Officers On Patrol

The Kruth Talks

By Amber Kruth

Drifting Away

Drifters nightclub on Sixth Street has closed its doors. The country crooner karaoke bar was formerly Club West. It seems that building needs a good luck charm (or an investor) to stay open.

Officers On Patrol

The Fayetteville Police Department will be participating in a national “Click It or Ticket” campaign this week of Thanksgiving. The Arkansas Highway Transportation Department will help fund the overtime anticipated by having more patrols on the road. Every holiday you can expect to see more troopers out there watching for intoxicated drivers. This year they will be watching more closely for seatbelts, child restraints and I imagine, texting while driving.

ABC Training

The state Alcoholic Beverage Control Division wants to establish a statewide training program for employees who serve alcohol. Arkansas law states that the liquor permit holder, i.e. the owner, must be trained in proper and preventive measures of service, and it is in the best interest of the owner to instruct the employee. If a minor or an obviously intoxicated individual is served, the owner, as well as the server is fined. This almost indefinitely results in termination of the server. It would be beneficial, even if voluntary, that this course be offered for the protection of both the employee and the establishment.

Lottery Scholarships

Arkansas Lt. Gov. Bill Halter announced that high school graduates with a GPA of 2.5 or an ACT score of 19 will be eligible for up to $5,000 of instate tuition costs. There are no minimum family income requirements and the scholarships can be used in conjunction with other scholarships, grants or loans. This money is contributed by the state lottery system, which will also build scholarship funds for students currently attending. With the daily average of lottery ticket sales well exceeding $1 million, the yearly total could near $500 million. Arkansas saw its highest weekly sales two weeks ago at $10.9 million. As long as you’re not breaking the bank I say go get that scratch off, spend a dollar, close your eyes and pray for a dream. Even if you don’t win, some young student will.

Overdraft Fees

The Federal Reserve continued the fight for fair disclosure by banking institutions by requiring customers to agree to overdraft protection. Common sense would lead one to think that an ATM or debit card purchase can’t exceed the balance in an account. However, many banks allow the transaction and charge an overdraft fee, usually $25 to $35. Some banks, if you are consistently in good standing, will cover the purchase without a fee if you quickly rebuild the balance. By opting out of overdraft protection, the transaction would be declined, except for with checks or automatic bill payments. Unfortunately, the bank can deny your request for a debit account if you opt-out.