The News

With a large group of sheriff’s department employees and various family members seated in the court room behind him, Fulton County Sheriff Al Roork stood before the Fulton County Quorum Court Monday night and had a “come to Jesus” moment regarding pay for the people of his department...

Law enforcement agencies are still searching for James M. Smith, 30, who evaded Fulton County Sheriff Al Roork on Friday, Aug. 10. Roork and a deputy attempted to make contact with Smith at a residence north of Moko on Asher Road. The attempt to make contact turned into an officer involved shooting, leading the sheriff to turn over the case to Arkansas State Police, who issued a press release to Areawide Media Friday evening. ...

Many young adults entering college or the workforce feel the pressure of looming bills and turn to credit cards to cover the initial costs but end up paying exorbitant rates long-term. Understanding that credit cards are not free and will only alleviate temporary financial burdens is an important concept for newly independent students. ...

Chad Hudson, FNBC Regional President, has announced Ryan Howard, FNBC Community President for Izard County, will also assume the role of Community President for Independence County effective immediately. “Ryan is a strong community banker and is very knowledgeable of the Batesville community,” said Hudson. “Since joining our team two years ago, he has been very successful in leading growth in Izard County. I have no doubt he is the right person to lead our Batesville team.”...

With the year more than halfway over, the Internal Revenue Service urges taxpayers who haven’t yet done a “Paycheck Checkup” to take a few minutes to see if they are having the right amount of tax withholding following major changes in the tax law. A summertime check on tax withholding is critical for millions of taxpayers who haven’t reviewed their tax situation. Recent reports note that many taxpayers could see their refund amounts change when they file their 2018 taxes in early 2019...

This Saturday, Aug.18, The Howlin’ Brothers band will feature at the Ozark Folk Center’s 1,000-seat auditorium from 7 to 9 p.m. and from 2 to 3 p.m. in the park’s artisan Craft Village. The band is just one of almost two dozen Feature Performers scheduled to play at the OFC this season (through Nov. 10)...

It is back to school time in the area, ready or not. Summer comes to an end as nearly all schools in the immediate area began this week with their teachers, and students begin next week. We’ve included open house dates, first day of school and any submitted information the schools have sent...

It was just three years ago when the Rave Panic Button was put into place in every school in Arkansas, under Act 950, the School Safety Act. Fast forward to 2018 and the method has won award. Representative Scott Baltz was instrumental in implementing this act and making sure the funding was in place. ...

Cherokee Village Police Officer Josh Trivitt, 45, of Agnos, was placed under arrest Aug. 6 following the filing of an affidavit for arrest for battery in the second degree, a class D felony. According to the affidavit, filed by Special Agent David Moss with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division Special Investigations Unit, the charges stem from an incident occurring on or about Nov. ...

The Schmieding Home Caregiver Training Program of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) will hold a free family caregiver workshop Aug. 22 in Jonesboro for those who would like to learn about caring for an adult with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease...

Chancellor Kelly Damphousse expressed hopes for the future of the graduates in his address during Arkansas State University’s 2018 summer commencement ceremony Friday evening, Aug. 3, in the First National Bank Arena on the A-State campus. Damphousse conferred a new record 1,231 diplomas upon students representing the College of Agriculture, the Neil Griffin College of Business, College of Education and Behavioral Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Liberal Arts and Communication, College of Nursing and Health Professions, and College of Sciences and Mathematics.. ...

The Fulton County Hospital Board met in regular session on Monday, July 23, and during their executive session, they discussed a severance package for outgoing CEO Charles Willett. Upon returning to regular session, Chief of Staff Dr. Griffin Arnold made a motion that the board offer a package worth $15,000 to Willett, saying “I feel this would be a good way to part ways, between the facility and him.” Arnold also stressed the board should seek legal counsel regarding the verbiage and structure of the agreement. ...

A public involvement meeting was held Wednesday, July 18 at the Ash Flat Community Center to receive input from the community regarding U.S. Highway 412. The meeting in Ash Flat was one of three to discuss the planning study on improving the corridor which stretches from Missouri to Oklahoma...

City of Salem Mayor Daniel Busch attended the state Aeronautics Commission meeting Wednesday, July 18. The city was placed on the agenda for discussion of the upcoming resealing project at the municipal airport. After review of the grant application and a brief question and answer session, the city was awarded the 90-10 matching grant totaling $76,000. ...

Camp Kerl, Humphrey’s Ford Bridge, Nine Mile Ridge Bridge, Spring River Bridge....these are all common names for the narrow bridge in Fulton County, leading to the Nine Mile Ridge community. Replacing the bridge has been a discussion under three county judge administrations, and the process has finally started...

Linda Hall has taken over as the new administrator for Diamond Cove in Horseshoe Bend and would like to invite the community to come and visit with her about their long-term care needs. “I took over June 25. I want to let the community know that this is a good facility, we’re a small 78 bed skilled nursing facility. ...

Spring River is one of the main attractions Fulton and Sharp Counties has to offer, and draws in many visitors during summer. All rivers can be considered dangerous to some degree. At times, the dangers must either be avoided, or in some cases, resolved...

Bill Stephens, Izard County Veterans Service Officer Adapted Home Benefits are available to veterans with certain service-connected disabilities may apply for grants to build an adapted home or install ramps, widen doors, or make other modifications to live more independently. All grants have maximum amounts set by Congress and are indexed to construction costs. VA administers three grants that accommodate Veterans’ unique housing needs:...

The Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 70th annual Officers and Leaders Conference is set for July 23-24 at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers, carrying the theme of “E3: Engage. Educate. Empower.” Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson will open the conference, kicking off two days of speakers and workshops that reinforce Farm Bureau’s role as the largest agricultural advocacy organization in the state. ...

A benefit concert will be held July 28 at the Hardy Civic Center in order to support Rose’s Faith Based Retreat, a new ministry located on Fire Tower Road in Hardy. According to Dan Foust, the event will be an all day event of uplifting prayer and worship. He said he welcomes the community to attend and enjoy the day of worship. There is no cost to enter, however; donations are welcome and there will be concessions sold during the event to benefit the ministry...

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently released a new online feature through the My HealtheVet portal that allows veterans to access their medical images and associated study reports online. Called VA Medical Images and Reports, the feature allows veterans with a premium account to view, download and share copies of their radiology studies, such as X-rays, mammograms, MRIs and CTs, from the VA Electronic Health Record (EHR)...

Fair season in Arkansas is fast approaching. The first Arkansas fair is currently underway in Independence County, July 16-21 followed by Fulton County, July 23-28. Sharp County Fair is July 31-Aug. 4 and Izard County Fair is Aug. 6-11. Fairs in our area are governed by local boards who volunteer their time to have the fair and use volunteers to run the competitions and events...

The 99th annual Fulton County Fair will get underway on Saturday, July 21 with the Fulton County Fair Queen, Junior Fair Queen and Youth Talent Contest. The pageants and talent contest are open to the public at 7 p.m. in the Salem Civic Center. Arkansas State University of Mountain Home will award the Fulton County Fair Queen a $500 tuition scholarship for use during the 2018-19 school year. ...

Mammoth Spring State Park welcomed Central Arkansas Raptor Rehab for this year’s Bird of Prey program along with Grand Gulf State Park Ranger Matt Cantola. Central Arkansas Raptor Rehab Director Rodney Paul, along with two volunteer assistants, introduced the crowd to live birds of prey and an up-close look at these feathered creatures...

The Arkansas Agriculture Department and Farm Credit are partnering to provide six $1,000 Homegrown by Heroes academic scholarships to military veterans, currently serving military personnel, and their spouses or children who are pursuing an agricultural or an agricultural-related degree. Funding for the scholarships is generously provided by Farm Credit.  Online applications are available, and are due Aug. 17...

Even some well-meaning Arkansans may not be aware of the protections granted to our brave military servicemen and women under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) of 2003. Federal laws protect active-duty servicemen and women and their families from potentially harmful civil legal matters. These protections cover insurance, mortgage payments, interest rates, leases, contractual arrangements and civil judicial proceedings...

The three inmates who escaped from the Sharp County Jail late in the evening July 10 are back in custody. According to a report from the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department, Robert Pollard, 18; Christopher Frey, 25 and Randall Sledge, 32, were discovered missing following a strange series of events...

“Paying it forward” is a popular phrase used when doing a kind deed for someone else. Many individuals have come across a time in their life where they have benefited from someone “paying it forward.” That was the case for a local couple when they needed a vehicle several years ago. Now, the family is doing well and wanted to do something nice for someone. They wanted to “pay it forward.”...

On Monday, July 9, the Viola City Council met in regular session at city hall and were presented with the preliminary plan for the city’s new sewer system by USDA representative John Selig. The plan outlined by Selig includes the implementation of six lift stations located around the city, and a seven acre treatment facility including a 1.6 acre lagoon...

The North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Board of Directors has approved the expansion of NEXT’s fiber-to-the-home network to all of the cooperative’s territory. NAEC formed the telecommunications subsidiary NEXT, Powered by NAEC in November 2015 to provide internet with speeds of up to one gigabit to three pilot areas in Baxter and Fulton counties...

With a very light agenda, Fulton County Quorum Court met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, July 9. The first item to discuss was the vacancy on the Fulton County Hospital Board. Rob Long recently stepped down from his position as the term was coming to a close. Judge Darrell Zimmer recommended members of quorum court approve his appointment of LeAnn Blevins to the position...

The Arts Center of North Arkansas wishes everyone a Happy 4th of July! Come on out for Thunder on Thunderbird Wednesday evening for all the fun! Barbara Massie’s class, Family Rocks, will be this Thursday and Friday, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Town Center Studio. ...

First Community Bank is committed to supporting communities where they serve. The future of any community relies on the youth who make up those communities. For both counties, it is important these children are taken care of and one way to do that is by supporting local food backpack programs...

Charles Willett spent five years as Fulton County Hospital’s CEO. During his time as administrator, Willett was able to accomplish many things with the help of an amazing staff and support system at home. A retirement reception was held in honor of Willett on Wednesday, June 27. ...

The Salem City Council met in regular session on Thursday, June 28, and began with a grant for a new chip truck for the city. Mayor Daniel Busch explained he had applied for and received the grant back in 2015 for the purchase of a new chip truck, and the grant money had to be used by the end of 2018, or they would have to return it. ...

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Old Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Air Force Reunion. There have been some rumors this will be the last reunion, but that is not the case. This year is shaping up to be the biggest yet. There are many events being added to the roster for the annual event...

The Fulton County Hospital Board met in regular session on Monday, June 25 at 5 p.m. First order of business was to review the financials for May, which showed the hospital had a loss of $96,088, but was maintaining a positive balance of $781,105 for the year. ...

The sinkhole on Spring River near Saddler Falls in Fulton County has received a lot of attention, and rightfully so as the dangerous whirlpool claimed the life of a Searcy man June 9. Shortly after the drowning, officers with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission released a statement regarding the sinkhole on the river and asked everyone to use caution when floating Spring River and to avoid the area near Saddler Falls...

New Viola Masonic Lodge #741 honored two community leaders Monday, June 25. The lodge recognized Danny Perryman and Jackie Estes and they were each presented with an inaugural “Outstanding Citizen Award.” Worshipful Master JB Etheridge welcomed a packed house, and drew out the anticipation a little while longer, as Perryman and Estes were unaware they were receiving recognition, even though the lodge was filled with family and friends of each man...

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative will host a blood drive Thursday, June 28, at the co-op’s headquarters at 225 South Main Street in Salem. American Red Cross employees will be in the Orange Room from 1 to at least 5 p.m. Anyone who would like to reserve a donation time may visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “NAECS” to find the drive. Walk-ins also are welcome...

Fulton County Water Authority users will see a $1 base-rate increase to the first 1,000 gallons of water used beginning July 1. This increase will raise the base rate from $21.50 to $22.50 for residential meters and from $24.50 to $25.50 for those with 1-inch commercial and farm meters. The base rate for those with 2-inch commercial and farm meters will increase from $35 to $36 for the first 1,000 gallons. Increases will be reflected on August statements...

It was announced last week, Ozarka College will add housing opportunities to its Melbourne campus. With unique programs like aviation, culinary and now welding, housing students has become a need, and Ozarka College President Dr. Richard Dawe says meeting the needs of the students is one of the college’s main priorities...

Many local towns are gearing up for summer’s biggest holiday, the 4th of July. There is definitely not a shortage of events, so it shouldn’t be hard to find the perfect activity for Independence Day celebrations. The Salem Chamber of Commerce Fireworks in the Park Celebration will be held on Wednesday, July 4 at the Salem City Park...

This time last year, the small Fulton County town of Viola was welcoming some much needed growth and improvements. This year? More businesses are getting ready to open up while others are continually growing. Mayor Jackie Estes is especially proud to see the success of Viola and hopes to see it continue. ...

For the 2018-2019 school year, Mammoth Spring School students and their families will have one less expense as the district is now offering free meals for all students. The need to provide this for all students was realized after examining the number of students who received free or reduced lunches. ...

To honor Viola resident, Austin Jennings, who passed away in December 2017, his family has launched the ALJ Project to raise awareness for organ donation. Though Austin’s young life came to end at 21-years-old, parts of him are still living on and have saved the lives of at least three people...

This is an update to the Hepatitis A (Hep A) outbreak in Northeast Arkansas. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has previously alerted the public about potential exposures in food establishment settings. Risk factors for getting Hep A in this outbreak are close contact with someone who has Hep A; restaurant workers; people with infections or chronic diseases like Hep B or C, HIV/AIDS or diabetes; drug use; homelessness; or incarceration...