Stories from Thursday, March 13, 2008

Two days after a nice six inch snow fall in Marked Tree, two year old Noah Dabney Armstrong is concerned about his tiny melting snowman. The toddler posed for this picture with his melting snowman Sunday. (Photo by Carol Dabney)

Tribune Sports Staff When one player on a girls high school team scores 45 points, tying a state finals' record, it usually means that the team in question comes out on top. That's especially true when said team goes out to a 16-point lead halfway through the second quarter...

Robert Ed Madden, 67, of Three Rivers Nursing Center in Marked Tree, died March 4, 2008. He was a farmer and a member of the Baptist Faith. He is preceded in death by his parents John Madden and Lila Ray, and one brother, Curtis Madden. He is survived by five daughters, Sandra Dobbins, Stephanie Madden, Sheila Lewis, Sharon Booker, Debra Madden, all of Lepanto; five brothers, Jessie Madden of Jonesboro, Johnny Madden of Forest City, Okla., George Madden of Marked Tree, James Allen Madden of Elgin, Ill.; three sisters, Elizabeth Madden of Lepanto, Alene Bass of Jonesboro, Earlena Madden of Kalamazoo, Mich.; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.. ...

Wayne Cates, 82, of Trumann died Thursday, March 6, 2008 at Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Trumann. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and one sister...

Geneva Georgia Carter, 84, of Jonesboro, formerly of Marked Tree, died Wednesday, March 5 at St. Bernard's Medical Center. She was a member of Stone Street Assembly of God Church. She worked at the Prince Gardner factory in Marked Tree. Survivors include one son, Lloyd Eldridge; one grandson, Jody Eldridge; three great-granddaughters that were the love of her life, Janah, Julia and Jessie; two brothers, L.D. Prysock and James Prysock; and two sisters, Betty Perez and Lucy Patterson...

James Travis Blansett, 64, of Tyronza died on Mar. 3, 2008 at St. Bernard's Regional Hospital in Jonesboro. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and a member of the Corner's Chapel Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Virdie Blansett of Tyronza; sisters, Jackie Russell of Bono, Linda Dempsey of Mammoth Springs, Gracie Hall of Wynne; brothers, Joe Blansett of Harrisburg, Carroll Blansett, Cris Blansett, Ricky Blansett, all of Tyronza; and numerous nieces and nephews...

Jerry Gail Brittain, 64, of Lepanto died Wed., Mar. 5, 2008 at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was a member of First Assembly of God in Lepanto and was a founding member of the Southern Missouri Basketball League. He was preceded in death by his parents Lowell and Ida Brittain...

Becky Pilgrim and Frank Harston are pleased to announce their upcoming marriage. The couple we will wed at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at a ceremony at First Baptist Church in Lepanto. A reception will follow at the church. All friends and family are invited to attend...

Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Carson of Ward are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter, Brittany Rachelle Carson, to Mark Alan Sexson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Sexson of Bradford. The bride-elect is a Cabot High School graduate and will receive a bachelor's of science degree in biology from the University of Central Arkansas in May 2008. She will then attend Physical Therapy School at UCA beginning in the fall...

The First United Methodist Church in Marked Tree would like to invite the community several special services to be held during Holy Week, March 16-23. Things kick off at 11 a.m. Palm Sunday, March 16. The adult choir will present a short musical, and the Noah's Arts Children's Program will present a skit entitled "Easter Isn't."...

The Lepanto Church of God is planning an Easter "Eggs-travangaza" from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15. The event will feature over 3,000 Easter eggs, music, inflatable jumpers and food. The event, which will be hosted at the church, is designed to be something the whole family can enjoy, and the church invites everyone in the community to attend...

Dennis Smullin, 15397 Steele Bridge Road, Tyronza, was arrested on March 5 by Sgt. Erik Willbanks and charged with possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture, possession of drug paraphernalia and manufacturing methamphetamine...

Courtesy of the Modern News Residents of Senteney Road who showed up for Monday night's quorum court meeting were once again moved to the next month's agenda by Poinsett County Judge Doyle Hillis. Hillis told residents Susan Criner and Dale Teague that the county's Road and Bridge Committee would meet with them just before next month's quorum court meeting and discuss possible solutions for Senteney Road...

Filling ended at noon Monday at the Harrisburg court house leaving a few offices uncontested but most with at least two candidates vying for a position. The county judge race is a three-way race with incumbent Doyle Hillis of Trumann seeking re-election against Charles Nix of Harrisburg and Steve Jernigan of Lepanto. Long time county clerk Fonda Condra also finds her self in a contested race with Chris King of Harrisburg also seeking the office...

The Marked Tree Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual banquet at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 17 at the First United Methodist Church in Marked Tree. During the Banquet they will be honoring individuals and businesses based on nominations from the community...

Marvin Pagan, 16760 Woodruff Lane, was arrested on March 6 by St. Lenny Backer and Ptl. Jonathan Schmidt and charged with two counts of aggravated residential burglary, breaking or entering, carrying a weapon and public intoxication. According to police reports, the officers were dispatched to 708 Dwight at approximately 2:25 a.m., when the department received a call from Angie Pagan saying her brother-in-law was inside her residence pointing a handgun at her husband, Jason Pagan. ...

MEMPHIS -- Mid-South cotton producers and consultants are urged to reserve a seat at either of two special workshops aimed at increasing their awareness of best management practices. The National Cotton Council-coordinated workshops will be held in Mississippi at the Ameristar Casino (Magnolia Room) in Vicksburg on March 17 and at Sam's Town Casino (Delta Room) in Tunica on March 18. ...

In a press release last week, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission announced it intends upon renovating the concrete plank boat ramp at the Oak Donnick Access on the Saint Francis River at Tulot as soon as the river's present high flow ebbs. Some of the old concrete planks are now missing. ...

A man hunt is underway in Trumann and the surrounding areas for an escaped criminal. Charles Whitman, an inmate at the Trumann jail, escaped from his cell late Monday afternoon. According to Trumann Chief of Police Larry Blagg, Whitman had appeared in court earlier that day for probable cause hearing for felony drug charges...

It's nearly midnight on a Monday evening, and I find myself here in Marked Tree, still at work, still at the office. It's late nights like these when I begin to scratch my head and wonder what in the world I do for a living. Then, I smile and remember...

Waste management affects the life of each citizen. Yet many components of the issue are beyond the individual's capacity to show a personal contribution to positive solutions. Composting is an opportunity for individuals and families to have a direct effect on a much larger problem...

Dear Editor, The Arkansas Sheriffs' Association, the membership of which is compromised of each of the 75 elected Sheriffs in Arkansas, held its semi-annual meeting earlier this month. One of the topics presented for discussion was a proposal of the possibility of conducting an initiated petition drive to place a proposal on the November general election ballet that would change the term of office for sheriff from two years to four years...

The egg is nature's perfect package! It has, during the span of history, represented mystery, magic, medicine, food, and omen. It is also the universal symbol of Easter celebrations throughout the world and, as such has been dyed, painted, adorned, and embellished...

Connie O. Byrd, 93, died Feb. 19, 2008 surrounded by his family at his home is Washington. He was born, Feb. 9, 1915 to Willie and Ruth (Morris) Byrd in Rector. He resided in Silverdale, Wash. since 1985, where he attended Olympic View Assembly of God Church. He was a quiet and private man who was greatly loved...

Rev. William Thomas "Willie" Clem, 84, Sunday, March 2, 2008 at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born on Saturday, September 29, 1923, son of the late Y. L. and Vernie Clark Clem. He was born in Cave City and had lived in Trumann since 1950. He was a Pentecostal Church of God minister for 50 years, was a retired employee for the former Singer plant in Trumann, and a member of the Healing Hands Community Church...

Mrs. Susan Lynn Coggin, 49, died Sunday, March 2, 2008 at the NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. She was born on Monday, August 10, 1959, daughter of Franklin and Sara Dixon Buckelew. She was born in Millington, Tenn., and had lived in Caraway most of her lifetime. She was a homemaker and member of the First Baptist Church in Caraway. She was preceded in death by one son, Kristopher Coggin...

Mr. Loyd Eugene Whitford,75, died Sunday, March 2, 2008 at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born on Sunday, Oct. 2, 1932, son of the late Isaac and Nora Evelyn Waters Whitford. He was born in Vanndale and had lived most of his lifetime in Wynne. He was disabled. Mr. Whitford was preceded in death by two sisters; one brother and his parents...

Wayne Cates, 82, of Trumann died Thursday, March 6, 2008 at Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Trumann. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and one sister...

Every athlete in every sport wants the opportunity to play his chosen sport at the next level, whatever that level may be. Wildcat TeJaye Moye will get that opportunity next season when he dons the baseball uniform of Williams Baptist College. Last Wednesday, the three-sport athlete inked a letter of intent to play for the Eagles with family and teammates in attendance. Representing Williams was assistant coach, Frank Lee who said WBC was "tickled to get him."...

Last Wednesday the Marked Tree Lady Indians traveled to Trumann to take on the Lady Wildcats in a rain-delayed game from the week before. The Lady Indians, no doubt, probably wished the game had been completely canceled as they fell victim to a Haley Brewer no-hitter and fell 8-1...

The 36th annual St. Jude Bass Classic (SJBC) is proud to announce that Sportsman's Warehouse has joined Ranger Boats, Strike King Lures, Mercury Outboards and Pennzoil as a major sponsor of the 2008 tournament. The SJBC, the nation's oldest and largest charity fishing event, will be held on Sardis reservoir Sunday, May 25...

Identity theft occurs when someone obtains information, such as social security or bank account numbers, to gain access to personal accounts. To combat this problem the, Center on Aging Northeast will present, "Keep Your Identity to Yourself," at 2 p.m., Friday, March 14 in the St. Bernards Auditorium, 505 E. Washington, Jonesboro...

The Trumann Community sunrise service will be at 6:30 a.m., Easter Sunday morning at the First General Baptist Church. The church is located three fourths of a mile west of Trumann on Promised Land Lane, just south of Highway 69. Rev. Kenneth Doke of the First Assembly of God will be preaching and Kendra Bishop of the Full Gospel Tabernacle will be singing...

The City of Trumann has officially received the $50,000 proceeds from a recycling grant from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to begin a waste recycling program in the city, according to Mayor Sheila Walters. Stacy Murray, an official with the East Arkansas Regional Solid Waste Management Board will be in the city next week to help the city with planning for the project...

Mayor Sheila Walters has recently applied for state grant funds to pay for needed improvements to the city's water and sewer system, some of which are immediately required as mandated by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Walters and the city council have been talking for several months about the $274,183 in repairs needed to the local water and sewer system overseen by Trumann Water Works and the city council. ...

Feb. 1 -- 9:33 a.m., 732 Sunset, public assist call, 17 minutes. Feb. 1 -- 2:57 p.m., 326 Hwy 463 North, medical call, 20 minutes. Feb. 1 -- 6:40 p.m., 204 Dogwod, medical call, 20 minutes. Feb. 3 -- 4:30 p.m., 817 Mildred Ext., medical call, 50 minutes...

Judge Steve inboden of Trumann has filed for re-election as District Court Judge of Poinsett County. Judge Inboden has held that position since it was created by the Legislature and became effective in January of 2004, having been elected in May of 2003...

I don't know about anyone else, but when the time changes I get all messed up. I really enjoy the extended sunlight, but man is it hard to re-adjust my internal clock. I just feel off kilter for a week or so. I don't know why, but one hour seems like such a small adjustment...

March 21 has been set as the deadline for entering quilts in the "Threadz of Life" quilt and textiles show planned for April 12 in Jonesboro. Admission will be free. The event, sponsored by the Women's Advisory Council of the St. Bernards Development Foundation, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. Bernards Auditorium and will feature quilts -- both old and new -- as well as yarn projects such as knit and crochet items...

Deanna Adams of Kansas City, Mo., will join Sgt. John David Neldon US Army, of Fort Sill, Okla., in marriage at 4 p.m., Saturday, March 15 at the Pilgrim Lutheran Church Jonesboro. The bride is the daughter of Ronnie and Karen Adams of Trumann and the groom is the son of Dianna Neldon and Don and Mirinda Neldon, all of Jonesboro...

Tyler Smith and Patrick Lancaster are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Camryn Paige Lancaster. She was born at 3:38 p.m., Feb. 29, 2008 at NEA Baptist in Jonesboro. Her grandparents are Tina Smith, Mike Crittendon, Rita Lancaster and Kenneth Lancaster. Her great-grandparents are Readie Brooks, Irma Smith, Lester Bradford, the late Peggy Owens, Zell Bradford and Agnes Crittendon...

Ryan and Candi Adams of Camden are proud to announce the birth of their son, Colin James Adams. Colin was born at 12:25 p.m., Jan. 23 at the Medical Center of South Arkansas in El Dorado. He weighed nine pounds six ounces and was 21 inches long. He is the grandson of Ronnie and Karen Adams of Trumann, Cheryl Davis of Paragould and Rick and Amy Davis of Battlecreek, Mich. ...

The Trumann Rotary Club will host its annual Shower of Fortune scholarship fundraiser March 31. The theme for this year's event is "A Night in Paradise." "Participants are encouraged to dress in their favorite aloha fashions and be ready to enjoy entertainment in a tropical atmosphere," said Susan Greenwell, decorator for the fundraiser...

A free community education series, "Alzheimer's Disease: Dealing with the Diagnosis," will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 20 at the Center on Aging -- Northeast, 303 E. Matthews in Jonesboro. The series will target family members of those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Topics to be discusses during the two part program will include: an overview of the disease, coping skills, community resources and future planning tips...

The annual COPS for Kids Easter Egg hunt has been rescheduled to this Saturday, March 15. It will still be in Cedar Park, across from Cedar Park Elementary. Activities will start at 10 a.m. and the egg hunt will begin at noon.