The News

Nancy Busby, 69, formerly of this area, died Oct. 24 in Washington, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Powell Funeral Home. Thomas W. McDonnell, 71, died Monday, Oct. 19, at his home in Gainesville, Mo. Arrangements are under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer...

Veterans live and work in every community of Arkansas. We are their friends, their family, their co-workers, and their neighbors. It is up to us to ensure that every veteran feels that his or her service to this country is appreciated. There are ways every Arkansan can help our veterans. ...

Even though Americans might still be unsure of who the next President of the United States of America will be, local races have been determined. The 2020 General Election was held Tuesday, Nov. 4, in what has probably been the most unusual Election Day to date...

The Ash Flat Library is hosting a unique display of artwork created by Ben Christy, a resident of Viola. Among the works of art and possibly one of the main works featured is a piano named Lucy. Raised on the the Oregon coast in Portland, Christy said since he was a child, he had an interest in creating cartoons and caricatures...

Speculation of an arrest in the Rebekah Gould murder investigation began circulating on social media early Monday, Nov. 9. Around 12 noon, Izard County Sheriff’s Department released a press release. “A Texas man visiting Izard County in 2004 has been arrested and charged with murder (1st) degree in connection with the death of Rebekah Christian Gould, whose body was discovered 16 years ago on a hillside off Arkansas Highway 9, south of Melbourne...

It has been just under a month since the announcement was made that the company Emerson would be bringing more than 200 jobs to Sharp County over the course of the next four years. According to Graycen Bigger, with the Northeast Arkansas Intermodal Authority (NEAIA) said Emerson was working to release a schedule for applications, training and more...

Cully Parr and Dan Morthland are two veterans who are seeking other veterans in need of assistance; whether it is around the house, yard or just needing someone to talk to. Parr served in the US Army for 21 and a half years. He was operation sergeant, based out of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., when he retired to Fulton County, Ark. in December 2019. His leave began in December, but he wasn’t officially “retired” until March 2020...

As Veteran’s Day approaches, it is a good opportunity to pause and thank those who have served to protect the rights and freedoms of the American people. One such servant is Cherokee Village resident Billie Suiters. Born in West Memphis, Ark., she was raised on Martins Creek near Williford...

Several national level organizations are hosting 2020 Veterans Day virtual events due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Below is a list of events: National Veterans Day Observance The National Veterans Day Observance is held each year Nov. 11 at Arlington National Cemetery. ...

A drive thru lunch will be held at the Thayer Fun & Friends Senior Center on Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The center is located at 100 Chestnut in Thayer. The lunch will consist of roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, seasoned green beans, hot roll, peach cobbler and bottled water...

The oldest of eight children, Robert G. Miller joined the United States military after he graduated from high school during World War II. Just shy of his 18th birthday, Miller joined the United States Navy. After joining the United States Navy, Miller had to be at Union Station in Kansas City on March 12 and spent his 18th birthday on March 14, traveling to boot camp...

Viola High School 1st Quarter Honor Roll All A Honor Roll: Tristan Cooper, Levi Faulkner, Reid Grant, Aidan Harvey, Ezekiel Olson, Joseph Quinones, Kira Duncan, Mackenzie Hall, Kara Moore, Dana Wright, Camryn Graves, Kailey Hallmark, Emily Martin, Aiden Perry, Mason Jackson, Peyton Love, Andrea McCandlis, Kohl Batterton, Preslee Dillinger, Aubrey May, Trenity Sherrill, Lindsey Browning, Andrew Cantway, Jericho Flemon, Gage Harris, Auston Luna, Bryson Luna, Mason, Luna, Lindon Marberry, Samantha McCandlis and Macey Perryman.. ...

This year, returning House members and members-elect will make their committee selection for the 2021 Regular Session just days after the election. A House caucus has been scheduled for Nov. 6. During the caucus, newly elected members will draw for seniority and all members will select their seats for the 93rd General Assembly. After seat selection, the committee selection process will begin...

On a cold rainy day, GTS Physical Therapy in Highland warmed hearts with a $1,000 donation for two important causes ($500 each). On Wednesday, Oct. 28, New Beginnings Pregnancy Help Center (NBPHC), located in Ash Flat, received an unexpected donation. Director Laura Lute was thrilled with the surprise donation...

Three Oregon County residents are listed among other defendants charged in a multi-state fraud scheme. On Wednesday, Oct. 28, United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced charges on three separate indictments charging 60 defendants for roles in a telemarketing fraud scheme targeting the elderly...

Charges against Matthew Garner, 32, of Sage, were filed by the 16th Judicial Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Oct. 30 regarding a shooting which took place over a year ago in October 2019. According to an affidavit of probable cause for arrest, a series of incidents began Oct. 17, 2019 at approximately 3 a.m. when the victim, Kyle Cantrell, manager of the Sonic Restaurant in Melbourne, called the Izard County Sheriff’s Office to report his home was on fire...

The Salem Masonic Lodge is holding their annual Coats for Kids Drive. The coat drive has been organized by the Salem Masonic Lodge for several years now. Over that time, hundreds of coats have been provided to children in Salem and Fulton County. Lodge members work closely with school administrators to make sure the coats are distributed to those in need. ...

Arkansas Prescription Drug Take Back program was held in conjunction with the National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24. In Arkansas, local sheriff’s offices encouraged residents to drop off old/unused medications. The Izard County Sheriff’s Department was one of those participants...

Three Oregon County residents are listed among other defendants charged in a multi-state fraud scheme. On Wednesday, Oct. 28, United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced charges on three separate indictments charging 60 defendants for roles in a telemarketing fraud scheme targeting the elderly...

Charges against Matthew Garner, 32, of Sage, were filed by the 16th Judicial Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Oct. 30 regarding a shooting which took place over a year ago in October 2019. According to an affidavit of probable cause for arrest, a series of incidents began Oct. 17, 2019 at approximately 3 a.m. when the victim, Kyle Cantrell, manager of the Sonic Restaurant in Melbourne, called the Izard County Sheriff’s Office to report his home was on fire...

As the 2020 General Election approaches on Tuesday, Nov. 3, EARLY voting will come to end on Monday, Nov. 2. On Nov. 3., voting polls open at 7:30 a.m. and will be open until 7:30 p.m. If you wish to early vote, there is still time, however; there are some important dates and deadlines to be aware of. ...

The Highland Elks Lodge in Cherokee Village presented more than $5,000 in grants to area organizations Oct. 20. The food bank of the Salem Senior Life Center, Mission of Hope, Comfort Keepers Ministry Inc. and Barb Wakeham, who makes Christmas baskets through the Elks Lodge, were all recipients...

Charles Paul Stovall, 24, of Cherokee Village, appeared before Judge Harold Erwin Oct. 21 at the Sharp County Courthouse. Stovall is the suspect in custody for the murders of Linda Janny, 72, of Cherokee Village and Hayleigh Gruger, 23, of Cherokee Village and the attempted murder of Deborah Compton, 41...

Election Day 2020 is quickly approaching - a time when Arkansans have the opportunity to have their constitutional rights heard by making important decisions on candidates and issues being considered on the ballot. This year has brought forward challenges that have required additional precautions which will ensure all Arkansans are safe while executing their voting rights. ...

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a stop to many events in 2020. Through Halloween might look differently this year, several Halloween and fall events are still being planned. Evening Shade Community Events will hold a family friendly seasonal event Oct. ...

The Cherokee Village City Council held its regular meeting Oct. 15 during which, the second reading of the proposed short term rental ordinance was passed. The meeting began with property owner comments related to agenda items. Peter Martin approached the podium to inquire as to why the ordinance was only dealing with short term rentals (29 days or less)...

Emerson to open manufacturing facility in Ash Flat, create 245 new jobs Emerson will open a new facility in Ash Flat, where it plans to invest $35 million and create approximately 245 new jobs within four years. “We greatly appreciate the support of Governor Hutchinson, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the Northeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority and the other local, state and federal officials who helped to finalize plans for our new location in Ash Flat,” said Craig Sumner, president of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio in North America. ...

Ashton Cowan of Melbourne has been awarded the Tom Smith Memorial Scholarship for the 2020-21 academic year at Ozarka College. The scholarship will be awarded in two increments: $250 for the fall semester and $250 for the spring semester. The family of Tom W. ...

Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce met at Woods Riverbend Restaurant on Thursday, Oct. 8. Though most of the year’s events have been canceled, the chamber is still planning its annual Christmas parade. President Trena Spears welcomed those in attendance and shared condolences about the community’s loss of Steve Russell. He was a Mammoth Spring resident Russell was active in the chamber and overall community, serving on many boards and always lending a helping hand...

As a result of a traffic stop on Oct. 7, by Trooper Lively, in Calico Rock where methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located, Amanda Hatfield, 32, of Calico Rock, was charged with possession of a controlled substance; to wit methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Hatfield’s bond was set at $10,000 professional with a court date in the Izard County Circuit Court of Oct. 28...

Decisions regarding our state budget show the priorities we make as a state. The budget-making process has a direct impact on everything from classrooms to health care. Budget hearings began Tuesday, Oct. 13, and are scheduled to conclude Nov. 1. The Joint Budget Committee sits with the Arkansas Legislative Committee as voting participants in the hearings, creating the Arkansas Legislative Council/Joint Budget Committee...

A civil lawsuit was filed against the Municipal Recreational Facilities Improvement District (MRID) No. 80-1 of the City of Horseshoe Bend and City of Horseshoe Bend in Izard County Oct. 6. The recent increase of the annual levy of the assessment of benefits paid by citizens was the cause for the suit, according to suit documents, filed by Eric Graetz on behalf of himself and all other taxpayers similarly situated...

The Fulton County Clerk’s Office would like to remind residents of the voting locations and dates, as some locations have changed. Early voting is taking place at the Miller-Hickinbotham Building, located at 124 Arena Lane (the Fulton County Fairgrounds) in Salem, Monday, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 30 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Early voting will also be available on Saturday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will also be open on Monday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m...

Baxter Regional Behavioral Health sponsored the Project Semicolon Suicide Prevention Awareness art contest, and although it could not be held at the hospital this year, Program Director Jodi Leeker partnered with the Viola High School Art Department for a smaller scale competition. All students were given the opportunity to compete for prizes from Baxter Regional with their submissions based on suicide awareness...

Connor Robbins is a young Fulton County man who was involved in a life altering car accident on July 7. For the next few weeks, Robbins and his family fought for his life in a Springfield hospital. Prayer chains immediately started, keeping close friends and family back home in Fulton County informed about his progress, which at first seemed bleak...

A Loser’s Tale In memory of my uncle, Charles Counts, 1947-1983. As Veteran’s Day nears, I think of my Uncle Chuck. Living on Little Shawnee Creek outside of Eminence, Mo., he never lost his love of fishing. Adored by his three older sisters, my mom among them, he was their baby, and they carried him on their hips until his feet dragged the ground...

When thinking of breast cancer, almost everyone attributes it as a disease which only females are prone to receiving a diagnosis for. From pink ribbons and balloons down to the ink used to provide educational materials, a simple online search yields thousands of images which are geared toward awareness for females...

Ozarka College was selected as a recipient of the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) grant, a federal grant program through the U.S. Department of Labor and Delta Regional Authority.  Ozarka was awarded $1.47 million toward a three-year workforce development initiative based at Ozarka’s new Carpenter Technical Center in Ash Flat, Ark...

The Salem City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Sept. 24 in the City Council Meeting Room at City Hall. All members participated. Mayor Daniel Busch called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. The first order of business was to consider the minutes from the August meeting. The minutes were presented and approved...

Fulton County Quorum Court met Sept. 14 to discuss unfinished business (a hazard mitigation plan), an update on the judge’s research on a new courtroom proposal and an update on the Humprey’s Ford Bridge (Spring River Bridge). Fulton County Treasurer Barry Abney was first to give his report. ...

As of this summer, Fulton County has been collecting the one-cent sales tax implemented by voters for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, for one year. According to information from Fulton County Treasurer Barry Abney, in 2019, the tax generated $481,446.69 and so far for 2020, has generated $592,993.01. Though passed in a special election held in December 2018, the tax didn’t go into effect until April 1, 2019 and June 2019 is the first record of the sales tax...

An opportunity has been made available for those who have warrants or fines in Fulton County according to an announcement made by Fulton County District Judge Larry Kissee. Kissee said from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1, anyone who has a warrant or owes a fine in Fulton County, the City of Salem or the City of Mammoth Spring has an opportunity to clear the fine at half cost...

The Fulton, Sharp and Izard County Clerk’s Offices are all urging residents to take advantage of an online program that can educate voters. Voter View is an option found on the Secretary of State’s website that allows Arkansas residents to enter their name and birthdate to receive vital voting information. ...

Create Bridges is offering another unique opportunity for local businesses. It was recently announced a series of three webinars would be made available through Create Bridges and Retail Minded Founder, Nicole Leinback Reyhle. Reyhle is an industry retail expert, author and Small Business Saturday spokesperson. ...

At the regularly scheduled Salem School Board of Directors meeting held recently, Superintendent Wayne Guiltner updated those in attendance on the classroom addition in the high school. The addition is called the “partnership project” by Guiltner. “The HS 6 classroom addition is complete. ...

Fulton County’s University of Arkansas Extension Agent Cory Tyler recently reached out to Areawide Media about this year’s issue with army worms. Though usually spring-time pests, fall army worms are more common in southern Arkansas and can start appearing in mid-summer, especially in Bermuda grass pastures...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most everything has been impacted including the Cherokee Village Animal Shelter. According to Animal Control Officer Carolyn Parks, the shelter has been working diligently to find homes for resident animals, provide vetting and hold spay and neuter clinics which are open to the community...