Stories from Tuesday, August 9, 2016

One week after the much talked about "buyout" between Highland School Board and former superintendent Tracy Webb, the board hired an interim superintendent on Tuesday, Aug. 2. Don Sharp, who is a Sharp County native, was ironically hired in the same day he was recognized at an Arkansas Association of Education Administrators retirement reception. ...

During the entire month of August, First Community Bank is celebrating its nineteenth anniversary. Throughout the month, the organization will show appreciation for their customers by offering CD specials, the opportunity to skip a consumer loan payment, and a 60-day free trial of GenGoldŽ. ...

They needed an extra hole to do it, but the Izard County Cougars -- the host team -- came out on top of the boys' standings at the annual Cougar Classic golf tournament Aug. 3 at the South Course in Cherokee Village. On the girls' side of things, the Pocahontas Lady Redskins (603) edged runner-up Highland (607) by four strokes...

Donnie Ray Martin was born the son of Herbert Martin and Zelma (Barton) Martin on Feb. 25, 1939, in Alton, Mo. and departed this life on July 28, 2016, at his home in Thayer, Mo. at the age of 77 years. He was united in marriage on Oct. 6, 1960 in West Plains, Mo., to Mary Higgs...

Dale Eugene Mask, 68, of Viola, Ark., was born on Dec. 30, 1947, in Salem, Ark., son of William Edward and Constance Ilene (Rolewics) Mask. He departed this life on Aug. 2, 2016 at Fulton County Hospital in Salem, Ark. Dale spent his working years as a supervisor with Baxter Healthcare and was a member of Salem First Baptist Church in Salem, Ark.. ...

Dale Eugene Mask, 68, of Viola, Ark., died Aug. 2 at Fulton County Hospital in Salem, Ark. Arrangements by Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Ark. Lavern Howell, 82, of Thayer, Mo., died Aug. 2 at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains. Arrangements by Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer...

The Sears Hometown Store of Ash Flat, Ark., has been named a 2016 "Sears Hometown Premier Store" for consistently offering the highest level of customer service, as well as outstanding store performance and quality standards. Located on Highway 62/412 in Ash Flat, the store was one of only 321 locations throughout the company's 900-plus unit system to receive this national recognition this past quarter...

Ash Flat First Baptist has partnered with the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas to become the newest food pantry location in the area. The ladies' WMU organizes and sponsors the food pantry. "We just felt like there was a need in the area. We have given food boxes out at Christmas time and felt people needed it more than once a year. ...