Powerball, Pro Bono
Powerball Coming
Powerball, a multistate shared jackpot draw game, is set to debut in Arkansas on Saturday. Players can pay $1 for a chance to win millions by picking five different numbers (from a set of 59) and one (out of 39) “Powerball” number. Tickets that match at least three of the main numbers or the Powerball win. Starting Nov. 10, a $10 scratch off with a top prize of $500,000 will be issued and Dec. 14 will be the first day of the Arkansas state draw game.
Pro Bono Publico
Pro Bono Publico, the Latin phrase meaning “for the public good” is the theme of the week (Oct. 25-31). Pro Bono describes the professional services offered for public service without payment. Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan commended 197 Washington County attorneys who donated their skills to those in need of defense last year and the University of Arkansas law students who donated more than 2,500 hours of service.
Unemployment Debt
Unemployment benefits continue to be divvied out and the state budget is depleted. Arkansas has paid more than $439 million in jobless benefits through August of this year. The state has borrowed more than $119 million from the federal Department of Labor. Business owners can expect to see an increase in unemployment insurance tax rates, including one effective in January, which will raise the taxable base from $10,000 to $12,000. This is a heavy burden for local businesses that already pay more in unemployment insurance than neighboring states.
Trail Lights
City officials say the benefits of keeping the Scull Creek trail lit all night are obvious. Over a two-month period, more than 1,500 people used the trail between 11 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. The cost to keep the trail lit is a shadow in the concern for civilian safety. The city is also investigating using LED lighting to diminish costs as well as eventually getting all 16 miles of the trail lit.
Fayetteville In Bloom
Fayetteville competed in the annual America in Bloom competition where 25 cities are judged on citywide beautification, community involvement and environmental educational programs. Fayetteville earned the Gardens Alive! Environmental Awareness Award. Due to the dedication of businesses and citizens, Fayetteville is once again rewarded for the effort and consideration to be green conscientious and naturally atheistically gorgeous.
Become A Master
Master Gardener classes will be offered by the UA Cooperative Extension Service in Fayetteville beginning in January. The 10-course class, limited to 30 people, will meet from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Thursdays and some Saturdays. Applications and the course fee of $90 are due by Nov. 2. After 40-hours of instruction one receives a Master Gardener Certificate and must contribute 40 hours of time to approved projects throughout the following year.
