Stories from Thursday, October 13, 2011

Mr. Kenneth Keith Roussel, III, 38, of Steele, Mo., died Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, in Bowling Green, Mo., after a brave battle with cancer. Mr. Roussel was born June 20, 1973, to Kenneth Keith Roussel, Jr. and Janie Mosely Roussel. He was a member of the Church of Christ and loved to fish, travel, read, and race cars. Survivors include his mother, Janie Singleton of Steele, Mo.; his father, Kenneth Keith Roussel, Jr. of Kansas City, Mo.; one sister, Angela Krout and husband Neil of Independence, Mo.; one daughter, Salena Patterson of Fisher, Ark.; his grandmother, Janie Evelyn Mosely of Steele, Mo., and a host of other family and friends. Mr. Roussel was preceded in death by his grandfather, Mr. Charles Mosely. Graveside funeral services were 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Steele, Mo., with Mr. James Dalton officiating. Faith Funeral Service of Manila, Ark., was in charge of arrangements.

James "Jim" Arthur Hester, 53, of Steele, Mo., died Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, at Baptist East Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Born Dec. 6, 1957, in Memphis, he was the son of the late James and Stella Slaten Hester. Mr. Hester was a member of the First Baptist Church in Steele and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor degree in business and finance from the University of Mississippi at Oxford, Miss. He was a long-time insurance agent for Farm Bureau, a former Steele Rotary Club member and a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Gail Gonzalez and husband Adolfo "David" of Blytheville, Ark., and Stella Kathleen "Katie" Schaefer and husband Scott of Diamondhead, Miss.; one son, Allen Hester of Steele, Mo.; two brothers, Samuel Hester and wife Brenda of Jonesboro, Ark., and Gary Coleman and wife Becky of Germantown, Tenn.; one sister, Carolyn Coleman of Steele, Mo.; a very special stepmother, Juanita Hester of Holland, Mo.; and a special friend, Peggy Thomas of Steele, Mo. Mr. Hester also leaves three grandchildren, Ava Katie Schaefer, Cody and Kaitlyn Gonzalez, and a host of other family and friends. Funeral services were 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at the First Baptist Church in Steele, Mo., with Rev. Michael Funderburk officiating. Burial was in the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Steele under the direction of Faith Funeral Service of Manila, Ark. The family received visitors Saturday from 9 a.m. until time of service at the church.

Charles "Bud" Bedford Fletcher, 78, of Bay, Ark., died Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark. Born in Jonesboro, he was the son of the late Ernest and Faye Bettis Fletcher and had been a long time area resident. Mr. Fletcher was a member of the Broadway Avenue Missionary Baptist Church in Bay and the VFW in Jonesboro. Mr. Fletcher was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Mrs. Linda Fletcher of the home; four sons, Terry Fletcher and wife Tammie of Trumann, Ark., and Chuck Fletcher and wife Dana of Jonesboro, Bryon Fletcher and wife Sherry of Middlesex, N.C., and Jerry Fletcher of Clanton, Ala.; two daughters, Kristen Sloan and husband Jamie of Harrisburg, Ark., and Kathy Utley of Bay; two sisters, Lois Vincent and husband Quillon of Bay and Emma Knighten of Arkadelphia, Ark. Mr. Fletcher also leaves six grandchildren and one great-grandchild and a host of other family and friends. In addition to his parents, Mr. Fletcher was preceded in death by a sister, Patsy Ruth Fletcher. Visitation was 10 a.m. until noon Friday, Sept. 30, at the Broadway Avenue Missionary Baptist Church in Bay. Committal and burial was in the Pine Log Cemetery in Brookland with Rev. Bill Strickland officiating. Faith Funeral Service of Manila is in charge of arrangements.

Kenneth Shane Blasingame, 42, of 17716 Highway 163, Harrisburg, was arrested during a traffic stop on Sept. 16 after police allegedly found him in possession of several prescription medications without a prescription. Patrolman Jared Cook stopped Blasingame for running a stop sign. After gaining Blasingame's consent to search his vehicle and person, Patrolman Cook allegedly found several prescription medications and determined that Blasingame did not have a prescription for the medications. Police say they learned that Blasingame had just acquired the pills at a residence near the stop. Detective Anthony Parker went to the residence and found the homeowner had just arrived home and didn't know anyone had been in her house. Blasingame allegedly admitted to entering the residence, taking the pills, and attempting to conceal them in his passenger's purse when he saw that he was being pulled over. He is being charged with residential burglary, possession of a controlled substance (pills) without a prescription, theft of property, tampering with physical evidence and disregarding a stop sign. Blasingame was released on his own recognizance. The court date is Oct. 31. Brian Keith Elumbaugh, 33, of Viva Drive Trailer Park #11, Trumann, was arrested following a search of his residence. According to police, detective Erik Willbanks gained consent to search Elumbaugh's residence after receiving an anonymous tip of possible drug activity. During the search, police allegedly found several components common with the manufacture of methamphetamine and coffee filters with powder that field tested positive for crushed pseudoephedrine. Detective Willbanks also allegedly located a police scanner in the same room that was tuned to the Trumann Police Department frequency. Elumbaugh was charged with possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia with the purpose to manufacture methamphetamine, and use of a communication device to facilitate a felony. District Judge Ron Hunter set the bond at $2,500. Court date is Oct. 31. On Sept. 12, David Marshall Tyer of Trumann was arrested and charged with aggravated assault on a family member or household member, a Class D felony domestic battery in the third degree, assault on a family member or household member in the second degree and terroristic threatening. Police were called to 809 Swaney in reference to a domestic disturbance. Police also received other calls of gunshots being fired in that area. Upon officers' arrival, two bystanders were restraining Tyer. Officers observed two victims with head and facial injuries. It was determined that Tyer had physically assaulted his girlfriend. The girlfriend's father came outside to stop the fight and Tyer began beating him with a loaded handgun. During the altercation, the girlfriend's daughter also attempted to intervene and was shoved away violently by Tyer. The girlfriend and her father were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Tyer's bond is set for $50,000 and has a court date of Oct. 31. Shawn Andrious Woods was arrested Sept. 12 and charged with theft of a debit/credit card, fraudulent use of debit/credit card and theft of property (under $1,000). On Aug. 25 Andrea Halfacre reported her debit card was taken and used at a Unico Bank ATM. Halfacre stated that $100 was withdrawn from her account. Detectives reviewed the video surveillance and confirmed that Shawn Woods, Halfacre's ex-boyfriend, was the suspect. Halfacre stated that Woods was not an authorized user of the account and did not have permission to use the card. A witness, who was in the vehicle with Woods, stated that Woods told him that he was getting money out of the ATM for his sister. Wood's court date is set for Oct. 31. On Sept. 11, Sabrina Danielle Pierce of Trumann was arrested and charged with forgery, fraudulent use of a debit/credit card and theft of a debit/credit card. On Aug. 1, Dina Moody reported someone had stolen and used her Mastercard Social Security card. Moody stated the card was used at the Trumann WalMart. Police obtained surveillance footage of the card being used from the store and when Moody was shown the footage, she identified Pierce as the person using the card. Moody also stated that Pierce was in her company the night before and inquired about the details of using the card. Pierce's court date is scheduled for Oct. 31. Preston Wayne Carter of Trumann was arrested Sept. 9 and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia with purpose to manufacture (meth) and conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance (meth). After a cooler containing several items consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine was found in a dumpster, a Trumann officer began an attempt to determine who might have discarded it. Several names were found on the cooler, and after interviewing the people listed, officers determined that the cooler belonged to Carter. The people interviewed admitted to purchasing pseudoephedrine pills for Carter for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine. Carter's bond is set for $25,000 and his court date will take place Oct. 31.

Jessica Hudgen was arrested Sept. 23 and charged with felony theft of property. Trumann police were contacted by a loss prevention employee of Dollar General and told of an investigation into an employee for theft. The employee told police the company had video evidence of Hudgen "sliding" merchandise for at least four different customers on several occasions. "Sliding" is a term used when a checkout employee, who is taking merchandise, does not scan it before giving it to the customer. The store representatives gave police evidence of approximately $1,400 worth of merchandise that Hudgen is responsible for. Hudgen's court date is set for Oct. 31. Also on Sept. 23, Chester Paul Hutchins was arrested and charged with possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture, possession of drug paraphernalia and the use of a communication device to facilitate a felony. Police conducted a controlled transfer of pseudoephedrine pills using an informant with Hutchins. After the transaction, officers conducted a search of his residency. During the search, items commonly used to ingest methamphetamine were found in Hutchins' bedroom. A police scanner was also found in the common area of the home. Hutchins' court date is set for Oct. 30 and his bond is set at $50,000.

Gov. Mike Beebe will present a proclamation at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 10, in the Governor's Conference Room at the State Capitol declaring Oct. 10-14 as Adult Education Week in Arkansas and Oct. 10 as GED Pride Day. "It is timely and appropriate that attention be focused on the special efforts and dedication of Arkansas's adult educators who prepare individuals for productive employment and enriched lives," Gov. Beebe's proclamation reads. "I encourage my fellow citizens to become familiar with the services and benefits offered by adult education courses and to support and participate in these programs." Adult education services provide academic skills instruction and GED preparation for adults who lack a high school diploma. "Adult Education through the GED accomplishment gives people a second chance and fills the void that they carry by dropping out of the education process. You can see it in their eyes when they walk across the stage to accept their GED diploma. While it's an individual accomplishment, it touches their entire family through generations," said James H."Jim" Smith Jr., Deputy Director of Adult Education. Arkansas is one of the few states that offers the GED tests at no charge," said Janice Hanlon, the state's GED administrator with the Arkansas Department of Career Education. "In 2014, all states will start charging for the tests. Now is the time for anyone who is thinking of either starting or completing their GED preparation to visit one of our centers." Arkansas's adult education programs also offer English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Literacy/Civics Education classes to serve immigrant adults who want to become more fluent in English, pass U.S. citizenship tests and acquire basic employability skills. Additionally, workplace classes are available at the centers and onsite at businesses so current and prospective employees can improve their basic reading, math, team-building and communication skills ñ as well as their GED readiness. The Workforce Alliance for Growth in the Economy (WAGE) program provides academic and employability instruction to meet the needs of unemployed and underemployed individuals. "As a free, year-round service, adult education is likely one of the most crucial state programs available to fight illiteracy and poverty and offer career training," said Department of Workforce Education Director William L. "Bill" Walker, Jr. "Thanks to the dedication of our Adult Education Division staff and instructors statewide, we have the resources in place to offer a second chance to many Arkansans who didn't finish high school. Through this proclamation, Gov. Beebe is once again proving his commitment to education at every level in our state. Because of the Governor's commitment, our agency's is committed to ensuring that Arkansans will be well prepared for the high-skill, high-demand, high-wage jobs of the 21st century economy." The Adult Education Division of the Arkansas Department of Career Education funds and oversees 51 adult education programs and 20 literacy councils. There are 24 adult education programs which are administered by public school systems and 27 are administered by post-secondary educational institutions. For locations and contact information for adult education programs around the state, visit http://ace.arkansas.gov or by calling the Department of Career Education at 501-682-1980. The Arkansas Department of Career Education (ACE) has the mission of providing leadership and contributing resources to serve the diverse and changing career educational needs of Arkansas youth, adults, and persons living with disabilities.

This summer at the 22nd World Scout Jamboree, 40,000 Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts gathered in Rinkaby, Sweden. The scouts came from six continents and more than 114 countries to camp out and mingle with each other for the two-week event. Of those, about 2,200 were from the United States and one was from Arkansas. William Wofford of Brinkley, who is working on obtaining his Eagle Scout rank, got the opportunity to go to the World Jamboree and spoke to the Marked Tree Rotary Club last week about the experience. Wofford is currently a high school senior and wants to attend UALR to study Mass Communications, focusing on film, and hopes to eventually study acting. Since one of his favorite hobbies is making films, Wofford made a video of chronicling his experience at the Jamboree and showed the video to the club. Wofford said he caught a Greyhound bus from Forrest City to Atlanta, Ga., which took 14 hours, before hopping a plane to Copenhagen, Denmark, which took nine hours. The World Scout Jamboree took place on the fields of Rinkaby in southern Sweden. He said he made many friends at the event, learned camp songs from other countries and taught others American camp songs. He also traded pouches, t-shirts and uniforms with scouts from other countries, many of which he showed off for the club. In order to seal the deal for a UK jacket in his size, a scout wanted Wofford's duffel bag. Wofford said he needed a duffel bag to take all his clothes home, so the other scout ended up trading his own duffel bag along with the jacket in exchange for Wofford's bag. After 10 days in Sweden, Wofford flew back to the U.S. and spent a day alone in Atlanta, where he visited CNN Studios, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s gravesite and Underground Atlanta, a shopping and entertainment district in the Five Points neighborhood downtown. Wofford only lacks one thing in gaining his Eagle Scout rank. One of the requirements is to send a letter to one of your state senators and receive a reply. Wofford said he is currently waiting on a reply. Rick Wise, District Executive Director for the Boy Scouts of America also spoke to the Rotary Club. He said a Cub Pack had been started last year in Marked Tree and that the group currently has 10 kids. The current Cubmaster is April Smith. Wise said during the big blitz weekend for popcorn sales, which is the Boy Scouts' big fundraiser, three scouts from Marked Tree had high enough sales to qualify for prizes. "That's more than in some other small packs," Wise said.

Tropical Twist Pizza in Trumann will open a new game room Thursday, Oct. 6. There will be arcades, three pool tables and an air hockey table. The game room will be open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Owner Jason Moore has also set up an X-Box room, where anyone can play X-Box live. X-Box will begin at 3:30 p.m. every day and costs $10 for a full hour or $5 for half an hour. Tropical Twist Pizza is located on 273 Hwy. 463 and can be reached at 870-483-1212. At the end of each buffet, Tropical Twist Pizza donates its food to Hope House, which helps men struggling with addiction. To keep Hope House hunger free, call Gary McIllwain at 870-650-4400 to set up your own food or cash donation.

The Arkansas Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Nov. 10 on the appeal of a case regarding residency of Lepanto mayor Steve Jernigan, according to the Supreme Court Oral Argument Schedule. The arguments will be at the Justice Building in Little Rock. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Martin Lilly filed a petition in December of last year seeking to remove Jernigan from office, alleging that Jernigan was not a resident of Lepanto under state law. This case is an appeal of the Jan. 24 decision by Poinsett County Circuit Judge Ralph Wilson Jr. of Osceola, who ruled in Jernigan's favor on the issue of whether or not Jernigan resided in city limits and could remain in office as mayor.

Ronnie Dye was elected as the new Trumann school board president at the special board meeting held Tuesday night, Sept. 27. Along with Dye, Jeff Jones was elected as the vice president and Anthony Patterson as the secretary. The board also decided the president should maintain the responsibilities of the disbursement officer. Adam Jones was also warmly welcomed by the board as a new member. The board also approved the budget for the 2011-2012 school year, with the legal balance at $2.1 million. Myra Graham, Trumann superintendent, said the budget will take care of the school's needs and she expects it will leave room for some extra money at the end of the year. She plans to give the board a Power Point presentation on the budget's implementation mid-year. In other action, the board: *approved the Federal Programs and Categorical Funds budget for the 2011-2012 school year. * approved the Special Education Local School District Budget Application for the provision of Special Education and Related Services. * adopted the Arkansas Department of Education Assurances for Programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 196 (Federal Programs), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Public Law 201-110.

The Trumann School Board approved several bids which will help improve the system through technology in a meeting this week. The board first approved a bid for HP Laser Jet printers and toners to CDW-G at $5,626.74. They also approved a bid for LCD projectors to CDW-G at $13,188.36 and a bid for iPads, Macbook and iPad Learning Lab to Apple at $61,566.10. All of the bids were made through IDEA-ARRA Funds. In other business the board: * approved the transfer of Austin May into Trumann School District from Bay School District. * approved the Gifted/Talented Student Progress Report, Program Evaluation Plan and GT Teacher Hiring Rubric in preparation for GT monitoring. * approved Cedar Park Elementary Handbook change concerning field trips. * approved the Migrant Education Application. * approved Myra Graham, Trumann's superintendent, to increase (referee) officials' pay for athletic events to be equal to other schools in the conference when it does not meet that level. * approved submitting an application for a permit to issue bonds (refinance at a lower rate) and to authorize Graham to accept or reject the best bid submitted in consultation with the fiscal agent. * discussed the proper procedures for the Safe Room. * distributed voting procedure for Homecoming elections for board to consider at next meeting. * heard an update from Graham on the following enrollment reports. Enrollment for the year is 1,536, which is up 19 from last year. Regarding yearbook changes, there has been an increase in price from $30 to $35 in order to have a full color annual. * set a special School Board meeting to approve the budget for 6 p.m. Sept. 27. * set the annual report to the public at 6 p.m. Oct. 10, prior to the regular board meeting at 7 p.m. * recognized Ronnie Everhart for his service on the Trumann School Board from 2001 to 2011.

The U.S. Postal Service will hold a public meeting to discuss its proposal to make possible changes in the way postal services are provided in Waldenburg at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at Waldenburg City Hall, 5645 Highway 14 East. Customers will have an opportunity to meet with a Postal Service representative to discuss alternatives. A review of business activities of the Post Office at this location revealed that the office workload has declined. This reduced workload suggests the maintenance of an independent Post Office here may no longer be warranted. As more customers choose to conduct their postal business online, on their smart phones and at their favorite shopping destinations, the need for the U.S. Postal Service to maintain its nearly 32,000 retail offices -- the largest retail network in the country -- diminishes. The Postal Service announced July 26 that it will be taking the next step in right-sizing its expansive retail network by conducting studies of approximately 3,700 retail offices to determine customer needs. As part of this effort, the Postal Service also introduced a retail-replacement option for affected communities around the nation. "Today, more than 35 percent of the Postal Service's retail revenue comes from expanded access locations such as grocery stores, drug stores, office supply stores, retail chains, self-service kiosks, ATMs and usps.com, open 24/7," said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. "Our customer's habits have made it clear that they no longer require a physical post office to conduct most of their postal business." For communities currently without a postal retail office and for communities affected by these retail optimization efforts, the Postal Service introduced the Village Post Office as a potential replacement option. Village Post Offices would be operated by local businesses, such as pharmacies, grocery stores and other appropriate retailers, and would offer popular postal products and services such as stamps and flat-rate packaging. "By working with third-party retailers, we're creating easier, more convenient access to our products and services when and where our customers want them," Donahoe said. "The Village Post Office will offer another way for us to meet our customers' needs." With 32,000 postal retail offices and more than 70,000 third-party retailers -- Approved Postal Providers -- selling postage stamps and providing expanded access to other postal products and services, customers today have about 100,000 locations across the nation where they can do business with the Postal Service. "The Postal Service of the future will be smaller, leaner and more competitive and it will continue to drive commerce, serve communities and deliver value," Donahoe added. The list of offices being studied and additional information can be found at http://about.usps.com/news/electronic-press-kits/expandedaccess/welcome.htm. Any customer who wishes to submit comments in writing about this issue can send it to: Manager Consumer & Industry Affairs, USPS Arkansas District, 420 Natural Resources Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205-9631. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Buster Willis of Trumann celebrated his 80th birthday with his first-ever birthday party. He was born Sept. 7, 1931, and his daughter, Rhonda Willis, and friends threw the party.

The Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce hosted Paint The Town Orange on the court square Monday. Those in attendance released orange balloons before enjoying refreshments provided by First National Bank.

Lake Poinsett State Park held its annual Fall Celebration Saturday, Oct. 1. It was a fun-packed Saturday afternoon with hayrides, pumpkin decorating, Dutch oven cooking demonstrations and hand-led horseback rides.The Fall Celebration also featured a performance by Roger Fountain and Friends. (DT Photo/JACKIE WILSON)

The Literacy League, which serves Poinsett, Craighead and Greene counties, recently welcomed new board members Hubert Brodell, former mayor of Jonesboro, and Dirk Owens of Harrisburg. The two were welcomed by board president Dr. David Agnew at the September meeting. Both will add much to theboard, Agnew says. Owens is well known inPoinsett County and has had an active life ofpublic service. He served as District Schedulerand Agricultural Liaison for U.S. RepresentativeMarion Berry in 1997-1998. Owens is Vocal MusicLeader at First United Methodist Church inHarrisburg and currently is serving his secondterm as a Board member of the Rotary Club ofHarrisburg. Many residents in Jonesboro knowBrodell and his commitment to education,himself receiving his GED in his later yearsafter a very successful life in public service. "The Literacy League is looking forward with confidence and believes that by working togetherwe can meet the needs of the community," Agnew said. "Empowerment of the individual overtheir own life through education is the goal ofthe Literacy League.Literacy is foundationalto personal empowerment." Persons needing toimprove their reading skills should be referredto the Literacy League office at 870-910-6511or go by the office which is located at 324West Huntington Street in Jonesboro. TheLiteracy League is also seeking volunteers to serve in various capacities.

Rosanna Arnold's second grade class at Marked Tree Elementary has been studying the government for the past few weeks. On Tuesday, they received a special visit from Marked Tree Mayor Wayne Nichols, who spoke to the kids about local government and answered questions. After explaining to the kids that "rule by the people" means that voters pick the leaders, Mrs. Arnold introduced Mayor Nichols, who fielded questions such as: "Are you the government?" "Do you own the country?" and "Do you make all the rules?" Mayor Nichols explained that the city belongs to the people and, as mayor, "my job is to take care of your property, be frugal, spend money wisely, and always save money for an emergency." He talked about the importance of voting, saying, "our great nation was founded on participation," and explained how he works with the city council. "We all work together as a team. We don't always agree, but we compromise." The class was eager to talk and asked several questions which led to talk about recycling, taking care of the environment, and the importance of education. When asked what they thought it took to be a good leader, the class said leaders should listen to the people, respect people, and learn. When Arnold asked students if they wanted to be mayor, governor, or president when they grew up, nearly everyone raised their hands each time and grew more excited with each title. Arnold said that Gov. Mike Beebe visited last year, and she wants to have State Rep. Buddy Lovell come soon too.

Trumann welcomes a gruesome haunted house, just in time for Halloween. The cost is $5 a ticket and the scarefest will be held at the Sports Complex located on 16179 Pecan Grove Road in Trumann. After the mysterious death of his parents, a young man takes over his family's circus, Cirque de Mystique, but not without a price. Jaggers, the circus clown, came to work shortly before his parents' demise. No one knew that Jaggers had recently escaped the county insane asylum. Over time Jaggers banned together the most evil of the circus workers and began creating a wicked show -- a show that ensured no one would survive. Jaggers moved the traveling circus to a Trumann haunted graveyard, where it has remained untouched, renaming Cirque de Mystique, CarnEvil. "Lucky you ñ Jaggers gave you a personal invite," said an organizer. Visitors will start the show by walking past a knife wheel. If they make it past without a severed head, Ms. Tarot Fate will summon evil spirits from the graveyard to scare folks out of their skin. The circus nightmare continues, as visitors make their way past the freak show, winding maze, claustrophobia room and runaway rollercoaster. "If you are truly lucky and survive all dangers of the circus goons, be sure that Jaggers himself will come after you," said a spokesman. The haunt times are: Thursday, Oct. 13 ñ 7 until 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 ñ 8 p.m. until midnight Saturday, Oct. 15 ñ 8 p.m. until midnight Thursday, Oct. 20 ñ 7 until 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21 ñ 8 p.m. until midnight Saturday, Oct. 22 ñ 8 p.m. until midnight Thursday, Oct. 27 ñ 7 until 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 ñ 8 p.m. until midnight Saturday, Oct. 29 ñ 8 p.m. until midnight Sunday, Oct. 30 ñ 7 until 10 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31 ñ 7 p.m. until ??? Discount passes can be printed at www.trumannparks.org. For more information on the haunted house contact Brandon Shrader at 870-483-5355.

R.D. Gill, 86, of Tyronza, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was a rural mail carrier for the Tyronza Post Office for 30 years, worked with the Tyronza Fire Department for 25 years -- retiring as Chief -- had 25 years of perfect attendance at the Tyronza Rotary Club, and was a member of the Tyronza Hunting Club for 44 years. He was also a World War II United States Army Air Corps Veteran and a member of Tyronza First United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Hilda LuCretia Eidson Gill, and is survived by three daughters, Becky and Randy Shinabery of Marked Tree, Ark., Beth and Frankie Hall of Pocahontas, Ark., and Babs and Dr. Mike Carter of Fayetteville, Ark.; two sons, Rex and Cathy Gill of Marion, Ark., and Rick and Elizabeth Gill of Marion, Ark.; two sisters, Sue Stirewalt of Brandsville, Mo., and Faye Drace of Tyronza, Ark.; one brother, Robert E. Gill of West Memphis, Ark.; grandchildren, Drs. Lee and Kerri Shinabery, Stephanie Shinabery, Gill and Cari Shinabery, Trey and Sara Hall, Luke and LuCretia Landry, Captain Brian and Amanda Carter, Nick and Erin Forro, Rev. Chad and Megan Kumpe, Richie and Dara Gill, Brandon and Lindsay Gill, Bradley Gill, Jonathan Gill and Meredith Gill, and great-grandchildren, Ashlee, Allison and Anna Shinabery, McKenzie and Alexa Shinabery, Allie, Darby and Darci Hall, Abigail and Lawson Landry, Andrew Carter, Nicholas and Carter Forro, Gabby and Ridge Gill, and Avery Gill. Memorials can be made at Arkansas Children's Hospital, American Heart Association, The Tyronza United Methodist Church and The Tyronza Baptist Church. Services were held Friday, Sept. 30, at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis, Ark., followed by interment at Tyronza Cemetery in Tyronza, Ark.

Mrs. Sadie Louise Allmon, 67, of Blytheville, Ark., died Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, at her home after a brave battle with cancer. Mrs. Allmon was born Nov. 19, 1943, in Lafe, Ark., to the late Rupert Barney and Hazel Lorene Lake Williams. Mrs. Allmon was of the Southern Baptist faith, 1962 graduating class of Lafe High School, an area resident for 47 years, enjoyed sewing, reading, and gardening. Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Earl Allmon; three daughters, Tina Walton of Manila, Ark., Sherry Tuberville and husband Tim of Cooter, Mo., and Bonnie Best and husband Phillip of Lafe, Ark.; one brother, Buford Williams; one sister, Ruth Love; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends. Mrs. Allmon was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, James Williams. Funeral services were 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, 2011, at the Pentecostal Church of God, Steele, Mo., with the Rev. Gary Andrews officiating. Interment was in Dogwood Cemetery, Blytheville, Ark., under the direction of Faith Funeral Service of Manila, Ark. The family received visitors at the church from 2-4 p.m. Monday. Pallbearers were Terry Bressler, Jr., Jason Bressler, Timmy Tuberville, Phillip Best, Jacob Best and Tim Tuberville. Honorary pallbearer was Tommy Tuberville.

Mr. Mark Anthony Decker, 46, of Rives, Mo., died Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011, at Kennett, Mo., after a long illness. Mr. Decker was born Feb. 8, 1965, in Rives, Mo., to Leroy and Barbara Decker. He was a member of the Church of Christ and a truck driver. His children meant everything to him, he loved motorcycles and visiting with family and friends. Survivors include his mother, Barbara Decker and husband Leonard of Rives, Mo.; one son, Mark Anthony Decker, Jr. of Paragould, Ark.; one daughter, Briann Alisha Decker of Paragould, Ark.; one brother, Hugh Decker and wife Barbara of Blytheville, Ark.; one sister, Rosa Decker of Memphis, Tenn.; and a host of other family and friends. Mr. Decker was preceded in death by his father, Leroy Decker; one brother, Ricky Decker; two grandfathers, Harold Kinnision and Marshie Decker; two grandmothers, Mazel Kinnision and Rosa Decker. Funeral services were 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Northside Church of Christ in Blytheville with Mr. Jody McFadden officiating. Interment followed at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Steele, Mo., under the direction of Faith Funeral Service of Manila, Ark. The family received visitors at the church from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 07.

Mr. Jerry Wayne Johnston, 62, of Paragould, died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, at Arkansas Methodist Hospital. Mr. Johnston was born April 18, 1949 in Paragould to the late General Jack and Lottie Velena Johnston. He loved reading the Bible (especially John 15), fishing, horses, and he established the Black Horse Reservation. Survivors include three daughters, Sheila Michelle Johnston, Lisa Lynn Nelson and Jeri Heather Johnston, all of Paragould; four brothers, Nathan Johnston, Jack Johnston and David Johnston, all of Paragould, and Robert Johnston of Lafe, Ark.; two sisters, Alapha Flotard of New Jersey and Hazel Young of Rockford, Ill.; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and a host of other family and friends. Mr. Johnston was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Leroy Johnston and Kenneth Johnston; and one sister, Aldean Rhein. The family requests private services and disposition under the direction of Faith Funeral Service, Manila, Ark.

TRUMANN - Mrs. Estelle J. England, 96, of Trumann died Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Ark. She was born in Manley, Mo., and had lived her lifetime in Trumann. Mrs. England was a homemaker and member of the Church of God of Prophecy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie Earl England; one daughter, Norma Jean Secrease; two sisters, four brothers and her parents, Albert and Cora Strawn Smith. Survivors include one son, Gary England of Trumann; two daughters, Brenda Samudio of Memphis and Helen Watts of Trumann; one sister, Marvelene Reipe of Poplar Bluff, Mo., 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral service was Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. at the Church of God of Prophecy with Bro. Larry Tribble officiating. Burial followed in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, Ark., under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann. Pallbearers were Gene Benson, Jerry Vinson, Jerry Murphy, Johnny Barnes, Allen Bigger and Donald Guthrie. Visitation was Friday from 5 until 7 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann, Ark. An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

TRUMANN - Mr. Gary Ray "Bronco" Fike, 66, of Trumann, died Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011, at the family residence. He was born in Pine Bluff, Ark., and had lived most of his lifetime in Trumann. Mr. Fike was a truck driver, veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Vietnam and of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by one sister, one brother and his father, Leslie Owen Fike. Survivors include his wife, Sue Atkins Fike of the home; two daughters, Hollie Stracener and husband Charles of Jonesboro, LeAnn Fagan and husband David of Trumann; his mother, Hazel Huckaba Orr of Trumann; four brothers, Mickey Fike, David Fike, Thad Fike and Allan Fike, all of Trumann, and seven grandchildren, Schyler (Turtle), Lexi (Rabbit), Avery (Shortstack), Kasie (Varmit), Shailah, Collin and Jacob. Funeral service was Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 4, at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home with Bro. Austin Missey officiating. Burial followed in the Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, Ark. Active pallbearers were Charles Stracener, David Fagan, Rick Atkins, Lee Forbus, Rodney Hayse, James Britnell, Barry Morgan and Doug Timbs. Honorary pallbearers were Vietnam Veterans of the 577-35th Combat Engineer Battalion. Visitation was Monday, Oct. 3, from 5 until 7 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann. An online guest book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

MARKED TREE - Mr. Cloyes Edwin Hamilton, 89, of Marked Tree, Ark., died Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro, Ark. He was born in Newport, Ark., and had lived his lifetime in Marked Tree. Mr. Hamilton was a welder for International Harvester in Memphis and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Marked Tree. He was preceded in death by his wife, Opal Trammel Hamilton; one son, James Hamilton; one daughter, Barbara Hamilton; one brother, Otis Hamilton; three sisters, Ruby Malone, Zettie Easley and Imogene Wade, and his parents, Elmer Ellis and Cilla Carpenter Hamilton. He is survived by two daughters, Joyce and Howard Morgan of Marked Tree and Lois and Leroy May of Trumann; one son, Ed and Eloise Hamilton of Burnet, Texas; two sisters, Evelyn Peak of Heafer, Ark., and Nettie Echols of Trumann; six grandchildren, Roger Morgan, Karen Morgan Rollins, Todd May, James Ed Hamilton, Chuck Hamilton and Amanda Hamilton; seven great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. Funeral service was Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann with Rev. Ron Williams and Gary Hill officiating. Burial followed in the Marked Tree Cemetery in Marked Tree, Ark. Pallbearers were Roger Morgan, Todd May, Chuck Hamilton, Terry Rollins Sr., James Hamilton and Terry Rollins Jr. Visitation was Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 at Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann. An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

Occasionally forgetting things is normal as one gets older. However, memory loss which disrupts daily activities is not a normal part of aging. If memory loss is becoming a frequent problem, it could be an early sign of Alzheimer's Disease. Early detection of Alzheimer's is important in order for the patient to receive the proper care needed and plan for the future. Most people are unaware of when memory loss becomes a problem. The Alzheimer's Association says there are 10 signs to look for if you suspect a loved one has Alzheimer's Disease. The signs may include disrupting memory loss, confusion about time or dates and the inability to complete familiar tasks around the home. "The 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters," a program through Arkansas Alzheimer's Association and co-presented by the Center on Aging-Northeast, will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17, at the Center on Aging-Northeast, 303 E. Matthews in Jonesboro. Tiffany Phillips with Arkansas Alzheimer's Association and Dr. Christina Rosca, geriatrician with St. Bernards Senior Health Clinic, will be the presenters. This presentation will look at age-related memory loss vs. dementia and also identify the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's. Family members and caregivers of those with signs of early Alzheimer's or mild impairment are especially encouraged to attend. To register for this free program, call the Center on Aging-Northeast at (870) 207-7595 or 1-800-745-0557.

It is reported by the Reynolds Foundation's Fact Sheet that an estimated 80 percent of Arkansas' older population who receive care in the home depend on family and friends. Caring for an older adult with dementia presents many special challenges to family and friends who provide the care and support they must have to remain at home. The Schmieding Home Caregiver Training program offers free Family Caregiver Workshops for anyone providing unpaid care for an older adult at home. The workshops which are funded by a grant through the Arkansas Aging Initiative, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging and UAMS, are designed to increase family members knowledge of basic caregiving topics and introduce them to basic caregiver skills. Each class lasts two days, four hours per session. The next class date for "Dementia Care Skills for the Family Caregiver" will be Wednesday, Oct. 26, and Thursday, Oct. 27, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. This program will provide an overview of information on dementia and caregiving for anyone helping to provide unpaid care for an older adult with dementia at home. All classes will be held at the Schmieding Home Caregiver Training Program, located in Jonesboro at 2813 Forest Home Road. Attendance is recommended for both days, but not required. Registration is required by calling 870-207-7595 or 870-207-7600. Space is limited.

David Burrows Jr., 28, an elementary teacher/coach with East Poinsett County Schools of Lepanto, was arrested Tuesday Sept. 27, according to the Lepanto Police Department. Capt. David Layman said Burrows was arrested on charges of domestic battery third degree pursuant to an affidavit filed by Burrows' wife, of Lepanto. District Judge Ron Hunter ordered that Burrows appear in the Poinsett County District Court, Lepanto Division, on Oct. 20.

A gospel meeting at the Viva Drive Church of Christ in Trumann will begin with a song service at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. Everyone is invited to attend. The gospel meeting starts Sunday, Oct. 16, and will continue through Wednesday, Oct. 19, with Mike Vestal of Midland, Texas. Sunday morning Bible class is at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. Night services each day will begin at 7 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 10, the City of Tyronza will begin weekly pick up of small limbs and branches placed on the curb by residents. Limbs must be no larger than 4" to 6" in diameter or longer than 5' so they can be run through the chipper. The city will not, however, pick up any limbs placed on the curb that have been cut by hired tree trimmers. The City also asks that limbs not be put out any more than two days before the scheduled pick up on Mondays. Persons with questions may call the Tyronza City Hall at 487-2168.

The Marked Tree School District hosted a community round-table event titled "Caring for the Children We Share" from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, at the Marked Tree cafeteria. Keynote speaker from the Learning Academy was Marie Parker and Blaine Alexander. The evening started with a prayer led by Ira Whitfield, Marked Tree School Board member, and a chili supper cooked by the Marked Tree Elementary cafeteria staff. The speaker led a group of community members and staff in an activity designed to provide insight into collaboration among community members and school personnel. After the ice breaker activity was complete, a roundtable discussion reviewing the "School, Family and Community Partnerships: Caring for the Children We Share" mission statement was conducted. Three specific areas were discussed and reflected upon, including educational excellence, effective communication and productive interactions. The community members and staff in attendance were encouraged to take the discussion topics out to the entire community and enlist responses from all. The Marked Tree School District values its relationship with the community and encourages community members, both parents and non-parents alike, to attend community meetings and contact the school to become involved in school decisions, programs and activities. For further information contact the district office at 870-358-2913. In other school news, the annual public meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17, in the high school library. Come by to hear the latest updates on school finance, news, and program updates. The monthly school board meeting will follow at 6:30 p.m.

The Trumann Police Department reminds citizens of two city ordinances that are in place. According the Trumann Code, Section 14-6, firearms, discharge prohibited: "It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any pistol, rifle, gun or other firearm within the city. This section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the discharge of his official duties." And Section 14-2, air, spring or "BB" guns, discharging: "It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or cause to be discharged, an air rifle, spring sun, "BB" gun or air gun within the corporate limits of the city." "Please note that any person that goes against these codes in place will lose their weapons upon being held as evidence and can be charged," a TPD spokesman said.

Emilee Timbs of Marked Tree was one of 60 students participating in the annual ASU College of Agriculture and Technology Student Leadership Conference held Sept. 23 at the ASU Convocation Center in Jonesboro. The conference is designed to help new and returning students prepare to effectively lead their campus organizations and also give some basic leadership skills that will help them compete in the world of work. Many ASU graduates become active in leadership positions in the community or their profession. Emilee is the daughter of Jean and Cloys Timbs of Marked Tree and is a 2011 graduate of Marked Tree High School. Emilee is a freshman majoring in animal science at ASU. This year's conference focused on leadership and preparing for the world of work. Randy Kingston, a 1983 graduate of the College of Agriculture, was the luncheon speaker. This 20th annual College of Agriculture and Technology Student Leadership Conference was co-sponsored by the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee, AgHeritage Farm Credit, the Craighead County Farm Bureau, Midsouth Farm Credit, E. Ritter and Company, Poinsett Rice and Grain and Greenway Equipment, Inc.

Mason Mike Sullivan serves juice to those who came out for the Masonic Lodge pancake breakfast. (DT Photo/ANTHONY COSSEY)

Alzheimer's is the only major disease in the top 10 causes of death that is increasing in death rate, Tiffany Phillips told members of the Alzheimer's Support Group last week. Phillips is program coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association out of Little Rock. The Alzheimer's Association is a non-profit voluntary health organization which focuses on care, support and research for Alzheimer's disease and is the largest non-profit that gives to research. Phillips focused on the topic of wandering for much of her talk with the support group at Three Rivers Healthcare and Rehabilitation. Over 60 percent of people with dementia will wander at some point during the course of the disease. "All wandering is not bad by definition," Phillips said. "'The key is to recognize if someone prone to wandering shows exit-seeking behavior. You want to try to figure out what is prompting the wandering and have a distraction ready. Use redirection and pick something that fits into her worldview. Everyone wants to feel they're contributing to society. On the outside, what looks like wandering could be them trying to do their job because they're at that point in time." Phillips suggested redirecting them with specifics about their job, such as telling someone who used to be a mail carrier that they have already delivered their packages for the day. Other people with Alzheimer's who are at risk for wandering include people who return from a regular walk or drive later than usual, try to or want to go home even when they are at home, are restless or pace, have difficulty locating familiar places, ask about the whereabouts of current or past friends and family, act as if doing a hobby or chore but nothing gets done, appear lost in a new or changed environment. "You have to know the person and pay attention to the emotion you see," Phillips said. "Sometimes the best source of information is that person. If you look interested, they'll be more likely to tell you. Communication is 93 percent non-verbal. Even if you don't feel they know you, if you smile when you leave, that feeling stays for hours. But that works with negative feelings too." Phillips also talked about a 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for people who wander called MedicAlert + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return. The program puts identification on people in several available forms including bracelets and necklaces. The emblem has all the contact information for the people looking for the person who has wandered along with the number for a 24 hour emergency response service. A fax also goes out to police to report the person missing and to the Alzheimer's Association, who can offer help to the family. "There are lots of options to stop wandering from low tech to high tech," Phillips said. "It's best to know your people, be proactive, and educate families to recognize exit-seeking behavior and them aware of things they can do. That's what we're about: sharing information and making people feel empowered." The Alzheimer's Support Group meets at Three Rivers Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Marked Tree on the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm. Three Rivers is a non-profit organization and part of Arkansas Elder Outreach. The Three Rivers Group partners with the Alzheimer's Association, Central Arkansas Regional Office. For more information, call 501-265-0027 or visit www.alz.org.

Fairs and festivals have been popping up all over northeast Arkansas, but the largest and most exciting fair has yet to take place. Starting Oct. 14 through the 23, the Arkansas State Fair will be at the Little Rock fair grounds. The fair will of course have food, fun, animals, rides and entertainment. Attractions include Wild About Monkeys, which shows off trained monkeys performing routines, Show-Me Swine pig races, Zerebko Zoo petting zoo and pony rides, Ag in Action, Barton Coliseum Rock and Roll Museum and the Arkansas Livestock Show and State Fair Museum. Ralph Shoptaw, Arkansas State Fair's general manager, said that the fair consists of many, many things, but its main purpose is youth development. "There will be around 4,500 youth exhibits in livestock and art," he said. "In our ten day period of being open, we will raise a quarter of a million to give back to the youth, in things like scholarships." Shoptaw said that each year, the fair tries to bring in a new attraction or entertainment. "This year we are presenting the Great American Wild West Show," Shoptaw said. "It offers a history of the old west. It is theatre on dirt." Ron Endsley is the brains behind the operation. He is one of the best-known rodeo announcers and sent almost 30 years traveling to rodeos with his wife. Endsley has even been inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame. "We are very proud of the Wild West Show and we are proud to get to perform at the Arkansas State Fair," Endsley, who currently resides in Drasco, Ar., said. "My wife and I grew up the Arkansas Fair. We even had our first date there." The Great American Wild West showcases traditional Native American dancing, daredevils on fast horses, rope slinging tricks and characters like Annie Oakley. There are outlaws and heroes, longhorns and dramatic effects in the show. Endsley said the reason that he, his wife Sharon and son Tim all work so hard on the Wild West Show is for the reaction of those who have never seen anything like it. "I love to see the pure joy on the kid's faces," he said. "It's good, clean, all-American fun." The Arkansas State Fair will open daily at 11 a.m. beginning on Oct. 14. Adult tickets are $8, children ages six to 12 are $4, children ages under six are free and seniors above age 60 are $4. Parking is $5 a vehicle. Lunch at the Fair will take place Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., where both gate admission and parking will be free. A full list of promotions for the fair is available online at www.arkansasstatefair.com.

Ronnie Dye, worship leader at Maple Grove Baptist Church, was the guest speaker at the Trumann Lions Club last week. He talked to the group about The Grove, formerly UFC, where the youth group at Maple Grove meets on Wednesday nights. He said he loves kids and working with them to see them grow. Relationships are key to what he does. "What we do today impacts them in the future," he said. Dye is a former Trumann police officer and helped start the Cops for Kids program. He talked about growing up and being in the youth group himself. He said they started out meeting at the church, then met at Hightower's, then on Speedway, at the now Pecan Grove Mall, and the mayor even let them use the TRC building for one month before they purchased the building they are in now. Dye says he will have lunches at the school with the kids to help maintain the relationships he creates. He said, to understand the kids today, you have to "get out of your comfort zone." "Speak their language," he said, is another key to reaching them. Tyler Stanley is the new youth leader at the church and they are averaging between 45 and 50 young people at The Grove on Wednesday nights. Awanas, which is K-6th grade, still meets at the church located on Maple Grove Lane. Dye closed by adding two thoughts, "Make sacrifices for the kids and promote the positives." The Grove opens at 6 on Wednesday nights and he invited everyone to come out and visit.

Doyle and Vivian Gibson of Marion will celebrate their 65th Anniversary with a drop in party October 15, 11 am to 3 pm, at the Masonic Lodge in Marked Tree on Liberty Street. Married October 2, 1946, Doyle is a retired carpenter and Vivian is a homemaker. The couple have seven children, Ann Carter of Millington, Tennessee, Fay McCoy of Jonesboro, Jimmy Gibson of Willifored, Linda Buckman of Rogers, Terry Gibson and Penny Gibson of Marion and Angie Ford of Memphis. They also have 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Their children and family are hosting the anniversary party and all family and friends are welcome to attend. The family has requested no gifts.

At the monthly Harrisburg school board meeting, Frankie Lindsey was elected as the new school board president. Fonda Eaton was elected as vice president and Greg Reddmann as secretary and disbursement officer. Harrisburg Middle School principal Karli Saracini announced that Harrisburg had won the Arkansas Governor's Council on Fitness Leadership School Category Honoree. There will be a reception at the Peabody in Little Rock in the Arkansas Ballroom at 5 p.m., followed by an award ceremony. Floyd G. "Buddy" Villines, Pulaski County Judge, will be the guest speaker. Also at the meeting two of the three Weiner Junior High School FCCLA students spoke about their project on childhood obesity, which they competed with nationally. Every year, FCCLA holds competitions called STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) events. Members of FCCLA can compete in different categories that help develop leadership skills and help prepare them for their future careers. This year, three students, Joshua Lucero, Destiny Hicks and Katherine Scott, all in the eighth grade at the time, chose to do a project under the Applied Technology category in the Junior Division. Their main focus was to research and think of ways to help improve local childhood obesity. "I was surprised where Arkansas ranked on overall obesity," said Hicks. One of the major points of the project was to use as much technology as possible during their research and demonstration. The group researched food nutrition and health statistics on obesity online. They also put together a PowerPoint presentation to show to sixth graders, to bring awareness to the problem. The students also worked with the program Fuel Up to Play 60. Online, students can track what they eat and how much physical activity they are doing throughout the week. The FCCLA group has been encouraging all the students at Weiner to participate. Another aspect of using technology and increasing childhood obesity awareness the group utilized was applying for grants online. They received a $500 grant from the Midwest Dairy Council to help pay for Fuel Up to Play 60 shirts. They also received another $500 grant from the Midwest Dairy Council and the NFL to use on the NFL website. Some of that money will be used to purchase prizes to go to the students who have the most online activity with Fuel Up to Play 60. "I feel like the program gave positive changes in myself, school and community," said Lucero. In other action the board: * approved sending the district boundary map to the SBE. * approved the gifted and talented handbook. * presented and approved a revised budget of $2.3 million. * announced an annual public meeting date for Monday, Nov. 14, following the regular board meeting. * approved the addition of a handout to the Weiner and Harrisburg Elementary Schools.

The Marked Tree High School Science Club is working to raise breast cancer awareness as well as raising money to go toward Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The campaign was started by students Alexandria Garwood and Elizabeth Prather who decided they wanted to do something to raise awareness after only one teacher put up a pink ribbon for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October). They encouraged students to wear pink to football games to support breast cancer awareness and put up flyers around the school. Together with Mrs. Buchanan, the Science Club has been making hair pieces out of feathers -- tapping into the trend of girls getting feathers put in their hair at the salon -- and selling them to raise money for breast cancer research. Fifty percent of the money made on the hair pieces goes to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the largest breast cancer organization in the U.S. Garwood said they had already sold out and are making more. In the past week, they have made $150. They will also be selling t-shirts. She said one of their goals is for everyone to be in pink at the football games to help raise awareness. "Last week we had everyone in pink, and the football players wore pink socks and pink duct tape," Garwood said. "We hope students take this to the away game this week and wear pink all day." Garwood believes it's important to talk about breast cancer and make young people more aware of it. "There's a myth that only older women have breast cancer, but all the women I know who have it are all in their mid-thirties. We want to make young people aware of ways to protect themselves and let them know that it's not just something that happens after menopause," Garwood said. "12.2% of women develop breast cancer, and men can develop it too, though it's rare. That's something not a lot of people realize, but men have lymph nodes too." Garwood hopes the breast cancer awareness campaign at Marked Tree High School keeps growing. "Anything that goes toward Susan G. Komen is good," she said. "Even $500 is one treatment for a woman who couldn't afford it." Part of the inspiration for the campaign came as Garwood realized how many people she knew who had either died of breast cancer or were survivors of it. "It's ridiculous how many people overlook breast cancer," she said. "Silly slogans don't hit hard, they just make it into a joke. When all someone know is a cute slogan, that defeats the purpose of fighting for a cure. I want to make this into something bigger. If next October, we have every school in Arkansas doing a breast cancer awareness campaign, that's money for Susan G. Komen to go toward finding a cure."

John Brady, Arkansas State University's head basketball coach, spoke at this week's Trumann Rotary meeting about the upcoming season for the Red Wolves. Brady was the former basketball coach at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. During his time there, he coached the Tigers to a Final Four run in the 2006 NCAA Tournament, which was the fourth men's Final Four in LSU history. In 10 seasons at LSU, Brady compiled a 184--126 record, including two SEC Western division titles and four NCAA tournament appearances. Brady now hopes to bring that same energy and discipline to Arkansas State's basketball team. "We have good players this year," Brady said, "and we are going to work hard. I don't see any reason why we won't play at conference. We won the Western Division last year, so our next stop is to win it all." Brady explained how he is getting ASU players ready. They each have their own notebook, with each day completely planned out -- from 6:30 morning workouts, to late night practices. "I'm excited at how hard they are working," he said. Since Brady began in March of 2008, seven players have graduated, and currently ASU is ranked in the top of national standards for the academia levels of basketball players. In addition to being proud of his player's smarts, Brady is also very pleased with this year's schedule. "We will have 16 home games this year," he said. Brady said that they would play Southeast Missouri, whose current coach is Dickey Nut, former ASU basketball coach. "We beat him last year and we plan on beating him again this year too." ASU will also play Mississippi State, who has been to the NCA, and Murray State, who went to the Sweet 16 two years ago. ASU will also play the University of Central Arkansas, but one day hopes that the University of Arkansas will accept his challenge of a basketball duel. "Expect this team to be a great team," Brady said. "It is better than it has ever been. Great things are happening at ASU." Brady went on to mention his high regard for Coach Hugh Freeze exciting the football program and how the changes ASU is making in sporting staff is creating a fever for Red Wolf glory. "What can you do to help us out?" asked Brady. "You can always donate a ton of money," he joked, "or you can purchase season tickets. Or you can purchase just one single ticket and let us win you over -- because we will." Also in attendance at the meeting was Richard Williams, assistant basketball coach for the ASU Red Wolves. Williams was head coach at Mississippi State. While there, he led the Bulldogs to a 1996 NCAA Final Four and a 1995 NCAA Sweet 16 appearance. For more information about the ASU basketball program and the full season schedule visit the Arkansas State sports website at www.astateredwolves.com.

At the Trumann City Council meeting, members approved a resolution that will allow the city to apply for a grant for the construction of a multi-purpose building to be used for adult education and existing worker training. The grant is under the GIF funded Community Enhancement Grant and the city already has one acre of land donated for the project, across from the police department. Both Mayor Sheila Walters and the council have recognized the need for the project and how building a multi-purpose building will support the efforts towards Trumann's progression. An application of a formal request will be sent to the Arkansas Rural Development Commission for the purposes of securing the state grant funds in the amount of $150,000 for the building project. Members also passed at resolution that will allow the Trumann Water Department to trade in a CASE IH, tractor model number 695, on a new Farmall 45A tractor. The water department is in need of a tractor to use daily and the current one is over 22 years old. It is in need of a radiator, clutch and brakes, which will cost the city more money in the long run for maintenance costs. The new tractor is a 2011 model and will have a 24-month/2000-hour warranty. Also at the meeting, the council approved two resolutions for condemning two separate structures in the city. Both addresses, 118 North Ozark Street and 528 Short Street, have been found to be dilapidated, unsightly, unsanitary, unsafe or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare. Both locations have been burned from fire damage, and therefore, the city declared them condemned. Owners have 30 days to tear down the structures and remove the debris, or they will be subject to a fine between $100 and $500, and up to 30 days in jail, according to Ordinance 499 Section J.

Christy Valentine, who is in charge of marketing for Arkansas State University, worked hard to put together the Johnny Cash Music Festival to raise money to restore the Johnny Cash boyhood home. "This has been the most exciting project I've ever been involved in. It's also been the hardest and most time consuming. I'm very thankful to be a part of it," Valentine told the Marked Tree Rotary Club recently. The Dyess Colony was established in 1934 as part of the New Deal, and the Cash Family moved there from Kingsland in 1935 when Johnny Cash was three years old. Valentine said that part of the restoration project involves restoring Johnny Cash's boyhood home, the town center and administration building and other buildings created through the New Deal, such as a movie theater which is currently just a faÁade. Valentine said tourists from all over the world, including Ireland, already visit Dyess. "I'm amazed we can draw such an international crowd even though there's nothing there. Imagine what it will be like when it's restored," Valentine said. She said the road to restoring Johnny Cash's boyhood home began in 2009 when two guys with Arkansas Electric, including Poinsett County native Kirkley Thomas, went out to the house and saw how dilapidated it was. But they also saw an opportunity. They approached Ruth Hawkins, director of Heritage Sites and Arkansas Delta Byways, who said there was no funding for the million dollar project. They then approached Sen. Steve Bryles, who passed legislature directing ASU to look into restoring Dyess colony. ASU acquired the administration building but not the house because it was occupied and the owner wanted $450,000. "The alternative was to put up a replica, but there's something wonderful about authenticity," Valentine said. Eventually, the owner came down on the price and, in April, ASU became the proud owner of the boyhood home of Johnny Cash. "That's the day my life changed," Valentine said, as she was put in charge of putting on the concert to raise money to fund the restoration. Valentine said they got the Cash family on board in mid-April and put together the music festival with the help of promoter Bill Carter. "He can touch something and it turns to gold. The concert was his idea," Valentine said. All the artists came at no charge, and the music festival was paid for through sponsorships which, along with ticket sales, went way above expectations. "Bill said we would be lucky to sell 3,500 tickets," Valentine said. "We sold out with 7,100 folks. It was a magical night. We had every county in Arkansas, 30 states, and nine countries represented that night at the Convocation Center in Jonesboro, Ark., and raised $350,000. It was way far and above what everyone expected. It was a moving event and a testament to Johnny Cash. A 70-year-old loves Johnny Cash and a seven-year-old loves Johnny Cash." Valentine said she cried when Kris Kristofferson took the stage and received a standing ovation. "I cried because they said we couldn't do it and we did, because Kris is cool, and because the crowd was there. We had filled that place," Valentine said. Valentine said she is excited that ASU is moving forward with the restoration. "When the project is complete, Sun Studios said they can send 1,000 tourists a week. I think that's pretty incredible. This project means at least 83 new jobs and $7 million into the economy. That's a big deal. I'm thrilled to be part of this and happy it's happening so close to my hometown of Trumann," Valentine said.