Community Revitalization

The historic Ozark Heritage Arts Center and Museum was the setting for the first Town Meeting at Leslie on November 17.  Approximately 75 people attended the event to hear the Community Assessment presented by Renee Carr of Rural Community Alliance.  Local Project Leader/City Council Member Talitha Hardin welcomed the group and introduced Mayor John T. Massey, County Judge Johnny Hinchey, and Council Member J.C. Stephenson.

State Rep. Monty Davenport was introduced later in the meeting along with representatives of resource agencies: 

Butch Calhoun, Arkansas Department of Rural Services; Rachel Silva, DAH Historic Preservation;  Janet Harney, Arkansas Arts Council;  Don Ott, AEDC; Jay Stallard, NW Arkansas Development District;  Richard Moss, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension; Mary Smith, Audubon Arkansas;  Bill Derickson, Searcy County Economic Development Commission; Brad Runsick, Searcy County Extension Office. 

Lavina Grandon of Rural Community Alliance explained the objective of getting community members to serve on focus groups for the coming two months.  Their objective:  to make recommendations to the public in January that will be developed into a Strategic Plan for the community.  The attendees accepted the challenge and each group had their organizational meeting and elected group leaders.

City Beautification Focus Group with State Rep. Monty Davenport.

Group discusses natural resources with Audubon's Mary Smith

Focus Group Leaders pose for a photo following their organizational meeting. Fourth grade student Courtney (front center) narrated a photo presentation highlighting Leslie’s assets. Focus Group Leaders: Economic Development – Bill Derickson; Community Services - Loni Kelley and Michelle Ragland; Education – Steven Newby; Environment & Natural Resources – Ryan Cloud; City Beautification – Brenda Lewis; Arts & Heritage – Adrienne Lafargue

6th grade students Brittany and Alex listen to the program after presenting their own power point with Arkansas Audubon’s Mary Smith about the things that make Leslie special.