Shortcuts: Tuesday 7/7

Shortcuts are hand-picked bits of news, commentary and info from around the city, the region and even from beyond the state line.

Here are today’s Shortcuts:

LOCAL

Boozman backs vets
Rep. John Boozman would like to see the veterans buy the Sale Barn property and according to Vernon Tarver, the 3rd District Congressman plans to try and get some earmarked money to help them. The trouble is, the land isn’t for sale. Unless there’s some serious intervention, that is. They should charge admission to tonight’s City Council meeting for anyone who doesn’t plan to speak. It’s gonna be that entertaining.

New City website additions
During last week’s Town Hall meeting, a couple of new features on the City’s website were announced. You can now find a directory of all employees as well as a blog. Nice.

Be careful on the trails, folks
Speaking of the City’s website, there’s a “Trail Crossing Safety” video available now to remind you not to dart out into traffic when crossing the street. Safety videos, by nature, are kinda lame. However, being reminded that bicycles do not have the right-of-way when crossing the street is always a good thing. Remember the accident on Sycamore in May? Even our police learned something new on that one.

NEARBY

Ice Storm cleanup money coming
Remember that little storm we had at the end of January? No, not the one with the rain. The other one. According to KATV, Arkansas is getting about $14 million in federal disaster assistance to help with cleanup and recovery efforts.

Your lawnmower isn’t a vehicle
This just in: Riding lawnmowers, motorized wheelchairs and electric scooters are not the same as cars. Sometimes golf carts are, though.

ELSEWHERE

MJ’s Memorial
Did you watch today’s memorial service for Michael Jackson? No? Well then you can read about it here

Republican filibusters officially overridden
The swearing in of Senator Al Franken today marks the 60th Democratic vote. Ouch.