Fireworks safety is no accident

GAYNELL BELLONI Staff Writer gaynellb@nwanews.com

Fireworks are fun, but can be dangerous if not properly handled. Bella Vista Fire Chief Steve Sims recently offered suggestions on safe firework use during Independence Day celebrations. "Before people light their fireworks, they should check the (city's ) burn-ban warnings. "Use extra caution if a burn ban is in place." Information on whether a burn ban is in effect can be found on signs outside the fire stations and on Bella Vista Community Television Channel 16. The Bella Vista Fire Department can be consulted at 855-8249. Purchase fireworks from a reputable dealer, he said. BVFD Lt. Devin Reeves inspects all fireworks stands in Bella Vista for safety issues. Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher handy and do not allow children to play with or light fireworks, said the chief. Even sparklers can burn at a high enough temperature to ignite clothing, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Internet site at http:// www.cpsc.gov. Read all warnings and follow the instructions from the ma - Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Bella Vista's lake-enforcement program comes to an end

ANDRA ATTEBERRY Staff Writer andraa@nwanews.com

With the retirement of Lake Enforcement Officer Paul Kappelmeier on June 24, the Bella Vista Property Owners Association and the City are considering whether they will continue to have a certified police officer patrolling Bella Vista Lakes. Kappelmeier retired after patrolling the lakes for 12 boating seasons and was usually on the water from mid-March to mid-October. This year the POA and the City shortened the season so Kappelmeier would have patrolled from about the beginning of June to the end of September. "There's a money crunch," Bella Vista Police Department Chief Jim Wozniak gave as an explanation for the truncated season. After starting work in June, 62-year-old Kappelmeier decided to retire to spend more time with his wife Toni, enjoy life and travel. He was a member of the Bella Vista Police Department, but the POA paid his wages to the City, which then wrote his check. POA officials have not decided whether or not to hire anyone to replace him or whether to continue the same payment system. "The - Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Council ups fees for misdemeanors

GAYNELL BELLONI Staff Writer gaynellb@nwanews.com

Any person found guilty of a misdemeanor or traffic citation in Bella Vista will pay an additional $20 fine. The money will be used by the city to offset the cost of incarcerating prisoners in the county jail. City Council aldermen unanimously approved the ordinance without discussion at their meeting Monday. The ordinance will take effect in 30 days. A vote on the city-owned rights-of-way ordinance was tabled for the second time to allow additional changes to the ordinance. Council members agreed on several changes to the previously modified document but felt an additional definition on the size and placement of gravel allowed in a right of way was needed. "We wanted to increase the permitting to control the rights of way," Mayor Frank Anderson said. "( Bella Vista) was never designed that the water run down the streets, and that's what we have in some areas. It chews up the road and runs into other people's property," he said. The ordinance was initially scheduled for a vote in May but was tabled at that ti - Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Prieto graduates from Berklee College

BOSTON — Alejandro Prieto of Bella Vista participated - lege of Music's 2009 commencement, held recently at Boston University's Agganis Arena. - Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Correction

The Bella Vista fireworks show will begin at dusk Friday, July 3, at the Loch Lomond Dam. The day was incorrectly stated in the June 24 edition of The Weekly Vista. - Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Local dog groomer charged with cruelty

ANDRA ATTEBERRY Staff Writer andraa@nwanews.com

A local dog groomer was arrested June 25 and charged with animal cruelty, a A misdemeanor, Bella Vista police said. J o n a t h o n Wesley Sumner, 25, turned himself in at the Bella Vista Police Department after learning a warrant for his arrest had been issued. No bond was required, Lt. Tim Cook said. Sumner was cited, processed and released, the lieutenant said. Sumner is co-owner of Bark Avenue Professional Pet Grooming in Town Center. The charges against Sumner are the result of an approximately two-month investigation of a complaint filed by Robert Stevenson of Bella Vista, City Attorney Jason Kelley said. At 3 p.m. April 28, Stevenson called the police to report his small dog, a Shih Tzupoodle mix, had been injured by Sumner during a grooming session, Kelley said. Veterinarian Leeth Harper of Village Pet Hospital found a 1-inch by 1-inch laceration to the left side of the animal's chest, trauma to the left front leg and blood in the dog's urine, according to police reports. Harper then referred the dog - Wednesday, July 1, 2009

MOAA awards scholarships

SPECIAL TO THE WEEKLY VISTA

The Bella Vista Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America this year created a scholarship program for selected high school seniors in Benton County schools. As a representative of the chapter's scholarship committee, Pete Hieronimus presented the first of two $1,000 awards to Brett Meek, a senior at Gravette High School. The presentation was made May 11 during the school's scholarship awards program. On May 12, a second scholarship was given to Caitlin Smith at Bentonville High School. The Military Officers Association is a nationally known organization with membership open to anyone who has ever served in any of the military service branches as a commissioned officer. The local chapter meets once every two months for dinner and a program in the dining room at Concordia of Bella Vista. The meetings take place the fourth Tuesday of January, March, May, July and September, and the third Thursday of November. Any officer — former, retired or active — who is interested in attending a meeting may cal - Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Hall completes basic training

Army Pfc. Andrew C. Hall, son of Gordon T. and Janie Hall of Bella Vista, has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, military justice, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, armed and unarmed combat, and more. Hall is a 2003 graduate of Gravette High School. - Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Hundreds rally against 'Obama Care'

DOUGLAS GRANT Staff Writer douglasg@nwanews.com

There are certain things in the lives of Americans that they just don't want messed with — by anybody. One of those, apparently, is health care. - Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Blood supply at low levels

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks has issued a code yellow alert for all negative blood types. There is less than a two-day supply of blood on hospital shelves. CBCO will conduct two drives in Bella Vista to help replenish the supply. The center's mobile unit will be at Harps Food Store at Town Center on July 6 from 9 a.m. until noon. The Fire Department at 103 Town Center N.E. will host a drive July 7 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Donations are also accepted at the Bentonville Donor Center, 1400 S.E. Walton Blvd., between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. To be eligible to give, a person must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and present ID. Visit www.cbco.org or call (800) 280-5337 for additional information. - Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Wal-Mart Foundation supports shelter

DOUGLAS GRANT Staff Writer douglasg@nwanews.com

Stray animals in Bella Vista have a friend in Wal-Mart. - Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Sunrise Rotary installs officers

FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Bella Vista Sunrise Rotary Club held its annual meeting and installation of officers on June 17. The club was chartered in May 2008. In the year since its inception, the group has accomplished approximately 12 community events and two internationally-based projects, as well as donated monetary gifts to four major community service agencies in Bella Vista. For the annual meeting, members gathered for a dinner buffet at Concordia Retirement Center. A highlight of the evening included the recognition of members who achieved Paul Harris Fellows awards by contributing in excess of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. John M. Hutchinson, outgoing president, gave an overview of the club's progress during its first year. He thanked current members for their dedication, kindness and spirit of goodwill. Hutchinson was commended for his efforts in making the club come to fruition. The Rotarian address was presented by incoming Assistant Gov. Harris McKee of District 6110, the largest district in the United States. The i - Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Safety has always been his focus

ANDRA ATTEBERRY Staff Writer andraa@nwanews.com

Keeping boaters safe on the water was not just a job for Lake Enforcement Paul Kappelmeier, who retired June 24. - Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Daybreak Rotary Club installs officers

FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Bentonville-Bella Vista Daybreak Rotary Club hosted its 12th annual installation dinner June 18 at the Metfield Clubhouse in Bella Vista. President Harris McKee presided over his last meeting. He congratulated the Rotarians, past officers and their guests for an excellent year. McKee also praised members for their community service both locally and abroad, saying their achievements are especially commendable for such a small club as Daybreak Rotary. He then passed his gavel over to Jim Rinella, the newly elected president for 2009-10. The club undertakes a wide variety of service activities with the motto, "Service Above Self." This was reflected throughout the dinner in the presentation of awards and recognitions. Bill Powell was presented the Medical Supplies Network Ambassador Designation Award. Jim Rinella received the Rotarian of the Year Award for outstanding service to Daybreak Rotary and the community. - Wednesday, July 1, 2009