Some days, it just seems we're all thumbs, and today's one of those days.
(THUMBS UP) Benton County Sheriff's Office -- At a recent meeting of the Benton County Quorum Court, Justice of the Peace Kurt Moore made it a point to praise the sheriff's office for its handling of overtime in the 2014 budget. After a horrendous year in 2013 in which the office spent $326,630 in overtime, Sheriff Kelley Cradduck's agency spent $189,485 for that line item in 2014. That's well below the budgeted amount of $284,576. Moore suggested the sheriff's office deserved kudos for the shift, and it does.
(THUMBS UP) Rogers Fire Department and city leaders -- An ISO rating isn't something most people worry about day to day, but what it says about a community's ability to respond to fires is critically important to everyone. The city of Rogers recently got the outstanding news that its ISO -- or Insurance Services Office -- rating had dropped from 3 to 1. And in this case, a drop is a good thing. First, it means savings on most people's homeowners insurance premiums. But, more importantly, it's an indication Rogers has followed through on major commitments to be a top-tier city for fire protection. It's taken years, under the leadership of Chief Tom Jenkins with support from city leaders, to earn the top rating shared by about 100 communities across the nation. Voters also did their part by supporting a 2011 bond issue that allowed for the purchase of new fire trucks. The end result may mean cash savings for property owners, but it also means a higher level of protection and response for everyone. Kudos to everyone involved in this significant accomplishment.
(THUMBS DOWN) Tontitown politics -- The soap opera known as Tontitown has entered a new phase: a criminal investigation. The Washington County prosecutor asked Arkansas State Police on Jan. 9 to investigate allegations against new Mayor Paul Colvin and a member of the City Council. Police Chief Kristopher Arthur asked for the probe in December. On the day the prosecutor began the investigation, Colvin fired Arthur. The new interim chief is Denny Upton, who was asked to resign by Colvin's predecessor, Jack Beckford, in 2013. Beckford then hired Arthur. The details remain sketchy, but sadly, it seems to be business as usual in troubled T-town.
Have a suggestion for awarding a thumb to someone? Send your nomination to [email protected] or contact Editorial Page Editor Greg Harton at (479) 872-5026.
Commentary on 01/21/2015