The News

It has been almost one year since Fulton County Sheriff Al Roork expressed his concerns of his deputies’ salary to the Fulton County Quorum Court. Roork made waves throughout the state with his presentation at the August 2018 meeting – waves that led to a special election for a countywide tax to benefit Fulton County Sheriff’s Office...

Early Tuesday (July 9) morning, residents of the Pickren Hall/Enterprise community near Viola were urged to remove all keys from their vehicles (and ATVs), lock up their houses and stay inside, as a man who led deputies on a high speed chase had abandoned the vehicle and was on foot...

Although the trial ultimately ended in a mistrial after a hung jury was dismissed by Circuit Judge Harold Erwin, July 2 started the second day of trial for Cherokee Village Police Officer Josh Trivitt, as the second round of state’s witnesses were called, beginning with recently reinstated Ash Flat Police Officer Colton Wilson...

On July 7, Jimmy L. Novak, a man walking across the country to raise awareness for veteran suicide, made a pit stop at the Spring River Draft House in Hardy. On March 22, Novak began his journey leaving from Dupont, Wash. with the goal to walk 22 miles a day to symbolize one mile for each veteran who will take their own life...

Fulton County Hospital has been recognized by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) as an Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital (ArSRH). “With stroke, every second counts. Each hour of delay in stroke treatment ages the brain close to four years and increases the chances of permanent disability,” said Appathurai Balamurugan, MD, DrPH, State Chronic Disease Director and Medical Director for the ADH Chronic Disease Branch. ...

Sharon Kibe, a Bexar resident, has identified a need in the area and is working to fill the void. Diapers for Babies in Need is starting out small, but Kibe hopes to see it grow and become Fulton County-wide. The first phase of her project will take place in Viola, with the help of Pharmacy Barn and Dollar General. “Right now we are starting in the Viola area and Bruce at Dollar General will deliver diapers, if purchased in the store, to Pharmacy Barn,” explained Kibe...

It’s that time of year again…time for the annual award-winning Old Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Air Force Reunion sponsored by VFW Post 7831 in Mammoth Spring. The reunion will be held Tuesday, July 16 through Saturday, July 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the reunion grounds near the baseball field in Mammoth Spring State Park. The fun family-friendly event will feature carnival rides, games, prizes, food, bingo and much more each evening...

There was a noticeable difference at the start of the Salem City Council meeting held Thursday, June 27. After almost 27 years, when George Herbert Walker Bush was in the White House, there was a new person sitting at the table in the City of Salem Recorder/Treasurer’s seat...

Hosea Rhoades was born the son of Abner S. Rhoades and Julia A. Leu Rhoades on January 12, 1922 in Couch, Mo. and departed this life on June 26, 2019 at Shady Oaks Healthcare in Thayer, Mo. at the age of 97 years. He was united in marriage on July 5, 1945 to Anna Marie Moreland in Salem, Ark. Anna was a beautiful Christian girl who he met at a large tent revival that was held on the Add Smith farm east of Couch...

Following jury selection early on the morning of July 1 at the Sharp County Courthouse in Ash Flat, Cherokee Village Officer Josh Trivitt entered the courtroom of Circuit Judge Harold Erwin to stand trial for the injuries he allegedly inflicted on Ash Flat resident Randall Veazie in November of 2016...

Over the course of the past two weeks, Sharp County has seen an increase in motor vehicle accidents and fatalities. The most recent series of accidents which resulted in injury or death started June 19 at approximately 8:30 a.m. and resulted in the death of Johnny and Linda Carter, of Harrison...

Fulton County Water Authority users will see a $2 base-rate increase to their first 1,000 gallons of water used beginning July 1. This increase will raise the base rate from $23.50 to $25.50 for residential meters and from $25.50 to $27.50 on 1-inch commercial and 1-inch farm meters. The base rate for 2-inch commercial and 2-inch farm meters will increase from $36 to $38 for the first 1,000 gallons. These increases will be reflected on the August statements...

During the heavy rain and high and winds on Saturday, June 22, two officers from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office were involved in two separate vehicle accidents. Deputy Casey Brazeale was traveling east of the Fulton/Baxter County line when she lost control of her vehicle due to the slick roads and flipped multiple times. Brazeale was reported to have been on her way to a domestic call between Hardy and Mammoth Spring a campground...

SALEM The City of Salem and Salem Chamber of Commerce will host the annual 4th of July in the Park celebration at the Salem City Park on Thursday, July 4. Activities begin at 5 p.m. and admission to the park is free. All activities will be held near the east side pavilion, however; the fireworks can be enjoyed from the east and south sides of the lake. ...

Within the first six months of his administration, Fulton County Judge Jim Kendrick is facing controversial matters and an investigation. Fulton County Sheriff Al Roork recently received a complaint from a taxpayer involving Judge Kendrick. Sheriff Roork said due to him being an elected official in the county, it was a conflict of interest, therefore he could not lead an investigation. ...

This time of the year is when most people dedicate time and work into the gravesite of loved ones who have died. Many churches and cemetery associations will host work days or decoration days prior to the Memorial Day weekend, when the fruits of the labor are enjoyed by many as they pay their respects...

Fulton County Quorum Court met Monday, June 10 for its regular monthly meeting. Once minutes from previous meeting and financial reports (treasurer and clerk) were reviewed and approved, committee reports were given from the five committees which met prior the quorum court meeting...

Camp Fit and Fun has been a summer program sponsored by the Fulton County Extension Office for 14 years now. “I thought it would be fun and is a different way to teach health lessons,” said MaLinda Coffman, who created the concept behind Camp Fit and Fun...

Bo and Whitney Lord, along with their three children: Johnathan, Jacob and Jacey, are the the 2019 Izard County Farm Family. They have an Evening Shade address, but are close to the Myron community. The 165-acre farm operation began when Whitney purchased 10-acres when she was 16-years-old. ...

Justin and Rachel Luther, along with their children: Addison (11) and Tucker (5), have been selected with the distinguished title of the 2019 Fulton County Farm Family. The Luther family is the fourth generation of Luthers to operate the farm and the third generation to be given farm family recognition. ...

As Arkansans continue to recover from the recent historic flooding, some businesses may try to take advantage of consumers by raising prices beyond legal limits. Arkansas’s price-gouging law prohibits businesses from charging more than 10 percent above the pre-disaster price of goods or services...

Following the recent news announced that Izard County Sheriff Earnie Blackley has been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, it didn’t take the community long to rally and begin planning a fundraiser to help defray medical expenses. Blackley has served the people of Izard County as a law enforcement officer for more than 20 years, serving as the chief deputy from 1999 until January of this year, at which time he began his elected role as sheriff...

In the 1970’s, a group of musicians from Arkansas received international attention for their unique style of rock music, so much so, the band Black Oak Arkansas had 10 charting albums released in less than a decade. Despite the group’s fame, fortune and rise to the top of rock and roll, one member of the band, Harvey Jett, was left feeling like there was more to life than just fame and fortune...

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) formally recognized nine hospitals for excellence in stroke care performance June 7 at the Clinton Presidential Center. The ADH awards are based on hospital performance as documented in the Arkansas Stroke Registry between July 2017 and June 2018. ...

Tensions ran high at the Randolph County Courthouse in Pocahontas June 17 as rows of seats began to fill prior to the first appearance and bond hearing of Rebecca O’Donnell, 48, of Pocahontas. O’Donnell was the woman arrested June 14 in connection with the murder of former senator Linda Collins...

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) celebrated 79 years of serving its members at the annual meeting held Thursday, June 6, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Salem. Though it was messy and rainy for most of the day and evening, that didn’t stop NAEC members from attending the annual event for a fun filled afternoon and evening. ...

Jeffrey Allen Summerhill, of Camp, Ark., was arrested in Ozark Acres by Sharp County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, June 7 following an incident at a private residence. According to an affidavit for the warrant of Summerhill’s arrest, Summerhill has been charged with numerous crimes: assault in the third degree (class C misdemeanor), terroristic threatening in the first degree (class D felony), criminal trespass (class B misdemeanor), DWI, refusal to submit, disorderly conduct (class C misdemeanor) and stalking in the first degree (class C felony).. ...

A 2010 Salem High School graduate Kenneth “Cameron” Crow had no idea when he graduated high school nine years ago, he’d be where he is today. In May, Crow received his bachelor’s degree from Liberty University and was commissioned to the rank of US Army Second Lieutenant. He was able to get to these achievements by taking advantage of one of many life changing opportunities available in the Army...

Neil McWilliams was recognized as Mammoth Spring’s Hometown Hero at the Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce meeting held at the Spring Dipper Ice Cream Parlor in Mammoth Spring. “With appreciation from Modern Woodmen, Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce and the Mammoth Spring community, we are recognizing you for what you do and appreciating all your contributions to the community. Today, you are truly our hometown hero,” said Trena Spears...

A pilot program focused on economic development in six rural Arkansas counties has moved on to its second phase: interviewing business owners involved in retail, entertainment, accommodations and tourism. CREATE BRIDGES is a multi-state pilot to help communities strengthen the retail, tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors, which provide jobs and business opportunities that frequently boost rural economies. ...

The Fulton County Fair recently awarded $7,500 in scholarships to graduating seniors in Fulton County who are active in the county, district and state fairs and have met the guidelines for the fair scholarship program. The Fulton County Fair Foundation awarded seven $1,000 scholarships and a $500 scholarship from ASU-Mountain Home was awarded to the 2018 Fulton County Fair Queen. Scholarship winners are:...

Fulton County Quorum Court held its May meeting on Monday, May 27. Though it was unusual to be held on a holiday (Memorial Day), Judge Jim Kendrick said the schedule change was due to area graduations. Minutes from the previous meeting and financial reports were reviewed and approved...

A public meeting was held regarding a FUN Park Grant at Mammoth Spring City Hall on Monday, June 3 before the regular monthly meeting. Reagan Miller with White River Planning and Development discussed guidelines for the FUN Park Grant the city would like to apply for. This is a no matching grant for up to $50,000. Funds from this would be used to fix the basketball and tennis courts at the city park...

Tragedy struck May 25 following the drowning death of a three-year-old child in Cherokee Village. According to a report from the Cherokee Village Police Department, officers were dispatched to the residence on Lake Omaha following a 911 call from a family member that a child had fallen in the lake...

The Fulton County Hospital’s Board of Governors held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 20. With all members present, Chair Charles Owens called the meeting to order. The first order of business was consideration of the minutes of the previous meeting which were presented and approved...

The Salem City Council met on Thursday, May 23, at the Salem City Hall for its regular monthly meeting. Mayor Daniel Busch called the meeting to order with a quorum present, thus the meeting proceeded. The minutes from the April meeting were considered and approved...

Two Missouri State University graduate students along, with two professors, recently visited the Spring River to research the uniqueness of the tributary and its travertine deposits also known as naturally formed dams. During a previous visit to Mammoth Spring, graduate students Jordan Vega and Tyler Engelbart were directed to Jean Pace, who was able to get them access to a section of the river where one of the natural occurring bridges has directly formed...

Julie Dunn began dreaming of pageants as a child, but just was’nt something her family could afford. Now, as a mother of girls (and a son who isn’t a fan of pageants), she travels to pageants with and for them. Along the way, her daughters inspired and encouraged her to fulfill a lifelong dream...

Some examples that come to mind when considering health in general are typically heart health, obesity, diabetes, etc... One of the most important aspects of our health is often not considered enough, leading to negative associations...mental health...

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) sent a team of researchers to the Sharp County area the week of May 16 to conduct a planning study and gather input from the public in regards to the Highway 412 Corridor Planning Study. Although there is no funding allocated for the majority of the projects and locations marked out on the map, the corridor spans from the Oklahoma to Missouri state lines across northern Arkansas...

In Arkansas, one farmer’s weed is another farmer’s favorite forage, Dr. David Fernandez, Extension livestock specialist and interim assistant dean of academic programs for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, said...

Several law enforcement agencies were involved in a high speed chase spanning more than 40 miles and three counties May 15. Reportedly, the chase for a man later identified as James Cannon, of Little Rock, began just after 8 p.m. in Lawrence County after the authorities received a report of a reckless driver just outside of Black Rock on Highway 361...

The 2019 Fulton County Homecoming will celebrate 70 years of coming together. The festivities begin on Friday, May 24, lasting all weekend, and though not a “Homecoming” event, the final activity of the extended weekend is Salem VFW Post 9777’s Memorial Day Service at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 27...

Bob Maguffee started and finished his time spent in education, as a student and as a teacher/coach, all in the same place...Salem School District. After 33 and a half years in education, Maguffee retired from Salem Schools on Monday, May 13. For the past week, retirement has been treating Maguffee well. “So far, so good. I’ve been catching fish like crazy. I caught a 16 pound striper this morning,” he said with a laugh...

The Salem Public Schools Board of Directors held it regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 20. President Dr. Guy B. Smith called the meeting to order with all members present. The first order of business was consideration of the minutes of the April 15 meeting which were approved...

After winning the race against time to meet the Feb. 15 deadline to secure funding for the Humphrey’s Ford Bridge Project, Fulton County has been in a holding pattern since. According to Milan Novak, roads and bridge improvement coordinator for Fulton County, the paperwork was submitted on time and the county was able to secure the $3.8 million in funding to construct a new and safer bridge...

George Leonard Thomas, 71, of Salem, Ark., departed this life on Thursday, May 16, 2019 in Fayetteville, Ark. George was born to the late Leonard Thomas and Sue Hardy Thomas on Jan. 23, 1948 in Chicago, Ill. George was united in marriage to Jimalee Clark on Feb. ...