White River Current, Public Forum

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

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Submitted By: Scott Youngkin	Submitted: 9/24/2012
My comment here is in regard to the frac sand mining in Izard County, especially the Evergreen Processing, LLC, Twin Mountain Project. My wife and I visited the county and talked with several people this last weekend. Their names will be kept out of this comment to protect their identity. Yes we are outsiders, with an opinion! The peoples mis-conception of this frac sand mining operation being good for this county disturbs us very much. One of the mis-conceptions that exists is that fracking natural gas is a neccessity; "cheap gas" as this one long time physician from Calico Rock put it. The truth is that solar is now at the same cost level as natural gas, except without all this distruction to the environment and using our precious water as fracking and frac sand mining entails. Once people begin to be informed of the greed that is taking over THE NATURAL STATE, I hope the people will come together and make a stand to end the frac sand mining and the frac drilling that is going on in Arkansas. Incentives for home solar shingles and or panels is a much more sensible approach. 50 jobs being created is not worth the loss of the fishing industry that Calico Rock is dependant upon. For more information regarding a real country that is now producing over 50% of their own electricity using solar, look up Germany. There is no reason except the continued greed for money that will destroy your state that you live in. The person that owns this frac sand mine land has an email listed as EliteEnergyServices.com, that should give you all a clue. Wake up people, there must be action instead of rolling over and letting your governmental bodies continue to cater to these distructive corporations! And please remember, corporations are NOT people, and money is NOT speech! End corporate personhood, visit www.movetoamend.org... Pass a resolution in your town like North Little Rock and Fayetteville! By the way, we enjoyed our stay in Calico Rock! Very beautiful place and wonderful people! We hope you can keep it that way! We are onboard with helping with this cause in any way we can, sorry it was not sooner, like 2009!

Submitted By: Kathy Blickle	Submitted: 1/28/2012
Has Sheriff Lawrence released to the media a synopsis of the event that took place at the Conoco gas station yesterday? What with all the squad cars present and the police tape blocking off everything I would hope that he would let the citizens here know what is going on.

Submitted By: Rich Fischer	Submitted: 9/2/2011
In response to questions from Ms. McGinnis regarding planned frac sand mining operations near Calico Rock. A a frac sand quarrying operation operated by Evergreen Processing will be located approx 6 miles east of the community. Final permits have been rec'd however at this point no construction has begun on the facility. Impact on surrounding property values have yet to be determined as the facility is not yet operational. Plans call for actual quarrying to be conducted on a very small portion (less than 50 acres?) of land in the center of the large tract in an effort by the company to maintain a large buffer and minimize impact to adjoining property. As with any proposed operation of this sort, there was opposition in the community. Evergreen has conducted numerous public mtgs, listened to residents concerns and in some cases altered their plans in response to issues raised. An example would be changing initial plans for water from drilling wells into the aquifer to using existing natural discharge water from a nearby spring. As the operation has yet to begin any actual site preparation or subsequent quarrying, any problems that may arise with the company have yet to surface. During the initial stages Evergreen has demonstrated a desire to be good neighbors and be an asset rather than a detriment to the community.

Submitted By: Mary Pat McGinnis	Submitted: 7/15/2011
I live far away from Calico Rock, AR (in Wisconsin). Your Public Forum caught came up in my google search about frac sand mining. A bunch of frac sand mines are opening or trying to open in our area. Did the frac sand mine open near your area? If so, what has happened to property values in the 1-2 radius around the plant? What do people think about it now? Have you had any problems with the mine operators? Thank you for any insights you can provide.

Submitted By: Rich Fischer	Submitted: 4/23/2010
Ms. Stanley....My public forum post, and subsequent Letter to the Editor, both submitted as a private citizen NOT as the co-owner/publisher of the White River Current, were based on the facts known to me at the time. . .which I might add were substantiated by multiple attendees to the April council mtg. Making public statements regarding elected officials. as long as not libelous or slanderous, is certainly my right as a citizen and taxpayer, regardless of my professional involvements. . . .a right which I will continue to exercise, as should we all. In regard to the newspaper. . . to insure accuracy of reporting going forward, either myself or our Managing Editor, Cindy Stewart, who has effectively covered city council meetings for 17 years, will be on hand at all future meetings operating a digital voice recorder to verify the proceedings and minimize the potential for inaccuracies.

Submitted By: Lynna D. Stanley	Submitted: 4/20/2010
Mr. Rich Fischer- My vote WAS consistent with my statement; the White River Current just failed to report my vote accurately. I voted in favor of the energy audit grant for the reasons I stated later. It is not my responsibility to make sure that the local newspaper covers public meetings accurately. Therefore, it is in bad taste for you, not only as a reader but as the OWNER of the White River Current to slam me on a public forum. Get your facts straight; you are in the newspaper business...

Submitted By: Rich Fischer	Submitted: 4/16/2010
I read with interest the recent White River Current write up of the 4/12 Calico Rock City Council meeting during which the proposal to pursue a grant for community energy audits was voted down due to other grant writing priorities. I find it interesting that following the UNANIMOUS vote by the council, council member Lynna Stanley made the comment that she could "not believe we are passing up assistance for the businesses for an activity in the park". If Ms. Stanley felt so strongly, then I would ask why she voted along with all the other council members, rather than voting "no" on the proposal to not pursue the energy audit grant, thereby making her vote consistent with her statement? It seems these days, too many elected officials publically state a position, then vote the opposite. . .and in this particular case, Ms. Stanley demonstrated this behavior at the local level.

Submitted By: Rich Fischer	Submitted: 4/2/2010
In regard to JP Neil Olan's recent coloumn that appeared in the 4/1 edition of the White River Current, I find it interesting that Mr. Olan feels that a sales tax for maintenance of county roads is "not necessary", and that sufficient funds could be "taken right now from our General Reserve Fund". I have been in attendance to all Quorum Court meetings for the past two years during which, on numerous occasions, citizens who voiced their concerns over the deteriorating condition of county roads were advised by Judge Finley that the county did not have sufficient money available. I was also at a recent county Roads Committee meeting, attended by all JPs (including Mr. Olan) during which the new county Road Maintenance Foreman indicated a need for $450K worth of equipment and a minimum of $250K for asphalt. . . just to keep the county's existing blacktop roads from complete failure. . .which he predicted would occur within the next 2 yrs if nothing was done to save them. Given he knows what he's talking about, that translates into a MINIMUM of $700K that the county would need to pull from somewhere. Prior to the county's purchase of the Corner Drug Store bldg on the square in Melbourne for $260K, the Reserve Fund stood at nearly $950K. Subtracting that purchase price, which was taken from the Reserve Fund, leaves a total in reserve of $690K, $10K less than the $700K that was projected as a need. Additionally, JP Jim Elbert, chairman of the county Finance Committee, has stated on record that the Reserve Fund could only be tapped for county "emergencies or capital improvements". I would not classify fixing and maintaining county roads as falling into either catagory. A sales tax was put in place with voter approval some years ago to fund the construction of the new county jail, coming off when the project was completed. Had the JPs collectively decided at that time to ask the voters' approval for implementing a new tax at the same level to be dedicated to roads, I feel it would have done much to alleviate the current dismal road condition situation. The people were already accustomed to paying a small sales tax for the jail, so implemtenting a new tax when the jail tax came off would not have caused folks to dig any deeper into their pockets than they had already been doing. As a voter in Izard County who drives terrible condition gravel/dirt roads every day, I would certainly support a small sales tax dedicated to getting them fixed properly and maintained to a proper standard going forward.

Submitted By: jpp	Submitted: 3/7/2010
The report on the Quorom Court meeting was a sad depiction of inhospitability,cynisism and bullying. Mr Dunaway has every right to be involved and comment on the areas issues.He has been a major contributor to keeping our lakes,rivers and streams clean. How ignorant to think that if you are not "from" here - you should keep your mouth shut. We are all Arkansans and Americans. Just because you were born here doesn't give you an edge over anyone- get over it ! The world doesn't begin and end in Izard County. What happens here effects others. We all live downstream

Submitted By: Fredericka Silvey Johns	Submitted: 1/28/2010
I really like the new column on history of Stone County! Very interesting and informative. Keep it up.

Submitted By: Fredericka Silvey Johns	Submitted: 1/28/2010
I am very unhappy and disgruntled with the reports about the possibility of frac sand mining coming into the Calico Rock area! I do not live on Piney or Mill Creek, but that is not the point. I would support the people who do live there, even if it were only of concern to them. But the facts are that it does not only concern them. Tom and I plan to retire to Calico Rock in the near future and would like to see it stay CLEAN!! I really don't understand why anyone would want to give an inch to these guys. Yes, we are talking about a lot of money, but for whom!!?? And does that make up for the damage that it will most certainly do to our lovely waterways and wildlife? Why do people love this area? Because it is still "untouched". A jewel of a "getaway". The owners can make all the sweet promises they want, but will they (or more importantly) CAN they keep those promises!? I can even give them the benefit of the doubt that they may really seriously mean what they promise, but will it be possible to keep damage from occuring?

Submitted By: Donnie Sherrill	Submitted: 1/26/2010
I was born and raised and finished school at Calico Rock. I moved away in 1984 to fulfill my career as a minister. It is good to visit this website, view the old pictures, and keep up with an area that brings back many good memories. God Bless

Submitted By: Onnie Downard	Submitted: 12/10/2009
I usually tend to back away from controversial subjects. But I agree with Rich Fischer on this Frac Sand Mining controversy. I think the slamming of people is a negative we don't need. We all went through this 21 years ago, where the town was divided into two groups. One group for the prison, to bring in much needed jobs, and one group against,to keep the riff-raff out of our area and keep our property values from dropping. 21 years later, I don't think our property values have dropped, but I'm not an expert on that, you would have to talk to the local real estate office about that. Although I never voiced my opinion publicly for the prison, I was definately for it. I had two young sons who would need jobs in the future. And at the time there was nothing here. If you wanted to work you had to go to a different town to find a job. I had worked at the glove factory when it was here, but it closed. I had also worked at the nursing home, but I was looking for something more than to just get by. I worked at a job for 15 years in Melbourne, Arkansas and since I was located there I supported their shops. I bought my groceries there and on my way home from work I bought my gasoline there. I supported the town where I made my living. Now I'm back, working at Melbourne again. I tried that little shop on Main Street that would pull in all those visitors with money to burn. I paid more out in expenses than I ever brought in. I did have a few locals come in to take a look at what I had,but didn't sell much, and I realize that my merchandise is not for everyone. My biggest day for the locals was always the Christmas open house, when you were giving something away. They never bought anything, just signed up for the giveaway. And that's okay with me. Now both my sons work at the prison. Both of my sons can make a decent living here because the prison was put here, near Calico Rock. And as far as I know all the animosities of that time 21 years ago have gone away. Oh, you can still remember the names of most of the people who were for or against, but what does it matter? 21 years and many other controversies stand between what was once a hotbed of arguement and name-calling. And now here we go again. Another controversy with two knowedgable groups facing off. Different controversy, same senario. I think that until you've walked a mile in someone else's shoes you can't make any judgement on what might be the best for anyone. No, I don't live on Piney Creek where the mine is supposed to come, so why would I tell these people who do live there what is best for them? Is it going to affect my quality of life, right here in town? No, I don't think so, but if it affects my water flow, maybe I don't want it. But if it will give my granchildren jobs, so they don't have to move away from here to seek employment, maybe I do want it. There has been a sand mine at Guion, Arkansas for many years. There is an arguement that now Guion is dying. HaHa, I'm sorry, but that makes me laugh. Guion isn't just now dying. Have you ever been to Guion? Were you ever in Guion 25 years ago. It was dying then too, but not becuause of the sand mine. that is probably what still keeps it on the map. 25 years ago the only reason to go down the road to Guion was because you had to go there. There was no bridge across the river to take you to the other side. You had to ride the ferry across. You don't go through Guion to get anywhere. That is why Guion died a long time ago. And really, it is not a bad little town. People still live there. Most of them have lived there forever or they had family there years ago. Guion is right on the White River. The same White River that passes by Calico Rock and I think that people still go fishing below the sand mine. So maybe the water hasn't killed all the fish there. I don't know, I don't fish. I don't even like to fish, but I do like to eat fish. Any way, my point is that there are two different ways to look at this problem. You are either for or against. And 21 years from now, will it matter one way or the other? Will you remember who was for or who was against? Not if the name calling and back stabbing are kept out of it. Do your research, both sides, present your concerns, but keep on an impersonal footing. I think everyone will be better off. Thank You for reading my views on this subject.

Submitted By: Kathy Blickle	Submitted: 11/20/2009
I just wanted to say thank you so much to the person or persons who so graciously allowed the Current to publish those old pictures of Calico Rock! I am always very interested in learning more about the city that we chose to make our home.

Submitted By: Derrall Brown	Submitted: 11/10/2009
Let me begin by giving an apology to any reader and previous poster to this forum. It was never my intent, nor is it now, to offend or put down any particular person or entity. The above being said, let me try to clarify some of my comments. First of all it seems the most common theme here is the proposed frac sand mine, quarry or whatever it will be called. I have never, and I repeat never, stated one way or the other my support or non-support for this type of industry. I have tried to research and learn the ins and outs of this industry to be better informed both as a private citizen and as an alderman on the Calico Rock City Council. What I have stated, both in writing and verbally, is this: "if this industry applies for and receives all the required permits from both the State of Arkansas and the Federal Government and is operating on privately owned property, they will build and operate their plants.” That is not an endorsement one way or the other, purely a fact! No governmental entity below the State or Federal level has the authority to deny this type industry in our area. What I originally took exception to was Ms. Bove's statement below in which she said "A prison, sand mines, another dollar store – ugh!" Then Ms. Bove went on to give a list of businesses she would like to see and I qoute "How about a bakery, a coffee shop, a bookstore, a sporting goods store, a fitness facility, a gift store featuring local craftspeople, an archery shop, a bait and tackle shop, a garden center, an art gallery?" I, too, would love to see some of the mentioned businesses be established here in Calico Rock but, as I explained, it takes money and a lot of money to establish the things Ms. Bove envisions and, most importantly, it takes a dedicated customer base. Ms. Bove also stated “These sorts of establishments cater to visitors with money to burn (and locals, like me, who enjoy a cup o' culture now and then)." Ms. Bove gave me the strong impression she was looking for establishments that would cater to her personal needs when she felt the urge. Catering to one's urges once in awhile just does not pay the bills for the one who is trying to earn a living from a local business. Hopefully, Ms. Bove, if the above was not her intention, will respond and give all of us something positive as to how all this can happen. I would be very happy to support her suggestions if they can benefit our community. I do take exception to one individual’s post on this forum calling the area “my town” I will never agree as this is “our town” pure and simple. The freedoms that individual alluded to are for all of us to enjoy, not just the few who can trace their roots here back a generation or two. Thank You

Submitted By: Aimee Watts	Submitted: 11/7/2009
Yes, Mr. Brown, I have tried the river! And yes, it is peaceful. But have you considered what will happen to our river and creeks when this frac sand plant starts dumping their waste water into them? We want to protect the beauty of these water ways not invite or support those who wish to destroy them.

Submitted By: Rich Fischer	Submitted: 11/6/2009
I have read with some interest the recent public forum postings to this website which unfortunately appear (at least to me) to have moved from "rational" discussion of issues to personal tit-for-tat. Any issue has two (or more) sides, often all of which can be supported by valid arguments and verifiable facts. Stating our positions, either in support or opposition, on particular issues is one of the great freedoms we all enjoy here in America. . . certainly something we should all cherish. That said, I would encourge future forum users to be respectful of other's positions while maintaining a courteous and healthy exchange of ideas. Thanks for your understanding and consideration.

Submitted By: JP Rosenquist	Submitted: 11/6/2009
Mr Brown-you are missing the point. I hold no grudges or ill will involving the prison issue. Indeed,it was long ago that the Calico Rock City Council decided to bring us this industry. The point IS that it was done without the support of the majority of the people of the county.

Submitted By: Amanda Browning	Submitted: 11/5/2009
Mr. Brown I do know that a lot of people in our town have moved in from somewhere else, but they for the most part, do not bash what others are wanting or discussing. I have lived here all my life, I have been on the river and I never said anything about it not drawing tourists. I know for a fact that it does when the conditions are right. I don't go on about myself as you do but I have done things in this town whether they ever get mentioned or not that is not what matters. What matters is that our town is protected from the crap that is trying to be brought into it. I don't mind some types of healthy industry but this sand mine is NOT. My point to you was there is no need to promote yourself by bashing other peoples opinions to make your point. Your ego is very high and where you moved from you may have been someone but to me and I know to a few others, you are just someone that has moved here. I enjoy people and there adventures but I don't enjoy people that are rude. Mrs Bove is a very nice and outgoing person who cares a lot about the enviroment and this is why she is against the sand mine. My in-laws will be living next to this with no choice to them, what would you do in that case? You yourself need to reread my comment to you. I said I'm sure you didn't move here because of the prison or the dollar stores or the possibility of a sand mine, because you would not use the river, sale your photos or have bought a business. I want my town to be successful but if the town decides to leave it like it is so be it.

Submitted By: Derrall Brown	Submitted: 11/5/2009
Mr. Rosenquist..after 21 years it's time to get over it, don't you think? Ms. Browning...if you will re-read Ms. Bove's comments and understand them then maybe you will understand why I took exception. Ms. Bove came here from somewhere else (as we all did) but she still wants to enjoy, and I quote, "a cup o' culture now and then". If she is so deprived of culture here maybe she should look elsewhere to find the quaint shops she enjoys that cater to visitors with "money to burn". You alluded to my being on the river and that's entirely true. I fish the river as often as I can and that is one of the reasons I moved to Calico Rock, for the river. Have you tried it? It's peaceful, serene and beautiful out there and the one thing that does bring visitors here to spend their money. You also mentioned that I sell photos. Yes, on occasion we do but mostly we give our work away to worthwhile causes. Check out the new school web site and you will find every photo there in the permanent headers is either mine or my wife's. Check out the front page of this very newspaper you use as a sounding board; yes my photography too. We donated all of that for our community. You make mention of our motel, White River Suites. We actually employ one person who does make a living while we, the owners, do not. Oh, also thank you for mentioning of our soldiers who work hard to maintain our freedom. I got to do that from '65-'69 and my class trip during'66-'67 lasted one year in a place far away.

Submitted By: Amanda Browning	Submitted: 11/2/2009
I am in shock reading the comment posted by Derrall Brown. I can't believe that a person that has moved into "my" town has the nerve to speak to someone in the tone you just did to Jennifer Bove. I love my town, I was raised here, got married here went off to college and moved back here to my family and to raise my kids. Our town is a friendly town that supports each other and I can say that from experience. We pull together in tough times and pat each other on the back when it is needed, then you Mr. Brown who has moved to Calico 5 yrs ago has the nerve to speak to someone that has moved here and also supports the town,in that tone. Mrs. Bove actually moved here to raise her kids, not retire. What brought you here and others that have moved to Calico to retire (not all who are supporting the sand mine or have such an ego)? Was it the prison, which I totally agree has brought in 100s of jobs, or the Dollar stores or the idea of a sand mine? NO, because if that were the case I wouldn't see you on the river or owning a motel or selling your photos. I do serve my community as do most of the people in our town, most of us were born and raised here and LOVE our small town. I want my boys to be able to walk to the river to throw rocks and walk to school if they please but with a sand mine coming to town that will stop due to traffic. I don't live in the city limits so I can't be on the city council but I do have an opinion that I think counts since I have lived here longer than you ever will. Bashing people that actually care about our town is not the way to do it. I do support the music hall when I can, I do go and support our school, I do shop in our town, I do bank in our town, I do eat in our town, I do buy gas in our town, I do work in our town, I do help people in our town. I LOVE MY TOWN AND WE NEED TO PROTECT WHAT LITTLE SPOT OF BEAUTY WE HAVE!!! Yes, It may be true that the sand mine will come in with or without our help but why not try to protect what we can? We are American Citizens that have earned the right to speak freely and thank god for the soldiers that have made that possible.

Submitted By: JP Rosenquist	Submitted: 11/1/2009
Mr.Brown I agree.The City of Calico Rock should not be making decisions for the rural residents but for the townspeople. The prison IS in my front yard....and I still dont like it after 21 years. The "frac" sand mine will be in my friends back yard. Obviously your yard hasn't been impacted yet... I find your comments rude and demeaning to the good people of this area.

Submitted By: Derrall Brown	Submitted: 10/29/2009
Ms. Bove, I’m almost sure the prison was here long before you were and, for certain, long before my five plus years as a resident of Calico Rock and that was another discussion for another era but they did build it and good state jobs came and the prison is a good neighbor; the inmate workforce provides an invaluable service to all the surrounding communities. Ever see the inmates out working on public property? The prison is far away from town on its own large section of property so how does it really bother you or any other Calico area resident for that matter? Have you had any escaped felons running through your yard? The new Dollar General store, now really, what harm has it done? It’s brought competition to the other similar store and with it brought doors that open electronically so you don’t have to bump the door with your cart to exit; it brought handicap access and a nice ramp leading out into the parking lot so you don’t have to bump your cart down over the curb. It brought a few jobs too. How about all the “quaint” little businesses you envision such as bakery, coffee shop, bookstore, sporting goods and the list goes on and on. “Build it, and they will come” you said. In my years here I’ve gotten the strong impression that Calico Rock is impervious to change, doesn’t want change and is certainly not willing to support new business. The Calico Rock Music Hall comes to mind; what a nice venue to have in our little town. The first three or four weekends the hall was packed because the locals wanted to see what it was all about; after that when the “new” wore off it’s hard pressed to get a local in there unless it’s to support a group from their church, a popular bunch of young people with a rock band etc. We have wholeheartedly supported the Music Hall since its inception and I can tell you I’ve seen good entertainment come down from Branson and other areas only to have two or three in attendance. Saturday, October 24th was a good example; the entertainers were from Cotter and there were thirty in attendance, all their friends from Cotter, Flippin and Mtn. Home. Where were the locals? I could go on and on but you get my drift. As far as the frac sand plant goes, well, if they get their state and Federal permits they are going to build it. The City of Calico Rock has absolutely no say in the matter and the Izard County Quorum Court has given the same opinion. The only issue brought before the Calico Rock City Council was a request it consider providing water to the operation; I can state this as a fact as I’m an alderman on the City Council and do take the issue seriously from water consumption to ecological effect to jobs created but, in the end, have absolutely no power to stop the operation should I even want to. I realize there are many residents in the area surrounding Calico Rock city limits who call Calico Rock home but, we, the council can only make decisions that affect the City proper. Please think outside the little box you have put yourself in and maybe you could ante up the money it takes to start one of the quaint little businesses you wrote about, pay the insurance, taxes, staff, utilities, licenses, and a note on the building – while very few patrons come in the door. Derrall Brown Calico Rock

Submitted By: Jennifer Bove	Submitted: 10/28/2009
I am opposed to the sand plant proposal, and I encourage others to investigate this issue. The assurances of the mining company as to the protection of our heath and natural resources is meaningless to me, considering they stand to profit at the expense of our community. To reiterate what others have mentioned, some of my concerns include: * Hundred of thousands of gallons of water to be used per day (what will this do to wells in the area and to the aquifer we all share?) * Excess water from processing that will be discharged into local creeks that feed the White River. (What chemicals and heavy metals will be present in this water, and how will it affect our waterways?) * Noise and lights from a 20 hour per day operation. * Air quality issue (Frac sand is silica sand, which will be released into the air and is hazardous when inhaled.) * Impact on our roads and driver safety. (70 semi-trucks of sand per day will be shipped from the plant, causing wear-and-tear on already dangerous roads and posing danger to other drivers.) * Impact on property values. (Personally, if I were interested in relocating my family, I would avoid any community with a frac sand mine. Will our property values plummet because no one wants to come here?) * False assurances that the employees of the plant will be local citizens. (One of the big selling points about the mine seems to be local employment, but the mining company can not guarantee that its staff will be hired locally.) Finally, on a more personal note, I can think of numerous better ways to expend our energy as a community. A prison, sand mines, another dollar store – ugh! Are these the kinds of businesses with which we want to define our lovely little corner of the country? How about a bakery, a coffee shop, a bookstore, a sporting goods store, a fitness facility, a gift store featuring local craftspeople, an archery shop, a bait and tackle shop, a garden center, an art gallery?? These sorts of establishments cater to visitors with money to burn (and locals, like me, who enjoy a cup o' culture now and then). They cultivate beauty rather than destroying it. They would employ people – more people than the sand plant – and provide much more pleasant working environments. Think outside the box, people. BUILD IT, AND THEY WILL COME.

Submitted By: Brenda Eldridge	Submitted: 10/27/2009
Please, don't take my word for what the frac sand mine can do to you, explore this 31 page "Financial Impact Study" that the folks in Chippewa Falls, MN. received while fighting the same thing in their area. Unfortunately, they have also had to sue their City Council. The council invited the plant to town, near a school! http://www.town.caledon.on.ca/contentc/townhall/departments/planningdevelopment/Schedule_B_to_CAO_Report_2009-001.pdf

Submitted By: Judy Eldridge	Submitted: 10/22/2009
I am interested in knowing the result of the survey that was online in the White River Current concerning the frac sand industry coming to our pristine area. Will the results be published online or in the paper? I think the more attention our paper gives to the Evergreen Processing Plant, the more the people of Izard County can decide on the type of life they want here. I don't understand why more people are not out there researching the information on frac sand mining. Do they know and understand fully the impact it will have on our school children? Do they know what a frac sand mine area looks like? Feels like? Smells like? Sounds like? Remember...it will be 20 hours per day of noise, lights, and heavy traffic. I am hoping the city council members will do research on the devastation they want to "invest" in. Is that the legacy they want to leave?

Submitted By: Brenda Eldridge	Submitted: 10/21/2009
I agree with Christy & Jo, we live in a wonderful place with caring people. We care for others and we care for the land & the type of life it affords us. Many people do not care about our Ozark way of life, they are here to get rich and to offer you money for your property or the minerals rights on it for the sole purpose of getting the money. We will be left with holes in the ground, contaminated water or no water while they will live in an unpolluted place somewhere far away. Watch Split Estate on Planet Green October 22, 10PM CDT, channel 194 on Dish and 268 Direct. You won't believe what's about to happen to us.

Submitted By: jprosenquist	Submitted: 10/20/2009
Pandoras box has been pried opened Do you realize the industry you have encouraged to come into our area is going to alter this once peaceful place ? These sand mines are going to take over the county causing a once area to become noisy,polluted and full of truck traffic that these roads cannot handle. How sad And the city of Calico Rock will suffer little It is those of us in the rural areas where they will locate and who have to live near these facilities that will be under duress. Evergreen is just the first sand mine to be welcomed here by the city. ...we all know there are more on the way

Submitted By: Christy Smith	Submitted: 10/20/2009
I moved to this area about seven years ago from Brandon,MS. I have dealt with many Healthcare Professionals and a lot of them judge you for whatever reasons. For me it was being overweight and having tattoos. There are two in our town that go out of there way and far from their call of duty. One being, Dr. McClain, our chiropractor in town. This man helps you any way that he can. He has helped me with my fibromyalgia and arthritis. I do not know what I would do without him or his treatments. Th other, is our pharmacist, Sarah Mitchell. She is a very compassionate person. For both of them to be Healthcare Professionals, they are GREAT people. They do not judge you and are very kind and understanding. I could not find that special care in MS. That is why I love the small community life. People take the time to say hello and how are you doing. Thanks to the both of them and I know that they will keep up the great jobs that they do for the people of our community. Thanks Dr. McClain and Sarah Mitchell,Submitted by Christy Smith.

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