News from July 3, 2003 issue



Magistrate wants cameras on dumps, signs
BY ALLISON EVANS

Curt Buntin's idea might cost the Crittenden Fiscal Court some money initially, but it might save thousands of dollars in the long run.

Buntin hopes the purchase and installation of tiny, hidden cameras will put the brakes to vandals who cost the county thousands of dollars by stealing road signs.

"Every month I find more missing," Buntin said. "The last time I drove all the roads in my district, I had 21 missing signs.

"I've put up a bunch since then, but it's pitiful."

Buntin took his idea of purchasing a couple of miniature cameras to the fiscal court in June. The court liked his idea and gave their blessing to his investigative work.

Crittenden Judge-Executive Pippi Hardin estimates it costs $80 to replace a road sign, an annual expense to the county of about $2,500 to $3,000 a year.

"These signs aren't taken on busy roads," Buntin said. "And few people have accidents that tear them down."
Buntin said people who steal road signs usually use a truck to push or pull over the pole the sign sits on, then break the bracket off of the pole to free the sign.

"Accidents happen, with people who have these big disks or long trailers, but most farmers are good enough to call and say they laid it by the fence," Buntin said. "I had a guy one time who brought one by my house."

Buntin said when the county orders replacement signs and installs them, it is just a matter of time before they're gone again.

"I know of five within two miles of my house that are missing now," said Buntin, magistrate in the district which includes Sheridan.

If the county purchases a miniature camera ­ some of which are as small as the tip of your thumb ­ Buntin hopes it will be successful in catching some thieves which can be used as examples.

He also hopes the county will use the cameras at illegal dumps to deter that activity as well.
"I'm just waiting on information," he said. "Some of the cameras will be able to pick up the license plate, a description of the vehicle and the person."

Anyone who has information about cameras or road signs is encouraged to contact Buntin. at 965-2902.

Marines coming home to Marion Friday
Family and friends of Marine Lance Cpl. Joey Rich and Lance Cpl. Michael Croft met them recently at Camp Lejeune, N.C., for brief reunions when the two soldiers returned stateside from the Iraqi War.

Rich and Croft were among the Marines fighting with the vanguard of troops which pushed northerly through Iraq during the most intense part of the war.

A rifle company Marine, Rich returned to Camp Lejeune via ship June 22 and Croft landed Saturday. Croft, assigned to a mortar company, is in the Second Marine Expeditionary Unit and Rich in the First Marines.

Jane Rich and Debra Croft, mothers of the respective soldiers, say their boys looked well fed and were in good condition during their short visits last week in North Carolina.

Croft and Rich are each coming home this week. Both are scheduled to be in Marion by Friday. The two are on extended leaves of 20 to 25 days.