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Here is an updated list of all the area Skywarn Storm Spotter classes taking place in the coming days and weeks. We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to attend at least one, since some may not be able to attend one in their local jurisdiction.

Tuesday February 25, 2020 Sequoyah County (Sallisaw) Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Emergency Management office, 110 East Creek Avenue. NWS-Tulsa

Tuesday February 25, 2020 Johnson County (Clarksville) Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Johnson County Courthouse/Training Room at 215 West Main Street. NWS-Little Rock

Thursday February 27, 2020 Logan County (Subiaco) Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Subiaco Academey, 405 North Subiaco Avenue (near the Hwy. 22 and 197 intersection). NWS-Little Rock

Wednesday March 4, 2020 Franklin County (Ozark) Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at ATU-Ozark Campus, 1700 Helberg Lane. NWS-Tulsa

Monday March 9, 2020 Sebastian County (Fort Smith) Time: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Emergency Operations Center, 8400 South Zero Street. NWS-Tulsa

Tuesday March 10, 2020 Yell County (Dardanelle) Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Community Center, 2011 Arkansas Hwy. 22. NWS-Little Rock

The Skywarn Storm Spotter Class originally scheduled for the evening of February 5th has been postponed and rescheduled due to inclement weather impacting travel for the meteorologist giving the presentation that must travel from Tulsa.

The new date is Wednesday March 4th, 2020. The class will take place at Arkansas Tech University Ozark Campus inside the Collegiate Center auditorium, and will begin at 6:00 PM. Pre-registration is not necessary for this class, and it is free and open to public. All emergency responders and amateur radio operators are encouraged to attend. There will also be a drawing for several nice door prizes at the conclusion of the class.

For more information contact Rick Covert, Emergency Management Coordinator at (479) 667-4909, or (479) 209-0395.

The Mount Magazine Amateur Radio Club will be hosting a Technician License class study and exam session on Saturday February 8, 2020. The location for the class will be at the Subiaco Abbey-Performing Arts Center. Jim Kiefer (KD5NDJ) is point of contact, and can be reached at (479) 963-1530. You will not need to bring any materials with you, other than a photo I.D. (i.e. valid drivers license). However, should you choose to take the test at the end of the all day study session, there is a $15 processing fee. It is highly recommended that you go to https://hamstudy.org to become more familiar with the question pool and answers for the Technician Class license question pool and answers. You can either log into that site with your Facebook profile, or create an account, which is free to do so. The cafeteria will be open for lunch, but you can also bring your own.

Two classes for rescue responders will take place at Mulberry Fire Department Station #2 in March.

On Friday March 6th and Saturday March 7th, a Hybrid Cars class will be taught by Asst. Chief Dan Cibik of the Branch Fire Department. Then on Saturday March 20 and Sunday March 21st, the Basic Auto Extrication class will be presented. For more information, contact Asst. Chief Dan Cibik of the Branch Fire Department at (479) 965-5607.

The Watalula Fire Department will be hosting two Arkansas Fire Academy Classes coming up in February and March. Ventilation Class on Saturday February 22, 2020. Water Supply Class on Saturday March 28, 2020. For more information and details contact Chief Frank Theising at (479) 209-3777.

Mullen Serves on IWT Panel

Franklin County OEM/FS Coordinator served as a guest panelist for the 2019 Arkansas Integrated Warning System’s Workshop.  The topic of this year’s workshop was Severe Weather Drought Conditions. Mullen (second from right) represented local emergency management while other panel members were from the Arkansas Forestry Commission, National Parks Service, National Weather Service, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, United States Forest Service and news media.  Mullen responded to several questions about burn bans; preparation for and response to enhanced wildland fire behavior;  hot weather search and rescue activity; use of broadcast media and social media to inform the public; impacts on agriculture; and, others.  About 75 persons from  Arkansas and Louisiana attended the workshop which was held on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas.

By Franklin County Joint Information Center

According to the Tulsa Office of the National Weather Service, flood water levels will continue to recede through Sunday.  However, on Sunday, the gates on lakes in Oklahoma will be opened which will cause the water  in Franklin County to  go back up to about 364.4 which is the current level at the Ozark Lock and Dam.

     Roads remaining closed in Franklin County includes Kenny Hole Road, Jenny Road at the 2000 Block, Kirk Road at the southern end and Sheep Farm Road at Hurricane Creek.

      Coon Tree Road through the Alix Bottoms is open but it is advised to use extreme caution because it is very wet and muddy.   Judge Rickey Bowman reminds citizens that the roads could have damage where the water crossed them and that they can be very slick.  He advises, “Drive Carefully.”

    Repairs have been made to Hopkins Street in Branch and it is open.  This street was damaged during a flash flood event on Wednesday afternoon.

     The City of Ozark reports that the East Side Park is open.  Mayor Roxie Hall reports that the Street Department and Fire Department are still involved in cleaning on some streets in Ozark.  All streets in Ozark are now open.

Franklin County OEM Coordinator Fred Mullen  reminds private property owners who have damaged property due the flood water to call 479-667-4909.  Leave your name and number and your call will be returned.  At this time, FEMA has not activated a program for private property loses but Mullen remains hopeful that they will.  He says it is important to show the FEMA officials a list of damaged properties and estimated dollar amounts for the loses. 

     If citizens need assistance with cleanup due to the flood water they can request it on the HELP HOTLINE at 479-213-6015.  If you want to help with the clean up call the VOLUNTEER HOTLINE at 479-213-6551. 

By Franklin County Joint Information Center

Flood waters along the Arkansas River continue to recede which results in more road opens. In Ozark, Bell Street at River Street and Main Street were opened yesterday.  Other openings  in Ozark include Bell Street  at Market Street; Spring Street and Barcliff Lane.  Normal traffic patterns  around the Post Office have been restored.  The Ozark East  Side park continues to be closed.  Highway 64 remains open as well as Hwy 23 South of the River Bridge.  Hwy 309 at Morris Creek is open but it remains closed at Smith Creek.

Rain is in the forecast from today through Sunday, but officials do not think that it will add significantly to the River Flooding.  However, thunderstorms are possible that often produces locally heavy rain on the already saturated ground, so flash flood warning for creeks, small streams and low lying areas cannot be ruled out. 

Franklin County Severe Weather Officer Rick Covert encourages everyone to remember when confronted with high water on the road way– turn around, don’t drown.

Judge Rickey Bowman reminds property owners who have had damage due to the flooding to call the Office of Emergency Management at 479-667-4909.  Please leave you name and phone number and your call will be returned.  Damage assessment for private property is being compiled with the hope of qualifying for the FEMA Individual Assistance program.  This program is a combination of direct grants to homeowners and low-interest loans to business owners, farmers and ranchers.

    President Trump has authorized emergency funding for public entities in Franklin County.  Government agencies who have had losses may be eligible to be reimbursed for 75% of their incurred cost. This includes cities, Rural Fire Departments, Water Associations, rural electric services, County Departments, and others.

If you need assistance with cleanup at your property due to the flood impact you can call the Help Hotline at 479-213-6015.  If you want to help with the cleanup you can call the Volunteer Hotline at 479-213-6551.

OEM Coordinator Fred Mullen wants to thank Simmons Bank, the 4-H clubs and the Gardner Center for  Tuesday’s wonderful luncheon provided to the emergency responders, road and street crews, administrative staffs and others who have worked on the flood event.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation has been OPENED.

Several other roads in Franklin County remain closed until further notice. Thank you again for your patience.

Current List of Known Roads/Facilities Closed:

City of Ozark:

Bar Cliff Lane at Highway 64

East Market and North Bell Street

East River Street at Post Office–South Entrance of Post Office is Blocked but you can come in the entrance at South Bell and Main Street

East Spring Street

Bell Street at River Street

Bell Street at Main Street

Bell Street at Market Street

Carter King Mountain Road at East Spring Street

King Mountain Road

Lock and Dam Road

Webb City / South Ozark Area:

Santa Fe Trail at Corps of Engineers Relief

Highway 309 at Moores Creek

Highway 309 at Smith Creek

Altus / Denning / Alix Area:

Carbon Plant Road west of West Creek Road

Covert Road

Jennie Road

Kenny Hole Road

Kirk Road

Lock and Dam Road

Plum Street at Coon Tree Road

Plum Street at Iron Station Road

Etna Area:

Sheep Farm at Carpenter Cemetery

Sheep Farm Road at Hurricane Creek

Aux Arc Park

White Oak Park

Pleasant View Area: 

Mattie / Adams Road and White Oak Creek

White Oak Park Road

Facilities:

Aux Arc Park

White Oak Park

East Side Park