Auxvasse passes open burn ordinance

After discussion at several recent meetings, the Auxvasse City Council voted unanimously at Tuesday night's meeting to approve a new open burn ordinance.

Under the new ordinance, which had its first and second readings Tuesday night, residents are not allowed to burn anything but yard waste - defined as grass clippings, weeds, prunings and flower cuttings, hedge trimmings and tree limbs. All fires must be at least 20 feet away from any building, structure or property line.

Violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine not exceeding $500, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days or both a fine and imprisonment.

In other business, City Clerk Missy Hooks told the council local resident Carl Bedford approached the city last week about the back door of the cemetery building, which he noticed was in need of repair during a recent visit.

"He is going to replace the door and the door frame and seal it in honor of Carl Bedford Sr. and Dick Luebbert," Hooks said.

Hooks also gave a brief update regarding the city's planned water improvement project.

"I've gotten a couple signatures, but we have a few left that we need for easements that we're going to need to let (attorney Thomas) Dunlap deal with," Hooks said. "Other than that, Chad said he would get back with us regarding the purchase of land."

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.