Strong action needed. No fireworks at present. It is far too dry and everyone should realize this. What we would like to see is an emergency proclamation by Gov. Mike Beebe for an immediate statewide ban on fireworks — of any kind and by anybody — until significant rain falls. Make enforcement the responsibility of any police agency.

A bright spot. Yes, it is hot and dry, but there is one favorable aspect of the current times in our area. Construction projects are moving right along. There are no interruptions or missed days because of inclement weather. That Interstate 40 work that will be with us for a long, long time is progressing well from all indications.

Welcomed numeral. Ah yes, there it was this week. The gasoline outlet we use the most had a $2.95 sign up. Our resentment continues at this robbery because of our lush driving habits and that we are hostage to somebody with OPEC having a tummy ache or an energy company executive wanting a bonus.

Our loss. Bob Gant died this week, and the City of Conway certainly lost a pillar. Gant spent decades working to improve health care for those here and elsewhere. Not that there’s a need for a hospital in Heaven, but if there is, no doubt Gant has already volunteered to help in any way he can.

An achievement. To go to within a single game of making the College World Series finals, the Arkansas Razorback baseballers did well. Weak hitting was the downfall.

Household relic. We casually skimmed the list of items to be offered at an upcoming estate sale and one caught our eye. Thunder bucket. The term was thunder mug in our young east Arkansas days. More people called it a slop jar. They were common before the days of indoor plumbing, and most bedrooms had one, usually stashed under the bed.

“These events (The Faulkner County attorney hassle) are unfortunate. I was simply trying to help the county that has given so much to my family. Hopefully the ‘silliness’ of the county politics going on now will subside.” —Joe Don Winningham in giving up the county attrney position after only a week.