Stories from Thursday, February 13, 2003

All that remained Feb. 11 on Highway 289 in Izard County from the snow fall Feb. 6 was the snowman who looked as if he was greeting travelers.

Through the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, author Mark Twain perfectly portrayed fishing in Missouri as a delightful escape from the rigors of life. Fishing also contributes to the quality of life by adding millions of dollars to the economy each year...

The Show-Me State Games is gearing up for the Inaugural 5-on-5 Junior High Hoopfest to be held April 4-6, 2003. The tournament will take place on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus at the Student Recreation Center and various other locations around Columbia, and will include both recreational and competitive divisions...

A third suspect was arrested Feb. 7 in Sharp County after two others confessed to stealing a safe that contained $20,000 from the Williford American Legion Club in Ozark Acres Jan. 24. An additional $400 in cash, two remote control cars valued at $80 and a four-wheeler valued at $450 were recovered in connection with the burglary...

The Izard County Quorum Court adopted a resolution Feb. 4 opposing Gov. Mike Huckabee's proposal to eliminate approximately two-thirds of the state's school districts. The following day County Judge Eddie Cooper attended a Save Our School rally on the steps of the Capitol in Little Rock and handed out copies of the resolution to the governor and other state officials...

After meeting with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fulton County Judge Curren Everett announced FEMA will award the county road department $21,000 as reimbursement for money the county spent during the December ice storm...

THAYER -- A lawsuit seeking damages in excess of $29,000 has been filed against the city of Thayer by a Thayer couple. Jimmie and Meda Conley, who reside at 438 South Ninth Street in Thayer, allege that on Oct. 21, 2001, employees with the city of Thayer, while conducting repairs and maintenance on a sewer line in their neighborhood, caused damage to their property, caused them to have to live outside their home for a time, and caused unneeded medical expenses...

TROOP G -- Officers with Troop G of the Missouri Highway Patrol have released accident totals for the Troop G area during 2002. According to Caption B.E. Chadwick, commanding officer, 1,837 accidents were investigated during 2002, resulting in 49 fatalities and 1,674 people injured...

Doug and Katie Fortuna have announced the birth of their daughter, Olivia Grace Fortuna, Dec. 30, 2002, at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was welcomed by her brother and sister, Faith and Trent Fortuna. Grandparents are Brad and Maureen Fortuna, and Kay Mahon. Great-grandmother is Thelma Mahon...

Tracy and Christy Ashcraft of Hardy have announced the birth of their son, Tracy Hunter Ashcraft, Feb. 3, 2003, at White River Medical Center in Batesville. He weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces. He was welcomed home by three siblings -- Christopher Kimble, Trevor Patrick and Samantha Ashcraft...

Jose M. Noa Jr. and Sandra K. Noa of Hardy have announced the birth of their daughter, Fantasia Brooklynn Dawn Noa, at 4:24 p.m. at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Mo. She weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 19 inches long.

No one enjoys losing a good friend. But, unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, especially in this day and time. Any such loss can be exceptionally difficult when a friend has been around for a long time, practically becoming a part of the family. Losing a trusted friend, one who knows all your dirty little secrets, is traumatic. It's rare to find a friend who consistently can take most of the dirt you dish and, as if by magic, make it disappear...

Colin Powell made a compelling case for going to war with Iraq, with or without the support of the UN Security Council. But whether we go to war sooner rather than later depends less on Powell than it does on polls. The Secretary of State, a voice of caution when the administration first warned of action against Iraq, produced an arsenal of smoking guns in his address to the United Nations Security Council Feb. ...

Mary and Wynn Hall of Allen, Texas, have announced the birth of their son, Keagan Turner Hall, Jan. 29, 2003, at Presbyterian Hospital in Allen, Texas. He weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces, and was 21-1/2 inches long. He was welcomed home by his brother, Weston Mike Hall, 2...

Carla Mahon and Will Alberternst have announced the birth of their daughter, Jayden Kay Alberternst, Jan. 22, 2003, at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. Grandmothers are Cindy Merritt and Kay Mahon. Great-grandmothers are Thelma Mahon and Mary Henson...

Chrys and Heather Fisher have announced the birth of their son, Owen Daniel Wakefield Fisher, at 3:40 a.m. Jan. 20, 2003, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield. He weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and was 20 inches long. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Gary Wakefield of Holister, Mo., Mr. and Mrs. Chrys Fisher Sr. of Sante Fe, N.M.; and Mr. and Mrs. Dan Egert of Dallas, Texas...

Lauren Williams, Randy McClanahan and family and Sandy Dale and family have announced the marriage of their parents, Larry McClanahan and Rhnea (Williams) McClanahan on Jan. 21, 2003, at the Little Bell Wedding Chapel in Harrison. The children will hold a drop-in reception for the couple at Grandma's Kitchen Feb. 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. All friends and family are invited to attend...

A benefit dance, auction and dinner will be held for Chad Carey and family, whose home burned to the ground Jan. 30 in Alton. The benefit will be held Feb. 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Mammoth Spring Country Music Hall located on Highway 63 South. Performing will be Jesse and The James Gang (featuring Jesse Moore, Dwaine Carey, Frankie Lee and Mike Duncan)...

Arnold and Icapheen Martin will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Feb. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Orange Room of the North Arkansas Electric Cooperative building in Salem. All family and friends are invited. This event is hosted by their children -- Jerry Martin, Barbara and Curtis Poulette, and their grandson, Jacob Poulette...

Dan and Pat Myers of West Plains, formerly of Thomasville, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Feb. 14, 2003. The Myerses have six children, 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. They are expecting two more great-grandchildren.

BEEFING UP THE COURSE: Will Robson, Horseshoe Bend MRID supervisor, is working on a project to upgrade the Horseshoe Bend 18-hole Mini-Golf Course. Robson said he is currently building a millhouse for hole one. He said he will also be placing mulch around the course. ...

For 79 years Pravda was the official newspaper of the USSR, published by the Communist Party. In 1991 the Communist stranglehold was broken and the newspaper was shut down on orders from Boris Yeltsin. The beleaguered Communists registered their new newspaper, under new ownership, with the same title, Pravda...

Regina Stevens and Delica Poulette recently attended the USA Gymnastics Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) Workshop, and have taken an important step in self-education. For each teacher to become fully accredited, they had to attend a rigorous six-hour workshop...

Kelly and Marylin Pittman have announced the birth of their daughter, Maisie Kay, born at 8:44 a.m. Jan. 2, 2003, at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home. She weighed 7 pounds, 12-1/2 ounces and was 20 inches long. Grandparents are Louie and Carolyn Parker of Thayer, David and Donna Stinnett of Milwaukee, Wis., and Kerry and Connie Pittman of Mammoth Spring...

THAYER -- David (Beau) Beville, an employee with the city of Thayer recently successfully completed one of the most comprehensive training programs in the world for power line personnel. The program Beville completed is the Merchant Job Training and Safety Program (MJTS) and has been administered to line personal in 38 states. The program is also under contract with the National Rural Electric Coop Association...

THAYER -- Saying she wanted to leave Fun and Friends like the "Lone Ranger" Sue Barns, who has served as Thayer Fun and Friends Senior Center director for 20 plus years, was honored with a gathering in her honor Jan. 31. A large crowd was on hand as several people spoke on her achievements. ...

On Feb. 4 at approximately 9:19 a.m., Cave City Police Chief Vernon Gann responded to the Cave City High School principal's office in regards to a student in possession of assorted contraband, including a marijuana pipe and a clear plastic bag with what appeared to be a white powdery residue inside...

Joseph William Culhane, 67, of Cherokee Village died Feb. 4, 2003 at Baptist Health Center in Little Rock. Born Nov. 14, 1953, in Chicago, he was the son of Thomas Culhane and Agnes Cline Culhane. He was married to Carol McDonald Oct. 25, 1958 in Chicago. ...

Steven Singleton, a standout right-handed pitcher for the Williams Baptist College Eagles, and a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School, has signed a contract with the Cincinnatti Reds organization. Singleton was offered the contract Jan. 26 after a tryout with the Reds in Florida last week...

FAYETTEVILLE -- You can get burned in chemistry class as Arkansas learned last Saturday in Starkville, Miss. Make that scorched. A talented Mississippi State team, but presumed in preseason by pundits less talented than Alabama, had Arkansas down 52-18 at half. MSU won 84-54...

Steven (Luke) Barker, a senior at Salem High School, has been invited to participate in the 2003 Down Under Bowl. He is the 17-year-old son of Steve Barker and Rhonda Koelling and is valedictorian of his senior class. Barker started his sports career at an early age playing in the summer baseball and the mighty mite football programs. In high school he has played football, basketball, golf and ran cross country, and track...

The one-two punch of Calico Rock's Kyle Moody and Kevin Branscum on the low blocks was too much for the Evening Shade Tigers to handle Feb. 4 as the Pirates knocked off the homestanding Tigers 67-56 in non-conference action. Branscum (16 points) came out hot for the Pirates as he tossed in 10 of Calico Rock's 16 points in the first period...

JEFFERSON CITY -- Speaker of the House Catherine Hanaway announced Feb. 7 that Rep. Mike Dethrow has been appointed vice chairman of the Conservation Natural Resource Committee. "Rep. Dethrow's leadership and dedication to improving Missouri will be a tremendous asset to not only the members of the Conservation-Natural Resources Committee but to the entire Missouri House of Representatives," Speaker Hanaway said...

TROOP G -- Officers with Troop G of the Missouri Highway Patrol have released accident totals for the Troop G area during 2002. According to Caption B.E. Chadwick, commanding officer, 1,837 accidents were investigated during 2002, resulting in 49 fatalities and 1,674 people injured...

All that remained Feb. 11 on Highway 289 in Izard County from the snow fall Feb. 6 was the snowman who looked as if he was greeting travelers.

THAYER -- A lawsuit seeking damages in excess of $29,000 has been filed against the city of Thayer by a Thayer couple. Jimmie and Meda Conley, who reside at 438 South Ninth Street in Thayer, allege that on Oct. 21, 2001, employees with the city of Thayer, while conducting repairs and maintenance on a sewer line in their neighborhood, caused damage to their property, caused them to have to live outside their home for a time, and caused unneeded medical expenses...

After meeting with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fulton County Judge Curren Everett announced FEMA will award the county road department $21,000 as reimbursement for money the county spent during the December ice storm...

The Izard County Quorum Court adopted a resolution Feb. 4 opposing Gov. Mike Huckabee's proposal to eliminate approximately two-thirds of the state's school districts. The following day County Judge Eddie Cooper attended a Save Our School rally on the steps of the Capitol in Little Rock and handed out copies of the resolution to the governor and other state officials...

THAYER -- David (Beau) Beville, an employee with the city of Thayer recently successfully completed one of the most comprehensive training programs in the world for power line personnel. The program Beville completed is the Merchant Job Training and Safety Program (MJTS) and has been administered to line personal in 38 states. The program is also under contract with the National Rural Electric Coop Association...

THAYER -- Saying she wanted to leave Fun and Friends like the "Lone Ranger" Sue Barns, who has served as Thayer Fun and Friends Senior Center director for 20 plus years, was honored with a gathering in her honor Jan. 31. A large crowd was on hand as several people spoke on her achievements. ...

On Feb. 4 at approximately 9:19 a.m., Cave City Police Chief Vernon Gann responded to the Cave City High School principal's office in regards to a student in possession of assorted contraband, including a marijuana pipe and a clear plastic bag with what appeared to be a white powdery residue inside...

Joseph William Culhane, 67, of Cherokee Village died Feb. 4, 2003 at Baptist Health Center in Little Rock. Born Nov. 14, 1953, in Chicago, he was the son of Thomas Culhane and Agnes Cline Culhane. He was married to Carol McDonald Oct. 25, 1958 in Chicago. ...

Steven Singleton, a standout right-handed pitcher for the Williams Baptist College Eagles, and a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School, has signed a contract with the Cincinnatti Reds organization. Singleton was offered the contract Jan. 26 after a tryout with the Reds in Florida last week...

FAYETTEVILLE -- You can get burned in chemistry class as Arkansas learned last Saturday in Starkville, Miss. Make that scorched. A talented Mississippi State team, but presumed in preseason by pundits less talented than Alabama, had Arkansas down 52-18 at half. MSU won 84-54...

Kelly and Marylin Pittman have announced the birth of their daughter, Maisie Kay, born at 8:44 a.m. Jan. 2, 2003, at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home. She weighed 7 pounds, 12-1/2 ounces and was 20 inches long. Grandparents are Louie and Carolyn Parker of Thayer, David and Donna Stinnett of Milwaukee, Wis., and Kerry and Connie Pittman of Mammoth Spring...

Doug and Katie Fortuna have announced the birth of their daughter, Olivia Grace Fortuna, Dec. 30, 2002, at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was welcomed by her brother and sister, Faith and Trent Fortuna. Grandparents are Brad and Maureen Fortuna, and Kay Mahon. Great-grandmother is Thelma Mahon...

A third suspect was arrested Feb. 7 in Sharp County after two others confessed to stealing a safe that contained $20,000 from the Williford American Legion Club in Ozark Acres Jan. 24. An additional $400 in cash, two remote control cars valued at $80 and a four-wheeler valued at $450 were recovered in connection with the burglary...

The Show-Me State Games is gearing up for the Inaugural 5-on-5 Junior High Hoopfest to be held April 4-6, 2003. The tournament will take place on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus at the Student Recreation Center and various other locations around Columbia, and will include both recreational and competitive divisions...

Through the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, author Mark Twain perfectly portrayed fishing in Missouri as a delightful escape from the rigors of life. Fishing also contributes to the quality of life by adding millions of dollars to the economy each year...

No one enjoys losing a good friend. But, unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, especially in this day and time. Any such loss can be exceptionally difficult when a friend has been around for a long time, practically becoming a part of the family. Losing a trusted friend, one who knows all your dirty little secrets, is traumatic. It's rare to find a friend who consistently can take most of the dirt you dish and, as if by magic, make it disappear...

Jose M. Noa Jr. and Sandra K. Noa of Hardy have announced the birth of their daughter, Fantasia Brooklynn Dawn Noa, at 4:24 p.m. at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Mo. She weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 19 inches long.

Tracy and Christy Ashcraft of Hardy have announced the birth of their son, Tracy Hunter Ashcraft, Feb. 3, 2003, at White River Medical Center in Batesville. He weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces. He was welcomed home by three siblings -- Christopher Kimble, Trevor Patrick and Samantha Ashcraft...

Mary and Wynn Hall of Allen, Texas, have announced the birth of their son, Keagan Turner Hall, Jan. 29, 2003, at Presbyterian Hospital in Allen, Texas. He weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces, and was 21-1/2 inches long. He was welcomed home by his brother, Weston Mike Hall, 2...

Colin Powell made a compelling case for going to war with Iraq, with or without the support of the UN Security Council. But whether we go to war sooner rather than later depends less on Powell than it does on polls. The Secretary of State, a voice of caution when the administration first warned of action against Iraq, produced an arsenal of smoking guns in his address to the United Nations Security Council Feb. ...

For 79 years Pravda was the official newspaper of the USSR, published by the Communist Party. In 1991 the Communist stranglehold was broken and the newspaper was shut down on orders from Boris Yeltsin. The beleaguered Communists registered their new newspaper, under new ownership, with the same title, Pravda...

Regina Stevens and Delica Poulette recently attended the USA Gymnastics Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) Workshop, and have taken an important step in self-education. For each teacher to become fully accredited, they had to attend a rigorous six-hour workshop...

The one-two punch of Calico Rock's Kyle Moody and Kevin Branscum on the low blocks was too much for the Evening Shade Tigers to handle Feb. 4 as the Pirates knocked off the homestanding Tigers 67-56 in non-conference action. Branscum (16 points) came out hot for the Pirates as he tossed in 10 of Calico Rock's 16 points in the first period...

Steven (Luke) Barker, a senior at Salem High School, has been invited to participate in the 2003 Down Under Bowl. He is the 17-year-old son of Steve Barker and Rhonda Koelling and is valedictorian of his senior class. Barker started his sports career at an early age playing in the summer baseball and the mighty mite football programs. In high school he has played football, basketball, golf and ran cross country, and track...

BEEFING UP THE COURSE: Will Robson, Horseshoe Bend MRID supervisor, is working on a project to upgrade the Horseshoe Bend 18-hole Mini-Golf Course. Robson said he is currently building a millhouse for hole one. He said he will also be placing mulch around the course. ...

Dan and Pat Myers of West Plains, formerly of Thomasville, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Feb. 14, 2003. The Myerses have six children, 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. They are expecting two more great-grandchildren.

Arnold and Icapheen Martin will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Feb. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Orange Room of the North Arkansas Electric Cooperative building in Salem. All family and friends are invited. This event is hosted by their children -- Jerry Martin, Barbara and Curtis Poulette, and their grandson, Jacob Poulette...

A benefit dance, auction and dinner will be held for Chad Carey and family, whose home burned to the ground Jan. 30 in Alton. The benefit will be held Feb. 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Mammoth Spring Country Music Hall located on Highway 63 South. Performing will be Jesse and The James Gang (featuring Jesse Moore, Dwaine Carey, Frankie Lee and Mike Duncan)...

Lauren Williams, Randy McClanahan and family and Sandy Dale and family have announced the marriage of their parents, Larry McClanahan and Rhnea (Williams) McClanahan on Jan. 21, 2003, at the Little Bell Wedding Chapel in Harrison. The children will hold a drop-in reception for the couple at Grandma's Kitchen Feb. 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. All friends and family are invited to attend...

Chrys and Heather Fisher have announced the birth of their son, Owen Daniel Wakefield Fisher, at 3:40 a.m. Jan. 20, 2003, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield. He weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and was 20 inches long. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Gary Wakefield of Holister, Mo., Mr. and Mrs. Chrys Fisher Sr. of Sante Fe, N.M.; and Mr. and Mrs. Dan Egert of Dallas, Texas...

Carla Mahon and Will Alberternst have announced the birth of their daughter, Jayden Kay Alberternst, Jan. 22, 2003, at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. Grandmothers are Cindy Merritt and Kay Mahon. Great-grandmothers are Thelma Mahon and Mary Henson...

JEFFERSON CITY -- Speaker of the House Catherine Hanaway announced Feb. 7 that Rep. Mike Dethrow has been appointed vice chairman of the Conservation Natural Resource Committee. "Rep. Dethrow's leadership and dedication to improving Missouri will be a tremendous asset to not only the members of the Conservation-Natural Resources Committee but to the entire Missouri House of Representatives," Speaker Hanaway said...