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

Business After Hours was held May 22nd at Post Familie Wineries. The Travelling Trophy was won by the Post family. Pictured L to R: Debra Lynn Post, Suzanne Post, Teresa Post Parker, Oliver Parker, Andrew Post, Matthew Post, Sr, Christopher Post, Paul Post, Tina Post, John Paul Post, and Joseph Post.

Chancellor Bruce Sikes of ATU-Ozark Campus, representing the Chamber Education Committee, presented Christopher Post with the Chamber of Commerce Scholarship. Christopher was chosen as the $500 recipient for his dedication to school and to others. He plans on attending the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and majoring in Agriculture Business. Photographed L to R: Bruce Sikes, Christopher Post, Joseph Post and Debra Lynn Post.

Look for our next issue to come out July 1st.

Apex Communicatio

4th of July Cardboard Boat Race

Click the link above for information and to register for this event. Included this year will be three more races: a

sprint, marathon and the demolition derby.

The time capsules to be buried are ready! Scott Gage from Six Six Seven Studios did an outstanding job getting them

painted. Pictured L to R in the “Ozark Vision Committee”: Linda Millsap, Eddie Melton, Luke Holcombe, Mayor Carol

Sneath, Harvey Waters, Sandy Key, Kevie Haberer, and Bill Murray.

Economic Development Forum Dates:

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Monday, January 5, 2015 Thursday April 2, 2015

Renewed Members:

A+ Insurance Center

AR. Blue Cross & Blue Shield

AR Valley Electric Co-Op

Cass Job Corps Center

Hug Chevrolet Buick GMC

J & G Heating & Air

Leding & Hogan CPA’s

Ozark Animal Hospital

Ozark Outdoor Advertising

Shelter Insurance

Turner Bend

Zack’s Place

The Spectator

Hoffman’s of Ozark, Inc.

Hillbilly Fun Day

Fun for all! Approximately 750 children in Ozark Elementary School System enjoyed 3 water slides and 4 bounce

around features plus popsicles, popcorn and drinks provided by nine area sponsors: Wal-Mart, Ozark Ford,

Simmons Bank, Arkansas Valley Electric, Bank of the Ozarks, Meadors Lumber, Farm Bureau, Chris and Bill

Brockett, Ozark Rotary and Ozark Chamber of Commerce. Jim and Gladys Young volunteered and served popcorn

on behalf of the Franklin County Fair Board.

The Ozark Fire Department had the Safety House for the kids to go through and learn how to react in case of an

emergency. Mrs. Burns said, “Some of the kids that are normally late for school were actually early today”.

Other teachers said the kids were so excited that this was going to be like their vacation others said it was their

vacation. One of the student comments was “It doesn’t matter if it rains I already have my swimsuit on.”

Ribbon Cutting for E & E Auto at their new location.

Back Row pictured L to R: William Heffington, Paul Millsap, Eddie Melton, Toby

Hogan, Mike Gibbons, Eric Swearingin, Andrew Post, Greg Easom, Caleb

Rainwater, Daniel Robertson, Joe Smith, Keely Holland, Kevin Reals, Jim Easom,

Velma Easom.

Middle Row L to R: Linda Millsap, Tony Wilson, Mayor Carol Sneath, Tina Myers,

Callie Robertson, Steve Garrison, Clarissa King

Front Row L to R: Jessica Birchler, Carla Easom, Shy Eason, Brenna Rainwater,

Julie Akerlund, Brittney West, Peggy Waits, Kayla Grigsby

Altus Wine Country - Arkansas Tourism

Click the picture for a video about the wineries in Altus, Arkansas.

More information from Arkansas.com can be found at: http://www.arkansas.com/dining/wineries-breweries/

From The GrapeVine

Tony’s Tips from AVECC

Use microwave for cooking when possible. Microwaves use less electricity than conventional ovens and do not

introduce heat back into the home.

From Tony Wilson, Member Services/Key Accounts

If you missed Lance Carpenter's Hillbilly Jamboree you missed one of the most entertaining family events you will ever see. It was fun, fun, fun from beginning to end and Lance & his band were spectacular!

Never have we witnessed such a good time has by so many kids and to top it off with a wonderful concert by great musicians was just the frosting on the cake. The kids were kept busy from with exciting activities like train rides on the Bowman Express, making ropes and learning rope tricks from Loren and Beverly Maier, petting chickens and competing in a chicken drop held by 4-H'rs Tylo & Storm Gardner and Lee & Sona Gardner, enjoying balloons and candy provided by Mayor Carol Sneath and having their pictures taken by Milanie Matthews. Cotton candy was supplied by the Ricky and Diane Bowman family while the Ozark Cheerleaders were painting faces and Lance Carpenter was manning a bean bag toss game. Steve Outlaw kept busy making hot dogs and refreshments and there was nonstop excitement throughout the entire event. While the kids were busy outside we were treated to stellar performances inside by local beauties, Lindsey Pottoroff and Jacey Shaffer then as an extra added bonus, Jeffery East from Nashville TN performed an awesome opening act. Lance Carpenter and the band alone would have been well worth the price of a ticket so we were multi-blessed.

We would like to say thank you to James Ford, Kevin Hume, Lucas Skaggs and all the Ozark School students who helped sell tickets, Judge Janet Powell, Keva and Scott Chrisman, Steve Outlaw, Loren and Beverly Maier, Ricky and Diana Bowman, Melissa Doss, Beverly Swift, April and Brandon Roberts, Mayor Carol Sneath, Milanie Matthews, Delana Thornton, Anthony Boen and the Franklin County Sheriff's Department, Loren and Beverly Maier, Mayoral Candidate Lee Gardner, Sona, Storm & Tylo Gardner, Milanie Matthews, the Ricky and Diane Bowman family, Chris Barr, Sue McClellan and the City of Ozark Street Department, Taylor Moore and Ozark Cheerleaders Deidra Roberts, Rylie Wagner and Kalien Harris, the Franklin County Fair Board, Lindsey Pottorff and Jacey Shaffer who all did such a wonderful job. Don't be surprised if we hear more from Lindsey and Jacey. Star quality abounds in these two girls. Last but far from least, Lance Carpenter and his band. No one could have worked harder to make sure everyone had a good time than these guys. Their talent and energy is absolutely amazing and they continue to make Ozark proud. We can't wait till they can come back again. Ozark loves Lance Carpenter!

The Bookshelf -

Franklin County Public

Library

The Franklin County Library Ozark is partnering with Arkansas Tech University Ozark campus with the library’s summer activities to be held June 9th –July 3rd. All programs are free and open to the public. Below you will find a list of summer programs. The activities will be held at the Student Services Conference Center located on the Arkansas Tech University Ozark Campus.

June 9th at 1:30 PM Brian & Terri Music Program

June 10th Story time and Craft 10:00 am

June 11th tween & teen program, craft 10:00 am

June 12th at 1:30PM Tommy Terrific and his Wacky Magic

June 17th Story time and craft 10:00 am

June 18th tween & teen program, craft 10:00am

June 19th Smokey Bear at 1:30PM

June 24th Story time and craft10:00am

June 25th tween & teen program, craft 10:00 am

June 26th 1:30PM Mad Science of Northwest Arkansas with Stephen Cox “fun science”

July 1st Story time and craft 10:00 am

July 2nd tween & teen program, craft 10:00 am

The summer Reading Program is open to young people, preschool through young adult.

Registration for “Fizz Boom, Read!” begins on May 13. For more information, call the library at 479-667-2724. The temporary library is located at 120 South Second Street across from the gazebo on the Franklin County Courthouse

Nancy Smith Librarian

http://turnerbend.com/ http://www.byrdsadventurecenter.com/ http://www.mulberrymountainlodge.com/

It wouldn't be completely accurate to describe the Mulberry River as 50 miles of whitewater, but it would not be far from the truth for several months of the year. The stream is definitely one of the state's wildest rivers during the early spring. From its beginnings deep in the Ozarks to its confluence with the Arkansas River, the Mulberry pours over ledges, shoots through willow thickets, and whips around sharp turns. These "wild" characteristics are what give the stream its class II/III rating, and high marks from the floating public. The General Assembly, in 1985, officially declared the Mulberry to be a "scenic river of the State of Arkansas" and the Mulberry was named in 1992 a National Wild and Scenic River.

New Allied Health Building Approved

The Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees approved funds toward construction of a new allied health building

at Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus during the May 15 board meeting.

The proposed 20,273 square-foot building will house five of the campus’ allied health programs — paramedic,

health information technology, physical therapist assistant, practical nursing and registered nursing.

“Students, industry and the community will recognize this facility as our commitment to providing quality

instruction with access to the latest health care training technology like state of the art labs and clinical simulation

stations,” said Bruce Sikes, chancellor of Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus.

Sandy Cheffer, chief fiscal officer for Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus, said the building will be the campus’ first two-

story structure.

“I am especially pleased that it will bring a new look to the campus and enhance the landscape of the community,”

said Cheffer. “We are excited about moving forward with the campus master plan and developing the physical plant

to meet the needs of a growing campus.”

The multipurpose facility will also feature offices for faculty and support staff, a fitness center, student lounge areas

and a testing center. The building will also have three new computer labs.

Sikes said the building will provide students with valued educational and recreational environments while also

addressing current challenges such as computer availability.

“We are always evaluating campus feedback,” said Sikes. “Our administration, faculty, staff and students all

provided input as this building is a component to our strategic plan and represents our hard work, dedication and

efforts as an institution to continue moving forward.”

Cheffer said the tentative timeline for the building shows bidding and contract finalization between August and

October 2014. Groundbreaking is set for October 2014. The anticipated completion date is November 2015. The

building is scheduled to be open for spring 2016 classes.

“We lead the River Valley in health care career training and are appreciative and thankful for the support and

confidence of the Board of Trustees at Arkansas Tech and our health care partners,” said Sikes.

Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus offers health care options in health information technology, physical therapist

assistant, cardiovascular technology, occupational therapy assistant, medical assisting, nursing assistant, practical

nursing, registered nursing, emergency medical technician, paramedic and human services.

Trustees also granted approval to replace the roof for the Technology and Administrative Support building at

Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus during their May 15 meeting. In all, the two projects represent an investment of $6

million in campus improvements.

To learn more about program offerings at Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus, visit www.atu.edu/ozark.

Hello everyone,

June 4th is the date set to open bids for Hillbilly Drive. Watch for notice of groundbreaking!!!

If you have notices construction at the corner of Highway 23 and Helberg Lane, that is the upgrading of the main valve system

which controls water flow from the city lake. This will allow for more flexibility to continually keep water flowing in the case

water line interruption.

In our west side park work on the basketball court, playground equipment, handicap access and Frisbee Golf has been completed.

The plans for the splash pad have now been approved by the health department. The Frisbee Golf course is a sanctioned course

to hold tournaments. The layout is shown below. Get in touch with Sue McClellan to schedule a tournament.

GO PRIMITIVE

Redding Recreational Area:

The Redding Campground is a beautiful setting for an outdoor getaway. It sits on the north bank of the Wild and

Scenic Mulberry River and surrounded by the Ozark National Forest. Redding offers up a brand new rock canoe

launch and river access which is handicap accessible. A nice bath house with flush toilets and warm showers, a well

water system with spouts dispersed throughout the campground, and access to the Spy Rock and Ozark Highland

Trail (OHT) makes Redding a desirable place to spend the night, the weekend, or even a week. Campground -

$10/site/day – open year round, (includes 2 vehicles). $3 for additional vehicles or for recreation day use.

Wolf Pen Recreational Area:

This campground, located next to the Mulberry River, offers scenic rock bluffs in the northwestern portion of the

state. Activities include canoeing on the Mulberry River (very popular with the canoeists) within view of the scenic

rock bluffs, fishing, hiking and river access. Camping consists of 6 primitive units, available space for small camping

trailers, and the picnicking area is designed for 5 family units. The area is also equipped with vault toilets but there is

no drinking water. Good fishing and hunting is available nearby when in season. Recreation Area - $3/vehicle/day -

open year round.

Redding Campground Wolf Pen Campground

Royce Gattis- Tourism Committee Chairman

For more information, please see our website http://www.ozarkchamberofcommerce.com/news_events

Most of the focus this month at the Capitol has centered on teacher’s insurance. If the legislature does not act,

teachers and staff are looking at a 35% across the board increase in rates. Currently, families on the gold plan are paying

over $1,000 a month for health insurance premiums.

If the state were to pay for the increase, it would take over $70 million dollars out of the General Revenue

Budget. But a special task force has been working for several months to find a permanent solution to this ongoing

struggle. They have made several suggestions and will present their final recommendation on June 10.

If members can agree on the recommendations, it is likely we will head into a special session later this summer.

Some of the proposals discussed in the most recent task force meeting include eliminating part-time school employees

from eligibility, excluding spouses if they can obtain coverage elsewhere, verifying the eligibility of dependents, and

placing a hold on new enrollment for the bariatric surgery program.

As you may recall the Legislature met in a special session in October to address insurance rates. At that time we

allocated $43 million in onetime money as a quick fix. The task force was also created to find a permanent solution.

There are now 47,000 teachers and school employees on our teacher’s insurance plan. Education has consistently

been our state’s top priority. We owe it to our students, teachers, and all Arkansans to ensure they have reliable and

reasonable coverage.

I will continue to update you on the progress and any new proposals that may be presented next month

-Bill

The Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship recipients were chosen by the Chamber Education Committee based on grades, honors classes and amount of volunteer and extracurricular activities.

The $500 scholarship was awarded to Christopher Post. The three recipients of the $250 scholarships were Bailey Harris, Abbygayl Helmert and Bailey Gibson. The monies raised for the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship came from the “Chow Down at Rivertowne” event.

Subway inside Loves #271: The June $6 foot long special is tuna and the $3 six inch special is the Black Forest

Ham & cheese.

Hillbilly Hideout at The I-40 Travel Center: The Hillbilly Hideout offers daily lunch specials, and a deli both open

24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. You can call in your order for pick up at (479)-667-0711.

KFC/Taco Bell: KFC Dip Ems Combo: 3 crispy tenders, 2 dipping sauces, 1 individual side, 1 biscuit and medium drink. Taco Bell is now serving breakfast. Some new items are the waffle taco and AM Crunch Wrap. Open at 6:30 a.m.

The Coffee Break: All sandwiches and Panini’s are $6.00 each and are served with a pickle spear and your

choice of regular or BBQ chips. During the colder months, you can get soup instead of chips. They also have iced

and hot coffees and cappuccino.

Rivertowne BBQ: BBQ ribs, sandwiches, salad, bean ‘slop’, burgers and more. Choose from beef, chicken, or

pork. Carry-out and catering available. (479)-667-1808. Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM-

8:00 PM. Saturday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Wiederkehr Weinkeller Restaurant: The Weinkeller's menu offers delicacies from the German, French, and Italian regions of Switzerland, as well as specialties from central Europe and America. Open every day except major holidays. Hours: Mon-Saturday, Lunch 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Sunday 11:00 am- 9 pm. Reservations are recommended for dinner (479)-468-3551 or 1-800-622-WINE PJ’s Fina & Pizza Pro: Pizza, wings, breadsticks, cinnamon sticks. Specialty pizzas. Get the 2nd pizza for only

$5.00 (12 in.) or $7.00 (14 in.) equal or lesser toppings, carry out only.

Subway on Commercial: The June $6 foot long special is tuna and the $3 six inch special is the Black Forest Ham

& cheese.

Southern Grill: Serving breakfast 6-11 a.m. then lunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Daily specials and carry out

orders. Call 667-0704.

Altus Handy Mart: All Day Every Day! Buy any 1 Topping 14 in. Pizza for $8.99 and get a 14 in. Cheese Pizza for only $6.99 or get a 16 in. Cheese Pizza for $10.99

Offering breakfast and lunch. There are lunch specials every day. Lunch combos come with fries and a drink including chicken strips, hot ham and Swiss, burgers, etc. Salads as well as individual foods like crispitos, corndogs, eggrolls, etc.

The Judge’s Jot I have formed a committee and we are working on a renovation to the Franklin County Courthouse

Courtroom. County Clerk DeAnna Schmalz was very satisfied with the help of volunteers and

workers that ran the polls in the primary election. Franklin County with the help of Chief Deptuy

Devin Bramlett and 911 EMS Director Randy Boren is receiving a security grant.

A fund was set up years ago to be used for the upkeep and protection of the Law Library in the

courthouse. I have set up a committee chaired by Attorney Chris Brockett, and members including

Judge Joe Ramos, Circuit Clerk Wilma Brushwood, Attorney Sarah Capp, Joe Powell and myself. We

had our first meeting two weeks ago and we are all coming up with different ideas that can help

with the upkeep and appearance of the Courtroom which incases the Law Library. A suggestion was

made to start with a new slanted roof to add more protection from leaks. We are currently in

contact with the Historical Preservation office to see what can and cannot be done. I will be adding

more updates as they become available.

Newly reelected County Clerk DeAnna Schmalz wanted to send a big applause and thank you to the

volunteers and workers that ran the polls through early voting until election day May 20th. Her

office could not have made it through the elections without each of you. THANK YOU!

Devin Bramlett and Randy Boren put together a grant application and received the grant which will

help with security measures throughout the courthouse. This grant will help install new emergency

buttons and radios that will signal the Sheriff’s office when help is needed. We are all very excited

about this added security and want these gentlemen for their assistance.

Thanks for reading about Franklin County and as always if you have any questions or comments please contact my office anytime. 479-667-4726

- Janet Powell, Franklin Co. Judge

Spotlighting Altus

Greetings from the wonderful city of Altus, where history lives.

The city of Altus is a very unique city of 750 people, with its tourist attractions, a museum, wineries and many other wonderful sights to see throughout the city; you will also find some restaurants that will make you feel very welcome. It really is a great place to live.

The weather is nice and comfortable and a time to get out and explore the many sights and entertaining places in

our county, one of them being a small restaurant in Altus.

For the month of June I am spotlighting “Kelts Pub.” Kelts is a quaint small pub and restaurant located on the

square in downtown Altus, it is definitely a place you will want to visit when you are in our area. You will walk into a

great atmosphere and maybe even live music being played on a Friday or Saturday evening.

Dan offers a variety of foods on his menu- all cooked by him- on the grill where you can see him cooking and smell

the aroma; it is an experience you will want to try again. He also serves a variety of wines, beers and other drinks for

you to enjoy while dining there. Service may be a little slow as Dan and his wife are the only employees, however it is a

place you will want to go and forget the time and enjoy the quiet moments while you are there. Some have said it will

take you back to Ireland and other places, so while you are in Altus stop by Kelts, say hi to Dan and while there enjoy

the Rueben sandwich or the bleu cheese burger, and always save room for dessert.

Larry W. Stacy is Mayor of Altus Arkansas.

Contact him at 479-213-7081

E-mail: mayorstacy@centurytel.net

Follow me on Facebook