Villager Journal

Congratulations to the following Emergency Management Programs that have earned accreditation by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP): State of Arkansas, State of Maryland; and Washoe County, NV. “Congratulations to those Programs that have maintained their accredited status as well as those who have joined the elite leaders in emergency management having earned accreditation through the Emergency Management Accreditation Program. ...

The Ash Flat City Council met on Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. After the minutes from the Dec. 15 meeting were approved and the council’s January agenda was accepted, the meeting proceeded with various departmental reports since December. Tracy Breckenridge, Superintendent of the Water and Sewer Department, gave his monthly report regarding repairs on several water leaks and conduits. ...

The Highland City Council met on Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. Recorder/Treasurer Mary Wiles swore in the council members for the year 2021. The minutes from the Dec. 8 meeting and the current meeting’s agenda were then approved. Mary Wiles went over the treasurer’s report and overall budget from 2020, and addressed any questions on finances of individual departments. ...

www.hallmarktimes.com Dennis Sternberg, CEO of the Arkansas Rural Water Association traveled to city hall in Ash Flat Jan. 12 to present Tracy Breckenridge, water superintendent for the city, with an award on behalf of the Arkansas Rural Water Association. The award for best tasting water in the State of Arkansas places the City of Ash Flat among the top 50 destinations for best tasting water in the United States...

Though not as long ago as the first half of 2020, the second half flew by equally as fast for some. Enjoy taking a look back on the second half of top local news stories published in Villager Journal from July to December 2020. July The Arkansas State Police issued a statement that they had been asked to conduct an investigation involving the use of deadly force by several law enforcement officers during an altercation near Hardy...

The grand opening of the new Sharp County Detention Center in Ash Flat was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on a blustery Friday morning, Jan. 8, at 10 a.m. After a thankful prayer by County Judge Gene Moore, Sheriff Mark Counts proceeded with introductions of several Arkansas Government officials. ...

With the rapid growth in COVID-19 cases throughout the U.S. and the alarming number of deaths resulting from coronavirus (over 250,000 total cases and almost 4,000 deaths in Arkansas alone as of Jan. 9), there is an ever-pressing concern about the distribution and availability of the different COVID vaccines. ...

2020 was definitely a year for the record books, and a year no one will be forgetting anytime soon. Take a look back at the top news stories published in Villager Journal from January to June 2020. January James Seawell, Travis Armistade, Carlo Farruggia and Stacey Everidge were placed under arrest Dec. 20, after attempting to steal nearly $4,000 worth of merchandise from Walmart in Ash Flat. Ash Flat Police responded to the scene and was the arresting agency...

Editor’s note: If you noticed an unfamiliar name on a few articles in Villager Journal at the end of 2020, that name will gradually become more familiar. Elaine Brown is the newest member of the editorial team at Areawide Media. She will be reporting for Villager Journal, covering the top news stories in Sharp County and also reporting some in Fulton and Izard counties. She had a very interesting idea to “survey” local residents about 2020 and their hopes for 2021...

The Create Bridges team recently announced a partnership to provide extra help for local businesses. “The Create Bridges team is excited to partner with Arkansas Department of Parks, Tourism, and Heritage to showcase Arkansas.com and how it can benefit your business and region for FREE. ...

Fulton County Sheriff Al Roork issued a press release on Christmas Day (Friday, Dec. 25) about an incident which had recently occurred. “On Dec. 24, at 1:43 a.m., the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department received a call from the Fulton County Hospital [stating] that a 52-year-old hispanic male subject had just arrived by private vehicle at the ER with multiple gunshot wounds...

The Create Bridges team recently announced a partnership to provide extra help for local businesses. “The Create Bridges team is excited to partner with Arkansas Department of Parks, Tourism, and Heritage to showcase Arkansas.com and how it can benefit your business and region for FREE. ...

A new industry is making its way into Sharp County, which will be beneficial for the local economy in many ways. One of those benefits is the creation of jobs. Emerson prides itself on two business platforms: Automation solutions and commercial and residential solutions. Worldwide, the corporation employees 88,000 individuals in 200 manufacturing locations. Emerson was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Mo...

The Highland School Board acted swiftly in their selection of a new superintendent, hiring Jeremy Lewis to lead the district in the 21-22 school year. In the November board meeting, Don Sharp announced he will retire at the end of this school year, completing his fifth year with the district. At the December school board meeting, the Highland School Board conducted interviews and selected Lewis to be the superintendent...

The Ash Flat City Council met on Dec. 15, postponed from the regularly scheduled meeting of Dec. 8. The meeting was delayed out of respect to the late Councilman Billy Bob Billingsley, who passed away after a tragic accident on Dec. 7. After approval of the minutes from the previous meetings on Nov. 10, 24 and Dec. 1, reports from individual departments followed, covering incidents and issues that arose since November...

The Harps Food Store, located in the Highland Square Shopping Center in Highland, donated a $500 check each to the American Legion Post 336 of Williford, and to the House of Luke Ministries of Cherokee Village. The checks were presented at the store location on Dec. 16, by Kenny Haney, store manager...

A new industry is making its way into Sharp County, which will be beneficial for the local economy in many ways. One of those benefits is the creation of jobs. Emerson prides itself on two business platforms: Automation solutions and commercial and residential solutions. Worldwide, the corporation employees 88,000 individuals in 200 manufacturing locations. Emerson was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Mo...

Law enforcement agencies across Arkansas and the nation are prepared to launch a two-week long intensified enforcement plan aimed at drivers who choose to drive impaired. In advance of the holiday travel period state troopers, local police, and sheriff’s deputies want to remind drivers of their stepped-up patrols along U.S. and state highways, as well as local streets and county roads...

While many truths and myths about the coronavirus have been floating around since the pandemic started at the beginning of the year, one fact is plain as day: We are all tired of hearing about it. Yet this deadly virus, also known as COVID-19, will not be ignored. ...

A tragic accident claimed the life of an influential Sharp County resident. Billy Bob Billingsley, of Evening Shade, died following an accident on his farm on Monday, Dec. 7. Billingsley was very active in the agriculture community, especially with his role in the family business at the Ash Flat Livestock Auction...

A news article was recently shared on social media which caused quite the stir amongst Fulton County residents. The article was in regards to an annexation of a new business opening soon in Fulton County, but near the City of Hardy. Spring River Dispensary, the first medical marijuana dispensary in the tri-county area, will soon be opening for business. ...

Recently, 1st Choice Healthcare donated brochures, water bottles, t-shirts, gift cards, and a pallet of water to the Highland School District. 1st Choice Healthcare secured funding for the donation through a grant from MidSouth and UALR to help promote the prevention of underage alcohol and drug use...

Corey Shelton is a 25-year-old Cherokee Village resident and 2012 graduate of Highland High School. Though an injury has taken him out of active lifting, Shelton has a passion for weight-lifting and would like to encourage others. Something not everyone might know about Shelton is that he has autism...

Local artists Sheila Donley and Carrie McIntosh, recently entered artwork into a local show and received recognition. Donley, of Cherokee Village, and McIntosh, of Elizabeth, are good friends who prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, were painting with the Fulton County Art Council in Salem weekly. Though the weekly activity hasn’t been held in quite some time, their love of art never stops...

Hardy will have it’s traditional Main Street Christmas Parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. All parade workers will be required to wear a mask while in immediate presence of float owners/workers or spectators. All spectators will be asked, but are not required, to wear masks and to practice safe social distancing The parade will start at Woodland Hills drive at the Valero gas station and travel west through Main Street through the traffic light and end at 5th street at the Hardy First Baptist Church next to McDonald’s. ...

After approximately one year of research and writing, local author Ron Estes, has finished two new books about area veterans. The books, Fulton County Soldiers in WWI and Sharp County Soldiers in WWI, feature name and rank, of World War I veterans as well as whether they went overseas or not. For instance, one sailing from New York to France, includes additional information such as when the veteran was born, died, married, parents, buried and what cemetery they are in...

The SACS Christmas Store is accepting applications through Dec. 11 to help families who did not get selected for the Angel Tree or Shop With a Cop Christmas support. According to Executive Director, Brinda Isreal, this will be the final year for the SACS Christmas Store which has served the community for many years, helping bridge the gap...

With the Thanksgiving holiday now behind us, communities and families are focusing on the Christmas season. Ash Flat will hold its annual Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 4:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Cartoon Christmas” and organizers encourage those participating to show their best Charlie Brown, Looney Tunes, Grinch, etc. Prizes will be given out for the various categories...

Deputy Jordan Powell of Sharp County Sheriff’s Department was one of 40 officers who successfully completed Basic Police Training Course 2020-B at the BRTC Law Enforcement Training Academy in Pocahontas, Ark. Powell was one of three deputies at the top of the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course. ...

In hopes to shine more light on the Thanksgiving holiday, Sharp County Library of Evening Shade made a recent presentation to Evening Shade Head Start. Angie Haley is the Evening Shade Library Clerk and on Friday, Nov. 20, she presented students of Evening Shade Head Start with the book, “This is the Feast” by Diane Z. Shore...

Fulton County native Charles Broyles joined Fulton County Sheriff’s Office approximately six months ago, and Fulton County Sheriff Al Roork is excited about Broyles’ future in law enforcement. Hired as a full time deputy in May of this year, Broyles began training at the Black River Technical College Law Enforcement Training Academy in Pocahontas, Ark. ...

William Alma Miller, 44, the man in custody as a suspect in the murder of Rebekah Gould 16 years ago, appeared before Judge Clara Rigmainden in Lane County, Ore. Nov. 12 and requested to fight extradition to Arkansas to appear on charges of capital murder in the first degree...

The Bluff Steakhouse Bar and Grill/ Biggers Inn and White River Health Systems have partnered to aid in fundraising efforts to benefit the Cherokee Village Animal Shelter. Through the sponsorship, a stay-cation/vacation which will include a two night’s stay at Biggers Inn, a $50 gift certificate for dinner at Biggers Inn and a $50 gift certificate for dinner at the Spring River Draft House in Hardy, will be up for grabs...

In a season likely controlled more by the COVID-19 virus rather than the schedule, the Cave City Cavemen played a nine-game schedule and finished the season 2-7 overall and 1-5 in conference. Coaches, players and fans were not sure at the beginning of the week if there would be a game, or in some cases, whom the team might play...

Nancy Busby, 69, formerly of this area, died Oct. 24 in Washington, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Powell Funeral Home. Thomas W. McDonnell, 71, died Monday, Oct. 19, at his home in Gainesville, Mo. Arrangements are under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer...

The Highland City Council held its regular meeting Nov. 10 during which the council discussed raising the fee for business licenses in Highland. The meeting began with department reports, with the fire department report. Mayor Russell Truitt presented the report as Fire Chief Kal Dienst was absent...

St. Bernard’s First Care in Highland recently announced a familiar face serving in a new way as Crystal Shackelford becomes the newest nurse practitioner added to the team. “I have worked for St. Bernard’s for 13 years and started out as a CNA. I had been working at the hospital but I live here. When this opportunity came available, I wanted to take it,” Shackelford said...

The Ash Flat Planning and Zoning Commission met Nov. 9 to review and approve the plans for Tractor Supply Company. After approving the minutes from previous meetings, the commission moved on to discuss Tractor Supply Company. “As all of you know, Tractor Supply Company is coming in and there are trucks out there,” Fred Goodwin said, as he presented the company’s plan...

The Highland School District has been added to the list of schools in Arkansas who have made the decision to switch to virtual learning due to COVID-19. On Nov. 13, the district announced virtual learning would be implemented for all students Nov. 16...

A man from Hardy is facing felony charges after investigators with the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department investigated a case of alleged child abuse at the request of the Department of Human (DHS) Services, after it was discovered two children who came to be in the custody of DHS sustained extensive bruising during disciplinary action at home...

The Ash Flat City Council held its regular meeting Nov. 10. Following the approval of previous meeting minutes, the council moved on to hear department reports. The first report delivered was by Fire Chief Stacy Horton. “This report is from Oct. 8 to Nov. 4. We have had 30 calls since our last meeting: 12 medical; four vehicle accidents; one grass fire; six public assists and seven false alarms,” Horton said...

The Pocahontas Redskins came to Highland on Nov. 6 for a conference game and defeated the Rebels 40-22. After the game, Pocahontas’ record stood at 8-2 overall and 5-2 in conference. Highland’s record was 2-6 overall and 1-4 in conference. Pocahontas led at the end of the first quarter 13-0. ...

Veterans live and work in every community of Arkansas. We are their friends, their family, their co-workers, and their neighbors. It is up to us to ensure that every veteran feels that his or her service to this country is appreciated. There are ways every Arkansan can help our veterans. ...

Even though Americans might still be unsure of who the next President of the United States of America will be, local races have been determined. The 2020 General Election was held Tuesday, Nov. 4, in what has probably been the most unusual Election Day to date...

State Fair Pageant winner Sue Billiot was recently crowned 2020 Senior Mrs Arkansas. Billiot said this was her first year to compete, however, she has been serving in the Arkansas Fair Industry since 1999, serving on the Sharp County Fair Board directing the pageants in Sharp County for nearly two decades...