The News

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...

If you have driven by Cedar Glade Resort in Horseshoe Bend recently, you’ve probably noticed a lot of hustle and bustle. The resort is revamping and has added Healthy Habits Haven and Spa, which features Foxy Lady Boutique, Healthy Habits Vitamins, Organics and more, a wellness center and complete spa and fitness center...

Tim and Cindy Finley have been named the 2018 Izard County Farm Family. Farming at four locations, the Finleys operate an Angus based cattle farm consisting of 130 cows and seven bulls. Members of the media were greeted by the couple, along with their children; Kayla Ward, husband Daniel and son Eli and Kody Finley and wife Whitney. Also present for the event were Tim’s parents, Rayburn and Lacresha Finley...

Lendal and Tammy Erby, of Viola, have received the honor of being chosen the 2018 Fulton County Farm Family. With nearly 40 years in the farming industry, it is no surprise they were selected. The Erbys operate a feeder calf operation of 300 head. “We are currently raising 300 head of steers and our goal is to raise 500 by the end of the year.”...

Kyle Salamone, a wanted person by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, was found and arrested shortly after Sheriff Al Roork issued press release. Following his arrest, Sheriff Roork issued another release, thanking the community. "On June 14, I made a press release asking for the public's help locating fugitive Kyle Salamone. ...

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating a wanted person. Kyle Salamone is wanted for a parole violation and is staying somewhere in our area. Salamone was convicted in Fulton and Sharp Counties for possession of a controlled substance, residential burglary, theft of property, breaking and entering, and escape...

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative held their 78th Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 7. Festivities began at 2 p.m. with registration and bingo, and lasted until after 9 p.m. Bingo, fun for the kids, live entertainment, including Grammy award winning Diamond Rio and local group Billy Joe French and Friends, and food were all enjoyed late afternoon into the evening, when the business meeting began at 7 p.m...

The Fulton County Quorum Court met in regular session on Monday, June 11. Two main items of the night addressed the sheriff’s department’s needs for another vehicle and a firewall for their computer system. “Not too long back, we totaled two vehicles in one week,” said Sheriff Al Roork. ...

Mammoth Spring City Council held their regular monthly meeting Monday, June 4. After call to order and roll call, the minutes from the May meeting were read aloud by the recorder/treasurer and financial reports were reviewed. Next, the council addressed a request from Freddie Thompson to place a mobile/modular home on his property. Mayor Jean Pace informed the council she referred to the planning and zoning board, two of the individuals could not be reached, but others agreed it would be okay...

Tragedy struck on the Spring River June 9 near Saddler Falls in Fulton County after two men were sucked into an apparent sinkhole in the river while on a trip with friends; the incident claimed the life of one and hospitalized the other. According to reports, the two men were with a group from Searcy when the accident happened. Both were pulled from the water at which time Dr. Donald Wright was transported to a local emergency room where he was pronounced deceased...

Jennifer Lee Collins, 57, of Mammoth Spring, a caregiver who injured an elderly woman in her care ultimately leading to her death, has been found fit to stand trial following her second mental evaluation. Collins’ initial evaluation was court ordered June 21, 2017 and was completed Oct. ...

The first deadline for the Fulton County Fair is quickly approaching. With the start of summer comes a lot of work for those who are preparing exhibits or getting their livestock ready for the fair. The fair is slated for July 23-28 and by viewing the events online, it is shaping up to be another big year for Fulton County Fair. The theme this year is “Making lifetime memories,” which is exactly what being a part of a county fair is all about...

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative has been busy planning their Annual Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, June 7, at the Salem Civic Center at the Fulton County Fairgrounds. With fun, food and entertainment, it is sure to be an event you don’t want to miss...

Local fisherman Matt Boyer has started a petition which would ban the practice of Hoop Netting on Spring and Strawberry Rivers. Hoop Netting is a style of “commercial” fishing in which a tube like closed ended net is placed in the river below the water with bait in one end. As the current flows, fish swim into the net and are caught...

Lena Burk (Cunningham) Jeffery, age 89 of Bowling Green, Mo. formerly of West Plains, Mo., passed away Thursday May 31, 2018 at the Country View Nursing Facility in Bowling Green, Mo. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6 at the Salem United Methodist Church in Salem, Ark. with Rev. Velda Bell officiating. Burial was held in the Salem Cemetery. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. until time of services on Wednesday at the church...

Salem Chamber of Commerce met for their regular monthly meeting on May 23 at noon. Lunch was available for $5, with all proceeds going to St. Jude. The main topic of discussion at this meeting was the Fulton County Homecoming Festival. Cory Tyler mentioned the amount of money the chamber had in their account...

Salem City Council met for their regular monthly meeting on May 24 at 7 p.m. in city hall. The approval of minutes from the previous meeting and the review of the financial report were approved by the council. Barry Abney read the Salem Police Department report. Salem Police had a total of 101 calls for service in May...

After 1,841 ballots, the results of the May 22, 2018 Primary Election for Fulton County are in. There were several local races including Fulton County Judge, Fulton County Treasurer, City of Salem Mayor and Justice of Peace, along with statewide races...

Memorial Day is an important day for every American and those who served. It is greatly important to recognize veterans for all they have done and to remember those who never made it home, which is the meaning of Memorial Day. Veterans have worked hard serving our country and ensuring the freedom of the American people. Far too often, veterans go unrecognized for what they have done...

Fulton County Hospital Board of Governors met for their regular monthly meeting on May 21. Approval of minutes, the foundation report, financial and statistical reports and credentialing were items on the agenda. All board members were in favor of approving the minutes of the previous meetings...

“Go Grey in May” began on May 1. May is Childhood Brain Tumor Awareness month and it is to spread awareness of childhood brain tumors. It is important because it gives people the opportunity to focus on children who have been affected by it and allows people to show their support in finding a cure...

Salem Board of Directors met for their regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. in the board room. The board members approved the minutes of the April 16 meeting. Cody Curtis mentioned Ready Set Graduate program and local businesses and organizations that were involved...

This month’s Community Connections is about John Raymond (J.R.) McCullough and the positive impacts he made on our community and everyone he met along the way. McCullough was born Dec. 2, 1924 in Salem to Luther Homer and Stella Ruth (Whitcomb) McCullough and grew up in Morriston...

Salem VFW will be hosting their annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 28. This year, a dedication to fallen Vietnam soldiers will take place following the ceremony. A handmade sign has been placed at the VFW in remembrance of those who lost their lives while serving in Vietnam. The community is invited to attend...

Multiple law enforcement officers, including their respective agencies, as well as the cities and counties they are employed in, have been named in a civil suit filed by attorneys, James W. Harris and Zachary W. Morrison, on behalf of Randell Lee Veazie...

Fulton County Quorum Court met for their regular monthly meeting May 14 at 7 p.m. in the courthouse. Bill Lowman spoke about Memorial Day at the VFW in Salem. “Memorial Day is coming up and we have our ceremony at VFW in Salem at 11 a.m. Everybody is welcome. Memorial Day, the flag goes half mass until noon,” said Lowman...

The Viola Longhorns and Lady Longhorns recently advanced to state playoffs. Though both teams fell short of the championship games, they both held impressive records for the season.

It is greatly important to recognize the hard work and bravery of our veterans. They often do not get the recognition they deserve, for all they have done for our country. Carla Duncan, a Viola School teacher, aspires to provide recognition to those who served our country and wants to honor all those who served...

High school seniors are preparing for a new chapter in their lives and many aspire to acquire further education to prepare them for their future careers. On May 8 at 1 p.m. at Viola High School, the Viola Masonic Lodge and County Line Lodge provided seniors with scholarships and an additional $20 plus a BBQ ticket for all seniors...

For many, the peace and quiet of country living is the American dream. But that dream can turn to a nightmare for those who become isolated and disconnected from their communities, says University of Missouri Extension safety and health specialist Karen Funkenbusch...

First Lady Susan Hutchinson invites Arkansans to “Lunch at the People’s House” June 5 and 6, at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock. Lunch will be served each day at 11:30 a.m. and will include a tour of the Mansion gardens. “I look forward to welcoming folks from across Arkansas to the ‘People’s House’ for lunch in June, “ First Lady Susan Hutchinson said. ...

Encouraging graduates to use the knowledge they gained at Arkansas State University to make a difference, Chancellor Kelly Damphousse conferred a record number of over 2,200 diplomas during spring graduation ceremonies Saturday in the First National Bank Arena...

Posting pictures of your children under seemingly innocent hashtags has a sinister side and could put them on the radar of child predators. With summer quickly approaching, Arkansans must know that predators search common hashtags looking for pictures to sell, trade or use for their own pleasure – including, but not limited to, photos of common summertime activities such as swimming, bath time and sleepovers...

Two Salem High School students participated in the National Center for State Courts’ (NCSC) Civics Education Essay Contest for Law Day 2018. Ashlynn Sanders and Faith Kemp, from Salem, were two out of five students in Arkansas that Chief Justice John Dan Kemp of the Arkansas Supreme Court presented certificates of recognition to for their participation in NCSC...

The weather is warming up just in time for a family orientated event that is sure to provide fun and exciting entertainment for the whole family. The City of Salem is hosting the 69th Annual Fulton County Homecoming Festival on May 25 and 26. There will also be a street market and it will include a large variety of food trucks, vendors, bounce houses, a rock climbing wall and much more...

Izard County Quorum Court met for their regular monthly meeting May 1 to discuss the road update and recent vandalism. Susan Williams was absent, so the senior citizen center update was not provided. Izard County Judge, Eric Smith spoke about the road update...

Many individuals are not aware of this piece of history that was once a major influence in many people’s lives. It is important to inform individuals of historical locations and buildings before they are forgotten as the years continue to go on. Located on Highway 395 North, between Moko and the Missouri state line, sits the old Ten Mile Post Office. ...

The election season is upon us, with early voting now open and when Arkansas voters go to vote, they must now present a government-issued photo ID to receive a ballot. The photo ID is required under Act 633 of 2017, which was passed by senate leaders last year. ...

Many of us would like to make healthier lifestyle choices. However, when it comes to making the necessary changes, one may be unsure how to change one’s way of cooking to implement healthier options such as incorporating the Mediterranean diet. This diet has been proven to be one of the healthiest lifestyles. This lifestyle includes eating a balanced diet full of antioxidants and heart healthy fats...

Starting Aug. 1, individuals who have been adopted (adoptees) may request their adoption file from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). Forms are now available online for birth parents who wish to redact their name from an adoption file, or update their contact or medical information...

Farm No. 266, the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home at Dyess in Mississippi County has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the country’s official list of historically significant properties. Farm No. 266 at 4791 West County Road 4791 was built in 1934 by the Federal Emergency Relief Administration, a Depression-era federal relief agency, and was the home of the country music legend from 1935 until he graduated from high school in 1950...