News

St. John’s Properties in Chattanooga, Tenn., announced Monday, Aug. 1, that it will contribute $5,000 to the Berryville Library in memory of Dwane Usrey, a native of Green Forest. St. John’s Properties is owned by Usrey’s widow, Eddie Usrey, along with their daughter Angela Usrey, son Mitchel Usrey and son-in-law George Caudle.

Firefighters work to put out a grass fire last week on an empty lot in Berryville. A burn ban remains in effect for Carroll County because of the ongoing drought. Some relief might be on the way, with the National Weather Service forecast calling for possible thunderstorms beginning Wednesday night. The NWS also predicts some cooler air, with Friday’s high temperature forecast at 83 degrees. Greg Strodtman / Carroll County News

Carroll County homeowners began receiving notices last week from the county assessor’s office about increases in the appraised values of their homes. Assessor Jeannie Davidson said the notices, which resulted from a recently completed countywide reappraisal, should not be interpreted as tax bills.

The Carroll County Quorum Court approved an appropriation ordinance of nearly $327,000 at its regular meeting Monday, July 18, to purchase 50 hand-held radios for first responders. The purchase is part of an ongoing upgrade of the county’s emergency communications system.

Another Carroll County resident has died in the past week from complications related to COVID-19. The new death — included in the July 22 report from the Arkansas Department of Health — raised the local death toll to 106 since the pandemic began.

The Berryville School District’s building fund grew a by a substantial amount after the district board approved a transfer of funds from its general budget during the board’s regular meeting on July 18.

Former Eureka Springs fire marshal and assistant fire chief Jim Kelley retired earlier this year, criticizing what he described as the “Downfall of the Fire Department” in a letter to fire chief Nick Samac.

The Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation Commission has taken the first step in repairing and refurbishing historic Basin Spring Park. At a July 12 special meeting, the commission approved a contract with McClelland Engineering for the initial surveying and analysis of the structural issues at the park.

After canceling its regularly scheduled meeting on July 5, the Berryville City Council returned to its regular schedule on July 19 for a short meeting focused mainly on reviewing monthly reports. Mayor Tim McKinney took time to remind everyone about the burn ban in effect in Carroll County.

The Museum of Eureka Springs Art has a home. The recently formed group will soon be housed in the Highlander Room at the Eureka Springs Community Center after a recent partnership between the two organizations.