Villager Journal

In a season likely controlled more by the COVID-19 virus rather than the schedule, the Cave City Cavemen played a nine-game schedule and finished the season 2-7 overall and 1-5 in conference. Coaches, players and fans were not sure at the beginning of the week if there would be a game, or in some cases, whom the team might play...

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...

The Highland City Council held its regular meeting Nov. 10 during which the council discussed raising the fee for business licenses in Highland. The meeting began with department reports, with the fire department report. Mayor Russell Truitt presented the report as Fire Chief Kal Dienst was absent...

St. Bernard’s First Care in Highland recently announced a familiar face serving in a new way as Crystal Shackelford becomes the newest nurse practitioner added to the team. “I have worked for St. Bernard’s for 13 years and started out as a CNA. I had been working at the hospital but I live here. When this opportunity came available, I wanted to take it,” Shackelford said...

The Ash Flat Planning and Zoning Commission met Nov. 9 to review and approve the plans for Tractor Supply Company. After approving the minutes from previous meetings, the commission moved on to discuss Tractor Supply Company. “As all of you know, Tractor Supply Company is coming in and there are trucks out there,” Fred Goodwin said, as he presented the company’s plan...

The Highland School District has been added to the list of schools in Arkansas who have made the decision to switch to virtual learning due to COVID-19. On Nov. 13, the district announced virtual learning would be implemented for all students Nov. 16...

A man from Hardy is facing felony charges after investigators with the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department investigated a case of alleged child abuse at the request of the Department of Human (DHS) Services, after it was discovered two children who came to be in the custody of DHS sustained extensive bruising during disciplinary action at home...

The Ash Flat City Council held its regular meeting Nov. 10. Following the approval of previous meeting minutes, the council moved on to hear department reports. The first report delivered was by Fire Chief Stacy Horton. “This report is from Oct. 8 to Nov. 4. We have had 30 calls since our last meeting: 12 medical; four vehicle accidents; one grass fire; six public assists and seven false alarms,” Horton said...

The Pocahontas Redskins came to Highland on Nov. 6 for a conference game and defeated the Rebels 40-22. After the game, Pocahontas’ record stood at 8-2 overall and 5-2 in conference. Highland’s record was 2-6 overall and 1-4 in conference. Pocahontas led at the end of the first quarter 13-0. ...

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...

State Fair Pageant winner Sue Billiot was recently crowned 2020 Senior Mrs Arkansas. Billiot said this was her first year to compete, however, she has been serving in the Arkansas Fair Industry since 1999, serving on the Sharp County Fair Board directing the pageants in Sharp County for nearly two decades...

The Sharp County Quorum Court met in special session on Monday, Oct. 26. A number of resolutions regarding the Emerson development were tended to, along with an ordinance regarding CARES Act funding, related to the COVID-19 pandemic. A representative from the White River Planning and Development District (WRPPD) was present at the meeting to answer questions as court members adopted resolutions. ...

The community of Cave City is coming together to help provide words of encouragement to some of the area’s senior citizens, who are most impacted by COVID-19 and the pandemic. The idea to collect and send cards to residents of the Cave City Nursing Home came as a result of a visit by Cave City resident Julie Johnson after visiting her brother...

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...

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...

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...

Like many events in 2020, this year’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be a little different, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to the event’s success the previous two years, simply not having it wasn’t an option. Event organizers have come to realize the importance of this event, as families or individuals might not otherwise have a true Thanksgiving meal...

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. ...

Ozark Acres Suburban Improvement District (SID) held its regular meeting Oct. 20. Following the passage of the November meeting’s minutes and the special meeting held earlier this month, the commissioners moved on to new business. The first item was to choose the winner of the yard of the month. Once those in attendance had cast their votes, the Moore family on Summit Ridge was selected...

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...

A Wesson, Miss. man was taken into custody and held at the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department Oct. 18 after he discharged a firearm at a local establishment. According to an affidavit for the warrant of arrest of Todd Sharak, 49, Sharp County Dispatch received a call reporting a shooting which occurred in Sharp County at The Pub near Hardy...

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...

According to Tom Thornton, General Manager of the Cherokee Village Water Department, the company is gearing up to make some improvements to some of the department’s systems. “We have a 150,000 gallon in ground tank we are going to be renovating. It is tank number two which is a ground storage tank,” Thornton said...

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 Highland City Council held its regular meeting Oct. 13. The meeting began with department reports. Fire Chief Kal Diesnt was absent, however; Mayor Russell Truitt publicly thanked the responding departments who helped to extinguish the recent apartment complex fire...

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 Ash Flat City Council held its regular meeting Oct. 13. Department reports were first to be presented. Fire Chief Stacy Horton said the department responded to 33 calls for service. Ash Flat Police Officer Allan Wallace provided the police department report in the absence of Chief Steve Powell...

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)...

Following a recent incident in which needles were discarded in the recycling bin of the City of Ash Flat, the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department has offered to dispose of “sharps” for citizens of Sharp County. “I was contacted recently about needles being discarded in the recycling there in Ash Flat. I think some people think because the tube is made of plastic, they can recycle those but that isn’t the case,” Sharp County Sheriff Mark Counts said...

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. ...

As a result of the uniqueness of this public health situation and its ever-evolving status, I am writing to inform you as to the most recent activities and efforts underway at Ozarks Medical Center (OMC) related to the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic...

The Arkansas PBS Foundation announced today that it is joining other Arkansas organizations in a public awareness campaign highlighting National Estate Planning Awareness Week, Monday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Oct. 25. Arkansas PBS Foundation will recognize National Estate Planning Awareness Week by providing local residents with free estate planning booklets. ...

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...

The Quad Cites Rotary Club of Sharp County is now selling live evergreen Christmas wreaths as a 2020 fundraising project. Rotarians are offering sales now through Nov. 4. Wreaths may be purchased from any Rotarian in the area; prices start at just $25...

The Sharp County Quorum Court held its regular meeting Oct. 5. The first item addressed was the county treasurer’s report. County Treasurer Wanda Girtman said the county received the second largest sales tax check during the month of September. “It continues to surprise me,” Girtman said. “We’re holding.”...

The Encourager; coming to your town. The week of Oct. 8, Nathaniel Thomas, known as the Arkansas Running Man, made his way through parts of Sharp County. On Oct. 8, he made a stop in Ash Flat where he first visited the Veteran’s Memorial before making his way to meet with and encourage all those he came across...

Residents of Ozark Acres can expect changes to their water services following a meeting Oct. 6 when the Ozark Acres Water Board voted to approve a contract with Clear Water Utility Management Services LLC to manage the Ozark Acres Water Association...

The Ash Flat Rocks and Cherokee Village Rocks clubs will hold a Rock Painting Get Together Meet and Greet at Tohi Trail located on Hosptial Drive in Cherokee Village Oct. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The co-hosted event will take place at the pavilion with access to restrooms and water...

The Hardy History Association (HHA) held a surprise dedication of their new museum library Oct. 5 in honor of Jeff Munroe, a volunteer who donated his time and effort to help make the library a reality. Munroe is a long term area resident. He and his wife moved to Hardy in 2017 when they purchased and renovated the old Hardy Pottery Shop building on Main Street...

The Sharp County Sheriff’s Department, Cherokee Village Police Department and Sharp County Coroner Renee Clay-Circle responded to a call at the hiking trail adjacent to Flathead Bridge in Cherokee Village Sept. 29 after a couple walking the trail discovered the body of a deceased male...