Area Wide News: Stories from Thursday, August 28, 2008

CD issue resolved (08/28/08)
THAYER -- On Aug. 21 Thayer Mayor Merle Williams called a meeting of the Thayer City Council at 10 a.m. All council members were present as well as City Clerk Jane Yancey and City Attorney Jeri Caskey. Williams opened the meeting by saying the meeting was called to take care of some business...

Sending a message to Drunk Drivers (08/28/08)
OREGON COUNTY -- A statewide campaign was kicked-off Aug. 8 and will continue through Labor Day. Captain Tim Hull with the Missouri State Highway Patrol hopes the campaign, You Drink & Drive -- You Lose, will send a strong message to anyone thinking about drinking and driving in Missouri...

Deputies receive pay increases (08/28/08)
OREGON COUNTY -- Starting last week, sheriff's deputies across the state in rural Missouri started getting a boost in their pay. Gov. Matt Blunt signed a bill into law, House Bill 2224, creating a Deputy Sheriff Salary Supplementation Fund. The bill was passed by the Missouri Legislature last spring on the final day of its session. Blunt signed the bill into law at the Green County Sheriff's Office in Springfield two weeks ago...

Thayer residents report money scam (08/28/08)
THAYER -- Thayer Police Chief David Bailey said two Thayer residents brought in letters they received in the mail recently from companies claiming they had won a substantial amount of money. Bailey said both people were concerned that the letters were not legitimate and he advised them to be suspicious of them...

Veteran's offices to be closed first week in September (08/28/08)
The veteran's service office in Salem will be closed Sept. 1-5, along with all state veteran's service offices in Arkansas. Officers will be attending the state convention in Little Rock. The Salem office will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 8:30 a.m.

Josh McDaniel ... Proud of his job as a police officer (08/28/08)
Reporter's note: This is the third article is a series aimed at introducing the public to those who serve at the Thayer Police Department. THAYER -- Josh McDaniel, 31, has worked as an officer for the Thayer Police Department for three years. He is a 1995 graduate of Mammoth Spring High School. He and his wife April live in Thayer and have four children...

Fire department receives grant (08/28/08)
MAMMOTH SPRING -- Mammoth Spring Fire Chief Kenny Haney announced last week the Mammoth Spring Fire Department has received a Rural Development grant for $75,000 to help purchase a new fire truck for the city. "This will cover about half the cost of the new truck," Haney said...

Earthquake goes unnoticed (08/28/08)
MAMMOTH SPRING -- Cheryl Walsh and her family live near Spring River Oaks between Hardy and Mammoth Spring. Their home is located in a dip near the railroad tracks and it is not uncommon for them from time to time to hear and feel the rumble of a train...

Solemn Old Judge Days comes to Mammoth Spring (08/28/08)
MAMMOTH SPRING -- Solemn Old Judge Days will be held in Mammoth Spring Aug. 29 and 30. The festival will kick-off Aug. 30 at dark with a play "Relections in the Park." This is the 20th year for Solemn Old Judge Days in Mammoth Spring and will be the first time the three-act play will be presented...

McCaskill sets kitchen table talks (08/28/08)
OREGON COUNTY -- A representative from U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill's office will hold two Kitchen Table Talks in Oregon County Sept. 4 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Country Cottage in Thayer and at 2 to 4 p.m. at Grandma's Restaurant at Alton. A representative from McCaskill's office said over the past year, members of her staff regularly travel throughout the state to hear from local residents...

Alton teen reported missing (08/28/08)
OREGON COUNTY -- Taylor Wilcox, 16, of Alton has been missing since Aug. 13. Stan Smith with the 37th Judicial District Juvenile Office said they are treating the case as a run-away. Smith said because of the young man's age, not many details could be given...

Don Helms remembered (08/28/08)
Terry Mullins Sports Editor The last of the Drifting Cowboys has passed away. Don Helms, steel guitar legend and the last living member of Hank Williams' genre-defining backup band the Drifting Cowboys, passed away Aug. 11 in Nashville from complications from heart surgery and diabetes. Helms was 81 and lived in Hendersonville, Tenn., at the time of his passing...

Jam good time at Thayer (08/28/08)
On a muggy Aug. 22 night, the Thayer Bobcats were the host school for a South Central Association Class 1 and 2 jamboree. A jamboree, in essence, is four teams having a live scrimmage practice against each other. This year, Louis Bozman stadium was the venue, as the Cabool Bulldogs, Mountain View/Birch Tree Liberty Eagles, Willow Springs Bears and homestanding Cats, went head-to-head...

Construction continues (08/28/08)
A clear blue sky beckons children to come play outside underneath it. But what to do, and what to play? Both children and adults alike love playing games outdoors, but it is difficult to find facilities to play in that aren't already in use. Soon that difficulty will be a thing of the past...

A Real Hummer (08/28/08)
Cooler weather is slowly creeping in and little hummingbirds, which weigh only a few ounces, will start heading back to Central America for the winter. Hummingbirds are actually carnivores. They drink nectar to keep up their energy for catching flies. Photo by Emily McIntosh...

Urban deer hunt discussed (08/28/08)
Deer hunters in Horseshoe Bend might not have to go out in the distant woods or to another town to go hunting. Aug. 18, the Horseshoe Bend City Council met to discuss having an urban deer hunt along with other issues. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission officers Rick Gordon and Ted Zawislak presented the issue of urban deer hunting to the city. ...

Quilted With Love (08/28/08)
Aug. 20 Country Quilters met for a workshop. The quilters created an assembly line to make baby quilts for babies in need. Carol Durham, spokeswoman for the quilters, said the quilts will be distributed to Izard, Sharp and Fulton counties. The quilters also give quilts to the Health Department and New Beginnings in Ash Flat. ...

Schools make top grade (08/28/08)
Emily McIntosh SViola and Melbourne School Districts have more to smile about as they start the new school year. The Arkansas Policy Foundation, a non-profit and non-partisan research group based in Little Rock, has released information on Arkansas schools regarding how well they scored on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS). The ITBS tests students on proficiency in math and language skills...

Veteran's offices to be closed first week in September (08/28/08)
The veteran's service office in Salem will be closed Sept. 1-5, along with all state veteran's service offices in Arkansas. Officers will be attending the state convention in Little Rock. The Salem office will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 8:30 a.m.

Salem police receives grant (08/28/08)
Salem will receive a $10,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the purchase of a new law enforcement vehicle. USDA Rural Development grants offer assistance to rural communities, such as Salem. Salem Police Chief Albert Roork said the police department will purchase a new Dodge Durango to replace Patrolman Mark Long's car...

Don Helms remembered (08/28/08)
The last of the Drifting Cowboys has passed away. Don Helms, steel guitar legend and the last living member of Hank Williams' genre-defining backup band the Drifting Cowboys, passed away Aug. 11 in Nashville from complications from heart surgery and diabetes. Helms was 81 and lived in Hendersonville, Tenn., at the time of his passing...

Earthquake goes unnoticed (08/28/08)
Jan Thompson Staff Writer MAMMOTH SPRING -- Cheryl Walsh and her family live near Spring River Oaks between Hardy and Mammoth Spring. Their home is located in a dip near the railroad tracks and it is not uncommon for them from time to time to hear and feel the rumble of a train...

Aerial search results in marijuana bust (08/28/08)
Fulton County sheriff's officers and investigators found 11 marijuana plants on property owned by William P. McGuirk, 43, of Viola. The property is in the Sturkie area. According to investigating officer, James Humphrey's account, the marijuana was spotted by a Missouri State Highway Patrol air search. ...

Actress/singer-songwriter to visit Sharp County (08/28/08)
The list of Emmy-award winning actresses who are also acclaimed singer-songwriters is a short one. The list of Emmy-award winning actresses who have made appearances in Sharp County is an even shorter one. But all that is about to change, thanks to the Spring River Performing Arts (SRPA)...

Shooting sports program (08/28/08)
Deborah Devalcourt of Nucor-Yamato Steel who sponsored the Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program Team, presented Coach Jared Johnson of the Highland High School AYSSP Team with shirts on Aug. 22. Students participating in AYSSP are, back row, from left: Cody Tharp, Aaron Nyitrai, Dillon Bates, Tyler Phillips; middle row: Rowdy Trivitt, Tony Hollensteiner, Jesse George, front row: Chrissy Welch, Nichole Lashley, Carrie Orosz. Photo by Amanda Powers...

Shelter housing causes concern (08/28/08)
The Cherokee Village City Council met Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. The council received monthly reports from all department heads, discussed the semi-annual financial statement and introduced two new resolutions. The council discussed the progress on the new animal shelter. The new shelter is awaiting electrical hook up in the feline house. Councilman Tom Thone reported that he had visited the shelter during the afternoon and he is very opposed to the animals that are being kept in the trailer...

City limits questioned during meeting (08/28/08)
Ash Flat City Council met in regular session Aug. 18, at 6:30. Fred Goodwin, Ash Flat's chairman of the planning committee, requested that Ash Flat pay to have a survey done to know exactly where the city limits are. Goodwin said not all the streets in the city are on the land use map and he doesn't think that all of the boundaries are on it...

Earthquake goes unnoticed (08/28/08)
MAMMOTH SPRING -- Cheryl Walsh and her family live near Spring River Oaks between Hardy and Mammoth Spring. Their home is located in a dip near the railroad tracks and it is not uncommon for them from time to time to hear and feel the rumble of a train...

Don Helms remembered (08/28/08)
The last of the Drifting Cowboys has passed away. Don Helms, steel guitar legend and the last living member of Hank Williams' genre-defining backup band the Drifting Cowboys, passed away Aug. 11 in Nashville from complications from heart surgery and diabetes. Helms was 81 and lived in Hendersonville, Tenn., at the time of his passing...

Thunderbird Recreation Center vandalized; juveniles arrested (08/28/08)
The Thunderbird Recreation Center located in Cherokee Village was broke into and vandalized by three local juveniles who are now being charged for their crimes. Sergeant Rick Morris with the Cherokee Village Police Department was called to the location of the recreation center on July 11, according to the police report written by Morris. In the report, Morris describes the scene of vandalism he found at the location...

Highland Fire Department receives grant for construction (08/28/08)
The city of Highland will be receiving a $23,000 Rural Development grant to be used for the construction of a new fire department building. The United States Department of Agriculture is awarding the grant to Highland in return for the important role its firefighters play in the local community, U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln explained...

Arkansas Mission Builders lend a helping hand (08/28/08)
It's amazing to think only six months ago this church was a pile of rubble and debris due to the terrifying tornado that devastated many. The First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church was one of many businesses to be affected by this tragedy but they have not let it stop them from what is important, getting together and helping each other...

Lady Cougs, Greyhounds roll along at Turkey Mountain (08/28/08)
The Izard County Lady Cougars and the Salem Greyhounds came out on top of a four-team match at The Course at Turkey Mountain in Horseshoe Bend Aug. 19. The Lady Cougars shot a 137 in the nine-hole match, while Salem's 118 was good for first place in the boys' division...

Ban on spinning-wing decoys lifted (08/28/08)
After a three-year experiment, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission lifted the ban on spinning-wing decoys during waterfowl hunting season. The Commission also increased the daily bag limit for hen mallards from one to two. Commissioner Brett Morgan cast the lone vote to continue the spinning-wing decoy ban. ...

Dove hunters asked to report banded birds (08/28/08)
Missouri dove hunters have a chance to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak, garnering hunting trophies while helping ensure good management of mourning dove populations. The Missouri Department of Conservation is among 34 states participating in an effort to gather practical information about the nation's most popular game bird...

Applications open for waterfowl hunting reservations (08/28/08)
Missourians who hope to hunt ducks or geese on wetland areas managed by the Conservation Department can start applying for reservations Sept. 1. The agency will accept applications for reservations on 15 managed wetland areas from Sept. 1-18. Hunters can apply by calling 800-829-2956 or by visiting www.mdc.mo.gov/7559. ...

Mitchell competes in World Championship Show (08/28/08)
American Quarter Horse exhibitor Stacie Mitchel of Thayer competed in the Ford American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Championship Show in Oklahoma City Aug. 1-9. Mitchell was among nearly 2,000 youths, ages 18-and-under, from the United States, Canada and other countries participating in the show. She competed with her American quarter horse, RR Make Your Move, a 7-year-old sorrel gelding in Hunter Under Saddle...

Stick shootin' in Izard County (08/28/08)
As the summer heat begins to let up a bit with the passing days of August, most outdoorsman are hit with a sense of anticipation. For the cooler temperatures can mean only two things; fall is on the way and so is the opening day of archery season for deer...

Walsh fastest in class at WPMS (08/28/08)
After a week off, the racers were eager to get to West Plains Motor Speedway, and fans were eager to watch, too. The Dillard-Fowlkes Motor Co., sponsored event was spared the showers that dotted the area on Aug. 23, and the racers hit the track full-bore...

Stick shootin' in Izard County (08/28/08)
As the summer heat begins to let up a bit with the passing days of August, most outdoorsman are hit with a sense of anticipation. For the cooler temperatures can mean only two things; fall is on the way and so is the opening day of archery season for deer...

Free trapper permit required in Arkansas this year (08/28/08)
This year, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is requiring a free trapper permit for any Arkansas to trap within the state. The permit is required for any resident over the age of 16 in addition to a hunting license. The resident trapper permit can't be obtained through the regular licensing system and can only be obtained by filling out an online application and printing the permit yourself on the AGFC Web page at www.agfc.com/trapperpermit/ or by calling the AGFC Wildlife Management Division in Little Rock at 800-364-4263 extension 6359, where the staff will enter the person's information in a database and send the person a permit by mail. ...

Walsh fastest in class at WPMS (08/28/08)
After a week off, the racers where eager to get to West Plains Motor Speedway, and fans were eager to watch, too. The Dillard-Fowlkes Motor Co., sponsored event was spared the showers that dotted the area on Aug. 23, and the racers hit the track full-bore...

Spring River bounces back after tough week (08/28/08)
What a difference a week makes. Last week the Spring River senior softballers scored seven runs in two games. But on Aug. 14, they put on an offensive show. Triples by Pat LaFaye and Rick Cowen, plus inside-the-park homers by Tony Clementi, Joe Bonds and Dan Hedrington, lit up the scoreboard...

Stick shootin' in Izard County (08/28/08)
As the summer heat begins to let up a bit with the passing days of August, most outdoorsman are hit with a sense of anticipation. For the cooler temperatures can mean only two things; fall is on the way and so is the opening day of archery season for deer...

Walsh fastest in class at WPMS (08/28/08)
After a week off, the racers where eager to get to West Plains Motor Speedway, and fans were eager to watch, too. The Dillard-Fowlkes Motor Co., sponsored event was spared the showers that dotted the area on Aug. 23, and the racers hit the track full-bore...

Sarah Washam (08/28/08)
Sarah Washam, 83, of Amory, Miss., formerly of Mammoth Spring, Ark., was born Aug. 26, 1924, near Saddle, Ark., the daughter of Daniel Jefferson Wheatley and Mary Estella Fraiser. She died Aug. 16, 2008, in Amory, Miss. She is survived by: numerous nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends...

Clinton Dean Staggs (08/28/08)
Clinton Dean Staggs, son of Ronald Dean Staggs and Victoria Lynn Sandy Staggs, was born Sept. 12, 1978, in Zanesville, Ohio. He died Aug. 17, 2008, in Las Vegas, Nev., at the age of 30. He was united in marriage to Rebecca Kane on July 11, 1998. At the time of his death, he was employed as an electrician for Power Plus, Inc. He was of the Christian faith...

Dorothy Beardslee (08/28/08)
Dorothy Dolores Beardslee, 67, of Hardy, Ark., died Aug. 16, 2008, at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Little Rock, Ark. Dorothy was born Sept. 24, 1940, in Cartersville, Ga., the daughter of Charles and Alice Mae (Matthews) Alford. She was united in marriage to Dean Beardslee on Jan. 1, 1973, in Moss Point, Miss...

John Billing Jr. (08/28/08)
John McDonald Billing Jr., 87, of Horseshoe Bend, Ark., son of the late John McDonald and Mattie Elizabeth (Nettleton) Billing Sr., was born Dec. 26, 1920, in Pocatello, Idaho. He died Aug. 17, 2008, at the Spring River Therapy and Living Center in Salem, Ark...

Paul Dean Perrigo (08/28/08)
Paul Dean Perrigo, 94, of Alton, Mo., was born Nov. 23, 1913, on a homestead in Union County, N.M., the son of the late Johnathan Earl Perrigo and Annaliza Urton Perrigo, and died Aug. 17, 2008, at the Shady Oaks Healthcare Center in Thayer, Mo. He was united in marriage to Leila Sullivan on Nov. 19, 1960, in Oregon County, Mo...

Sandra Kay McMahon (08/28/08)
Sandra Kay McMahon, 45, of Cherokee Village, Ark., died Aug. 20, 2008, at her residence. She was born Aug. 21, 1962, the daughter of Herman David Miller and Dorothy Irene (McDonald) Miller. She moved to the Sharp County area in 1971, with her family from Peoria, Ill. She worked as a pharmacy tech for the Davis Drug Store in Highland...

David Lee Clankie (08/28/08)
David Lee Clankie, 60, of Alton, Mo., was born Jan. 17, 1948, in Rockford, Ill., and died Aug. 14, 2008, in Alton, Mo. Survivors include: one daughter, Bethany Humphrey of Adams Friendship, Wis.; one step-daughter, Tammy Crabtree of Alton, Mo.; three brothers, George of Illinois, Randall of Wisconsin, Larry of Tennessee; one sister, Judy of Illinois; his ex-wife, Opal Sullivan of Wisconsin; six grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends...

Vaughn D. Reeves (08/28/08)
Vaughn D. Reeves, son of the late Archie William Reeves and Margie Walker Reeves, was born on Jan. 19, 1927, in Mount Pleasant, Ark. He died Aug. 20, 2008, in Batesville, Ark., at the age of 81. He was united in marriage to Martha Twilley on Dec. 29, 1946, in Grand Falls, Texas...

Mary Edna Neeley (08/28/08)
Mary Edna Neeley, 91, of Ash Flat, Ark., died Aug. 21, 2008, at the Ash Flat Convalescent Center. Edna was born on June 17, 1917, in Evening Shade, Ark., the daughter of Ed and Bertha Thompson. She was united in marriage to Don Neeley in 1934 in Evening Shade and was a long time resident of Ash Flat. She owned and operated a restaurant in Ash Flat for many years and was a caregiver and homemaker...

Lavern Murine Byers (08/28/08)
Lavern Murine Byers, 89, of Ash Flat, Ark., died Aug. 21, 2008, in Ash Flat, Ark. She was born Jan. 16, 1919, in Hardy, Ark., the daughter of Levi Andrew Smith and Gracie Louann (Powell) Smith. She was united in marriage to Lloyd Byers on June 4, 1938, in Hardy. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Cherokee Village for many years...

Frank Pritchard (08/28/08)
Frank Pritchard, 62, of Evening Shade, Ark., died Aug. 16, 2008, at his home. He was born March 16, 1946, in Indiana, the son of the late Hurshel and Elizabeth Pritchard. He was retired from Parker Hydraulics in Benton and of the Baptist faith. Survivors include: his wife, Betty Pritchard of the home; one son, Charles Pritchard of Benton; four daughters, Renee McDaniel of Evening Shade, Frankie Crowe of Prattsville, Georgia Deloach and Josie Morrison both of Benton; one brother, Timmy King of Tennessee; two sisters, Millie Bishop of Michigan and Terrie Williams of Conway; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.. ...

Thomas "T.G." Tuggle (08/28/08)
Thomas Gerald "T.G." Tuggle, 81, of Cave City, Ark., died Aug. 18, 2008, at the White River Medical Center in Batesville. He was born Nov. 3, 1926, at Emery, Ark., the son of Carlie and Elsie (Mobley) Tuggle. He was a U.S. Army veteran having served during World War II, a farmer and a member of the Rings Chapel Missionary Baptist Church located at Emery...

Sarah Meek (08/28/08)
Sarah Meek, 70, of Paragould, Ark., died Aug. 18, 2008, at the NEA Baptist Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was born in Jonesboro and was a retired RN. She is survived by: two daughters, Teahna Goodson of Mammoth Spring, Ark., and Terrie Meek of Paragould; two sons, Danny Meek of Little Rock and Brett Meek of Greenbrier; two brothers; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren...