6 of 40 Nelda Wilkinson Educational Center to Reopen Soon

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.”

Offices Temporarily Moved

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.

Special City Council Meeting

The City of Foreman will hold a special city council meeting Monday, January 9, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in the Foreman Community Center. The topics on the agenda are (A) accept the low bid for renovation of the offices at city hall, (B) accept the low bid for asbestos abatement at city hall.

Foreman Flu Clinic

Free Flu Clinic

Dear Community Members,

This year, in conjunction with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), flu vaccines are being offered in preschools, daycares, various companies and other community organizations. This is a great opportunity for children and adults to receive this vaccine with no charge to you.

If you have insurance, the Arkansas Department of Health will ask your insurance company to pay for the cost of giving the vaccine. If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not pay for vaccines, there will still be no charge to you. If you have Medicaid or Medicare, the Arkansas Department of Health will also request payment from them.

Thank you.

2011 Little River County Fair and Rodeo

It’s that time of year again. The Little River County Fair and Rodeo is right around the corner. The fair opens on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 and runs through Saturday, September 03, 2011. It will be at the Little River County Fair Grounds in Foreman, AR.

Events will include a parade, Kids’ Nite, Lil Britches & Mutton Bustin, rodeo, rodeo pageants, livestock shows, and premium sale. Start making your plans now to attend or participate in one of the many activities. If you are interested in entering one of the rodeo pageants, download the entry form below. Entry deadline is Sunday, August 28, 2011. Hope to see you there!

Little River County Rodeo pageant entry form

Foreman Receives Rural Community Grant

ARDC Chair Dennis Donahou, Representative Larry Cowling, Mayor Roland Bush, Governor Mike Beebe, ARDC Commissioner David Johnson, DRS Director Butch Calhoun. Not Pictured: Senator Steve Harrelson

LITTLE ROCK, AR- Governor Mike Beebe and Department of Rural Services Director Butch Calhoun presented $165,985.97 to 20 rural communities selected for Fiscal Year 2011 Cycle 3 funding through the Arkansas Rural Community Grant Program at an awards ceremony on May 26, 2011 held at the Arkansas Rural Development Conference in Hot Springs.

In attendance were representatives receiving an Arkansas Rural Community Development Grant award on behalf of Foreman in Little River County. The City of Foreman received $11,787.50 to place a fence around the softball field located in the city park.

This year’s conference, hosted by the Department of Rural Services and the Arkansas Rural Development Commission, was held May 24th – May 26th. 2011. Keynote speakers throughout the conference included Governor Mike Beebe, Secretary of State Mark Martin, and Senator Bill Sample. Also in attendance were over 60 state legislators and over 700 mayors, county judges, fire services personnel, state and federal agency representatives and local community leaders representing all corners of rural Arkansas. Our Rural Advocate of the Year is Bob Summerville with Arkansas Forestry Commission. Mr. Summerville was awarded with a plaque during the luncheon on Wednesday.

The Department of Rural Services works in partnership with the Arkansas Rural Development Commission to administer the Arkansas Rural Community Grant Programs in three cycles each year. Incorporated cities and towns and unincorporated communities in rural areas of less than 3,000 in population are eligible to apply for assistance through the mayor or county judge’s office.

For more information about the Department of Rural Services and their grant programs contact Butch Calhoun at 1-888-RURAL-AR.

Public Hearing- Parks and Recreation Needs

The City of Foreman invites its citizens and other interested persons to a public meeting at Foreman City Hall, 209 Schuman St., Foreman, AR, at 5:30p.m., on June 20,2011. The purpose of the meeting is to identify potential outdoor park and recreational needs and priorities for 2012. Following the identification process, city officials will select those priorities to be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism for a matching grant application. Ethnic minorities, persons with ~ecial needs, elderly persons over 55, and special interest groups are encouraged to attend and participate.

For those unable to attend the meeting, you may phone (870) 542- 6234. Written comments may be submitted to City of Foreman, P.O. Box 10, Foreman, AR 71836.