RSSMix.com Mix ID 238662

Arkansas lottery hit with trademark suit

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:15:56 -0400

A Little Rock businessman filed suit Thursday against the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, arguing that the lottery should be ordered to stop using terms for which he secured the trademark years ago including the phrase Arkansas Lottery.

Conway students rock in Youth Rock Orchestra

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:51:53 -0400

About 70 Conway High School students will participate in a Youth Rock Orchestra featuring the Mark Wood Experience at Robinson Auditorium in Little Rock on April 15. Wood is an original violinist and string master, playing with the Trans Siberian Orchestra since its inception 13 years ago. His band is comprised of Trans Siberian Orchestra members of past and present.

Pilot killed when experimental plane crashes

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:30:03 -0400

Authorities say the pilot of an experimental airplane was killed when the aircraft crashed into the backyard of a Huntsville residence.

Arkansas universities warn students about Mexico spring break

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:53:01 -0400

This weekend marks the start of spring break for many Arkansas college students.

Arkansas lawmakers talk about voting on health care reform Sunday

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:58:12 -0400

Just hours ago, lawmakers received the final version of the health care reform plan.The House Rules Committee posted a 153-page reconciliation bill that "fixes" the Senate health care bill. Click here to see the full text.

Mobile version of Arkansas.gov launched

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:02:08 -0400

A new mobile version of Arkansas.gov. has been launched.

UCA Green Week demonstration

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:18:35 -0400

Sujith Kumar, a University of Central Arkansas professor in the political science department and Conway Advocates for Bicycling member, works on a bicycle during the UCA Green Week transportation day demonstration. UCA is partnering with CAB to start a bike rental program at the school beginning April 1. LIBERTY PARKS PHOTO

Yesterdays (3/19/10)

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:07:52 -0400

75 years ago

(1935)

Former Clinton Fundraiser Pleads Guilty to Fraud

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:55:14 -0400

A wealthy Manhattan investment banker who was once a top fundraiser for Hillary Rodham Clinton and other big-name Democrats pleaded guilty Thursday to bank fraud.

Amazed By Arkansas: Wye Mountain Daffodil Festival

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:55:10 -0400

The weekend of March 20-21 and March 27-28 is the 32nd annual Wye Mountain Daffodil Festival.

THV Exclusive: Former Judge Willard Proctor speaks out for first time

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:51:08 -0400

Former Pulaski County Circuit Judge Willard Proctor isn't giving up the fight to get his job back.

Faulkner County man arrested on suspicion of raping a child

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:34:27 -0400

A Faulkner County man has been arrested on suspicion of raping a child.

One dead after plane crash in Huntsville

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:32:19 -0400

A plane crash killed one person in Huntsville, near the Huntsville airport.

Ed Dozier Files Lawsuit Against State Over 'Arkansas Lottery' Trademark

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:46:09 -0400

A Little Rock businessman, Ed Dozier, has filed a lawsuit against the state of Arkansas over the use of terms including "Arkansas lottery," which he says he trademarked in 1994.

Consultant: Keeping Tabs on Companies Can Head Off Trouble

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:19:00 -0400

An expert who helps communities keep local businesses healthy says the best way Arkansas leaders can keep retain employers is to stay in close contact and always watch for trouble.

Clemency hearing set for death row inmate

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:01:08 -0400

The Arkansas Board of Parole has scheduled a clemency hearing later this month for an Arkansas man sentenced to die for the 1993 murder of a De Queen woman.

Service planned for Civil War soldier

A Confederate grave-maker service for Pvt. Charles Burrow Best is scheduled for Saturday at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Newport.
The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and will be conducted by the United Daughter’s of the Confederacy, Albert Sidney Johnson Chapter and the Son’s of Confederate Veteran’s Pvt. Job S. Neill Camp #286. Both organizations are located in Batesville and will be dressed in costumes from that time period. Juanita Grayson, Best’s granddaughter, is pleased the groups have chosen to recognize him for his military service during the Civil War and hopes the public will attend the ceremony.
“I am very proud that my grandfather served, and I truly think this is a great way to honor him,” Grayson said. “I am a military wife myself, so I certainly understand how difficult being in the armed services can be.”
Grayson is one of only two people living in the area with ties to the former Confederate soldier.
“John Fellows and I are the only descendants of Charles Best that are still living in Jackson County,” Grayson said.
Best was born in Marshall County, Miss. On January 10, 1835 and worked on his father’s farm before enlisting in the Army at the age of 24. He was wounded by a bullet during the Battle of the Wilderness in Virginia. It is considered to be one of the Civil War’s largest and most horrific battles.
The projectile struck Best in the elbow and exited his body through his thumb. Best was then given a furlough for his injury and allowed to return home.
He recovered from his injury and continued to fight the Union forces near his home in Mississippi
Shortly after the war, Best married Mary Elizabeth Jones and the couple would have a total of nine children. Best died in Newport on June 7, 1917.
For more information about the service, contact Renee Kernan by phone at (713) 557-0144 or email at fiddleedee3@yahoo.com.

Newport School Board begins filling personnel needs

After a delay in hiring staff for the 2010-11 school year, the Newport School Board began to fill those positions Monday night as the central office staff was addressed.
Among those were: Mike Barnes, Lynnette Beard, Janet Blair, Gloria Brown, Elisabeth Curtner, Tommy Freeman, Janie Freeman, Linda Manning, Pat McGee, Joey McKnight, Marlene Robinson, Becky Watkins.
In other personnel matters, the school board accepted the resignation of Curtis Adams, junior high science teacher effective at the end of the school year as well as the resignation of Rachel Jackson from the cafeteria at Castleberry effective March 11.
In other business:
- The board approved a worker's compensation payment of $30,148 for 2010; an architect's bill for $7,089 and contractor bill for $495,969 on the new elementary school currently under construction; as well as a bill for $20,000 for an energy audit conducted by Building Design Services, Inc.
- Superintendent Charles Vondran also recognized the district’s Gifted/Talented program for receiving a state award and $3,000 grant as well as the success of Newport High School math students who recently captured 52 percent of awards given at the annual Mathematics Competition in Jonesboro. Nettleton High School was in second place with 13 percent.

City shuffles funds to build new road

The Newport City Council voted unanimously to redirect funds to finance the connecting road between Hwy. 18 and 384 during their meeting Monday night.
The new highway would make it easier for students, parents and faculty to access the new elementary school.
City officials were forced to find additional funding for the project due to a recommendation from engineer Wayne Menley.
Some of the initial work was planned to be completed by county workers, but Menley thinks the county would not be able to meet the specifications required by the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD).
The city must now hire a private contractor, C.E.G. Construction, to begin work on the 2-mile highway at a cost of $497,469. The Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC) has agreed to pay that amount to the contractor for pre-pavement, ditching and drainage work.
Other preliminary work will cost a total of $105,831.46 and includes construction of a silt fence, engineering charges and utility relocation.
A sum of $200,000 must also be paid to the AHTD upon completion of the project.
Mayor David Stewart said he has spoken with school officials and told them the city is making an effort to have the road completed by the time the school opens.
“I still don’t think that it will be done by August, and there is a plan for the construction road that they are using right now to be used until the highway is completed,” Stewart said.
NEDC director Jon Chadwell assured the council that school officials were aware the connecting road might not be completed before the new elementary school opens.
“We were pretty honest with the school before they ever bought the property that this road would probably not be finished by the time they started,” Chadwell said. “We knew the highway department takes a long time to approve plans.”
According to Stewart, the plans still have not been approved by the AHTD.
A total of $100,000 was moved from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Contingency fund to pay half of the amount owed to AHTD upon completion of the project.
The purchase of $40,000 worth of equipment and $10,000 in professional fees were also redirected in the street department’s budget to help pay for the project.
The AHTD will pay for the bulk of the road construction and will be responsible for the asphalt, striping and signage. According to Stewart, the state’s portion will cost slightly more than $2 million.
In other business:
- Jackson County Historical Society president Phill McDonald spoke to city officials about the society’s plans to build a memorial celebrating President Harry Truman’s 1952 visit to Newport. According to McDonald, the organization hopes to build the monument near the Iron Mountain Depot, where Truman stopped during his visit.
- The council voted unanimously to purchase garbage bags from Sigma at a cost of $6.54 per box. The city must now hire a private contractor, C.E.G. Construction, to begin work on the 2-mile highway at a cost of $497,469. The Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC) has agreed to pay that amount to the contractor for pre-pavement, ditching and drainage work.
Other preliminary work will cost a total of $105,831.46 and includes construction of a silt fence, engineering charges and utility relocation.
A sum of $200,000 must also be paid to the AHTD upon completion of the project.
Mayor David Stewart said he has spoken with school officials and told them the city is making an effort to have the road completed by the time the school opens.
“This is an economic development road. That’s what the plans were to begin with. That’s where much of the money would be coming from. We’d do our best to have a road out there, but we couldn’t promise them anything. I still don’t think that it will be done by August, and there is a plan for the construction road that they are using right now to be used until the highway is completed,” Stewart said.
NEDC director Jon Chadwell assured the council that school officials were aware the connecting road might not be completed before the new elementary school opens.
“We were pretty honest with the school before they ever bought the property that this road would probably not be finished by the time they started,” Chadwell said. “We knew the highway department takes a long time to approve plans.”
According to Stewart, the plans still have not been approved by the AHTD.
A total of $100,000 was moved from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Contingency fund to pay half of the amount owed to AHTD upon completion of the project.
The purchase of $40,000 worth of equipment and $10,000 in professional fees were also redirected in the street department’s budget to help pay for the project.
The AHTD will pay for the bulk of the road construction and will be responsible for the asphalt, striping and signage. According to Stewart, the state’s portion will cost slightly more than $2 million.
In other business:
- Jackson County Historical Society president Phill McDonald spoke to city officials about the society’s plans to build a memorial celebrating President Harry Truman’s 1952 visit to Newport. According to McDonald, the organization hopes to build the monument near the Iron Mountain Depot, where Truman stopped during his visit.
- The council voted unanimously to purchase garbage bags from Sigma at a cost of $6.54 per box.

ASUNs Got Talent winner selected

Joseph Jones won the first ever ASUN’s Got Talent show last Thursday night at the school’s Center for the Arts.
The show was held by the Student Government Association to raise money for Relay For Life, and a total of $530 will be donated to the cause.
Jones, a pre-med major, beat eight other contestants for the honor and a $250 scholarship.
“It was really exciting for me to win because I was actually in a talent show last year on the same stage, and I didn’t even place,” Jones said. “It shows that if you keep trying your efforts will be rewarded.”
Jones sang “Unforgettable”, a self-written song, to the crowd at the talent show and hopes to release an album early next year with that song and several others on it.
“It’s going to be an eclectic album, but it will mostly be soul music and R&B ballads,” Jones said.
Jones sang “Unforgettable”, a self-written song, to the crowd at the talent show and hopes to release an album early next year with that song and several others on it.
“It’s going to be an eclectic album, but it will mostly be soul music and R&B ballads,” Jones said.
The Student Government Association president graduates from ASUN and first began performing at church almost a decade ago.
“I have been singing for nine years, and I got started by singing at church,” Jones said. “Performing is my passion.”
According to Jones, he wrote 40 songs last year and is grateful for the opportunity to showcase his talents in front of an audience.
“I would like to thank Amber Grady and the SGA for believing in the idea of having a talent show because we weren’t sure if there would be enough people attending to make it successful,” Jones said.
ASUN counselor for student services Amber Grady and the SGA initially felt the talent show would be a minor event, but it developed into a rather large presentation.
“When we first started planning the show, we thought it would be small, but it grew into a pretty big event,” Grady said. “We had several singers, but everyone of them had their own unique style. There was some country, soul and R&B, and I think it was a good mix of styles.”
Tryouts for the talent show were held last month to decide which students would get to perform at the event. In addition to Jones, Jordan Madden, Stephanie Holliday, JaTay Redd, Kyndale Honey, Melanie McAlister, Taylor Mabin, Sanna Griffith and Marcus Brooks were selected to perform the SGA sponsored event.
“We had open auditions in February, and I then realized how much talent we have here on campus,” Grady said.
Students were not the only ones to get on stage last Thursday night.
“Our faculty and staff also did a great job of performing at the show,” Grady said. “Everyone came together and worked hard to make ASUN’s Got Talent a great event.”
In addition to the students, faculty and staff, members of Sweeny’s Martial Arts Academy also performed a skill presentation during the talent show.
Choosing the best contestant was no easy task for the five judges, but Grady thinks they did make the right selection.
“The judges had a really hard time trying to decide who the winner would be, but I think Joseph’s unique style is what made him stand out from all the others.”
The judges for the talent show were Amy Driver, Dave Jackson, Francine Everett, Christina Montez and Michael Smith.
Grady, who sings in her church choir, helped break the ice during practice by singing a popular children’s song.
“The students wouldn’t start the rehearsal until I sang for them, so I sang “If You’re Happy and You Know It” to help get everybody excited,” Grady said.
The event was hosted by Bentley Wallace, director of Business and Transportation Technology, and Christopher Cross.

Heber opens 2-4A play with extra-inning win over Lonoke

Despite being out hit 11-6, Heber Springs kept its undefeated record alive with a 5-4, extra-inning victory over Lonoke on Friday in the Panthers’ 2-4A Conference opener.
Tanner Rockwell led Heber’s offense with 3 RBI, including a two-run homerun that tied the game at 4-up in the top of the sixth. Rockwell also pitched the first five innings while giving up three runs, only two earned and striking out four batters.
Heber took the lead in the top of the eighth when B.J. Franks drove home Michael Ludwig, who scored two runs.
Tyler Reese picked up the win in relief, pitching a scoreless sixth and seventh before running into trouble in the eighth.
With runners at the corners and nobody out, Caleb Brock replaced Reese and recorded a strikeout then catcher Chas Tamburo faked to second and gunned down a Jackrabbit base runner hanging off third for the second out. Brock struck out the next batter for the save as the Panthers pulled out their second one-run victory in as many outings.
Following Rockwell, Brock had an RBI and scored two runs for the Panthers, who are 7-0 overall and 1-0 in league play entering Tuesday’s game at Batesville.
Heber returns to conference play on Friday at home against Stuttgart. Although the teams will play two varsity games, only the first will count in the standings. Opening pitch is set for 4 p.m. at the new field.

Arkansas offering mobile payments for services

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:50:42 -0400

A new mobile version of Arkansas.gov. has been launched.

Police beat (3/19/10)

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:38:46 -0400

Among reports recently generated by the Faulkner County Sheriffs Office and the Conway Police Department:

Arkansas Baptist College gets facelift

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:23:43 -0400

Arkansas Baptist College is getting a face-lift. It's investing $18 million in its campus. The college unveiled plans to renovate Old Main, which was built in 1893.

Update: Salvation Army shooting suspect pleads not guilty

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:18:47 -0400

Laquan Fitzpatrick, 19, faced a judge Thursday morning and plead not guilty in the shooting death of 40-year-old Salvation Army Maj. Philip Wise on Christmas Eve. The judge denied bond.

Possible NCAA tournament ban on colleges with low grad rates

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:16:09 -0400

March Madness is already in high gear and some of the schools in the basketball tournament might not be competing next year, if something doesn't change. U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan iscalling for a ban on colleges with a low graduation rate to not be able to play in the NCAA tournament.

McDaniel joins FedEx driver inquiry

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:08:20 -0400

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has joined a multistate inquiry into how FedEx classifies its delivery drivers.

Pine Bluff man arrested for allegedly shooting at residence

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:51:44 -0400

A Pine Bluff man has been arrested for aggravated assault and terroristic acts after he allegedly shot into a residence.

EPA to study drill method behind natural gas boom

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:56:33 -0400

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it will study potential human health and water quality threats from an oil and natural gas drilling technique that injects massive amounts of water, sand and chemicals underground.

Missouri man arrested after Conway chase

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:54:09 -0400

A Missouri man was arrested after leading Conway officers on a chase through the city Wednesday night.

Ark lottery hit with trademark suit over name

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:48:40 -0400

The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery is the target of a lawsuit by a man who claims he owns the trademark to names the state lottery is using.

New college opens in Little Rock

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:21:27 -0400

More than 100 students have already enrolled at Little Rock's newest higher education institution, Strayer University.

Arkansas Baptist College Plans $18 Million Investment for Expansion

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:34:21 -0400

Arkansas Baptist College says it will invest $18 million to expand its Little Rock campus by adding a new residence hall and general education building and purchasing nearby real estate for future growth.

Proctor continues attempt to run

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:23:08 -0400

An Arkansas judge removed from the bench by the state Supreme Court has opened a new legal challenge against the state over his removal and is now trying to run for re-election as a write-in candidate.

Stocks in Narrow Range After Price, Jobs Data

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:15:31 -0400

Stocks are trading in a narrow range Thursday after a fresh batch of economic reports showed the economy continues to slowly regain its strength.

USA Drug Sells Its Memphis Locations to Walgreens

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:03:52 -0400

USA Drug of Pine Bluff announced Wednesday that it was selling its 17 Memphis area Super-D and Ike's stores to Walgreens of Deerfield, Ill., for an undisclosed amount.

Arkansas Attorney General Joins FedEx Worker Probe

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:00:17 -0400

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel says he is joining a probe that's exploring whether FedEx has properly classified its drivers as independent contractors.

St. Vincent, Wal-Mart Open 2nd In-store Health Clinic

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:39:08 -0400

St. Vincent Health System and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. of Bentonville on Thursday opened their latest in-store health clinic, The Clinic at Wal-mart, at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Maumelle.

Cinemark to Replace Cinema 6 with New 12-screen Theater in Conway

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:30:02 -0400

Cinemark Holdings Inc. says it will open a 12-screen movie theater at the Conway Town Centre in Conway.

Keeping tabs on companies can head off trouble

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:26:55 -0400

An expert who helps communities keep local businesses healthy says the best way Arkansas leaders can keep retain employers is to stay in close contact and always watch for trouble.

Mortgage Rates Still Below 5 Percent

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:25:46 -0400

Mortgage rates held below the 5 percent threshold for the third straight week as the Federal Reserve prepares to end a program that has kept rates at or near record lows.

Loken steps down as chief of federal appeals court

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:20:44 -0400

James Loken is stepping down as chief judge of the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at the end of the month.

Clemency hearing set for Arkansas death-row inmate

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:14:58 -0400

The Arkansas Board of Parole has scheduled a clemency hearing later this month for an Arkansas man sentenced to die for the 1993 murder of a De Queen woman.

Balch claims national prize; EAST scores superior rating

With the help of the Newport Independent, the EAST Program built a big city newsstand for the 2010 Partnership National Conference.
Newspaper articles telling the story of Newport’s EAST were printed on real newspaper paper donated by the Independent.
The newspaper covered a 10 x 8 foot area. Smaller versions of the newspaper were placed in a real newspaper box in booth, also donated by the Independent.
Separate magazines covering projects of the uniform store, web site creation, fingerprinting, recycling, Kiwanis’ assistance, Jackson Country Learning Center assistance, and our redesign of the pavilion on campus.
The magazines were handed out to other EAST schools, in a trade show atmosphere. One hundred eighty-seven EAST schools attended the National Conference from across the nation.
In addition to Newport scoring Superior, Jeffrey Balch’s computer designed poster place 1st in the nation.
His theme was ‘recycling’. The poster was 30 x 40 inches, and created in PhotoShop.
According to Balch, “Since our recycling project is such a large part of our EAST program, I decided to go with a recycling theme for my poster. I figured a cool way to incorporate recycling into the whole ‘saving the earth’ line would be to have a tree made completely from recycling logos. It took about 2 weeks, and tons of layers in Photoshop, to get this poster done, and in the end, I thought I came out very nicely.”
Conference team members are: Jeffrey Balch, James Brannon, Marion Holloway, Blake Taylor, Brittany Long, Catherine Williams, Shayna Boyster, and Logan Bratcher. EAST Facilitator is Cindy Black, and Assistant Facilitator is Judy Beard.
The Newport Charitable Foundation’s grant of $2500 helped the group make the trip to the national conference.

VIDEO: Salvation Army murder suspect appears in court

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:52:08 -0400

The suspect in the Christmas Eve slaying of a Salvation Army major appeared in court via video this morning from the Pulaski County Jail, where he will continue to be held without bond.

Pea Ridge councilman arrested for DWI after meeting

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:31:40 -0400

A Pea Ridge city councilman who is running for a spot on the Benton County Quorum Court was arrested for driving while intoxicated after leaving a council meeting.

Ex-judge in Arkansas continues attempt to run

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:27:34 -0400

Ark attorney general joins FedEx worker probe

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:22:38 -0400

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel says he is joining a probe that's exploring whether FedEx has properly classified its drivers as independent contractors.

One killed in overnight fire in LR

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:18:45 -0400

One person was killed in a fire that destroyed a house early this morning.

Healthy Difference on 'Today's THV at 5': Match Day

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:26:10 -0400

Fourth year medical students across the globe find out where they'll be spending the next couple of years for their residency program.

More charges for man held in yule killing

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:15:32 -0400

The man charged in the killing of a Salvation Army major in front of his three children on Christmas Eve faces new charges after North Little Rock police say he admitted during questioning to participating in a robbery and a burglary.

Alexander center not only vexed site

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:15:11 -0400

The Alexander Human Development Center is not the only state-run residential facility for the disabled to have problems that put residents in danger over the past year.

$478 million expected in lottery ticket sales

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:08 -0400

The Arkansas Lottery Commission on Wednesday signed off on a budget projecting $478.5 million in ticket sales and net proceeds of $116.4 million for college scholarships in the fiscal year that starts July 1.

City aims to settle profiling lawsuit

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:56:06 -0400

An attorney for the city of Alexander will try to negotiate a settlement with the attorney for five Hispanic men whose civil rights were violated by Tommy Leath, then a patrolman and now assistant police chief, the City Council decided Wednesday during a special meeting.

Agency: No abuse signs before girls death

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:51:29 -0400

Just days before officials say a baby girl was smothered to death in Columbia County, the Arkansas Department of Human Services dropped its case, releasing the infant from foster care and sending her back home.

ASU tuition rise recommended

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:49:16 -0400

The Arkansas State University Planning Committee recommended Wednesday to raise tuition and increase student fees to help offset more than $2.5 million in state revenue cutbacks.

Lawyers wrangle at schools hearing

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:48:40 -0400

A break in testimony Wednesday afternoon during the Pulaski County Special School District desegregation hearing gave way to a spirited exchange among attorneys and a federal judge about the motives of the parties in the long-running school case.

Panel approves AIDS-care contract

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:47:45 -0400

A legislative subcommittee on Wednesday signed off on a $1.5 million contract for a community health center to care for people across the state infected with HIV and AIDS.

Obituaries

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:44:45 -0400

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

Powerball

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:41:24 -0400

The winning numbers drawn Wednesday night in Powerball : 24-26-45-48-55 Powerball : 8 Estimated jackpot : $20 million Power Play: 2

Our superintendents first year

Recently it was my privilege to visit with Russell Hester, the superintendent of Heber Springs School District who is well into his first year.
Mr. Hester states our biggest challenge currently is to provide enough class rooms for the rapidly increasing enrollment. Within one year the census of students from K through 5 has grown from 802 to 850.
Our superintendent looks favorably on the concept of merit pay, but like many people in the education field, is concerned how such a plan could be equitable administered. He believes the evaluation process is somewhat subjective but admits that by observing the students, the other teachers, the work ethic and the overall energy and attitude, most everyone knows the good teachers and those that don’t quite measure up. The subjective element might be difficult, but it is something that is necessarily dealt with by business on a daily basis.
In my opinion, by comparing student tests on a year to year basis we can get a fairly good idea on the success of the teachers. It seems some are concerned that certain teachers tend to get the better students. This is one concept that seems to escape some educators. If a teacher has mostly high achieving students, it is probable that to show a significant increase on tests would be difficult. For those students in the bottom of the chart the potential to increase their test scores is significant. A good teacher by definition will obtain test score improvements at a higher rate for the low-scoring students. That does not mean that those at the top of the chart should be neglected but improvement for all is important.
The school district has benefited from the giant federal stimulus package. They were able to assist special education, acquire technical improvements such as Smart Boards and for remedial tutoring. Mr. Hester appreciated the monetary assistance but discussed frustration with the feds in that the district was planning to use some of these funds to construct 6 new elementary classrooms.
The school hired an architect, executed a construction contract and was well into the planning stage when the federal government changed their mind and reduced the stimulus package by one-third.
Last year (2009) there were 132 high school graduates. 88 of those were college bound and 8 joined the military. Of those 88 planning higher education, 50 of those enrolled at ASU in Heber Springs. This certainly points out the importance of ASU and no doubt had a significant effect on increasing the number of graduates who pursue more “learning”.
These 132 graduates as a class received 44 scholarships with a dollar value of 1.2 million dollars. Of particular note this year is Brooke Blankenship who was awarded a National Merit Scholarship and Billy Grammer who was accepted into the Naval Academy.
I asked our superintendent if he believed there was too much emphasis on competitive athletics at our school. He thoughtfully replied probably not, but admitted he might have some bias since he has been a high school coach for several years. Good school spirit in athletics should help the school achieve scholastically and other activities.
If the time schedule would allow, he agreed it would be beneficial if Heber Springs High School could expose the students to basic economic principles. He would like to expand on some personal financial training offered by Gay Stark.
Mr. Hester related an experience concerning a recent high school graduate who decided to skip college for now and become employed. She was paid $20 per hour and was expecting a paycheck of about $800 from a 40 hour work week.
She was flabbergasted and extremely disappointed that her net paycheck was considerably less after withholding for federal income tax, Arkansas income tax, FICA tax, Medicare tax and health insurance. Some employers are educating their employees by paying them the full amount and then have them pay back the various elements of withholding.
It appears Mr. Hester is off to a strong start as superintendent of our schools. The growth in the number of students is one indication that the school is recognized as a strong achiever.
I do hope our school system can find a way to better compensate our superior teachers. It doesn’t have to be a merit pay program, but this is one method that has proven to be successful in Arkansas and surrounding states. One common objection heard is that testing of students is not applicable to teachers for special education, music and related courses. This is a factor but can be overcome by more emphasis on evaluation of teachers by principals and the superintendent. Shouldn’t the evaluation of teachers be one of the principle responsibilities of our administrative officials?

(Jerry Jackson of Heber Springs writes his “conservative viewpoint” column each Wednesday)

Eagles freeze Blue Devils

On a cold, windy Friday at Greers Ferry City Park, West Side held Shirley to only one hit while routing the Blue Devils 13-1, one day after romping Rose Bud, 17-1.
Facing West Side starting pitcher Matthew Patch, Shirley took the game’s first lead as Cory Ward reached on an error but was thrown out trying to steal second by Eagle catcher Wesley Brown. But Keith Blair reignited the Blue Devils with a single to right field and he took second on a passed ball then Jacob Howard took one for the team.
Cleanup batter Marcus Bramlett worked a full-count walk as the Blue Devils loaded the bases before Patch responded with a strikeout. With two out, Blair scored on a wild pitch before Patch fired back with a strikeout, leaving two runners stranded in scoring position.
West Side got its run back in the bottom half of the first inning as Cody Barger walked on four straight pitches and swiped second base but Josh Bittle popped out to second. After Barger advanced to third on a wild pitch, Brett McElroy lifted an RBI sacrifice-fly to center that scored Barger, tying the game at 1-all. Shirley starting pitcher Darren King got Brody Verser to pop out to Bramlett at first base, ending the first frame.
Patch found his groove in the top of the second, only facing four batters as Shirley’s leadoff batter flied out to Ethan Carlton in center then King drew a walk before Patch fanned the Blue Devils’ nine-hole hitter. With two down, Ward grounded back to the mound, ending the top half.
King held West Side scoreless in the bottom half of the second as he struck out the first batter then got Brown and Carlton on choppers back to the hill. With the game tied at 1-up, Patch worked out of trouble in the top of the third after Blair popped out to Bittle at second.
Howard reached on an error to get the Blue Devils started and Bramlett was hit-by-a-pitch before Bailey Bass flied out to Carlton in center. With two down, Brown gunned down Howard trying to steal third for the third out.
In the bottom of the third, West Side broke the game open with a seven-run, two-out rally. King retired the first two Eagles in order as Andrew Passmore grounded back to the mound and King struck out the next batter but Barger got West Side rolling with a walk then he advanced to second on a wild pitch.
Bittle slapped an RBI single through the hole on the left side that plated Barger then McElroy stroked a single to center field that moved Bittle to third. After McElroy stole second, King issued an intentional walk to Brody Verser, loading the sacks.
Hunter Wolfe drew an RBI walk that scored Bittle then Brown nailed a 2 RBI single to right field that scored McElroy and Verser as West Side’s lead ballooned to 5-1. Luke Brown came on to courtesy run for Wesley Brown and he stole second before Shirley relief pitcher Emory Murray plunked Cartlon, his first batter to face.
With the bases loaded and still two out, Passmore delivered a 2 RBI single to right center that scored Wolfe and Luke Brown then Austin Kirkland smacked an RBI single to right field that scored Carlton, pushing the Eagles’ lead to 8-1. With two runners in scoring position, Murray evaded further trouble by getting Barger to pop-out to shortstop.
Kirkland relieved Patch to start the top of the fourth and he struck out the side then West Side tacked on five insurance runs in the bottom half. Bittle got the Eagles going as he reached on an error and stole second before taking third on a one-out balk. After Bittle scored on a wild pitch, Murray got Verser on a chopper back to the hill.
Wolfe belted a single up the middle to keep the Eagles’ inning alive then Wesley Brown worked a walk before Carlton roped an RBI single up the middle that plated Wolfe, giving West Side a 10-1 advantage.
Passmore walked to load the bases and Kirkland followed with an RBI walk, which scored Tandy Robinson, who came in to courtesy run for Wesley Brown. Shirley replaced Murray with Blair, who Barger greeted with a 2 RBI double off the left field fence that plated Carlton and Passmore but the Eagles’ courtesy runner for Kirkland was thrown out at the plate, ending the fourth.
For the second consecutive frame, Kirkland retired the Blue Devils in order. He got a pinch-hitter to groundout back to the mound then Ward popped foul, where Brown made a nice play near the left side of the backstop. Only needing one out for a run-rule, five-inning victory, Kirkland got Blair on a sharp groundout to Verser at third as the Eagles claimed a 13-1 victory.
After beating Quitman 5-3 on Monday, West Side was scheduled to play at Nemo Vista on Tuesday before traveling to Guy-Perkins on Thursday. The Eagles return to Greers Ferry City Park for a game with Conway St. Joseph on Friday.

Title caps storied season for Cats

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:23:43 -0400

A strong cast of characters helped give the Conway basketball team the best possible ending to its storybook season.

But the development of those characters and plots along the way made things even more interesting for the Wampus Cats, who defeated Fayetteville last Friday night to claim the Class 7A state championship the first state title since 1976.

Title caps storied season for Cats

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:22:54 -0400

A strong cast of characters helped give the Conway basketball team the best possible ending to its storybook season.

Vilonia City Council OKs spending for park

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:43:49 -0400

The Vilonia City Council will spend about $16,500 on getting the city park ready for spring use.

Themes abound at chili cook-off

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:28:56 -0400

Movie stars, doctors, nurses, pirates, coal miners and private investigators paraded around Tuesday night, serving and hosting at the Vilonia Middle School chili cook-off and taste-testing.

Held in the schools cafeteria, 10 themed booths representing classes, teachers and staff lined the walls, all vying to walk away with titles including Cook-Off Champion, Best Booth and Peoples Choice.

Yesterdays (3/18/10)

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:26:47 -0400

75 years ago

(1935)

West Side run-rules Rose Bud

Brett McElroy drilled two homeruns in one inning and Brody Verser added a 2-run dinger as the Eagles crushed Rose Bud 17-1 on Thursday in Rose Bud.
West Side took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first as Cody Barger singled and stole second then scored on an RBI off the bat of Josh Bittle. Andrew Harness, West Side’s starting pitcher, worked three scoreless frames while the Eagles tacked on two insurance runs in the top of the third.
Matthew Patch reached on an error to get the Eagles started then Barger walked and Bittle roped a hit-and-run RBI single that scored Patch and Barger also came around to score on a throwing error, giving West Side a 3-0 advantage.
In the top of the fourth, the Eagles blew the game wide open with five runs, including a two-run homerun from Verser. The Ramblers scratched out a run in the bottom half off Hunter Wolfe, who pitched a scoreless fifth to pick up the win.
In the top of the sixth, West Side extended its lead to 17-1 with nine runs, including a three run-homerun and solo homerun from McElroy. Austin Kirkland pitched a scoreless sixth, ending the game.
West Side traveled to Arkansas Baptist in Little Rock for two games over the weekend and split with a 12-2 loss to Conway Christian and 17-3 win over Little Rock Hall.
The Eagles also beat Quitman 5-3 in eight innings on Monday, improving to 5-1 for the season going into Tuesday’s game versus Nemo Vista in Center Ridge.

Log truck rolls, one person injured

SEE VIDEO BELOW

One man was injured when the log truck he was driving overturned around 10:45 a.m. Wednesday on Hwy 225 at Prim.

No other vehicle were involved.

America has an obesity epidemic

To say we have an obesity epidemic is really an understatement.
The CDC or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. BMI is calculated from a person’s weight and height and provides a reasonable indicator of body fatness and weight categories that may lead to health problems.
Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
That means obesity is a health issue, not a cosmetic issue.
The success of the fast food and soft drink industries has translated into an unprecedented rise in childhood and adult obesity.
This epidemic has had a direct impact on our (urologists) practice due to its association with carcinogenesis in the prostate and kidney.—Medical News Today
Look at the huge increase in Obesity in just a few short years:
The following statistics also come from Medical News Today.
Prevalence of Obesity: Children and Adolescents
1999-2000
At risk for overweight 28.2%
Overweight 13.9%
2001-2002
At risk for overweight 30.0%
Overweight 15.4%
2003-2004
At risk for overweight 33.6%
Overweight 17.1%
Prevalence of Obesity: Adults
1999-2000
Obese 30.5%
Extreme Obese 4.7%
2001-2002
Obese 30.6%
Extreme Obese 5.1%
2003-2004
Obese 32.2%
Extreme Obese 4.8%
You don’t believe these statistics?
All you need to do is go to town and look at people. Look at them and then look at what is in their grocery baskets. Do you see whole foods at all? Do you see cartons
and cartons of cokes and packaged so called foods? These are fractionated and fake foods, not real foods. They contain parts of foods, chemicals and preservatives.
Our bodies are not designed to use fake foods, preservatives and chemicals.
Our bodies were designed by our heavenly father to use the foods he gave us, and that’s what we should eat. He gave us nothing that comes in a box or package.
Nowadays eople eat out many times peer week, and you never know for sure what is in your food. Guess what? You are eating chemicals, preservatives and processed fake foods.
That’s how the United States got this way—- by our diet.
What can we do about it? I want to turn this around.
Educate yourself about the program designed to prevent diabetes and obesity.
It is a health and wellness program based on the glycemic index.
Eat whole foods, not fake or fractionated foods.
Eat several small meals per day, so your blood sugar levels will stay in the fasting range-not spike and drop.
Drink plenty of pure clean water. (Not cokes or other fake drinks)
Do not eat processed foods, or at fast food restaurants. Although I was told they have salads at fast food restaurants now, I guess that would be okay-if they haven’t done something fake to them.
Prepare real foods at home.
Move.
To learn more about this subject and learn about diabesity, view pictures and videos go to: www.squidoo.com/Diabesity or contact me at: AWellnessCoach@Gmail.com. Be sure to inquire about the free Intro-Class to be held the first weekend of April.
Also, if you have a question please be specific, as several have asked for more information, and I didn’t know which article they were referring to.
If you want to avoid the Obesity Epidemic or even turn it around, you need to make a change. Only by changing will you change your direction and improve your health.
Here’s wishing you all the best.
Remember, you and those you love are worth you educating yourself and then applying it.

(Carmel Aaron lives in Heber Springs, has a degree in biology and has been certified by Proevity in Nutrition and Glycemic Indexing, and enjoys ongoing Wellness classes. She owns and operates Anatomy Academy Wellness, where she teaches classes on Stress Reduction & a Certified Diet Wellness coaching program as a GKCC. To get in touch with Carmel: AwellnessCoach@Gmail.com)

Heber bats down Owls

Abundant Life came charging back from multiple deficits on Thursday night but with the chips down in the seventh inning, Heber Springs’ Tanner Rockwell drove home Caleb Brock with a game-winning single over a drawn-in outfield, lifting the Panthers to a 10-9 victory at Panther Field.
Heber Coach Darren Gowen said he was looking to schedule some good competition for the Panthers going into 2-4A Conference play. “I scheduled them because when I was at CAC we played them every year and they are always well-coached. They won a state championship a couple of years ago and they are always a good team.”
Shane Miller got the start on the mound for the Panthers and held the Owls scoreless in the top of the first as Ryan Johnson grounded out to Tyler Reese at third but Zach Traylor followed with a walk. Miller got Josh Hortner on a fielder’s choice taken by Rockwell at shortstop then Miller struck out Abundant Life’s cleanup batter, leaving one stranded.
Heber took the lead with three runs on two hits in the bottom of the first as Michael Ludwig reached on a dropped fly-ball then Brock ripped an RBI single to right center that scored Ludwig. Rockwell followed with a single to left field and B.J Franks pulled a hard hit to shortstop that was mishandled as Brock scored and Rockwell moved to third.
Chas Tamburo lifted an RBI sacrifice-fly to center field that scored Rockwell as Heber’s lead grew to 3-0 before Abundant Life starting pitcher Bryce Pickett retired two straight, leaving runners stranded at the corners.
Brock made a quick stab at second to take away a base knock from Cody Ward in the top of the second then Miller got Eric Moore on a chopper back to the mound but Pickett reached on an error to keep the Owls’ inning alive. Miller caught the next batter looking, ending the top half.
The Panthers added an insurance run in the bottom of the second but not before Geoffrey Anderson grounded out to Carson Seelinger at shortstop and Janssen Wiedower popped out to Traylor at third. Ludwig got Heber going by pulling a single to left field and speeding around to third on a 2-base error.
Brock roped an RBI single through the hole on the left side that scored Ludwig then Rockwell reached on an error before Franks lined out to Hortner in left field, leaving two stranded.
Abundant Life battled back with three runs on four hits in the top of the third. Tyler Toney plugged the gap in right center for a leadoff double before Johnson sharply bounced out to Franks at first base, which moved Toney to third.
Traylor belted an RBI single to center field that scored Toney and Hortner followed with a single to right field. With one out and runners at first and second, Seelinger reached on a 2-base error that scored Traylor as Hortner took third while Seelinger was thrown out at second on the play.
After Cody Ward smacked an RBI single to left center that scored Hortner, Miller escaped further trouble with a full-count strikeout, leaving the Panthers with a 4-3 lead entering the bottom of the third.
Pickett got Tamburo to groundout to Traylor at third and Reese flied out to Jacob Smith in right field to begin the bottom half before Andrew Hill took one for the team and stole second. But Pickett picked Hill off second base, sending the game into the fourth inning.
Nate Bartlett relieved Miller to begin the top of the fourth and issued a full-count walk to Pickett then Smith slapped a hit-and-run single through the hole on the right side. Pickett aggressively sped around from first base for a run on Smith’s single, tying the game at 4-up.
After Toney walked, he stole second as Smith scored when the throw towards second got away, giving the Owls their first lead at 5-4. Bartlett regrouped and got Johnson to fly-out to Geoffrey Anderson in left field then he recorded a strikeout. With two down, Hortner belted a single to right field but Toney was held at third and Bartlett fanned the Owls’ cleanup batter with a full-count curveball, leaving runners stranded at the corners.
Trailing by one, Heber tied the game in the bottom half. Moore, who relieved Pickett to start the frame, walked Anderson and Wiedower to begin the inning, forcing the Owls to replace him with Seelinger.
Ludwig reached on a fielder’s choice that forced Wiedower at second and moved Anderson to third. Then, Seelinger caught Ludwig in a hot-box between first and second as Anderson sped home to tie the game before Brock pulled a two-out single to left field and Rockwell drew a walk. Both runners moved into scoring position on a wild pitch then Franks worked a full-count walk but Seelinger got Tamburo to groundout to shortstop, ending the frame.
Abundant Life took another lead in the top of the fifth as pinch-hitter Phillip Childers drilled a single up the middle and Moore drove a single through the hole on left side. But Bartlett fired back with a strikeout then he got Smith to groundout to Brock at second.
Brock took the force on Moore at second, which left runners at the corners. The Owls’ reclaimed the lead when Smith intentionally got in a run-down but it appeared the strategy would backfired until an errant throw allowed courtesy runner Devin Bird to cross safely. Bartlett pitched around further damage by getting Toney on a fly-out to Ludwig in deep center.
Down 6-5, the Panthers retaliated with three runs on two hits in the bottom of the fifth. Reese worked a full-count walk to ignite Heber and Hill’s sacrifice-bunt advanced Reese to second. Reese took third on a passed ball then scored on an RBI groundout to second off the bat of Anderson.
With two away and the score tied at 6-all, Wiedower alertly reached first on a mishandled strikeout then Ludwing laced a hit-and-run single to center field that moved Wiedower to third.
With Brock facing a 2-2 pitch, he tomahawked an RBI single into right center that plated Wiedower as Ludwig took third and Brock moved to second on the throw home. Hortner relieved Seelinger with two on and two out but Rockwell greeted him with a hot shot to third that was knocked down, but a high throw allowed Rockwell to reach safely as Ludwig scored, extending Heber’s lead to 8-6.
Hortner escaped further trouble by striking out the Panthers’ cleanup hitter with a full-count fastball, leaving two stranded in scoring position.
Bartlett issued a walk to Johnson to begin the sixth and was replaced with Garrett Wheeler, who got Traylor to groundout to Brock. Johnson was forced at second on the play while Traylor took first on the fielder’s choice and later stole second. Hortner ripped an RBI double to the alley in right center that scored Traylor as the Owls pulled withine one at 8-7.
With one out and Hortner on second, Seelinger bounced to Reese at third and he caught Hortner in a hot box between second and third as Seelinger reached on the fielder’s choice. Wheeler got out of the inning when Childers grounded out to Brock at second.
Heber added a much-needed insurance run in the bottom of the sixth as Tamburo pulled a single over the third base bag then his courtesy runner, Reo Howard, took second on a wild pickoff attempt.
Reese laid down an RBI bunt single that scored Howard as Reese was plunked in the back on the way to first base. Reese swiped second and took third on an overthrow but he was thrown out at home following a chopper off the bat of Hill. The Owls turned Hill’s chopper into a 1-3-2 double play but Anderson reignited the Panthers with a single to left center.
Wiedower reached on an error and advanced to second on a wild pitch but Hortner fired back with a strikeout, leaving two Panthers stranded in scoring position.
Abundant Life tied the game with two runs on two hits in the top of the seventh and final frame. Moore led off with a 4-pitch walk, causing Heber to relieve Wheeler with Brock. Pickett kept the Owls’ hopes alive with a single off the third base bag then Smith beat out a bunt single placed down the third base line, which loaded the bases.
Toney drew an RBI walk that scored Moore as Heber replaced Brock with Ludwig. Heber’s fifth pitcher got Johnson to pop out to Brock in short center but it carried far enough for Pickett to tag up and score from third, knotting the game at 9-all.
With runners at the corners and one out, Reese ran down Smith trying to steal home from his third base position and while lying on his back Reese threw to third base, doubling off Toney, who was speeding around from first.
The inning-ending twin killer gave Heber the momentum, which translated into a win in the bottom of the seventh. Brock led off the seventh with a walk and moved to second on a wild pickoff then Rockwell ripped a 3-2 pitch over a drawn-in outfield as Brock came around to score the winning run.
Heber beat Dover 4-3 on Monday and visits Batesville on Tuesday before returning home for a 2-4A Conference game versus Stuttgart on Friday.

Master Gardeners begin planting in community garden

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:23:44 -0400

Faulkner County Master Gardeners paired with corporate sponsors, Good Earth at Menifee, Conway Corporation and Nabholz Construction to produce a community water conservation demonstration and butterfly garden project.

Master Gardeners began the planting process Wednesday afternoon.

Police beat (3/18/10)

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:18:19 -0400

Among reports recently released by the Conway Police Department:

Police beat (3/18/10)

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:14:38 -0400

Among reports recently released by the Conway Police Department:

McDaniels chief deputy moves back to private practice

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:41:45 -0400

The Arkansas attorney generals office is losing its chief deputy.

Author of Sookie Stackhouse series to hold lecture at UCA

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:30:57 -0400

Sherwood man charged in 2007 homicide

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:29:30 -0400

A 21-year-old Sherwood man was arrested today in connection with a 2007 homicide in North Little Rock.

Letters to the Editor

Israel a troublemaker?
Dear Editor:
Anyone who questions or objects to Israel’s actions are labeled a Nazi, devil or worse. Counterfeit Christians led by pastor John Hagee of the Cornerstone Church of San Antonio, Pat Robertson of the 700 Club, and the late Jerry Falwell’s disciples are determined to start the battle of Armageddon, or the last battle as it means.
The doctrine is for Israel or the United States to bomb Iran, thus triggering hell on earth. In the midst of this unbelievable hell on earth, Christ will return and Israel will accept Jesus and their messiah. According to their demonic doctrine all will peace and prosperity for the Jews and “Christians”.
How on earth can a person accept such a doctrine? Easy, satin is the master of lies and Jesus said he was the father of all lies including the teaching that Israel or the Jews are God’s elect.
President Obama has warned Israel not to violate Iraq’s air space which limits them to reach Iran like they did when they bombed Iraq and Syria’s nuclear reactors. President Bush just turned a blind eye when they bombed the daylights our of Syria’s reactor a few years ago. So what, when Israel controls the major media in America and owns the U.S. Congress?
I saw Israel’s new jumbo drone bomber recently on some T.V. news. It is obvious they are very near an attack on Iran. Some major problems are they’re not absolutely certain where Iran’s big nukes are or how many they have?
Another problem is if they start it after being forbidden to violate American (Iraqi) air space that the United States commander-and-chief will give the OK for U.S. war ships in the Persian Gulf to open fire on Iran. Then Iran releases tens of thousands of conventional missiles on Iraq, Israel and Saudi Arabia which will literally stop the world’s oil shipments out of the Persian Gulf. Talk about problems, this is it.
True Christians are praying that Israel stops it continuous worldwide troublemaking including our financial meltdown in the United States and covenant breaking with the Palestinians.
Jim Glover
Heber Springs

A Food Revolution is coming to TV

The Food Revolution has begun and Jamie Oliver plans to share it with the whole country with his new television show starting March 26 on ABC at 8:00 pm. He is a 35-year-old chef from England who has gone far in getting Englishmen to clean up their diets. Now he is determined to do likewise in the U.S.
In 2004 Oliver was shocked by the food that Britain’s 8 million school children were being fed every school day. He learned that lots of kids weren’t eating any better at home than they were at school simply because no one had ever taught parents the basics of cooking. They didn’t have the knowledge they needed to prepare good family meals.
By focusing on cooking with locally grown fresh foods, Jamie had skyrocketed to success as a celebrity chef when he was in his 20s. When he saw the poor food situation in his country, he combined his love of food with a desire to give back to the community. He felt the need to “pay it forward”.   He set out to make changes.
Oliver took over the kitchens at schools in Greenwich, southeast London teaching lunchroom personnel as well as parents and youngsters. Determined to transform the way children ate, he went on to take over the rest of the school kitchens of Greenwich and launched the associated Feed Me Better campaign.
By popular demand, the classes in England have grown in numbers and they are booked solid on a regular basis.
Now his challenge is to see if he can get Americans cooking again and away from fast, processed foods. He has started a Food Revolution: to get people all over America to reconnect with their food and change way we eat and think about food.
Jamie Oliver’s new series for American TV is about food – how families eat, what kids get at school and why, like the UK, the diet of processed food and snacks is causing so many health and obesity problems.   He wants to make a difference in the lives of millions of people.
Since it had been given the title of the unhealthiest city in America, Oliver filmed his new series in Huntington, West Virginia. Perhaps you saw him on a news show when he went into Huntington. He was verbally attacked by radio personalities and of course, townspeople made fun of him and said they would not change. However, he presented such a strong case that they started to listen. Emotional attachment to food causes people to be ambivalent about making changes, especially to healthy food. Somehow, many people have adopted the false notion that healthy food tastes bad.
The first time I heard of Jamie Oliver, he was stepping inside a woman’s kitchen in Huntington. She was amused and seemed not to take him seriously as he pulled everything out of her cabinets and threw stuff on the kitchen table. Then he pointed to the pile of processed foods and said, “This is going to shorten your kids’ lives.” The mother became attentive at that point. Then he was shown teaching his food preparation class and everyone seemed to be having a great time.
Will this young man be able to have an impact on the lives of Americans? His goal is to get people back into their homes for their meals prepared in their own kitchens. I have seen some of his recipes and they are much healthier than the usual processed foods most people eat. He still uses some sugar and white flour but it is a step in the right direction.
Not only does Jamie Oliver conduct cooking sessions to help others learn, he uses his considerable success to help disadvantaged young people in the restaurant business. “We train them for 18 months and get them a job and then as time goes on and they get more experience, they come back and they help us teach the new generations,” he says.
Along with all the talk about who is going to provide healthcare (which is really disease care) good things are happening. The movie Food Inc. will be in selected theaters soon and every American needs to view this film.
I have the DVD and will gladly share it with anyone who wants to know more about the food they are eating. You may borrow it for any group or to view at home.
It will give you a different outlook on food. I also have Supersize Me. My two 14-year-old grandsons made changes after watching this movie at school.
Politicians and special interest groups haggle over healthcare, and what they decide may make little difference in the long run. Meanwhile, there are people who really care about the health of this country. They are eager to educate so that Americans have knowledge to help themselves toward good health.    Let’s pay attention!

(Janice Norris lives in Heber Springs, has a B.S. in home economics from Murray State University, taught home economics, owned and operated health food stores in Illinois and Heber Springs, has taught numerous health and nutrition classes, and wrote a weekly newspaper column in Illinois for 15 years. She can be reached at janicenorris34@yahoo.com)

Newport EAST scores superior, student receives national award

With the help of the Newport Independent, the EAST Program built a big city newsstand for the 2010 Partnership National Conference.
Newspaper articles telling the story of Newport’s EAST were printed on real newspaper paper donated by the Independent.
The newspaper covered a 10 x 8 foot area. Smaller versions of the newspaper were placed in a real newspaper box in a booth, also donated by the Independent.
Separate magazines covering projects of the uniform store, web site creation, fingerprinting, recycling, Kiwanis’ assistance, Jackson Country Learning Center assistance, and our redesign of the pavilion on campus. The magazines were handed out to other EAST schools, in a trade show atmosphere. 187 EAST schools attended the National Conference from across the nation.
In addition to Newport scoring Superior, Jeffrey Balch’s computer designed poster place 1st in the nation. His theme was ‘recycling’. The poster was 30 x 40 inches, and created in PhotoShop. According to Balch, “Since our recycling project is such a large part of our EAST program, I decided to go with a recycling theme for my poster. I figured a cool way to incorporate recycling into the whole ‘saving the earth’ line would be to have a tree made completely from recycling logos. It took about 2 weeks, and tone of layers in Photoshop, to get this poster done, and in the end, I thought I came out very nicely.”
Conference team members are: Jeffrey Balch, James Brannon, Marion Holloway, Blake Taylor, Brittany Long, Catherine Williams, Shayna Boyster, and Logan Bratcher. EAST Facilitator is Cindy Black, and Assistant Facilitator is Judy Beard.
The Newport Charitable Foundation’s grant of $2500 helped the group make the trip to the national conference.

AFC, NFD team up for fire control

Arkansas Forestry Commission (AFC) personnel and members of the Newport Fire Department met Wednesday at Newport Municipal Airport for training on reloading water into the holding tanks of the 802 single engine air tankers stationed at Harrison, Hot Springs and Batesville Airports. The training is to prepare for the Spring 2010 fire season. The AFC also trained firefighters at Jonesboro Municipal Airport, Kirk Field Airport in Paragould and the Rector Municipal Airport.
The single-engine air tankers (SEATs) provided by Western Pilot Service can carry up to 800 gallons of water and are used in addition to the efforts of firefighters on the ground to contain wildfires.
More than 39 loads of water have been dropped on fires in Arkansas since the aircraft were put into service on February 1.
The AFC has been awarded an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) grant through the US Forest Service for wildfire hazard reduction on property in Arkansas impacted by the ice storm of January 2009. Four hundred thousand of the $3.6 million grant will be used to provide increased aerial wildfire suppression.
AFC personnel have suppressed 316 fires that have burned an estimated 4,763 acres since January 1. For more information about current wildfire conditions in Arkansas, visit www.arkfireinfo.org. To report a wildfire, call 1-800-468-8834.ing to work and give their time to prepare," Miller said.
The task of preparing for the contest begins in the fall, and more time is devoted to the team as the event nears.

Newport OM teams awarded first place

Four teams from the Newport Special School District competed in the Odyssey of the Mind regional tournament, and all four received first place in their divisions.
Gifted and Talented coordinator Brent Miller has spent several years participating in the contest as a competitor, a coach or a judge, and this is the first time he recalls a school taking first place with every team it entered.
"I have been doing this for 15 years, and I don't remember a time when all the teams from a school won first place," Miller said.
NSSD teams have been extremely successful at OM competitions in the past, and Miller credits the students for their effort.
"Newport has a great tradition of winning because we have several kids that are willing to work and give their time to prepare," Miller said.
The task of preparing for the contest begins in the fall, and more time is devoted to the team as the event nears.
"We get the competition problems in October, and the students work about an hour each week in the beginning," Miller said. "The time they spend gradually increases until they are working three to four hours a week."
The parents are also deserve some of the credit for Newport's winning tradition.
"We have some of the best parents in Arkansas because of all the time they spend working with the kids," Miller said. "We really do have a great community here."
The Albright Elementary School team won first place in Division Two for their solution to the food court problem. The seven team members are: Bailey Clark, Maci Grady, Rachel Gansz, Lacy Schultz, Zach Altom, Dalton Menley and Sarah Howard. They are coached by Leslie Altom and Mindy Schultz.
Newport High School entered three teams in the regional competition.
The seven-member team of Jacob Conditt, John Mark Robison, Savannah Sellers, Alyssa Smith, Abbey Jones, Kaitlin Shumate and Lexie Avance won first place in Division Three for their solution to the discovered treasures problem. They are coached by Sadie Bullard.
Michael Reynolds, Alyson Rohfling, Hannah Ray, Maci Scudder, Roger Faust and Teagan Martin won first place in Division Three for their solution to the food court problem. They are coached by Brent Miller and Sherri Rohfling.
The six-member team of Dalton Conditt, Hunter Bowen, Sissy Boyster, Alyson Victory, Mindy Linvell and Abby Ratton received first place in Division Three for their solution to the nature trail problem. They are coached by Tracey Metzger and Neal Pankey.
All four teams must now prepare for the state competition to be held on Saturday, April 10 at ASU-Beebe.

Independent wins 2010 Henry award

The Newport Independent was announced as the winner of a media support award during Tuesday night’s Governor’s Banquet on the final night of the 36th Annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism held in Eureka Springs.
The Media Support Award is presented each year to a distinguished individual or an organization for their support of Arkansas’s tourism industry.
“We are extremely pleased and excited to be chosen for this award,” Publisher Gina Slagley said. “Tourism is a large industry in the state, and we are happy to help when we can.”
The other two finalists for the award were Bob Moore of Cassville, MO and Jimmy Sledge of Warren.

Greyhounds pull off Monday Night Miracle

Just 72 hours after letting a late lead slip away against one of its oldest rivals, Batesville, the Newport Greyhound baseball team turned the tables on one of its newest, Bald Knob.
It was not exactly the 1980 USA hockey team’s “Miracle on Ice,” but Monday night’s come from behind victory was one for the story books for the Newport Greyhounds.
The Bulldogs of Bald Knob broke open a 3-2 contest with six runs in the top of the sixth inning and held a 9-2 advantage as play began in the bottom of the seventh inning.
When it was over, fortunately, for the Hounds, Newport erased the deficit taking a 10-9 decision as they scored eight runs with two outs in the final frame.
“You couldn’t write that,” Coach Mark Hindsley said following the exhilarating victory, “you couldn’t write that script up. This is just an unbelievable win for us.”
The Greyhounds teased their fans early in the final frame as they loaded the bases with no one out, however, following a pitching change by the Bulldogs, a fielder’s choice and strikeout ensued leaving the Newport nine to their final out.
Then the fun began for the Greyhounds.
Travis Linvell was hit-by-a-pitch to plate Grant Black cutting the lead to 9-3. Kordre Taylor followed with a bases-loaded walk trimming the lead to 9-4 as Devante Neal scored. Leadoff man Michael Reynolds broke an 0-7 mini-slump with a line-drive single to right to plate Aaron Newman and Linvell.
With runners on the corners, Matthew Duvall drove a ball to the base of the wall in left-centerfield for a ringing double to plate Taylor and Reynolds and cut the lead to 9-8.
Following a walk to Ryan McGaughey who reached on an error to get the inning started, Black dropped a line-drive in the right-centerfield gap score Duvall with the tying run and plate McGaughey, who beat the throw to the plate, with the game-winner to complete the comeback.
“I’ve never been a part of anything even remotely close to this,” Hindsley said, “scoring eight runs with two outs, it is amazing.”
McGaughey picked up the win in relief with a scoreless seventh inning, striking out one. Duvall started and pitched five innings allowing six runs - four earned - on nine hits an struck out one while walking two. Reynolds allowed three runs - two earned - on one hit and walking two in one inning of work.
Black had three hits while Duvall and Linvell had two hits each to pace the offense. Reynolds, McGaughey, Newman and Taylor had a hit each. Reynolds, Black, Duvall and Taylor drove in two runs in the victory.
Batesville 12
Newport 7
The Greyhounds wasted a solid pitching performance from Grant Black as a seeing-eye hit, a fielder’s choice and a bunt single led the Pioneers to a six-run seventh inning en route to a 12-7 victory over the Greyhounds.
Newport had overcome a 4-1 deficit with four, two-out runs in the fourth inning to take a 7-6 lead.
Black suffered the loss as he worked 6.1 innings allowing 10 runs - eight earned - on 10 hits and struck out three. Ryan McGaughey worked .2 innings allowing two runs - one earned - on one hit and struck out two.
Matthew Duvall led the Newport offense with three hits while McGaughey, Black, Devante Neal and Aaron Newman had a hit each for the Hounds.
Newport 12
Southside 8
The Greyhound offense broke out the longball as they connected for four home runs in the first two innings and sophomore Michael Reynolds slammed the door on the Southerners over the final four innings as Newport held on for a 12-8 victory.
Matthew Duvall got the hit parade started early as he connected for a two-run home run following a lead-off walk to Trey Winemiller in the first inning. Ryan McGaughey singled and Devante Neal, following a ground out, blasted a long opposite field home run to give the Hounds a 4-0 lead.
Aaron Newman, following a pitching change for the Southerners, greeted the relief corps with a home run down the leftfield line for a 5-0 advantage.
After Southside pushed across a run in the home half of the first, Newport struck again. Duvall reached on a fielder’s choice and McGaughey connected for a two-run home run to straightaway centerfield to build a 7-1 advantage.
The Southerners scored five times in the home half of the second to cut the lead to 7-6 as the Newport defense allowed them to get back in it.
Newport added two insurance runs fourth, one more in the sixth and two in the seventh to hold on for the win.
Reynolds got the win in relief of Duvall as he allowed one unearned run on one hit in four innings and struck out nine. Duvall allowed eight runs on seven hits in three innings of work.
Duvall led the offense with three hits, a home run, four runs scored and four RBIs. McGaughey had two hits, a home run, scored twice and drove in three. Black had two hits and drove in a run. Neal added a home run and three RBIs. Newman had one hit, drove in one and scored once. Kordre Taylor and Reynolds had a hit each for the Hounds.

JAG Student Leadership Conference

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0400

Heber school teams open play at Mare Square

The Heber Springs high school softball, junior high softball and high school baseball teams played their first games on the new fields at Mare Square Sports Complex on Monday.
The Lady Panthers beat Highland 11-1 in high school softball play and the Panthers rallied for a 4-3 win over Dover in high school baseball.
Look for complete story and photos in Friday’s edition.

Over to you

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:44:53 -0400

March 15, 1984. An F4 tornado traveled across Van Buren and Cleburne Counties in an unusual, almost directly east path.

Governor Beebe Directs Changes at Alexander Human Development Center

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0400

LITTLE ROCK - Late last week, the Arkansas Department of Human Services completed its annual survey of the care provided at the Alexander Human Development Center (AHDC). The results of that survey show that immediate action is required at ADHC. Reviews of surveys of other facilities, also conducted by the Office of Long Term Care, are ongoing as well.Under the direction of Governor Mike Be...

Governor Beebe Declares Three Counties Disaster Areas After Recent Storms

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0400

LITTLE ROCK - Governor Mike Beebe today declared Cleburne, Saline and White Counties state disaster areas due to damage caused by tornadoes and severe storms on Wednesday, March 10.The declaration makes these three counties eligible for funds from the Public Assistance Program. The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management will oversee the use of these funds to help local govern...

AAIMS Schools Announcement

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0400

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: Helping Veterans One Hour at a Time

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Our servicemen and women deployed in war zones are often deeply affected emotionally and psychologically by their experiences. While these after effects are common, they are not always easily detected when military personnel return from overseas. Too often, when soldiers come home, they internalize their feelings about their combat experiences and avoid discussing them as they try to readjust to...

Give an Hour News Conference

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe recently hosted a news conference to launch the "Give an Hour" program in Arkansas. Give an Hour is a national organization that encourages mental-health-care providers to donate their services one hour a week to servicemen and women returning home from deployments. The program already has partnered with more than 5,000 mental-health-care professionals across the country to provide ...

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: Helping Veterans One Hour at a Time

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Sign committee wraps up work

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:52:27 -0500

Signs, signs, everywhere a sign. However, that could change if the Cabot City Council adopts the sign committees recommendations giving the code officer added muscle to reduce clutter and remove unsightly, unmaintained or abandoned signs.

NAS studies business

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:52:26 -0500

LITTLE ROCK The first in a series of regional conferences organized by the National Academy of Sciences wrapped up Tuesday at the Clinton presidential library, with business leaders highlighting a variety of innovations and new business possibilities.

Those dam beavers

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:52:26 -0500

The beavers in central Lonoke County have proved that old clich/, busy as a beaver, has some truth to it. The beavers have built dams and blocked the drainage of a large portion of the area.

Officials wary of identity theft during 2010 census

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:52:25 -0500

LITTLE ROCK With the April 1 start date looming, the Census Bureau is taking steps to protect peoples private information.

COMMUNITYCALENDAR

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:52:25 -0500

March 13 Cabot Community Theatre will hold a meeting for potential volunteers at 9 a.m. Positions available include: ushers, stagehands, directors, sound and lighting technicians and actors. Volunteers also are needed to help with dinner theater productions. Call 501-941-2266 for more information.

Inquiry yields no charges in infant death

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:52:24 -0500

Pulaski County Coroner Garland Camper said his office is waiting on microscopic tests from the states crime lab to determine the cause of death of 5-month-old Alexa Carter, 13111 B Cemetery Road, Cabot. She is the daughter of Kimberly Carter, Camper said.

Ward considers legal action in sewer project

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:52:23 -0500

Longtime Ward alderman Marrice Jackson tendered his resignation from the Ward 1 Position 2 seat on the city council during the March 8 meeting. His last act as council member was to move to adjourn.

Lonoke County receives $72,000 in turnback funds

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:52:23 -0500

LITTLE ROCK Lonoke County received $72,360.52 in turnback funds during 2009, according to Commissioner of State Lands Mark Wilcox. These funds represent funding generated from the redemption and sale of tax delinquent property during 2008.

Give an Hour, Press Conference

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe Announces 27 Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK - Governor Mike Beebe today announced the following judicial appointments:Stuart Hankins, North Little Rock, as Special Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas for the case styled 09-1128 T.C. v. State of Arkansas. Replaces Justice Donald Corbin, who has disqualified himself from the case.Amy Stewart, Little Rock, as Special Associate Justice of the Supreme Court ...

Little Rock Marathon - Cheering Section

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe and friends watch and cheer-on participants in the Little Rock...

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: Making Arkansas Count

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0500

In the coming weeks, we will all be receiving our 2010 Census forms in the mail. Established by Article I of the U.S. Constitution, the census is one of America's oldest traditions. While the method of counting Americans has changed over the decades, the significance of being counted remains the same. Completing the 2010 Census form helps ensure that a fair share of the federal taxes we pay to ...

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: Making Arkansas Count

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe Announces Intent to Grant Pardons

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK - Governor Mike Beebe today announced his intent to grant 11 pardons. An additional 10 clemency requests were denied and 30 had no action taken upon them. These include requests from both inmates and non-inmates.The 11 applicants intended for pardons have completed all jail time, fulfilled all parole-and-probationary requirements and paid all fines related to their sentences. T...

HP Conway Facility Dedication

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe today helped dedicate the HP Conway facility. HP expects to employ 1,200 Arkansans at the new facility.

Hewlett Packard Grand Opening Ceremony, Conway AR

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Help is needed for the 2010 Easter Egg Hunt

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:02:03 -0500

Every year in early spring, Woodland Mead Park is graced by a multitude of children for the annual Easter Egg Hunt hosted by the Fairfield Bay Recreation Department.

Easter Seals Arkansan of the Year

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe Vetoes Senate Bill 130

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK - Governor Beebe vetoed Senate Bill 130 on Monday. The bill would have taken $1.6 million from the Central Services Fund to pay for redistricting costs. The letter accompanying the veto reads as follows:Dear Mr. President Pro Tempore and Members of the Senate:In accordance with Article 6, Section 15 of the Arkansas Constitution, I write to notify you that today I vetoed Sen...

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: A New Perspective On Health Care

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

I recently returned to Arkansas after attending the winter meeting of the National Governors Association in Washington, DC. The economy and health-care reform dominated our discussions, but the tone of these conversations was very different than we have come to expect out of Washington. These sessions were focused, pragmatic, insightful, and respectful. And almost always, they were bipartisan....

600 Arkansans to Receive Training For Green Jobs

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Pulaski Technical College and NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) will each receive grants to provide job training for green jobs in energy efficiency to as many as 600 Arkansans through 60 course offerings. The grants were announced today by Governor Mike Beebe during a press conference at the Pulaski Technical College South campus in Little Rock. The grants will be administered by the ...

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: A New Perspective On Health Care

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Centers for Excellence - Pulaski Tech

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe's Call-In Shows to be Suspended During Election Season

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK - With Governor Mike Beebe preparing to file for re-election, both his radio and television call-in shows will stop airing until after the general election."Ask the Governor" on the Arkansas Radio Network, and "Arkansans Ask: Governor Mike Beebe" on the Arkansas Educational Television Network have both halted production during previous elections to avoid giving any perce...

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: A Matter of Degrees

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

I recently visited juniors and seniors at North Little Rock High School to celebrate Say Go College Week. As a State, we are focused on ensuring that our students realize the advantages that follow college degrees. If it weren't for my college degree, I would never have reached my full potential - and I certainly would not be where I am today.Many of our students come from non-traditional fa...

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: A Matter of Degrees

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe Announces 15 Appointments To Boards And Commissions

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK - Governor Mike Beebe today announced the following appointments to boards and commissions:Dr. Jim Citty, Searcy, reappointed to the Arkansas State Medical Board. Appointment expires December 31, 2015.Rose Crane, Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Medical Board. Appointment expires December 31, 2015. Replaces Anne Britton.Dr. Jim Golden, Maumelle, reappointed to the ...

2010 Census Jobs Available

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:09:48 -0500

The US Census Bureau in Little Rock is scheduling testing sessions for job aplicants at the Fairfield Bay Senior Center, and 1st Service Bank in Clinton.

Arkansas History Room, Bryant Elementary School

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

"Say Go College" Pep Rally

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

"Say Go College Week" Kick-off

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe today participated in the "Say Go College Week" kick-off pep rally at North Little Rock High School West Campus. "Say Go College Week" is an effort to help Arkansas high-school students prepare for college academically and financially.

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: A Year of Recovery and Reinvestment

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

It has been nearly a year since the federal government enacted its stimulus program, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. While I am proud to report that Arkansas has invested its share of this program wisely, I believe the greater benefits to our State are still to be realized. Knowing that this estimated 3.1 billion dollars in one-time money will run out eventually, we have not used it ...

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: A Year of Recovery and Reinvestment

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe's Fiscal Session Address to the 87th General Assembly

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

This is a historic day, one that provides a great lesson about our democracy and reminds us that our Constitution is a living document. Amendment 86, approved by the people of Arkansas, much to the surprise of many of us, established this fiscal sessions with a clear intent.They wanted you to be brief, and they wanted you to deal with fiscal matters only, unless two-thirds of both houses appr...

Governor Beebe addresses the joint legislature as 2010 session convenes

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe Announces Ten Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Mike Beebe today announced the following judicial appointment:Ernest Sanders, Jr., Little Rock, as Circuit Judge for the Fifth Division of the Sixth Judicial District. Appointment expires December 31, 2010. Replaces Judge Willard Proctor, Jr.Governor Beebe also announced the following appointments to boards and commissions:Allen Bedell, Hot Springs, reappointed to the State ...

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: Our First Fiscal Session

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

This is Governor Mike Beebe.Beginning February 8th, Arkansas takes a historic step in how our fiscal policies are made. The General Assembly will convene its first-ever fiscal session on Monday. The session can last up to 30 days, unless three-fourths of the State Senate and House of Representatives vote to extend it for up to 15 additional days. The purpose of this session is to debate, re...

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: Our First Fiscal Session

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Ask the Governor KARN

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Listen to Part One of KARN's "Ask The Governor"Listen to Part Two of KARN's "Ask The Governor"Listen to Part Three of KARN's "Ask The Governor"Listen to Part Four of KARN's "Ask The Governor"Listen to Part Five of KARN's "Ask The Governor"

Chapter 2850 to meet

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:11:18 -0500

The Fairfield Bay AARP Chapter 2850 next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 11 at 1 p.m. in the Fairfield Bay Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on Dave Creek Parkway.

Governor Beebe Announces Intent To Grant Pardons

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 01:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK - Governor Mike Beebe today announced his intent to grant seven pardons. An additional 12 clemency requests were denied and 22 had no action taken upon them. These include requests from both inmates and non-inmates.The seven applicants intended for pardons have completed all jail time, fulfilled all parole-and-probationary requirements and paid all fines related to their sentences...

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: Local Efforts For International Investments

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

A few weeks ago, Saint Jean Industries, a French auto parts manufacturer, announced that it will invest $14 million to expand its plant in Heber Springs. This will lead to an estimated 250 new jobs - no small feat in today's economy. This expansion is good news for Heber Springs, good news for Arkansas, and good news for the company and its employees. It is also an example of strong, face-to-fa...

Governor Beebe Declares State Of Emergency For Winter Storm

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

State offices closed except for essential personnelLITTLE ROCK - Governor Beebe declared a State of Emergency Friday morning in response to the ice and snow already in Arkansas and expected to continue accumulating throughout the day. The declaration carries with it up to $20,000 from the Governor's Disaster Fund for the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management to supply additional support...

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: Local Efforts For International Investments

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe Announces Six Appointments To Boards And Commissions

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK - Governor Mike Beebe today announced the following judicial appointment:The Honorable Olly Neal, Marianna, as Circuit Judge for the First Division of the First Judicial District. Appointment expires December 31, 2010. Replaces Harvey Yates.Governor Beebe also announced the following appointments to boards and commissions:Dr. Bob Blanz, Little Rock, to the Petroleum S...

Central Arkansas Water Expansion Groundbreaking Ceremony

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Mike Beebe today joined company officials and representatives of the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission for the Central Arkansas Water expansion groundbreaking ceremony. Funding for this new $6-million water-treatment disinfection system comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the State of Arkansas Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund.

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: Challenging our Students in Science, Math and the Real World

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

We strive to make every educational opportunity accessible to all of Arkansas's students, but those efforts will ultimately fall short if our students lack the passion and drive to succeed. While we want our students to achieve, we also want them to find success in fields that inspire them and lead to satisfying careers.This is especially true in science, technology, engineering, and math, wha...

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: Challenging our Students in Science, Math and the Real World

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe Announces 16 Appointments To Boards And Commissions

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK - Governor Mike Beebe today announced the following appointment to the Arkansas State Police Commission:Frank Guinn, Jr., Paragould. Appointment expires January 14, 2017. Replaces Charisse Childers.Governor Beebe also announced the following appointment to the University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees:Victor Green, Conway. Appointment expires January 14, 2017. ...

Governor Beebe Appoints New Member To Arkansas State University Board Of Trustees

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK - Governor Mike Beebe today named Dan Pierce of Jonesboro to the Arkansas State University Board of Trustees."Dan Pierce has built a strong bond with Arkansas State University and with Jonesboro," Beebe said. "The combination of Dan's calm, level-headed personality and his business experience will serve him well on the Board and make him a good representative for ASU."Pierce,...

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: Preserving a Dream and Creating New Ones

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Martin Luther King, Jr. lived only 39 years, but his message of equality, social justice and non-violence has built a legacy that endures more than four decades after his death.The struggle we face today in carrying out Dr. King's dream is not only fighting traditional prejudices and biases, but also showing a younger generation of Americans how to realize their own dreams in troubled times....

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: Preserving a Dream and Creating New Ones

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Temp Schedule

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe's Schedule for January 27 - February 1Wednesday, January 2710:00 a.m.Governor Beebe participates in a Central Arkansas Water expansion groundbreaking ceremonyJack H. Wilson Plant, 338 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock12:45 p.m.Governor Beebe addresses the ARRA Minority Business ForumAssociation of Arkansas Counties, 1415 West 3rd Street, Little Rock3:00 p...

Governor Beebe Appoints Ron Sheffield To Arkansas Supreme Court

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK - Governor Mike Beebe has named Ron Sheffield of Little Rock to the Arkansas Supreme Court."Ron Sheffield has the knowledge and experience with the Supreme Court to hit the ground running," Governor Beebe said. "The unique circumstances of this appointment mean shouldering a significant caseload immediately, and Ron is well-qualified to accomplish this with the skill and honor be...

Lake Village Welcome Center Grand Opening

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe today participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Lake Village Welcome Center. This new Welcome Center is the sixth in a cooperative venture between the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

Justice Bill Bowen Notifies Governor Beebe Of His Intention To Resign

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Bill Bowen has informed Governor Mike Beebe of his intention to resign from his appointment for health reasons. Beebe appointed Bowen to serve on the court for 2010 after the resignation of Justice Annabelle Clinton Imber."While this news is a disappointment, my thoughts are first and foremost focused on Bill's health and well-being," Governor Beeb...

Revised Budget Forecast To Cut State Budget For Current Fiscal Year

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK - Due to continued shortfalls in State revenues, Governor Mike Beebe has accepted a recommendation by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration to cut the state budget by an additional $106 million for the current fiscal year. The governor's proposed balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2011, which will be detailed by DF&A officials on Tuesday, anticipates a return to current b...

Governor Beebe Announces 16 Appointments To Boards And Commissions

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK - Governor Mike Beebe today announced the following appointment to the State Board of Education:Vicki Saviers, Little Rock. Appointment expires June 30, 2016. Replaces Randy Lawson.Governor Beebe also announced the following judicial appointment:Whit Fowlkes, Mountain View, as Special Associate Justice to the Supreme Court of Arkansas for the case styled 09-718 Hempstead ...

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: A Simpler Path to Financial Aid

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

This week, the Arkansas Department of Higher Education unveiled the Universal Scholarship Application. This simple, Web-based resource provides current and aspiring college students with a single application that will help them calculate how much State assistance they may qualify for in financial aid. Rather than having to sift through the 21 scholarship, grant, and loan programs the State offers,...

Ask the Governor KARN

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: A Simpler Path to Financial Aid

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe Declares State Of Emergency In Preparation For Severe Winter Temperatures

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK - Governor Beebe declared a State of Emergency Wednesday afternoon to help Arkansas officials prepare for the severe temperatures, winds, and winter precipitation expected to enter Arkansas. The declaration carries with it up to $50,000 from the Governor's Disaster Fund for the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management to supply additional support and resources if needed."While...

Governor Beebe Announces Intent To Grant Pardons

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK - Governor Mike Beebe today announced his intent to grant nine pardons. An additional 45 clemency requests were denied and 42 had no action taken upon them. These include requests from both inmates and non-inmates.The nine applicants intended for pardons have completed all jail time, fulfilled all parole-and-probationary requirements and paid all fines related to their sentences...

Arkansas's Universal Scholarship Application

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:00:00 -0500

Arkansas citizens seeking education beyond high school will now find the scholarship application process more user-friendly than ever before, thanks to the Universal Scholarship Application, developed by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. The online version of the Universal Scholarship Application, launched on January 1, matches students to potential scholarships in a matter of minutes...

Allied Wireless Communications Corporation to Locate in Little Rock

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:00:00 -0500

Allied Wireless Communications announces plans to create at least 200-250...

outdoors F field trip

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:50:30 -0500

Mother Nature didn't cooperate. The night before, she dumped nearly 3 inches of rain - totaling almost 10 inches in eight days.

November is Adoption Awareness Month

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:00:00 -0500

Governor Beebe helps commemorate November as Adoption Awareness Month while...

Arts foundation receives Mid-America Arts Alliance Performing Arts Grant

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:48:19 -0400

This award will support an upcoming performance by Flamenco guitarist Ronald Radford at Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Nov.

Governor Beebe Returns From European Economic-Development and Trade Mission

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:00:00 -0400

The delegation met with ten European companies already invested in Arkansas:...

HI Board considers recommendations for funding golf operations in 2010

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:25:05 -0400

In another long discussion at Monday's work session, the Holiday Island Board of Commissioners considered staff recommendations for funding golf operations for 2010.

Rockina Razorback

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:09:19 -0400

After years of consideration, Sexson finally asked Fairfield Bay Mayor Tom Schueren if she could paint the a oeRazorback shapeda rock that is situated on Arkansas 330 just before the Fairfield Bay Marina and Campgrounds.

GOVERNOR BEEBE CONFIRMS TOM KIMBRELL AS EDUCATION COMMISSIONER

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 01:00:00 -0400

LITTLE ROCK Governor Mike Beebe has confirmed Tom Kimbrell of Cabot as the...

Two candidates vie for Shirley School Board

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:49:11 -0400

Polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Shirley High School Auditorium and at the Fairfield Bay Senior Citizens Center.

St. Joseph dominates tourney at Mountain Ranch

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 06:57:40 -0400

FAIRFIELD BAY a ' St. Joseph swept both divisions Thursday in a golf tournament at the Mountain Ranch course here.

Rotary Club provides dictionaries, thesauruses to Fairfield Bay students

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 06:47:07 -0400

This year, local third-graders received a copy of The Best Dictionary For Students, which includes many features, including handwriting samples of the letters of the alphabet, a poem called Nine Parts of Speech, a punctuation guide and weights and measures, as well as a guide to the dictionary.

GOVERNOR BEEBE ANNOUNCES $42.5 MILLION IN RECOVERY FUNDS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 01:00:00 -0400

LITTLE ROCK -- Governor Mike Beebe today announced the distribution of $42.5...

Governor Beebe Launches Modern Workplace Program

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Governor Mike Beebe today announced The Modern Workplace program, designed to...

Governor Beebe Issues Green Executive Order

Thu, 28 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Governor Beebe announces an executive order directing state agencies to...

Governor Beebe Thanks Members of the 87th General Assembly

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 01:00:00 -0400

I want to thank the men and women of the 87th General Assembly for their...

Governor Beebe Announces New Silver Alert Program

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Governor Mike Beebe today unveiled a new program in Arkansas, known as the...

Governor Beebe Participates in the Arkansas Research Alliance News Conference

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:00:00 -0400

We know that we have the talent and ambition to bring more 21st-century jobs...