Stories from Tuesday, June 5, 2007

As the first mournful notes of Taps echoed across the rolling meadows of Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro Monday afternoon, the realization that Sgt. Erich Scott Smallwood had come to his final resting place finally hit home. Not even the 21-gun salute, executed moments before the lone bugler began to play, could elicit the emotion which the far-too-familiar tune did...

The EPC Warriors 9-10 year old baseball team won 1st place in the Delta Invitational Tournament in Harrisburg. The money raised from the tournament will be used to purchase uniforms for the Delta Little League All-Star Teams. Team members are: (front row, left to right) Kirby...

When I first came to the area to write for the Tribune and the Democrat, I wrote a column which spoke of real heroes not being athletes, but those who risk their lives for others. I was fortunate and honored to win a prize in the state newspaper competition for that column. That column was on my mind as I, along with some 500 people, watched the final tribute for a real hero Monday, Sgt. Erich S. Smallwood...

Cameron Smith, 14, died Sunday, May 20. Born in Pine Bluff, Cameron moved to Jonesboro with his family from Marked Tree. He attended Annie Camp Junior High. Survivors include his mother, Rosie Lee Smith; brothers, Johnathan Howze of Detroit and Kelton Smith of Jonesboro; and sisters, Tiffany Adams and Catrina Smith, both of Jonesboro...

Rusty Byler May, 69, of Lepanto died Saturday, June 2 at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born Aug. 14, 1937, to Clay Franklin and Allie Bishop May. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lepanto and was a retired school teacher...

Norma Fecher, 58, of Jonesboro, died Wednesday, May 30 at her home. She had lived in Jonesboro for a short while, having lived most of her life in the Truman and Marked Tree areas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Fecher; her parents, Mitchell and Helen Scott Busby; a brother, Larry Busby; and a niece, Charlotte Ward...

On April 27, 2007, William Hudgens, 505 Elm Street in Lepanto, reported his residence had been broken into and a computer, VCR/DVD player, jam box and shotgun were taken. Detective Raymond Oakes of the Lepanto Police Department investigated the incident...

Jurors should call the clerks office at 578-4420 after 5 p.m., on Sunday June 10 to hear a recorded message verifying the date and time they should report for jury duty. Questions can be directed to the clerk's office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday -- Friday...

A commodity distribution is set for Poinsett County on Thursday June 14. The distribution of food will begin at 9 a.m. at the Marked Tree Fire Station, Trumann Recreation Complex and Weiner City Hall. According to Judy Becker, USDA Coordinator for the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, persons receiving the USDA food must reside in the county in which the distribution is taking place. Recipients must also meet the income guidelines that have been set for the emergency food assistance program...

The true meaning of Memorial Day was apparent at the 2007 ceremony held at Garden Point Cemetery at 11 a.m. Monday, May 28. Residents and former residents of the area gathered to give tribute to family members and friends who died serving their country, honor all of the veterans buried at Garden Point, remember their loved ones and the unveiling of a monument placed in memory of Joseph Allen Sisco, hometown World War II hero...

Three Rivers Baptist Church in Marked Tree is excited to announce an upcoming "moto-vational experience" for residents of Poinsett County and beyond. Brad Bennett, a former motocross professional, will be in Marked Tree June 7 -- 10 to "wow" crowds with his motocross stunt-riding...

Arkansas Dynasty claims Dynasty Invitational/Skoolz Out Shootout in Marion in a one-day tournament last Saturday posting a 5-0 record. The Dynasty (20-6-1) outscored their opponents 65-11 in the 5 game stretch with wins over teams from Tennessee, Mississipi and Arkansas. They Dynasty defeated Southaven Xplosions 17-4 in the Championship game...