Stories from Wednesday, August 27, 2003

BY CARIN MCCLUNG, Democrat Editor "We just want to tell them thank you," said veteran Ronnie Taylor, Legion Post 42 Commander. He is speaking of the soldiers who are returning home from duty. He urges any soldier returning home from duty to give him a call at 870-483-1027 or contact any American Legion Member. Taylor said that they just want a chance to welcome them home and say thank you for all they have done...

Mr. Troy Branscum, 79, of Trumann, died Tuesday, August 19,2003, at the family residence in Trumann from natural causes. Mr. Branscum was born in Fox, Ark., and had lived in Trumann the past 13 years coming from Yuna, Ariz. Mr. Branscum was retired from the U.S. Army having served in World War II and was a POW. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and of the Pentecostal faith. Mr. Branscum was preceded in death by his parents, Cagle and Lola Gunter Branscum, one sister, and one brother...

Mrs. Ila V. Bennett Meeks, 86, of Trumann passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2003, at Regional Medical Center of NEA in Jonesboro due to natural causes. Mrs. Meeks was born in Tippah County, Miss., on November 16, 1916, and had lived in Trumann the past 63 years. Mrs. Meeks was retired from the Singer Company of Trumann and a member of First Baptist Church of Trumann. Mrs...

Mrs. Jessie I. Morrow passed away August 21, 2003 at Plantation Homes Retirement Center in Trumann of natural causes. She was 87 years old. Mrs. Morrow was born in Ravenden, Ark., and had lived in Trumann the past 12 years. She was formerly of Louisiana and Lepanto, Ark. Mrs. Morrow was a homemaker, a member of Maple Grove Baptist Church and a member of the Eastern Star in Bernice, La...

Miss Evelyn June Mundy, 79, of Trumann passed away Friday, August 22, 2003, at the family residence due to natural causes. Miss Mundy was born in Trumann June 30, 1924, and was a lifetime resident of Trumann. She was a retired employee of Singer Company in Trumann and a member of the First Baptist Church in Trumann. Miss Mundy was preceded in death by three sisters, four brothers and was the daughter of the late Anton Sharron and Tillie Belle Fritts Munday...

Mr. Riley Issac Thomas of Trumann passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at the family residence due to natural causes. He was 73 years old. Mr. Thomas was born in Athens, Ala., and had lived most of his life in the Trumann area. Mr. Thomas was a retired brick mason, a U.S. Army veteran and of the Pentecostal faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Catheryn Bennett Thomas, and one daughter, Rhonda Thomas...

Mr. Joseph "Joe" Thompson, 46, of Jonesboro passed away Saturday, August 16, 2003, at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro from natural causes. Mr. Thompson was born in Trumann on May 11, 1957, and had lived in Jonesboro for the past 15 years. He was a factory worker for Roach Manufacturing in Trumann, a 1976 graduate of Trumann High School and of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his father, Emmitt Thompson St., and three sisters...

The Boy Scouts of America will extend an invitation to all boys ages 6-18 to join Scouting on Thursday, August 28. Boys can become part of the program by attending sign up meetings held at Elementary Schools throughout all of Central and Eastern Arkansas. School night meetings will be held beginning at 7 p.m...

The Trumann Lions Club members are preparing for the upcoming annual barbeque in November. The proceeds from the barbeque help provide visits to the eye doctor and glasses for area resients.

The Northeast Arkansas Moving-Up Tournament is scheduled for September 13 & 14. The tournament will take place at the Trumann Sports Complex. The divisions are slow-pitch 8u - 10u and fast-pitch 8u-16u. If your team is changing to fast-pitch, this would be a good chance to let them experience a real game. The fields are in excellent shape and the lighting is state of the art...

Andrew Pigott, 14, a ninth grader at Trumann Junior High received a great honor during choral camp this summer. Pigott who was attending camp at the University of Central Arkansas in July received the Outstanding Jr. High School Male Honor Camper for the 2003 Summer Session. Basically, he was the best male vocalist there. In addition to a certificate he also received a $150 scholarship to attend camp next summer. This was his second year to attend...

BY CARIN MCCLUNG, Democrat Editor Imagine this scenario. A chemical bomb has been released into an area school's ventilation system, are our emergency personnel prepared for the aftermath? Emergency personnel in Poinsett County got to practice this scene last Monday, August 18 at Harrisburg High School...

Loss is the greatest fear for many of America's 35 million seniors. They fear the loss of independence, the loss of ability - even the loss of home. The threat of being unable to live independently is one of the most devastating aspects of growing older. A new local company has opened to help seniors face their greatest fear...

Becca Rutherford, daughter of Mark and Chris Rutherford of Bay, has been selected as a finalist in the Pre-Teen Arkansas Scholarship and Recognition Program to be held August 30 through September 1 at the Holiday Inn in Springdale, Ark. Becca is a 6th grade student at Bay Elementary where she has maintained an A average, receiving the overall academic award for the past four years. ...

Kara Walters was selected by her fellow cheerleaders as outstanding cheerleader for month of July. She serves as co-captain of the junior high squad. She is the daughter of Chris and Amanda Walters.