Stories from Monday, May 16, 2011

TRUMANN - Mrs. Edith Hazel Harness, 83, died Saturday, May 7, 2011, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. She was born in Landis, Ark., and had lived most of her lifetime in Trumann. Mrs. Harness was a retired clerk from Wal-Mart and had also worked for Salant and Salant, and Trumann Drug. She enjoyed gardening and cooking, and was also a member of the Trumann Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by 10 sisters and nine brothers, and her parents, Robert Perry and Francis (Stephenson) Massey. Survivors include her husband, Herschel L. Harness of the home; three sons, Don Harness and wife Terry of Nashville, Tenn., Perry Harness and wife Brenda of Trumann, Ark., and Allen Harness and wife Donna of Jonesboro, Ark.; one sister, Ira Sisk; 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral service was Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann with Bro. Miles Evans officiating. Burial followed in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, Ark. Active pallbearers were the grandsons: Cory Harness, Richard Harness, Josh Harness, Chris Hall, Cameron Adams and Jeremy Harness. Honorary pallbearer was Dewight Sutterfield. Visitation was Monday evening from 5 until 7 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann. Memorials may be made to Trumann Missionary Baptist Church in Trumann, Ark. An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

TRUMANN - Dr. Irwin L. Gould, 86, of Trumann died Saturday, May 7, 2011, at the family residence in Trumann. He was born in Chelsea, Mass., and had lived in Trumann for the past 64 years and was formerly of Boston, Mass. Dr. Gould was a retired dentist, veteran of the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Army serving in the Korean War and War World II, deacon, trustee and Men's Adult Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church in Trumann, past president of the Trumann Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Trumann Booster Club, past commander of the American Legion, and past vice-chairman of the Trumann Housing and Urban Renewal. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mrs. Mary Virginia Gould, in 1965, one brother and his parents, Joseph and Frances Sprinsky Gould. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Geneva Ray Gould of the home; one daughter, Michele Johnson and husband Les of Fairdealing, Mo.; two sons, Jason Gould of Denver, Colo., and Dana Garrett and wife Terri of Lockhart, Texas, and one granddaughter, Leilani Brooks of Knoxville, Tenn. Funeral service was Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Trumann, Ark., with Dr. Tad Rogers officiating. Burial was in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, Ark., under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann. Visitation was Monday evening from 5 until 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Trumann, Ark. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Trumann. An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

The 60th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer was held Thursday, May 5, at noon, in the Trumann Recreation complex. The welcome and Prayer of Repentance was led by NDP coordinator for Trumann, Glenda Anderson and the rest of the Truman Prayer Team, Virlene Neal, JoAnn Pankey and Bonnie Payne. Anthony Patterson led the Pledge of Allegiance and Brionna Crume sang the Star Spangled Banner. A recognition and prayer for the military was led by Sgt. Alvin Lewis, Chaplain's Assistant for the 875th. Seven members of the community attended, representing the seven centers of influence with both the community and nation. Dr Tad Rogers, president of the Trumann Ministerial Alliance, represented churches and led the pastors' Unity Group. Sgt. Alvin Lewis represented the military, Jim Welch represented family and Brad Parrish represented business, each leading a prayer group. Mayor Sheila Walters represented government, Ronnie Dye represented education and Jackie Wilson represented media. In each group, leaders petitioned God for specific needs in Trumann, Ark., and the United States, both silently and out loud. Anderson has said that "19 good bills were defeated and four good bills were passed during the 2011 Legislative Session." These include inspections of Planned Parenthood Abortion Clinics, the Arkansas Lottery Commission must post the location of lottery vending machines in its website, state sales tax will be charged only on used cars purchased for $4,000 and up, and sales tax holiday was established for the first weekend of August for the purchases on clothing and school supplies. This year's theme was "A Mighty Fortress is Our God," which is based on Psalm 91:2 "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." In carrying out the theme, Trumann NDP team coordinator Anderson said, "These are times of extreme challenge as we face economic turmoil, the threat of terrorism, wars in many regions of the world, the effects of nuclear power to moral confusion and decline of family. Let us honor the precedent set by Presidents and other leaders throughout history -- that of proclaiming reliance on our Almighty God." Anderson also brought the attention of a lawsuit that was brought against the annual Day of Prayer in 2008. On April 14, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the seventh Circuit, based in Chicago, ruled to toss out the case presented by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. The Court concluded the NDP proclamation imposes no requirement on a person and therefore no one is hurt by a request that can be declined.

Mayor Sheila Walters announced the city-wide cleanup for Trumann will be the week of May 16-20. All residents are urged to use this once-a-year free pick up and disposal of old appliances, furniture, carpet and other household things. Limbs may be placed in a separate pile at the curb. No sheet rock, shingles, paint or construction wood will be picked up. Everyone is encouraged to get things out this weekend for pickup next week. After this week, residents may haul to the city shop on Oak Street. The hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Thursday the hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Plans are well underway for the first annual Johnny Cash Music Festival benefit concert, set for Thursday, Aug. 4, at Arkansas State University's Convocation Center. The inaugural concert will star Cash's children Rosanne Cash and John Carter Cash, his younger brother Tommy Cash and John Carter's wife Laura Cash, along with country music greats George Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Dailey & Vincent, Gary Morris and Rodney Crowell, as well as Rosanne's and Crowell's daughter Chelsea Crowell. The concert will raise money to help restore the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home in the agricultural resettlement community of Dyess, Ark., which is between Jonesboro and Memphis. Arkansas State University (ASU) recently acquired the original Cash home and also plans the establishment of the Johnny Cash Boyhood Museum in the New Deal Era Administration Building at Dyess. "Arkansas State University has been trying to get Dad's house for some time," says Rosanne Cash, who lives in New York, but attended a press conference last month at ASU in Jonesboro. "It's really in danger of collapse." The most recent owner of the house, she says, had refused to sell it until ASU decided to build a replica. "They finally got it just this past month, and the long-range plan is to restore not only the house but the entire colony of Dyess," she says. Dyess, Rosanne explains, was actually called a colony when some 500 families -- including Cash's -- took advantage of the New Deal in establishing a government-supported farm community during the Great Depression. The Cash family settled in Dyess in 1935, moving there from Cleveland County when Johnny -- who was then called J.R. -- was three years old. He worked the cotton fields from the age of five, and the hardscrabble life inspired many of his songs including the classic "Five Feet High And Rising." "The families each got 40 acres and a mule -- just like in the movies!" Rosanne continues. "They also got a cow and seeds and other things. But it wasn't just given to them -- they had to apply for it, and they had to be people who were known to be good farmers, healthy and sturdy and of good moral character." The Cash Boyhood Home had an outside toilet, a barn, a chicken house and smokehouse, but had no running water or electricity. It is one of the few houses remaining in Dyess, where Johnny lived until he graduated high school in 1950. "Out of the original 500, only about 60 houses are left," Rosanne notes. "I was there in 1968 when they filmed the documentary Johnny Cash: The Man, His World, His Music. I was 12 or 13 and went with my Dad and he visited the house. At that time there were trees around it and it was still fairly nice-looking. When they got it, it was brand new. He said he had a vivid memory of five empty cans of paint in the middle of the floor because it had been freshly painted. But now it's in catastrophic condition and about to collapse." She says she's now very excited about the restoration. "It's very serious because the National Trust for Historic Preservation is involved -- and it's Arkansas's heritage," she says. "And it's the university -- so it's not like a fast-food tourist stop!" Indeed, ASU took an original paint sample from the administration building to a laboratory in order to get an exact match, Rosanne notes. "It was like a town hall," she says of the building. "There was a little bank and post office inside, and a little theater -- where my dad would go on dates -- and a grocery and cafÈ. And they're taking such meticulous care in restoring it to what it was. Everything is exact, down to the trim seen in old photographs. But it will be used for the museum and Arkansas heritage -- and that of that part of the country, and my dad, and the history of the New Deal era. So it's a really important part of our history as well. Forty acres and a mule saved my family!" When the idea for a kick-off concert fundraiser was suggested, Rosanne, who has shied away from similar events, immediately agreed to participate. "You can't imagine the requests I get to do this or that tribute concert, play, movie or book about Dad, and I've said no to 99 percent of them because they're other people's projects," she says. "But this time my whole family is on board, and we all agree that it should happen because it's a great honor for us -- not just for my dad but for the whole family." She reflects on the press conference announcing the concert. "It was huge!" she says. "There were at least 200 journalists, and tickets are going really fast. It's really exciting and a great honor. How many people do you know whose childhood homes are restored and become part of their states' heritage? It's really moving and a thrill for my family."

The Friends of the Library hosted a luncheon and book review at noon Tuesday, May 10, in the Fellowship Hall of the Methodist Church in Marked Tree. Joan Thompson scheduled Jerry O'Roark, currently a resident of Memphis, to review Junior Moments, his factual cartoon book about growing up in Marked Tree. O'Roark's family and residents of Marked Tree and other parts of Poinsett County all attended to support both O'Roark's accomplishment and the Marked Tree Museum. O'Roark began his book review by noting the Mayor of Marked Tree, Wayne Nichols, was in attendance and then reading to him an excerpt from his book. "I'm disappointed with the leadership of my Arkansas hometown of Marked Tree, because there is no shrine in front of my birthplace. After all, they've had 84 years to think about it," he read. "Maybe they're still mad at me for talking away the town's crown jewel when I married Joanne Stignani." Marked Tree is where the roots of O'Roark's memories are. Most are of his childhood, news comic strip style illustrated, with cleaver captions, many that hold some Marked Tree history. The title comes from a play on the idea of "senior moments" where one is likely to forget. "Most seniors have 'senior moments'," said O'Roark, "but I remember these moments well, so I decided to call them 'Junior Moments.'" The comics range from school to crush to grandmother memories. One is about an experience O'Roark recalls in Junior Moment No. 7, entitled "The Hot Seat," where after a fight, O'Roark and another boy, ironically named Junior, must "swap licks" with the principal's paddle as punishment. Another, Junior Moment No. 4, entitled "Puppy Love?" recalls a time when O'Roark won a spelling medal. "I took a lot of pride in that little medal," writes O'Roark, under the comic. "I vowed that I wouldn't part with it for love or money, but in a weak moment I let a little girl from Memphis wear it. My ardor cooled instantly when I learned she had lost it!" O'Roark reminisced over several of his junior stories, recalling various details about each. "Well, I don't want to give too much away. You can read more after you've bought several copies," joked O'Roark. The book was offered for sale at $10 each after the luncheon, with all proceeds going to the Marked Tree Museum. O'Roark even autographed books for those who wanted it. "The museum will put the proceeds to good use, as the building is currently closed for some much-needed repairs," Thompson said. "Junior Moments will also be available by mail for $10 plus $5 postage and handling. Buyers may send checks to me c/o of the Marked Tree Museum, P.O. Box 106, Marked Tree, AR 72365." Ruby Jean Boxley introduced O'Roark and Rev. Ron Williams led the invocation. The cost for the luncheon was $15 and was opened to the public. The lunch was catered by the Methodist Chicks and included bacon wrapped chicken, potato casserole, julienne green beans, rolls and dessert. O'Roark has also written two small books, dedicated and inspired by his two granddaughters, one entitled "Grandpa's Honeybee" and the other "Grandpa's Butterfly." He is also currently looking for a publisher for his entertaining and reminiscing work "Junior Moments." Those who would like to contact O'Roark to find out more about his works may write to: 1288 Brookfield, Memphis, TN 38119.

Jessica Griffin, bereavement counselor with Legacy Hospice, spoke with the Alzheimer's Support Group during the group's May meeting at Three Rivers Nursing Center. Griffin has been in hospice for a year now and works with the Osceola and Brinkley offices, which cover Poinsett County, along with Mississippi, Crittenden, Cross, Woodruff, St. Francis, Monroe, Lee and Phillips counties. "We're here for extra care," Griffin said. "We're here to provide an extra set of eyes and ears and to make the family and patient comfortable. When you do admission, they ask if you want a social worker. If you ever change your mind, you can ask for one. We have a 24 hour on-call service if you ever have any questions, even if it's just a question about medicine. "I've been in hospice for a year now," Griffin said. "I knew of Alzheimer's before then, but the experience teaches you so much more. You do grow close to the families, and it's hard on you, too. I believe you have to have a heart to do hospice." As a bereavement counselor, Griffin provides support to families while their loved ones are in hospice and after they pass away if a family wishes to continue with bereavement counseling. If a family does wish to continue, "they get a set of four booklets over the year. We evaluate their needs and attempt to make a visit every two months," Griffin said. Legacy Hospice offers four types of care. With Routine Home Care, patients are cared for and the physical, social and spiritual needs of the patient and caregiver are addressed through a Plan of Care. Continuous Home Care places a nurse or hospice staff member in the patient's residence for short periods of time during a crisis. This is used when the patient's symptoms need to be managed or when the caregiver needs assistance while coping with a crisis. General Inpatient Care is used when pain control or acute or chronic symptom management cannot be arranged in the home. And Inpatient Respite Care allows patients to spend up to five days in a nursing home or hospital to relieve the family for a short period. Griffin also stressed the importance of respite care. "A caregiver's job is never over," Griffin said. "Everybody needs a break. Patients can stay with us up to five days, and we pay for it." Griffin said she loves working with hospice because she has learned so much and because "I love working with families and older people." The Three Rivers Alzheimer's Support Group meets the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Three Rivers Nursing Center. Three Rivers Nursing Center is a nonprofit organization and part of Arkansas Elder Outreach. The Three Rivers Support Group partners with the Alzheimer's Association, Central Arkansas Regional Office. For more information, call 501-265-0027 or visit www.alz.org.

George Robinson, originally from Newport, started his boxing training while on active duty in Iraq around 2004. A member of the Army Reserve, Robinson followed up his boxing training when he came back to the states by joining the Augusta Boxing Club. But he got tired of the drive to Augusta, so he started his own boxing club in Jonesboro. The non-profit Jonesboro Amateur Boxing Club, or the JAB Club, has been going for two years strong now. The club trains out of a couple rooms in the back of the Earl Bell Community Center in Jonesboro, though the program has grown so much they are looking to relocate. Robinson, who is a registered coach with USA Boxing, said he has between 105 to 115 people who come by to train and participate in the free aerobics classes he teaches as well. The ages range from age 8 to 48. "We have people from El Salvador, Mexico, we have black, white, girls and boys. We have them all," Robinson said. "A lot of kids come here directly after school," he said. "Boxing has traditionally been for underprivileged youth. Their coach gives them confidence and acts as a mentor." The club also offers a homework help program for kids who come to work out. Robinson himself still trains and fights as a middleweight and light heavyweight and has won the West Tennessee Golden Glove Championship. "We have 15 to 20 fighters," Robinson said. "We practice three nights a week, and on Saturdays we travel for fights." This Saturday, May 14, the JAB Club is hosting "Battle At The Bell" at the Earl Bell Community Center at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature between 20 to 30 fights. Robinson said 10 amateur boxing clubs are set to participate so far. "This is our first home boxing event," Robinson said. The event will feature smoker fights, which Robinson said are kind of like three round sparring matches. "Smoker fights are real good and fun. It's a good thing for Jonesboro," he said. Admission for the event is $5. As far as plans for the future of the boxing club, Robinson said, "We hope to grow, host a championship here, get a bigger building, and touch kids' lives."

The first reading of a new dog ordinance was approved at Tuesday night's Trumann City Council meeting. The ordinance would ban specific breeds of dog, which have been labeled as aggressive or violent in nature. The council is looking at breeds like the American pit bull terrier, the Staffordshire bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier. This would also include any dog whose sir or dame is identified as one of the breeds. Justin Fagan, Trumann animal control officer, spoke to the council about the potential dangers of the pit bull breeds. "There has been a growing problem in the public with pit bulls," said Fagan. "They can be highly aggressive. They have attacked me, police officers and post mail officers." Fagan explained that neighborhood calls have been at an all time high with regard to loose pit bull dogs. He said that on an average week he receives five to six calls about pit bulls, but recently he has had four or five calls in a single day. He also explained that many of the residents do not follow the regulations to own a pit bull, such as caging them in a 5x20 pen in their backyards and when on a leash, they must be muzzled and walked with a chain that can withstand up to 300 pounds of pressure. "If we don't ban it soon, it will get out of control in a hurry," said Fagan. According to the ordinance as of now, all prohibited animals will be held for a period of 10 days, during which the owner can reclaim the animal by paying a $200 fee and an additional $5 per day for each day of impoundment. After the 11th day of impoundment the dog will be euthanized. Mayor Sheila Walters said the policy to euthanize dogs on the 11th day of impoundment applies to all breeds, not just pit bull terriers. "I don't want anyone to think that we are picking on a certain breed," said Walters. "We also welcome residents to come to the city council meetings to make comments on the topic, if they have any." Kevin Baxter said that many in his ward approve of the vicious dog ordinance. Jason Stewart recommended the council does some research on insurance policies that will cover pit bulls, so that if a resident chooses to keep their dog, the council will be able to give them options for insuring it. The council will have to approve of two more readings of the ordinance before it is passed. In other news the council: * Approved the second reading of the fire ordinance that will define and limit conditions for open burning within the city limits of Trumann. The ordinance states that if the wind speed is above 10 miles per hour, overly dry conditions or low humidity, or if the Governor, County Judge, Mayor or Fire Chief issue a burn ban, open burning cannot occur. * Approved the first reading of an ordinance to stop city pick-up of household items and yard debris and limbs. The ordinance states that, "due to rising fuel costs, the reduction of revenues in the City of Trumann and the reduction of street employees, the city will no longer have residential curbside pick-up of household junk and tree/yard trimming." Fines will be issued for violations of this ordinance. Residents are welcome to put out all items, furniture and utilities no longer desired next week for clean up week. The city will collect everything except shingles and wood. Limbs are acceptable. Items can be places at near the street for pick-up Monday through Friday of next week. *Approved the American League of Athletes in Trumann to set up a roadside fundraiser at Hwy. 69 and Hwy. 463, in Trumann, on June 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to raise funds for their team. The team will have 18 games in Trumann and are hoping to compete and win state finals. * Approved a resolution establishing Trumann Recreational Center fees at $300, unless waved by the council. * Approved waiver of all fees for the upcoming carnival at the old community house on May 18 through 21. * Discussed a citywide yard sale, utilizing donated and unwanted items. Mayor Walters will announce more information on the topic at a later date.

The Marked Tree City Council has decided to consult an attorney regarding a lawsuit concerning the sports complex. Mayor Wayne Nichols said the city paid the sports complex engineer about $195,000 and that he then asked for another $83,000. Of that, Marked Tree paid $60,000, for a difference of $23,000. Nichols said City Attorney Mike Dabney cannot represent the city because he is involved in the contract and the Municipal League will not defend them in this situation. That means taking all the information they have, from the contract to the tapes of city council meetings, to another attorney to see if the city has a case to countersue the engineer, which was Mayor Nichols' recommendation. The council voted unanimously to follow this recommendation. The council also discussed flood emergency plans. Nichols said the first priorities are the kids and the nursing home. The students at Marked Tree Schools would be loaded on buses and taken to Harrisburg while Three Rivers Nursing Center's plan would involve evacuating residents with buses and ambulances. Director of Public Works, Wayne Hendrix, said the water department has a plan for the rest of the city in the event of a flood. The council heard from Joan Campbell, a concerned citizen, who said the ditch on 12th Street does not drain in front of her house. She said the yard next door to hers has a mudhole that overflows into her yard, causing a health hazard. Nichols said he can't make someone put dirt in their yard and that the water department is looking at drainage all over town and working on fixing all the drainage problems. Mayor Nichols said lightning had hit the fuel system at the airport and that it was being fixed. Lightning also hit a couple of tornado sirens, and those are being worked on. The council also discussed the walking trail lights at the sports complex. They will be reprogrammed so they will be on for night walkers. The council's packet included a copy of the Freedom of Information Act section on executive sessions. "We will follow it to the letter," Nichols said. "We've made mistakes, but we won't make them next time." It was also brought up at the meeting that the Marked Tree School District's Benchmark scores have been way up the past two years. Because of this, Marked Tree School District was chosen as one of the few school districts in the state to be used as a model for other schools in the state of Arkansas. "Our school is one of the keys to growing this town," Nichols said.

There will be a PXW wrestling benefit show Saturday, May 14, for the family of Trumann police officer Jonathan Schmidt. Schmidt was tragically killed in the line of duty and leaves behind a wife and children. All of the proceeds for the night will go the Schmidt family. Andrew Long, otherwise known as Lucky the Leprechaun, organized the wrestling event. "I knew Jonathan," said Long. "So did my mother and my brother. I know a lot of the officers in the area and when I heard what happened it just blew me away." Long said there will be a 10-bell salute to honor Jonathan and his family, as well as a poster. Long said he plans on wearing a shirt to commemorate Officer Schmidt. "We just want to help out and do what we can for the family," said Long. The benefit will take place at the Trumann Sports Complex and advanced tickets will be sold until May 13 between 2 and 4 p.m. at the Walmart in Trumann. Bell time is 7:30 Saturday night. Advanced adult tickets will be $5, advanced student tickets will be $2, door adult tickets will be $6, door student ticket will be $3 and children under the age of six will get into the event free. Wrestling stars that will be attending include: Trumann's own Lethal and Lucky the Leprechauns, Big Al, Mike Tucker and Lance Boudreaux. Other legends include: Phil Hanson, Cadillac Bros, Big Daddy Fleet Wood, Sweet Joe, El Dorado, Chief Light Foot and Trumann's own Freezer Thompson. "I want to let fans know that they can purchase their advanced tickets Friday at the Walmart in Trumann," said Long. Tickets will be available at the Walmart in Trumann from 2 to 4 p.m. May 13 or sold at the door. For more information call 870-275-2871 or 870-316-3531.

The goal is not to let a single child in Marked Tree go hungry. That is what former Poinsett County Judge Bill Craft and Gary Still, director of God's New Life Mission Bible Training Center, said they hope to achieve with Youth Outreach Ministries. The two spoke to Marked Tree's Rotary Club last week on the project they're working to start. The two have been working with volunteers on Saturdays to get the building at 804 Elm Street ready to open. They hope to be ready to start by June 7 with a grant-funded summer program that will offer two meals a day to anyone 19 and under with no questions about family income. And during the school, they will have an after-school program modeled on the City Youth program in Jonesboro. Craft said that Rennell Woods, the executive director for City Youth Ministries, has been a tremendous help. "It will be a Christ-centered program," Craft said. "Kids can come in after school, they'll have a snack, then there will be tutors to help with homework. We'll have a recreation period, a non-denominational devotion, and we'll feed them." Craft said they have someone from every church on the board and that the churches will build teams of volunteers to prepare the food, do the devotions, and supervise for a day. "If we get enough teams of volunteers, they will only have to do it once month," Craft said. Craft said he wanted to start the program after he woke up one morning to a big commotion behind his house. Craft found out that some kids were crossing the railroad track when an approaching train blew its horn. All the kids got off the track except for one 11-year-old boy who stuck his fingers in his ears and kept walking. Ever since, Craft has wanted to do something to help kids and give them hope. Still, who runs a 10-month discipleship program, is optimistic about Youth Outreach Ministries. "We want to be a positive part of this community. Any time there are hungry kids, I'm interested. I hope this raises awareness," Still said. "We're walking blind, but there's a lot of excitement in that. There is a list of great organizations that started with a seed and great things came as a result. It's needed in this community. Young people need positive role models. They need hope." Craft said they have the building but still need just about everything else, including tables and chairs, kitchen equipment and recreation equipment. "It's taking a little longer than we assumed it would," Still said. "But we have a responsibility to see this through. We want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. It's kind of like that movie Field of Dreams: 'If you build it, they will come.' I believe that. If God is for it, it will succeed."

Harrisburg Middle School celebrated its new Delta Garden Study grant, sponsored by the USDA and Agricultural Research Service, on Tuesday, May 10, by having a ribbon cutting and breaking ground, where soon their new garden will be located. Students and faculty took shovels and dug up their first piece of earth to represent the beginning of the garden project. The new garden, placed at the front entrance of the school, along the highway, that will not only bring benefits to the students and faculty, but the community as a whole. Ryan Norman will be Harrisburg's full-time Garden Program specialist and will begin working with the school in the fall. Harrisburg will also receive curriculum aligned to Arkansas State Frameworks for Science, Math, Literacy and Physical Education; seeds, plants, equipment and tools to maintain a one acre garden; a chicken coop and chickens; worm boxes and worms for vermicomposting, and support from staff of Delta Garden Study. Karli Saracini, principal of the Harrisburg Middle School, said, "We are so excited about this grant. It's going to have a direct impact on the community and a lasting effect on our students." Saracini explained that because Harrisburg is such a small school committee, they knew it would take more than just a few from the school to receive the grant. That is when the community became involved. "The response has been amazing," said Saracini. Emily English, Research Associate Intervention Programs Manager with the Delta Garden Study, explained the program will strive to fight childhood obesity and offer the students countless experiences and educational tools. "Students will learn how to build raised beds, harvest fruits and vegetables, check soil conditions and build and maintain a green house," said English. "This program is designed to align with multiple curriculums." The program will be implemented with the hope of increasing physical activity and the intake of fruits and vegetables in the students' diets. The garden is also symbol of unity in the community, of residents in Harrisburg working together to live healthier lifestyles. "There will be three more schools who will receive a garden this year," said English. "When those start, we will have a total of 20 gardens, making us the largest garden study in the nation." Danny Sample, Harrisburg Superintendent, said, "This is a lifelong opportunity, not only for healthy nutrition, but possible careers." Members of the Delta Garden Study will be back in August to check up on the progress of the garden. They will also keep the community updated with pictures and stories of progress with their monthly newsletter and on their website at www.arteengarden.com.

Volunteers from the Tyronza and Marked Tree Fire Departments, along with Junior and Senior High EPC students, were hard at work Friday sandbagging a home in Tyronza in preparation for flooding. "The water liked an inch or so of getting in this girl's house," Tyronza Fire Chief Tommy Baine said. Baine said the house, which is on Steel Bridge Road, was the only one in danger of flooding. On Monday, the water was down across the road from the houses. "The Mississippi River crested at Osceola and Caruthersville Sunday night, so that'll be good," Baine said. "We got lucky around here." Baine also said the Marked Tree Fire Department had asked for the remainder of Tyronza's sandbags to help with sandbagging in Payneway on Sunday night. People in Payneway were sandbagging Monday to keep water out of homes as the water covered low points in several roads and yards. Payneway has not flooded this badly since 1973.

Poinsett County Judge, Charles Nix, announced that he has declared Poinsett County a disaster area at the Quorum Court meeting held Monday, May 9. "Counties north of us, like Lawrence County, have had it rough," said Nix, "and for awhile we faired pretty good. The water had since backed up and there is no place for it to go." The town of Payneway has been hit the hardest from the recent flooding, destroying many homes in the area. Nix said there is a lot of high water in that area and farming land has been flooded badly. Up to ten homes have been damaged in the Lepanto area and close to 50 in Payneway. Tulot has also seen damage, with an estimated ten homes damaged. Ten roads in the Lepanto and Payneway area were flooded, but are expected to be dry and drivable within the week. Frank Kraft, Director of Emergency Management, said that the Corp of Engineers have been taking calls, collecting information and following up with residents. "We've made three trips with sandbags," said Kraft. "We've sent over 11,500 just to Payneway." Kraft said that the county has over 38,000 sandbags, which are being stored at the Trumann Fire Department. "We haven't seen anything like this since 1973," said Kraft. "We should also recognize our fire departments and officers for the work they've been doing." Because Poinsett County has been declared as a disaster area, the county will be eligible for aid relief and assistance. Also at the meeting, it was announced that Saturday, May 21, a countywide clean up will take place from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The county landfill will be available for use during this time, free of charge, and residents are welcome to come drop off unwanted furniture, appliances, other unused items and limbs. The county may provide dumpsters in areas of the county that are not as close to the landfill. There have been some complaints about trash in ditches and along the roadside and Sheriff Larry Mills said that he was hoping to get some inmates to help clean that up once the flooding goes down. The court also approved of Justice Johnny Johnson's resolution to honor Jonathan Schmidt. Schmidt was killed in the line of duty when he was shot during a traffic stop on April 12. "This will commend his life and career," said Johnson. "He is a true hometown hero." In other news: *The American Red Cross thanked Poinsett County Judge Charles Nix and the Quorum Court for donating $500 to the Northeast Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross. In a letter, Pam Knapp-Carver, Executive Director for the Red Cross wrote, "Your kindness is helping ensure that disaster clients will receive the critical help they need -- whether food, clothing shelter or simply a listening ear. It also ensures the families of those who are serving in our Armed Forces are able to receive and send emergency messaging when needed and that those in our community receive information on how to be prepared for a disaster." *Approval of the county's financial report. The general balance as of March 31 was $401,577.55 and the county reserve balance was $150,633.73.