December 2022
STATE OF ARKANSAS
This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council received a report regarding the state of mental and behavioral health in Arkansas. This report was months in the making.
Letter to the Editor
Baby it’s cold outside. Or at least that is what we are told is going to happen. As I am sure most people know, when it comes to the weather, adage of, “I’ll believe it when I see it,” holds true around here.
Capitol Week in Review
Legislators finished the calendar year with a final round of recommendations for spending federal relief funds and reserve funds. The recommendations include using another $93.8 million for broadband projects and $20 million to upgrade computerized case management for the state court system.
Mary Jo Pate
MARY JO PATE 10-31-1941 – 12-12-2022 Mary Jo Pate, 81, of Salem, Ark., passed away from this life on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, at her home in Salem, Ark.
DEATH NOTICES
Retha Mae Fletcher, 86, of Calico Rock, Ark., died Dec. 11 at Calico Rock, Ark.
Leta Bell (Jeffery) Lucy
LETA BELL (JEFFERY) LUCY 09-12-1933 – 12-15-2022 Leta Bell (Jeffery) Lucy, 89, of Salem, Ark., passed away from this life on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, at Salem, Ark.
Meet Bella, an adoptee waiting at the Cherokee Village Animal Control shelter
Courtesy of Cherokee Village Animal Control Bella is a beautiful dog, a sweet ball of energy who follows simple commands and enjoys walks. She would do well in a fenced-in yard where she can run or with a family who would take her on frequent walks or hikes to expend her energy.
A Christmas Eve candlelight service open to all
Courtesy of Pastor Brian Pummill and the Cherokee Village Peace Lutheran Church Everyone in the community is cordially invited to join Peace Lutheran Church for a music- and hope-filled Christmas Eve candlelight service at 6 p.m. Special emphasis will be placed on finding peace and strength in the Lord despite the many challenges surrounding us daily.
Giving back to veterans
It has been a time-honored tradition over the past 10 years for the Veterans Support Association to give back to area veterans. Recently, the nonprofit organization made donations to veterans in Salem at the South Fork River Therapy and Living, where they gifted the veterans with personalized Christmas gifts.