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Filing Period Closes in Hempstead County for May 18th Primary

The filing period for candidates running in the May 18th primaries closed yesterday (Monday 3-8) at noon.  A number of contested races are set for the primaries and several incumbents will not be running.  In the county sheriff’s race, Hempstead County Chief Deputy James Singleton will face former deputy and business owner Curtis H. Haines.  Incumbent Sheriff Jerry Crane is not running.  Incumbent coroner Gary Aaron did not file to run.  In that race former Sheriff Don Worthy will face Deputy Coroner Ben Brazzel.  Circuit Clerk Carolyn Neel is retiring from that office and vying to replace her is Anita Tompkins who is an administrative assistant in the county judge’s office and deputy circuit clerk Gail Wolfenbarger.  County Treasurer Catherine Rowe has is not running for another term.  Filing to replace her is deputy treasurer Holly Bobo and long-time Brazzel Funeral Homes employees Judy Lee.  Lee is running as a Democrat and Bobo is running as a Republican. Three incumbent county officials are running unopposed.  They include County Judge Wallace Martin, County Clerk Sandra Rodgers, and County Assessor Sandra May.  Three Quorum Court positions in Hempstead County have contested races.  Long-time District 5 JP Olen Dorman is being challenged by Nicholas Ward.  Long-time District 6 JP Lynn Montgomery will face Nita Waddell in the general election.  Montgomery is a Democrat and Waddell has filed as a Republican.  Two people have filed for the District 10 seat vacated by the recent death of long-time JP Randy Morris of Bingen.  Morris’s son Todd Morris has filed for that position as has Jay Lathrop (lay-throp).   Unopposed JP races in Hempstead County include Monica Johnson for district 1, Billy Rook for JP District 2, Doris Brown for District 3, Danny Watson for District 4, Larry Byers for District 7, Ronnie Kidd for District 8, Jessie Henry for District 9, and Keith Steed for District 11. Two people filed for constable’s seats.  Linda Clark filed for the De Roan Township position and Warren Webster filed for the constable’s position in the Saline Township. Filings were also completed for the Democratic Central Committee and the Republican Central Committee.

Old Washington Farmer’s Market Gears Up for Second Season

The Old Washington Farmer’s Market is planning its 2nd season this year and organizer Stephanie Buckley says a meeting for farmer’s who wish to participate is set for this month.  A meeting for farmer’s who wish to participate is set for Tuesday march 16th at 6pm at the Washington Volunteer Fire Department.  Persons who would like to learn more about the Washington Farmer’s Market may contact Buckley at 983-2443.  The market is expected to open in early May and all local Arkansas Producers are encouraged to learn more about the market.

Texarkana Police Seek Public’s Help in Locating Missing Man

Texarkana, Arkansas Police are currently attempting to locate David Beaty. Beaty has been reported missing by his family and has not been seen in several days. Beaty is described as being a w/m 6’ 160lbs dark hair and medium complexion. He is 34 years old. Beaty was last seen on 2/28/10 wearing a black leather jacket, baggy cargo style jeans, a black ball cap, and a black and white striped shirt in the area of N. State Line Ave.  Anyone with information on Beaty’s whereabouts or welfare should contact Inv. Les Moody with the Texarkana, Arkansas Police department @ 903-798-3154.

Nevada County Quorum Court Looks to Tighten Financial Belt

The current state of the Nevada County budget was the main topic of discussion Monday (03/08) night at the Nevada County Quorum Court meeting. Judge Baker Butler says at the end of February, the county general budget was only about $40,000 in the black. Judge Butler says the county general fund started the year somewhere around $200,000 and went from around $167,000 at the end of January to around $40,000 in only one month. Butler says the county has been in the red before, but never this early in the year. The county will not be the only one to feel the budget crunch, Butler says from preliminary numbers coming in, the Prescott school district will be around $140,000 short and Nevada will be about around $70,000 short, due primarily to a decline in student enrollment.

Two Positions to Draw Major Voter Attention in Upcoming Nevada County Primary

The top two elected positions in Nevada County will be a hot topic for voters in the upcoming May 18th primary. Three candidates, including Mark Glass, Nicky McGuire and Todd Prewitt have filed for the position of County Judge to replace Judge Baker Butler who is retiring at the end of his current term, which will expire in December. For the position of Prescott Mayor, one candidate, Terry Oliver, has filed to challenge incumbent mayor Howard Taylor. Several positions will run unopposed, including Julie S. Oliver for County Clerk, Rita Reyenga for Circuit Clerk, Pam Box for County Assessor, Karen Cobb for County Treasurer and William Mullins for Coroner. Danny Martin will remain in place as Nevada County Sheriff for his second term, as no one filed to oppose him by the noon deadline on Monday, March 8th.

New Bobcat Football Coach Discusses the Off-Season

New Head Bobcat Football Coach Jay Turley spoke to the Hope Lions Club on Monday.  Coach Turley gave the club an update on what’s going on during the off-season.  He noted the players are working out with weights 4 days a week and are running one day a week.  The coach also noted he runs the “spread offense” and will be working with the players on that approach.  Coach Turley said there are 69 young men working in off-season or in spring sports so the numbers should be good for this fall.

11th Annual Spring FFA Hill Rodeo this Weekend in Hope

The 11th annual Spring Hill FFA Rodeo is set for this weekend says FFA member Wesley Barnes.  The rodeo is set for Friday March 12th and Saturday March 13th at 6:30pm in the Fair Park Rodeo Arena.  Admission is $4.  Thursday (3-11) the Friends of the Rodeo will put on a “Ranch Rodeo” at 7pm in the Rodeo Arena.  Admission is $4 and proceeds will go towards the Spring Hill FFA event.

Arkansas Education Board Approves Local School Mergers

The Weiner and Delight school districts have received approval from the Arkansas Education Board to merge with neighboring districts. The districts are 200 miles apart, and last month they asked the board to allow them to conduct a long-distance merger of their administrations. The board denied the request but on Monday approved more conventional plans. Weiner is to be incorporated into the neighboring Harrisburg School District, and Delight is to combine with Murfreesboro, to create the South Pike County School District. Weiner and Delight both were below the 350-student state minimum and had to consolidate. The board also approved the merger of the Wickes and Van Cove districts. A proposed merger of Earle and Turrell was taken off the agenda.

8th Annual Hempstead County Democratic Women’s Bean Supper

The 8th annual Hempstead County Democratic Women’s Bean Supper is set for Thursday March 11th at the Fair Park Community Center.  Hazel Simpson says for a modest fee you can eat all you want.  Admission is $5 and you can choose from 20 varieties of beans plus cornbread and “cracklin’” bread.  Tickets are available from any member or at the door.  You can eat in or get your beans to go.

Little Rock Man Charged with Negligent Homicide Stemming from 2008 Traffic Fatality on I-30

On January 14th, 2010, Anthony W. Gunter of Little Rock was convicted of Negligent Homicide and sentenced to 10 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections, with 5 years suspended, following a 2008 traffic fatality near Fulton. Arkansas State Police say that on November 28th, Gunter and Lance Collins, also of Little Rock, were traveling from North Little Rock to Texarkana when the driver lost control of the vehicle at the 18.8 mile marker and collided with a guard rail. According to the Hempstead County Coroner’s report, Collins was pronounced dead at the scene due to a broken neck following the collision. During the initial investigation in 2008, Gunter stated in an interview at ASP Headquarters that Collins was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident. Authorities then administered a polygraph examination to Gunter, whose answers proved to be deceptive. Gunter was then given a post test interview, during which he admitted to being at a party in North Little Rock where he said he had drank a few beers and taken  some Hydrocodone pills before he and Collins left for Texarkana. Gunter also admitted that he was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident and that Collins had never been behind the wheel. Gunter entered a plea of no contest to the charge of negligent homicide as a result of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

14-Year-Old Dead after Found Hanging from Front Porch

 

On Saturday March 6, 2010, Deputies were dispatched to the 600 block of Hempstead 34 in Nashville in reference to a possible hanging. Upon arrival deputies made contact with Howard Count EMS personnel who stated that when they arrived on scene they observed a 14 year old Hispanic male lying on the couch in the living room area of the home. EMS personnel stated that they were told by family members they had found the 14 year old hanging from a rope on the porch about ten minutes before EMS arrived. The 14 year old was transported to Howard Memorial Hospital where he later died. The 14 year old was pronounced dead by Howard County Coroner John Gray and his body was sent to the State Crime Lab for an autopsy.

 

7-Year-Old Passenger Seriously Injured in ATV Accident

 

At approximately 4:30 pm Sunday March 7, 2010, Hempstead County deputies were dispatched to Hempstead County Road 189 in reference to an ATV accident with injuries. Deputies were advised that a 16 year old, 10 year old and a 7 year old male were riding a ATV on County Road 189 approximately eight tenths of a mile north of U.S. Highway 67 when the 10 year old got off the ATV and began to run along behind and beside the ATV which was being driven by the 16 year old with the 7 year old as a passenger. The 16 year old driver told deputies that he accelerated the ATV it flipped and threw him and his 7 year old passenger off the ATV causing it to land upside down in the road ditch and the 7 year old passenger was lying in the road bleeding from the head area. The 16 year old told deputies that he picked up the injured 7 year old and drove back to their home where the 7 year olds parents began to drive the injured child to the hospital in Hope. While en route Deputies and EMS personnel met the parents at the old weigh scales on 67 where they rendered aid until a helicopter could land and transport the 7 year old to Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. As of 8:00 pm Sunday night, the injured child’s condition was listed as serious but stable.  

US Rep. Mike Ross Files for Re-Election

Democratic Rep. Mike Ross is highlighting his opposition to his party's efforts on health care and climate change legislation as he seeks re-election. Ross filed for re-election Friday at the state Capitol. He's the only incumbent congressman in Arkansas running for re-election. Ross told reporters after filing that he's opposed a proposed health care overhaul that passed the House. He also noted his opposition to "cap and trade" climate change legislation. Republicans Glenn Gallas and Beth Anne Rankin filed last week for the GOP nomination to challenge Ross in the fall election. Friday marked the fifth day of filing for state and federal offices in Arkansas.

Annual Black History Program Presented at Saratoga Schools

The Annual Black History Program at Saratoga Schools was held Thursday, March 4, 2010 in the M.H. Peebles Auditorium. The theme was, "Don't sit down and wait for opportunities to come; you have to get up and make them." Students presented the program in song and skits, as well as a Black History Quiz Bowl Match, and a modeling show. The program was capped by a presentation of "A Tribute to Big Mamma" revolving around a family's patriarch and the trouble in the family that culminates in Big Mamma's death. The music part of the program was under the direction of Gifted and Talented Administrator Kenneth Stewart. Art Department head Christine Green was Program Director. A number of Saratoga Alumni and patrons volunteered in producing the program.

Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Contact Committee Meeting Scheduled for Wednesday

There will be a meeting for persons interested in serving on the Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Contact Committee on Wednesday (March 10th) at noon at the Chamber office.  Chamber president Bitsy Carter explains what the Chamber is looking for from these volunteers is volunteering to help with the Chamber banquet and the Watermelon Festival.  She says the biggest thrust will be a group of volunteers to come to Coffees and Ribbon-cuttings and also to make contact with merchants to get their thoughts on what they need from the Chamber.  All interested persons are encouraged to attend.  If you need information phone Carter at 777-6667.

Former Hempstead County Justice of the Peace Dead at 66

Randy Morris, 66, of Bingen, Arkansas died Friday, March 5, 2010 in a Texarkana hospital. Morris was a Hempstead County Justice of the Peace. Morris had represented District 10 for over thirty years. He also served on the Bingen Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors, a past member of the Howard County Cattleman's Association Board, past owner of Morris Farm and Ranch Supply, Nashville Livestock and Clark County Livestock. Funeral services will be at 10 am Monday at Latimer Funeral Home in Nashville with burial in Ozan Cemetery at Bingen. Memorials may be made to Bingen United Methodist Church.

Stamps Man Honored by the Dallas, Texas Black Chamber of Commerce

A Stamps native has been honored by the Dallas, Texas Black Chamber of Commerce at its 26th annual "Quest for Success" awards.  Terry White was honored for his hard work, growth, and success of his business.  White owns and operates Angelic Mortuary in Sherman, Texas.

Hope High Lady Cats Sweep Ashdown Tournament

The Hope High Lady Cats swept the Ashdown tournament Friday and Saturday (3-5 and 3-6).  Coach Mike Godwin says the Lady Cats defeated Linden-Kildare Friday 10 to 1.  Stephanie Winnfield was the winning pitcher with leading hitters including Chelsea Cornelius, Malloree Butler, Shaunte Henry, and Stephanie Winnfield.  Saturday morning the Lady Cats defeated Arkansas High 14 to 2.  The Lady Cats wrapped up the tournament in the finals defeating Mount Pleasant, Texas 3 to 7.  The Lady Cats move to 5 and 0 on the year.  They play next Thursday afternoon when they travel to Foreman to take on the Lady Gators.

Local Runners in Little Rock Marathon

At least two local runners participated in Saturday’s (3-6) Little Rock Marathon.  Jay Kopecky posted a time of 5 hours, 28 minutes and 53 seconds. Brian Cox of Hope also posted the same time.  There were nearly 3,000 runners in the annual event.

Film Maker of Local Legends Dead at 71

The man who scared a generation of movie goers in part with films based on local legends has died.  71 year old Charles B. Pierce died in a Dover, Tennessee nursing home Friday.  Pierce is best known for his movies "The Legend of Boggy Creek" and "The Town That Dreaded Sundown".  "Boggy Creek" was based on southern Miller County's "Fouke Monster" legend while "Town" was based on the Phantom Killer murders in Texarkana in 1946. Prior to making movies Pierce was "Mayor Chuckles" on the channel 6 kids show "The Laugh-a-Lot Club" in the late 1960's. Pierce was a native of Indiana but grew up in Hampton, Arkansas.  He later moved to Texarkana and operated an advertising agency.  "Boggy Creek" was Pierce's first movie.  Made for about $160,000 in and around Texarkana, the movie reported grossed $25 million dollars, an enormous amount in the early 1970's.  A sequel to Boggy Creek was filmed in part at the old Sheraton Inn motel in Hope. Pierce's later movies included "Bootleggers", "Winterhawk", and "Grayeagle".  He attended and was honored at the 2008 Little Rock Film Festival. Pierce died of natural causes and will be buried in Tennessee where he had lived for the past several years.

Feds: Conway center puts children at risk of death

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department is asking a federal judge to halt new admissions of school-age children at the Conway Human Development Center, claiming that the facility "exposes residents to death and injury." In a court filing Tuesday, Justice Department attorneys claim that one patient fatally overdosed because of "medication mismanagement" and that an 8-year-old child suffered kidney damage after he received a high dose of Lithium. The filing also says the center unnecessarily uses straitjackets, restraint chairs and a device called a "papoose board" — a padded board intended to immobilize someone's legs, arms and torso. The center has more than 500 residents and is one of six residential facilities operated by the state. The lawsuit was filed last year under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act. DHS spokeswoman Julie Munsell declined to comment because the agency hasn't fully reviewed Tuesday's court filings.

2 spots left open after Arkansas political filings

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — When Arkansas' political filing season closed, two positions failed to draw candidates. The prosecutor's post at Stuttgart didn't attract anyone and at Mena the only one to step forward is a potential independent candidate. Robert Dittrich of Stuttgart said he wants to serve again but forgot about Monday's deadline until a reporter called him. He can file paperwork with the state to run as a write-in candidate. Prosecutor Tim Williamson in western Arkansas said that while he has enjoyed his job, it was time to "let someone else come to the forefront." He has been prosecutor for 16 years. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Riner of Hatfield has filed a notice to run as an independent candidate. Riner must gather 255 signatures by May 1 to make the ballot.

Ark. senate candidate says he'd oppose pay raises

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Democratic Senate candidate Bill Halter says if elected he wouldn't accept any cost-of-living pay raises as long as there's a federal budget deficit. Halter on Tuesday said he would oppose any automatic pay raises and would donate the money to charity if any were approved in Congress. The Arkansas lieutenant governor is challenging Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln in the May 18 primary. Members of the House and Senate under current federal law receive automatic cost-of-living raises each year, unless they pass legislation rejecting the raise. Congress rejected a pay raise for this year. Halter also said that if elected he'd hold town hall meetings in all 75 counties, make his schedules available to the public online and never become a lobbyist after serving in the Senate.

First lady to deliver 3 commencement addresses

WASHINGTON (AP) — First lady Michelle Obama will be the featured graduation speaker at three commencement ceremonies this spring. Mrs. Obama will speak to graduates at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff on May 8. The White House says the university was the only state-supported institution of higher education for African-Americans when it opened more than 130 years ago. On June 11, the first lady will address graduates at Anacostia Senior High School, a Washington, D.C. public school Mrs. Obama visited last year as part of her mentoring program for young women. And if students at The George Washington University complete 100,000 hours of community service before their May 16 graduation, Mrs. Obama will speak at that commencement as well. The first lady issued the service challenge to the student body at the beginning of the school year.

LR museum features war photos by Jim Guy Tucker

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Long before the Whitewater scandal ended his governorship, Jim Guy Tucker was an officer in the Marine Corps Reserve who couldn't go to Vietnam because he had a liver disease. So he went on his own as a civilian correspondent, documenting the war for Asian and U.S. media outlets. Tucker's photos from his two trips to Vietnam are featured in a new exhibit alongside work from his Hall High School classmate, Bruce Wesson. "Warriors: Vietnam Portraits By Two Guys From Hall," opened Friday and runs through Aug. 8 at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History in Little Rock. Tucker says photography became a new passion of his as he traveled throughout Vietnam. His black-and-white photographs depict Arkansans at war — sometimes relaxing, other times responding to attack. Tucker's former classmate, Wesson, says he hopes the exhibit honors Vietnam veterans and makes them proud of their service.

W. Memphis college receives federal stimulus grant

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. (AP) — Mid-South Community College in West Memphis has been chosen to receive a nearly $3.4 million federal grant.

The U.S. Department of Labor grant announced Tuesday will be used to establish an aviation technology program. The college will develop an integrated, FAA-certified training program for airframe and powerplant technicians.