Area Wide News: Stories from Thursday, September 11, 2008

Mill increase (09/11/08)
MAMMOTH SPRING -- On Sept. 16 voters in the Mammoth Spring School District will be going to the polls to decide on a five mill increase in the school tax. Mammoth Spring Superintendent of Schools, Ron Taylor, said the millage increase will apply to real and personal property...

Salem man questioned about letters demanding money (09/11/08)
Demands for money and new cars have been sent to at least three banks in the West Plains, Mo., area and authorities believe a Salem man is responsible. Sept. 3, Great Southern Bank, Howell County Bank and Wood and Huston Bank all received letters demanding money...

Remembering a golfing legend ... Tommy Bolt (09/11/08)
On the golf course, he was called "Thunder," "Tempestuous" and even "Terrible." But off the golf course, Tommy Bolt was called "Charitable," "Genuine" and even "Caring." Bolt, 92, passed away Aug. 30 at White River Medical Center in Batesville. A member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame, Bolt won 15 Professional Golf Association events and earned worldwide fame with his victory in the 1958 U.S. ...

First degree murder (09/11/08)
Boyfriend charged

Food Pantry has new location (09/11/08)
MAMMOTH SPRING -- The Mammoth Spring Food Pantry has moved from the fire station to what used to be the Mammoth Spring Ambulance Service trailer at 205 Bethel Street. "We just received a $5,000 donation from the Mammoth Spring Country Music Association to help us remodel the building some and get it ready to be used as a food pantry," Mammoth Spring Mayor Jean Pace said...

Kevin Bettis ... The newest officer at the department (09/11/08)
Reporter's note: This is the fifth article in a series aimed at introducing the public to those who serve at the Thayer Police Department. THAYER -- Kevin Bettis is the newest officer at the Thayer Police Department. He is 24-years old and a 2002 graduate of Thayer High School and a 2008 graduate of the Missouri Sheriff's Association in West Plains. He worked as a dispatcher at the police department for six months before becoming an officer. Before joining the police force he worked as a logger...

Paving to continue (09/11/08)
OREGON COUNTY -- Progress can be seen on Route 63 between Thayer and West Plains where crews have been busy for a couple of months widening and repaving. Paving, which began south of the Business 63 intersection in West Plains Aug. 5, is approaching the city limits of Koshkonong...

Teen seriously injured in accident (09/11/08)
MAMMOTH SPRING -- Three Mammoth Spring teenagers were injured, one seriously, Sept. 6 on Stateline Road one-mile south of Thayer. According to Trooper Albert Jones with the Missouri State Police who investigated the accident, the driver of a 1998 Cadillac, Addison Kent, 16, was seriously injured when the car he was driving ran off the road and struck a tree. He was not wearing a seatbelt. He was flown by air to St. John's Hospital in Springfield...

New laws take affect (09/11/08)
MISSOURI -- Several new laws went into effect Aug. 28 across the state. They include: Villages Repeals a 2007 law that made it easier for landowners to incorporate their property as a village, thus avoiding county planning and zoning rules. Truck Lanes...

Woman assaulted; two men in jail (09/11/08)
ALTON -- Two West Plains men are in the Oregon County Jail after one of them assaulted a woman and both of them stole her purse. According to a probable cause statement from Oregon County Prosecuting Attorney Fred O'Neill, Trent M. Newton, 33, has been charged with class C felony stealing and his cousin, Doug Newton, 42, has been charged with class C felony stealing and class C felony assault...

Church host to Angel Food Ministries (09/11/08)
THAYER -- Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. Thayer's Angel Food Ministries host site is the First Assembly of God Church located on Industrial Drive in Thayer. Abel Perez is the church pastor and Wyndy Donahue is the Angel Food Ministries coordinator...

Construction continues (09/11/08)
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...

Hospital board hears tech update (09/11/08)
Amidst pie and coffee, at the request of board member Vicki Fowlkes at the July 28 hospital board meeting, the Fulton County Hospital board members discussed current issues during their regular monthly meeting Aug. 25. Phillip Hughes, chief information officer gave an update on the digital radiology unit. ...

Extortion suspect believed to be Salem man (09/11/08)
Demands for money and new cars have been sent to at least three banks in the West Plains, Mo., area and authorities believe a Salem man is responsible. Sept. 3, Great Southern Bank, Howell County Bank and Wood and Huston Bank all received letters demanding money...

Former ICC teacher sentenced (09/11/08)
A former Izard County Consolidated band instructor, Stacy Lynn Tucker, 40, was sentenced to 48 months incarceration with 25 years supervised release and a $100 special penalty assessment and forfeiture of computer equipment on Sept. 3 for possession of child pornography...

Remembering a golfing legend ... Tommy Bolt (09/11/08)
On the golf course, he was called "Thunder," "Tempestuous" and even "Terrible." But off the golf course, Tommy Bolt was called "Charitable," "Genuine" and even "Caring." Bolt, 92, passed away Aug. 30 at White River Medical Center in Batesville. A member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame, Bolt won 15 Professional Golf Association events and earned worldwide fame with his victory in the 1958 U.S. ...

Stark charged in girlfriend's death (09/11/08)
Things weren't quite right when Deputy Coroner Doug Wortham of Heath Funeral Home Oak Hill Chapel in Hardy started receiving phone calls asking when funeral services would be held for a woman who, as far as he knew, was still alive. Wortham said he called Hardy Police Chief Ernie Rose to find out what was going on...

Gustav brings tornado to Guion (09/11/08)
According to the National Weather Service out of Little Rock, a tornado touched down in Izard County around the Guion-Sage area Sept. 2 at about 5:50 p.m. "I think what we had was a mini tornado or a huge whirlwind that did damage to three structures going towards Guion on Highway 58," Izard County Sheriff Tate Lawrence said...

School board elections near (09/11/08)
It's time for school elections again in Fulton and Izard county schools. Only two districts will have contested races or a millage increase to decide. Salem School District board members are all running unopposed. In Viola, two people have filed for Position 3 on the school board. Max Ray Shrable will oppose Jenni Luther...

Feeding families through ministry (09/11/08)
Everything is expensive these days with the ever soaring price of gas and oil. Even those who have jobs are having to tighten their budgets, but they and their children shouldn't have to starve. Angel Food Ministry was founded in 1994 by Joe and Linda Wingo, of Monroe, Ga. ...

Alternative adoptions to appear on ballot (09/11/08)
No, to unmarried couples fostering or adopting children, is the cry in Little Rock according to an Associated Press release. The issue, aimed at gays and lesbians, is going to be on the November ballot. But, there are those who oppose it as being unfair and discriminating and they are threatening a lawsuit...

Hurricane Gustav sends families to area (09/11/08)
Reynalds and Dee Salvador were just one of many families who made their way to the Hardy area during the Hurricane Gustav evacuation. The Salvadors live in a small town three hours west of New Orleans called Sulphur, La., and were informed of the mandatory evacuation Sunday, Aug. 31, they said...

Are you ready for the big switch? (09/11/08)
Emily McIntosh SIf airwaves were strings, the world would be one big ball of twine. There are thousands of airwaves being used today. With the introduction of new technology, more and more airwaves are being used, but digital television, or DTV, might clear up the airwaves...

First degree murder (09/11/08)
Stark charged in girlfriend's death

Remembering a golfing legend ... Tommy Bolt (09/11/08)
On the golf course, he was called "Thunder," "Tempestuous" and even "Terrible." But off the golf course, Tommy Bolt was called "Charitable," "Genuine" and even "Caring." Bolt, 92, passed away Aug. 30 at White River Medical Center in Batesville. A member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame, Bolt won 15 Professional Golf Association events and earned worldwide fame with his victory in the 1958 U.S. ...

Hurricane Gustav sends families to area (09/11/08)
Reynalds and Dee Salvador were just one of many families who made their way to the Hardy area during the Hurricane Gustav evacuation. The Salvadors live in a small town three hours west of New Orleans called Sulphur, La., and were informed of the mandatory evacuation Sunday, Aug. 31, they said...

Grant may help Hardy get new city hall (09/11/08)
The Hardy City Council met in regular session Sept. 2. During the meeting Mayor Nina Thorton informed the council of a grant program that Judge Brown introduced to the mayors of Ash Flat, Hardy, Highland and Cherokee Village. Judge Brown told the mayors that there are monies to be applied for and with all of the natural disasters the Spring River area has endured recently he thinks there is a good chance for the area to be approved...

Signatures certified for wet/dry petitions (09/11/08)
Will Sharp County become a wet county after 62 years? This year that decision is up to the voters of Sharp County. The signature petitions were certified Aug. 27 and will be placed on the ballot for the Nov. 4 election. Sharp County was voted dry in 1946 and while many would like to keep it that way, according to the county clerks office the only way the issue can be taken off the ballot is if someone files against it. ...

School board elections near (09/11/08)
Only two contested races have developed in Sharp County for school board positions to be decided Sept. 16. In Cave City District 2-A, Randy Hodges and Wendell Saffell have both filed for Position 2 on the Cave City school board. Incumbent Donald Simmons is running unopposed for Position 5, a five year term...

Check scam comes to area (09/11/08)
How would you like to get a notice in the mail stating you are the winner of $75,000? A Cherokee Village man received an envelope containing a notification that he was the winner of $75,000 payable in one lump sum. The letter the man received asked why he had not claimed his winnings. The letter said his ticket with the stated serial number was drawn as the lucky winning numbers in the second category of the Lotto Super 7 contest held July 17...

Are you ready for the big switch? (09/11/08)
If airwaves were strings, the world would be one big ball of twine. There are thousands of airwaves being used today. With the introduction of new technology, more and more airwaves are being used, but digital television, or DTV, might clear up the airwaves...

Another impressive win (09/11/08)
Talk about refusing to rest on your laurels. After finishing last season as Class 1 Show-Me Bowl runner-ups with a 13-1 mark, it would be easy to understand if the Thayer Bobcats had chosen to open the 2008 season with a couple of easy opponents. Thing is, this group of Cats would have none of that...

Mighty Mites ready to kick off season (09/11/08)
The 2008 Salem Greyhound Mighty Mite football season is set to kickoff Sept. 13 with a visit to Highland. Week two of the season finds Mountain View traveling to Salem on Sept. 20. Salem hosts Thayer on Sept. 27 and then the Mighty Mite Hounds go to Melbourne Oct. 4...

Medalist Harmons pace Izard County (09/11/08)
It was a great day for the Harmons and Izard County high school golfers Sept. 5 at The Course on Turkey Mountain. Rachel Harmon shared medalist honors with Shirley's Katie Webb in girls' action, while brother Preston fired a 47 to earn medalist honors for the Cougars in boys' action...

Warriors finally find a home (09/11/08)
SALEM 0, WESTSIDE 6

Mountain Home bummer (09/11/08)
HIGHLAND 0, MOUNTAIN HOME 43

Junior Rebs shutout (09/11/08)
At the pre-season jamboree, the Highland junior Rebels did a great job of shutting down the Mountain View and Yellville-Summit offenses, and they only gave up a few big plays to Salem. However, that defense was nowhere to be found against Sebastian Irvin and the Hoxie offense, as the junior Mustangs blew past Highland 22-0 on Sept. 2 at Hoxie...

Fourth-quarter letdown (09/11/08)
Oh, my. Things couldn't have been any more fast and furious than what they were during the last seven minutes of Cave City's season-opening clash with the Walnut Ridge Bobcats Sept. 5 at Caveman Field. Taking advantage of three costly turnovers by Cave City, Walnut Ridge reeled off three touchdowns and 28 points in the last seven minutes of the game to come from behind and stun the Cavemen 47-36...

Johnson wins second sweeper (09/11/08)
Jonesboro's David Johnson won the second of three handicap sweepers at Indian Hills Bowl Aug. 30, after defeating Kevin McCollum of Jonesboro 284-218. Twenty seven bowlers competed for the prize fund totaling $794, and only the top five bowlers received cash. After five games across 10 lanes, the top five bowlers went into a single-game, elimination-style roll off. The top finishers after five games were:...

Local pitchers ring titles (09/11/08)
Archie Matheny won the men's 30-foot division at Arkansas State Horseshoe Tournament at Fayetteville's Walker Park Aug. 30. Matheny posted a perfect 6-0 record and pitched a tournament-best 62.3 percent clip on ringers in the event. Matheny then teamed with Paul Davis to win the championship men's doubles title. Wanda Davis teamed with Rhonda Easley to win the championship in the women's division...

A true pro, all the way (09/11/08)
During the golden age of golf, when Hogan, Palmer and Nicklaus ruled the greens, the way a player presented himself on the course meant almost as much as their place on the leaderboard did. But as the years have rolled on, it seems like golf course attire means less and less, with finely creased slacks and crisp shirts being replaced by faded jeans and T-shirts at a lot of country clubs...

Mr. Tommy big in golfing Circles (09/11/08)
The name Circle is synonymous with winning golf in the Natural State. After all, the brothers Circle have been teeing it up and driving it long for quite awhile now. Aaron Circle finished 24th at the prestigious Arkansas State Golf Association's Stroke Play Championship this past June at RidgePointe in Jonesboro...

Others always first for Bolt (09/11/08)
Always a special event for a great cause, this year's Fountain Place/Tommy Bolt Classic was extra-special, as it marked the 50th anniversary of its namesake, Tommy Bolt, grabbing worldwide attention by winning the 1958 U.S. Open. But one thing was missing from the 2008 golf tournament at the South Course in Cherokee Village that raises funds for Fountain Place -- Tommy Bolt...

A real champion of young golfers (09/11/08)
Tommy Bolt was a fiercely loyal man. He was loyal to his family, to his friends and to his many fans. And Tommy Bolt was also fiercely loyal to his local golf courses. Just ask Highland Rebel Golf Coach Stan Maag. "We were playing a high school tournament 10 or 12 years ago and one of the private schools from Little Rock brought their kids up here to the South Golf Course. ...

Johnson wins second sweeper (09/11/08)
Jonesboro's David Johnson won the second of three handicap sweepers at Indian Hills Bowl Aug. 30, after defeating Kevin McCollum of Jonesboro 284-218. Twenty seven bowlers competed for the prize fund totaling $794, and only the top five bowlers received cash. After five games across 10 lanes, the top five bowlers went into a single-game, elimination-style roll off. The top finishers after five games were:...

Local pitchers ring titles (09/11/08)
Archie Matheny won the men's 30-foot division at Arkansas State Horseshoe Tournament at Fayetteville's Walker Park Aug. 30. Matheny posted a perfect 6-0 record and pitched a tournament-best 62.3 percent clip on ringers in the event. Matheny then teamed with Paul Davis to win the championship men's doubles title. Wanda Davis teamed with Rhonda Easley to win the championship in the women's division...

Ozarka scramble slated (09/11/08)
The Ozarka College Foundation Board of Directors recently announced its annual benefit golf scramble will be held on Sept. 27. Coopers Hawk Golf Club in Melbourne will again host the tournament this year. First National Banking Company serves as the major corporate sponsor again in 2008...

Bike tour ready to roll (09/11/08)
The Melbourne Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the third annual Tour De Aux Arcs on Sept. 20. The bike race will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Ashley House in Melbourne. Race organizer Shane Linn said, while the Ashley House is a new start location this year, the route will remain basically the same, taking contestants through Guion, into Mountain View and back into Melbourne via Highway 9...

A true pro, all the way (09/11/08)
During the golden age of golf, when Hogan, Palmer and Nicklaus ruled the greens, the way a player presented himself on the course meant almost as much as their place on the leaderboard did. But as the years have rolled on, it seems like golf course attire means less and less, with finely creased slacks and crisp shirts being replaced by faded jeans and T-shirts at a lot of country clubs...

Others always first for Bolt (09/11/08)
Always a special event for a great cause, this year's Fountain Place/Tommy Bolt Classic was extra-special, as it marked the 50th anniversary of its namesake, Tommy Bolt, grabbing worldwide attention by winning the 1958 U.S. Open. But one thing was missing from the 2008 golf tournament at the South Course in Cherokee Village that raises funds for Fountain Place -- Tommy Bolt...

Mr. Tommy big in golfing Circles (09/11/08)
The name Circle is synonymous with winning golf in the Natural State. After all, the brothers Circle have been teeing it up and driving it long for quite awhile now. Aaron Circle finished 24th at the prestigious Arkansas State Golf Association's Stroke Play Championship this past June at RidgePointe in Jonesboro...

A real champion of young golfers (09/11/08)
Tommy Bolt was a fiercely loyal man. He was loyal to his family, to his friends and to his many fans. And Tommy Bolt was also fiercely loyal to his local golf courses. Just ask Highland Rebel Golf Coach Stan Maag. "We were playing a high school tournament 10 or 12 years ago and one of the private schools from Little Rock brought their kids up here to the South Golf Course. ...

Spring River loans player, still wins (09/11/08)
After a rainout the previous week, the Spring River senior softballers traveled to Jonesboro on Aug. 28. Due to injuries, vacations, and so forth, the Jonesboro and Trumann teams were short of players. In the Jonesboro game (they borrowed a Spring River player) Spring River put together a good offensive effort...

Local pitchers ring titles (09/11/08)
Archie Matheny won the men's 30-foot division at Arkansas State Horseshoe Tournament at Fayetteville's Walker Park Aug. 30. Matheny posted a perfect 6-0 record and pitched a tournament-best 62.3 percent clip on ringers in the event. Matheny then teamed with Paul Davis to win the championship men's doubles title. Wanda Davis teamed with Rhonda Easley to win the championship in the women's division...

Johnson wins second sweeper (09/11/08)
Jonesboro's David Johnson won the second of three handicap sweepers at Indian Hills Bowl Aug. 30, after defeating Kevin McCollum of Jonesboro 284-218. Twenty seven bowlers competed for the prize fund totaling $794, and only the top five bowlers received cash. After five games across 10 lanes, the top five bowlers went into a single-game, elimination-style roll off. The top finishers after five games were:...

Clarence Tadlock (09/11/08)
Clarence Elmer Tadlock, son of the late Ewing Elmer Tadlock and Ella Mae Gilbreath Tadlock, was born June 28, 1922, in Ash Flat, Ark. He died Sept. 2, 2008, at Crown Point Nursing Center in Horseshoe Bend, Ark., at the age of 86. He was a farm worker and member of the Pentecostal Church of God...

Jimmie Laverne Cherry (09/11/08)
Jimmie Laverne Cherry, of Agnos, Ark., son of the late Edward Laverne Cherry and Dorothy Faye Godwin Cherry, was born Sept. 2, 1951, in Salem, Ark. He died Sept. 5, 2008, at Fulton County Hospital in Salem, at the age of 57. He was united in marriage to Joyce McCollum on Dec. 29, 1972, at Agnos. To his union two children were born...

Billy Rex Smith (09/11/08)
Billy Rex Smith, 73, of Mountain Home, Ark., son of Atha Smith and Fye Newberry Smith, was born Sept. 15, 1934, in Salem, Ark. He died Sept. 4, 2008, at his home. He was united in marriage to Juanita Ward on Sept. 15, 1952, in Salem. He retired from Harps Grocery as a produce manager. He was a member of the Church of Christ...

Raymond Humphreys (09/11/08)
Raymond Humphreys, 67, of Ash Flat, Ark., died Sept. 4, 2008, at the Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Ark. He was born May 31, 1941, in Houston, Texas, the son of Raymond Lee Humphreys and Marion Eva Ritter Humphreys. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He moved to Arkansas in 1968 from California...

Theresa M. Kosik (09/11/08)
Theresa M. Kosik, 42, of Hardy, Ark., died Aug. 29, 2008, at her residence. She was born Feb. 28, 1966, in Evreaux, France, the daughter of Robert Kosik and Dora (Iascone) Kosik. She moved to Arkansas 17 years ago from Miami, Fla. She was of the Catholic faith...

Charles Lee Jolley (09/11/08)
Charles Lee Jolley, 75, of Cherokee Village, Ark., died Aug. 31, 2008, in Little Rock, Ark. He was the son of the late Lewis Jolley and the late Ella (Ashley) Jolley. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War, and worked in quality assurance for the U.S. Government...

John Randall Miner (09/11/08)
John Randall Miner, 29, of Clarksville, Ark., formerly of Thayer, Mo., was born March 8, 1979, in Kansas City, Kan., and died Aug. 30, 2008, in Clarksville, Ark. John was formerly employed by Ozark Mountain Wood Products in Koshkonong, Mo. He is survived by: a daughter, Lia Miner of Texas; his father, Randall Miner and wife Gloria of Saginaw, Texas; his mother, Lora McFadden of Thayer, Mo.; one sister, Stephanie Harper and husband Larry of Louisburg, Kan.; two nieces; two nephews; and numerous other relatives and friends.. ...

Thelma V. Lesar (09/11/08)
Thelma V. Lesar, 93, of Anderson, Mo., formerly of Horseshoe Bend, Ark., died Sept. 3, 2008, in Anderson, Mo. Thelma was born in Scotland County, S.D. She graduated from the University of Illinois and taught high school remedial reading in New Hampton, Iowa. She retired to Horseshoe Bend, where she served on the library board...

Audrey Knighton (09/11/08)
Edward Joseph Caputo, 71, of Cherokee Village, Ark., died Aug. 31, 2008, at his residence. He was the son of the late Edward Caputo and the late Venita (Hollahan) Caputo. Joe was a farmer and truck driver. He was a veteran of the Korean War in the Army. When he retired to Cherokee Village he served as Lake Patrol on Lake Thunderbird...

Edward Joseph Caputo (09/11/08)
Edward Joseph Caputo, 71, of Cherokee Village, Ark., died Aug. 31, 2008, at his residence in Cherokee Village. He was the son of the late Edward Caputo and the late Venita (Hollahan) Caputo. Joe was a farmer and truck driver. He was a veteran of the Korean War in the Army. When he retired to Cherokee Village he served as Lake Patrol on Lake Thunderbird...

Paul Jay Johnson II (09/11/08)
Paul Jay Johnson II of Mammoth Spring, Ark., died Aug. 30, 2008. He is survived by: his parents, Paul Jay and Brandy Johnson; one sister, Valley Lee; his grandparents, Brian, Cindy Comstock, Glenn and Evelyn Johnson; two great-grandmothers, Margaret Smith and Virginia Leitner; one great-great-grandmother, Virginia Woods; numerous uncles; aunts; cousins; other relatives; and friends...

Marlin "Jim" St. John (09/11/08)
Marlin James (Jim) St. John, 66, of Lincoln, Ark., formerly of Horseshoe Bend, Ark., son of Dorothy Elizabeth (Witham) St. John and the late Marlin Leslie St. John, was born on Nov. 21, 1941, in Iowa City, Iowa. He died Sept. 2, 2008, at his home. Jim spent his working years as a custodian. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Horseshoe Bend, and he served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War...

Joseph Lee Follin (09/11/08)
Joseph Lee Follin, 88, of Cherokee Village, Ark., died Sept. 6, 2008, at the Fulton County Hospital in Salem, Ark. He was born July 6, 1920, in Mortons Gap, Ky., the son of Squire Heady Follin and Virgie Emmaline (Ezell) Follin. He was a veteran of the United States Army. ...

Tommy Bolt (09/11/08)
Tommy Bolt, 92, of Cherokee Village, Ark., died Aug. 30, 2008, at the White River Medial Center in Batesville, Ark. He was born March 31, 1916, in Haworth, Okla. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and became a professional golfer in 1946. ...

Telman Blevins (09/11/08)
Telman Dewayne Blevins, 69, of Bentley, Ark., died on Aug. 30, 2008, at his residence in Bentley, La. He was a native of Violet Hill, Ark. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran for 12 years, serving in the Vietnam War. He was a retired appliance repairman for Ray's Appliance for 32 years...

Marilyn June Woods (09/11/08)
Marilyn June Woods, 71, of Melbourne, Ark., died Aug. 30, 2008, at her home. She was born Sept. 13, 1936, the daughter of Isaac Herndon and Audie Lee Foster Frizzell in Zion, Ark. She worked for the Bank of Melbourne when it was located behind the courthouse square. She also spent several years as a teacher's aide with the Melbourne School District...