WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — The City of West Memphis is reportedly receiving a $1.7 million grant to fund a large animal shelter to be built at the site of the former Mid-South Greyhounds Adoption Center.
This money will be given to the City of West Memphis by Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis, a parent company called Delaware North and the Arkansas Greyhound Kennel Association.
The new shelter is said to be named after Ness Sechrest, the chairman emeritus of the Southland board of directors as well as his wife Carolyn.
A groundbreaking is set for 10 a.m. on 2000 Southland Drive (behind Southland Casino Hotel). A reception is said to be held at the Charred Oak Bourbon Bar at Southland Casino Hotel at 1550 North Ingram Boulevard.
In a partnership with Arkansas State University Mid-South, Southland also said they are establishing new scholarships with a $537,500 gift. They said they are endowing four scholarships ($500,000 total) in honor of local leaders Mary Toney, the late Cortez Kennedy, the late Frank Martin and Hershel Owens.
Southland said they are also contributing $37,500 to introduce and help fund the new Crittenden County Promise Scholarships. They said that for county residents who meet the eligibility criteria, these last-dollar scholarships will cover remaining tuition costs after other aid.
