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1. How do I get into the airport FBO after hours?

There is a keypad and the code to get in is Fort Smith's ground control frequency.

2. Are there rental cars available on the field?

We have Enterprise and Cogswell Motors, the local Ford dealership, that will bring out the cars and leave them here for the customer. The phone numbers are (479) 968-2779 (Enterprise) and (479) 968-2665 (Cogswell).

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1. What is the difference between the Pope County Prosecutor’s Office and the Russellville City Attorney’s Office?

The Russellville City Attorney’s Office prosecutes all misdemeanor crimes, traffic violations, and city ordinance violations which occur within the Russellville city limits, whereas the Pope County Prosecutor’s Office prosecutes all felony crimes committed in Pope County and all misdemeanor crimes, traffic violations, and county ordinance violations that occur outside the Russellville city limits but inside the county.

2. What is the difference between Municipal Court and District Court?

The District Judge is an elected position responsible for the adjudication of all criminal and civil cases. This program provides a forum for the prompt resolution of cases filed. The court plans to continue improving its collections on fines and costs assessed and to set cases for trial within 60 days after the arraignment date. In 2001, Amendment 3 was passed by Arkansas voters. This Constitutional Amendment has effected the court. The first change was that all Municipal Courts became District Courts. This name change became effective on July 1, 2001. Other changes will depend on the outcome of the future Legislative Sessions.

3. I got a ticket for a minor traffic violation. Can I keep it off my driving record?

Under certain circumstances, the City Attorney’s Office will allow persons who receive traffic tickets (i.e., speeding, disobeying stop sign, careless driving, disobeyed traffic signal) to keep the ticket off their record. If a person desires to keep a traffic offense off their record, the person can call the City Attorney’s Office at (479) 967-3186 before their arraignment date, and see if the ticket has been booked into the City’s computer system. If the ticket has been booked, the person can come in before arraignment and try to settle the ticket with an attorney within the office, or the person can plead not guilty at their arraignment date and try to settle the ticket with an attorney within the office before their trial date.

4. I am a victim of domestic abuse. How do I get a protection order, and what is the difference between a protection order and a restraining order?

In cases of domestic abuse, for example, an Order of Protection may be sought in the Pope County Circuit Court. A citizen may use their private attorney to obtain an Order of Protection or may contact the Victim Coordinator of the Pope County Prosecutor’s Office at (479) 968-8600. An Order of Protection is handled by the Prosecutor’s Office and usually issued only for cases including family or household members. A court issues orders of protection to victims of domestic violence. Orders demand that an abuser stop threatening, stalking or physically assaulting the victim. Orders often demand that an abuser also stop contacting the victim in any form, including in person, by phone or by mail.

A No Contact Order is a pre-trial order issued by a court when a charge of Harassment, Harassing Communications, or Terroristic Threatening is filed in court by a prosecutor. These Orders remain in effect until the trial date of the Defendant. Depending on the outcome of the trial, the Order may either be extended as part of a guilty judgment against the Defendant or set aside by the Court.

A restraining order is different than an Order of Protection. Restraining orders are usually issued civil cases. A restraining order is issued by a court to protect someone from threats or physical abuse. Restraining orders are different from orders of protection because restraining orders can also include provisions for property, child support, spousal maintenance and child custody when these are issues during a divorce or separation. Violations of restraining orders are enforced by the issuing court rather than through criminal prosecution in District Court.

However, a violation of an Order of Protection is a Class A Misdemeanor in the State of Arkansas, and therefore, if an Order of Protection has been issued and served on a person who subsequently violates terms of the order, the police are allowed under Arkansas law to arrest that person if they have probable cause.

5. I was beat up last night by my husband and the police charged him with domestic battery and told me to get an order of protection. I would like an order of protection.

Orders of Protection are done by the Prosecutor’s Office (Pope County Courthouse on Main Street and Arkansas) and then put before a Circuit Court Judge. Call the Prosecutor’s Office at 479-968-8600 for further information.

6. Can I drop charges in a case for which I was the victim?

The prosecutor needs to know about the request, but whether or not the charges will be dropped is within the prosecutor’s discretion. As already noted on this website, the City Attorney’s Office has a no-drop policy on domestic abuse cases, but we always want to know the wishes and needs of the victim.

7. I am a victim of a crime and I want to know how I can find out information about the case?

If you call the City Attorney’s Office at (479) 967-3186, and give a description of the crime involved, including the approximate date of the incident, the City Attorney’s Office will find out the status of your case for you.

8. What are a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and a DUI (Driving Under the Influence)?

You may be charged with a DWI if you drive while intoxicated or while you have a blood alcohol content of .08 or greater.

You may be charged with a DUI if you are under 21 and drive while you have a blood alcohol content of at .02 and less than .08. If you are under 21 and your blood alcohol is .08 or higher you will be charged with a DWI. DWI 1st through 3rd offenses are misdemeanors and DUI offenses are misdemeanors.

This office prosecutes all misdemeanor DWI’s: 1st offense through 3rd offense. If you receive a 4th DWI within 5 years the DWI is automatically a felony which will be prosecuted by the Pope County Prosecutor’s Office.

9. What happens if I forget my court date?

If you do not appear in court on the date you are scheduled to appear, the judge issues a Failure to Appear Warrant which can include a cash bond. The amount set is according to the kind of traffic violation or criminal charge you have. Also, a copy of this FTA is sent to Little Rock Driver Control and your driver’s license is suspended until the warrant is paid.

If the FTA warrant is served by our warrant officers you will be brought to the police department and taken to jail if the bond cannot be paid.

10. I have a returned check someone gave me for rent. They paid me $100 on it and said they would pay me the rest, but have not yet done so. Can I get a warrant?

No. A check for rent is money owned to a person, this is not a hot check and can’t be criminally prosecuted. This will need to be handled in the small claims court and the District Clerk’s Office.

11. Someone hit me and did not have insurance, although they showed the officer proof at the time. What can I do to them?

You can file an Affidavit for an Arrest Warrant through our office for not having insurance and pursue the matter criminally. Additionally, if you pay to fix your own car, you can also ask the judge for restitution. If your insurance pays to fix your car, then you will have to sue the person financially responsible in Civil Court. If it is less than $10,000.00 it can be handled through our Small Claims Court here in District Court.

12. I have a hot check someone gave me how do I collect it?

The hot check program is through the Prosecutor’s Office (4th floor of Pope County Courthouse).

13. How do I find out if I have a warrant?

Most of our warrant notifications are first sent by mail. If you receive this notification then you need to respond immediately to the paperwork. You can also contact the Police Department between regular business hours at (479) 968-3232. Your driver's license is usually suspended upon the issuance of a warrant.

14. Where do I pick up a police report?

There are a couple different ways to pick up a police report. You can go to the Police Department during regular business hours and pick up a report, for a small nominal fee. The other option is to go visit the police reports website.

15. I have a neighbor who has unlicensed or inoperative vehicles on his property, and he will not cut his grass. What can I do?

Complaints on unsanitary and unsightly conditions, or complaints about inoperative or unlicensed vehicles should be made directly to the Code Enforcement Division of Community Development, phone number (479) 967-2633

16. I am a landlord in Russellville and I have rented property to a tenant who has not paid me rent pursuant to our agreement, and I cannot get them to move out. What can I do?

The way to proceed is to file a civil ejectment or unlawful detainer action. It is recommended you contact a private attorney to discuss this process. It is also recommended you contact a private attorney to discuss any other questions in regard to your rights against your tenant, except the criminal procedure set our specifically herein, in which the City Attorney’s Office can be of assistance to you.

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1. What is the tallest your grass can get before you have to cut it?

10 inches is the maximum before you will be notified to mow it.

2. What do I have to do to keep my vehicles on my property?

You will have to have any and all vehicles on your property licensed, insured, and running for them to remain on the property. If this cannot be done you will need to have the vehicle removed or placed in an enclosed garage.

3. Can I keep miscellaneous stuff in my yard i.e. old appliances, furnishings, etc.?

No, these items will need to be picked up and properly disposed of or placed back within the confines of your house or storage shed.

4. Can I keep my camper/RV in my yard?

Yes, however there are certain guidelines on the size and location of said camper/RV. This can be found in Section 3.12.2 of the Russellville Zoning Code, Ordinance 1966.

5. If I rent and have issues that could be considered life threatening i.e. Electrical, Plumbing & Sewer issues and my landlord will not do anything about it can I call Code Enforcement and get help?

Yes, Please call our office at (479) 967-2633 and we will take the complaint and get the information to the Code Enforcement officer for him to make an appointment with you to have a look at the issues you’ve been having.

6. Can I blow my leaves out into the road to get them off of my property?

No, if the leaves are left in the road when it rains it can cause the leaves to clog the drainage which in turn causes areas to flood.

7. Can I just burn my trash rather than have a trash service contract?

No, you are not allowed to burn your trash in Russellville City limits and will have to get and keep a trash service.

8. I saw graffiti on someone’s property the other day, is there anything the City can do about it?

Yes, please notify the Code Enforcement office at (479) 967-2633 and let us know and we’ll get in touch with the owners and have it removed.

9. Can I park my big rig at my property?

If the said vehicle is over the height of 9 feet then it cannot be kept on the property.

10. Can I have a yard sale for however many days that I want?

No, you can only have up to 3 yard sales a year each yard sell being a maximum of 3 days each and cannot be consecutive days.

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1. How do I obtain a fire report?

You can obtain a fire report by calling the Fire Administration Office at 479-968-2332 and speaking with the administrative assistant. A report will be prepared for you at a cost of $10.

2. How do I schedule a fire truck or firefighter at a function or a special event?

To schedule a truck or personnel for a function or event you can contact the fire administration office at 479-968-2332. You will be directed to the right person who will set up the schedule with you. All inquiries should be made no later than 2 weeks prior to the scheduled event.

3. How do I schedule a station tour?

To schedule a station tour you can contact the fire administration office at 479-968-2332. You will be directed to the right person who will set up the schedule with you or will contact you. All inquiries should be made no later than 2 weeks prior to the scheduled tour.

4. Will you check my blood pressure?

All Russellville firefighters are EMTs or Paramedics. You can go by any fire station and ask to have your blood pressure checked. If there is no one at the station, they will return shortly. Remember, high blood pressure is the silent killer.

5. Why do so many fire trucks respond to an emergency incident?

Fire units are dispatched by 911 according to the information they receive. When responding to a call such as a house fire, it must be assumed that the incident is serious. It is always easier to turn back incoming help, than it is to call for it when you need it and then have to wait on it. For the Russellville Fire Department, the first arriving engine company will "size-up" the scene. If they report that they can handle the incident themselves, they will then cancel other incoming units. An inadequate response could be detrimental to loss of life and property. This loss could be to you or your family.

6. I called for an ambulance, why did I also get a fire truck?

The fire truck and ambulance work together. The strategic placement of fire stations allows the closest engine company to quickly respond when a citizen is in need. Since firefighters are medically trained, it is sensible to send them on critical calls when time is a factor and quick attention is needed.

7. Is it necessary for fire trucks to block the street at an emergency incident?

During an emergency, streets may be blocked for a number of reasons including for the protection of the public, fire personnel and equipment, and victims. Fire trucks may be strategically placed at the emergency scene to access the emergency and protect the work area. Many firefighters and police officers have been struck and killed due to negligent drivers or unprotected scenes. It may also be necessary to lay fire hose across a street, whereas, vehicle traffic could damage the water supply and place firefighters and fire victims in danger.

8. Why do I see fire trucks go down the street with lights and sirens, then suddenly turn lights and sirens off and slow down?

Often several fire trucks are initially dispatched to an emergency incident. When a fire truck "shuts down" it's emergency response, most likely what has happened is the situation has been downgraded. The first unit may have arrived on scene, surveyed the situation, and informed the dispatcher that the situation is under control. At this time all other responding units are notified to disregard the call and are cancelled en route. Immediately slowing down, decreases the risk of a traffic accident.

9. Click the link to get back to the Fire Department Page

Russellville Fire Department

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1. How do I find out if I have a warrant?

Most of our warrant notifications are first sent by mail. If you receive this notification then you need to respond immediately to the paperwork. You can also contact the Police Department between regular business hours at 479-968-3232. Your driver's license is usually suspended upon the issuance of a warrant.

2. How do I go about setting up a neighborhood watch in my area?

The Neighborhood Watch program is a great program to help kick start crime prevention in your neighborhood. The first thing you need to do is call 479-968-3232 and ask for LT. Jones. The process usually consists of you getting a group together and having an initial meeting that consists of general information. This is a great program to get started in your area, and it is very easy to implement.

3. Where do I pick up a police report?

A person can always come to the Police Department during regular business hours and pick up a report, for a small nominal fee. 

4. I got a ticket, now what?

There are several different options to take once you receive a ticket. The 1st option is to either pay the ticket online or go to the Russellville Police Department front lobby during normal business hours and pay the ticket using cash, money order, or check with proper ID. The 2nd option is to go to court and discuss with the judge your options with the ticket. The 3rd option is to go to court and plead not guilty and contest the ticket in court.

5. I know where some drug activity or other criminal act is, what do I do to report it anonymously?

There is anonymous tip line you can call at 479-967-2221. You can also call our dispatch at 479-968-0911 and state that you would like to remain anonymous. This number is for more immediate response. A person can also email us anonymously letting us know where the activity is.

6. There are speeders that go up and down my road, what do I do about it?

You can call 479-968-3232 and ask for the Watch Commander during normal business hours or you can email us. Please note specific times this happens and the exact location.

7. I would like somebody to come speak to a group of us about crime prevention or police work in general.

We would love to help you with any of your crime prevention needs please call 479-968-3232 or email us.

8. What do I do if I am contacted by a scammer?

If you have a financial loss in the scam you will need to make a report with the police department. Call 479-968-3232 or 911 if it is an emergency.

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1. How do I get a street over laid?

A comprehensive analysis and grading of the city streets is completed every 3 years. This process assigns a grade based upon various conditions of degradation. The overall grades of the streets are then sorted and prioritized in a 3-year overlay program. The most recent assessment was completed in February 2013 (PDF). For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 479-968-2406.

2. How do I get a street light installed?

Street lights are installed and maintained by Entergy upon approval by the Mayor. Requests are submitted through the Mayor's office at City Hall. The requests are reviewed and submitted to the Mayor for approval and forwarded to Entergy. The city's policy requires there be a minimum distance of 300 feet between street lights. Interested parties should contact City Hall at 479-968-2098.

3. How do I report that a street light is out?

Entergy maintains street lights. If a light is out, please call 800-968-8243 with the location, preferably a close street address, to report the outage. You can also complete a work order on Entergy's website

4. How do I get a pothole repaired?

Potholes can be reported by submitting a Service Request in the Request Tracker. Note the location by intersection or closest street address to insure promptness.

5. How do I report a signal problem?

Call 911 to report a traffic light outage. For non-emergencies, call the Public Works Office at 479-968-2406.

6. Does the city mow property?

The city maintains right-of-ways in some easements in undeveloped areas. You can submit a mowing request by making a Service Request in the Request Tracker. Note the location by intersection or closest street address to insure promptness.

7. How do I get rid of limbs, brush, and yard waste?

Yard waste may be delivered to the Russellville Animal Shelter located at Hwy. 7-T S off of Jimmy Lile Road. Contact the Animal Shelter at 479-968-1944 for more information.

8. How do I report a drainage problem?

Drainage problems can be reported by submitting a Service Request in the Request Tracker. Please note the location by intersection or closest street address to insure promptness.

9. How do I report trees/bushes blocking the view of traffic?

Traffic issues can be reported by submitting a Service Request in the Request Tracker. Please note the location by intersection or closest street address to insure promptness.

10. Can the city install speed bumps to slow traffic down on my street?

The city's policy is not to install speed bumps to control traffic. If there is a speeding issue please report it to the Public Works Office at 479-968-2406 and the Russellville Police Department at 479-968-3232.

11. What is the traffic count for certain locations?

You can go to the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department website and find traffic count information by city, county or district. You may also call AHTD at 800-437-4701 or write:
AHTD
Attn: Map Services
P.O. Box 02261
Little Rock, AR 72203

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1. How do I reserve a pavilion at a city park?

To reserve a pavilion you can click this link or you can stop by the Parks Department office located in the Hughes Community Center at 1000 East Parkway. Fees are $35 for half days (8 a.m. - 3 p.m., or 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.), or $50 for all day (8 a.m. - 10 p.m.). If not reserved, pavilions may be used free of charge on a 1st come 1st serve basis.

2. Where are the city pavilions located?

The city currently has 9 pavilions. They are located in the following parks:

• City Park - 915 E. B St.
• Hickey Park - 1312 E. 16th St.
• Hickey Pool - 1312 E. 16th St.
• James School Park - 807 W. 4th Place
• Pleasant View Park - 3595 N. Arkansas Ave.
• Soccer Complex - 901 Lock and Dam Road
• Sequoyah Park - 1805 W. 12th St.
• Shiloh Park - 3405 N. Arkansas Ave.
• Washburn Park - 1185 Lakefront Drive
• There are 2 pavilions located in Hickey Park

3. Where do I call to reserve a pavilion at Old Post Park?

Old Post Park is operated by the Corps of Engineers, and the number to call to reserve a pavilion is 877-444-6777.

4. How do I reserve a practice field?

Reservations for practice fields at Shiloh Park and Pleasant View Park can be done online here. The current fee is $15 for a 90 minute practice. 

5. When do I register a team for softball?

The department usually registers summer softball teams in March, and fall softball teams in July. 

6. What if I do not have a team but still want to play?

You may request that your name and phone number be placed on an "orphans list." The list is posted in the Hughes Center office where coaches may look when they need a player. Call 479-968-1272 for more information.

7. How do I find out if my City League ball game is rained out?

Check out the River Valley Adult Slow Pitch Softball (RSVL) page on Facebook for information on rainouts and rescheduling of rained out games.

8. How do I join the weight room located in the Hughes Center?

To join the weight room you must complete a membership form (PDF) and pay the monthly fee of $15. There are no signup fees or contracts. Application for membership must be done during the office hours of 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday at the Hughes Center
1000 East Parkway
Russellville, AR 72801

Only members are allowed into the weight room. Age requirements are as follows:

• 14 & 15 year olds must have a parent to work out with them and a signed underage waiver.
• 16 & 17 year olds must have a signed underage waiver.
• There are no restrictions for anyone 18 or older.