Shelter's adoptions top 1,800 for 2016
The city's Animal Village adopted out more animals in 2016 than in the previous year, officials said.
There were more than 1,800 adoptions -- surpassing the 1,647 animals adopted in 2015.
In all, almost 2,800 animals were either adopted, reunited with families or transferred by a rescue organization.
"The number of animals coming into the shelter has dropped to an all-time low as well," a city news release said.
Officials are crediting the start of several new programs in 2016 for the Animal Village's success. It partnered with Fox Valley Humane Association in Wisconsin to provide the BarkBus to Little Rock to transport dogs to other areas for adoption.
The Animal Village also started a heartworm program that has helped 148 dogs receive treatment and be adopted out.
The shelter also started a program that places healthy feral cats with businesses or farms in need of pest control. This helps cats that aren't suitable for adoption as pets to still receive care.
"The year-over-year progress we've made shows that our efforts are starting to pay off and we are truly making an impact on the number of unwanted and stray animals," Animal Services Manager Tracy Roark said.
"In 2017, we will continue to explore long-term ways we can reduce the number of unwanted, stray and feral cats," he said. "While more than 950 cats were saved [in 2016], a new record, there is still so much we can do to help."
Creative Corridor's new signs in place
The city has completed installation of the two LED signs on Main Street in the area known as the Creative Corridor.
A ticker-tape monitor was previously installed, and last week a curved monitor that will display digital posters and other images of events going on downtown was installed in the 500 block of Main Street.
"It is exciting to see the transformation of this grand American street continue," Mayor Mark Stodola said. "This new feature, in addition to being a helpful tool for sharing information, enhances the vibrant space and economic engine being created in the heart of downtown."
The Educational Foundation of America provided a grant that paid for the signs.
Submissions sought for Delta Exhibition
The Arkansas Arts Center is soliciting entries for its annual Delta Exhibition.
The works will be on display June 9 through Aug. 27. The deadline to submit entries is March 10.
"As one of the most anticipated Arkansas Arts Center events of the year, the 59th annual Delta Exhibition will offer a unique look at the artistic talent located in the Delta region," Arkansas Arts Center Executive Director Todd Herman said. "This exhibition gives artists the opportunity to lead and inspire their communities through art, education and cultural excellence."
The competition is open to artists who live in or were born in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Work must have been completed within the past two years and not previously been exhibited at the Arts Center.
There will be a $2,500 grand award and two $750 Delta awards. A $250 Contemporaries Delta award also will be given.
The exhibition was founded in 1958 to feature contemporary work by artists from Arkansas and bordering states. It has grown to encompass works in all media and artists from the Mississippi Delta region.
Images of artwork can be submitted at arkansasartscenter.org/delta. The entry fee is $20 for one, and $10 for each additional entry. Artists can submit up to three.
Metro on 01/04/2017