NRPI closes

DOUGLAS GRANT Staff Writer douglasg@nwanews.com

The company that for years brought hundreds, if not thousands, of people to Bella Vista in hopes of selling them a piece of the “village” has gone out of business. National Recreational Properties Inc., with an office in Village Center along Arkansas Highway 340, ceased operating in the city two weeks ago, according to a woman still on the payroll to answer phones at the office last Thursday. The woman, who declined to give her name, said the sales staff was “let go,” along with a number of other people, including administrative workers. It is not known how many people the lay-off involves. Joe Joffrion, executive vice president and chief legal officer for NRPI in California, confirmed the closing of the local office and one in Hot Springs earlier in the month He cited poor real estate sales as the primary reason for the action. “It’s a different environment,” Joffrion said, referring to the slumping real estate market and the cost of flying potential buyers in and housing them while they look around. Joffrio - Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Aldermen tour museum, learn more before making decision on takeover plan

GAYNELL BELLONI Staff Writer gaynellb@nwanews

City Council members stepped back in time Friday as they toured the Bella Vista Historical Museum. Carole Westby, president of the Bella Vista Historical Society, gave a tour and answered questions from council members as they continued their consideration of the city possibly acquiring the museum. In February, on behalf of the historical society, Westby proposed the city become owner of the museum, which contains historical artifacts of the Bella Vista area. That acquisition would include the building, storage shed and contents. The two acres the museum sits on are owned by Cooper Realty Investments Inc. and are deeded to the historical society, with the stipulation that the land must be used for the museum. There are several reasons for Westby’s proposal, one of which is the age of the board for the historical society. At 67, she is the youngest member by about 20 years, with the majority of the members in their late 80s. There is also declining interest in the museum itself, but, “I think we can be infused - Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Chief wins appeal for his officer

ANDRA ATTEBERRY Staff Writer andraa@nwanews.com

A former Bella Vista police officer, released from duty after being accused of cheating on a law enforcement academy examination, will get a second chance. Scott Vanatta, a cadet from the Bella Vista Police Department, was dismissed in mid-May from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy after officials there said he and others had access to the answers for a test they were taking. About a week later he resigned from the Bella Vista police force. Police Chief Jim Wozniak said from the very beginning that he believed the punishment to be too harsh and he was going to appeal at the July meeting of the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. - Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Wall of Honor architect dies

GAYNELL BELLONI Staff Writer gaynellb@nwanews.com

Leonard “Vern” Watten, 86, a retired architect who designed the Northwest Arkansas Veteran’s Wall of Honor, died in his Bella Vista home Sunday. - Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Shelter officials look to USHS for financial assistance

TABATHA HUNTER Staff Writer tabathah@nwanews.com

Thanks to the Humane Society of the United States, the Bella Vista Animal Shelter and local pet owners may be getting some muchneeded help soon. The shelter is applying for a grant to help families who are struggling to provide their pets with proper care. - Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Case of ATM theft remains on active status at BVPD

ANDRA ATTEBERRY Staff Writer andraa@nwanews.com

The investigation of the theft of a 3,200-pound ATM from the Pulaski Bank on Riordan Road is “definitely active,” Bella Vista Police Department Detective Ed Williams said. - Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Fire Department offers safety programs

GAYNELL BELLONI Staff Writer gaynellb@nwanews

New safety programs have been developed at the Bella Vista Fire Department, according to Fire Chief Steve Sims. - Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Mitchell to perform at Arend Arts Center

Jack Mitchell and his band will perform at 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 7 at Arend Arts Center. The concert, called September Song, will benefit Village House Adult Day Program in Bella Vista. Advance tickets are $10 and available at Arvest Bank or The Weekly Vista newspaper office. Those wishing to sponsor the event may do so and have their name printed in the program at the following rates: Silver, $25 to $49; Gold, $50 to $99; Diamond, $100; Platinum, more than $100. To sponsor the event call Village House at 855-4449 or Douglas Grant at The Weekly Vista, 855-3724. Deadline for sponsors is Aug. 20. - Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Lawyers claim teacher’s rights were violated

TRACY M. NEAL Staff Writer tracyn@nwanews.com

BENTONVILLE — Attorneys for a former Bentonville High School teacher claim her arrest for having sex with an 18-year-old student violates her constitutional rights. Earlier this month, Melissa Gayle Monroe’s attorneys filed a motion seeking to declare the state law p r o h i b i t i n g public school teachers from engaging in sexual contact with students younger than 21 as unconstitutional. Melissa Gayle Monroe, 32, of Bella Vista, is charged with sexual assault in the second degree, a class B felony; and four counts of knowingly furnishing or selling alcohol to a minor, a class C misdemeanor. A class B felony is punishable with a prison sentence ranging from five to 20 years, a fine up to $15,000 or both. A class C misdemeanor is punishable with up to 30 days in jail, a fine up to $100 or both. Monroe is accused of having sexual intercourse with an 18-year-old student on Jan. 26 and providing him alcohol on four separate occasions. The sexual encounter allegedly occurred on the night of the student’s 18th bi - Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Exchange sponsors needed for NWACC

NorthWest Arkansas Community College has started a new international student exchange program for the 2008-2009 school year. - Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Tate takes command at VFW post

At the regular July meeting of the Robert M. Sterrett VFW Post 9063, in Bella Vista, Bill Tate begins his term as post commander. Tate served as a physician in the United States Air Force for 20 years. He retired in 2005 at the rank of colonel. Bill and his wife Peggy moved to Bella Vista following his retirement. - Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Feds make Bella Vistans eligible for flood insurance

GAYNELL BELLONI Staff Writer gaynellb@nwanews

Federal flood insurance is now available in the city of Bella Vista. - Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Council, planners still talking about proposed sign ordinance

DOUGLAS GRANT Staff Writer douglasg@nwanews.com

Those who run the city want to have some control over the types, sizes and frequency of signs, but that isn’t going to happen right away. There are still some questions to be answered first. - Wednesday, July 16, 2008