Looking back over the past year’s news
Growth, change and success marked 2016
Growth continues to be a major factor influencing all aspects of life in northest Benton County.
Pea Ridge general revenue increased from $525,000 to $616,000 and income from building permits more than doubled. Expenses also increased with vehicle maintenance at the Police Department more than doubling. The city budget is reported in greater detail in the City Council news article.
Construction has increased in town with a large scale development for Mercy Clinic and a final plat for Maple Glen Phase II both being considered by Planning Commission members Tuesday, Jan. 3.
The population of the school has continued to increase, prompting school officials to consider the construction of a new high school and redistribution of grades throughout the four campuses once the fifth is built.
The school athletic teams had great success this past year with the varsity football Blackhawks competing in the championship game in War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock on Dec. 9.
For the first time since 1950, there was no Pea Ridge Fair. Pageants for Miss Pea Ridge and other titles were held in Pea Ridge Middle School.
Headlines from page 1A for 2016 were:
April 6
Mamma Zee has many ties Volunteers build fence Council member objects New athletic director to be named next week Scott gives to Fire Department Farmers’ Market to open
April 13
Excited to be a Blackhawk Fair comes to an end; pageants continue Food finances turned around Clean up set Planners want developers prepared
Enjoy BBQ , pie; support grads
April 20
Trails at military park to be expanded; Visitor input sought
Fun, fundraising for children Students study careers Two injured Seeking to change learning culture
Carter resigns
April 27
Plant at capacity; Mechanical plant eyed Band cooks chicken Land annex OKd Arf! Arf! She’s not police! Detectives add to PD Chief seeks state accreditation
May 4
Cities benefit from Municipal League
Blackhawks baseball team wins district championship
PRMBA opens doorway to career options for students
Mercy announces $247 million expansion
Council meets Tuesday
May 11
The Vault: Another first for school Walk-for-Wishes Planners concerned about infrastructure
Walmart gives to God’s Pantry Sewer project begins Maintaining nature Wood is PRHS principal
May 18
Sunrise o’er schools Schools bursting at seams
Gateway shuts down Police Department
Mayor declines grant money; Mayor tells two tales Council declares vacancy A milestone quilt
May 25
Council opening to be filled
Seniors enjoy amenities at Autumn Place
Neal to coach Lady ’Hawks Blackhawk chairs for sale Fishing tourney winners
June 1
Volunteers make futures bright for youth Salute! Planners to meet Open house is Sunday Patio appeals to seniors
June 8
Building boom adds rooftops
Dentist office to open in Pea Ridge
Library serves community
Seniors enjoy apartments
June 15
Combs & White Family Dental opens
From broken to whole; counselor guides clients Refinancing saves money Webb Floors opens Fog truck rolling at night
June 22
Pool time State aid to pay for street work Reunion slated Rare strawberry moon Freedom Fest set for Sunday
Blackhawk coaches urge: ‘Feed the machine’
Teen suffered dehydration
June 29
Freedom Fest well attended
Board hires assistant principal
Engineer hired to extend water lines
Annabel’s brings new life with old items Police make DWI arrest at Freedom Fest
July 6
Ladies seek title of Miss Pea Ridge Original Vette Garfield city officials question protocol
History preserved & shared
July 13
Boys will be boys! McBeth comes to town Contention persists in Garfield
Glade Post Office restored
Here comes the parade!
July 20
STOP! Tiny house OKd Truth proves to be one key to problem
Mowers ‘Race for Sight’ on Saturday; Family fun slated Executive session illegal Rusher evading police Police read to children NEBCO VFD needs boat
July 27
Rusher arrested; Guns, ammo found Gotcha! City cleans land; lien approved Stuff the Bus Lot split returns to planners Bledsoe gives to Glade School Board talks finances
Aug. 3
Removing signs Fire boat supplies water Morrison resigns as code officer Surprised with joy God’s Pantry gets check Unique joint office
Aug. 10
Municipal seats up for election Lives are being changed City looks at lien Smile! Pea Ridge Police blessed with gifts by Farmer’s Insurance
Aug. 17
City officials chastised History made: city/ school share space
Harps grocery opens in Seligman
Mayor intransigent towards aldermen
Aug. 24
Trail work proceeds Impact fees help pay for City Hall Few races contested Gateway seeks new mayor Like father, like son New drug take back box installed
Aug. 31
Survivors pleased pink! Population growth crowds schools Granny’s children Clown’s visit precedes circus
White Oak supports students Planners query sign rules
Sept. 7
Work begins on memorial
Boys & Girls Club comes to town
Two apply for mayor’s seat
Breakfast earns $ for fire boat
Council begins with public hearing
Anti-skid surface applied to road
Sept. 14
History: Cyclist takes 1st in inagural event Planners OK business Turkey Shoot is Oct. 2 Reed flees from police Police and families lauded
Sept. 21
Schools bursting at their seams
Security enhanced in city’s courtroom Tillman named mayor Cycling: More than pedaling
Sept. 28
Open House fetes City Hall/School Administration; Joint venture nonpareil Turkey Shot is Saturday City sales tax is lowest in area
Pea Ridge pre-kindergarten classes enjoy fire trucks during first field trip
Oct. 5
Mule Jump delights and thrills Let it fly! Sewer plant plans proceed
Expenses questioned at Garfield City Council
Oct. 12
Fewer free lunches Mules fly over jump Keeping it in the family
Oct. 19
Warm October day in the park Rezone OKd Pea Ridge Schools are ForwARd thinking Pies raise dough Champion pays city after settlement reached on proposal
Garfield candidates to speak
Winning, competing is a Morris family affair
Oct. 26
Looking, thinking, moving ForwARd She loves a parade! Rezone OKd Pea Ridge Police needs increase
Garfield candidates agree on seeral issues
Veterans parade and memorial dedication
Scouts lead pledge
Nov. 2
Slinkard takes down shingle Town growth is vital Veterans memorial stones set
Chief saved money TrackHawks give
Nov. 9
Seniors walk Planners approve mobile home Casting their votes Dollar General gets permit
Hit-and-run suspect evades police
Slinkard’s life’s plans changed in a day
Nov. 16
Veterans commended for preserving freedoms Tree hunting is fun Runoff required City previews 2017 budget
What’s a council member worth?
Nov. 23
Blackhawks: Nashville bound
Heart and Sole gives to children
Lisenbee is FOP president Council gets raise Town obtains recording system
Technoogy enhances learning
Tires on fire
Nov. 30
City’s budget is $7.5 million
Gourmet popcorn creations are a treat for the mouth
Fraternal Order aids police officers
Landis named best school bus mechanic
Town’s website needs upgrade
Dec. 7
Mercy coming to Pea Ridge
People of Pea Ridge: Bre Bacon
Blackhawks are state bound! Miss Pack lights the town Angels still available Teeselink wins run-off
Dec. 14
Officials, Board consider plans for new high school People of Pea Ridge; Kara Making history, despite loss
Community Christmas Card helps schools
Newspaper to see rate increase CVT permit revoked Returning to his roots, Henbest opens dental clinic
Dec. 21
Blackhawks, Lady ’Hawks sweep Saints
Council wants to review budget Mayor vetos meeting Gingerbread houses on display
Baker arrested Monday
Dec. 28
People of Pea Ridge; Mamie Tadlock
Headlines from 2016; several new ventures in town Isabella blesses police Mayor walks out; attorney said meeting OK