Stories from Thursday, July 24, 2014

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is reporting that two rabid skunks have recently been found in western Fulton County. Both have been sighted during daylight hours, and both have interacted with family dogs. ADH Public Health, Veterinarian Susan Weinstein said, "It is fortunate that no people were exposed to rabies from these skunks, but it is sad that so often citizens are not aware they must have the rabies vaccination be given by a veterinarian. ...

"35 years in all 10 counties serving seniors and serving disabled folks. It's a big job and its an important job, and I'm just so happy to be a part of it," Chief Operating Officer Shanna Maguffee said on Friday, July 11, welcoming citizens and Fulton County leaders to a special celebration of the White River Area Agency on Aging's 35 years of serving the community...

A county bridge that is well used by motorists, fishermen and off-roading enthusiasts may finally be repaired by late summer or early fall. Smith Ford Bridge The Smith Ford bridge, which is located on Fernview Road in the Heart area, was damaged in December of 2013 by rushing waters of the South Fork River, after a winter storm. ...

When students and teachers return to Salem Elementary School next month, the new heating and cooling system being installed this summer will not be as far along toward completion as expected. That means window air conditioning units will need to be placed in each classroom to fight the summer heat...

Organizing a week long county fair is challenging enough, even if you've done it for years. So Fulton County Fair Director Carolyn Lewis admits the 2014 Fulton County Fair has been an adventure, since the civic center building, where several fair events are usually held, collapsed in December from the weight of ice and snow after a storm...

Christopher L. Long, 21, of Mammoth Spring, Ark. was arrested July 13 on a Oregon County warrant and for driving while intoxicated. Bond set at $1, 527. Tanner S. Huffman, 21, of Koshkonong was charged July 13 for violation of protection order. Bond set at $400...

Sam Chilcutt Reporter Water seems to be on the minds of several of the municipalities in Oregon County. It dominated the majority of discussion during the Alton City Council meeting on Monday, July 14. Unlike the city of Thayer, which is considering raising the rates it charges for water and sewer, Alton has no such plans. ...

Oregon County is one of six Missouri counties that were designated as disaster areas by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on July 9. The designation means that farmers and other agricultural producers may be eligible for special low interest emergency loans from the USDA's Farm Service Agency...

A burst of tears erupted from his parents following the verdict, as Ely Dotson of Alton was found not guilty of involuntary manslaughter in Howell County Circuit Court on Thursday, July 17. The trial, which lasted the better part of two days, was convened over a March 5, 2010 accident, which led to the death of 16 year old Meghan Honeycutt on Highway 160 a few miles west of Alton. ...

A group of concerned Myrtle citizens gathered outside the Myrtle Post Office on Wednesday, July 16, to express opposition and concern about the possible closing of the post office. Terri Ryan, the Southern Area Manager of Post Office Operations, first spoke with the crowd about an opinion survey which was mailed to Myrtle's 269 postal customers. ...

Marvin Ray Jr. Sneed, 22, of Cave City was arrested July 7 for violation of protection order. Jody Diane Harper, 28, of Truman was arrested July 7 for domestic battery 3rd degree. Billy Darel Headstream, 39, of Cave City was arrested July 7 for assault 2nd degree, endangering welfare of minor 3rd degree and criminal mischief...

Ray Dern, 70, of Koshkonong, Mo., died on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, at Thayer, Mo. Arrangements by Carter Funeral Home of Thayer. Bruce Lane Delargy, 62, of Cherokee Village, Ark., died on Saturday, July 12, 2014, at his home. Arrangements by Barker Funeral Home of Salem, Ark...

Bruce Lane Delargy was born in Pittsfield, Ill., on Sept. 11, 1951, son of Robert Fredrick and Jennie (Evans) Delargy. He departed this life Saturday, July 12, 2014, at his home in Cherokee Village, Ark., at the age of 62 years, 10 months and 1 day...

Laurel Miranda Brown was born the daughter of Gerald Wilson and Alice Rebecca Kent on Nov. 4, 1993, in Fresno, Calif., and departed this life on July 11, 2014, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo., at the age of 20 years. She was united in marriage at Thayer, Mo., on May 19, 2012, to John Harvey Brown...

Overcoming adversity is one thing but conquering it and knocking it out of the ball field is quite another. Few have overcome the obstacles that 2014 Highland graduate Shawn Young has faced in his young life. But thanks to hard work and a supportive adoptive family, Young is one of only three Arkansans to be accepted into the West Point Naval Academy. ...

After six years of steady growth, Women of Faith Ministries is expecting a larger-than-ever crowd for this year's Rock This House event, July 25 and 26, at the Ash Flat Church of Christ Family Life Center. This year's keynote speaker is Margaret Feinberg...

It is that time of year again, as chuckwagon racing heads to the area. For those of you who have never been, it is a real treat, not to mention a real sport. This weekend, teams from all over the mid-south will gather for the Hardy Spokes Chuckwagon race, sanctioned by the Arkansas Chuckwagon Racing Association...