Thursday’s thumbs

Gift a boost to library’s expansion program

INWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE t’s Thursday and another chance to fire off a few thumbs about some of news developments in our neck of the woods and elsewhere:

That big, almost- finished building just south of the Fayetteville Public Library is an expansion that will almost double the library’s size thanks in part to city voters who approved a property tax increase to raise nearly $27 million of the facility’s $50 million price tag. An amazing facility like that, though, doesn’t become reality without the largesse of private donors big and small. As always, every donation is valued, but some are so significant they deserve individual recognition. That’s what happened this week when the Hunt family — as in J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. in Lowell — announced a family donation of $5 million. Jane Hunt Meade, daughter of the company’s founders, explained that “in Northwest Arkansas, we’ve got it really good, and I”m really glad to be a part of it. We’re really proud to be a part of this wonderful place.” It’s the latest gift from people who have made their fortunes through strong and adaptive business ventures, but who do not forget the communities in which that success was born. The library will continue fundraising for another $12 million, but the facility Meade said had “blown away” her and her brother will open in November or December. The Hunts, past donors and those of the future deserve a big thumbs up.

Well, it’s sports, and not considered serious editorial material. But why so serious all the time? After the Arkansas Razorbacks ended that awful streak and defeated fellow SEC team Mississippi State, Arkansans can be forgiven if they want to scream it from the rooftops. While it’s only one win in a season of tough, conference-only competition, every streak has to start and end someplace. Defeating a ranked team who just a week earlier had defeated the defending national champion LSU Tigers is a pretty good way to show the world the Razorbacks are clawing their way back after several years of disappointing results. In a state frustrated by this lingering pandemic, last Saturday’s win was a boost to the

spirit appreciated statewide. Congratulations to Coach Sam Pittman and the entire team.

Speaking of sports, what a thrill to learn Wednesday that the Kansas City Royals will play an exhibition game March 29 at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale against the hometown Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the Royals’ Double-A farm team. Getting a visit from an MLB team is a big event for baseball fans and a lot of fun even for those who just casually follow the game. If that game’s able to happen in March it will also be a sign that maybe, just maybe, next year will mark a return to full seasons of sporting events even if some restrictions still need to be followed.

The word came down from the Oval Office’s occupant himself Tuesday that negotiations for a new round of covid-19 relief would be abandoned until after the election. Sadly, the president ignores the reality that if there’s a need for relief in the lives of American businesses and people, its timing should have nothing to do with Election Day. By Wednesday there were signs the president wouldn’t be so adamant. Let’s hope he and congressional leaders in Washington can figure out what’s possible and find a way to meet the needs of those hurting. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warned this week that any recovery from the pandemic recession could fall apart without further economic stimulus moves in the nation’s capital, and that will hurt a lot more people.

Are you studying up on candidates yet? Not just for president, either. The ballots in Northwest Arkansas will feature races for local offices ranging from quorum court to city councils as well as state and some judicial races. Local elected leaders can have as much or more impact on daily living and business in Arkansas as the president does. It might be worth checking out nwavote.com, this newspaper’s online location for election-related information of all kinds.