Dwayne Spangler, of Izard County Stickshooters, has achieved the near impossible; teaching a blind woman to shoot a bow and arrow. Heidi Kottke has been permanently blind for nearly 20 years. Before that, she had a birth defect that only allowed her to see colors, shapes and sizes. Kottke noted that people looked like colorful blobs...

A tragic story unfolded May 21 after a 20-month-old boy was reported missing and was later found in Lake Sequoyah in Cherokee Village. According to Detective Aaron Presser with the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred around 9:45 a.m...

Two more arrests have been made in the recent “roundup” executed by the Third Judicial Drug Task Force [DTF], Sharp County Sheriff’s Department and Arkansas State Police. According to paperwork obtained from the Sharp County Courthouse, Jerry W. Price, 72,of Cave City was arrested May 16 and has since been charged with delivery of a controlled schedule II substance [methamphetamine] and unlawful use of a communication device, both class C felonies...

“Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, Reverent” These words may have a familiar ring to them but for those of you who may not exactly be able to place it, this is the Boy Scout law; words to live by for those who bear responsibility of the motto “Be Prepared”...

Two Evening Shade residents sustained serious injures May 18 following a one vehicle accident on Highway 167 approximately a half a mile after Corinth Road. David Malone, 59 and Maria Malone, 54 were riding a motorcycle headed toward Ash Flat when authorities believe the back tire of the motorcycle blew causing the pair to lose control and overturn sending the two sliding down the highway...

When the tone sounds, only a select few hear and answer the call from those who are in need of rescuing. Firefighters, first responders, police, EMT’s and paramedics are the force that at times, can mean the difference between life and death or loss and retention...

The skies were dark over the grounds of the Sharp County Courthouse May 17; rows of officers stood in solemn respect as they looked into the faces of the family of fallen officer Sgt. Jeff Richardson, a fallen Cave City Police Officer killed in the line of duty May 21, 1993...

Recently, the Sharp County Community Foundation participated in a Professional Advisors meeting with the Arkansas Community Foundation. During the meeting, the groups discussed upcoming and open opportunities for Sharp County residents. The Sharp County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Arkansas Community Foundation and is one of 26 affiliates throughout Arkansas with a common goal of promoting smart giving to improve communities...

The Highland City Council received word May 9 that everything is on track for the upcoming special election to prevent the half cent sales tax, currently being used for the sewer bond, from sun-setting. During the meeting, Mary Wiles, clerk/treasurer told the council she had received confirmation from the state that all of the paperwork that was filed, has been accepted...

Recently, there have been a rash of killings of cattle in northern Arkansas. There was a social media public service announcement from a woman in Georgia, discussing the threat that black vultures impose on pregnant cows in the process of labor. The vultures wait until a promising opportunity when the mother is in distress. ...

Several Viola seniors were recently awarded with scholarships from the following organizations: County Line #373 County Line Lodge #373 is proud to announce that this is the fourth year for them to take part in the scholarship program along with Viola Lodge.  Ray Mathews handed out the awards. Second place winners were Alex Waltrip and Robbie Stawski. Fourth place winners are Alexander Petriken and Bailey DeVaul...

Michael “Drake” Saunders recently completed his service project for the Eagle Scouts, associated with BSA Troop 639 in Ash Flat. There are six boys total that are supposed to complete projects, that they start planning to complete before their 18th birthday. Drake came up with the idea to build six picnic tables to donate the City of Salem park...

Salem School Board was held on Monday, May 15. After the approval of the minutes, High School principal, Cody Curtis, provided a student recognition report: Curtis began by recognizing the local businesses that made the 2017 Ready Set Graduate program a success...

Zippy the Roadrunner is quickly becoming a Fulton County celebrity as Sharmin Jennings has began a social media page for him, Zippin’ down a dirt road, on Facebook. This little bird has taken on a mouse, three lizards, a small wren fledgling and even a copperhead. The Jennings live between Salem and Viola and have seen several roadrunners throughout the year...

What makes up the beautiful scenery of Missouri was the latest topic at the Oregon County Historical Society meeting. Surprisingly, many plants and species that inhabit the state are not native to the environment and were brought to the area and some of these that one may think would be non-native, are indigenous...

On Thursday, May 11, Joshua Lindberg, an employee of Rent-A-Ride, reported a 2012 Chevy Impala that had been rented to Joshua Chambers was not returned. It was to be returned by Wednesday, May 10. The Arkansas State Police informed them that the vehicle may have been used in Mountain Home in a crime...

This past week, just in time for summer break from school, many residents and visitors enjoyed a fun-filled time at the first Thayer Spring Fair that was held Tuesday, May 16 through Saturday, May 20. Throughout the week, patrons were treated to music, great food and exciting rides for the whole family to enjoy...

After leading police in a high-speed chase across three Missouri counties, a Pacific, Mo. man was apprehended after crashing the stolen vehicle he was driving in Thayer on Saturday, May 20. In a car chase that originated in Shannon County, the driver of a gray Dodge truck stole gas from a gas station. Workers at the station notified authorities of the vehicle headed toward Winona. Winona police attempted to stop the vehicle but led them on a chase that reached speeds up to 90 miles per hour...

Earlier this year, a story was published in Avenues (Areawide Media’s monthly magazine) about local businessman, John Kunkel and his efforts to give back to the community for years to come. Those efforts include a yearly scholarship to be given away in Kunkel’s name (and family’s name). The first year recipient of the John O. Kunkel Sharp County 4-H/FFA $1,000 Scholarship is Katelyn Rogers, of Mammoth Spring...

The morning of Saturday, May 20 a small tornado went over the city of Thayer. Even though the tornado did not touch down, it did take down many trees and left much of the city without power. The area known as Barton Hill was affected the most from the storm as there were uprooted trees from the storm moving through the area. One uprooted tree fell on an unoccupied double wide trailer house...

Jennifer Lea Collins, 55, is in custody after attacking and seriously injuring a woman in her care. According to an affidavit from the Sharp County Clerk’s Office, the Cherokee Village Police Department responded to a request from the Spring River Ambulance Service for assistance at a home on Mixtec Drive...

The Calico Rock High School softball team had an unique outlook when they played Scranton High School on Monday, May 15. Each softball member wrote their favorite bible verse on their arm before the game because they all “know and believe nothing is possible without Christ.”...

Last week, at Viola Elementary School, a group of sixth graders from Carla Duncan’s class, presented six shadow boxes to honor veterans in our area. It was up to those sixth grade students to raise donations in order to purchase the shadow boxes. The veteran appreciation assembly took place on Thursday, May 11, with six honoree veterans in attendance and two veteran representatives from the VFW...

Thayer City Council met for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, May 11. Before addressing city business, City Clerk Donna Martin swore in Russel Jewell to fill the position, previously filled by Clay Risner. Moving on, the city approved the consent agenda which included minutes for the monthly meeting in April, a special called council meeting, court report, fire department minutes, an article regarding “Public Funds, Private Benefit” and a report on the Thayer Flood Evacuation Center. ...

The Lady Greyhounds played in the first round of the 2A state tournament in Lepanto, Ark. The Lady Hounds played against Pangburn and were defeated 6-5. Softball coach, Tesa Nelson, couldn’t be more proud of the team or their accomplishments. The 2017 softball season for the Lady Hounds came to a close on Thursday, May 11. ...

Third Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Henry Boyce announced Thursday, May 4, in a joint operation conducted by the Third Judicial Drug Task Force, Sharp County Sheriff’s Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Newport Police Department and State Police, 18 arrests have been made in a multi-county round-up. ...

A local business in Hardy sustained an estimated $3,000 dollars in damages after the fence on their property was destroyed by a passing motorist. According to a report from the Hardy Police Department, the authorities were notified of the accident which occurred May 8 just after 7:30 a.m. in front of the old Motorcar Museum in Hardy...

For nearly two decades, volunteers from Sharp, Fulton, Craighead and Pulaski counties have been traveling to the Arkansas Department of Corrections facilities in Newport. Their visits aren’t for personal reasons, but rather to help the incarcerated inmates there to remain connected with their families while serving their time through The Arkansas Storybook Project...

There was no shortage of Highland Rebel achievement during the Highland School Board meeting April 27. Superintendent Don Sharp recognized the Highland School District’s bus drivers, mechanics and transportation staff during the meeting, after receiving a letter from the state which said the school had no deficiencies and had passed inspection...

A Sharp County man required medical attention and many Hardy businesses remained closed for the day May 10 after a vehicle took out a fire hydrant and telephone pole, causing the city to lose power to many of its businesses before taking out a street sign and ultimately coming to rest against a business...

The Sharp County Fair Association has been a longstanding organization within the community for more than 50 years. The organizations’ purpose is to organize and host a county fair each year and to maintain the fair property, pay the utilities and other activities concerning the fairgrounds each year...

The Tri-County area has shown solidarity towards raising donations for flood efforts in Lawrence and Randolph Counties. Salem High School and Highland High School each raised donations that were transported to Pocahontas earlier this month, and Melbourne Elementary School is raising monetary donations as well as physical donations to be transported on Saturday, May 20...

Fulton County Quorum Court was held on Monday, May 10, with Fulton County Judge Darrell Zimmer presiding. The meeting opened with a section for any public comments. A VFW representative from Salem noted that everyone is invited to the Memorial Day service, at the Salem VFW Post 9777 on Hwy 395 North on Monday, May 29 at 11 a.m. ...

On May 6, William Chilcutt, 59, of Salem, was arrested for kidnapping, a class Y felony, two counts of residential burglary, both class B felonies, driving while intoxicated, careless or prohibited driving and aggravated assault, a class D felony. The incident happened on Country Springs Road in the Morriston area. ...

The Izard County Sheriff’s Department is still actively working the Flat Rock Church vandalism that was reported on Jan. 23. The investigation into the Forrest Chapel Church fire that occurred on April 7, is still active as well. They are asking for anyone that has information on either case to contact the Izard County Sheriff’s Department at 870-368-4203...

Church Street Boutique, of Salem, had their grand opening on Wednesday, May 10, after a ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m. There were members from the Salem Chamber of Commerce, Mary Harris from the Bank of Salem, who is also the president of the chamber, employees of NAEC, Fulton County Treasurer Seth Jones, Salem City Council member Marsha Newton, and various others to welcome owner, Terri Catron, to Salem...

Mammoth Spring is a huge tourist town and at the Mammoth Spring State Park, Tourism Day is held every year, not to bring more attention to the park, but to show appreciation for the community and tourists that appreciate the park throughout the year...

While driving through downtown Thayer you may notice a little renovation taking place at the end of Chestnut Street. Tennessee natives, Fred Asbury and Patty Simon, have been hard at work remodeling their newly acquired building to hopefully help liven up downtown and to bring an outlet for the fine arts to the area...

To help bring more awareness to resources that are offered through their programs, the University of Missouri Extension of Oregon County held their annual open house on Friday, May 12. The Extension holds the open house every year to encourage the public to drop in and learn more about what the Extension has to offer, as well as to visit with faculty and Extension council members...

After being destroyed by flood water on the night of Saturday, April 29, Thomasville is the epitome of resilience. Community members have rallied together to clean up what was left behind by the destructive force of the water of the Eleven Point River...

During times of natural disaster or tragedy, it is not uncommon for the people of Sharp County to reach out to one another and band together to help their neighbors. The students and faculty of the Highland School District took that to another level May 5 as they traveled in caravan style to their "rival" community of Pocahontas. Vehicles were loaded down with supplies and food to help with the relief efforts of the recent flood victims...

Sharp County is now a Purple Heart County, following a declaration which was signed into effect May 1 at the Ash Flat Veterans Memorial in Ash Flat by Sharp County Judge Gene Moore. Despite the unusually cold temperatures, a large crowd gathered at the memorial for the ceremony. Following the traditional ceremonial beginnings, Moore read the declaration which explained the history of the Purple Heart and the county's reasons for becoming a Purple Heart County...

What began as a traffic stop executed by Hardy Police Officer Scott Hart and Police Chief Tamara Taylor, ended with two arrests for possession of drugs April 30 in Hardy. According to a report from the Hardy Police Department, the incident occurred around 6:55 a.m. when dispatch received a call regarding a man who seemed to be intoxicated while driving. Officer Hart located the vehicle and initiated the traffic stop near Rebel Station in Hardy...

A Cherokee Village man was taken into custody April 29 after filing a false report with authorities. According to a report from the Cherokee Village Police Department, at approximately 9 p.m. officers responded to a call from Steve Long, 37, of Cherokee Village, who advised several things had been going on at his residence...

Teresa Flynn, overseer of the Highland School's HIGATE program, teacher and quiz bowl coach was named the 2017 Quiz Bowl Coach of the Year in all seven categories April 22 during the State Quiz Bowl Finals. Flynn has been an educator for more than 30 years; something she said became her passion at a young age...

Five Highland High School students were recognized for their achievements in the Congressional Institute's spring Congressional Art Competition April 20 before an assembly of their peers. The competition is a nationwide visual arts competition designed to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the nation. Each congressional district has an opportunity to participate in the events and the Highland students' work was submitted in the first congressional district in Arkansas...