Scan the QR code above with your smartphone to sign up to receive our

August for everyone usually means education. This is true for the Ozark Area Chamber of

Commerce with the annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast honoring all our local teachers.

The breakfast will be held August 15th at the Gardner Memorial Life Center with Mr. Richard

Abernathy, Executive Director Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators as our

guest speaker.

August 3-4 is the tax free holiday and another reason to celebrate August. Right here in

Ozark the discounts can be found easily by going to the Ozark Chamber home page. Print

your coupons and take advantage of all the savings as well as gas money by shopping locally

with our many businesses offering great deals on school supplies and clothing for back to

school. Ozark Schools will start back August 19th. Please remember to look out for kids

waiting for the school bus. It is illegal to pass a school bus from either direction when the

flashers are on.

Our General Meeting will be at the Post Winery’s new facility on August 14th at noon. The

speakers are the Spotlighted Businesses Woolsey Dental. The speaker for the meeting is

Coach Jeremie Burns.

Here at the Chamber, we have welcomed quite a few new members in the last quarter.

These include: J-Mart #4, Master Made Tanks Inc., Anderson Heat & Air, Friends of NRA,

Loves Travel Stop, A+ Insurance Center, Cabin At Middle Ridge, Ozark Insurance Services

and Personal Touch.

Tony’s Tips from AVECC

Ensure floor registers are not blocked with rugs, drapes or

furniture and verify your supply air duct "boots" (behind

supply air registers) are caulked to your ceiling or wall

sheetrock or flooring.

Keep your garage door down. A cooler garage in the summer

will save energy.

From Tony Wilson, Member Services/Key Accounts Rep.

From The GrapeVine Post Familie Wineries

The 2013 30th annual Altus Grape Fest had a record crowd, despite the rain on

Friday. There were grape stomping competitions and grape pie eating contests

as well as music. There were also many vendors on hand who all enjoyed the

cooler weather from last weekend.

For more information about Post Familie Wineries, click on this link to go to

their webpage.

We have a new Main Street business on the downtown

Square. “Personal Touch” is now open in the former location

of The Gift Connection. We welcome Connie Kyllingstad who

has moved her ladies clothing business from Arizona to Ozark

and is open for business. Personal Touch offers a wide variety

of ladies clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories at

affordable prices. Please stop in to welcome Connie to

downtown Ozark and check out the beautiful merchandise.

Main Street Ozark would like to thank our downtown Design

Committee for all their hard work on the landscaping. The

baskets are looking beautiful, islands are gorgeous and the

crape myrtles are awesome. We just purchased another 17

baskets with our DTR grant so in the fall we should have a

beautiful hanging basket on every light pole. We have to thank

James Hicks of the City Street Department and wonderful help

from Sue McClellan. The cooperation between Main Street

and the city is reaping great rewards for downtown. Roy

Garner Park and Eastside Park are prime examples of this

partnership. Be sure to express your appreciation when you

see these volunteers out working to make Ozark Beautiful:

Bill Brandt, Bubba Ramsey for the beautiful crape myrtles,

Carol Evans, Andee Romo, Nancy Hainly, Sona Gardner,

LaVerne Wilson, Violet West, Laura Ricketts, Jo Ann Perea,

as well as our “drop-in” gardeners for all the amazing

landscaping and hanging baskets.

We'd also like to say big thank you to Keep Ozark Beautiful

for the great new trash and ash receptacles for the Depot

Museum and Garner Park, Charlie Meadors and Josh Larson

for getting all the sprinklers working in the islands and

courthouse lawn, Judge Janet Powell and the Ozark Garden

Club for helping coordinate the effort.

Congratulations to the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce,

and the Ozark Fire Department on the spectacular 4th of July

celebration! We were treated to the best fireworks show ever

and once again the Cardboard Boat Race was a huge hit with

all age groups. We can't wait for next year to see if they can

top this year.

Ozark is extremely fortunate to have so many organizations

working together to make it such a fun place live, work, play

and raise a family.

- Sandy Key, Main Street Ozark

The library will be accepting Food for Fines beginning

Monday August 12th through Saturday August 31st. The

items must be nonperishable with labels and be in date.

All items can be turned in at the Franklin County Library

Ozark, 407 West Market Street. The items will be given

to the Ecumenical Alliance at the Methodist Church for

distribution through the local food bank. Library hours

are Monday 12:00 pm-7:00pm, Tuesday-Friday 9:00am-

5:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-12:00pm. Coupon Swap will

be Tuesday August 6th at 10:00am and Monday August

12th at 5:00pm. All programs are free and open to the

public.

Check out the web address www.arvrls.com for

downloadable eBooks,FreeGal downloadable music,

Zinio downloadable magazines, card catalog, data bases

and much more. For information or help please call

479-667-2724.

http://www.ozarkchamberofcommerce.com/Library/Fr

anklin-County-Library-61

From the Office Of

FRANKLIN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

479-667-4909 or http://fcoem.org/

479-667-4909 or http://fcoem.org/ Also like us on facebook to stay informed Franklin County Emergency Mangement (AR)

News Release (6/14/13)

10th anniversary nears for Arkansas Tech-Ozark

OZARK – On July 1, Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus

reached a special milestone in the educational institution’s history, its

10th anniversary of joining the Arkansas Tech University system.

A formal celebration is slated for Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Arkansas

Tech-Ozark, and the campus asks that members of the Ozark Area

Chamber of Commerce mark their calendars and plan to join the

festivities.

“What the Ozark Campus has become over the past 10 years is truly

amazing,” said Bruce Sikes, chief academic officer. “Since the

merger with Arkansas Tech, our growth in enrollment, academic

programs and business and industry outreach has been significant.

“Our faculty and staff take pride in the role we play as an educational

institution and as a change agent. We’re excited to celebrate our 10th

anniversary with our students and educational partners.”

Arkansas Tech-Ozark was established in 1965 as Arkansas Valley

Vocational Technical School (AVVTS). In 1975, the Arkansas State

Board of Education/Vocational Education granted accreditation to

AVVTS, making it the first school of its kind in the state to receive

that distinction. In 1991, the campus was renamed Arkansas Valley

Technical Institute (AVTI). On July 1, 2003, AVTI merged with

Arkansas Tech to become Arkansas Tech-Ozark.

Fall 2013 Important Dates

Aug. 19-27 Registration for Fall term

Aug. 28 Full-term classes begin

Sept. 2 Labor Day Holiday

Aug. 28 - Sept. 4 Late Registration (MUST be processed in Registrar's Office)

Sept. 4 Last day to add/change full-term courses

Last day to drop with 100% refund of tuition/fees for full-term courses

Sept. 12 Attendance Date for full-term courses

Oct. 2 Last day to drop with 80% reduction of tuition for full-term courses

Oct. 16 * * * * * MIDTERM * * * * *

Nov. 11-26 Early Registration for Spring 2014 **see below

Nov. 27 - Dec. 1 Thanksgiving Holidays

Dec. 2 Last day to drop with "W" or change to audit for full-term courses

Dec. 10 Reading Day (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Dec. 10-17 End of Course Exams (beginning at 7 p.m.)

Current students may register on or after the following dates:

60 or more earned hours – Nov. 11, 12, 13 20-59 hours – Nov. 14, 15, 18 3-19 hours – Nov. 19, 20, 21 2 or fewer hours – Nov. 22, 25, 26

Provided by Charlie Gocio ,

public information

coordinator at Arkansas Tech

University-Ozark Campus. For

more information,

he can be reached by e-mail

at cgocio@atu.edu, or 508-

3314.

Wow!! Isn’t this weather awesome, has improved the temperament at City Hall.

The 4th of July celebration sponsored by the Fire Department and the Chamber of Commerce was a huge success. I understand that we had a record number of attendees; the Chamber’s cardboard boat race was very entertaining and the Fire Department’s fireworks were the best we have ever seen. It’s hard to improve on 2013, so let’s get behind these two groups for 2014.

The drainage project is underway in the Gibson/Alston Street area. This project will take 3-4 months, so be patient while this construction is going on. Also, our Street Department has replaced culverts at Helberg and 15th Street. Our Street crew did a great job on this project. In house projects such as this makes your tax dollars go so much further.

Sue McClellan has done it again!! Come October you will see the old Garan building transformed into the “HAUNTED SEWING FACTORY”. Under her direction and the many volunteers she has by her side will put the fear of the ghost & goblins in all who enter. Look for future announcements in the Chamber Newsletter and our local paper.

Reminder: The Arkansas Tax Free Weekend is this weekend August 3rd

and 4th. Shop locally and support our community.

The recent Altus Grape Festival was a huge success. The large crowd of visitors to our area

enjoyed all the festivities in absolutely beautiful weather.

We look forward to welcoming many more visitors to participate and enjoy various events

at the North Franklin County Fair from August 1st through the 11th. Bargains Galore on 64

starts on August 8th and goes through August 10th. Both events always bring many out of

area visitors to our restaurants and hotels.

Rods-N-Ribs Car Show brings great family fun to the square on September 14th. The

following weekend, Bikes Blues and BBQ will bring hundreds of bikers into our area as they

tour the surrounding scenic highways. Let’s all be aware and “look twice” for everyone’s

safety. Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events will be hosting a campsite for the bikers and

Community Care Services will be doing a ‘Beer & Brats’ for the bikers as a fundraiser for

“Community Services Inc, Youth Foundation” on Saturday September 21st.

Bluegrass In The Park is scheduled for the last weekend in September at East Side Park.

Bring your lawn chairs to sit and enjoy the many talented local musicians.

For more information about Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce events please visit:

http://www.ozarkchamberofcommerce.com/news_events

The

July has been a very intense month for

legislators. Committees have studied everything from

education standards for our children, reports of

increasing child abuse, to the future of the death penalty

in Arkansas. We also received an update on where we

stand on the implementation of the Affordable Health

Care Act.

The month began with positive news on the financial

front. The Department of Finance and Administration

reported that the state collected $299.5 million more

than was budgeted for distribution in 2013. This means

every agency was fully funded and we have close to a

$300 million surplus going into the next year. That

money cannot be spent until the next legislative session

which begins in February 2014.

This month, the Education Committee has been hearing

testimony concerning Common Core standards. These

standards were designed to define the knowledge and

skills students should have within their K-12 education

so they will graduate high school and be able to succeed

in entry-level, credit- bearing academic college courses

and in the workforce.

The Arkansas Board of Education adopted the Common

Core Standards in July 2010. They were implemented

in grades K-2 in 2011. They are expected to be fully

implemented in the 2014-2015 school year.

However, a group of teachers and parents are urging us

to drop the Common Core benchmarks saying the plan

takes away the state’s control over the classroom. I will

continue to update you on this debate and any decisions

made as the committee continues to study the issue. Recently, the committee for Aging, Children and Youth,

and Military Affairs received the annual report on

Crimes Against Children from Arkansas State Police.

The subject matter is difficult for anyone to review,

but it provides valuable information to our legislators in

helping to draft laws to protect our children.

The report revealed that in 2012 that there were 62,052

calls made to the Child Abuse Hotline in Arkansas. Of those

calls 38,368 were accepted as valid allegations of abuse or

neglect and case workers were assigned.

This is a sharp increase from just 4 years ago. In 2008,

51,592 calls were made to the hotline and just under 30,000

were accepted as valid allegations.

It could be easy to look at this report and say that child

abuse is increasing in our state, but that may not necessarily be

the case.

Captain Ron Stayton, who is the Crimes Against Children

Division Commander explains that the increase is largely due

to more reporting. Over the years the legislature has worked to

increase mandated reporting in the state.

Another issue legislators are working on this interim concerns

the future of the death penalty in Arkansas. Due to the

unavailability of drugs needed for lethal-injection executions

and several lawsuits, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel told

the Judiciary Committee that the Legislature has only a few

options.

We could choose another means of execution, ask our

congressional delegation to press for changes in the law

concerning the importation of the drugs required, or abolish the

death penalty.

Currently, there are varying opinions among members as to

how to proceed.

And last but certainly not least, the Public Health Committee

was updated on the implementation of the Private Option. This

is the healthcare plan passed during the recent session which

allows Medicaid dollars to pay for private insurance for low

income residents. The House has posted documents of the

updates on our website www.arkansashouse.org.

I will continue to update you on these issues and more in

coming months.

Bill

Subway inside Loves #271: The special this month is a Chicken Salad Sandwich. $6.75 for a

ft long, $4.50 for a 6” sub. They have ‘Lunch Anytime’ meals with select sandwiches and a

20 oz. drink for $4.

Hillbilly Hideout at The I-40 Travel Center: The Razorback Burger is one of the special

burgers you can get, as well as the daily specials like meatloaf and catfish.

KFC/Taco Bell: $1 medium drink, $1 freezees, $1 loaded grillers from 2-5 p.m. everyday

Swiss Family Bistro: in the Wiederkehr family of business at Exit 41 on I-40 is open

11:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Thursday for Lunch. The Bistro serves soups,

salads, sandwiches and your favorite beverages. Call ahead for your lunch orders to

make the most of your time and have lunch waiting.

Swiss Family Bistro is open Friday through Sunday 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Some of

the favorite dishes include the Philly Swiss Cheese Sandwich, Chicken Salad

Sandwich, the Reuben, giant cheeseburger and the famous Swiss Onion Soup. Dine

on the patio for a nice open air experience.

Rivertowne BBQ: Daily lunch specials such as ribs, brisket, catfish and barbeque as well

as a full menu. Hours are from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. Tuesday through

Friday, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. on Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.

Wiederkehr Weinkeller Restaurant: The Weinkeller is buzzing in preparation for the

50th Annual Wiederkehr Village Weinfest on Friday and Saturday, October 11 and

12. Friday night Early Bird Concert/Party with Ozark's own Lance Carpenter and

another fresh new talent from Fort Smith. Kristen Church, who sings a little red

dirt and classic rock will be a great warm up for Lance. Mark your

calendars. Beverages, Brats and Burgers will be plenty.

The Weinkeller is always hopping on Weinfest Eve. Make a plan and have dinner

followed by a great home town reunion concert.

Friday night Early Bird Concert/Party with Ozark's own Lance Carpenter and

another fresh new talent from Fort Smith. Kristen Church, who sings a little red

dirt and classic rock will be a great warm up for Lance. Mark your

calendars. Beverages, Brats and Burgers will be plenty.

The Weinkeller is always hopping on Weinfest Eve. Make a plan and have dinner

followed by a great home town reunion concert.

The Coffee Break: 3 new sandwiches, as well as specialty coffees. All

sandwiches and Panini’s are $6.00 each and are served with a pickle spear and

your choice of regular or BBQ chips.

A+ Insurance, Marcus Berry

J-Mart #4, Owner Javid Iabal

The Judge’s Jot Franklin County has some exciting times ahead with great improvements in the works. Several grants have been approved for Franklin County that will aid in the efforts of upgrades for all county citizens.

Beautifications have begun on the courthouse lawn. Thanks to The Garden Club their hard work is paying off as they continue to work on the flowerbed on and around the courthouse lawn. The dead trees that were on the lawn have been removed. Sod has been placed on the east side of the lawn next to the gazebo.

A grant was received through the Federal Aviation Administration and the State of Arkansas Department of Aeronautics. The money received will help with two different projects at the Ozark Franklin County Airport. The first project is new lighting for the runway, this project has been completed. The next project is a work in progress, with a new water system being implemented so fire hydrants can be placed at the airport.

Franklin County Clerk De Anna Schmalz also received another grant from the Secretary of State for a County Voting System Grant. This has allowed her to order electronic poll books for Franklin County voting sites. The electronic poll books will first be implemented at the larger voting sites and next year when more grant money becomes available more polling sites throughout the county will be seeing them.

- Janet Powell, Franklin Co. Judge

2013-2014 School Calendar

August 19 First day of classes

September 2 Labor Day – No classes

September 19 Parent/Teacher Conferences for grades 8-12 (Early dismissal)

October 18 End of 1st quarter

October 24 Parent/Teacher Conferences for grades K-7 (Early dismissal)

October 25 No classes

November 27-29 Thanksgiving break – No classes

December 20 End of 2nd quarter

December 23-January 3 Christmas break – No classes

January 6 School resumes

January 20 Professional development – No classes

February 14-17 Winter break – No classes

March 14 End of 3rd quarter

March 20 Parent/Teacher Conferences for grades K-12 (Early dismissal)

March 21-28 Spring break – No classes

April 18-21 Easter break – No classes

May 16 Graduation

May 26 Memorial Day – No classes

May 30 End of 4th quarter