Stories from Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Willie Dean McCord, 72, of Highland, died Sunday, June 10, 2018. He was born March 1, 1946 at Ash Flat, Ark. to Willie Carrel and Irene (Henry) McCord. He worked several years for the Monroe Corporation in Paragould and was on the Cherokee Village Fire Department for several years. He attended Peaceful Harbor Pentecostal Church of God in Batesville. He was also a US Army veteran. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cutting wood, bowling and softball...

Charles “Ed” Edward Godt, 77, of Cherokee Village, Ark. departed this life on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 in Salem, Ark. He was born on Oct. 5, 1940 in Dixon, Ill. Charles was united in marriage to Dyanne Caroline Trachsler on August 20, 1960 in Greensboro, N.C. ...

Edith Carolyn Albright, 69, of Salem, Ark., departed this life on Sunday, June 10, 2018. She was born to the late Tollie Raybob Worsham and Venita (Landers) Worsham  on Feb. 3, 1949 in Salem. Edith was a homemaker and loved working in her yard and garden. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a member of the Salem Church of Christ...

Imogene Iris Porter was born the daughter of John Cyrus Baty and Mary Atchley Baty on Nov. 20,1927, in Bendavis, Mo., and departed this life June 10, 2018, in West Plains, Mo., at the age of 90 years. She was united in marriage on Aug. 26, 1950, at Springfield, Mo., to J. Lawrence Porter. They were married over 67 years...

Willie Dean McCord, 72, of Highland, Ark. died June 10. Arrangements are under the direction of Qualls Funeral Home in Cave City. Charles “Ed” Edward Godt, 77, of Cherokee Village, Ark. died June 13 in Salem, Ark. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem...

The Highland High School Class of 1972 is sponsoring a benefit to help a classmate’s family. Kurt Evans passed away recently, and the public is sincerely invited to make meaningful donations to assist with extreme medical expenses. The activities will begin at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 30, in the A. L. Hutson Memorial Center at Highland with both live and silent auctions. Music will be provided by Billy Joe French and his friends. Concessions will be available...

White River Medical Center (WRMC) received the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline® Bronze Plus Receiving Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes implementation of specific quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks...

Simeon Jonas Sapp is officially a pilot! On June 7, 2018, Simeon, who resides in Cherokee Village, completed his check ride while traveling from Melbourne (42A) to Tulsa, Okla. (KTUL). At the conclusion of this flight, he completed his practical examination and earned his Private Pilot Certificate. He was required to complete a knowledge test as well as a practical examination consisting of an extensive oral exam and demonstration flight with an FAA approved Designated Pilot Examiner...

The University of Central Arkansas has announced the Presidential Scholars and Dean’s List for the spring 2018 semester. Locally, Monica Sanders, of Cherokee Village; Mikayla Goodwin, of Hardy and Ashley Hall, of Salem, were named Presidential Scholars. Local residents on the Dean’s List are: Corey Goodman, Ash Flat; Hope Isaacs, Ash Flat and Rachel Trivitt, Ash Flat...

Rena Sanders has joined FNBC’s newly formed Small Business Division as a Small Business Administration (SBA) and Commercial Lending Specialist. She will work directly with the division’s Senior Vice President Mark Skelton to grow and support the bank’s SBA portfolio...

The Imboden Area Charter School received notification from Office for Education Policy at the University of Arkansas that charter school students were “Beating the Odds”. Students at the school demonstrated high growth on the ACT Aspire, even though the school serves a high-poverty population. ...

The University of Central Arkansas Norbert O. Schedler Honors College has selected 75 incoming first-year students as its newest class of Honors Scholars. Local resident, Cassidy Clayton, of Highland, was selected. The entering class of 2018 has an average high school GPA above 4.0 and an average ACT score of 30. The class also includes four out-of-state students...

When Chasity Hart took her sons to celebrate with dinner out following a ballgame, she had no idea the encounter would quickly turn into a mothers worst nightmare. “That night was like a horrid scene from a movie. You are going on about your regular day and then all of a sudden something traumatic and unexpected happens. ...

A Sharp County man has been placed under arrest after he allegedly shot another man at an apartment complex in Cave City June 15. According to Sharp County Sheriff Mark Counts, Shea George, 38, of Cave City, was taken into custody following the admittance of shooting the man...

Sharp County Quorum Court held their regular meeting June 11 during which the need for a new jail facility was further discussed. The meeting opened with a series of questions about three proposed ordinances. Everett McGuire asked about a line which referred to using funds for operating and maintaining the existing jail and law enforcement facilities...

The Hardy Advertising and Promotions Commission finalized plans for their upcoming Hardy Independence Celebration scheduled for June 30 during their regular meeting held June 11. The meeting opened with event chair Freda Mae Gamblin who provided an update on the progress...

The Ash Flat City Council voted not to pursue further legal action against a Michigan man who had violated a contract he had entered into with the city regarding one of the city’s fire trucks.  The issue was discussed during the June 12 council meeting at which time Fire Chief Stacy Horton announced the truck had been returned to the department, costing the city $2,700...

Highland police officer Steve Dravenstott was promoted to the position of sergeant for the Highland Police Department June 12 during the Highland City Council’s regular meeting.  The promotion occurred during Highland Police Chief Shane Russell’s monthly report to the council during which he also announced that call volumes were up and the new police vehicles were in...

Lendal and Tammy Erby, of Viola, have received the honor of being chosen the 2018 Fulton County Farm Family. With nearly 40 years in the farming industry, it is no surprise they were selected. The Erbys operate a feeder calf operation of 300 head. “We are currently raising 300 head of steers and our goal is to raise 500 by the end of the year.”...

Tim and Cindy Finley have been named the 2018 Izard County Farm Family. Farming at four locations, the Finleys operate an Angus based cattle farm consisting of 130 cows and seven bulls. Members of the media were greeted by the couple, along with their children; Kayla Ward, husband Daniel and son Eli and Kody Finley and wife Whitney. Also present for the event were Tim’s parents, Rayburn and Lacresha Finley...

Bloat in livestock is a common problem for producers, especially when animals graze on lush pastures or are fed grain to boost gains, says Dr. David Fernandez, Extension livestock specialist and interim assistant dean of academic programs for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences. ...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced this week that researchers have confirmed the presence of the Longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) in Benton County, Arkansas. The tick, which is native to East Asia, was first detected in the United States in November 2017 in New Jersey. It has since been confirmed in Virginia, West Virginia and now Arkansas. The Longhorned tick is known to carry and transmit both viral and bacterial tickborne diseases...

If you have driven by Cedar Glade Resort in Horseshoe Bend recently, you’ve probably noticed a lot of hustle and bustle. The resort is revamping and has added Healthy Habits Haven and Spa, which features Foxy Lady Boutique, Healthy Habits Vitamins, Organics and more, a wellness center and complete spa and fitness center...

Tyler Lee Poulette, of Mammoth Spring, was charged May 15 with criminal impersonation and unlawful operation of a blue light. Dusty Reynolds, 31, of Salem, was charged May 17 with revocation of probation. Kaleb West, 31, of Salem, was arrested May 24, for bond revocation and DWI drugs. He is being held without bond...

This is an update to the Hepatitis A (Hep A) outbreak in Northeast Arkansas. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has previously alerted the public about potential exposures in food establishment settings. Risk factors for getting Hep A in this outbreak are close contact with someone who has Hep A; restaurant workers; people with infections or chronic diseases like Hep B or C, HIV/AIDS or diabetes; drug use; homelessness; or incarceration...

To honor Viola resident, Austin Jennings, who passed away in December 2017, his family has launched the ALJ Project to raise awareness for organ donation. Though Austin’s young life came to end at 21-years-old, parts of him are still living on and have saved the lives of at least three people...

For the 2018-2019 school year, Mammoth Spring School students and their families will have one less expense as the district is now offering free meals for all students. The need to provide this for all students was realized after examining the number of students who received free or reduced lunches. ...

This time last year, the small Fulton County town of Viola was welcoming some much needed growth and improvements. This year? More businesses are getting ready to open up while others are continually growing. Mayor Jackie Estes is especially proud to see the success of Viola and hopes to see it continue. ...

Many local towns are gearing up for summer’s biggest holiday, the 4th of July. There is definitely not a shortage of events, so it shouldn’t be hard to find the perfect activity for Independence Day celebrations. The Salem Chamber of Commerce Fireworks in the Park Celebration will be held on Wednesday, July 4 at the Salem City Park...

It was announced last week, Ozarka College will add housing opportunities to its Melbourne campus. With unique programs like aviation, culinary and now welding, housing students has become a need, and Ozarka College President Dr. Richard Dawe says meeting the needs of the students is one of the college’s main priorities...

Thayer City Council held their regular monthly meeting Tuesday, June 12. The council approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the May meeting, two special called meetings, May court report, May fire department minutes and expenses, financial report and a letter from Thayer Drug before approving bills paid and to be paid...

With the heat of this year’s June, it is hard to believe today is the first day of summer, which also means fourth of July draws closer. Area cities have been buys planning Independence Day celebrations. The city of Alton will hold their annual fireworks display on Tuesday, July 3 at the Piney Creek Park at dusk. ...

The West Plains Boys & Girls Club of the Greater West Plains Area – Thayer Branch will begin a special event this summer to help provide lunch for area children, Meet Up & Eat Up, which is a free summer food service program through the USDA and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, provided to the youth of the community...

Those interested in beginning and participating in a farmers market for Oregon County met Thursday, June 14 in the basement of the courthouse. Even though the farmers market will be held in Alton, it will be considered a market for Oregon County. Organizers of this project visited with Alton City Council to request permission for the market and a location, which was granted. Tucker Creek Park was approved as the location...