Public records are important to keep the general public informed on how our government and public services conduct business. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has health inspections available for the public to view through their web portal. On the website, it explains the terminology used in the inspections and allows for consumers to search a specific area or a specific food serving establishment.
I feel that it’s important for people to understand that resources like this are available to them, especially in a time where public health is on everyone’s minds.
After reviewing the health inspections from 2021 for Magnolia’s food establishments, I’ve found that most of the observations made during these health inspections have to do with organization issues, such as having proper dates on items in walk-in freezers, keeping paper towels in stock by the hand washing sink, and properly storing cleaning supplies.
However, I did find it concerning how often it was noted that “Employees did not demonstrate proper hand-wash procedure” or “Utensils are being stored in the handwash sink.” But everyone can decide for themselves if these observations will impact their choice to dine at or purchase from these establishments.
For more information about health inspections and food safety procedures in Arkansas visit:
ADOH Rules and Regulations Food ProtectionLook into your local Arkansas restraunts:
ADH Food Saftey Portal
California’s Long Beach City College is now allowing homeless students to sleep in their vehicles overnight at an on-campus structure through their trial “Safe Parking Program.”
Enrolled students who are homeless will be able to stay at the Pacific Coast Campus parking structure between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. seven nights a week.
However, this isn’t an ordinary parking garage that the school simply gave the okay to overnight parking for. Homeless students will have access to wifi, restrooms, and even showers. The structure has it’s own security to prevent vehicle break-ins and provide students with peace of mind. Students utilizing the program will also receive help to find more stable, long-term housing.
A study from the University of California, Los Angeles, published late last year found that 1 in 5 California Community College students, 1 in 10 California State University students, and 1 in 20 University of California students were experiencing homelessness.
And including K-12 students, the number of students experiencing homelessness in the state has risen nearly 50% in the last decade, according to the study.
“Our goal for this program is that it will serve as a pathway to housing stability for our students,” LBCC Board of Trustees President Uduak-Joe Ntuk said in a statement.
Students won’t be able to have partners or children sleeping in the vehicle with them. The college contracted a security firm to keep watch throughout the duration of the pilot program, until June 30, 2022. Long Beach City College has implemented a Basic Needs program to address hunger and housing insecurity among students.
“These students would otherwise have to be worrying nightly about their vehicles being broken into, trying not to be seen or bothered, and not having the police called on them, all while keeping up with their coursework. It could be an exhausting situation that makes it more difficult to get ahead.”
View the original article by Jennifer McGraw, Nouran Salahieh, and Mary Beth McDade of Abc4 News to learn more.
Original Article LBCC Basic Needs Program HSS Fund
The student, whose name is being withheld, was leaving Starbucks at around 1 p.m. when she was carjacked. While walking down the busy street, back to her vehicle, her key fob automatically unlocked her gray Acura RDX as she got closer.
This is when the female assailant, who was standing nearby, rushed over to get inside the car. "We tussled," said the student. "I was yanking the door open, she was trying to close it. We were fighting over the door."
The assailant was reportedly on Instagram live while joyriding in the student’s car, before discarding it. The vehicle was found littered with trash, alcohol bottles, and vapes. "I’m scared to go outside here even during the day," the student said, noting that the jarring altercation left her with a bruise on her left forearm.
I’m scared to go outside here even during the day
The student’s father, a famous New York bail bondsman, who is accustomed to crime in the big apple, wouldn’t have expected so much crime on his daughter’s midwestern college campus.
"My daughter called me hysterically crying," said Ira Judelson, who notably fitted Weinstein with the electronic ankle monitor he wore during his Manhattan rape trial. "She just couldn’t even get the words out. I calmed her down" as she waited for the police, he said.
Thankfully, nothing worse happened to Judelson’s daughter, however, many other parents of OSU students are not as lucky to see their child again after an incident on or near campus.
After attempting to work with university officials, and being refused a meeting with OSU president three parents took matters into their own hands. — founded the Facebook group Buckeyes for a Safe Ohio State to address the crime on and near campus. Kristina Johnson, Angela Fredriksson, Allyson Reid and Irene Hendrick founded the Facebook group, Buckeyes for a Safe Ohio state to address the increased crime on and near campus. The Facebook group, which has 6,000 members, raised $35,000 to pay for two billboards near campus. (see video for more information)
Ohio State University has added temporary mobile lighting and installed more cameras, however many note that it isn’t enough.
Reid called the improvements "temporary measures," noting that the new lights aren't permanent and said there are still not enough police on and near campus. Judelson’s daughter agreed.
"They say that there is more police presence and campus security but there’s nothing," she said. "As funny as it sounds, I’m not scared to hypothetically run a red light because there are no police around. I wouldn’t feel that way in New York."
Without the assault and robbery of Judelson’s daughter, would this minimal change have come? Would parents’ concerns ever be acknowledged and addressed?
Judelson said he spends over $32,000 in tuition to send his daughter to Ohio State — famous for its packed football games and rich campus traditions.
"They’re not protecting our children," said Judelson. "This needs to change."
View the original article by Rebecca Rosenberg of Fox News to learn more.
Original Article Buckeyes for a Safe Ohio StateThe popular Friends of the Library book sale is back at the Garland County Library! Avid readers are excited to shop until they drop for used books, audiobooks, CDs, and even board games.
Preparations are in full swing at the Garland County Library for one of their most anticipated events.
The Friends of the Garland County Library are gearing up for their annual sale coming up 9/24 & 9/25. The used book sale room will be closed 9/20 thru 9/30 while they prepare for and restock the sale room. Learn more about the annual sale here --> https://t.co/lwakSkrUas pic.twitter.com/dJtguTGCkl
— Garland County Library (@gclib) September 18, 2021
Last year’s annual book sale was canceled due to the pandemic in 2020. According to Peggy Young, Friends of the Library board president, they can to ensure patrons’ health and safety this year by ensuring one-way traffic to keep distance between guests.
"What we're hoping, in addition to the COVID requirements for the library, this will keep people flowing and moving so they don't get bunched up at the entrance," Young said. "I know some people are a little uncomfortable coming into public places still."
One of the upsides to last year is the increase in donations to the book sale. "We have received some very good donations this year. I think people, because they were cooped up at home, did a lot of cleaning out and they brought a lot of it here," she said. "We've had some really fine donations here, really good books," Young said.
The sale is open to members of Friends of the Library from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, it will be open to the general public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
View the original article by Tanner Newton of The Hot Springs Sentinel Record to learn more.
Original Article Friends of The Library
City Clerk Harmony Morrissey explains the redistricting process to the Hot
Springs Board of Directors Tuesday. The board is responsible for approving the
city’s new political map.
David Showers of The Sentinel-Record
After the 2020 census, it appears that population shifts could lead to two city directors being placed outside of their districts due to redistricting. To divide the city evenly amongst the six city directors, a target population is set between 6,005, and 6,637 per district.
Districts 1, 2, and 3 are below the target number, whilst districts 4, 5, 6 are over the target number. The current population sits at 37,930 as of April 1 of last year, which is an increase of 2,737 residents since 2010.
Redistricting is relevant considering that seats for districts 4 and 5 are up
for election next year. Districts 1 and 4 are open in 2024.
"District 5
is up for reelection anyway, so I don't think that's going to present a
problem," City Attorney Brian Albright said Thursday. "Whether it was an
incumbent or not, somebody has to run for that position. We're so early in the
process. That was just the first map that came out for the board's
consideration and input. It's too speculative to even think about what the map
will look like."
The current map in progress focuses on grouping communities with similar interests and characteristics together. District 1 Director Erin Holliday says this should play more of a priority than keeping officials in their districts.
"I think making these little islands within a district is something that at a minimum is unethical," she told the board. "Based on gerrymandering, I think it's something that could be challenged and should be challenged."
As of 2013, county election boards are in charge of drawing political lines, prior to this the Garland County Election Commission was responsible.
"Staff does not relish this task," City Manager Bill Burrough told the board. "It's one that I would much rather the election commission or someone else do. We've done the best we could with the task we were given. Now we seek your guidance."
View the original article by David Showers of The Hot Springs Sentinel Record to learn more.
Original Article More About GerrymanderingDisney hit TV show "The Proud Family" announces a reboot featuring popular stars Lizzo, Lil Nas X, and Normani https://t.co/QkE2XG5NLh
— ✨Morgan✨ (@chill_energy) September 16, 2021
TIME Magazine releases their list of the 100 most influential people of 2021. https://t.co/Ei3Xrr6G1d
— ✨Morgan✨ (@chill_energy) September 16, 2021
BTS's 2021 smash hit, "Dynamite" makes Rolling Stone's "The 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time" List https://t.co/Y3TvHiCHW7
— ✨Morgan✨ (@chill_energy) September 16, 2021
Undertale fans celebrate the 6th anniversary of their beloved game. https://t.co/LBdwW3peVr
— ✨Morgan✨ (@chill_energy) September 16, 2021
Lil Nas X announces a special stream on Montero Eve, the day before the release of his debut album, "MONTERO" https://t.co/dIzAl3xTH1
— ✨Morgan✨ (@chill_energy) September 16, 2021
GOT7 k-group members trend worldwide as they reunite on JAY B's radio show at Station Z https://t.co/O0JL9sgSHJ
— ✨Morgan✨ (@chill_energy) September 16, 2021
Teenage Wrist start on the road for their first tour since 2019. https://t.co/toYqe263qE
— ✨Morgan✨ (@chill_energy) September 16, 2021
After receiving approval from the court last week, today was the day set for the removal of the Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond, Virginia.Many gathered early to watch from the front lines.
The public viewing area for the Lee statue removal is now open. pic.twitter.com/pbcS6zELIC
— Goad Gatsby (@GoadGatsby) September 8, 2021
Statue removal has been in debate for a long time. Some of those in protest to this statue defaced the base with messages of protest and there had been issues keeping graffiti off for longer than a few days. People begin to post live footage and share opinions about the statue’s removal.
Robert E. Lee statue removed from Richmond's Monument Avenue, a key milestone in the destruction and rewriting of American history.
— Save Our Statues -Robert Poll (@_SaveOurStatues) September 8, 2021
p.s. Lee had more dignity in his little finger than this guy on the cherry picker will ever have. pic.twitter.com/UJsyyzCxtD
In honor of the removal of the Lee statue in Charlottesville. pic.twitter.com/YCf6Ac78ML
— (((drphillips2001))) (@drphillips2001) September 8, 2021
The statue comes down and people celebrate its removal.
Devon Henry, owner of the construction company that took down the massive statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in Richmond, Virginia, hugs his mom following the statue's removal. https://t.co/3ETf4Iftxk pic.twitter.com/rDbbbDHwB3
— ABC News (@ABC) September 8, 2021
WATCH - Crowds cheer as a towering statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee is removed in Virginia after 131 years.pic.twitter.com/Cc3lDAXse8
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) September 8, 2021
#BlackLivesMatter activists gather around the statue of the Confederate general Robert E Lee before its scheduled removal in Richmond, Virginia. Erected more than 130 years ago, it is the largest confederate statue in the US
— Pixiedust (@PixiedustJtT) September 8, 2021
Credit: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA pic.twitter.com/TnyfDwrtpQ
It begins to rain as Robert E. Lee cut in half and hauled away in a tarp.
Robert E. Lee statue cut in half after removal, headed to women’s correctional center https://t.co/q8ni4J4zYA pic.twitter.com/PZswIFtRYx
— Eyewitness News WTVO/WQRF (@MyStateline) September 8, 2021
The Robert E. Lee statue was hauled away from its spot on Monument Avenue today. A source familiar with the removal process told 8News that the statue will be kept at the Goochland Women's Correctional Center. MORE HERE: https://t.co/ToHxiKewrg pic.twitter.com/qDex3DrstS
— 8News WRIC Richmond (@8NEWS) September 8, 2021
Former President Trump releases a statement about the removal of the Richmond statue.
Trump, in a lengthy statement, decries the removal of Richmond's Robert E. Lee statue, calling it "magnificent."
— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) September 8, 2021
"If only we had Robert E. Lee to command our troops in Afghanistan... What an embarrassment we are suffering because we don’t have the genius of a Robert E. Lee!" pic.twitter.com/cRoLoUp5br
Of course, people share their opinion in response.
On confederate statue removal: We can’t change history. But to hold up a traitor as a hero is disingenuous. I understand why Lincoln decided not to try the confederate leaders for treason. He was trying to pull the county together, they should have been tried. Same for 1/6!!
— Wendi (@wendow) September 9, 2021
If someone ever says we will "lose" our history with the removal of a CSA statue, then I will respond like my friend does. pic.twitter.com/mmVSuWsI9t
— Dr. Holly Pinheiro, Jr. (The Machine) ✊🏾 (@PhUsct) September 8, 2021
