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Prescott Safety Checkpoints

The Prescott City Police Department in cooperation with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and the Arkansas State Police Troop G, will be conducting a series of safety check points in and around the City of Prescott on the night of Friday, May 24, 2013. These agencies have unified their efforts in an attempt to discourage alcohol related incidents in general, but especially underage drinkers. With school coming to an end and seniors graduating, we would like to commend them for a job well done, and to remind them to take advantage of sponsored events for graduating students such as Project Graduation. Even though these are very happy and exiting times, it can be darkened by one event. Please be safe and act responsibly.


Meth Lab Arrest

The photo of the plastic bottle attached to this release is the actual lab that was in the Process of cooking the Methamphetamine, The cook at this stage is Extremely Volatile, Should citizens happen up on something like this Do not touch and NEVER try to open the Bottle call 911 ASAP. The last three Photos are of the Truck If anyone has observed this vehicle in your area please call the Hempstead County Sheriff's Office and Ask for Inv. Dorman or Inv. Crane, 870-777-6727

An abandoned pick-up has led to two arrests in connection with the production of methamphetamine. Deputy Micheal Braddock of the Hempstead County Sheriff’s office was called to a pasture on Highway 29 North near county road 251 in reference to a Ford pick-up stuck in Thomas Burke’s pasture. Later, Deputy Braddock found a man had contacted a near-by neighbor and asked for help getting the truck out.  When the neighbor and Burke came to help the man was gone. While checking a barn near the truck for the man the deputy found 3 bags of women’s clothing and a clear 32 ounce plastic bottle that was identified as a methamphetamine lab in production.  The lab and the truck were seized.  Further investigation from Investigator Gary Dorman discover 58 year old Barry Leon Richardson had been in possession of the truck.  Richard has had multiple convictions in Texas for possession and manufacture of methamphetamine and was also wanted in Texas on a failure to appear warrant.  When deputies returned to the area Wednesday (5-22-13) they discovered a man and woman in the area and when they learned the man was Richardson he and the woman were taken into custody.  Richardson was armed with a handgun that was seized.  The woman was identified as 46 year old Ursula Schlemmer of Rockdale, Texas.  Both were transported to the Hempstead County Detention Center on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and felon in possession of a firearm.  Deputies also obtained a search warrant for the pickup which had been towed.  Upon searching they found several other containers with lab components and drug paraphernalia.  Several items were also discovered in the truck which had been reported stolen in both Hempstead and Nevada County.  Richardson and Schlemmer are both facing additional charges of residential burglary and theft of property.  Deputies believe the two could also have been involved in other thefts in Hempstead County.


Arrest  Made For Two Counts of Negligent Homicide

On 5/21/13 at approximately 10:00 am, Andrew Whitaker, 24, of Nashville, Arkansas was arrested by the Nashville Police Department, at the request of Hope Police Department Investigators. Whitaker was transported to the Hempstead County Detention Facility where he was charged with two counts of Negligent Homicide and held for a first court appearance.  Whitaker’s arrest comes as the result of an ongoing investigation of an accident that occurred on December 15, 2012 on North Hervey Street in Hope, Arkansas.  The accident resulted in the deaths of Mary and Cecil Harris, both of Nashville.


Pafford Hosts Chamber Coffee

Pafford Medical Services hosted the Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Community Coffee on Wednesday May 22nd in honor of EMS week. Pictured is Jamie Pafford Gresham, Whitney Bright, Clint Cox, Josh Whisenunt, Justin Stephens, and Gary Hardin. A good crowd turned out to visit, enjoy refreshments from Town & Country Catering, and express their thanks for the great services offered by Pafford.


Pete Penney Named Trooper of the Year

Colonel Stan Witt (L), Trooper Pete Penney and Governor Mike Beebe

Arkansas State Trooper (Corporal) Pete Penney, 38, of Nashville was presented with the Arkansas State Trooper of the Year Award Tuesday (5/21/13) during the department's annual awards ceremony in Little Rock. Corporal Penney was also presented the department's Medal of Valor. The recognition of Corporal Penney stems from a March 23, 2012 traffic stop involving a suspected drunk driver along U.S. Highway 278, north of Ozan. Following a field sobriety test, Corporal Penney attempted to arrest the suspect who resisted and began to fight. After several minutes of attempting to gain control of the suspect Corporal Penney radioed for assistance at which time the suspect returned to his car. As Penney approached the car, the suspect reached out holding a white plastic bag which contained a revolver and fired into the trooper's abdomen. Corporal Penney was able to return fire from his service weapon, wounding the suspect. Penney is a nine-year veteran of the department and continues to serve in the Highway Patrol Division. Distinguished Service Awards were presented to Deputy Travis Turner of the Howard County Sheriff's Department and Patrolman Justin Thornton of the Nashville Police Department who "left their respective patrol assignments to respond to Trooper Penney's radio call for help." The State Police said "both officers exhibited bravery and a readiness to render aid to Trooper Penney who had taken cover after exchanging gunfire with the suspect. Neither officer was aware of the location of the armed suspect and disregarded their own safety to take control of the scene, begin applying first aid to Trooper Penney and taking the suspect into custody." Receiving State Police Departmental Commendations and recognized by the Arkansas State Police Commission were Telecom Operator Chanda Martin of the Troop G Highway Patrol Division in Hope, and Special Agents Scott Clark, Hays McWhirter, Scotty Dodd, David Rider, Shannon Shepherd, Corwin Battle and Louis Imler, all with the Criminal Investigation Division, Company C in Hope.


Bobcat Band Departs Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

The Hope High School Marching Bobcat Band departs for Washington, D.C. Thursday, May 23, at 6:00 p.m. Family, friends, and supporters are encouraged to see the band off as they depart from the 18th Street Hope High parking lot on Thursday evening. While in Washington, D.C., the band students will enjoy a rigorous sightseeing scheduling which will include trips to Ford’s Theater; the Lincoln, Korean, Vietnam, and National World War II Memorials; several museums; the Washington Monument; the Smithsonian; the U.S. Capitol Building; and a special event at Arlington National Cemetery where they will participate in the a Military Wreathe Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in the name of Hope High School. They will also be guests at the “National Memorial Day Concert” on the West Lawn of the US Capitol on Sunday evening. Last week, the Bobcats learned that they had been selected to participate in the parade’s televised opening number as flag bearers. This ceremony, and the entire parade, will be shown live Monday, May 27, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time (1:00 Central) on the America Forces Network and The Pentagon Channel and will steam live on Military.com and nationalmemorialdayparade.com. Keep up with the Hope High School Marching Bobcat Band while they are in Washington, D.C. for the National Memorial Day Parade. Follow us on Twitter as Band Mom Jennifer Methvin captures the action @HHS_Parade_Mom. Or for Band Moms Shirley Potts and Tammy Watlington’s posts, like us on Facebook. Search for Hope High School Band and look for the Bobcat Bandwagon DC Bound profile pictures. The Bobcat Band would like to thank all its supporters and donors who made the trip possible. We’ll march proudly in honor of our nation’s fallen veterans because of your support. Summit Field or Constitution Avenue? The Hope High School Marching Bobcat Band proudly prepares to honor our nation’s fallen veterans during their final week of rehearsals for the National Memorial Day Parade.


UACCH Early Childhood Education Awards 100th Child Development Credential

UACCH has awarded the 100th Child Development Credential (CDA). Sandra Champion, UACCH Early Childhood Education Instructor, is pleased to report that April Winfrey has been awarded a CDA Credential. Ms. Winfrey is the 100 UACCH student to receive her CDA. At the 2012 NAEYC Conference, CEO of the Council for Professional Recognition, Valora Washington, awarded the Council's 300,000th CDA credential. As of the conference date, UACCH had proudly contributed 97 Credentials to the Council’s record numbers. April Winfrey’s Credential brings UACCH’s total contribution to 100th credentials. The Early Childhood program at UACCH offers the courses necessary to apply for a CDA Credential from the Council for Early Childhood Recognition, Washington D.C. These courses are then recognized as college credit towards an Early Childhood Education Associates of Applied Science Degree (AAS ECE). For more information regarding CDA course work and the AAS ECE Degree, please contact Sandra Champion at 870-722-8208.


UACCH Career Pathways Program holds retirement celebration for Dr. Claudia Griffin

 

The University of Arkansas Community College at Hope Career Pathways Program recently held a retirement celebration for program director,- Dr. Claudia Griffin.  Dr. Griffin has been at the helm of the program since its creation in 2007 and has assisted over 1561 students over the past 6 years. The Career Pathway’s Program is for parents with children under the age of 21 in the home. At UACCH, the program has provided qualifying students with over 10,000 books and equipment such as calculators, tape recorders, dissecting kits, and label makers to share and use.  Dr. Claudia Griffin’s leadership is credited for the concept of buying books and equipment, loaning them out over and over- and thereby allowing grant funds to provide more opportunities to more students. The program has become a model across the state. Dr. Griffin is looking forward to traveling and spending time with family and friends.


Hope City Board Holds 2nd May Meeting

Stormy weather Tuesday (5-21-13) did not keep the Hope City Board from holding their 2nd meeting of May. The board looked at potential streets for milling, overlay, crack sealing, and ditching. The city manager has asked for the street committee to meet prior to June 4th. Some of the suggested streets which need attention include east 18th, Center, Hickory, North Gunter, North Hammond, Betts, Dairy, McFerrin, and others. Anyone with a suggestion can call City Hall. The board accepted a bid from a Mr. Collins for $4,150 to thin some timber at the landfill. The board passed an ordinance that updates the city's purchasing policy. The new ordinance details that items up to $ 1,000 can be purchased with department head's approval, items $1,000 to $5,000 require 3 phone bids, items $5,000 to $10,000 require written quotes,and items over $10,000 require sealed bids. The board looked at a request from F. F. A. that the city develop and implement an airport grant oversight policy. A draft agreement was considered and approved by the board. City Manager Catherine Cook addressed a citizen who had asked two weeks ago about mobile homes in her neighborhood. Cook explained mobile homes are allowed on one side of the street but not on the other. The resident lives at 7th and Edgewood. The board looked at a letter from AMTRAK President Joseph Boardman which will be hung at the depot. Cook noted the city's new website at hopearkansas.net is nearing completion. The board looked at two quotes on a proposed pole barn at the landfill. The board indicated they wanted the barn bid. The quotes were for $12,750 and $13,500. Board member Don Still mentioned there were a couple of dead trees on Main Street that need to be taken down and possibly the property owners might be contacted. The board voted to elect Don Still to the vacancy on the Tourism Commission.


Hope Police Chief Speaks To Kiwanis

Hope Police Chief J. R. Wilson spoke to the Hope Kiwanis Club on Tuesday May 21st. Chief Wilson spoke on training and education for police officers.


Hope School Board Holds May Meeting

The Hope School Board convened Monday (5-20-13) for their May meeting? Following approval of the minutes and financial reports Superintendent Bobby Hart noted Amy Davis, a senior who graduated Friday, had been named a National Merit Finalist, the first from Hope in several years. Hart also went through some dates and details including that the final two days of school, May 28th and 29th school will dismiss at 2pm. Hart also noted the office will operate on a four day week starting June 2nd. The board voted to raise school breakfasts costs to $1.25 and raise lunch costs to $1.50. The board also voted to purchase a 2010 Ford van from Hope Auto for $18,000. This van will be used by the food service program. The board heard a report on the construction at Hope High from Assistant Superintendent Steve Bradshaw. The board also heard from UACCH vice -chancellor Jennifer Methvin about the concurrent credit program Hope High students can get through UACCH. She noted 26 students took advantage of the program this semester but are expecting 4 times that number next year. Methvin also talked about working with all seniors to complete the UACCH application, both as a learning exercise and to assist students who decide late in the summer to attend UACCH. The board approved the audit report and also went over accreditation reports for the district. Hart noted the courts have signed off on the district rezoning plan and the decision to cut the board from 8 members to 7. The board discussed moving the 9th grade academy to the Garland facility. This would involve about 170 students, Such a move would free up 9 classrooms and the auditorium. This would offset the space being utilized on the first floor of the high school for the New Tech Academy. Board member Viney Johnson said she believed the board had indicated 20 years ago when Clinton Primary was built that they then hoped to not utilize Garland for children any more than they had to? No one could comment as no one else currently on the board was on the board 20 years ago. Vice -Principal Pam Kessell asked the board to do such a project right or not at all. Board member Willie Buck suggested the GED/WAGE program would need to move if the 9th grade academy comes to Garland. Board President Joe Short suggested the administrators come back with a plan. Personnel matters closed out the meeting. The board approved a facilities request for the Yerger gym for a summer basketball program.


Super Country 105 at the AMTRAK Dedication

 

Thousands gathered in downtown Hope Saturday (5-18) to celebrate “Train Day” and the official dedication of the AMTRAK stop in Hope.  Vice-Mayor Steve Montgomery presided over the event noting the strong attachment Hope has to the railroad. He noted Hope was founded due to the railroad coming through the area. He noted the first passenger train came to Hope February 1st, 1872 and continued until 1971. Other speakers included State Senator Larry Teague, former U.S. Congressman Mike Ross, Interim Southwest Arkansas Arts Council Director Jeff Cook, and Todd Stennis of AMTRAK.  Following the 30 minute ceremony the crowd moved to the breezeway of the depot where Paul Henley cut the ribbon for the stop.  A tail-gating food contest was held and the Civitan held drawings for AMTRAK trips. Tyler Brelin won the St. Louis trip and Craig Robinson won the Chicago trip. Paul Henley noted over 1,700 people toured the AMTRAK exhibit train at the event. The AMTRAK dedication ceremony concluded with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting.  Paul Henley cut the ribbon and afterwards noted he always expected AMTRAK to come to Hope.  He credited City Manager Catherine Cook and John Ed Watkins with being instrumental in working to bring AMTRAK to Hope.  Henley says now that he has the project finished he hopes to take some train trips.  He and his wife Dolly spent many weekends traveling to meetings with the Texas Eagle Marketing and Promotional Organization working to secure the stop.  Since the train began stopping April 4th there have been quite a few passengers getting on and off in Hope.


Bluegrass Festival At Historic Washington

The always popular Hartley Family performs Saturday at the Hope /Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Bluegrass Festival held at Historic Washington State Park.

Kenneth Clements of Fordyce, Glenn Woodruff of Hope, Stan D'Aubin of Springdale, and and Charlie Webb of Hope have a "jam " session Saturday at the Hope /Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Bluegrass Festival at Historic Washington State Park.


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