By The Rev. Billy Holland We are at the end of another year and it always brings thoughts of starting fresh and having hope for the future. Most of us have watched the ball drop on New Year’s Eve which officially declares, “out with the old and in with the new.” At midnight, people from all over the world will celebrate the turning of the next page of their lives. Over the…
By Russell Stokes, Cherokee Mayor Thanks to everyone who entered the Christmas lighting contest sponsored by the Village Pride Committee and the Mayor. The displays were fantastic and reflected lots of work by their owners. Cash prizes were awarded for three places in each ward plus city-wide businesses. The prize amounts were $100 for first, $75 for second, and $50 for third. These lights in addition to the display at Town Center…
By James Sturch, Arkansas Senator The legislature’s list of accomplishments in 2022 is lengthy and significant.During a special session in the summer, legislators reduced income taxes for about 1.6 million Arkansas taxpayers by moving up the effective date of the tax cuts adopted last year. The tax cuts will save Arkansans an estimated $500 million a year.During the fiscal session in the spring, lawmakers approved $5,000 salary supplements for police officers, parole…
By The Rev. Bob Holland I’ve read articles over the years about how Christmas is a combination of Christian and pagan symbolism along with some folklore traditions and for the most part, this is true. I also realize that most people do not want to hear about such things. Beyond the bah-humbug, I will admit that even though Christmas is not as much fun now as it was when I was a…
By James Sturch, Arkansas Senator Legislators finished the calendar year with a final round of recommendations for spending federal relief funds and reserve funds.The recommendations include using another $93.8 million for broadband projects and $20 million to upgrade computerized case management for the state court system.Also, $6.25 million was recommended to help cover the expenses of opening the new Sevier County Medical Center.The subcommittee also recommended using $75 million from reserve funds…
