The Teen Court and the Youth Diversion Program has had a strong start to the year. In the past three months, nine teens have received sanctions and are completing their hours of community service which includes serving as a juror in the Teen Court Program. As of March 2011 none of the 19 total youth participants have been charged for repeat criminal activity.

The program offers first time teenage offenders an alternative to the traditional juvenile justice system and a criminal record. Teens with misdemeanor charges such as curfew violation or disorderly conduct appear before a jury of trained teen volunteers. Teens also perform the roles of prosecuting and defense attorneys, bailiff, and clerk. Judge Ann Hudson is the only adult directly involved with the proceedings, with Attorney Kinchen, Monteque Robinson and Walter Darnell serving advisory roles.  Offenders receive sentences of a minimum of 18 hours of community service. Since the program became fully operational in October 2010, 19 teens have completed Teen Court and received sanctions. Additionally, more than 67 students from all six high schools in the county are actively engaged as volunteers to help lead this program.

“Members of the Phillips County Quorum Court Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution clarifying the intention of the county’s legislative body to provide ongoing support to the Phillips County Animal Control Center in its effort to provide animal control services for the cities in the unincorporated areas of Phillips County.

“I think this is something we should step back and be proud of. This is the first time in a while that the county and all the cities have come together on a project, “said Morgan. “A countywide partnership will be something to take notice of.” This partnership includes State Rep. Clark Hall, County Judge Don Gentry; Helena-West Helena Mayor Arnell Willis , Marvell Mayor Donald Cutlip, Elaine Mayor Lucien Webster, Lake View Mayor Henrietta Wilson, Lexa Mayor Donald Ford; Phillips County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Doug Friedlander and Humane Society of the Delta Executive Director Kathryn Freres.”

JP’s Support Countywide Animal Control (.pdf)

Southern Bancorp Capital Partners received a grant of $55,000 from the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection program to do earthworks restoration and preservation services at Civil War Batteries A and D and to do archaeological research at Batteries B and C.

Last week some metal detecting was done at the “C” site and some square nails, a small led ball and some broken glass were found. The archeological work on Battery C will help in determining where the revetment was located. A revetment is a wall or barricade. Plans are to rebuild the revetment at the site as a part of the total Civil War Helena Interpretive Plan.

Dig begins on Battery C (.pdf)

“Teen Court is directed toward offering positive alternatives to those who admit to being guilty of their actions. ‘These teens who take full responsibility for their actions are really offered a second chance through corrective alternatives that are issued through a jury of their peers,’ says Montague Robinson, Phillips County Youth Diversion Coordinator.”

PC Teen Court Opens Doors for Troubled Teens (.pdf)

“The Delta Bridge Project announced Tuesday a $263,000, three-year matching grant to establish the Great River Promise scholarship program, which will help graduates of high schools in Phillips County to attend Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas.”

Great River Promise Scholarship (.pdf)

“We feel that these teens that are making these mistakes, that know that the offenses that are being made are wrong, seem to respond better to their peers playing the parts of the prosecutor and the attorney than they would if they were to face more serious actions in the court room,” Robinson said.

Youth Diversion Program (.pdf)

The Delta Bridge Project, a collaboration of Phillips County organizations, has awarded a $186,000 grant for a business incubator in Helena-West Helena. The money will be used to renovate, equip and staff a 9,100-square-foot facility in a downtown building owned by Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas. A major goal of the incubator is to create at least eight viable businesses in the first three years of its operation.

Helena Business Boosted by Grant (.pdf)

The 2010-2020 Strategic Community Plan is hot off the presses and ready to be handed out to the eagerly awaiting Phillips County community. Thursday, December 9th, 2010 from 5:30 – 8:00pm the Delta Bridge Project will be hosting a tent during the opening night of the Helena on Ice Winter Festival in Court Square Park. Photos of the community’s successes over the past five years will be displayed, community leaders will be available to discuss current and future projects, free holiday treats will be served, and of course the new plan will be distributed.

The National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) recently certified two Helena-West Helena School teachers. This certification allows them to not only teach in Arkansas but to teach anywhere in the U.S.

First NBPTS Certified Teachers (.pdf)

“The Delta Bridge Project is finally getting down to the nitty gritty as area business and professional leaders gathered this past week to outline many of Coahoma County’s assets, liabilities and potential for growth.”

Planning Begins in Coahoma County (.pdf)