Recent Stories
The ABCs of 25 mph by schools
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
Mowing nips buds but a must
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
Tale of two editors
Two important figures in Arkansas journalism recently passed on. They couldn’t have been more different.
Do you speak Arkansas?
Natural state has own mix of (fading) regional dialects
Susan Young was in rural Tennessee not so long ago, in the Smokies, when she stopped at a convenience store on a cool morning.
Patrol note is service to governed
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
Two autos, one phone, same circle
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
Mad dash to doctor? Call police
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
Digitized billboards have rules
Dear Mahatma: Are those large, flashing digital billboards legal? I’ve seen some, not counting the digitized gas price signs. — Lead Guitarist
Roads’ X’s aiding eyes in the sky
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
Legislators take shot at public data
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.
