Stories from Friday, January 24, 2003

There's an important life lesson in every box. Just mention Girl Scout cookies and people begin rattling off their favorite varieties - Samoas, Tagalongs and Thin Mints. That's because Gil Scout cookies are as American as the stars on the American flag. But even diehard Girl Scout cookie lovers are unaware of the real reward behind the annual cookie sale: which is helping girls build business and financial savvy...

In last week's State address to the state Legislature, Gov. Mike Huckabee's proposed education plan that called for restructuring school districts has caused concern and raised questions among local administrators and residents in the communities...

The Board of Directors of First Delta Bank has announced the promotion of Jerry R. Rushing to Vice President/Collector. Jerry joined the Bank during mid-year 2002 as Collector. "Jerry has done an outstanding job performing his duties here at First Delta Bank," stated George Beley, Chairman of the Board. "He has brought with him a vast amount of knowledge to the bank since joining our banking team," added Beley...

With all of the excitement from their earlier battle against each other in Lepanto, EPC and Osceola proved why they are two of the best teams in Northeast Arkansas, battling down the wire with EPC picking up a 66-62 victory over Osceola last Friday night...

Jessie Lee Steakley, 86, of Lepanto died Jan. 16, 2003, at her residence in Lepanto. She was a charter member of the Lepanto Assembly of God Church and served as a Sunday school teacher for 67 years. She was a sales clerk at Henderson Department Store and worked as a substitute teacher at Lepanto school. She was preceded in death by a sister, Jewell Steakley and two brothers, Randolph and Ralph Steakley...

Lucille Maxine Harrington Edge, 89, of LaPlace, La., formerly of Keiser, died Jan. 17, 2003, at her residence. She was a member of the Keiser Baptist Church, a homemaker and enjoyed cooking. She was preceded in death by one son; one daughter, Julie Edge; two sisters and one brother...

Dayton Elbert Brean, 85, of Tyronza died Monday, Jan. 13, at the Three Rivers Nursing Center in Marked Tree. A lifelong Tyronza resident, he was a member of the Tyronza United Methodist Church and a retired farmer. He was an Army veteran who served in World War II. He received a Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal during his service to this country. A wife, his parents and one brother preceded him in death...

The Think Tank for the Girl Scouts of Crowley's Ridge Council will be held Thursday, Jan. 23 from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Girl Scout Program and Service Center, 4803 E. Johnson in Jonesboro. Members to attend from the twelve-county area include service team managers, organizers, public relations representatives, and product sale managers. Topics of discussion will include evaluating programs for the current year, and planning for future events...

Jeanie Nichols, Doll Holloway (from Marked Tree) and Donna Evans (from Paragould) attended inaugural events on Jan. 14. "We were really blessed to be part of history," Holloway said. Prayer service was held at the church at Rock Creek where Gov. Huckabee attended and played his guitar for three church services...

The city of Lepanto announced this week the settlement of a lawsuit, filed against the city by former Police Chief James Alexander, for $32,000. According to officials familiar with the settlement, the settlement was agreed to last Wednesday and approved by the City Council last Thursday, in a meeting in Lepanto...

Going into last Tuesday night's game with Trumann, most prognosticators were expecting a letdown from EPC after the Warriors win over Osceola Jan. 11, snapping a 42-game winning streak of the Seminoles. However, after a sluggish start, EPC turned on the press to pick up a 70-35 victory over Trumann, in 3AAA-South district play...