The computer lab at the Nelda Wilkinson Educational Center will soon reopen, thanks to a donation by Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas’ (CCCUA) Foundation and Mr. David Wilkinson, former mayor of Foreman and widower of Nelda Wilkinson, who also served as mayor until her death.

Mr. Wilkinson has felt strongly for some time that the computer lab be reinstated with new equipment. Ten computers will soon be activated in the lab, and both credited and non-credited, continuing education classes will be offered.

Mr. Wilkinson, who served as mayor from February of 2004 until late 2010 says that this gift is a way of keeping his late wife’s wishes. “I want to give more to keep the education center going. It’s for my wife…to honor her memory,” he said.

Heading up this project is Mike Cranford, recorder and treasurer for the city of Foreman. He is being assisted by the IT staff of CCCUA. Together, they hope to have the lab up and running before the end of the spring semester.

“We want to do whatever we can for the city of Foreman,” said CCCUA Chancellor Steve Cole. “I look forward to our college reaching out to their citizens with the convenience of technology and with easily accessible education opportunities.”

Due to the renovation to city hall the offices will be temporarily relocated to 924 North Madden (old Foreman Muffler Shop). This move is effective January 13, 2012 until completion. We anticipate returning to our normal offices by late February or early March. Office hours will be 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Phone numbers will be the same 870.542.7434 city hall 870.542.6234 water dept & 870.542.6101 fax.

We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause our customers & ask that you please be patient with us during this construction.

By Jud Powell Staff Reporter Little River News
Story reprinted by permission of Little River News

Foreman’s new recreational park will be located four blocks north of downtown and east of Hwy. 41 at the northwest edge of Foreman.

Officials started the physical portion of a new 43-acre recreation park in Foreman on Wednesday morning, Oct. 9, with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by State Sen. Barbara Horn, D-Ark., Teton Industrial Construction Company Civil Superintendent Jeff Henry, former State Rep. Ken Cowling, D-Ark., and Foreman Recreation Park Commissioner Teresa Woods,  as well as a number of other local community leaders.

Teton is one of several subcontractors that worked on the recent Ash Grove Cement plant expansion, and their donation is part of its community involvement initiative that seeks to give back to the communities in which they have been privileged to work.

“I have nothing but free time as far as this project is concerned,” Henry said.“I been with this project for over two months and the company has donated 5,100 concrete blocks for construction of restrooms, the concession stand and a multipurpose building at the park.”

Foreman officials have been very busy lately with several new projects.  One of the most exciting is the recent announcement that the city has obtained funds to develop approximately 40 acres on North Malden Street for a city park.  Foreman announces plans for new park!The new park project is the result of the efforts of several area individuals.  Special recognition is due State Senator Barbara Horn and former State Representative Ken Cowling who both worked diligently to help secure more than $400,000 for the project.  Total funds include a $220,000 grant from Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, a $48,300 grant from the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Program and a $150,000 grant from the State General Improvement fund.

The monies will be used to develop the land, which the city already owns, for use as the city's outdoor recreation area.  Along with beautiful landscaping and lots of trees, the new park will feature playground equipment, a picnic area and a baseball/softball field.  The addition of a second ball field for city use is particularly exciting as it is one of the requirements for hosting the annual state softball tournament.  Foreman's own Lady Gators have won the state tournament five years in a row, and city residents are eager to now be able to bid to host the competition that they have dominated for so long.