Stories from Thursday, December 3, 2015

Alfred Lon Alford, 99, of Alton, died Nov. 20 at the West Vue Nursing Center in West Plains. Arrangements by Clary Funeral Home in Alton. Deborah "Debbie" Hightower Moss, 63, of Cave City, died Nov. 20 at her home. Arrangements by Qualls Funeral Home in Cave City...

John Bradley Collins was born in Alton, Ill., on June 12, 1970, son of Jerry and Ruth Ann (Lynch) Collins. He departed this life on Nov. 26, 2015, at the age of 45 years, 5 months and 14 days. Brad was a graduate of the University of Arkansas College of Pharmacy and worked as a Pharmacist for Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. ...

Freda Faye Estes was born in Franklin, Ark., on Aug. 9, 1926, daughter of William Remmel and Gurtie Mae (Hackworth) Estes. She departed this life on Nov. 28, 2015, at the age of 89 years, 3 months and 17 days. Freda was united in marriage to Elno Estes on Nov. ...

Second in the state isn't too shabby for an area third grade Mighty Mite team. The boys have played their hearts out all season and walked way with the huge honor on Nov. 15 at Hendrix College. After going undefeated in an amazing 9-0 season, this 8-9 year old football team, coached by Johnny Ivey, Brian Statler, Mike Taylor, Tim Evans and Lindsey Daggett, a few of the team's players went on to play in the Central Arkansas Youth Football League (CAYFL) championship in Little Rock on Nov. ...

Before letting out for Thanksgiving break, the Highland High School faculty held an awards ceremony for students on Tuesday, Nov. 24. The awards were given to students from each advisory teacher's group who had either A's, all A's and B's and/or perfect attendance. Overall performance awards were also handed out to a few students. The awards were based on grades and attendance from the first nine weeks of classes...

It is the most giving time of year, but for many families in Sharp County, due to circumstances beyond their control, they may not be able to afford Christmas gifts for their children. For many years the Department of Human Services has been there to lend a hand, and a heart to these families by administering the annual Angel Tree Program. Through the generosity of the communities, these children are able to wake up Christmas morning to the toys they hoped for...

The 2015 Toys for Tots Drive sponsored by VFW Post 7831 and Auxiliary of Mammoth Spring is now underway. There are several boxes placed in several locations throughout the state line area. The Thayer High School FBLA will be collecting toys for tots and will donate the toys to the Mammoth Spring VFW to help the needs children in the area. ...

It's the season to love and remember loved ones. The Christmas tree will be covered with purple lights to acknowledge and give hope to those who are struggling with cancer or in remembrance of those who have passed due to cancer. Lights will be sold for $1 each. There are 750 lights available at the present time. Please help us light up these purple lights in honor or in memory of all people affected by cancer...

Young people are always looking for the newest apps to download on their mobile phones. But some of these apps allow children and teens to hide information from parents or allow anonymous group chats, both of which can be dangerous. One app that is popular with Arkansas teens is called Kik. The app, however, raises concerns for parents. The Kik app has more than 240 million registered users and reports that 40 percent of U.S. teens are active, averaging 97 minutes per week on the app...

A musical Celebration of the joy of Christmas comes to the stage of the West Plains Civic Center Dec. 4 and 5. It's the 5th annual Toys For Tots Christmas Concert called "A Good Old Country Christmas." The United States Marine Corp League and local television station Channel 38 combine to bring this outstanding musical event to the people of this area. ...

The Salem Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Parade will be held on Monday, December 7 at 6 p.m. Parade lineup will be at 5:30 p.m. at Preacher Roe Park. There is no registration req uired. The VFW will have a float set up at North Arkansas Home Care. ...

The Ash Flat Christmas Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. starting at Forschler's. There is no theme, but float participants are asked to register by calling Nancy Orr at 870-994-7325. Refreshments will be served on Main Street and Santa will be in front of the Post Office handing out goodies. Ash Flat sweatshirts will be available...

Mountain Home Moose Lodge #1953 will hold a Fish and Shrimp Fry dinner on Friday, Dec. 4 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. You can order fried fish, fried shrimp or a combination plate which also includes hushpuppies, French fries, coleslaw, vegetable, roll, dessert and a beverage. The dinner is open to members and qualified guests alike...

Santa will be at the Viola Fire Department Saturday Dec. 5 to take pictures from 9 a.m. until 11. Cookies and cocoa will be served to the children. A photo with Santa is $2. For more information please contact Lena Zimmer 870-371-1109.

Salem United Methodist Church is having a Soup Luncheon on Friday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Soup or chili will be on the menu along with dessert and drink for only $6. Dine in or carry out. Baked goods will also be available for purchase. The church is located on Church Street next to Town and Country Supermarket...

Gary L. Bebow, Administrator/CEO of White River Medical Center (WRMC), is pleased to welcome Dr. Anthony M. Abraham, General Surgeon, to the Medical Staff. Dr. Abraham is seeing patients at the WRMC Surgery Clinic, located at 413 Virginia Drive in Batesville. Also practicing in the clinic is General Surgeon, Dr. John Lambert...

The Ozark Folk Center State Park has put together two packages for guests to choose from to celebrate Christmas in the Ozarks. The overnight package begins Friday, Dec. 11 and ends Sunday, Dec. 13. This package includes: dinner, a music show and lodging Friday; breakfast, lunch, "Caroling in the Caverns" tickets, wassail reception, Skillet Christmas dinner and music and lodging Saturday; and breakfast Sunday morning. ...

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Horseshoe Bend, invites you to their Christmas worship service on Christmas Eve, Thursday Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. Candlelight Service, "The Word for the Shepherd and the Angels." Christmas Day, Friday Dec. 25 at 9 a.m. A Celebration of the Nativity of our Lord with Holy Communion. "The Word for Us."...

Local volunteer Avis Romine was recently recognized for countless hours of service to the community by local Modern Woodmen members Mrs. Romine was honored through Modern Woodmen's Hometown Heroes Program for her years of service with Fulton County Hospital Volunteers. ...

My name is Ray Matthew I would like to take this opportunity to publicly announce my candidacy for Fulton County Justice of the Peace District 7 on the Republican ticket. I am a lifelong resident of Arkansas living in Fulton County for the last 11 years. My wife Sherry and I live in the Pleasant Ridge Township (Agnos area)...

By Abby Greer Some members of the Salem High School Beta Club volunteered at the Immanuel Baptist Church on Sunday, Nov. 22, to help decorate the church for the holidays. Sponsor Ted Kerley supervised the crew as they worked. According to Beta Club President Trevor Falco, "Christmas decorating is always a great way for us to get involved with the community by spreading the joy of the holiday. I would like to express my thanks to all of those at Immanuel for letting us have this opportunity."...

Fulton County Hospital hosted a Thanksgiving coloring contest for children from Kindergarten through Third Grade of the three Fulton County Schools, Mammoth Spring, Salem, and Viola. The winners of the contest were: Kindergarten, Abigail Criss of Salem School; First Grade, Shayden Waltrip of Viola School; Second Grade, Jackson Taylor of Salem School and Third Grade, Nikki Young of Mammoth Spring School. Each winner was awarded an art set which they can use to further develop their talents...

Cities across the state of Arkansas have Advertising and Promotions Commissions to assist in promoting tourism. Locally -- Hardy, Cherokee Village and Mammoth Spring, have A and P Commissions and have worked together to promote each other. Hardy A and P has undergone some changes in recent years in an attempt to promote the city and draw in more tourism...

It is the most giving time of year, but for many families in Fulton County, due to circumstances beyond their control, they may not be able to afford Christmas gifts for their children. For many years the Department of Human Services has been there to lend a hand, and a heart to these families by administering the annual Angel Tree Program. Through the generosity of the communities, these children are able to wake up Christmas morning to the toys they hoped for...

Two area residents were killed in separate vehicle accidents on Nov. 25-26. According to the Arkansas State Police fatality report, Jeanetta McNealy, 68, of Guion was killed in a one vehicle accident, Nov. 25 on State Highway 14 east of Mountain View. The 2004 Chevrolet McNealy was driving overturned after running off the roadway and colliding with a ditch...

According to an affidavit from the Fulton County Sheriff's Department, on Nov. 23 Fulton County resident Leroy Crowl reported that on Nov. 22 he discovered his game cameras were missing from the electric poles at his storage units. Crowl stated he reviewed his other cameras and noticed a light colored vehicle that was possibly a suburban vehicle parked behind the storage units. ...