Stories from Tuesday, July 3, 2007

With the Fourth of July holiday Wednesday, Trumann Chief of Police Larry Blagg wishes to remind all Trumann residents of ordinance 466. The ordinance was approved and became effective on October 10, 2001. It is an ordinance prohibiting the sale and the explosion of fireworks within the city limits of Trumann except on specific dates...

It's that time of year. The mosquitoes are here to stay. Local folks have become annoyed with the biting bugs who have come to town in great numbers, as usual. The Democrat office received several calls last week asking what the city is doing to keep the mosquito population down. ...

Can you imagine a place where every turn of your shovel can reveal a gem stone which has been hidden under the surface of the earth for millions of years ago? I can, because I have been there. Arkansas boasts the only diamond producing site open to the public in the world, the Crater of Diamonds State Park. The park has a finder keeper's policy; any gem found is yours to keep...

Everyone enjoys fireworks, particularly during the Fourth of July season. But some fireworks can be dangerous. The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends that you only buy consumer fireworks from a licensed store or stand. Never buy fireworks from an individual's house, or from someone on the street. Such fireworks are likely to be illegal explosives that can seriously injure you...

A free health clinic for migrant farm workers and their families has been set fro 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday July 7 at the Highland Drive Baptist Church, 515 East Highland Drive in Jonesboro. Services will include medical, dental, blood sugar and blood pressure screenings, all for free. Interpreters will be available and light refreshments will be served...

Mayor Sheila Walters said last week her primary duty as mayor is overseeing the financial status of the city of Trumann. Citing high gasoline prices and rising utility bills, plus a dwindling of surplus funds, she insists some tightening of the city budget is needed...

Kayla Vuncannon and Brandon Hamilton of Trumann are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Savannah Elizabeth Paige Hamilton. Savannah was born at 6:23 on June 24, 2007 at NEA Medical Center in Jonesboro. She weighed seven pounds and three ounces...

Roy and Malinda Condra of Trumann are proud to announce the birth of their son, Jordan Wesley Condra. Jordan was born at 9:02 a.m., June 25, 2007 at the NEA Women's Center in Jonesboro. He has one big sister, Rylee May Condra. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Loughary of Harrisburg, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Condra of Trumann and Mr. and Mrs. Danny Hooker of Trumann. His great-grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Toy Secrease of Jonesboro...

Pete Mead, 83 of Jonesboro , died Monday, July 2, 2007, at Skilcare Nursing Home. Born and raised in Trumann, he was well known in the boxing world for his prowess in the ring as a middleweight contender in the 1940's. His boxing career was temporarily interrupted by his service in the Army during World War II, though even that was no real hiatus as he fought several exhibition bouts during that time. ...

Lu Coleman, 84 of Albuquerque, N.M., formerly of Trumann died Friday, June 21, 2007 at her daughter's residence in Albuquerque. Coleman was born in Utopia, TexAS and had lived in Albuquerque for the past two years having lived most of her life in Trumann...

Joann Williams, 67, of Trumann died Thursday, June 28, 2007 at NEA Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born in Tyronza on Friday, December 29, 1939, she was the daughter of the late James B. and Juanita Penley Timbs. She had lived in Trumann since 1954. She was a housewife and member of the Christian Worship Center in Trumann...

The Spirit of Life Church in Marked Tree is now having regular meetings at 2 p.m. every Sunday. Senior pastor Roy Hill and pastor Daniel Hill invite everyone to attend. The church is located at 103 Sneed Street.

The Maple Grove Baptist Church is having a vacation bible school from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 16 -- 21. The VBS is for students in grades pre-K through 6.

The Trumann High School class of 1997 reunion is set for 6 p.m. Friday, July 13 at the high school pavilion. The pavilion is located beside the high school gym. This gathering is set for family night for classmates to bring their children. Adults only night is set for 8 p.m., Saturday, July 14 at the Trumann country club...

In 1957, the Trumann Jaycees were planning for a glorious 4th of July celebration at the Poinsett Community Grounds, now known as the Community House. Today, local citizens are more likely to celebrate with family and friends in their homes. Fifty years ago, though, locals were more likely to attend large events...

Paul and Aline Hogan of Wynne will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on July 5. The couple was married on July 5, 1947, in Cross County. The couple has spent most of their married life, living, working and raising their family in Wynne. Paul retired from Halstead Industries and started a second career working at IGA and Wal-Mart in Wynne. ...

Sandra Faye Swain and Michael Patrick Neupert of Trumann are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Adrianna Nicole Neupert. Adrianna was born June 26, 2007 at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. She weighed six pounds. Her grandparents are Patricia and Billy Swain of Bay and Patricia and Sammy Neupert of Mulberry, Fla...

Memorial services for Mary Juergens were Saturday, June 30 at the First Baptist Church in Trumann. She just recently celebrated her 80th birthday. She was a resident of Trumann for 50 years and then moved three years ago to Lafayette to be closer to her family...