Arkansas Supreme Court Per Curiam issued today on unpublished opinions

The Arkansas Supreme Court issued a Per Curiam today that is significant in a couple of respects. First, it makes Arkansas the first state in the union to publish and distribute the official report of its appellate decisions electronically. Several on the court have been instrumental in moving Arkansas Judiciary towards a fully automated system, particularly Justice Paul Danielson. The electronic publication is also possible due to Act 221 of 2009, which I sponsored and carried through the legislature.

The Per Curiam also abandons the distinction between published and unpublished opinions and makes every Supreme Court and Court of Appeals opinion issued after July 1, 2009, precedent. This is thanks in large part to Sen. Robert Thompson (D-Paragould), who sponsored legislation that mandated this very thing as applied to opinions from the Arkansas Court of Appeals. He sponsored Act 162 of 2009, and I carried it for him in the House. There were some who questioned Act 162's constitutionality, so this Per Curiam puts to rest the possibility of a challenge on the act. This will also ensure that all opinions released after July 1 will have precedential value for future analogous cases before appellate courts in the state.

Here's a link to the Per Curiam, and here's a link to an article published in a blog dedicated to Arkansas appellate practice.

Legislative income

The Democrat-Gazette has made its annual FOIA request regarding the payment of travel/mileage and per diem from each legislator. They'll normally publich an article with a list of the "top 10" legislators who took in the most income for the year (Edit: see below). If you don't know, legislators outside a 50 mile radius of the Capitol are paid mileage and per diem on trips to the Capitol for committee meetings and other legislative business. Legislators within that 50 radius are paid a lump sum. Here's my info for 2008:

2008 Salary: $15,347.00
2008 Per Diem: $2,508.00
2008 Mileage: $2,810.50
2008 Legislative Support Contract: $18,000.00

Total compensation as state representative for 2008: $38,665.00

The legislative support contract is designed for reimbursement of office expenses in my district office (long distance phone calls, postage, staff time devoted to legislative work, etc.); mileage is tied to the federal rate for meetings at the Capitol (292 miles round trip for me), and per diem was $130 in 2008 ($142 now) per day for legislative meetings at the Capitol. I pledged my 2009 raise (~$500) to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Arkansas.

Correction: Actually, the Democrat-Gazette ran the latest story on this in December, but it covered only 11 months of 2008. It's possible that this data is just being collected for comparison purposes.

Race to the state line

Here's a picture update of work on I-49 on the Louisiana side of the state line. They're using proceeds from the stimulus package on this project from the Arkansas line to Shreveport. They're projecting its completion around 2014-2015. We have five miles left between Doddridge and the Louisiana line, and we'll use stimulus funds to complete about half of that leg.

I-49 in Louisiana (near Hosston) as of today

O'Brien announces for Secretary of State

I'm back in the office and see that I'm a little late on posting this, but Pulaski County Clerk Pat O'Brien announced his candidacy for Arkansas Secretary of State today for the 2010 Democratic primary. He's already raised over $100,000. Secretary of State Charlie Daniels cannot run again due to term limits. Here's a link to O'Brien's site.

Old Washington

I went over to Old Washington last night for our annual board meeting of the Pioneer Washington Restoration Foundation. I'll be serving as vice chair of the board this year under Jim Pilkinton of Hope. Pilkinton's father founded the board over 50 years ago in order to preserve the Williamsburg feel to the area. Here's a picture of the 1836 Hempstead County Courthouse -- one of the properties in the area. The building also served as the Arkansas Capitol from 1863-1865 during the confederacy. Here's a previous blog post on the Woodlawn House (c. 1852) at Washington. I'm headed down to Shreveport for a trial and will be away from the site for most of the day.

Alley Reece Wills

Speaker Robbie and Dana Wills are the proud new parents of Alley Reece Wills. Alley was born at 3:30 p.m. and is 7 lbs even, 19 1/2 inches long. Mom and Alley are doing well.

Senator Lincoln on Judge Sonia Sotomayor

“I believe the people of Arkansas and our nation deserve a Supreme Court Justice who is able to interpret and apply the law fairly without political favor or bias,” Lincoln said. “Ensuring that a nominee meets this standard is an obligation I have sworn to uphold as a United States Senator, and moreover, is the standard that Americans expect for a lifetime appointment to our nation’s highest court.

“Judge Sotomayor has an inspiring story of success in the face of hardship. Arkansans can appreciate the fact that she has been no stranger to hard work, and her academic and professional record speaks for itself. She has been nominated by both Democratic and Republican Presidents and has been confirmed twice by the Senate with strong, bipartisan support under both Democratic and Republican majorities. I look forward to reviewing carefully the qualifications of Judge Sotomayor as her confirmation process moves forward.”

Rep. Monty Davenport announces for Commissioner of State Lands

State Representative Monty Davenport (D-Yellville) announced his candidacy for Commissioner of State Lands today. I served alongside Monty for three terms in the Arkansas House -- he also works as a real estate broker and cattle rancher. He said today that the entire state, especially local public schools, benefit when tax collection rules are applied fairly to all parties.

"I have known Monty since 2004 when he and I were running for our first terms in the House of Representatives," said Attorney General Dustin McDaniel. "He is one of the most honest and fair people I know. Monty's background with land issues and experience in state government undoubtedly make him the perfect candidate for Land Commissioner." As a current member of the Legislative Council, Davenport is House Chair of the Arkansas Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee.

"As Land Commissioner, I will continue the good work of our current Land Commissioner and those before him. I'll work with our hard working and dedicated county officials to make sure that our state's land issues will be taken care of in a timely and professional manner," Davenport said. "My approach at the State Capitol will be to assist those folks who are caught in the system and provide practical ways to get their tax dollars back into our public schools and our communities." Current Commissioner of State Lands, Mark Wilcox, is term limited and cannot seek reelection.

Texas legislature moving towards June 1 finale

Unlike the Arkansas legislature, which has the ability to extend regular legislative sessions by a two-thirds approval of both chambers, the Texas legislature is constitutionally bound to adjourn after 140 days, and there are war stories about members stopping the clock on the wall at midnight on the final day to finish up crucial legislation. The legislature in that state is heading towards a tense 140th day finale on June 1, and the issue of the week will be the voter id legislation, which failed here in Arkansas earlier this year. Here's an old KVUE report previewing this floor fight from a year ago:

New area code

Last week's filing at the Arkansas Public Service Commission seeks an expansion of the 870 area code, as numbers within the area are expected to be exhausted by the end of 2011. If approved, the filing could mean ten-digit dialing for those in the area code, which already exists here in Texarkana. Most phones here in Texarkana already require the user to dial 870 or 903 within the city.

Minton's Grand Opening

They'll have a formal grand opening later, but Minton's Sportsplex opened its new gym on the Texas-side this morning at 5:00 a.m. The parking lot was full by 4:45. The renovation adds 65,000 square feet to the existing facility.

Memorial Day

Update: Pictures from today's events here in Texarkana:






Original post: Thank you vets.



Our local service will take place at the World War II Memorial at the Miller County Courthouse at 11 a.m. followed by the annual Memorial Walk to the Korean-Vietnam War Memorial at Seventh Street and State Line Avenue.

Memorial Day weekend

Riverfest The rain hasn't kept the crowds away at Riverfest. Today, Rep. Jon Woods' band "A Good Fight" will perform. Also on today's lineup: The Little River Band, 3 Doors Down, and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Here's a picture of the crowd waiting for Hinder courtesy of @Riverfest on Twitter.

Farm to Market 2148 In between rain showers yesterday, I went out on a 70-mile bike ride. I spent most of it hunched over my aerobars rather than sightseeing due to the wind. Here's a picture of the storm clouds from FM2148 out near Redwater, Texas.

NEA Part II

Touring the new Alberto Culver plant this morning just east of Jonesboro. The plant began production on January 7, 2008 of hair products and lotions (VO5, Nexxus, Noxzema, St. Ives) and currently employs 200 over three shifts. Fascinating place- it's between the Frito Lay, Butterball, and Nestle plants. I'd like to find time to get over to the Nucor plant in Mississippi County at some point.


-- Post From My iPhone

Northeast Arkansas economy

We'll spend today and tomorrow here at the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce, ASU, and a few of the industrial sites in the area as part of this month's session of Leadership Arkansas. Posting will be light today.

-- Post From My iPhone

Inside the Southland Greyhound Park

As part of today's session with the Leadership Arkansas program in West Memphis, we're seeing some of the organizations associated with Southland. This is in Keith Ingram's House district. Here's a pic of a "retired" greyhound from inside the Mid-South Adoption Option Center, which is on the Southland grounds.



-- Post From My iPhone

West Memphis bound

I'm trying out my new BlogPress iPhone app for posting to the blog. I'm headed over to West Memphis today for a Leadership Arkansas session via a hearing this morning in Howard County (Nashville). I'll spend tomorrow and Friday in Jonesboro for the rest of the Leadership Arkansas session.






-- Post From My iPhone

Visitor at Henderson State last night

Here's a submitted photo of a black bear on campus at Henderson State last night in Arkadelphia. The bear was tranqualized:

One year away

The 2010 Arkansas preferential primary date is May 18, 2010 -- one year from today.

Update: I'm doing some of my own campaigning tonight here in Texarkana:

Garland Co. House, Senate races shaping up

Of the legislative races shaping up around the state for the 2010 elections, more will take place in Garland County than just about any other. Term limits and an open Senate seat will create a few open House seats in the county, and both Senate seats that are in the county are also up for grabs due to term limits. Here's a rundown of House and Senate seats in the county and a list of probable, if not official, candidates for the seats:

House: District 23 (SW tip of the county): Randy Stewart (D-Kirby) - running for 3rd term District 24 (Hot Springs): Open due to term limits - Rick Saunders (D) running for Senate District 25 (Hot Springs): Open due to Gene Shelby running for Senate. HS atty John Vines (D) has announced District 26 (southern/eastern tips): Open due to term limits - Mike Burris (D-Malvern) may run for Senate District 30 (northern/central/rural Garland Co.): Open due to term limits - Bill Sample (R) may run for Senate

Senate: District 19: Dems Rick Saunders and Gene Shelby will vie in the primary to run against Bill Sample (R) in the general. The seat is open due to Sen. Terry Smith vacating the seat because of term limits. District 27: Seat is open due to Sen. Steve Faris leaving because of term limits. Possible candidates: Reps. Mike Burris (D-Malvern), Bobby Pierce (D-Sheridan) and ASP Capt. Mike Fletcher, a Democrat.

Four States Triathlon

Good time at this morning's Four States Triathlon down at Lake Wright Patman just south of Texarkana. The water was very high, and it rose a foot since yesterday. It was also cold, but the worst part was fighting through all the debris -- twigs, sticks, leaves, etc. I finished in 1:21:12, which is my best time on this course.

Chauncey Deller of Tyler won the triathlon for the second time in a row. He was first out of the water and averaged 24.1 mph on the bike and a 5:27/mile pace on the run. The competitors from Longview took home a lot of the awards. Brady Paddock was the first Texarkana finisher (16th overall) with a time of 1:08:58. Here are a couple of pictures:

Coming out of the water

Getting off the bike and beginning the run

Nickerson returns to Texarkana

Former Little Rock and Texarkana City Manager Charles Nickerson has returned to Texarkana from Powder Springs, Georgia, where he served as city administrator. Nickerson will serve as the economic development director for the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce. He replaces Jerry Sparks, who left the chamber to work for the city of Texarkana, Texas. Nickerson will be a great addition to the chamber, and he has his work cut out for him. While we received good news on the Cooper Tire plant recently, Alcoa is idling its plant, and there's always the natural tension between the Arkansas and Texas sides of the state line.

Kathy Webb: Great person, great legislator

Arkansas GOP leader Doyle Webb's warning that "a lesbian" could take control of the state budget was first reported by the Arkansas Times, and it's the subject of an article on the front page of today's Arkansas section in the Democrat-Gazette. Doyle Webb is referencing Rep. Kathy Webb, the current vice chair of Joint Budget, House Majority Whip, and co-chairman of the Governor’s Commission on Global Warming. Kathy Webb has also been instrumental in focusing attention on hunger, educaiton, sustainable energy and is the owner of Lilly's Dim Sum, a popular WLR restaurant that just last week received a great review from the Democrat-Gazette.

Doyle Webb says his remarks have nothing to do with Kathy Webb’s ability as potential co-chairman of the Budget Committee, but that she would be in a position to influence change in other areas. As an influential state representative, Kathy Webb is already in that position, and she has made lots of positive changes to the state. Of course, her sexual orientation has nothing to do with her ability to chair Joint Budget (or to do any of the other things she's been able to accomplish). She was elected earlier this year by members of both parties to serve as vice chairman of the committee. No one works harder at the Capitol than Kathy -- if she were elected chairman of Joint Budget, the budget will be in great hands. Kathys response from the article:

“It saddens me that we are using names: ‘that one, that Jew and that lesbian’ that further divide us. We have differences in ideas and in how to make changes to move all Arkansans forward, and I prefer to stick to those differences,” she said.

For the first time since 1968 -- UPDATE: Picture Friday

Water has crested the Narrows Dam at Lake Greeson in Pike County for the first time since 1968. Here are a couple of pictures:



Update: Here's an updated picture of the dam from today:


And here's another picture further south of Lake Greeson on Hwy. 71 at the Little River/Sevier County line today:

June 1 Political Animals Club: Party Chairs

Democrat-Gazette Political Editor Bill Simmons will moderate a panel of the party chairs -- Todd Turner (D) and Doyle Webb (R) at the next meeting of the Political Animals Club. The meeting will take place on Monday, June 1 at the Governor's Mansion.

Made in America Tour

The Made in America Tour made a stop late this afternoon at Cooper Tire here in Texarkana. We had a great turnout, and several labor, business, and elected officials discussed the importance of American-manufactured products.

AARP Awards Luncheon

The Arkansas AARP drew a huge crowd for its biennial awards banquet today in Little Rock. I received the AARP Friend of the Year, and Robbie received Legislator of the Year. Here we are pictured with AARP Director Maria Reynolds-Diaz, DHS Director John Selig, and Arkansas AARP President Mary Dillard:

Governor visits Texarkana

Governor Beebe made a stop in Texarkana this morning to talk about the inextricable tie between education and economic development. He's now off to Foreman for an event at Ash Grove Cement. I'm off to Little Rock, where Speaker Wills and I will be given awards from the AARP. Here's a picture from this morning's event.

Three dead in White Co. gas well explosion

Officials with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management confirm 3 fatalities from a gas tank explosion near Searcy this afternoon. Authorities say the explosion occurred at 194 Tank Farm Road, which is east of Highway 167 south of Searcy near the community of Garner.

Saw my first of these bumper stickers today

There's a pretty stark transition going on in the GOP. Just last week, I was chastised in a form e-mail as being "anti-USA" merely because of my party affiliation -- most Ark Dems got the same e-mail. How are they gonna reconcile this polspeak? One thing's for sure -- this is going to be one interesting 2010 gubernatorial primary in Texas.

Tort reform: An issue in the 2010 elections?

With last week's ruling by the Arkansas Supreme Court in Johnson v. Rockwell, which guts a couple of portions of the 2003 Civil Justice Reform Act, both sides of the tort reform debate are quietly discussing options. The court ruled that (1) the phantom defendant provision and (2) the billed v. paid provision of the act are unconstitutional. I've heard from both sides of the trial bar in the last week, and both are considering ways to approach this ruling. However, the court was pretty clear in its opinion, written by Associate Justice Paul Danielson:

(1) Rules regarding pleading, practice, and procedure are solely the responsibility of the Arkansas Supreme Court. See Ark. Const. amend. 80, §3.

(2) After reviewing § 16-55-202, it is clear to this court that the legislature has, without regard to this court’s “rules of pleading, practice and procedure,” established its own procedure by which the fault of a nonparty shall be litigated.

(3) The plain language of the statute even instructs that “a pleading” be filed to meet the notice requirement. See Ark. Code Ann. § 16-55-202(b)(2). This is in direct conflict with our Ark. R. Civ. P. 7 which specifically sets forth the pleadings and instructs that “[n]o other pleadings shall be allowed.”

(4) Accordingly, we hold that Ark. Code Ann. § 16-55-202 violates separation of powers under Article 4, §2, as well as Amendment 80, § 3 of the Arkansas Constitution.

Some involved in the process of drafting Amendment 80 state that the groups argued about a lot of things, but the potential of the Rule making authority of the court was never discussed. Whether a ballot initiative is kicked off or whether the legislature debates further changes to the 2003 act in future sessions to try and find a way around this ruling is to be determined, but this is sure to be asked of candidates in the upcoming election cycle.

Big bro: New president of the Texarkana Bar Association

I'm just returning from our local Bar meeting, where my older brother and law partner Jeff (right) was sworn in as president. My dad served in the position some 22 years ago. It's a pretty unique bar, where almost all members are licensed in two states, and where most are keenly interested in both Arkansas and Texas politics. Here I am below with Txk Bar President-Elect (and former Clinton Administration official) Trey Schroeder, Arkansas Bar President Rosalind Mouser (today's speaker), and Jeff. With my haircut this morning, looks like Jeff's back to being an inch taller.

Mayor of Jacksonville to be decided today -- UPDATE

Voters in Jacksonville are casting ballots in a special election today to replace retiring Mayor Tommy Swaim. The polls will be open until 7:30 p.m. The six candidates are Tommy Dupree, Jody Urquhart, Beckie Brooks, Gary Fletcher, Kenny Elliott, and Randy "Doc" Rhodd. Pulaski County Clerk Pat O'Brien twitters that you can check pulaskiclerk.com for voting info.

Results:
JACKSONVILLE MAYOR
TOMMY DUPREE . . . . . . . . . 215
JODY L. URQUHART . . . . . . . . 305
BECKIE BROOKS . . . . . . . . . 155
GARY W. FLETCHER . . . . . . . . 952
ALDERMAN KENNY ELLIOTT . . . . . . 789
RANDY "DOC" RHODD. . . . . . . . 16

NYT: Blue Dog Dems protest secrecy of healthcare talks

Congressman Mike Ross is quoted in this NY Times article this morning as being increasingly troubled by exclusion from the bill-writing process:

We don’t need a select group of members of Congress or staff members writing this legislation. We don’t want a briefing on the bill after it’s written. We want to help write it.

Announcements

I'm en route to get a haircut but wanted to jot down a few announcements from events last night/newspapers this morning:

• Jonathan Dismang (R-Beebe) for State Senate (District 29) - Seat currently held by term-limited Sen. John Paul Capps (D-Searcy)

• John Paul Wells (D-Paris) for State Senate (District 6) - Seat currently held by term-limited Sen. Ed Wilkinson (D-Greenwood)

• Jake Files (R-Fort Smith) for State Senate (District 13) - Seat currently held by term-limited Sen. Denny Altes (R-Fort Smith)

Chesterfield formally announces for SD34

There are now two officially in the race to replace term-limited Sen. Tracy Steele in SD34 (part Pulaski). Former state Rep. Linda Chesterfield (D-Little Rock) made her formal announcement late last week, which was picked up by KATV (click here for the story). Chesterfield joins Hendrix professor Jay Barth (D-Little Rock) in the race. Barth announced in March, and as of the first quarter of 2009, he had raised $61,345 for the race. The only other potential candidate in this race being discussed is Rep. Darrin Williams (D-Little Rock). Williams is having to decide whether to run for this senate seat or concentrate on running for Speaker of the House, which he is widely thought to be considering. SD34 Demographics: Senate District 34 is made up of both sides of the Arkansas River in Pulaski County and takes in much of eastern Little Rock, College Station, Woodson, Wrightsville, Sweet Home, Hensley, and parts of eastern Jacksonville. The district votes heavily Democratic, and The 2000 census shows it to be 60% African American, 38% caucasian. 13% are 65 or older, and 13% are veterans. Here's a map of the district.

Linda Chesterfield Jay Barth

National Train Day and the 2009 Ark-La-Tex Rail Summit

Steve here checking in from the airport in Charlotte. Today is National Train Day, and my mom is acting as my surrogate today for the largest gathering on rail in the Ark-La-Tex. Several elected officials are gathering at the train depot in Marshall, Texas this afternoon for the 2009 Ark-La-Tex Rail Summit, which consists of a workshop on passenger and high speed rail, and the event will culminate with a signing of a local Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at 4:00 this afternoon. We'll give a report on General Improvement Funds in Arkansas that will be used for a feasibility study for our leg of the South Central High Speed Rail Corridor. Here's a pic from last year's event.

Update: Here's a picture of the signing of the 2009 Memoraundum of Understanding by elected officials in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. On the right is Harrison County Judge and former Texas Senator Richard Anderson:

Saturday morning in Charlotte

Got up before the events started this morning and ran the perimeter of downtown Charlotte and out into some of the more urban residential sections of the city. Great run -- no humidity, but I was also the only runner I saw out on the streets. I've driven through Charlotte twice, but this is my first time to spend some time in the city, and I'm impressed. I was a sophomore at the UofA when the Razorbacks won the Final Four here in '94, and my roommate and several others made the trek over here to see it in person.



We're in the process of wrapping up this inter-branch conference on the judiciary, and I'm coming home re-energized and ready to implement some of the items we've discussed over here. Here's a picture of Arkansas Bar President Rosalind Mouser with Sen. David Johnson. This morning's wrap-up includes a summary of the discussions of our "speak out sessions" on topics that include inter-branch cooperation, adequate funding, communication among stakeholders, and maintaining fairness and impartility in state courts.

Five confirmed cases of swine flu in Arkansas

The Arkansas Department of Health is holding a press conference now announcing that our state’s first five cases of swine flu have been confirmed – four in Pulaski County and one case in Lawrence County. The samples were tested and confirmed by the public health laboratory. In Pulaski County, illness has occurred in active duty service members from other states who are training at Camp Robinson. Service officials have notified other co-workers and family and friends who may have been in close contact with the patients. In addition, a school-aged child from Lawrence County has also been confirmed positive for the virus.

Separate branches, shared responsibilities

Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor is speaking this morning here in Charlotte on the role the three branches of government play in relation to providing a justice system that meets the expectations of all. She spent some time at the opening reception last night with chief justices of several state courts, state court administrators, and legislators. Prior to her appointment to the High Court, she served in the Arizona Senate (as majority leader) and on the Arizona Court of Appeals. Here's a picture from last night from my iPhone with Sen. David Johnson, Justice O'Connor and me.

How technology evolves: Tracking Arkansas stimulus projects from your phone

A new iPhone application was launched last week that allows you to search and track Arkansas projects funded through the federal stimulus package. Pretty soon, states will probably have entire budgets available as interactive applications. Have an iPhone? Click the icon to the right for the free application.

The critical role of upholding fair and impartial state courts

I'm participating in a conference in Charlotte through Saturday as part of a delegation from Arkansas led by Supreme Court Chief Justice Jim Hannah and consisting of Sen. David Johnson, AOC Director J.D Gingerich and me. The national summit is designed to foster cooperation and communication among the three branches of state government and creative approaches to meeting our respective responsibilities related to the justice system.

We'll hear from Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (Ret.) tomorrow morning. Part of the goal of this conference is to build strategies to dismantle natural tensions between branches of state government that imperil their ability to deliver on public expectations of justice. That's existed in Arkansas in the past, of course. O'Connor will provide an interesting perspective on this since she served in the Arizona legislature and on the High Court.

Other topics include the costs of incarceration, unequal access to and inadequate representation in the legal system, substance abuse services and mental health intervention. The summit will take a long view toward obtaining adequate resources for courts and related services throughout state government during both improving and declining economic cycles. I'll live blog to the extent possible. *Disclosure since it was asked: Johnson and I are paying our own way. Besides a political issue, an ethical issue arises when lawyers are having trips paid for by the judiciary.

TBQ's Top 10 Legislators

Talk Business Quarterly has released its Top 10 legislators for the 2009 legislative session. The story is in the latest edition of the publication, which hits newsstands tomorrow. Here's the list:

Senate: Sen. Gil Baker Sen. Shane Broadway Sen. Joyce Elliott Sen. Bob Johnson

House: Rep. Dawn Creekmore Rep. Rick Green Rep. Steve Harrelson Rep. Bruce Maloch Rep. Rick Saunders Speaker Robbie Wills

Here's a link to the article (opens pdf in new window).

Alcoa to idle Texarkana plant, affecting 250 employees

Alcoa North American Rolled Products announced a few moments ago that it would idle, for an indefinite period of time, its aluminum rolling mill in Texarkana, Texas by the end of the third quarter of 2009 because of a continued weak outlook in common alloy markets. This is very difficult news for both sides of Texarkana and to me personally -- my mother-in-law and her sister are both employed at the plant. The plant idling was announced to employees today during meetings at the plant and will affect 250 salaried and hourly employees. They are scheduled to work until July 5, when the plant’s idling is scheduled to begin.

Alcoa North American President Mick Wallis said the idling is a direct result of the current economic environment and on-going credit crisis which has significantly reduced the demand for the Alcoa product. Resumption of operations at the plant will be dependent upon an improvement in these market conditions, he said. Mike Leherr, Operations Manager said “we regret this decision because of the impact to our employees. Our efforts over the next few weeks will be focused on ensuring our employees have the resources and tools needed to obtain employment within the community. Additionally, we will also focus on ensuring the transition of existing business to other Alcoa locations will be seamless to our customers. We will transition our existing business by September 1, 2009.” The Texarkana facility makes common alloy aluminum sheet and coil products for distributors, commercial applications, automotive, architectural, truck trailer, building and construction, and inter-company customers.

Lottery commission meets today

The Arkansas Lottery Commission will hold its first meeting today at the University of Arkansas Systems Board Room in Little Rock at 1:00 p.m. That's on the campus/residence of President Sugg's place off North University. The Bureau of Legislative Research is providing staff for today's meeting. The legislative committee providing oversight to the commission met yesterday.

Flags at half staff at Miller County Courthouse -- UPDATE

Tha flags are at half staff today here at our local county courthouse in honor of Circuit Judge Jim Hudson, who died yesterday. Supreme Court Justice Jim Gunter, who once served on the bench here in the 8th Judicial District alongside Hudson, posted a comment in the previous thread. I'm headed over to KTXK to do a radio interview on Hudson now.

A devout Methodist, Hudson still spent one weekend in silence each year at Manresa, a beautiful Catholic retreat in southern Louisiana. My dad remembers that when Hudson returned to Texarkana from law school, the sentiment was that he'd be serving in Congress within a few election cycles. He went the judicial route and served as the elected prosecutor then circuit judge for several terms. As of his death yesterday, he was in the running for an appointment to the federal bench here in the Western District of Arkansas.

Update: The funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6th at First United Methodist Church at 400 East 6th Street in Texarkana. A memorial scholarship fund in his honor was created today at Hendrix College.

Here are a few articles:
Associated Press
Texarkana Gazette
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Topix Ark-side; Topix Tex-side

Statement by Sen. Blanche Lincoln: “Jim Hudson was not only a respected attorney and judge but also a wonderful family man, trusted friend, dedicated church member, and valued community leader,” Lincoln said. “When I met with Jim earlier this year, I was extremely impressed by his long record of service and the role he might play as a federal judge. I know he will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s family and friends as they cope with the loss of such a treasured man. Jim’s tragic passing reminds us all that life is precious and much too short.”

Triathlon season is here

My team's annual event -- the Four States Triathlon -- is just two weeks away, and we're looking for all comers. If interested in this sprint tri, it begins at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 17 at Lake Wright Patman, just south of Texarkana. It's a 650 yd. swim, 13 mile bike and a 3 mile run. Click here to register.

Lottery Commission Legislative Oversight Committee meets today

The legislative committee that will have oversight of the Arkansas Lottery meets today, one day ahead of the Arkansas Lottery Commission's first meeting. The joint committee is co-chaired by Sen. David Johnson (D-Little Rock) and Rep. Barry Hyde (D-North Little Rock). Other legislative members are Sens. Terry Smith, Tracy Steele, Mary Anne Salmon, Robert Thompson, and Johnny Key and Reps. Bruce Maloch, Robbie Wills, Johnnie Roebuck, Linda Tyler, and Darrin Williams. The committee meets at 1:30 p.m. and will hear from the legislative sponsors of the Scholarship Lottery Act and discuss some organizational issues with the committee.

Update: Some of you may have seen the segment on Dateline last week on lottery fraud and how some lottery retailers are taking advantage of players and the system to make big bucks. The full article with video is here.

Circuit Judge Jim Hudson passes away

You'll remember a post I made back in mid-April about 8th Judicial District North Circuit Judge Jim Hudson and his battle with a post-surgical infection that set in after a March 27 procedure to remove cancerous tissue. After a long, hard-fought, battle, Hudson passed away today with his family at his side. They learned that he was brain damaged and that he was unable to sustain life on his own, and all medical support was removed today prior to his death. He was a thoughtful jurist, a former elected prosecuting attorney for the 8th Judicial District, a fellow Methodist, and a great person and friend. Funeral arrangements are pending.