Other days

100 YEARS AGO

Feb. 15, 1921

■ General charges of extravagance and bad engineering in the construction of roads in Pulaski county and specific allegations that the cost of the road being built is far in excess of the valuation of adjoining property, are made in a report on the Little Rock and Spring Lake highway project made yesterday by the Pulaski County Grand Jury to Circuit Judge Wade. The report also charges irregularities in awarding of contracts, and, as emphasized in previous reports, points out the great disparity that exists between the engineers’ estimates of the cost and the actual cost as shown by the contracts awarded.

50 YEARS AGO

Feb. 15, 1971

■ Governor Bumpers said Sunday night on television that his $26 million tax program was the “bare minimum” and that he would not compromise on anything less. “I have not asked for one penny more than I feel is absolutely necessary,” he said. The governor said the enactment of his tax program was not a “political” question, but one of “assuming and facing up to our responsibilities.” He asked his television audience to contact the members of the General Assembly and solicit their support.

25 YEARS AGO

Feb. 15, 1996

BENTONVILLE — An arsonist who waits for dry and windy conditions before striking in the mountains near the Missouri border may be responsible for three potentially dangerous fires Tuesday evening, Benton County authorities say. Sheriff’s deputies attempted to catch the arsonist by circling the area in a helicopter in coordination with ground patrols but had little success other than a lead that the culprit may drive a blue General Motors sedan. The fires were controlled but could have spread to inhabited areas, authorities said.

10 YEARS AGO

Feb. 15, 2011

■ Little Rock toned down a proposed buffer requirement for private clubs, saying planning commissioners will have discretion in determining how far away a club needs to be to avoid “adversely impacting” a neighborhood. The capital city still suggests keeping private clubs 1,000 feet away from the nearest residence, church, school or sexually oriented business, but an ordinance city directors are considering tonight says “should” instead of setting a mandatory distance requirement. “Shoulds and shalls aren’t the same but they’re pretty strong,” said City Attorney Tom Carpenter, who made the change to recognize the possibility of a situation where planning commissioners are comfortable with less than 1,000 feet separation.