WARREN, Ark. – The historic Ederington building, former Sandwich Shop, old Hankins Hardware building, and the Bradley County Rural Water Office, which features a flag mural on the eastern side, as well as one other building on the block owned by Jason Reep, will be coming down soon. The county was authorized by the Bradley County Quorum Court to purchase the buildings on Monday night during their regular monthly meeting. The city of Warren had already declared three of the buildings, the Ederington building, Sandwich Shop, and old Hankins buildings to be a safety hazard.
Top photo: Five buildings south of the Bradley County Courthouse Square have been purchased by the County, and are set to soon be demolished. Photo by Tim Kessler.
By Tim Kessler
Saline River Chronicle Freelance Contributor
County Judge Klay McKinney said after the Quorum Court meeting that the tenants have been given until May 1 to vacate. He said the county would do the demolition itself, and he hoped to have the buildings down before the Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival in June.
Leah St. John gave an impassioned plea to the court to save the mural or pay $7,500 for the mural. She said the group Make Warren Shine, which is no longer in existence, commissioned Jason White of Searcy to create the giant wall mural for $7,500 in 2019. She said that later, if the county had given the money back to the group, they would give it to Bradley County Chamber of Commerce to perhaps use it towards other murals. “I think that would make people feel better about the whole situation. Murals bring businesses into a town and it brings tourism into a town,” she told Saline River Chronicle.
A resolution was passed unanimously by the justices that said, “Whereas, it is in the best interest of the public’s health, safety, and welfare that Bradley County, Arkansas, acquire certain parcels of real property across the street from the courthouse in Warren, Arkansas” … “Bradley County, Arkansas should purchase the following parcels from the listed owners: Annette Colvin, 100 E. Cedar, for $10,000; Johnny Bradford and Jennifer Bradford (two parcels), 106 and 108 E. Cedar, for $20,000; Jason Reep, 110 E. Cedar, for $25,000; Bradley County Rural Water Association Inc., 112 E. Cedar, for $65,000.”
Appropriations Ordinance 781 was also passed unanimously to amend the 2022 county budget to allow transfers to be made to appropriate funds for the purchase.
In her address to the Quorum Court, St. John said, “This town needs hope. You want to see industry coming here, the way to do that is to improve the downtown.” Although Make Warren Shine has disbanded, she said during their short life, the small group had added murals in several locations, added 12 new awnings, put up quilt blocks as part of a regional tour, and had power washed buildings and sidewalks, in addition to planting and watering flowers. “Transparency is what I’m after,” she said, noting she had contacted four JPs who were unaware of the county’s plans for the buildings.
Later in the meeting, McKinney said, “That building was a great asset for 110 years, but each building has a life expectancy. I’m looking at the county’s interests in negotiating contracts.” He noted that no county business could be done until the Quorum Court passed ordinances or resolutions.
In other action:
- McKinney said he and Sheriff Herschel Tillman visited Ashley County Sheriff Tommy Sturgeon to discuss county jails. He said they also met with a contractor involved in medical procedures for prisoners. JP Pat Morman noted, “The county spent over $270,000 last year on transporting and housing prisoners.”
- McKinney said a concrete bridge was completed on Bradley 8-South but the road would remain closed until weather improves to allow county crews to complete roadwork.
- Michael Milton was approved to replace Lathan Hairston on the Bradley County Medical Center governing board.
- McKinney explained that federal CARES Act funds would be used to provide more fire hydrants in rural areas of the county. JP Bobby Hargrave noted that a water improvement project would be added through the Highway 15 Water Association. The county will provide pipes for the project.
- Kenneth Saunders was honored during the meeting for his work with Bradley County Rural Fire Department since 1981. Both McKinney and Hargrave, a BCRFD member, applauded Saunders’ efforts.
- The Sheriff’s Department report showed the following collections in March: Virtual Justice Fund, $11,080; Circuit Court service fees, $145; fines, $515; Ordinance 291 (bond), $132.10; 10 percent bond account, 29 cents. There were 13 transports totaling 630 miles (county prisoners), 2,133 miles (Arkansas Department of Correction prisoners), 210 miles for mental evaluations (court-ordered). A total of 67 papers were served, 15 tickets/citations issued, with 19 inmates currently incarcerated and one inmate on ankle monitor. A total of $20,764.48 was paid for housing inmates.
- Taxes collected in March included: $36,960.62, real estate; $55,605.97, personal property; and $49.52, checking account interest. Delinquent taxes collected included $323,950.41, real estate, and $313,884.40, personal property.
$18,000 was the total amount spent on 4 of Warren’s downtown murals. I was asking the Quorum Court for $7500 to be paid to the Chamber of Commerce for replacing the flag mural they will be tearing down. The Chamber could decide a building to replace the mural.
This was a community effort that brought enthused citizens together to get the mural initially. It brought hope that Warren Revitilization project was working and our downtown could be saved. It increased the value of the building and brought visitors and revenue to Warren in that 23 new businesses were established in downtown Warren the last five years after MWS started.
Let’s pray the Quorum Court still allocates $7500 for a new flag mural when they budget for landscaping and amphitheater for those empty lots!
Should have picked a better building to put it on. It looks like another investment in warren that did not bring any revenue to the town. I find it laughable more telling of the economic mindset of some people in the decision making positions in the city. To think that a mural and flowers is gonna save the town. Of the 23 business that open how many closed? How many have actually made it? How many are actually drawing people in with the hope that it could provide jobs and careers for a family? The town couldn’t even work with an existing business that has now moved to next town over and is currently build a massive business. That tax revenue is gone from the city and the county. “But my murals!” Some will say as other laugh at the absurdity of the ideal. Now that the ball is rolling there are more structures that need to be demolished not just the ones the council and some city employees seems to have a vendetta against.
23 new businesses still exist. A couple changed owners, like most recently, Warehouse B.
The building the mural is on is in great condition.. it was not condemned. Four years ago there were no plans to sell it or tear it down. The owners of the building were excited to have it seeing as how many were veterans on the Rural Water Board that approved the mural.
they should give the money for the mural as so many enjoy seeing it and it is only fair !! there are the angel wings on other wall that need replaced also
Another sad indictment on my hometown that is becoming more and more of a failure as the years pass. More and more people are leaving. Young folks are leaving and what is left are people who only care about hunting and fishing and people who basically live off of the system. The school system consistently hovers around the D ranking and now a strip of the downtown is about to be leveled because of multi system failure from the owners to the city. Warren indicted itself to where it is when many moons ago “the names” handed over the reigns to Monticello to be the flagship of Southeast Arkansas. And until this day, people still provide Monticello with sales tax revenue and business. More than likely, Monticello is about to affiliate its hospital with the baptist health system giving them access to great care and medical doctors while BCMC works to go on the cheap and “patch up” an already dilapidated facility. It’s failed leadership across the board thanks to the same old somebodies running the show in town. I suspect when I return home to Warren one day to visit, it will look like Dermott, McGehee or Fordyce because so many are scared of progression. While we are at it, tearing down stuff like buildings, tax paid spec buildings, etc, go ahead and mow down the “come grow with us” welcome to Warren sign as well as you come into town from Pine Bluff. Because that’s a bunch of baloney.
I UNDERSTAND NOT WANTING TO BRING DOWN THOSE BUILDS. I WORKED AT WAYNES ALL 0F THE 60. UP STAIRS WAS IN VERY BAD CONDITION THEN. SAFTY COMES FIRST BUT I STILL HAVE MY MEMORIES THAT I WOULDN’T TAKE ANY THING FOR.
I think most know the history and won’t disagree with you on that, but can we please stop pretending that Monticello is in a class by itself and something that every city in the United States should strive to be. You drive in their downtown past where Cockrell’s is and it’s as dead as can be until you get to the gas station where the roads run back together. Monticello has the college, Wal-Mart, and all these places to eat, which is great, but they are still losing population like the rest of the region and have their own issues. Secondly, Drew Memorial is basically being bailed out by Baptist and I’m not sure I’d hold my breath on them having access to all this incredible care. It may work out that way, but they are in this situation because of THEIR failed leadership. BCMC has its own issues, but again, there’s no reason to ignore the issues elsewhere and they aren’t hemorrhaging money like Drew Memorial. This is just the way it is for a small town. I am sad about the state of some things in Warren, but not everything and I’m certainly still proud to be from Warren and live in Warren. I’m sad about the Sandwich Shop, but we can’t just wait to let it fall in and kill someone. I’m sad about the mural, but at the end of the day, another mural can be pained one day. I’m not sure if the rumors are true of what is going in those spots and I have my reservations about that. But something like this can be an opportunity instead of a detriment if it’s handled the right way.
Trust me. I loathe Monticello. Everything about it, I cannot stand. But Warren can be better than them with the right leadership. If Warren people/leaders cared, they would find a way to prevent citizens of Warren and Bradley county from going over there and spending money and find a way to KEEP THE TAX MONEY IN WARREN with our own commerce.
Hey I Love that idea about mowing down the “Come Grow With Us” Welcome to Warren sign and it gave me a good belly laugh also, because I have lived here 48 years too long and have seen this town Slowly die and it is picking up speed as I am typing! To me, that sign is an embarrassment
Don’t understand why Sandwich Shop wasn’t reimbursed for loss of business…it’s wrong in the biggest since of WRONG.. !!!
The fact that the buildings aren’t safe is enough reason to tear them down. The flag mural will be missed and so will the wings. I just want to say, as the painter of the other mural of wings by the thrift store, I’m sure I could paint you something if needed. AND, I could give you a better price. Thank you have a nice day!
Your power is in your vote! Come next election county and city vote against who ever is seeking re-election. If things don’t change! Next election vote them out of office. Then and only then will they get the message loud and clear.
This is messed up…. Warren, Arkansas is going backwards instead of forward!The buildings should never have gotten in such bad repair!! Why wasn’t something done before now! Ridiculous!
Tearing down the $18,000.00 mural that was just painted in 2019 is so stupid! Make Warren Shine should be paid back $18,000.00! They disbanded because of lack of volunteers & money! Some of you folks need to get up off your butts & get it going again!! Folks need to stand behind Leah St John! She did more for Warren than anyone! Just a shame! Makes me so sad!
Sure, I don’t live there, but I grew up there…but it doesn’t take much sense to figure out this is not right!
All 4 murals totaled $18,000.(that was a misprint) I just asked for $7500 to replace the flag mural. The money could be given to the Chamber to replace it.
Thx
We’ve corrected the amount and apologize for the error. Thanks for bringing that to our attention.
Just think about it. I bet most if not all the buildings on Main Street will not pass code because of asbestos and lead paint. And Molly’s back in the day used to be a 4 wheeler and motorcycle shop. There is motor oil, carborator cleaner, gas etc all in those old wood floors. And can u remember we needed a new post office because the one on main street needed repair and it was full of asbestos. So we built a new post office (which we needed). But then they let people rent the old post office. And if you Drive around back, there is building material all over the dock. And there are vehicles back there like someone is living in the post office. Then the town decides that we cant have kids going to school at the westside school because it needed work and it had asbestos in it. But then turn around and have people taking physical therapy and dialysis and other medical procedures in the same place that was harmful to the students. Warren has always been about : Your Last Name, Who You Know, and who you rub elbows with.
I understand that the buildings needed to come down. We don’t want anyone getting hurt. What I want to know is why the county bought the buildings and going to turn it into an amphitheater, what revenue is going to come from that?
I’m sorry to read that this block will be demolished. This leaves a hole in the heart of Warren….and in the hearts of many of us born and raised in Warren.
Can’t wait to see the COVID emergency building sit and collect dust. After spending 5 million on it. Just going to be another tax burden like the cultural center.
What is a Covid emergency building & why was 5 million spent on it? How’s that working out?!! Looks like Warren has some serious leadership problems!
Just a shame!
it is funny to me that if all you can do is complain why do you stay in such a terrible place. Step up help your city by getting involved. Vote if you want change start with CC & QC .
Been gone for some time. Just sad to see the world leave behind a city dear to me and gave me thousands of wonderful memories. All in the name of doing things the way great grandpa used to do it. Voting is great but have you paid attention to Warren’s voting turnout numbers over the years? Warren has 5400 people with maybe 700 votes from voters in each election cycle. That tells me all I need to know about the citizens of Warren that are left there. Pathetic.
I guess I might as well throw my opinion out there as well. Warren natives love warren but it has little interest to anyone not from there. I am all about cleaning up the town and making it look decent and safe at the same time. The sad part is, it is no longer the 1950’s, the timber industry is no longer booming for small town America. The one industry south arkansas had is not what it use to be. I just want everyone to think how desperate we actually got over the last few years, how our “LEADERS” thought that the next industry to grow warren was going to be a prison. We were going to build our success off of a prison? Is that not insane? What a great thing for our community, why don’t we go ahead and increase our crime rate just a little more. I guess when you get desperate, you try anything that will boost our economy even if it destroys our community. Maybe people need to stop voting for the same people every year who make such poor decisions. Not to speak of our trash service the county leadership handled so well that private companies had to come and take over part of the business. Greg Reep did well before when he was mayor, maybe he can talk some sense into our other BRIGHT leadership.
If they redevelop that area correctly, it could be a huge win for downtown, could incorporate a splash pad, a farmers market building, and some open green space that would be amazing during Pink Tomato festival! Are there any talks about what will be put in this area?
Mayor Reep did a fine job during his previous tenure and I think he will get it done again. But Warrenites need to weed out the poor leaders on the city council, economic board, and chamber. It’s the same ole same ole people when I was still a resident. People are scared of change in Warren. I think a splash pad would be great but I can hear it now, we don’t need no hooligans causin a ruckus downtown. Food truck station would be great. But I can hear it now. We don’t need to bring in something to suppress our local establishments. What establishments? Molly’s? Sonic? A chicken shack that also sells tobacco. There is literally not one place in town when I come to visit to sit down and have a decent meal with my family and that’s an embarrassment. A farmers market would be great too. What about a dang coffee shop with wifi in town get a decent cup of coffee? I think a green space park would be great as well. Nice landscaping. Benches. Landscape lights. All these ideas are great but leaders lack one thing. Vision. The old guard is scared of ideas and progress. Warren’s downtown has so much potential with the right leadership and right fiscal minds. I don’t know, I love Warren. I can talk about it but I don’t want anyone else trashing it but something has to change or home is going to look like Eudora one day. And that makes me sick to my stomach.