The News

The Fulton County Hospital Foundation would like to announce their scholarship recipients. Macy Qualls, who is a Highland High School graduate, plans to attend Arkansas State University and pursue a degree in Physical Therapy. Macy is the daughter of Chris and Amber Qualls...

The Fulton County Fair Board of Directors met Thursday, May 21, and according to Fair Manager Carolyn Lewis, decided to cancel the 2020 Fulton County Fair, after a very lengthy discussion. “Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation and the impact it has on community health, the Fulton County Fair Board of Directors voted at a meeting last night to cancel the 2020 Fulton County Fair as it is normally held. ...

Although the 2020 Fulton County Fair has been cancelled, the board is moving forward with a new project at the fairgrounds. Announced a couple of months ago through an ordinance passed by the Fulton County Quorum Court, the fair was awarded grant funds to construct a new livestock barn for sheep and goats...

Mammoth Spring City Park is in the process of receiving a facelift as work began on Monday, May 4 as a part of the project, which is being funded by a grant the city received. Things completed so far include concrete for the basketball court and handicap parking by Quality Concrete...

This is the time of the year when North Arkansas Electric Cooperative is typically gearing up for its large and well attended Annual Meeting. As nearly all events have cancelled statewide, NAEC put the health and safety of its members and employees first and has followed suit...

COVID-19 testing has recently increased in the rural communities of Arkansas. Local healthcare provider, 1st Choice Healthcare Inc., received a federal grant to increase their coronavirus testing capabilities, according to Brigitte McDonald at the Salem the location. 1st Choice Healthcare, Inc. has additional locations in Ash Flat, Corning, Jonesboro, Paragould and Pocahontas...

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) reminds drivers to “know before you go” and visit IDriveArkansas.com before traveling during the holiday season. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend you stay home as much as possible during the Coronavirus pandemic, but if you choose to travel there are several things to consider before you go. ...

A successful food business starts with a great idea, but turning an idea into a profitable product requires much more. The Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, has numerous resources for entrepreneurs — from access to certified kitchens for manufacturing to help with business planning and recipe scaling...

Small businesses, government operations, school districts, healthcare facilities and families have all been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether the impact has been physical, emotional or financial, nearly everyone has been affected in some way...

Darren Lee Norman, 35, of Salem, died as a result of a vehicle accident on Wednesday, May 13. Norman was traveling westbound on US 62B (Church Street) at a high rate of speed on a Suzuki motorcycle when he collided with another vehicle, driven by Sharon Blevins, also of Salem...

Testing for COVID-19 has ramped up in Arkansas this week. Positive coronavirus cases in Fulton County is up to four – with three recoveries, meaning there is one “active” case. The Arkansas COVID-19 interactive map also reports 186 negative test results for Fulton County...

On Tuesday, May 5, West Plains (Missouri) Police Department responded to a call of two individuals who were found in a vehicle, deceased by apparent gun wounds. It was later released, the two individuals, Frankie L. Ziegler and Richard L. Kuntz, had been murdered...

Salem Fire Department responded to a house fire on Byron Road in Salem on Monday (May 18) morning. Salem Fire Chief Sam Rossitto said when the department responded within six minutes, the home was fully engulfed in flames. Though they received reports the home was vacant, firefighters entered the home and couldn’t find anything. ...

The 2020 Fulton County Homecoming Festival has been cancelled due to COVID-19, however; there will be a Virtual 5K Race to keep the spirit of the race going. A link to the registration page is on the Salem Chamber of Commerce website at www.salemar.com as well as the chamber's Facebook page. ...

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Horseshoe Bend Theatre/Music in the Mountains will not have a show on Saturday, May 16. The Board of Directors feel that keeping the six feet distance, among other guidelines, would be nearly impossible at this time. We’re praying statistics will improve and restrictions will decrease, allowing us to have a great show in June. God bless you all from Music in the Mountains...

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the following Hebron Cemetery activities are cancelled: Hebron Cemetery working, May 9 and Hebron Decoration Day, May 17. Donations to assist with the upkeep of Hebron Cemetery can be sent to: Hebron Cemetery Association, Inc. c/o Max Williams, P O Box 132, Brockwell, AR 72517...

Due to social distancing, Flora Cemetery will NOT be having a potluck dinner or business meeting, originally scheduled for May 17. The church building will NOT be open. Please come and decorate at your convenience. Donations for upkeep may be sent to: Bank of Salem Flora Cemetery Fund, 207 W. Church St. Salem, AR 72576. Everyone stay safe and healthy!...

Decoration Day lunch and business meeting at the Mt. Calm Cemetery at Viola, scheduled for May 24, is cancelled. Those who would like to decorate are welcome to do so. Donations are appreciated and may be mailed to Robin Rogers, 11668 Highway 62 West, Viola, AR 72583...

Happy May Hi folks, Abby here. It’s May, and we celebrate Memorial Day, which long ago was known as Decoration Day. Mom’s family is southern, and usually gather in Alabama on the third Sunday in May to decorate the graves of family. At the Wakefield cemetery, in Northern Alabama, there’s a grave with a metal horse raring up, and a story is told on the tombstone, where Thomas M. ...

Due to COVID-19, many of the traditional Memorial Day events have been cancelled, however; the Salem VFW and Auxiliary Post 9777 will hold a small ceremony and in addition, has created a way for families to recognize their loved ones while still respecting the directives given by Gov. Asa Hutchinson...

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Department has experienced several changes in leadership recently following the resignation of several officers. According to Fulton County Sheriff Al Roork, in mid-March, several deputies resigned, however; despite the resignations, he made the decision to not only promote from within his department, but also to recruit proven and dedicated leadership to the team...

Near the close of the May quorum court meeting, Fulton County Judge Jim Bicker announced his resignation as judge, effective May 21. The regular monthly meeting was held Monday, May 11 at Fulton County Fairgrounds in the Hickinbotham-Miller Building. ...

The Cherokee Village City Council held its regular meeting July 30. Following the approval of minutes and the financial report, Mayor Russell Stokes spoke about revenue and gave an update on a grant from the National Arts Foundation. “Our revenue has shown a minor decline. ...

The deadline for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Classic applications to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2020 is June 12. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) plans to invest up to $725 million for new enrollments, contract extensions, and renewals in fiscal year 2020. ...

Since the beginning of this health emergency, more than 60,000 tests for COVID-19 have been conducted in Arkansas. While testing was initially limited, the capacity at commercial labs has increased significantly resulting in shortened turnaround times...

Numerous articles have been written warning about the risk of an invasive insect known as the Asian Giant Hornet but also referred to as the “Murder Hornet” and it discovery in the United States. According to Jerry Musick with Musick Pest Control in Highland, the hornets are larger than average however; it is possible to eradicate them as he had an encounter with a nest approximately four years ago...

In an effort to create a safe way for members of the community to gather, socialize and worship, members of the Viola Baptist Church and community recently started participating in Tailgate Taco Tuesdays. According to Craig Golden, pastor of Viola Baptist Church, he began looking for opportunities and ways for people to safely gather and spend time socializing during the pandemic...

On Saturday, May 2, Justin Buckley, 27, made the drive from his home in Benton to Melbourne for a visit with family; his sister, brother in law, their children and to spend some time with his own children. “He and my son were very close, I can still see them playing in the yard,” Amanda Tiernan, Buckley’s sister said...

The Flint Springs Cemetery Association will honor CDC guidelines and cancel any “group” meeting this year. All those interested in the care and maintenance of the cemetery are encouraged to stop by the cemetery anytime to clean, maintain or decorate...

Girls like Halie never give up on dreams; Martina McBride selects Thayer native’s song on Songland Kim Break “Girls Like Me” is the new song just released by country female superstar, Martina McBride. McBride had a tough decision on NBC’s Songland Monday, May 4, as she was presented with four amazingly written songs for her to choose from to be her next release...

Operation BBQ Relief is known for its service to communities in times of need. Bootleggers BBQ, located in West Plains, Mo., shares the same passion for serving their community, which extends beyond West Plains...something they proved from April 25 to May 4...

Southfork River Therapy & Living presents May Family Day on Saturday, May 9. It is advised to be there at 10:45 a.m. for the start of the event at 11 a.m. Honk, yell, beep and wave during the drive-thru parade to boost residents’ morale. For more information, call Jessie or Felicia at 870-895-3817...

Felony charges have been filed against four individuals in Fulton County Circuit Court since March. Russell Stevens Charges were filed April 22 against Russell Stevens, 63, who was also charged as a habitual offender having been convicted of four more felonies as evidenced by ACIC/NCIC history...

Cleanup effort of the Skyvue Shopping Center in Salem began the first week in May. The community was devastated following an unexpected fire in January of this year. Early on the morning of Jan. 5 the call for help was placed and 10 area volunteer fire departments rushed to respond to the call working for several hours to squelch the blaze which ultimately claimed multiple businesses as it made its way across the large structure...

As a way to support seniors and observe social distancing, Mammoth Spring School District will hold a parade on Monday, May 4 at 6:30 p.m. Each senior of the Class of 2020 will decorate and ride in their own vehicle of choice. The school district is asking people to join them downtown Mammoth Spring to line the parade route and fill the parking lots to wave and cheer for the graduating Class of 2020...

In the wake of COVID-19, many lives have been impacted in new ways. With broadcast after broadcast of information, social distancing, the closures of businesses and other organizations, separation has become more than just social distancing. As Izard County Clerk Shelly Downing made her way to work April 16, she pulled into the empty parking lot and took a moment to think of the community in which she works and resides...

Salem Greyhounds are welcoming a new head football coach for the upcoming season as Salem Football Coach Clay Wiggins announced his retirement after 37 years of coaching. Josh Watson was hired to fill the position on Monday, April 20. Wiggins is the winningest head football coach in Salem’s school history, with the most playoff wins as well. ...

Fulton County was notified on Thursday, April 23, of its first positive COVID-19 test result. The Arkansas Department of Health contacted Fulton County Judge Jim Bicker April 23 with notification of a positive COVID-19 test in Fulton County. “There was little additional information given at that time. ...

The Salem City Council met in regular session in the council room at Salem City Hall on Thursday, April 23. Mayor Daniel Busch called the meeting to order. All council members participated. Those participating were: Marcia Newton, Betty Teague, Richard Frazier and Ted York. City Attorney C. Dwayne Plumlee also participated...

After graduating high school, Thayer native Halie Wooldridge moved to Nashville, Tenn. and began chasing her dreams in the music industry. Making the move to Nashville was a big step in the right direction, but an even bigger step is becoming a part of NBC's hit show, Songland...

Arkansas veterinarians have pitched in to help healthcare workers on the COVID-19 frontlines, an effort that began with a donation from some future veterinarians. In March, the Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Little Rock had more than three dozen cases of COVID-19...

Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands Tommy Land recently announced that the 2020 tax auction season has been cancelled due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19. The season’s early auctions had been canceled earlier. Today’s announcement cancels the remaining auctions for this year...

The current COVID-19 pandemic may have forced a change in plans, but it hasn’t deterred members of the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council from their goal of raising enough money to provide one million meals to Arkansans struggling with food insecurity...

In the wake of the COVID-19 virus, many changes have taken place across the country. From the mandated closure of certain types of businesses, to the extended deadlines for the payment of taxes, many don’t realize the participation in the 2020 census is ongoing...

Many individuals have received the Economic Impact Payment (AKA, stimulus check) made possible through the CARES Act, however; there are still many who have not received the payment. “Employed full or part time? Unemployed? A temporary or gig worker? Retired or disabled? Receive public benefits? Have no income? Most U.S. ...

Comfort Keepers Ministry Inc., (CKM) has partnered with the Spring River Innovation Hub (SRIH) and Spring River Adult and Child Services (SACS) to host a Senior Citizen Food Distribution event slated for April 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the SRIH located in Town Center in Cherokee Village...

Palace Drug Pharmacy, in Salem and Mammoth Spring, strives to keep the community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are doing everything we can to keep our doors open so people don’t have a lapse in their medication needs.” With many things being uncertain right now, the pharmacists and staff members of Palace Drug realize the importance of ensuring community members’ safety. Several precautions have been put in place so the pharmacy remains able to serve its patrons...

Fulton County Quorum Court held its regular monthly meeting at the Hickinbotham-Miller Building at the Fulton County Fairgrounds on Monday, April 13. The location was changed so those in attendance could spread out to follow social distancing guidelines. All JPs were present...

Editor’s note: John Montgomery is a Fulton County native, growing up in Viola, Ark. His father, Mark Montgomery, works at Bank of Salem and his mother, Carol Montgomery, is a teacher at Viola Schools. The following article was published by Arkansas Business, the presenters of the Health Care Heroes awards program. ...

On March 11, an emergency was declared in Arkansas as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency declaration was created in order to limit person-to-person contact, restrict gatherings and suspend businesses that require significant person-to-person interaction...