Villager Journal

Another unexpected change has been made in the Rebecca O’Donnell case, following a request from Third Judicial Prosecuting Attorney Henry Boyce to be relieved of his duties regarding the case. The request, submitted to Judge John Fogleman Dec. 4 and filed with the Randolph County Circuit Court Dec. 5, a week after Judge David Goodson, who was appointed by the Arkansas State Supreme Court to oversee the case, also requested to be removed...

The Hardy City Council held it’s regular meeting Dec. 3 during which updates were provided regarding the public restrooms being constructed in Loberg Park and new policies were adopted. Following the approval of minutes from special and working meetings held during the month of November, revisions were made to the agenda and a public presentation was given...

The Highland Lady Rebel Basketball team in conjunction with Centennial Bank and the Rebel Booster Club recognized Senior Molly McBryde as the player of the week for Dec. 1 – 7. McBryde scored 11 points, shot 57% from the paint, recorded 75% accuracy from the charity stripe, and defensively held Cave City’s best player, who normally averages 28 points per game, to only 15 points on the night. ...

The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting census takers for temporary positions in communities across Arkansas in advance of the 2020 Census. Pay rates for census takers in Arkansas have increased, with a range from $17 to $23.50 per hour.  Applicants will be placed in an applicant pool for 2020 Census positions in which they qualify for as jobs become available in their area. These positions offer competitive pay, flexible hours, paid training and weekly paychecks...

The Sharp County Sheriff’s Department and Cave City Police Department executed a search warrant in Cave City Dec. 2 which yielded large amounts of drugs and drug paraphernalia. According to a release from the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department, the warrant was executed at the home of Darrell Long, 47, on Lile Street in Cave City...

The Hardy History Association (HHA) held a board meeting Dec. 5 its first membership meeting since forming, at Hardy City Hall. The board meeting began at 5:30 p.m. with the organization’s President Darlene Wilson, Secretary Rebecca Ashcroft, Treasurer Katie Hartness, First Vice President Margaret Hartness and Second Vice President Nannette Daugherty and board members Sue Norman, Kristin Proulx, Ernie Rose, Charles Wilson and Roger Stark present...

In a world of kick starter companies and pop-up shops, there is no truer test of a business’ success than time and service to the community. On Dec. 6, the Ash Flat Livestock Auction celebrated 60 years of being in business. Friday’s sale was expected to be well attended, as it was their “pre-vac” sale, but the Nix Family was pleasantly surprised with larger attendance of those who were there to celebrate the milestone with them. ...

With just a few weeks until the Christmas holiday, the community of Horseshoe Bend was dealt a heavy blow as one of their largest employers, South Bend Nursing, has been forced to implement an emergency evacuation protocol and close their doors. A process which was thought to have 21 days to complete, but was expedited to fruition over the weekend...

The Cherokee Village City Council held its regular meeting Nov 21. The meeting opened with comments from the public regarding agenda related items. David Nebel spoke to the council regarding the proposed solar panel ordinance. Nebel suggested changes be made because as written, the neighbors of those seeking to place solar panels on their property would have input...

H&R Block in Highland has partnered with Spring River Adult and Child Services (SACS), the local domestic violence and homeless shelter for women and children, to host the Random Act of Kindness event slated for Friday Dec. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Hardy Civic Center...

The students of the Highland Theater will be performing the live radio play, It’s a Wonderful Life! Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 2:30 and 7 p.m. at Highland Assembly of God in Highland. According to Shona Covington, director and theater teacher at Highland High School, the cast consists of approximately 10 students who will be portraying more than 60 characters...

Highland High School’s Band program has set a standard and tradition of excellence for decades and the start of the 2019-2020 school year has proven to carry on that tradition. According to Greg Bruner, band director, it has been a busy and productive season for the band and for the directors...

A Sharp County man is facing multiple charges following an interview which led to his arrest Nov. 27. According to a release from the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department, the charges stem from from an investigation of internet stalking and sexual misconduct involving a juvenile. The Sharp County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigation Division and Highland School Resource Officer interviewed Gann Nov. 27...

The Sharp County Sheriff’s Department and area law enforcement agencies are gearing up for the annual Sharp County Shop with a Cop event slated for Dec. 14 at 8 a.m. at Walmart in Ash Flat. Each year, for the past several years, law enforcement officers have been working to raise funds to help make a better Christmas for children in Sharp County...

A Sharp County woman has been ordered to 18 months in prison, three years supervised probation and to pay more than $200,000 in restitution, after it was discovered she had taken money from her employer. According to documents from the United States District Court Eastern District of Arkansas, Carrie Porter, was sentenced before Judge Susan Webber Wright Nov. 19 for embezzlement...

A new organization, the Hardy History Association (HHA) has formed and is seeking members. According to Darlene Wilson, president of the HHA, now that the board of directors has been formed, the first membership meeting will be held Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. at Hardy City Hall...

A1 Taxi, located in Sharp County, is working to help collect toys for children this Christmas and is offering discounted rides to make it happen. According to owner Gary Hambley, the toys collected from the drive will be given to several area churches as well as the Spring River Adult and Child Services Christmas Store...

The Cherokee Village Suburban Improvement District (SID) held its regular meeting Nov. 18 during which a vacancy was declared. Following the death of Greg Prenger, the commission has two remaining commissioners, Joe Waggoner and Ron Patterson. Following the approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting, Waggoner moved on to discuss old business...

It is that time of year again, when sleigh bells ring and they glisten. As the community gears up for Christmas, there are no shortage of events to attend. The Ash Flat Christmas Parade will take place on Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m. Line-up will begin at 3:30 in the Ash Flat Livestock Auction parking lot. ...

After giving it a trial run in Marion County, FNBC Community Bankers has expanded its First Chance Mortgage Program (FCMP) to all of its service areas. According to Anita Owens, Vice President of Mortgage Lending, the FCMP is designed to help households in the community that are low to moderate income achieve home ownership...

A status hearing was held at the Randolph County Courthouse in Pocahontas Nov. 22 for Rebecca O’Donnell, the woman accused of murdering former Arkansas Senator Linda Collins in June of this year. Proceedings began shortly after 10:30 a.m. as Judge David Goodson, a special judge appointed to oversee the case by the Arkansas Supreme Court, took to the bench...

Darla Sue Evans, 42, of Highland is facing charges after methamphetamine was discovered during a search of her residence. According to a report from the Highland Police Department, on Oct. 28, Highland Officer Jeff Hamilton was dispatched to assist Arkansas Department of Corrections Agent James Irvin...

Following the results of the Highland School District School Board special election, Johnny Carter received the majority vote over opponent Joey Cooper to fill the seat for the District Position 4. Carter received 346 votes and Cooper received 194. Renee Clay-Circle, who ran unopposed for District Position 5 received 440 votes...

Filing for county races in Sharp County closed at noon Nov. 12. Here are the results for this year’s filing period. Primary races for Republican and Democrat candidates will be held in March of 2020 and Independent candidates will appear on the November 2020 ballot...

The Williford Fire Department will soon see the completion of a project four years in the making. According to Williford Fire Chief Bill Cossey, the department recently received a $6,500 grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Council (AEDC) which when paired with matching funds, will enable the department to pave the driveway of the newest addition...

Parents Jeremy Dietsche and Tracy Donahue could not conceal the pride they felt Nov. 13 as they watched their daughter, Abby Dietsche, sign her letter of intent with Pittsburgh State University. Surrounded by family, friends and peers at the Highland High School Gym, Dietsche sat before a table with the letter before her...

Cave City held a Veterans Park and Monument Dedication Ceremony Nov. 15 to celebrate a milestone. The ceremony opened with a patriotic display and presentation of the colors, pledge of allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner. Following the invocation, Mayor Jonas Anderson took his place at the podium to read and sign a proclamation and say a few words about the city’s newest park...

Ash Flat City Council held its regular meeting Nov. 12. Fire Chief Stacey Horton was first to deliver his department report telling the council the recent chili dinner fundraiser brought in more than $300. He also told the council the department had responded to 36 calls for service since the last meeting...

Arkansas has made a strong commitment to making sure that children learn to read at an early age, and the federal government has recognized our efforts with a grant of $38 million to improve literacy. The money will be sent to Arkansas over the next five years. It is the highest amount possible in the category of literacy grants distributed by the U.S. Education Department...

In South Central Missouri, just like everywhere else in the country, employment in healthcare occupations is projected to increase by 14% through 2028, a much faster growth rate than average for all occupations. Across the nation, 1.9 million new jobs will be opening up; significantly more than in any other occupational group...

It was an exciting day in the town of Ravenden Springs Nov. 5 as a large crowd gathered for a dedication ceremony of the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism newest parks addition, located in Ravenden Springs. According to Mayor John Cochran, Ravenden Springs was initially the town of Ravenden...

In last week’s issue of Villager Journal, the article “NCBA champions for area senior citizens” was published. In it, the article provided information about how the National Caucus of Black Aging workers (NCBA) works to help pair senior citizens seeking employment, with potential employers in a non-profit realm. This article is a continuation and will cover partnership opportunities between for-profit businesses and how the NCBA can help...

The Hardy City Council held its regular meting Nov 5. Following an amendment to the minutes and the approval of the agenda, Bruce Thurow provided the Advertising and Promotions Commission report. “We had a good meeting. We had speakers from Ozark Radio Network of West Plains and they have a good program. ...

For the third straight year in a row, the Highland Mighty Might fifth grade team finished their season undefeated. According to coach Michael Burton, the team, also coached by James Jenson and Stephen Fisher, started playing together in the third grade and competing in the Ark/Mo League...

For the third straight year in a row, the Highland Mighty Might fifth grade team finished their season undefeated. According to coach Michael Burton, the team, also coached by James Jenson and Stephen Fisher, started playing together in the third grade and competing in the Ark/Mo League...

For the third straight year in a row, the Highland Mighty Might fifth grade team finished their season undefeated. According to coach Michael Burton, the team, also coached by James Jenson and Stephen Fisher, started playing together in the third grade and competing in the Ark/Mo League...

The Sharp County Quorum Court held a special meeting Nov. 6 to declare a vacancy and appoint a new budget committee head. As the meeting opened, court members pushed back tears as a prayer was offered for the relatives of JP Greg Prenger, who passed away earlier in the week...

The Highland Rebels finished the season with a road loss to the Pocahontas Redskins 35-22. The Rebels finished 1-9 overall and 1-6 in conference for the season. The Redskins finished the season 7-3 and 5-2 in conference. The Redskins travel to Gravette to play the Lions in a first-round game in the state playoffs on Friday, Nov. 15. The Lions come into the game with a record of 4-6. Gravette lost 37-7 in their recent league test against Gentry...

With age comes experience and wisdom, but according to statistics by AARP, so can discrimination. Ageism is a form of discrimination in the United States which is rarely talked about, but is experienced regularly by senior citizens. Despite the wisdom and experience one might possess from years in the workforce, often times, companies are more inclined to hire more youthful employees in hopes the employees will remain in the workforce longer...

The public is invited to attend area Veterans Day ceremonies in Sharp County. The first will take place at the A.L. Hutson Memorial Center on Sunday Nov. 10 at 2:30 p.m. Desserts, raffle tickets, t-shirts and more will be available. Music will be provided by the Highland High School Band...

The Women of the Spring River Presbyterian Church in Hardy are gearing up for their annual Rummage, Bake Sale and Luncheon event, slated for Nov. 9 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. According to Kathy Buelow, a member of the women’s group who will be hosting the event, the funds raised will be used to help with ongoing church projects and mission work...

Following the passing of Jack Huffmaster Sr., friends, family and fellow community members have decided to hold a fundraising event to help support Huffmaster’s surviving spouse, Wanda. According to Ernie Rose, members of the community have joined together to hold a chili dinner Nov. 9...

The Highland School District held a groundbreaking ceremony Oct. 28 for the new construction of four middle school classrooms, restrooms and a faculty workspace. The construction will also include security updates to the front lobby entrance. According to Public Relations Director Kasey Carter, in 2018, the school saw growth to the point a FEMA trailer was being used to create temporary classrooms. ...

White River Health Systems, (WRHS) held a helipad dedication for the newest addition to the Cherokee Village Medical Complex Oct. 29. “In 2014 we started a journey of emergency medical services here in Sharp County. We opened the ER and moved it from an urgent care to an emergency room and it was one of the best decisions we made as an organization. ...

Sharp County Third Judicial Circuit Judge, Tom Garner, 60, passed away Nov. 3 at his home in Ash Flat. Garner spent more than 30 years practicing as an attorney and also served as a prosecuting attorney for 16 years prior to closing down his practice to accept a position of judge earlier this year...

What can investors learn from veterans?

In June of 2014, White River Health Systems (WRHS) opened the first satellite emergency room in the state in Cherokee Village. When the emergency room began operations, it replaced the former Urgent Care clinic. After recognizing a gap in care had been created the facility re-evaluated its plan and a little over two years ago, White River made the decision to create an after hours clinic in order to offer an alternative to the emergency room...

The Quad Cities Rotary Club and Scout Troop 639 have partnered to hold a Christmas fundraiser. According to Ethan Barnes, Rotary Club President, the two organizations will be selling Sherwood Forest Farms products which include freshly made Christmas wreaths...

The 244th birthday of the United States Marine Corps is approaching and Chris Whelan, event organizer, said there will be a birthday celebration held Nov. 10. All area service members are invited to attend the birthday celebration slated to take place at 8:30 a.m. at the Artisan Grill in Ash Flat...

For more than six years, Ash Flat Church of Christ has spent an evening a week, joining together with the community as they host an evening meal each Wednesday night. Ina Lee Henley, began attending the church, which is pastored by her brother, Tommy Boles, a little over six years ago...