Mayor Lioneld Jordan speaks during the roundabout groundbreaking ceremony held Tuesday morning in north Fayetteville.

Photos: Todd Gill, Flyer staff

The first of three planned projects designed to address traffic problems in north Fayetteville began this week.

Several city officials and other involved parties officially broke ground on Fayetteville’s first modern roundabout during a ceremony held near the main entrance of Washington Regional Medical Center Tuesday morning.

The long-planned project will eliminate the four-way stop at the intersection of Futrall Drive and Northhills Boulevard. The area, located just north of the hospital, sees heavy traffic flow during peak hours when vehicles begin entering and exiting Fulbright Expressway.

A roundabout, officials say, is the safest way to relieve traffic congestion while improving access to the hospital and surrounding area.

Source: City of Fayetteville

“According to the Federal Highway Administration, the primary characteristics of a modern roundabout reduce many of the safety hazards of traditional intersections,” said Mayor Lioneld Jordan during the ceremony.

Citing federal traffic study data, Jordan said roundabouts have 90 percent fewer fatalities, 76 percent less injuries and see a 35 percent reduction in all crashes when compared to typical intersections.

“The only movement at an entry and exit of a roundabout is a right turn,” said Jordan, “thus reducing the potential frequency and severity of accidents.”

City Council members Adella Gray, Justin Tennant and Bobby Ferrell said they were happy to see construction finally begin.

“We talk a lot about downtown Fayetteville projects, and rightfully so,” said Tennant. “Downtown is the cultural heartbeat of our city, but when you talk about the economic engine that drives this city, that’s right here.”

Gray said she was most excited about the mechanics of the project. “I’ve always tried to avoid this intersection when I could, but I won’t need to avoid it anymore,” she said.

Eighty percent of the costs for the $3 million roundabout will come from a 2006 federal earmark appropriation for the Fayetteville Expressway Economic Development Corridor. The remaining 20 percent will be paid for using funds from the city’s Transportation Bond Program.

“Today is a great day for Fayeteville,” said Ferrell, who also serves as chairman of the council’s Street Committee, “but there’s much more to come.”

The two other planned projects for the economic development corridor include a flyover connecting northbound College Avenue traffic to the westbound lanes of the Fulbright Expressway and an extension and widening project on Van Asche Drive between North Gregg and Hall avenues.

Construction on the roundabout will begin this month and is set to be complete in six to eight months.

More photos

Groundbreaking ceremony

Ward 3 Alderman Justin Tennant

Ward 1 Alderwoman Adella Gray

Ward 3 Alderman Bobby Ferrell

Mayor Lioneld Jordan

We are just a few days away from what is arguably the most delicious part of the Walton Arts Center’s annual Artosphere festival.

Festival organizers have planned another Sustainable Wine and Local Food Tasting Dinner set for 5 p.m. on Monday, May 21 at Greenhouse Grille.

Restaurant co-owner and chef Jerrmy Gawthrop has prepared a five-course menu featuring mostly locally-sourced ingredients, and six sustainable wine selections.

Nick Musial of Natural State Distributing will give a presentation on sustainable wines, and local band 3 Penny Acre will perform before and after the dinner.

The full, five-course meal plus wine, entertainment, and tax is $80 per person. For reservations or for more information, call Greenhouse Grille at 479-444-8909.

Today	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Clear 81° / 54°	Clear 82° / 57°	Partly Cloudy 82° / 59°	Partly Cloudy 82° / 63°	Chance of a Thunderstorm 84° / 59°

News Briefs

Several city officials, Council members, and a handful of others break ground on a roundabout construction project at the intersection of Futrall Drive and Northhills Boulevard, just off the Fulbright Expressway.

Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer

Officials broke ground yesterday on the city’s first modern roundabout, a long-planned project set to be constructed near Washington Regional Medical center in north Fayetteville.

A large-scale sculpture from “stickwork” artist Patrick Dougherty is under construction on the Walton Arts Center’s main plaza. The work was commissioned as part of this year’s Artosphere Festival and is being created by Dougherty and several local volunteers.

Tickets are sold out, but for those who were wondering, Carrie Underwood, Aerosmith and Cheap Trick will all perform during this year’s Walmart Shareholders Meeting in Fayetteville.

» View all of this week’s public meetings
* Meetings scheduled to be televised by the Fayetteville Government Channel

Stardeath and White Dwarfs

Courtesy photo

Ever wonder what it would sound like if the Flaming Lips grew up and had a nephew that nephew joined their road crew, met some other musicians, and started a band of his own?

It would probably sound something like Oklahoma City band Stardeath and White Dwarfs. As it turns out, it sounds pretty rad.

The band is fronted by Dennis Coyne, nephew of Flaming Lips lead singer Wayne Coyne, and they’re coming to town for a show at The Lightbulb Club Thursday, May 17.

The show is another by local booking badbutt, Chris “Clunk” Selby, who’s been responsible for a ton of good shows in Fayetteville over the years.

Admission is $5 (“American,” said Clunk. “No Euros.”) at the door. Local band Swimming will open the show.

Stardeath and White Dwarfs – New Heat

Back in 1992, some geniuses in Japan created one of the greatest video games of all time.

Twenty years later, some local geniuses are planning a competition featuring that amazing video game here in Fayetteville.

In other words, it’s Super Mario Kart tournament time. Yeow!

The fun starts at 10 p.m. tonight (May 16) at Smoke & Barrel Tavern.

Smoke & Barrel co-owner Evan McDonald said he’s partnered with Trade Wind Games and plans to host more video game tournaments this summer and is seeking suggestions for other classic games that folks might like to play.

Below is a brief overview of action taken at the meeting including links to PDF documents for each item.

Roll Call

Present: Adella Gray, Brenda Boudreaux, Matthew Petty, Mayor Lioneld Jordan, Justin Tennant, Bobby Ferrell, Rhonda Adams, Sarah Lewis
Absent: Mark Kinion

Consent

All items on the Consent portion of the agenda passed unanimously.

Consent items

Item	PDF	Description	Action
Bid #12-33 Center Point Contractors, Inc.		Approval of a $37,410 contract with Center Point Contractors, Inc. for the construction of St. Joseph Park.	Pass 7-0
Fayetteville Police Department Donation Revenue		Acceptance of a $2,900 donation to the Fayetteville Police Department in support of officer service awards.	Pass 7-0
State and Federal Law Enforcement Forfeiture Revenue		Approval of a $43,366 budget adjustment representing state and federal law enforcement forfeiture revenue received during Q1 2012 and authorizing expenditures therefrom.	Pass 7-0
McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc. Task Order No. 9		Approval of a $32,504 task order with McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc. for plans and specifications, construction administration and record drawings of the Executive Hangar Office Addition Project.	Pass 7-0
2012 Community Development Block Grant Award		Approval of a budget adjustment recognizing the actual amount of the 2012 Community Development Block Grant award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.	Pass 7-0
The Spirits Shop, Inc.		Approval of a $16,900 settlement agreement with The Spirits Shop, Inc., concerning condemnation litigation filed as part of the N. Garland Avenue Improvement Project.	Pass 7-0
Bid #12-34 David’s Fire Equipment		Purchase of two thermal imagers from David’s Fire Equipment in the amount of $20,400 plus sales tax for the Fayetteville Fire Department.	Pass 7-0
Bid #12-39 Benchmark Construction of NWA, Inc.		Approval of a $407,560.07 contract with Benchmark Construction of NWA, Inc. for the construction and installation of a concrete pad at the solid waste and recycling facility.	Pass 7-0
Water and Sewer Relocation AHTD Utility Agreement		Approval of a cost-share agreement with the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Commission for the construction of water and sewer relocations related to the widening of Crossover Road (Highway 265) from Joyce Boulevard to Albright Road.	Pass 7-0
University of Arkansas (Razorback Transit) Contract		Approval of a $50,000 annual contract with the University of Arkansas (Razorback Transit) regarding public transit services within the city.	Pass 7-0
Gallagher Benefits Services, Inc.		Approval of a 79,100 contract with Gallagher Benefits Services, Inc. for the provision of employee benefits brokerage services.	Pass 7-0
Windstream Communications, Inc.		Approval of the Telecommunications Franchise application and a non-exclusive franchise agreement with Windstream Communications, Inc.	Pass 7-0
Fayetteville Municipal Property Owners’ Improvement District No. 19 – Oakbrooke Appointment		The appointed of Jason Taylor and Alan Harrison as successor commissioners for Fayetteville Municipal Property Owners’ Improvement District No. 19 – Oakbrooke, Phase 1 Subdivision Infrastructure Project.	Pass 7-0
Donald and Brenda Johnston Settlement Agreement		Approval of a $13,250 settlement agreement with Donald and Brenda Johnston concerning condemnation litigation filed as part of the N. Garland Avenue Improvement Project.	Pass 7-0

Unfinished Business

There was no Unfinished Business on tonight’s agenda.

Public Hearing

There were public hearings concerning a new taxi service and the removal of a dilapidated and unsafe structure on South Duncan Avenue.

Public Hearing items

Item	PDF	Description	Action
A to Z Taxi		Granting of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to A to Z Taxi for the operation of up to four taxicabs in the city.	Pass 7-0*
1609 S. Duncan Avenue Raze and Removal		A resolution ordering a $3,495 razing and removal of a dilapidated and unsafe structure at 1609 S. Duncan Avenue.	Pass 7-0

* This item was amended to allow up to five (5) taxicabs to correct an agenda error.

New Business

There were four items on the New Business portion of the agenda including a nearly half-million-dollar agreement with RJN Group to update the city’s wastewater collection system model and master plan.

New Business items

Item	PDF	Description	Action
RJN Group		Approval of a $499,595 engineering services agreement with RJN Group to update the wastewater collection system model and master plan.	Pass 7-0
VAC 12-4064 Rochier St./Park Green		Vacation of undeveloped streets and alley ways in the Rochier Heights Subdivision.	Pass 7-0
Board of Adjustments Composition and Membership		Amendment of city code section 33.250 Composition; Membership of the Board of Adjustments to reduce the number of members from seven to five and the term from five to three years.	Pass 7-0
RZN 12-4077 Halsell Road/Pratt Place Inn Appeal		Rezoning of 2.37 acres on Halsell Road from C-PZD (Commercial Planned Zoning District) to RSF-4 (Residential Single-Family, 4 units per acre) subject to a bill of assurance.	Left on second reading

May 15, 2012 final agenda

Download this agenda

Courtesy photo

In just a few short weeks, Fayetteville will be full of folks from all over the world visiting during the annual Walmart shareholders meeting on Friday, June 1.

As usual, the world’s largest retailer has booked a few concerts in the days leading up to the event, and Walmart spokesperson Dianna Gee confirmed that Carrie Underwood, Aerosmith and Cheap Trick will perform during the festivities at Bud Walton Arena this year.

Underwood and an unnamed “special guest” will perform at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, and Aerosmith and Cheap Trick will perform at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30.

Gee said tickets were made available to Walmart associates over the weekend, but that they are technically “sold out.”

“It’s our 50th year, so there’s been a lot of excitement by the associates around that,” she said.

If, for some reason, the Walmart associates don’t claim their tickets, Gee said the public would be admitted for the shows.

Name: Linus
Description: Long-haired, grey and white cat
Last seen: At the Markham Hill apartments near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Notes: He’s very friendly, if you see him please call us at (870)710-0874. Thanks!

Flint Richter weaves sticks and sapling branches together atop a scaffolding on the Walton Arts Center plaza Tuesday afternoon.

Photos: Todd Gill, Flyer staff

There’s something growing in front of the Walton Arts Center. Something big.

A large-scale sculpture from “stickwork” artist Patrick Dougherty is under construction on the arts center’s main plaza.

The work was commissioned by the Walton Arts Center as part of this year’s Artosphere Festival and is being created by Dougherty and several local volunteers.

Patrick Dougherty (bottom) and Flint Richter work on the sculpture Tuesday afternoon.

Photo: Todd Gill

Dougherty, who arrived last week for an 19-day residency in Fayetteville, is well-known for his installations which are crafted from saplings harvested from wooded areas that are overgrown or generally too densely forested to survive.

“Sticks are something we all have in common,” Doughtery said of his work. “Everybody knows sticks – the twigs and branches picked up on grandfather’s farm; the branches woven in grandmother’s basket. Somewhere threaded in all the public mass is a common thread, and that thread is the human spirit.”

A carpenter by trade, Dougherty began his installation work after studying primitive building techniques using tree saplings as construction materials in the 1980s. Thirty years later, he has completed over 200 works in places all over the world.

Flint Richter, who is heading up local volunteer efforts, said the installation should be complete by May 28, and will remain on display indefinitely.

“The plan is to leave it up as long as we can,” said Richter. “It will be built to last for several years.”

For more information about Dougherty’s work, visit stickwork.net.

More photos

Council chambers, Fayetteville City Hall

A meeting of the Fayetteville City Council is set for 6 p.m. on May 15 in room 219 of City Hall, 113 W. Mountain Street.

Below is a brief overview of what to expect at the meeting including links to PDF documents for each item.

Consent

There are 15 items on the Consent portion of the agenda including the approval of the May 1, 2012 City Council meeting minutes.

Consent items

Item	PDF	Description
Bid #12-33 Center Point Contractors, Inc.		Approval of a $37,410 contract with Center Point Contractors, Inc. for the construction of St. Joseph Park.
Fayetteville Police Department Donation Revenue		Acceptance of a $2,900 donation to the Fayetteville Police Department in support of officer service awards.
State and Federal Law Enforcement Forfeiture Revenue		Approval of a $43,366 budget adjustment representing state and federal law enforcement forfeiture revenue received during Q1 2012 and authorizing expenditures therefrom.
McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc. Task Order No. 9		Approval of a $32,504 task order with McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc. for plans and specifications, construction administration and record drawings of the Executive Hangar Office Addition Project.
2012 Community Development Block Grant Award		Approval of a budget adjustment recognizing the actual amount of the 2012 Community Development Block Grant award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The Spirits Shop, Inc.		Approval of a $16,900 settlement agreement with The Spirits Shop, Inc., concerning condemnation litigation filed as part of the N. Garland Avenue Improvement Project.
Bid #12-34 David’s Fire Equipment		Purchase of two thermal imagers from David’s Fire Equipment in the amount of $20,400 plus sales tax for the Fayetteville Fire Department.
Bid #12-39 Benchmark Construction of NWA, Inc.		Approval of a $407,560.07 contract with Benchmark Construction of NWA, Inc. for the construction and installation of a concrete pad at the solid waste and recycling facility.
Water and Sewer Relocation AHTD Utility Agreement		Approval of a cost-share agreement with the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Commission for the construction of water and sewer relocations related to the widening of Crossover Road (Highway 265) from Joyce Boulevard to Albright Road.
University of Arkansas (Razorback Transit) Contract		Approval of a $50,000 annual contract with the University of Arkansas (Razorback Transit) regarding public transit services within the city.
Gallagher Benefits Services, Inc.		Approval of a 79,100 contract with Gallagher Benefits Services, Inc. for the provision of employee benefits brokerage services.
Windstream Communications, Inc.		Approval of the Telecommunications Franchise application and a non-exclusive franchise agreement with Windstream Communications, Inc.
Fayetteville Municipal Property Owners’ Improvement District No. 19 – Oakbrooke Appointment		The appointed of Jason Taylor and Alan Harrison as successor commissioners for Fayetteville Municipal Property Owners’ Improvement District No. 19 – Oakbrooke, Phase 1 Subdivision Infrastructure Project.
Donald and Brenda Johnston Settlement Agreement		Approval of a $13,250 settlement agreement with Donald and Brenda Johnston concerning condemnation litigation filed as part of the N. Garland Avenue Improvement Project.

Unfinished Business

There is no Unfinished Business on tonight’s agenda.

Public Hearing

Expect public hearings concerning a new taxi service and the removal of a dilapidated and unsafe structure on South Duncan Avenue.

Public Hearing items

Item	PDF	Description
A to Z Taxi		Granting of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to A to Z Taxi for the operation of up to four taxicabs in the city.
1609 S. Duncan Avenue Raze and Removal		A resolution ordering a $3,495 razing and removal of a dilapidated and unsafe structure at 1609 S. Duncan Avenue.

New Business

There are four items on the New Business portion of the agenda including a nearly half-million-dollar agreement with RJN Group to update the city’s wastewater collection system model and master plan.

New Business items

Item	PDF	Description
RJN Group		Approval of a $499,595 engineering services agreement with RJN Group to update the wastewater collection system model and master plan.
VAC 12-4064 Rochier St./Park Green		Vacation of undeveloped streets and alley ways in the Rochier Heights Subdivision.
Board of Adjustments Composition and Membership		Amendment of city code section 33.250 Composition; Membership of the Board of Adjustments to reduce the number of members from seven to five and the term from five to three years.
RZN 12-4077 Halsell Road/Pratt Place Inn Appeal		Rezoning of 2.37 acres on Halsell Road from C-PZD (Commercial Planned Zoning District) to RSF-4 (Residential Single-Family, 4 units per acre) subject to a bill of assurance.

May 15, 2012 final agenda

Download this agenda

Today	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Clear 81° / 54°	Clear 82° / 57°	Partly Cloudy 82° / 59°	Partly Cloudy 82° / 63°	Chance of a Thunderstorm 84° / 59°

News Briefs

The Old Post Office stands in the middle of the downtown square Monday afternoon. Purchase negotiations have ended between the Fayetteville A&P Commission and the building’s owner.

Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer

The Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission has officially ended negotiations to purchase the Old Post Office building. Fayetteville Underground artists will instead to move to a different location on the square.

In other A&P news, the commission awarded $159,200 to help fund 18 projects during its regular spring special funding discussion Monday afternoon.

Traffic will continue to be restricted to one lane on sections of Crossover Road for the next eight weeks. Flagmen will direct drivers through the work zone between Highway 45 and Joyce Boulevard from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Have you seen this week’s sponsor deals and news? If not, please check ‘em out!

» View all of this week’s public meetings
* Meetings scheduled to be televised by the Fayetteville Government Channel

The inaugural Block Street Block Party took place on May 22, 2011.

Photo: Todd Gill, Flyer Staff

Arts & Events

George’s has Trapt, Full House, Mountain Sprout, Chasing Pictures, a free Andy Frasco show, and more this week.

Greenhouse Grille hosts a sustainable wine dinner and local food tasting on May 21. Check out the menu.

JJ’s has free live music with Jeff Fox, Jamie Wolfe, Russ Hutchison, Joe Giles, Jovan Arellano, and more!

Kingfish has Joe Mack & Cody Russell, Charliehorse featuring Mark Bilyeu, and Guta this week!

Ozark Natural Foods has a cooking demo with Chef G.W. Chew, and a Diamond Bear beer and cheese tasting this week!

Riffraff hosts a neon dance party with music from DJ EJ during the Block Street Block Party on Sunday!

Smoke & Barrel has a video game tournament, Matt & Gus, Sarah Hughes, and Filthy Still this week.

La Leche League (a breastfeeding advice/support group) meets at Terra Tots this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Bring your baby.

Walton Arts Center has Polyglot Theatre’s We Built This City, and a meet and greet with artist Massey Burke this week.

UARK Bowl has stand-up comedy open mic (and $1 PBR) on Thursday, and comic LaVantor on Sunday this week.

Drink Specials

Bobbisox has some new theme nights. Tuesday and Friday are ladies night. Thursday is Classic R&B night. More.

Any beer, well drink, margarita, or summer brew is just $2 from 4-7 p.m. daily at Buster Belly’s. Happy hour!

“Wine down” at Emelia’s Kitchen Wednesday nights, with select glasses of wine for $5.

All well drinks and bottle beers are $2.50 every Thursday night at Mickey Finn’s.

Food & Dining

Lucky Luke’s has the best smoked wings in town, and they’re only 45¢ every Wednesday night. Wash ‘em down with $1 drafts.

Like Indian Food? Try the Indian Buffet, every Tuesday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Ella’s Restaurant.

Some burrito places have $1 tacos some of the time. Flying Burrito Co. has $1 tacos all day, every day.

Looking for something fresh? Try the Saturday Farmers’ Market specials at Hugo’s. New each week, featuring market produce.

Get ready to rock out at the Little Bread Co. stage during the Block Street Block Party on May 20!

Penguin Ed’s has a contest to name their new baby penguin. Stop by any location this week to enter to win $100!

Need some ribs? They’re all you can eat every Thursday night at Sassy’s Red House.

Cool off this week with the new and improved frozen lemonade from Slim Chickens!

Health & Beauty

Austin Vision Care is now on Pinterest! Give them a follow here.

Try a complimentary session at b•fit. Movement for everyone; specialized for you!

The Eye Center offers a full range of cosmetic services, from BOTOX, chemical peels, micro-dermabrasion, and more.

Metropolis is a Bumble and Bumble salon! They carry the full range of products, and can design a custom package for you!

Need a doctor? No insurance? Simple visits to Ozark Urgent Care are only $60.

Shopping

New at The Mustache this week: Osborn hand-patterned ballerina flats, “I Climbed Mt. Sequoyah” t-shirts, and more.

The girls from Savoir-Faire did an adorable fashion shoot at Dickson Street Bookstore recently. Check out what’s new.

Something Urban received a new shipment of racerback tanks! A whole rainbow of colors are available, all for only $12.99.

News

The new Adventure Subaru location will be open on I-540 in June!

No need for a mad dash to the bank. Use XpressDeposit from Signature Bank and deposits checks from anywhere using your smartphone.

Look at all the cute pups that have been groomed at The Whole Pet recently!

UA Computer Store has Adobe Creative Suite 6 in stock, featuring design premium and web premium in one package!

Real Estate

Reduce your rent. Templeton Place Apartments from BR Management are only $400/mo.

Fayetteville Underground artists, who had hoped to move into the Old Post Office building, will instead lease space inside the GCM Building with financial help from the A&P Commission.

Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer

The Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission has officially ended negotiations to purchase the Old Post Office building.

Commission director Marilyn Heifner said the building’s owner, Ron Bumpass, did not respond to the commission’s $730,000 offer for the building.

Heifner said the offer, formally extended by the Davis Law Firm, included a five-day deadline for response which ended last Wednesday.

“We have heard nothing from him, so I think that project’s probably dead,” said Heifner.

Part of the commission’s plans for the Old Post Office included leasing the basement of the building to the displaced Fayetteville Underground artists in an effort to keep their gallery space near the downtown square.

The artists will instead to move to a different location on the square.

The commission voted Monday to give the Underground artists $55,000 to help them move into a portion of the GCM Building at the corner of Mountain Street and Block Avenue.

“We need them back here,” said commission member Bob Davis during the group’s semiannual special funding meeting on Monday. Davis has long been a proponent for keeping the Underground artists on the square.

“I think it’s vital to the city of Fayetteville, especially on Thursday nights,” said Davis in December when the group first discussed buying the Old Post Office. “It’s kind of a driving force to get people down there and if it’s not there, I think First Thursday would fall off some.”

The artists are expected to use the money to renovate vacant space inside the GCM Building and to enter into a lease agreement with the building’s owner, Gary McLendon.

Fayetteville Public Library, located at 401 W. Mountain St., Fayetteville, AR.

Photo: Todd Gill, Flyer staff

The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee is hosting a book drive called “Bring on the Books” beginning June 1 at the Fayetteville Public Library.

The chamber committee will be collecting new and like-new books for children and teens, and will donate them to participants in the Fayetteville Public Library’s Summer Reading Club, Books for Borrowing, and Reading Roadshow programs.

Those interested in donating books directly may drop them off at the library’s Children’s Desk from June 1 to July 24.

Fayetteville Public Library Director of Development Susan Foley (right) speaks to A&P Commissioner Hannah Mills about the library’s involvement with the upcoming Fayetteville documentary Up Among the Hills. Organizers requesting funds set up display booths on the Town Center Plaza Monday afternoon before the commission’s semiannual special funding meeting.

Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer

The Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission awarded $159,200 to help fund 18 projects during its regular spring special funding discussion Monday afternoon.

Topping the list was the Fayetteville Art Alliance which received $55,000 to put towards a new home for the Fayetteville Underground.

The Underground artists plan to renovate and lease space inside the GCM Building at the corner of Mountain Street and Block Avenue on the downtown square. The group had hoped to move into the basement of the Old Post Office once the A&P Commission owned the building, but purchase negotiations ended after building owner Ron Bumpass declined to respond to the commission’s formal offer.

Other large awards went to organizers of the Fayetteville Roots Festival ($20,000) and the Fayetteville Public Library’s upcoming premiere of the Fayetteville documentary film Up Among the Hills ($20,000).

Other groups receiving special funds include the Artosphere Festival ($15,000), the Individual World Poetry Slam ($5,000) and The Little Craft Show ($1,500).

Below is a breakdown of what organizers asked for and how much they were awarded, followed by brief descriptions of each request.

Spring 2012 special funding awards

* The commission declined to award any funds to Earth Day Festival organizers since the group already received $2,600 for this year’s event during the fall 2011 special funding meeting.
** The commission decided that the city’s request for sports equipment was something the Parks & Recreation department should pay for out of its own budget.
Source: Flyer staff report

Spring 2012 request descriptions

1. Earth Day Festival – $5,000
   Organizers requested additional financial help for 2012 Earth Day events currently in progress in Fayetteville. The group already received $2,600 for these events during the Fall 2011 distribution cycle.
2. Artosphere Festival – $20,000
   The Walton Arts Center requested $20,000 to help fund the third year of Artosphere: Arkansas’ Arts and Nature Festival.
3. All Out June – $6,000
   The NWA Center for Equality requested $6,000 to help market the 2012 All Out June series of events celebrating the diversity of Arkansas’ lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community.
4. Run for Veterans – $3,425
   Organizers requested $3,425 to help fund the third annual Run for Veterans to benefit 7hills Homeless Center. The event is scheduled for June 30 at Veterans Memorial Park and the Lake Fayetteville trail system.
5. Green Economy Group tour guides – $5,120
   The Fayetteville Forward Economic Accountability Council’s Green Economy Group requested $5,160 to create a set of self-guided, tour maps to promote and educate visitors about the environmentally-friendly community design, unique architectural features, and cultural hidden gems that make up the Fayetteville community.
6. Fayetteville Roots Festival – $30,000
   Organizers requested $30,000 to help promote the 2012 Fayetteville Roots Festival, set to take place Aug. 23-36 in various locations around town including the Walton Arts Center and George’s Majestic Lounge.
7. Individual World Poetry Slam (IWPS) – $15,800
   Ozark Poetry Slam officials requested $15,800 to help fund the Individual World Poetry Slam set for Oct. 3-6 at multiple venues around town.
8. Offshoot Film Fest – $8,000
   The Seedling Film Association requested $8,000 to market and help fund the 2012 Offshoot Film Fest set for Oct. 4-7 at various locations around town.
9. Puppets in the Park – $6,500
   The Art Experience Inc. requested $6,500 to promote and help fund the 2012 Puppets in the Park program set for Oct. 6 at Wilson Park.
10. Up Among the Hills premiere gala – $25,000
    The Fayetteville Public Library requested $25,000 to help fund the Oct. 19 premiere event for Up Among the Hills, a 60-minute documentary film tracing the history of Fayetteville.
11. Ozark/Urban Adventure Races – $10,000
    All Sports Productions requested $10,000 to help promote the 2012 Lewis & Clark Ozark/Urban Adventure Races, set for Oct. 20-21 at Lewis & Clark Outfitters in Springdale.
12. UA Regional Flag Football Tournament – $6,000
    The University of Arkansas Department of University Recreation requested $6,000 to help pay for staff hotels and a staff social related to an October or November at-large Regional Flag Football Tournament for students.
13. Harvest Moon Ultimate Tournament – $5,000
    The Fayetteville Disc Association requested $5,000 to reserve and line playing fields for the 73-team Harvest Moon Ultimate tournament, set for Nov. 3-4 in Fayetteville.
14. Renaissance and Fantasy Faire of the Ozarks – $5,000
    Three Crones and a Pirate Productions Company requested $5,000 to cover costs associated with the November 2012 Renaissance and Fantasy Faire of the Ozarks, set to take place at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
15. Lights of the Ozarks – $30,000
    Fayetteville Parks and Recreation requested $30,000 to go towards operation expenses for the Lights of the Ozarks holiday lights program on the downtown square.
16. The Little Craft Show – $1,500
    Organizers requested $1,500 to rent the Fayetteville Town Center for the 2012 Little Craft Show, set to take place Dec. 1 on the downtown square.
17. Fayetteville Half Marathon – $20,000
    All Sports Productions requested $20,000 to help promote the 2012 Fayetteville Half Marathon, set to take place Dec. 8-9 in Fayetteville.
18. Portable Pitching Mounds – $12,000
    Fayetteville Parks and Recreation requested $12,000 to buy four portable pitching mounds to allow the city to host two-day, 32-team youth baseball tournaments.
19. Arkansas Air and Military Museum – $20,000
    Museum officials requested $20,000 to develop and produce a brochure for the Arkansas Air and Military Museum and to fund costs associated with the merger of the Arkansas Air and Military Museum and the Ozark Military Museum.
20. Fayetteville Underground expansion – $60,000
    The Fayetteville Art Alliance requested $60,000 be used for the expansion of the Fayetteville Underground to a new location near the downtown square.

A flagman directs northbound traffic through a work zone on Crossover Road last week in east Fayetteville. Lane closures will continue on sections of Crossover Road this week.

Photo: Todd Gill, Flyer staff

Traffic will continue to be restricted to one lane on sections of Crossover Road for the next eight weeks.

Flagmen will direct drivers through the work zone between Highway 45 and Joyce Boulevard from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. During those hours, both northbound and southbound traffic will alternate using one travel lane.

The closures will allow for installation of new drainage striations along the roadway, as work continues on an ongoing 2.2-mile road widening project on Crossover Road (Arkansas 265) by the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department.

Once the full project is complete in early 2014, the three-lane section of road from Mission Boulevard to Township Street will become a four-lane road with a center turning lane. The stretch from Township Street to Joyce Boulevard will include four lanes with a raised center median.

Motorists are urged to use care and think ahead when traveling through the work zone and obey the posted speed limits and other regulatory signs.

Lane restriction area

View Crossover Road Widening Project May 14 – July 14, 2012 in a larger map

Today	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Clear 81° / 54°	Clear 82° / 57°	Partly Cloudy 82° / 59°	Partly Cloudy 82° / 63°	Chance of a Thunderstorm 84° / 59°

News Briefs

Volunteers strip saplings last week on the Walton Arts Center plaza in preparation for the upcoming Artosphere Stickwork installation by artist Patrick Dougherty.

Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer

Sarah Lewis, a Fayetteville City Council member representing Ward 4, will not seek a second term during the November 2012 election. Lewis told us in January she planned to run for re-election this year, but said Saturday that’s no longer the case.

This week’s public meetings include the A&P Commission on Monday, a roundabout groundbreaking on Tuesday, a request for Letters of Interest for rehabilitation of the historic downtown bridges, and more.

The 2012 Gulley Park Summer Concert Series kicks off May 31.

We took a few photos during Wilco’s 26-song, double-encore set last week at the Arkansas Music Pavilion.

» View all of this week’s public meetings
* Meetings scheduled to be televised by the Fayetteville Government Channel

For questions about any of the following meetings, please contact the city’s administration office at 479-575-8323.

* Meetings scheduled to be televised by the Fayetteville Government Channel are indicated with an asterisk

Dr. Sarah E. Lewis

Sarah Lewis, a Fayetteville City Council member representing Ward 4, will not seek a second term during the November 2012 election.

Lewis told the Flyer in January she planned to run for re-election this year, but said today she feels that as a result of recent events in her personal and professional life, she would not be able to properly continue serving on the council.

“Ward 4 is a very important part of Fayetteville, and the people in the ward are the reason I ran, the reason I work hard in my role as council member, and the reason I find it very difficult to make this decision,” said Lewis. “Without a doubt the people of Ward 4 will select a thoughtful, hard working, forward thinker, who listens to the citizens and takes into account all necessary perspectives before making decisions on behalf of Ward 4 and all of Fayetteville.”

With 65 percent of the votes, Lewis defeated Craig Honchell and Bernard Sulliban in the 2008 election, and has attended 80 of the 86 council meetings held since January 2009.

She has lived in Arkansas since the summer of 1997 and moved to Fayetteville in 2000.

Aside from currently serving on the council, Lewis is Working Group Manager for the Food, Beverage and Agriculture Sector for The Sustainability Consortium at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where she holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Dynamics and a Master of Arts in French. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and French Secondary Education from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Lewis said her work with consortium focuses on managing research projects and member relationships within the food, beverage, and agricultural industry in order to develop the Sustainability Measurement and Reporting System. An award-winning educator, she is President of EcoExplique, a consultancy focused on educating communities about the importance of protecting watershed resources, as well as an Adjunct Professor of Environmental Sociology at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

In a news release issued Saturday afternoon, Lewis thanked residents for the opportunity to serve. “I look forward to continuing to serve through the end of this term and continuing to serve Fayetteville in other capacities in the coming years,” she said.

As far as we know, Ward 2 Alderman Matthew Petty still plans to seek re-election in November. Council members Brenda Boudreaux (Ward 1) and Bobby Ferrell (Ward 3) have each said they will not seek another term.

Sarah Marsh is the only resident we know of who plans to run for City Council this year. She is seeking Boudreaux’s open Ward 1, Position 2 seat.