Frank Fellone
Stories by Frank
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Loose load stunk I-40, broke laws
posted: 06/15/2013 5:06 a.m. Comment 1
Dear Mahatma: I was driving home on Interstate 40, Little Rock to Conway. Around Morgan, I started to smell something really nasty. A half-mile later, I was behind one of those big trucks that carry animal parts. It spewed gunk all over my car. The driver stayed in the left lane, doing 64 mph, 1 mph under the speed limit for trucks, and would not get over. What would you have done? — Conway Twittered
Philip Harold Elson
posted: 06/09/2013 3:37 a.m. Discuss
It’s the top of the fifth inning at Dickey-Stephens Park, with the Arkansas Travelers holding a precarious 1-0 lead against the San Antonio Missions.
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Golf carts a no-go on LR streets
posted: 06/08/2013 5:16 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: Is it legal for golf carts to be driven on the streets of Little Rock? — Look Out!
Making the case
posted: 06/03/2013 4:10 a.m. Discuss
Readers ask questions; we give out answers. They don’t always like the answer, but we’re dancing as fast as we can.
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: 0.05 level for drivers proposed
posted: 06/01/2013 4:59 a.m. Discuss
The National Transportation Safety Board recently proposed a change in the level at which blood-alcohol content would be grounds for an arrest for driving while intoxicated, from 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent.
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: ’65 Chevy has a belt exemption
posted: 05/25/2013 5:07 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: We’re buying a 1965 Chevelle Super Sport that was manufactured in December 1964. It has no seat belts. How does the seat-belt law apply to this car? We’re paying a lot of money for this classic car and want to be legal. — Four on the Floor
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: The ABCs of 25 mph by schools
posted: 05/18/2013 5:18 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: Cantrell Road used to have a 25 mph school zone between University Avenue and Kavanaugh Boulevard. Now it’s a school zone when flashing, no reduction in speed required. Why the change? — John
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Mowing nips buds but a must
posted: 05/11/2013 5:03 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: I recently drove from Little Rock to southeast Arkansas. My day was brightened by the beautiful wildflowers in bloom along the highway on either side of Dumas. Imagine my dismay later in the day when I returned to find mowers at work. What is the explanation for obliterating this beauty? — A Sad Bee
In giants’ footsteps
posted: 05/06/2013 3:32 a.m. Comment 1
Two important figures in Arkansas journalism recently passed on. They couldn’t have been more different.
Do you speak Arkansas?
posted: 05/05/2013 3:25 a.m. Comment 1
Susan Young was in rural Tennessee not so long ago, in the Smokies, when she stopped at a convenience store on a cool morning.
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Patrol note is service to governed
posted: 05/04/2013 4:42 a.m. Comment 1
Dear Mahatma: The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes where daily speed traps are to be located. Why? What’s gained by warnings that curtail speeding for a couple of blocks and then the violators are back at it? Give them a hefty fine instead and make my day. — Alan
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Two autos, one phone, same circle
posted: 04/27/2013 4:56 a.m. Discuss
Oh Great One: Two cars enter a two-lane traffic circle simultaneously, side by side. The inside car wishes to exit the circle by continuing straight within her marked lane, while the outside car wishes to continue around the circle in his lane. Unless one yields, a collision will occur. Which driver has the right of way? And should the man yield to the small woman talking on her cell phone? — Keep Calm and Carry On
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Mad dash to doctor? Call police
posted: 04/20/2013 4:47 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: My son had a medical emergency several weeks ago and we made a spirited run to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. It was early on a Saturday. There was very little traffic. I turned on my flashers and proceeded to SAFELY break every traffic law that impeded my progress. Can you tell me the proper protocol for dealing with a law enforcement officer, should one take exception to my driving in such a situation? — Concerned Papa
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Digitized billboards have rules
posted: 04/13/2013 5:04 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: Are those large, flashing digital billboards legal? I’ve seen some, not counting the digitized gas price signs. — Lead Guitarist
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Roads’ X’s aiding eyes in the sky
posted: 04/06/2013 4:52 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: I have noticed that unexplained markings like capital X’s have appeared on freeways, streets and even sidewalks. What gives? Is Big Brother spying on us? — Freedom Lover
Inside information
posted: 04/01/2013 4:05 a.m. Comments 2
It’s an odd year, and so the state Legislature is in town to do all sorts of things in its regular session, including tinker with the state Freedom of Information Act.
’45 internee revisits camp in state
posted: 03/31/2013 4:08 a.m. Comments 21
John Nakamura gazed at the surrounding farm fields. In the distance was a smokestack, all that remained of the camp where he and about 8,000 other Japanese-Americans were interned during World War II.
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Cantrell job thrown a curveball
posted: 03/30/2013 4:48 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: What’s the deal with the LaHarpe/Cantrell curve project? Will it ever be completed, O seer of things not apparent to the rest of us? And while we’re at it, is there an active plan to replace the viaduct on Cantrell close to Cajun’s Wharf? — Sam
Free throws are not easy
posted: 03/25/2013 2:56 a.m. Discuss
Joe Kleine was talking about basketball. Of course he was. He’s an assistant coach for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock men’s team and a former NBA player.
At the line, the Stilt didn’t measure up
posted: 03/25/2013 2:42 a.m. Discuss
Wilt Chamberlain and Rick Barry, two great stars of the National Basketball Association, famously occupy opposite ends of the free-throw spectrum. Or, in Chamberlain’s case, infamously.
Shoot Like the Pros is free-throw manual
posted: 03/25/2013 2:40 a.m. Discuss
Shoot Like the Pros by Adam Filippi is said to be “The best book on this topic that I have ever read.” Said by whom? Said on the cover by Phil Jackson, who only won 10 NBA titles as a coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Samaritan just wrong to back up
posted: 03/23/2013 4:09 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: While speeding east near Plumerville on Interstate 40, I passed a car with a flat. Wanting to help the two beautiful women in the car, I pulled over and backed up on the shoulder. After fixing the flat, and having drinks and lunch with the ladies, I go home. My wife insists I broke the law by backing up on the shoulder. Is she right or just mad? — North of the River Dear North: Your wife is both right and mad. In fact, your wife is always right. A good rule by which to live, my friend. As to the backing up, the answer may be found in Arkansas Code Annotated 27-51-1309, “Backing up of vehicles.” It says a driver “shall not back a vehicle on any access road, entrance ramp, exit ramp, shoulder, or road surface of any controlled access highway.” Thanks to Bill Sadler of the Arkansas State Police for the answer.
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Civil War marker relocated
posted: 03/16/2013 5:02 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: I travel to work on Stagecoach Road and I am impressed with the new bridge near the Interstate 430 overpass. But I have been patiently waiting to see the historical marker replaced. Would you put to good use your uncanny abilities and find out what happened to our valued landmark? — Terrell
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Vehicle law still 30 days to register
posted: 03/09/2013 4:59 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: I have seen several vehicles on the highways, either new or slightly used, driven with no license plates — not even temporary plates. When did this change? Rather hard to trace a vehicle with no plates. — Jane
Our guiding lights
posted: 03/04/2013 4:07 a.m. Discuss
Twenty-five years ago, give or take, Jay Friedlander headed the Journalism Department at UALR. In a moment of either desperation or confusion, he asked me to teach a class.
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: New truck earmarked for flyways
posted: 03/02/2013 4:58 a.m. Comment 1
Dear Mahatma: How will the new flyways and overpasses at the Big Rock Interchange in west Little Rock be protected from ice? Given the recent snow and ice and traffic gridlock, I hope there is some de-icing protection being built in. — Joanne
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: More than one way to Missouri
posted: 02/23/2013 4:42 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: Regarding the widening of U.S. 67 in northeast Arkansas, what’s the plan to complete the four-lane to the Missouri state line? — Cynthia the Snowbird
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: New ramp onto I-430 ready soon
posted: 02/16/2013 4:40 a.m. Comment 1
Dear Mahatma: Could you please try to find out from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department when we are going to once again be able to take a LEFT turn off of Shackleford to get onto Interstate 430? — Sheila
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Squeaky wheel gets oil paint
posted: 02/09/2013 4:40 a.m. Discuss
Oh Great Mahatma: I drive every day from my home in Ferndale to work in town. There is a section of Denny Road from Kanis to Chenal Elementary that hasn’t been restriped in years. The other half, from the school to Ferndale Cutoff, was done a couple of years ago. Why they didn’t do it all, I don’t know. When will Denny Road be restriped? It’s very difficult to see at night or when it’s raining. — Eleanor
Journalism fumbles
posted: 02/04/2013 4:13 a.m. Discuss
The latest demerit for journalism in our beloved country involves that football player. Yeah, the guy with the mythical, dead, now-looks-like-a-man, social-media girlfriend.
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: ‘Hardship’ licenses on the rise
posted: 02/02/2013 5:05 a.m. Comments 2
Dear Mahatma: There seems to be a new trend in the Little Rock area of 14-year-olds receiving a “hardship license.” What are the requirements, and how many hardship licenses have been issued? — Have A Great Day
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: New series for plates 5 years off
posted: 01/26/2013 4:48 a.m. Discuss
O Findeth Outer of All Things: What happens when Arkansas license plate numbers and letters reach 999 ZZZ? Do we start with ABB 001? — East Arkie
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Manholes jarring on new road
posted: 01/19/2013 2:45 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: Markham Street was recently repaved between Mississippi and University, and there are signs proudly telling us about it. The new pavement is nicely done. Except for the manholes, where in front of the Plaza Towers building you will spill your coffee. Is there not a standard or smoothness rule for manhole locations? — Taxed Yet Tossed About
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Stripes for Arkansas 8 on the list
posted: 01/12/2013 3:38 a.m. Comment 1
Dear Mahatma: There is a section of Arkansas 8 between Ramsey and the intersection with Arkansas 9 that was resurfaced a few months ago. No stripes have been added. When it’s dark (and especially in the rain), it’s hard to determine where the road is. Could you please pass along and ask that the stripes be painted? — Kathy
In all but name
posted: 01/07/2013 4:15 a.m. Discuss
It’s long been thought, researched and said that a public criticism of journalism is the use, and abuse, of confidential and anonymous sources. Why, it’s legitimately asked, do news organizations expect transparency on the part of politicians and governments when they hide behind sources who won’t be revealed?
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Light story red, green and yellow
posted: 01/05/2013 5:16 a.m. Discuss
Dear Seeker of Truth: Is it a figment of my imagination or does federal law require all stoplights to be vertical so that red is always at the top, yellow in the middle and green at the bottom? This of course is for those of us who are colorblind. — Praline Street
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Lights out means all must stop
posted: 12/29/2012 2:44 a.m. Comment 1
Oh Student of the Vehicular World: Can you remind our fellow motorists that an intersection without power to traffic lights becomes a four-way stop and not a drag strip? — Groovy Dear Groovy: Thank you for sending this on Wednesday morning, apparently right after you either made it to work, or didn’t make it to work, or went shopping for post-Christmas bargains, and encountered much snow, ice and impatient drivers along the way.
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Law: Keep windshield view clear
posted: 12/22/2012 2:45 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: I write in regard to signs and stickers liberally placed on vehicle windows. What are the laws regarding the placement of such vision-blocking stuff? Does any lawenforcement agency ever issue citations for whatever laws apply to window signs? — R. Robert
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Police on shoulder? Move over
posted: 12/15/2012 2:57 a.m. Discuss
All-Knowing : Don’t know if this is true or not, but a trusted friend says there is a new driving law in every state except Hawaii and Maryland and the District of Columbia. You have to move over if a police car is on the side of the road, or fines can reach $1,050 and you automatically lose your license for a year. What about Arkansas? — Bruce
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Grumbles on rumbles and holes
posted: 12/08/2012 4:36 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: I’m tired of having distracted drivers cross the center line at me. Why do other states have an aggressive policy relative to the installation of center line rumble strips and Arkansas does not? These cross center line crashes will increase as more youth text and drive and more boomers age. My life is as valuable as that of a resident of Missouri! — Michael T
Such language!
posted: 12/03/2012 4:06 a.m. Discuss
It’s always best to start one of these things with a snappy quote. Here’s one from the famous philosophers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb. Yeah, the Bee Gees.
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: More on veterans, auto tags
posted: 12/01/2012 2:49 a.m. Discuss
Dear Sir: In reference to your column on veterans and the break they get on license plates... as a Veterans Administrationpensioned elderly widow, am I entitled to a cheaper Arkansas license plate? — Surviving Widow
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: LR patrols sometimes on request
posted: 11/24/2012 4:05 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: I work downtown and see numerous traffic violations — driving the wrong way on a one-way street, turning left from the right lane of a one-way street, cruising through red lights as if they don’t exist. The police would reap huge revenue and even prevent accidents, rather than having speed traps on Napa Valley. — Downtown Driver Dear Downtown: Napa Valley happens to be one of the streets about which people complain to this column. And also to the Little Rock Police Department, apparently, if you’re seeing lots of enforcement there.
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: OK to go by campus with gun?
posted: 11/17/2012 4:30 a.m. Comment 1
Greetings Mahatma: When driving with a concealed-weapon license and a weapon in your vehicle, sometimes the public street passes through a public school campus or college. Is the driver in violation of the weapons ban for these areas so long as the vehicle stays on the public street? — Grizz Bear
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Veterans due breaks on plates
posted: 11/10/2012 4:22 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: My grizzled old Dad is a veteran, and I keep telling him to go to the Revenue Office because veterans get some kind of deal on their license plates. He doesn’t believe me. Who’s right? — Slacker Son
Reporting the news
posted: 11/05/2012 4:28 a.m. Comment 1
Tomorrow’s finale of the 2012 presidential campaign will have one felicitous outcome: Mitt Romney will stop sending me emails asking for money. In one of them, he revealed that Barack Obama has “liberal allies.” Whudda thunk it?
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Right-side passing? No worry
posted: 11/03/2012 5:53 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: On multilane streets, roads or interstates, is it illegal to use a right lane to pass someone? — Gary Dear Gary: Lt. Carl Minden of the Pulaski County sheriff’s office was kind enough to explain.
Political editor, 71, dies at home
posted: 10/30/2012 1:53 a.m. Comments 2
Bill Simmons, who spent more than a half-century in journalism, including almost 16 years as political editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, died Monday at his home.
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: Hogs fans drop ball on parking
posted: 10/27/2012 3:39 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: I live in Hillcrest. During the last Razorback game, I was appalled by the complete disregard for traffic and parking. I live on Cedar and saw five cars going the wrong way on this oneway street. I saw many streets with no-parking signs filled with cars, creating dangerous conditions. — Graham Dear Graham: Even worse, the Hogs were whupped by some Louisiana directional school. Oh, the humanity.
DRIVETIME MAHATMA: That’s not a sidewalk on I-430
posted: 10/20/2012 3:42 a.m. Discuss
Dear Mahatma: Why is there a sidewalk being built in the median on Interstate 430? — Paul
