Here Come The Kids

By Amber Kruth

I was at the Blair Library today, and it struck me that school will soon be in session. Maybe it was the quiet thought in the back of my head that this may be the last “summer session” book I pick up for my son, or maybe it was the striking new appearance of those young scholars brewing in the lobby. There are 500 more freshman this year than last year, bringing in almost 3,500 new Razorbacks next month. In a news release, Provost Sharon Gaber said the University of Arkansas is ready and anticipated the increase in attendance. Improvements in housing, the Registrar’s office, the bookstore and academic halls preceded the enrollment. Welcome to Fayetteville, freshmen!

Incoming Class Is Impressed

Speaking of the Razorbacks, I had the pleasure to sit in on a briefing with members of the Razorback football coaching staff. The coaches mentioned the recruits get enticed even more to play for the Hogs once they visit the campus. The architecture, the hills, the halls, the staff, the people of the area, the resources, the quality and, not to mention, the stadium, really light up the eyes of prospects. The UA certainly creates quite a positive impression of the area.

Top Ranked Marriott In Fayetteville

Check out this list of awards: Marriott Courtyard Hotel of the Year, Chairman’s Award for Overall Guest Service & Satisfaction, The Platinum Award, The Diamond Award, Highest Guest Satisfaction in “Least Problems Experienced,” “Overall Satisfaction,” High Quality Breakfast” and “Top Room Cleanliness.” All of these accomplishments were achieved by The Courtyard by Marriott in Fayetteville. Now that sounds like the place to stay!

Speak Green To NWACC

The Northwest Arkansas Community College is open to new thoughts for programs of sustainability in both credit and noncredit courses. If you have a concept for training or course work that should be offered at NWACC, respond to the following links:

Student survey: www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22AXBKVX2T8

Community survey: www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22AXDANan also log on to freeweekly.com, find my story and click on the links.

A Blocked Thought

The Block Avenue Construction is about halfway done, and the intentions of creating a pedestrian-friendly area to connect Dickson Street to the Fayetteville square are noticeable. One of the most obvious improvements is the back-in parking along the first block of Block Ave. The city of Fayetteville is also revamping the water, sewage and drainage infrastructure of this area with the reconstruction of the pavement of these blocks. I hope the city also realizes the need for a stop sign at the first block of Block Avenue, since the eastbound vehicles along Spring Street can no longer see oncoming vehicles when the parking spaces are occupied. Since this project is intended to slow driving towards the square, a stop sign for approaching traffic seems like an obvious inclusion.

Categories: Features