Stories from Thursday, May 31, 2007

Democrat News Staff The war in Iraq has spread tragedy across the nation for families who have lost loved ones. That tragedy struck home Saturday when friends and family learned that Spc. Erich S. Smallwood of Trumann has been killed in action near Balada, Iraq...

Local seniors have been marking the days off the calendar in eager anticipation of their big day. Graduation for Marked Tree High School is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 31 at the school auditorium. East Poinsett County High School graduation is set for 8 p.m. Friday, June 1 on the school football field. In case of rain, the event will be held in the school gym...

Tribune Sports Staff Earlier in the month, the Lady Indians softball team went to their first state tournament in a year of what coach Waylon Dunn called a year firsts. The final first of the 2006-07 season came Thursday morning when catcher Christy Plunkett signed with Williams Baptist College to continue her athletic career...

Tribune Sports Staff In past years, Marked Tree's awards ceremony had been held in the auditorium, but this past Tuesday, the awards were presented in the elementary cafeteria, better to accommodate a barbeque supper which accompanied the ceremony. According to athletic director Tim Branum, a number of athletic boosters arranged for the meal to help thank the various athletes for a good year...

Floramae Strange Kent, 71, of Marion, formerly of Marked Tree, died on Saturday, May 26 at her residence. She was of the Baptist belief and preceded in death by her husband, Carlton Eugene (Buddy) Kent. Survivors include two daughters, Diane Leach of Marion and Loretta Walker of Marked Tree; five brothers, Thomas Strange of Hickory Ridge, Gene Strange of Payneway, Charles Strange of Marked Tree, Jimmy Strange of Searcy and Ricky Strange of Trumann; six sisters, Edith Phillips and Gladys Wilson both of Marked Tree, Mary Alice Kelly of Lake Village, Linda Anderson and Joyce Adams both of Trumann and Audrey Sanders of Harrisburg; six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and five step-great grandchildren.. ...

Alice Marie Clay, 89, formerly of Rivervale and Caraway died Sunday, May 20 at Woods Nursing Home in Harrisburg. She was born at Caruthersville, Missouri on October 2, 1917. She worked at Lane's Rest Home in Caraway for 20 years, and was a character member and dedicated servant of the Lord at Rivervale Baptist Church since 1953...

Bob Griffin, 63, of Marked Tree died Saturday, May 26 at UAMS in Little Rock. He was preceded in death by his father, Harvey Griffin; one brother, Harvey Lee Griffin and one sister, Jean Pitts. Survivors include two sons, James Griffin of Poplar Bluff, MO and Bobby Wayne Griffin of Ponotoc, Miss.; two daughters, Angela Griffin and Kristy Lindsay both of Marked Tree; four brothers, Frank Griffin, Mike Griffin, Danny Griffin all of Marked Tree and Bill Griffin of Dallas, Tex; three sisters, Ruth Lathrom and Barbara Duvall both of Marked Tree and Jackie Herrera of Pensacola, Flor.; his mother, Alice Leona Griffin of Marked Tree and six grandchildren.. ...

Elroy Jamerson 51, of Little Rock died May 20, 2007. His survivors include his wife, Barbara Jamerson; daughter, Natasha Jamerson; son, Jeremy D. Jamerson; grandson, Jaylon D. Jamerson all of Little Rock; mother, Earllean Jameron of Jonesboro; four sisters, Paulette Douglas of West Memphis, Kathy McDaniel of Jonesboro, Pam Smith of Little Rock and Lisa Walker of Jonesboro; three brothers, Claude Jamerson of Hot Springs, Maurice Jamerson of Centennial, Colo. ...

Tribune News Staff There is a saying which simply states, "Freedom is not free!" World War II proved such statements as this to be very true. The fight which the U.S. entered with the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 was the most expensive, expansive and deadly war in the history of the world. As a result, it continues to be one of the most interesting and fascinating pieces of history for people world-wide...

Tribune Sports Staff For the third year in a row, the second week in May, Saturday, May 12 this year, was a time to saddle up as riders and horse enthusiasts from five East Arkansas counties set about to raise money for St. Jude Research Hospital. "We always have it the second week in May so we can use the same posters each year and save money," Dale Slack, organizer of the event said. "We had about 70 people in all attend and take part in the ride and the other things we had going on."...