Stories from Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Leah Jean Burch, 22, of Salem, Ark., died July 30, 2011, at her home. Arrangements by Barker Funeral Home of Salem, Ark. Val Bishop, 89, of Conway, Ark., formerly of Saddle, Ark., died Aug. 1, 2011, in Conway, Ark. Arrangements by Barker Funeral Home of Salem, Ark...

Other than the obvious need for a hospital, one of the most discussed issues in the Sharp County area appears to be the fate of Social Security. A large concentration of retired people, many who depend on Social Security for their livelihood, are terrified of possibly losing the money they need for vital things such as medicine...

Dear Editor: The July 21 and 28 Southern Missourian News issues arrived simultaneously yesterday. Within them were two articles that caused me to reflect on a couple of great childhood memories: Movies at the Beck Theater and swimming in the Thayer City Pool...

We appreciate the excellent coverage your paper provides for our fair. Our fair board and volunteers provide many thankless hours of work to make this fair happen. Sharp County Fair is a showcase for what is good about Sharp County. Thanks. James Mack Street...

With unemployment in Arkansas at the highest level in 24 years, at 8.1 percent, Arkansas Republicans know working families are feeling the pain from the gas pump to the grocery store. That's why conservative lawmakers led on the passage of a back to school sales tax holiday during the 2011 legislative session, so that in times of economic uncertainty Natural State citizens can count on tax relief...

On May 29, 2011, a large crowd of Arkansas and Tennessee relatives and friends gathered at Anthony Chapel in Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Ark., for the wedding of Kristopher Lee Gordon and Ashley Lauren Anthony of Virginia Beach, Va. The ceremony was solemnized by Charles Owens, of Salem, Ark., cousin of the bride. Among the wedding attendants were Jessica Carlisle, matron of honor, cousin of the bride, and Rick Gordon, best man, father of the groom...

Jerry and Lenora Martin and CSM Kenneth and Teresa Crow announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their children, Kristie Martin and Cameron Crow. Wedding vows will be exchanged Aug. 20, 2011, at United Freewill Baptist Church in West Plains...

Linda Hall Administrator Johnny "Dean" Qualls is a walking, talking miracle here at Eaglecrest Nursing and Rehab Center in Ash Flat. Mr. Qualls was discharged from St. Vincent's Hospital in Little Rock on March 25, and came to Eaglecrest to begin his road to recovery. On arrival, he was unable to speak clearly and mostly answered, "yes" or "no," to questions...

åçThe American Red Cross is issuing an appeal for blood donors to roll up a sleeve and give blood right now because there is a critical blood shortage across our nation. Many donors are busy or traveling, school is out of session and donations have dropped dramatically...

The Thayer/Mammoth Spring Ministerial Alliance will be distributing limited back to school supplies, Monday, Aug. 15th at 9am to 12 noon at the Thayer First Assembly of God. The supplies being distributed are left over from the Ozark Action Back to School Fair recently held in Alton. ...

Oregon County Food Producers' and Artisan Co-Op will have a swap meet and community potluck at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, at Juggbutt's back room gallery on South Market Street in Alton. Come swap homegrown and handmade items with your neighbors. No money will change hands...