City, Lane House get AHPP grants

Three grants totaling $23,850 have been made to the City of Eureka Springs, Lane House and the Carrollton Post #300 VFW for historic preservation work.

Gov. Mike Huckabee announced the grants from the Department of Arkansas Heritage last week. Approximately $428,000 in historic preservation grants through its County Courthouse Restoration Subgrant, Historic Preservation Restoration Grant, Main Street Downtown Revitalization Grant and Certified Local Government programs was awarded.

Two of the grants in this area were through the Certified Local Government (CLG) program.

The Carrollton Post grant is for $13,000 for the historic preservation and restoration of the 1876 Yell Masonic Lodge in Carrollton.

The Eureka Springs grant of $7,000 is to revise and update the city's nomination to the National Register of Historic Places to move it from a "local" significance category to one of "national" significance.

Eureka's nomination to the National Register in 1970 was one of the first in Arkansas.

The funds will be used to hire a consultant to write the new nomination.

The Lane House Inc. will get $3,850 to produce a film documenting Eureka's Main Street as part of Arkansas Heritage Month.

Theme this year is "Arkansas Heritage: Find it on Main Street."

There are17 communities and organizations that will receive grants to create events or programs during Arkansas Heritage Month.

The grants are supported annually with $50,000 from the Amendment 75 conservation tax fund.

This year's theme acknowledges the contributions of downtown business districts and also marks the 20th anniversary of the Main Street Arkansas program.

"Our state's downtown areas are traditionally the heart of the community," Huckabee said.

"As the Main Street Arkansas program has demonstrated, a thriving downtown is a vital part of a community's economy and its quality of life.

"I hope all Arkansans will take part in the special events that are planned to celebrate the unique history of each downtown."

CAPC seeking gift shop change

An amendment to the Eureka Springs Municipal Code expanding the definition of "gift shops" in the ordinance regulating the collection of the city's 2 percent gross receipt tax will be discussed by the city council during its meeting Wednesday evening.

City, Lane House get AHPP grants

Three grants totaling $23,850 have been made to the City of Eureka Springs, Lane House and the Carrollton Post #300 VFW for historic preservation work.

HI Planning Commission deals with drainage

With the recent heavy rains on everyone's minds, it was not surprising Friday when the Holiday Island Planning Commission (HIPC) was flooded with questions and requests about drainage.

Column: "Sauntering": Check out the 'new' AUD

It seemed fitting that one singer with two guitars and two bouquets of flowers presented the first concert in the "new" Eureka Springs City Auditorium.