Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Council Orders Juvenile Curfew

Because of the recent spate of arsons the Gurdon City Council imposed an emergency curfew for juveniles.

This was done at the Gurdon City Council meeting Monday, Aug. 14.

Gurdon City Marshal David Childres said the Gurdon Police Department had to put on an extra shift because of the fires, even though the Arkansas State Police is helping with the investigation.

"We've come to the conclusion the only way to stop it is to have a curfew," Childres said. "I wasn't for the curfew when you brought it up a few years ago."

Part of the problem, he said, is people have been walking the streets at all hours of the night and there's nothing the GPD could do about it.

Delton Simpson has parties for young people at the old Gurdon Middle School gym, he continued, and these parties don't break up until 1 or 2 in the morning. Then, those who were at the party walk the streets.

"The juveniles know the law and know we can't do anything to them," Childres said, "and their parents don't seem to care.

When they're out after midnight, they're out getting in trouble. There's nothing open in Gurdon then, and anyone out is up to no good."

Gurdon Mayor Rick Smith agreed, saying young people don't need to be on the streets after midnight.

Gurdon Fire Chief Jake McBride said the Gurdon Fire Department had trouble getting to a fire because of the people in the street, even though it was 3 a.m.

Childres said Simpson isn't helping the young people with these parties, he's just keeping them out till 2 or 3 in the morning.

McBride suggested someone talk to Simpson and let him know this is too late for the young people to be out.

Smith came to Simpson's defense saying he tries to provide something for the young people to do to keep them off the streets. "If he wasn't doing it, those kids would be somewhere."

According to Childres, the arson suspect(s) is under 18.

Smith said the council would have to pass an ordinance for a permanent curfew, but in an emergency situation one could be imposed by the mayor.

This is what was done. Smith declared an emergency situation and imposed a curfew of 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and midnight on Friday and Saturday for those under 18.

The curfew went into effect Friday, Aug. 18.

Smith said the curfew will remain in effect until the council decides to do something else.

"We have to make people understand we don't need their help condemning houses," he said. "This has caused one woman to be homeless now."

Smith will also talk to Simpson about the party at the old GMS gym, and get his help in the matter.

"We're still sitting on a powder keg," McBride said, "with the old Gurdon High School bought by Mike McKenzie. It's filled with baskets, the doors are open all the time and windows are broken. It's a fire hazard and needs to be secured; maybe have a night watchman.

"Anyone can go in there and set a fire. If this happens it will take all the water we can get to protect the homes there. It's a shame the old school's in the shape it's in."

McBride said those with abandoned houses need to consider they're not only eyesores, but hazards and places for drug dealers.

McBride was told he has the authority, as fire chief, to tell McKenzie to secure the building.

Should McKenzie not cooperate, Smith said, the city can condemn the property.