Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Court discusses jail; sheriff in absentia

Animals, money, and the jail. These were just some of the topics addressed at the Nevada County Quorum Court meeting held July 8.

The court was addressed first by Jon Chadwell, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office.

Chadwell introduced the Leadership Nevada County class. The class was visiting Quorum Court to understand the way city and county government is ran. The class will be visiting several council meetings also as a part of its homework.

Chadwell gave updates on the ACE program. He said several goals had been set with several more on the way. He announced some goals are not just for Prescott, but for the entire county. He said these goals will ask area leaders what they need in their communities, that way when a grant comes along at the office, they will know if the county needs to apply for it.

Chadwell said two prospects will be visiting Prescott in the month of July. These prospects have visited the area before, but on their own. Chadwell said it is important to keep our town clean and be friendly to all strangers because they may be the next big company in our area.

The rural water project, he said, is still in the process of collecting easements. The promised map of last month's meeting had not been received but is on its way. The map will show exactly which roads will be left off of the water project.

Registered letters and final notices will also be sent to all those who still have not signed easements, giving one last chance to sign on.

Several questions were addressed by Chadwell also. Willie Wilson, member of the court, asked if there is anyway more recreation activities could be given for area children.

Chadwell said if enough people get involved maybe more could be done.

Also questions were asked about the I-30 exits. A request has been made to have the trees cleared but, according to Judge James Roy Brown, the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department is refusing to remove the trees.

The court then discussed the raises and budgets for the next year. No decision, however, was made.

A revised sheriff's revenue fund was also addressed. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office requested an extra $8,000 for unexplained funds. The court agreed to give the office $3,000 extra to pay bills and to work more on the money situation at the following meetings.

Several members of the court said they would like to see Sheriff Steve Otwell at the meetings to discuss the funds.

A jail report was also issued. Apparently the report stated there was not enough room for the amount of inmates. The jail is set up to house about 20 and is housing anywhere from 25-40 inmates.

Brown said this report has been the same for several years, and some rearranging will be done with the new 9-1-1 system.

Mary Ann Venegar, a representative from the Hempstead-Nevada County Humane Society, addressed the council with a possible ordinance for the county. She said the ordinance would address leaving animals unattended in cars, running over animals, and being cruel to animals in anyway.

The court adjourned with the decision to look over the ordinance, check on what the city of Prescott is doing about the animal situation, and work on a decision for next month.