LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Jan. 14 – The Little Rock District of the Army Corps of Engineers will host a public workshop Thursday, Jan. 22 in Harrison, Ark., to discuss its marina commercial zone policy.
The policy restricts recreational activities within 50 feet of all marina docks on district lakes in the interest of public safety, security of visitor property and to reduce conflicts among various groups of recreational lake users.

The informal workshop will be held from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Quality Inn Conference Room at 1210 US Highways 62/65 North. Tables will be set up, and interested persons can come by and talk one-on-one with members of the Corps.

Examples of prohibited activities are no fishing, swimming, diving, jumping or wading within 50 feet of marina docks. Only those going to or from a dock on marina business, such as slip renters or store customers, are authorized within 50 feet. Marina docks will be marked with signs before enforcement begins.

Lakes that fall under the new policy include Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals, Norfork, Clearwater, Greers Ferry, Dardanelle and Millwood.

The SWMO Venom, an outdoor, 11 man, NFL style, semipro football team will be holding open tryouts on Saturday, January 17th at 8 am. Tryouts will begin promptly at the Lake Country Soccer Complex in Springfield, MO.

“We are looking for players for all positions, as well as cheerleaders/dancers for our Venom Girls. As this is our inagural season, we expect the Springfield/Branson area to produce the high caliber of players that it’s very well known for.” Said Mike Langford, owner of the team.

Mike went on to say that he has very high hopes for the team and encourages anyone who plays football, and even those that have never played an organized game in their life, to come and tryout. “There’s untapped talent here, as well. As long as a player has heart and dedication to the team, we can work on fundamentals.” Mike also said.

As far as the requirements, it’s suggested that you visit the website for details. You can find them at www.swmofootball.com.

Hollister, MO – The Chad A. Fuqua Foundation is now a reality. According to Parks Director Jeramie Brannon, the business leaders in the Tri-Lakes area, friends and family of Chad Fuqua have donated more than $8,000.00 to a Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Fund. Chad’s parents, Bryan and Vonnie Mathiesen had agreed to match the first $5000.00…thus bringing the foundation total to $13,000.

The foundation board of directors will consist of Joe Sadewhite of Columbia, MO and a long time childhood friend of Chad; Vonnie Mathiesen, Chad’s mother, and Alderman Scott McCaully the City Council representative to the Hollister Park Board.

The STAR Alternative School, Scott Wenger, Coordinator is announcing the receipt of a $5,000 scholarship from Lowes to add improvements to the Chad A Fuqua Memorial Park. To date the group of 16 or more students has worked on the trail leading to Hackett Falls. Other items to be added to the park area include a gazebo, planter boxes and a picnic area near the bridge crossing over Hackett Falls.

The Chad A Fuqua Foundation will continue to accept donations. Several fund raisers are being planned for spring 2009.