult Day Program has moved its monthly caregivers support group meeting forward a week because of the Memorial Day holiday. The group will gather at 10 a.m. May 19 at Judson American Baptist Church, 1702 Forest Hills Blvd. Facilitating will be Village House Director Liz Greenwald. Village House is a nonprofit adult day program dedicated to enriching the lives of participants and providing affordable respite to caregivers. All caregivers are welcome. Call 855-4449. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Proposed ordinance is a ‘sign’ of the times

CHARLES HUGGINS Staff Writer charlesh@nwanews.com

Many residents consider them an eyesore, but the billboards peppered along U.S. 71 on the outskirts of the city will remain in place despite an upcoming proposed sign ordinance prohibiting future structures. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Clarification

In the April 30 edition of The Weekly Vista, a report about the death of former Benton County Justice of the Peace Burton “Burt” Schindler was unclear about when he began his term with the Benton County Quorum Court. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Group needs more volunteers

FROM STAFF REPORTS

FAYETTEVILLE — Faith in Action, a project of Washington Regional, is in need of volunteers to help homebound seniors in Benton and Washington counties. With the growing elderly population and lack of family support, many people are being admitted to nursing homes prematurely because they can’t meet basic needs and have no where to turn for assistance, according to a press release from Faith in Action. For example, a 77-year-old man living alone in a rural area of northwest Arkansas was unable to perform basic necessities, such as driving a car, cooking or cleaning his home, the release states. He had no family and no one to turn to for help, except Faith in Action. Because he had so many needs, four volunteers were matched with the man, allowing him to remain in his home. Faith in Action relies solely on volunteers to provide services. Volunteer time is flexible, and depending on what the volunteers choose to do, they can work as little or as much as they want as it fits into their daily schedule. Faith in Ac - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Take time to donate to others

Current blood inventories at Community Blood Center of the Ozarks include at least a three-day supply for most blood types. Although levels are adequate, it takes around 275 donations per day to meet the needs of the 36 hospitals that use CBCO products. The center is asking eligible donors to take part in a local blood drive to help maintain the supply. The drive will be held Tuesday, May 20, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bella Vista. Proof of identification is required for first-time donors. Eligibility requirements include weighing at least 110 pounds and being in general good health. For more information about this blood drive, check out the Web site at www.cbco.org, or call (800) 280-5337. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

EMS: A family taking care of your family

BILL TATE Special to The Weekly Vista

“They’re coming in,” one of the medics said. Just as morning report for the change of shift was beginning, the fire unit that had responded to an early morning fire in Bella Vista was returning to the main station. All other activity stopped until the returning fire and medical personnel reported safely back. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Woman is inspired not once, but twice to open new business

ANDRA ATTEBERRY Staff Writer andraa@nwanews.com

JANE, Mo. — Two little girls and the love of boutiques inspired Bridget Epperson to open her children’s clothing store May 6 in Macadoodles Plaza. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Committee seeks solutions to pollution

CHARLES HUGGINS Staff Writer charlesh@nwanews.com

Stormwater runoff can be a major cause of pollution, and a local group is set to begin educating the public on ways to decrease its impact. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Library to host financial seminar

Special to The Weekly Vista

Bella Vista Library Director Marianne Farner has announced that Patrice L. Stewart, securities consultant, will offer a twohour course on what questions to ask when considering financial advisers and selecting investments. The free course, “Investment and Brokerage Basics,” will take place Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Lyla Wiley Reading Room at the library. Attendees must reserve their seats by calling the library at 855-1753 or leaving a message at 855-2374. Enrollment is limited to 40. “We are fortunate that a person of such fine qualifications will provide this timely program,” Farner said. “The library is offering this opportunity as a service to patrons who are concerned about the effect of the weak economy on their individual financial situations.” Stewart said her objective is to help attendees understand the risks involved in investing. “I have agreed to present this course because, in my experience, many investors do not understand the working of the securities industry and many time - Wednesday, May 14, 2008