Stories from Thursday, August 28, 2008

Many of you probably know Ruth Reynolds. She is a volunteer who gets around. It is hard to miss her truck with its "RECYCLE FOR LIFE" sign and the loads of cardboard, paper, plastic and soda cans she hauls about the area. Being also interested in the environment and concerned about what kind of a planet we will be leaving to future generations, I could not help but be bowled over by the energy and dedication Ruth brought to actually doing something about it. ...

Once again the neighborhood on the fringe of Cherokee Village (specifically in the Village Playhouse area and on Griffen/Harmon Roads) is being inundated with stray cats and dogs. Wake up people! If you live in the Village and do not want your pet please take it to the shelter (across from IESI) or put an ad in the paper. ...

I received this today and thought it worthy to print. We all need to really think before we pull that lever in November! We cannot reverse once it is done. Sharron Mathis Cherokee Village My name is Joe Porter. I live in Champaign, Ill. I'm 46 years old, a husband, a father, a small business owner, a veteran and a homeowner. ...

Have any of you residents of Cherokee Village ever met an auto head-on at the location of Walla-Walla on Wabash Avenue? This curve is very dangerous. It has no warning sign, no reduced speed limit sign, no nothing! Of course, no lines. Visitors or residents who do not live in this area; or who never travel this particular area and curve could be surprised as they go around it and face another auto on their side of the road...

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...

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. ...

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...

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...

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Ratliff of Hardy, and Mr. and Mrs. Billy Alphin of Pocahontas, announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their children, Kelly Marie Ratliff and Nicolas Lee Alphin. The prospective bride is a 2005 graduate of Highland High School and she recently completed an associate of arts degree at Black River Technical College. She also completed massage therapy training at Butler School of Massage and is now employed as a licensed massage therapist...

Lindy Brindley and James Hooks Jr. of Cherokee Village, Ark., announce the birth of a daughter on Aug. 19, 2008, at White River Medical Center in Batesville. The baby has been named Melody Danyell Hooks. She weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces. Her sibling is Vanessa Hooks...

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...

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.. ...

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...

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. She was retired from the Boeing Company. She moved to Star of the Sea in rural Hardy in 1999 from Renton, Wash., with her family...

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...

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...

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...

Lavern Murine Byers, 89, of Ash Flat, Ark., died Aug. 1, 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...

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...

Noah M. Branham, 42, of Aurora, Mo., was arrested Aug. 13 on  a Green County warrant for felony domestic assault. Green County officers picked him up at Alton Aug. 14. Johnny P. Cash, 34, of Mammoth Spring was arrested Aug. 13 and charged with domestic assault. He remains in the Oregon County Jail with a bond set at $5,000...

Eric Rodgers, 18, of Rogers, was arrested Aug. 14 for a Class C felony theft. Rodgers is being held in the Fulton County Jail. Tommy Rodgers, 20, of Viola, was arrested Aug. 14 for a Class C felony theft. Rodgers is being held in the Fulton County Jail...

Kevin Bridges, speeding, officer Davis, bond forfeiture. Zona Buchanan, criminal trespass, warrant, nolle pros. Michael Carroll, disorderly conduct, officer Hamrick, nolle pros. Joe Dunkel, unsighly conditions on property, officer Summons, guilty timepay...

Stacy R. Trawick, 31, of Cherokee Village was arrested Aug. 18 on a warrant for probation revocation. Laura L. Price, 37, of Cherokee Village was arrested Aug. 15 on warrants for failure to appear and failure to pay fines. Bobby Austin, 50, of Cherokee Village was charged Aug. 16 with driving on a suspended license...

Carolyn Blom, 49, failure to pay fines and costs, nol prossed; failure to appear in court, nol prossed. Bradley Gann, 27, failure to pay fines and costs, guilty. Chrisie A. Dodds, 30, possession of instruments of crime, guilty. Nicole L. Anthony, 37, driving on suspended or revoked drivers license, bond forfeit...

Gregory Grist, 44, of Reyno, Ark., was on hold for another agency Aug. 15. Jeremy Pyles, 21, of Light, Ark., was arrested Aug. 15 on a warrant for failure to pay. Laura Price, 37, of Cherokee Village was arrested Aug. 15 on a warrant for failure to pay on charges of disorderly conduct, public intoxication and contempt...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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)...

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...

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...

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...

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.. ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

Jewell and Mary Rogers of West Plains, Mo., celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary July 23. Jewell Rogers of Camp, Ark., and Mary Alice (Morris) Rogers of Thayer, Mo., were married July 23, 1948, at Mammoth Spring, Ark. In 1950, they moved to Camp, Ark., living there for 55 years. At Camp, they owned a garage, gas pumps and grocery store, and Jewell worked as a mechanic. In 2005, they moved to West Plains...

David and Sheila Cochran of Salem announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Amber Nicole, to Justin Michael Tierney, son of Mike and Debbie Tierney of Cabot, Ark. The couple will exchange wedding vows Saturday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. at Salem First Baptist Church in Salem, Ark...

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Ratliff of Hardy, and Mr. and Mrs. Billy Alphin of Pocahontas, announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their children, Kelly Marie Ratliff and Nicolas Lee Alphin. The prospective bride is a 2005 graduate of Highland High School and she recently completed an associate of arts degree at Black River Technical College. She also completed massage therapy training at Butler School of Massage and is now employed as a licensed massage therapist...

Donald and Marilyn Brown and Michael and Tennie Sullins announce the approaching marriage of their children, Sarah Elaine Brown, and James Daniel Sullins. The ceremony will be held at the Brown home at 141 Emerald Lane in Yellville, Ark., Sept. 20 at 2:30 p.m. A reception will follow the ceremony...

Luke and Madeline Keen would like to announce the birth of their new baby sister, Catherine Rose Keen. Rose was born at 11:46 a.m., June 24, 2008, at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Ark. She weighed 8 pounds, 10 ounces and was 20 inches long...

Lindy Brindley and James Hooks Jr. of Cherokee Village, Ark., announce the birth of a daughter on Aug. 19, 2008, at White River Medical Center in Batesville. The baby has been named Melody Danyell Hooks. She weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces. Her sibling is Vanessa Hooks...

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...

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. ...

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. ...

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...

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...

I received this today and thought it worthy to print. We all need to really think before we pull that lever in November! We cannot reverse once it is done. Sharron Mathis Cherokee Village My name is Joe Porter. I live in Champaign, Ill. I'm 46 years old, a husband, a father, a small business owner, a veteran and a homeowner. ...

Thanks to our Sunday School classes, we are all familiar with the story of David and Goliath. Unfortunately, we are seeing something similar being played out before our eyes today. A behomoth has rolled across a smaller opponent, leaving havoc and devastation in it's wake...

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)...

An Izard County deputy attempted to make a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle in Guion the night of Aug. 13. Deputy Phil Story was patrolling in the Guion area and was specifically working in response to some recent thefts in the Guion, Love Hollow and Lafferty areas. ...

Kevin Bridges, speeding, officer Davis, bond forfeiture. Zona Buchanan, criminal trespass, warrant, nolle pros. Michael Carroll, disorderly conduct, officer Hamrick, nolle pros. Joe Dunkel, unsightly conditions on property, officer Summons, guilty timepay...

Gregory Grist, 44, of Reyno, Ark., was on hold for another agency Aug. 15. Jeremy Pyles, 21, of Light, Ark., was arrested Aug. 15 on a warrant for failure to pay. Laura Price, 37, of Cherokee Village was arrested Aug. 15 on a warrant for failure to pay on charges of disorderly conduct, public intoxication and contempt...

Sharon Barnes, 54, of Wideman, was injured Aug. 21 in a 7:35 a.m. car accident on Highway 9 about 2.6 miles north of the intersection of Highways 56 and 9, north of Brockwell. Barnes was traveling north on Highway 9. While negotiating a curve, she lost control of her vehicle and ran off the south bound lane coming to rest. She was sent to Calico Rock Medical Center...

Christopher Wayne Sims, 29, of Horseshoe Bend was arrested Aug. 23 by Deputy Jason Jordan on charges of possessing a controlled substance and possessing an instrument of crime. Sims was released the following day from the Izard County Detention Facility after posting bond in the amount of $2,335...

Jean Winter Trottier, 71, of Ash Flat was arrested Aug. 15 for aggravated assault. According to the affidavit for warrant of arrest by Deputy Terry Walker, "Trottier discharged a 25 caliber automatic pistol from her front porch." She fired the pistol at her neighbor, Glenn Dixon while he was walking away...

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. ...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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. ...

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. ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.. ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Jewell and Mary Rogers of West Plains, Mo., celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary July 23. Jewell Rogers of Camp, Ark., and Mary Alice (Morris) Rogers of Thayer, Mo., were married July 23, 1948, at Mammoth Spring, Ark. In 1950, they moved to Camp, Ark., living there for 55 years. At Camp, they owned a garage, gas pumps and grocery store, and Jewell worked as a mechanic. In 2005, they moved to West Plains...

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Ratliff of Hardy, and Mr. and Mrs. Billy Alphin of Pocahontas, announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their children, Kelly Marie Ratliff and Nicolas Lee Alphin. The prospective bride is a 2005 graduate of Highland High School and she recently completed an associate of arts degree at Black River Technical College. She also completed massage therapy training at Butler School of Massage and is now employed as a licensed massage therapist...

Donald and Marilyn Brown and Michael and Tennie Sullins announce the approaching marriage of their children, Sarah Elaine Brown, and James Daniel Sullins. The ceremony will be held at the Brown home at 141 Emerald Lane in Yellville, Ark., Sept. 20 at 2:30 p.m. A reception will follow the ceremony...

David and Sheila Cochran of Salem announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Amber Nicole, to Justin Michael Tierney, son of Mike and Debbie Tierney of Cabot, Ark. The couple will exchange wedding vows Saturday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. at Salem First Baptist Church in Salem, Ark...

Luke and Madeline Keen would like to announce the birth of their new baby sister, Catherine Rose Keen. Rose was born at 11:46 a.m., June 24, 2008, at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Ark. She weighed 8 pounds, 10 ounces and was 20 inches long...

Lindy Brindley and James Hooks Jr. of Cherokee Village, Ark., announce the birth of a daughter on Aug. 19, 2008, at White River Medical Center in Batesville. The baby has been named Melody Danyell Hooks. She weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces. Her sibling is Vanessa Hooks...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. ...