A recent report from the Arkansas Department of Health reflected a slight upsurge in the number of COVID 19 cases for this region. As this is the flu and virus season, everyone should be taking adequate preventive measures to thwart these ailments. One negative aspect of the report was the percentage of vaccinations for residents of Sharp County. We are ranked 72nd out of 75 counties in the state according to the vaccination rate with only 37 percent of our citizens having full vaccination status for the virus. Good health is important not only for you but for your friends and neighbors; practice good health and listen to your family doctor.
This past weekend I along with several citizens participated in the annual Fall Roadside Pickup jointly sponsored by the Village Pride Committee and King Rhodes & Associates, Inc. Two dump trucks were filled with items found along the streets in Cherokee Village. After this community effort, trash appeared the next day on streets which had been cleaned the previous Saturday. This is a poor reflection on our city and indicates a segment of our population have no pride in how the community looks.
I remember when I first visited the Village in the early ‘70s and even into 1980 you did not see an abundance of trash along the streets and roads in the city. Residents during those years took great pride in how their property appeared and clutter at home sites or trash on the streets were non-existent. Attitudes about personal pride have obviously changed and not for the better. It is a sad commentary on today’s society that keeping the area cleaned up is not every citizen’s mindset. I could drive you by some city homes and describe to you how they appeared in the ‘70’s and you could view them today and draw your own conclusions.
On a more positive note, I wish to remind everybody of the Community Thanksgiving Dinner being prepared by Cherokee Village Volunteer Firefighters which will be available in carryout and limited dine-in only. This meal is available by reservation only and you will need to contact the CV United Methodist Church at (870) 257-3689 by November 17th to reserve the number of meals you require. This event has served as many as 500 meals since its inception. Also, the annual Christmas decoration contest will continue for 2022. Cash prizes will be awarded in each city ward for three places and for three places by commercial firms or businesses in the city. A date for entering this contest will be publicized by December 1st. These decorations portray a vibrant Christmas spirit in Cherokee Village; be part of the festivities display your holiday joy.
At the October city council meeting, the ordinance to have species of fowl in the city failed when moved for passage due a lack of a second. Another business item introduced for the council’s action at its November meeting was a bonus payment for city employees from funds granted through the American Rescue Plan Act(ARPA). And with the burn ban lifted, if you are doing any burning of authorized items remember to contact Baseheart Fire Station at (870) 257-2304.
Finally, on behalf of the City Council and city staff I wish everyone an enjoyable Thanksgiving. If you are traveling during that time do so safely. Also, we will be celebrating the opening of Christmas season with our annual tree lighting at Town Center on December 5th. Come out and welcome Christmas to Cherokee Village that evening.
Submitted
This material was submitted by a member of the community, and Hallmark Times would like to thank them for sharing with us!
