Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Pre-"chick-day" summary
Gov. Mike Beebe told the Arkansas County Judges Association on Monday that he’s working on developing a highway funding plan that would include tapping the state’s surplus.
Two once financially troubled Arkansas districts — the Pulaski County Special School District and the Cross County School District — can now make their own budgeting decisions without first seeking state approval.
A bill to require motorcyclists to wear helmets while riding failed to win support Monday from a state Senate committee.
The Arkansas House of Representatives on Monday passed a $20 million package of alternative fuel production incentives that proponents say will open new markets for Arkansas farmers, reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and help prevent further damage to the environment.
About two dozen community leaders and parents picketed the Arch Ford Education Building on the state Capitol Mall on Monday to call attention to a Lee County teacher strike that began Jan. 29 and has left schools nearly empty of teachers and students.
A new state database allows Arkansans to search and order personalized license plates online. Through the state’s Web site at www.arkansas.gov, anyone interested can propose a combination of letters to see if a certain license plate is available.
The Rogers School District plans to spend $6,101,719 on merit pay over the next five years, an application filed Monday with the U.S. Department of Education shows. That includes $4,101,719 in federal grant money to complement an existing $2 million pledge from the Walton Family Foundation.
Officials of a southeast Arkansas charter school surrendered its charter Monday to the state Board of Education. Declining enrollment and the recent opening of a public alternative school in the area doomed the Arise Charter School in Monticello, director Lorenzo Simmons said.
North Little Rock’s largest electricity consumer can now avoid a recent rate increase and purchase its power elsewhere, practically assuring it will remain in business.
Officials with the Lee County Education Association and the school district are scheduled to meet today (Tuesday) with a mediator in an effort to end the 13-day strike.
Benton County's former planning and development director admitted Monday she stole $595 from her department but, rather than spending time in jail, she'll serve 30 days in a county work program. Michelle Crain pleaded guilty to felony theft of property and misdemeanor falsifying business records.
Two once financially troubled Arkansas districts — the Pulaski County Special School District and the Cross County School District — can now make their own budgeting decisions without first seeking state approval.
A bill to require motorcyclists to wear helmets while riding failed to win support Monday from a state Senate committee.
The Arkansas House of Representatives on Monday passed a $20 million package of alternative fuel production incentives that proponents say will open new markets for Arkansas farmers, reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and help prevent further damage to the environment.
About two dozen community leaders and parents picketed the Arch Ford Education Building on the state Capitol Mall on Monday to call attention to a Lee County teacher strike that began Jan. 29 and has left schools nearly empty of teachers and students.
A new state database allows Arkansans to search and order personalized license plates online. Through the state’s Web site at www.arkansas.gov, anyone interested can propose a combination of letters to see if a certain license plate is available.
The Rogers School District plans to spend $6,101,719 on merit pay over the next five years, an application filed Monday with the U.S. Department of Education shows. That includes $4,101,719 in federal grant money to complement an existing $2 million pledge from the Walton Family Foundation.
Officials of a southeast Arkansas charter school surrendered its charter Monday to the state Board of Education. Declining enrollment and the recent opening of a public alternative school in the area doomed the Arise Charter School in Monticello, director Lorenzo Simmons said.
North Little Rock’s largest electricity consumer can now avoid a recent rate increase and purchase its power elsewhere, practically assuring it will remain in business.
Officials with the Lee County Education Association and the school district are scheduled to meet today (Tuesday) with a mediator in an effort to end the 13-day strike.
Benton County's former planning and development director admitted Monday she stole $595 from her department but, rather than spending time in jail, she'll serve 30 days in a county work program. Michelle Crain pleaded guilty to felony theft of property and misdemeanor falsifying business records.
