Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Officials Attend Program For Historic Preservation

Clark County Judge Grady Runyan, Arkadelphia Mayor Michael L. Kolb and Gurdon Mayor Rick W. Smith were among 119 local officials in 61 Arkansas counties to call for local observances of national Historic Preservation Week may 10-16, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) director Cathy Slater announced May 8.

The AHPP is an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

"The theme for Preservation Week 1998 is Preservation Begins at Home," Slater said, "and we at AHPP hope that all Arkansans will take a moment to reflect on the importance of their local historic properties, particularly those listed on the National Register of Historic Places."

The proclamations from Runyan, Kolb and Smith noted that historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and maintaining community character while enhancing livability; and is relevant for both urban and rural communities and for Americans of all ages, all walks of life and all ethnic backgrounds.

The proclamations stated that it is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contributions made by dedicated individuals in helping to preserve the tangible aspect of the heritage that has shaped us as a people and called for all of the people of Clark County, Arkadelphia and Gurdon to join their fellow citizens across the United States in recognizing and participating in the special observance.