The News

The Salem City Council met for its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, Feb. 25. There being a quorum represented, Mayor Daniel Busch called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Council members participating were Richard Frazier, Marcia Newton, Betty Teague and Ted York...

Fulton County Quorum Court held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 24. Once the meeting was called to order and roll was taken, the minutes and clerk’s report from the last meeting were approved. Barry Abney gave the treasurer’s report and his report was approved...

A special announcement was made by North Arkansas Electric Cooperative’s fiber subsidiary NEXT at its Mountain Home offices on Friday, Feb. 26. Special guest, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, flew in from Little Rock Friday morning to share with local media and community leaders that NEXT won $27.5 million in the most recent Federal Communications Commission auction. ...

During Governor Asa Hutchinson’s press conference regarding COVID-19 on Friday, Feb. 26, several significant announcements were made about Arkansas’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes reflect the state’s downward trend in key COVID-19 numbers...

A contractor has been selected for the Humphries Ford Bridge project in Fulton County. The project has also been referred to as the “Spring River Bridge” as the bridge connects those who live in the Nine Mile Ridge community to the closest town of Hardy and a main highway...

The fire you just drove by still smoking from the recent flames, or the wreck you pass on the highway during the night in the pouring rain with the man standing outside directing traffic. These instances are just a few examples of what our volunteer first responders handle each time they are called to action. From midnight phone calls, to early morning crisis, they do it all...

Well, it’s nearing the end of February 2021, and the coronavirus pandemic still lingers on, despite there being a new president in the oval office, plus at least two COVID-19 vaccines in circulation and two more within reach. We are now facing almost one-half million deaths resulting from the virus. ...

As this record-breaking winter system ends, North Arkansas Electric Cooperative does not anticipate being mandated to shed load through rolling power outages, or curtailments. Regional transmission organization Midcontinent Independent System Operator placed NAEC on standby for curtailments Feb. 16 and Feb. 17, but the cooperative did not get the order to begin shedding load. However, several distribution co-ops in Arkansas and many more in surrounding states had to do so...

When thinking about my high school education and what lessons really stuck with me throughout the years, it’s my time spent in agriculture classes and experiences I gained as a member and officer of FFA which stand out the most. I grew up with uncles who owned and operated farms and going to friends’ houses whose families ran full time farming operations, and aside from all that, growing up in Myrtle, Mo., it is nearly impossible to not have some connection to farming. ...

The Fulton County Hospital Board of Directors recently held its January 2021 meeting. Bill Couch of Welch, Couch and Company presented their FYE 2020 annual financial audit. The audit cited no areas of concern. The Annual Safety Summary was presented. The summary noted total number of safety drills, workers compensation claims and staff education...

Members of the Bright Future 4-H Club in Fulton County lifted spirits with handcrafted Valentines for the third year in a row. This year, employees from the Fulton County Hospital were at the receiving end of this special project. Ruthanne Shepherd found out the hospital has 120 employees, so members got to work. “Each child that participated created five Valentines. I got super hero Valentines this year because we felt that those that worked at the hospital were super heroes,” she explained...

Betsy Benton celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday, Feb. 11. Though a longtime resident of the Salem area, she has been resident of Southfork River Therapy and Living Rehabilitation in Salem, for several years. She was joined by family members to celebrate the special milestone on Saturday, Feb. 13...

An update from NAEC has been issued since this publication. The original statement, published in The News and Villager Journal this week, is posted below the update. North Arkansas Electric Cooperative received an order late Feb. 16 by the regional transmission organization Midcontinent Independent System Operator to prepare to shed load. ...

Despite winter weather and the COVID-19 pandemic, the region once again showed up to raise funds for the Annual Country Cares for Kids St. Jude Radio-thon. The successful event was held on Wednesday, Feb. 10 on KKountry 95, The Train and The Gift from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., raising more than $202,000 for children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital...

A Senate committee advanced legislation that protects the rights of people with disabilities who need an organ transplant. Senate Bill 155 also is known as Lila’s Law, after a girl with Down syndrome who in 2018 was denied a potential heart transplant. The Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor gave it a favorable recommendation, which means it will be voted on by the entire Senate...

Mammoth Spring High School will hold its 2021 Prom on Friday, April 16. As a way to ensure the safety of students, parents and volunteers organize a Prom Lock-in each year, packed full of games and prizes. “Our main purpose is to keep them after prom, to ensure they have an alcohol and drug free night, so we do different kinds of 'Minute To Win It' type of games. ...

Veterinary health experts are advising individuals who have COVID-19, or suspect they do, to limit contact with their pets. Heidi Ward, extension veterinarian for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said the Arkansas Department of Health recently confirmed that a central Arkansas cat was found to be infected with the virus...

The following article was written by Vester Williams and published in the Salem Headlight’s Sept. 24, 1964 issue. The current owners of the Castleberry Building on the square in Salem recently received notification from the state committee that the property will become a historical structure. They are currently awaiting approval from the National Historic Registry in Washington D.C. and should know something by the end of January...

Local farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers who wish to renew an existing pesticide license or receive a first-time private applicator license will have the opportunity to do so coming up in February. Two training opportunities will be held at the Fulton County Fairgrounds Hickinbotham-Miller Building on Feb. 25, with the first training beginning at 9 a.m. and the other at 6 p.m. Please note, this training is NOT for certification of commercial (for-hire) pesticide applicators!...

With the ever-rising amount of COVID-19 cases in local communities, and numbers up to 284,066 confirmed cases in the state of Arkansas, the issue of ones own health comes into question. With the development of a vaccine and new statistics every day, more and more questions come to mind. ...

The Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce met at Wood’s Riverbend on Thursday, Jan. 21. Seven members attended the noon meeting. President Trena Spears opened the meeting, followed by approval of minutes from the previous meeting. Treasurer Eli Judd gave the treasurer’s report, which stated the current is nearly $2,500. Out of expenditures for the month, $109 was spent on window clings. It was also reported several businesses paid new membership fees...

The 2021 Arkansas Travel Guide is now available at Welcome Centers and tourism locations across the state. You can order a print edition or view the guide online at arkansas.com/publications. “For those of us who call The Natural State home, the virtues of the state are clear – stunning scenic views, compelling sites and award-winning culinary opportunities,” said Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst. ...

St. Bernard’s First Care and School Clinic has partnered with the Highland High School Student Council and area businesses to begin raising funds to host a Valentine’s Day luncheon for the Martin Center. According to Crystal Shackelford, with St. Bernard’s First Care, students and members of the community will be selling carnations for $10 for Valentine’s Day to generate the funds. ...

“They can’t ever say we’re not out there giving it our all,” said Salem High School’s new head girls basketball coach, Josh Bateman. At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, coach Josh Bateman was hired at Salem High School. After having coached boys basketball at Tuckerman and Bay High Schools, Bateman moved to Salem because of the area and community...

Areawide Media welcomes Salem High School Senior JR Schaufler to the Salem office as an intern. Schaufler has an interest in pursuing a career in journalism once he graduates high school later this spring. He will be attending college in the fall, but in the meantime, is reporting to Areawide Media for several hours a week...

Though much of 2020 was covered in COVID-19 news, there were still many local happenings unrelated to the pandemic. Take a look back at the top local news stories from July to December in 2020. July Despite having to cancel the traditional 2020 Fulton County Fair, volunteers and Fulton County Fair Manager Carolyn Lewis found ways to still celebrate. ...

Congratulations to the following Emergency Management Programs that have earned accreditation by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP): State of Arkansas, State of Maryland; and Washoe County, NV. “Congratulations to those Programs that have maintained their accredited status as well as those who have joined the elite leaders in emergency management having earned accreditation through the Emergency Management Accreditation Program. ...

The Calico Rock Community Foundation recently awarded $5,000 in grants to 20 local small businesses. Small businesses have been hit particularly hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. Calico Rock tourism was down 70% over the previous year. “Our local economy is dependent on tourism. Tourist dollars support our gas stations, restaurants, lodging, fishing docks and shopping. Those local businesses then support our mechanics, grocery stores, hair salons and more,” Calico Rock Mayor Greg Hamby said...

With the rapid growth in COVID-19 cases throughout the U.S. and the alarming number of deaths resulting from coronavirus (over 250,000 total cases and almost 4,000 deaths in Arkansas alone as of Jan. 9), there is an ever-pressing concern about the distribution and availability of the different COVID vaccines. ...

Viola City Council held its first meeting of 2020 with an update on the sewer system construction on Monday, Jan. 11. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Jackie Estes; Council members Brandi Johnson, Dennis Harber, Mike Sherman and Robert Lash; Water Supt. Joel Huett and Bookkeeper Sarah Huett. There were also two citizens in attendance at the meeting which was called to order by Mayor Estes at 6:30 p.m...

Fulton County Quorum Court held its first meeting of 2021 on Monday, Jan. 11 and six new Justices of Peace were sworn in by Fulton County Clerk Vickie Bishop. Once roll was taken, the treasurer’s report given by Barry Abney was approved, as well as minutes from the previous meeting...

Editor’s note: If you noticed an unfamiliar name on a few articles in Villager Journal at the end of 2020, that name will gradually become more familiar. Elaine Brown is the newest member of the editorial team at Areawide Media. She will be reporting for Villager Journal, covering the top news stories in Sharp County and also reporting some in Fulton and Izard counties. She had a very interesting idea to “survey” local residents about 2020 and their hopes for 2021...

Salem Chamber of Commerce announced winners of the light contest on Dec. 18. “Thank you all for participating! The judges had a very hard time picking and town looks wonderful. May you all have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year,” said the post before listing the winners as follows...

The Create Bridges team recently announced a partnership to provide extra help for local businesses. “The Create Bridges team is excited to partner with Arkansas Department of Parks, Tourism, and Heritage to showcase Arkansas.com and how it can benefit your business and region for FREE. ...

Early this week, Fulton County Judge Gary Clayton issued a press release in reference to Fulton County being deemed a “hot spot” for COVID-19. When asked how the county received the information, Judge Clayton said the information came from the Arkansas Department of Health...

Fulton County Chief Deputy Joe Boshears recently presented a request to Fulton County Quorum Court to pass an ordinance for the purpose of receiving grant funds of $50,000. The grant funds will pay a liaison position and create a Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program in Fulton County. ...

Fulton County Sheriff Al Roork issued a press release on Christmas Day (Friday, Dec. 25) about an incident which had recently occurred. “On Dec. 24, at 1:43 a.m., the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department received a call from the Fulton County Hospital [stating] that a 52-year-old hispanic male subject had just arrived by private vehicle at the ER with multiple gunshot wounds...

Early this week, Fulton County Judge Gary Clayton issued a press release in reference to Fulton County being deemed a “hot spot” for COVID-19. When asked how the county received the information, Judge Clayton said the information came from the Arkansas Department of Health...

The Create Bridges team recently announced a partnership to provide extra help for local businesses. “The Create Bridges team is excited to partner with Arkansas Department of Parks, Tourism, and Heritage to showcase Arkansas.com and how it can benefit your business and region for FREE. ...

Viola City Council met on Monday, Dec. 21. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Jackie Estes, Councilmen Dennis Haber, Robert Lash, Jerry Allen, Water Supt Joel Huett, Bookkeeper Sarah Huett and several citizens. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Estes...

The Salem City Council met in the Salem City Hall Conference Room on Thursday, Dec. 17. All council members participated. Salem Mayor Daniel Busch called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. The first order of business was the consideration of minutes from the November meeting. The minutes were approved. Next, the financial report was presented, discussed and approved...