Magnolia may soon become an entertainment district. If local government discussions are any indicator, an answer from the Magnolia City Council may be here in the coming months.
Mayor Parnell Vann reassured the public that a new splash pad and skate park at Magnolia's East Side Park will be built as promised, and that he has been in significant talks with a development group over the last month. "It will happen," Vann said as he addressed the Magnolia City Council Monday. "We should have something before July's (city council) meeting – hopefully to bring to you." The Magnolia City Council also heard and discussed a proposal from California-based firm Bird Rides, Inc., to partner with the city to operate a scooter rental service in Magnolia. The proposal technically called a memorandum of understating (MOU) between the city and the scooter company – if passed, would allow the devices to be rented and ridden throughout the city and be subject to the same rules, regulations, and travel access as local cyclists.
Monday's meeting of the Magnolia City Council features an agreement with an electric scooter company and the appointment of a new Magnolia city attorney on the agenda. The Council meets at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
Former Arkansas Sen. Bryan King of Green Forest ousted state Sen. Bob Ballinger of Ozark in Tuesday’s runoff election, four years after Ballinger beat King.