Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

JPs Are Upset With Low Water Bridge

Justices of the Peace, John Howard and Bill Kirksey had their say in front of the Clark County Quorum Court recently.

The two JP's used terse language with Clark County Judge Floyd 'Buddy' Manning in discussing their displeasure concerning the construction cost of a low water bridge.

"Our services are ignored in the southeast corner of the county. October 1, I took a trip to the area down Kansas Road across Terre Noire Creek on Walter's field road," Howard said.

With a soft and hoarse voice Howard continued, "I took a look at the low water bridge the county paid for on a road that has no homes and only deer camps."

Kirksey commented, "I've asked you three or four times to fix a pothole out by my place."

Manning immediately answered them, saying "The county is liable for that bridge... which is on a county road. We were going to have to repair the bridge anyway and with all those deer camps there not to mention farm access. International Paper, Inc. offered to pay half the cost of the concrete to fix it, around $3,000."

Manning continued, "Kirksey, my pothole machine was hit in a head-on accident last week and I've been two people short."

Clark County Sheriff Troy Tucker was given permission by the court to begin the process of bidding on new vehicles. The bid will be for three police cars at an estimated $20,186 each for the 2000 budget.

A neighbors quarrel made its way into the court session. JP Larry Thomerson had heard the county had a lawsuit pending against it.

Attorney for the county, Taylor King, eased worries saying "The lawyer requested to be relieved from the case moments after it was filed, it's just been floating out there ever since. Besides they're mainly just allegations and I don't believe anything will come of this."

All this is over give or take 25 inches of county road, Ridge Creek road that dead ends after a gate for property owner Tommy Roebuck.

Bud Reeder is the plaintiff who had his lawyer Gadson Griffis, of Mathis and Dejanes Law Firm in Arkadelphia file this in March of this year.

Thomerson asked if there were any other legal actions the court should know about. Taylor answered "None with the county as defendants, but we may be a plaintiff in one."

The court tabled the issue of Amity becoming a township. With township status, which can only be approved by the governor of the state, Amity would be able to have a constable. Not a police officer, but someone with training enough to handle some officer duties the area now has to rely on the county or city officers for.

Joe May, Amity resident, appeared before the court to request the status on behalf of Amity and to volunteer his time to the position. Kirksey admitted he had sponsored the discussion as a favor for May.

Tucker was questioned by JP Bill Conine "What can a constable do?"

Tucker answered "He can do everything I can do, but the constable on the whole was almost abolished not to long ago. Presently there's one constable in the county. Frank Plasik is an inactive constable for the county." Plasik is an officer with the Gurdon Police Department.

May stated when something minor occurs there is no one present, and there is a wait even for small things like the thief of his sign.

The court passed an appropriation ordinance amending ordinance No. 99-17 and appropriated funds for the 1999 budget.

Tabling a ordinance establishing rules of procedures for court meetings, the court thought it best to discuss the changes Kirksey had adapted from the Little Rock version.

James Nelson, president of the United for Youth Corp. informed the court on the groups activities and requested funds to continue the program.

Previous funds were granted from the Cabe Foundation. This program helps teach at-risk youth who have had a brush with the law learn the responsibility of hard work.

The issue was sent to the budget committee for discussion.