Stories from Monday, November 14, 2011

T.W. and Amy Culpepper of Jonesboro are the proud parents of Trey Hatley Culpepper, born Oct. 23, 2011, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. He weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces at birth. Trey joins Thomas Wade, 3, and Tristan Edward, 1. Grandparents are Malcolm Culpepper of Jonesboro, Laura Lea Wicker of Lepanto, Lonnie King of Jonesboro, and Laura Kennon of Winter Haven, Fla. Great-grandparents are Sammy Hatley Sr. and Luddie Hatley, both of Marked Tree, and Cotton Eason and Terry Presley, both of Lepanto.

Darrell Kane Davidson was born Oct. 28, 2011, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro to Moon Pollard and David Davidson of Lepanto. He weighed 8 pounds 14 ounces. Darrell Kane has two brothers, Harley, age 2, and William, 1.

The Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce will meet at noon Tuesday, Nov. 15, at Betty's Kountry Kafe. All members are encouraged to attend.

Auctions and More in Harrisburg will hold a Christmas auction at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. There will be Christmas decor, Christmas trees, lights and decorations up for auction, as well as new gift items for men, women and children. There also will be drawings for gifts and a cash jackpot drawing.

The Poinsett County Sheriff's Office is sponsoring their 15th annual chili supper at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Poinsett County Detention Center, located at 1500 Justice Drive in Harrisburg. Tours will be given during the chili supper. The supper is open to the public and there is no charge for the meal. "This is our way of expressing our appreciation to the citizens of our communities for their support of the Sheriff's Office," says Sheriff Larry K. Mills.

The Trumann Ministerial Alliance is sponsoring the Trumann community Thanksgiving service at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, at the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church, located on Highway 69 East, close to the county line. Full Gospel Tabernacle will be leading the music and several area pastors will have short speaking segments using a tag-team approach. Kenneth Green is the host pastor and the president of the Ministerial Alliance. Those who want more information may call (870) 483-2338.

A group of people from Tyronza, Lepanto, and Marked Tree have formed a committee to bring the Vietnam Traveling Wall to Tyronza for next year's Stars and Stripes Jubilee. The dates they have asked for the wall's visit are May 14-19. In order to do this, they must raise around $10,000. David Wood, chairman of the Bring the Wall to Tyronza Committee, explained why the group wants to bring the wall to Tyronza. "In 2008, the Wall came to Marked Tree. A group of Vietnam veterans from Charlie Company were having their reunion in Memphis, and one of the things they did was to come to visit the Wall in Marked Tree," Wood said. "As the bus convoy made its way to Marked Tree, a group of students from East Poinsett County Elementary School in Tyronza went to the overpass in Tyronza and held up flags and a welcome sign as they passed through Tyronza. The veterans riding the buses said, 'Finally, we got our welcome home!' A group of these veterans have adopted our area as their 'home away from home.' They have come to the Stars and Stripes and Cotton Pickin' Jubilee each year since they visited the wall. While they were down in September of this year, they expressed an interest for us to bring the Wall back to our festival so they could see it one more time," Wood said. The committee currently has two fundraisers scheduled to help raise money to get the Wall. One is a memorial Christmas Tree. A Christmas ornament can be purchased to be displayed on the tree from Dec. 2 through Jan. 2. The cost of ornaments ranges from $10 to $15. The committee is also selling tee shirts. The shirts cost $15 each. They are also looking for 60 sponsors whose names will be printed on the back of the t-shirts. The $50 sponsorship cost includes a tee shirt with the sponsor's name printed on the back. "Thank you for any donation you might be able to give to help us bring the Wall to Tyronza," Wood said. For more information or to donate, please contact David at (870) 243-4914 or Donna at (870) 487-2168.

A commodity distribution for Poinsett County is scheduled Thursday, Nov. 17, from 9:30 a.m. until food supplies are gone. The distribution will take place at three locations: Marked Tree Fire Station at 102 Liberty, Trumann Sports Complex at 16179 Pecan Grove Road and Weiner City Hall at 123 West Second. According to Wendeth J. Alfons, program coordinator for the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, persons receiving the USDA food must reside in the county in which the distribution is taking place. Recipients must also meet the income guidelines that have been set for the emergency food assistance program. At the time of the distribution, information cards will be filled out for all recipients. Recipients will need to provide the following information: name, address, family size, and combined monthly income of the household. An appropriate form of identification, such as a driver's license, social security card, or picture identification card, must be shown. Recipients will only be allowed to pick up commodity foods for themselves and one additional household. To pick up food items for a shut-in, elderly person, or other qualified household, the person picking up the food must have a signed authorization slip with the following information on it from the person for whom he or she is picking up food: name, address, family size, and combined monthly income of the household receiving the food. Case workers picking up for large groups must make prior arrangements with the program coordinator. Commodity foods are distributed on a first come, first served basis. The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas and the U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, handicap, religion, or national origin. Bi-lingual translators are not available on site. For more information about the distribution of commodity foods or questions concerning eligibility for this program, contact Alfons at the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas by calling (870) 932-3663.

LITTLE ROCK - To commemorate Veterans Day, the Little Rock District of the Army Corps of Engineers will join Corps districts nationwide and waive day use fees at its recreation areas Nov. 11 for veterans, active, Reserve and National Guard service members and their families. "We began this initiative in 2006 to support and honor the men and women who have served our nation and the armed forces and to encourage them and their families to visit and enjoy one of our many recreation sites," said Mike Ensch, Chief of Operations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Little Rock District lakes in Arkansas and Missouri include Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals, Norfork, Clearwater, Greers Ferry, Nimrod, Blue Mountain, Millwood, Dierks, DeQueen and Gillham, as well as the Arkansas River in Arkansas. This waiver includes boat launch ramp and swim beach fees. However, camping fees and reservation fees for special facilities, such as group picnic shelters, will not be waived. With more than 370 million visits annually to 422 lake and river projects, the Corps is the largest federal provider of outdoor and water-based recreation in the nation. The more than 2,400 Corps-operated recreation areas nationwide provide a diverse range of outdoor activities to people of all ages, and the Corps estimates that 90 percent of its recreation projects are within 50 miles of metropolitan areas. Little Rock District is among the most visited Corps districts in the nation. The district operates about 178 public parks and access areas in Arkansas and southern Missouri. Its 25 multi-purpose lakes and navigation pools, combined with project lands, provide nearly 500,000 acres of public land and water that offer a full range of outdoor recreation opportunities. The district manages these public resources to benefit fish and wildlife and to serve present and future generations. Major activities include sightseeing, camping, boating, swimming, skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting, picnicking, scuba diving, and more. The central location and the region's natural beauty routinely draw visitors from Chicago, St. Louis, Memphis, Dallas and Tulsa, not to mention visitors from every state and several foreign countries. The fact that the country's population center point is two counties north of Norfork Lake at Plato, Mo., illustrates just how central Little Rock District projects are. More information about Little Rock District's recreation program is available at http://www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/index.html or find the program on Facebook at www.facebook.com/littlerockusace.

Waking up to fresh crisp air on a beautiful fall morning is always a treat, but the smell of frying bacon and warm biscuits in the oven makes it even better. Area residents are invited to join the staff of Lake Poinsett State Park for a breakfast Dutch oven cooking workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, and learn how to make breakfast camp style in a Dutch oven. Each participant will receive all the recipes and a Lodge Logic cast iron muffin pan. The cost is $25 per individual and $5 per additional guest. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.For more information or to register, call the park at (870) 578-2064. Lake Poinsett State Park is one of the 52 state parks administered by the State Parks Division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. The 135-acre park offers camping, a boat launch ramp, a standard pavilion, picnic sites, restrooms and bathhouse on 640-acre Lake Poinsett. Along with the visitor center and gift shop, the park offers two nature trails and year-round interpretive programs. For more information about the workshop or any other park events, contact the park at (870) 578-2064 or visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com.

Producers should report prevented planted acreage to their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office when the crop acreage is not planted due to disaster-related conditions. To be considered timely filed, prevented planted acres should be reported no later than 15 calendar days after the final planting date established by Federal Crop Insurance. The final planting date for wheat and oats is Nov. 30, so the final date to report prevented planted wheat and oats is Dec. 15. County Committee review and action are required to receive credit in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. 2012 Reconstitutions Farm reconstitutions can be processed now for the 2012 program year provided proper signatures and supporting data are obtained. The method and priority order for farm division with bases is as follows: Estate: Used when a will or written agreement by heirs state the distribution of base acres. Landowner Designation: Used when land is sold/transferred with a written agreement by the buyer/transferee or seller agreeing to the distribution of bases acres. The seller/transferor must have owned the land at least three years unless the County Committee waives the requirement. Default: Used when the estate and landowner designation method does not apply. This method distributes bases to the new farms at the tract level as they exist on the parent farm before reconstitution.

The magical voice of Gary Morris has thrilled audiences all over the world. In his first visit to Jonesboro Aug. 4 for the inaugural Johnny Cash Music Festival, held at ASU's Convocation Center, he received two standing ovations -- one for Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," performed as a duet with his son Matt, and the other for his signature "Wind Beneath My Wings," which he began solo on acoustic guitar before being joined by Matt. Morris is excited about returning to Jonesboro at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, for a special concert which, like the August event, is in support the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home restoration project in Dyess. However, while the August concert featured a star-studded lineup which included about 10 other performers, Morris will perform solo this time, allowing the audience to savor the magnificence of his voice, get to know him better and to hear many more songs which might be among their favorites. Tickets are now on sale for the event, to be held in ASU's Riceland Hall at the Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive, in Jonesboro. "The only problem about my last time in Jonesboro was it wasn't long enough," Morris said. "People were great. I'm looking forward to coming back and playing for you." VIP tickets are $50 and will include a pre-concert meet-and-greet with Morris. Lower-level tickets are $40 and upper-level tickets $30. Morris, an award-winning singer, songwriter and guitarist, burst onto the national music scene in 1982, earning Billboard's New Male Artist of the Year award with his self-titled debut album and producing the breakthrough hit "Headed for a Heartache," which reached number six on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1981. From there, he went on to record 15 top 10 country songs, including "Wind Beneath My Wings," one of the most popular songs of the generation, which was named the Academy of Country Music's Single of the Year in 1983. Morris has been prolific in his career, appearing in more than 20 solo and compilation albums. Seeking a break from touring with his music, Morris took his soaring voice to Broadway, performing as Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables." Morris was highly regarded for his performance, with his rendition of "Bring Him Home" -- one of the most memorable songs of the production -- included on the platinum selling "Les Miserables" compilation album. He has appeared on a number of television shows, including hosting "North American Sportsman" on TNN, the network's top-ranked show, for five years, and has guest-starred, hosted or produced numerous television shows, including the Tonight Show, General Hospital, and Designing Women. He has appeared in command performances for the Queen of England, President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter, President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan, President and Mrs. George Bush, President and Mrs. Bill Clinton, and President and Mrs. George W. Bush, as well as performing at the Red, White, and Blue Inaugural Ball for President and Mrs. Barack Obama. Considering those performances, it comes as no surprise that Morris is one of America's greatest performers of patriotic music. He is well-known for his masterful renditions of "The National Anthem" and "God Bless America," among others. His newest studio release, "Faith and Freedom," displays the essence of the principles on which America was founded. Morris recently returned to the studio and to the road after a self-imposed hiatus from music. He currently is touring to publicize "Faith and Freedom." He appeared in December 2010 in Rector for a fundraiser for that community's Helping Hands Foundation, which provides assistance to disadvantaged students, as well as college scholarships -- many to ASU. While Rector is a small venue when compared to the massive arenas and worldwide audiences with which Morris has shared his amazing gifts, there's a touching sentiment behind the Helping Hands Foundation which Morris said drew him to the area. "The story is compelling in the very fact the community can raise money and provide scholarships for these kids and all it takes is someone with a little bit of talent," Morris said. "How can you not love an organization like the Helping Hands Foundation which is designed to help these young people have opportunities they might not have otherwise? When I learned about the foundation from my friend Bill Carter (co-founder of the organization), I knew it was something I wanted to be involved in. I told him, 'Whenever you do another one (concert), tell me and I'll come play.' My talent, whatever it may be, is a gift from God. I've been able to use it to make a great life, and I want to use the opportunities I've been afforded to help others. I think there's a time when the fortunate have to repay the blessings they've received." Morris is no stranger to assisting worthy causes. He has long been a supporter of TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), which offers grief counseling and support to military families who have lost loved ones to the tragedies of war. During a recent golf tournament which he helped sponsor, Morris was introduced to a nine-year-old girl who spoke about the impact TAPS had on her family after losing her father in Afghanistan. Morris was so moved by the story that he invited the girl, who has a strong interest in the outdoors, to join him on a five-day elk hunt. Rachel Worby, music director and conductor of the Pasadena Pops Orchestra, says,"Gary Morris is, above all else, a consummate musician. His soul is filled with song and his spirit is filled with a desire to bring music into the lives of all for whom he performs...." The Dallas Morning News noted, "There are voices that transcend seasons and settings. Gary Morris has one of those voices." Deborah Evans-Price, of the Boot, has called his voice "incredible," and Morris's critics and fans alike seem to concur. Those who wish may visit Morris online at http://www.garymorris.com/. For more details on the Dec. 11 concert, contact Christy Valentine (cvalentine@astate.edu), executive director, University Communications, (870) 972-3780, or purchase tickets at the ASU Central Box Office (http://www.astate.edu/tickets/), (870) 972-2781, or toll-free at 888-278-3267.

TRUMANN - Mrs. Wanda Lee Sullins Hansen, 83, of Trumann, passed away Nov. 1, 2011, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. She was born on Nov. 10, 1927, to Edgar and Edith Durham Sullins of Trumann. She grew up in Trumann and graduated from Trumann High School in 1945. Wanda Lee was a retired employee of City Water and Light in Jonesboro and a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Trumann. She was also an avid animal lover and was rarely without at least one pet in her home. After retirement, Wanda Lee traveled extensively in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. She was preceded in death by her husband, Amos (Abe) Hansen, and an infant son. Survivors include her church family, as well as Ernest and Betty Miles of Jonesboro, Richard and Phyllis Neeley of Jonesboro, Patrick and Nancy Bailey of Memphis, Allison Neeley and Kirby Conrad of Bono, Erin Neeley of Marion and a host of friends and neighbors. Funeral service was Friday afternoon, Nov. 4, at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann with Dr. Tad Rogers officiating. Burial was private in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, Ark., under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann. Visitation was Friday from 12 noon until 1:30 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann, Ark. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation be made to any of the following: The Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House at 1138 East Matthews Ave. in Jonesboro, the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 575 in Trumann, or the Humane Society of Northeast Arkansas at 6011 East Highland Drive in Jonesboro. An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

TRUMANN - Mrs. Allene F. McMillin, 86, of Trumann died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011, at her home. Mrs. McMillin was born in Rector and had lived most of her life in Trumann. She was a homemaker and owned Cothern's Department Store in Trumann with her husband. She was also a very active member of the First United Methodist Church in Trumann. She was preceded in death by her son, Gary Maurice McMillin; parents, Elmer Pruett and Avie (Smith) Pruett, and a brother, Herlen Pruett. Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Maurice McMillin; two daughters, Jeanette Horton and Donna McMillin, both of Woodstock, Ga.; one sister, Lois Oakley of Paducah, Ky.; one brother, Jimmy Pruett of Rector, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at First United Methodist Church of Trumann with Rev. Jeff Weaver officiating. Burial followed in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector at 1 p.m. Active pallbearers were Evan and Josh Hanner, Ernie Horton, Rob Dinwiddie, Denver Williams and Danny McMillin. Visitation was Friday, Oct. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann, Ark. An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

TRUMANN - Conner Aiden "Little Angel" Stout, 10-day-old son of Jimmy Ray and Beth Ann Moss Stout of Trumann, died Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, Ark. Conner was born Oct. 18, 2011, at the NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Joyce Ann Moss, and great-grandparents, Robert and Evelyn Rouse and Ted and Rosie Moss. Survivors also include his brother, Jeremy Stout of the home; grandparents, Linda Rouse and Johnny Moss, both of Trumann, and great-grandmother, Pauline Carter of Trumann. Graveside service was Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m. at the Farm Hill Cemetery near Harrisburg with Bro. Buddy Moore officiating under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann. The family received friends Tuesday, Nov. 1, from 12 noon until 1 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann. An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

BAY - Mrs. LouEtta Brock Wicker, 62, of Bay, died Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011, at Piggott Community Hospital in Piggott, Ark. She was born in Trumann, Ark., and had lived most of her lifetime in Bay before moving to Jonesboro one year ago. LouEtta was a beautician and former employee of Wal-Mart in Jonesboro and was a member of the Broadway Missionary Baptist Church in Bay. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Wicker in 2001; two sisters, Shirley Thompson and Teresa Pendergist, and one brother, Druary Floyd Brock. She was the daughter of the late Orvis Amon and Noma Pauline Adams Brock. She is survived by one daughter, Anita Wicker of Jonesboro; one son, Brock Wicker of Jonesboro, and two grandchildren, Dakota Wicker and Olivia Wicker, both of Jonesboro. Funeral service was at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Southwest Church of Christ in Jonesboro with Michael Willard officiating under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home of Trumann. Private burial was Friday, Nov. 4, at Nettleton Cemetery with Jimmy Adcock officiating. Visitation was Thursday, Nov. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Southwest Church of Christ, 1601 James Street, Jonesboro, Ark. An online guest book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

K - Perfect Attendance - Gavin Greenwell, Mary Beth Penter, Matthew Ray, Ayden Stotts, Jasselin Vickers, JaTavia Wade, Ashton King, Landon Richards, Natalie Bingham, Preston Sanders, Aidan Tackett, Josh Richardson, Carson Smith, Alex Barker, Cobey Riddle Grade One - All A's Chloe Cantrell, Ryder Elrod, Mike Gann, Raegan Long, Kaylon Matney, Mackenzie White, Evan Richardson, Makenna Austin, Leah Kate Beaumont, Bryson Daffron, Kaydence Jones, Jamison King-Barnhill, Charity Sanders, Bailey Thompson, Joshua Burrell, Cade Coffey, Kelsey Elrod, Autumn New, Landon Vinson, Kristian Harris, Carlie Hicks, Brian Keith, Emily Smith, Kendall Long, Gracey Miles, Lexi Morrison, Sahaj Patel, Eli Renshaw, Daylan Turner, Jada Matthews, Parks McNair, Tyler Robb, Serenity Beal, Evan Francis, Dash Hoyer A's and B's ñ Latashija Calhoun, Lacey Foster, Blake Harrell, Marlen Lopez, Jonathan Canizales, Dajunique Jones, Gavin Morgan, Lucas Terry, Murphy Williams, Aaliyah Wright, Cayden Kimery, Grant Burrow, Dewight Doyle, Alyssa Elrod, Chasity Maggard, Alexis Melchor, Colton Conaway, Zoey Craig, Evan Pierce, Ricky Rodriguez, Twila Crist, Kaylee Halfacre, Keiabna Jamison, Rachel Lebo, Ethan McGuire, Havanna Russell, Jared White, Aly Adams, Samual Flores, Akyria James, Roland Pate, Reagan Smith, Rylee Bailey, Madilyn Henley, Alexis Martinez, Toni Moody, Cole Pillow, Daveigh Hodges, Perfect Attendance ñ Tonia Barnes, Marlen Lopez, Carly Scrogum, Tiara Postell, Dajunique Jones, Makenna Austin, Joshua Burrell, Grant Burrow, Aidan Markin, Heaven McLoughlin, Levi Jones, Joseph Savage, Keiahna Jamison, Zachary Rodgers, Jared White, Evelyn Turner, Madison Adams, Samual Flores, Madilyn Henley, Kenie Hill, Michael McKenzie, Iggy Ross Grade Two - All A's - Garner Henderson, Raven Hammell, Kay Kay Kelly, Scout Mincy, Lynlee Morgan, Hazel Russell, London White, Jada Norman, Dylan Yancey, Carlei Burlison, Anna Lebo, Drew Osment, Anna Rowlett, Kaleb Bishop, Keyanna Miles, Aranza Rendon, Ethan Stewart, Maddox Dycus, Rian King, A's and B's - Jaecie Brown, Christon Childers, Trenton Creekmore, Kaytie Rhoads, Kiefer Scott, Zoey Taylor, Mary Johnson, D. J. Geisman, Chloe Harrison, Miranda Hilliard, Nygeria Jones, Michael Terry, Verda Brecheen, Alexis Clark, Elizabeth Posey, Elizabeth Hill, Connor Rogland, Dawson Shuburte, Chloe Walker - Perfect Attendance - Raven Hammell, Schone Moore, Harry Martinez, Christon Childers, Lynlee Morgan, Trenton Creekmore, Robin Armstrong, Jenna LaPiro, Kiefer Scott, Azani Smith, Dylan Yancey, Carlei Burlison, D. J. Geisman, Anna Lebo, Nygeria Jones, Michael Terry, Amanda Owens, Bailey Ellis, Elizabeth Hill, Bailee Lampkin, Chloe Walker Grade Three - All A's Mia Breaker, Kelsey Criswell, Vianna Diaz, Christopher Webb, Nicholas Edwards, Luther Nelson, Kaylee Smith, Emma Turner, Kewe Chen, Terri Hill, Journey Glidewell, A's and B's ñ Maci England, Amare' Moore, Caroline Morgan, Kaylee Smith, Cody Blagg, P. J. Clark, Trevor Floyd, Gladis Lopez, Hunter Mullins, Garen Smithson, Daniel Tims, Anna Wright, Abigail Avery, Makenzie Brooks, Isrrael Carrillo, Dillon Clark, Kaleb Morris, Katie Rutledge, Sara Stallings, Cailee Williams, Jaedyn Brown, Jaznor Brown, Caera England, Landon Johnson, Connor McClain, Brianna Wilson, Jordan dye, Samuel Gunter, Hannah Jones, Malakai Lawal, Connor Lowery, Brantley Madden, Bryana Reed, Caidyn Smith, Dominique Williamson - Perfect Attendance - Nicholas Johnson, Chase King, Desmond Langston, Haley Mathis, Shauntel Thomas, Vianna Diaz, Clay Bratton, Daniel Tims, Christopher Webb, Connor McClain, Selena Brunty, Jordan Dye, Journey Glidewell, Hannah Jones, Jode Jones, Hannah McClaughlin, Corbin Stone Grade 4 - All A's Lauren Craig, Jenny Walton, Drake Jumper, Logan Creekmore, Gracey Parnell, Savannah Spades, Patrick O'Donnell, Jackson Walton, Hanah Carle, Heiarah Hodges, Hatie Holt - A's and B's Jimmy Hanna, Jonah Haynie, Tanner Moore, Briannah Vandyke, Cameron Blagg, Garrett McDaniel, Morgan Daffron, Austyn Elrod, Jada Matney, Haylee Milton, Jaden Osment, Rhiannon Schott, Mycha Wilson, Anna-Claire Ballard, Devin Holman, Dillon Hudgen, Brianna Fletcher, Illana Parker, Lockheart Russell, Devin Sanchez, Hannah Beaumont, Ethan Johnson, Toby Ryals - Perfect Attendance - Danielle Broadaway, Shelby Cook, Tucker Geisman, Jasmine Whitaker, Connor Hill, Cameron Blagg, Morgan daffron, Olyn Ealey, Bethany Maggard, Jaden Osment, Rhiannon Scott, Kayla Spence, Mallory Willbanks, Mycha Wilson, Jose Lopez, Savannah Allred, Hunter Coin, Logan Creekmore, Skyler Miles, Hunter Ragland, Savannah Spades, Isaiah Williamson, Jessica Allred, Ben Brown, Merrick Dycus, Brianna Fletcher, Brianna Ray Wood's Class Perfect Attendance - Chris Miller, Jerkaveion Clark, Jermareion Clark, David Laire, Essence Perez Moore's Class Perfect Attendance - Kyle Elrod, Axle Ross

The consumer service class at East Poinsett County School District held a Pink Party Oct. 12 at Stevens Square to celebrate and inform senior citizens about breast cancer. The class sold chances on a goody basket which consisted of a blanket made by Allison Meyer, a Breast Cancer Awareness cooler, a donated $10 gift card from Sonic in Lepanto, a gift certificate donated by Morgan Michael's Salon, two free six-inch subs donated from Subway in Lepanto, a free deer mount donated by Ben Meyer, a Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirt, blanket, and coffee cup. The money raised was used to buy items for the Pink Party. At the party, the students played bingo with the senior citizens, painted the women's nails and served refreshments to guests. A PowerPoint was created to display members in the community who have had breast cancer. Ritter, of Jonesboro, donated 25 Breast Cancer Awareness bags which were given away at the party. The event was organized by Susana Gonzalez, Allison Meyer and Kayla Burcham. Others helping with the party were Kayla Austin, Carrie Brown, Hunter Carey, Paige Collins, Dalton Clem, Chasnee Grant, Haile Tyler, Wava Westbrook, Linda Masters (teacher), Tabatha Burcham (parent), Tommy and Cameron Burcham.

These students at Trumann Intermediate School were named to the honor for the first nine weeks of the 2011-2012 school year. 5th Grade All ''s - Zachary Burchfield, Dylan Carle, Bethany Dixon, Dannica McClelland, Jesse Penter, Elizabeth Ray, Jake Robert, Daly Taylor. A's and B's - Shytara Barnes, Cole Bingham, Zachairah Buchanan, Mallory Burchell, Jacob Chambers, Danielle Coin, Dylan Doyle, Cameron Forbis, Abby Frisby, Sabra Hellums, Jordan Jackson, Dezarea Jones, Taylor Jones, Blake Liles, Selina Lopez, Jada Madden, Megan McHalffey, Damion Moon, Jana Kai Morgan, Dallas Moss, Adriannna Patterson, Sierra Pruitt, Cali Rodriguez-Ranslem, Juliana Shaw, Caleb Speakes, Derrick Stracener, Joshua Swearingen, Alexi Walters, Alisha Ward, Will Ryan White, Madelyn Whitt, Dylan Willbanks. 6th Grade All A's - Johnny Barnes, Emily chen, Gavin Dunahoo, Jacob Fagan, Jerry Goff, William Hanna, Isaac Haynie, Rives Henderson, Mikela Jones, Elizabth Morris, Tobias Moses, Alecea Raymond, Anthony Weaver, Matthew Whitlock. A's and B's - Connor Barker, Kiley Barnes, Jared Carter, Chase Cook, Hannah Craig, Nicole Crist, Justus Daniel, Bailee Davis, Hannah Deason, Cameron DeBlock, John Taylor Dunman, Caleb Eaton, Drake Evans, Jacob Ferguson, Olivia Greenwell, Carl Hill, Whitney Hollihan, Whitney Holman, Dakota Howard, Danyius James, Koltan Jones, Ty Lindsey, Jackson Lowery, Hannah Maxwell, Cody Mooneyham, Livia Moye, Misty Moye, Madison Payne, Quadarius Perry, Destiny Rece, Michael Smith, Madison Stewart, Anna Waleszonia, Makaela Welch, Gary White, Lamoine White. 7th Grade All A's - Katelyn Baney, Cody Buckner, Angelique Dixon, Elle Eaves, Sydney Greenwell, Hunter Montgomery, Starlasia Simmons, Katelyn Stanton, Garrett Woods. A's and B's - Jada Anderson, Joyia Baney, Aeris Barnhill, Hannah Belcher, Haley Carter, D. J. Dobbins, Cassidy Elrod, Carrett Hatcher, Shae Hervey, Angela Johnson, Hunter Kent, McKenzie King, Jordan Linthicum, Jarrett May, Jerry McDoniel, Fowler Montgomery, Kayla Moody, Taylor Niswonder, Leslie Rutherford, Caityn Veteto, Candice Weaver. 8th Grade All A's - Mikayla Hammers, Alexandria Horst, Michael Huddle, Trey Moody, Savannah Morgan, Dylan Qualls, Murphy Taber, Cheyenne Washburn, Kirby Weaver. A's and B's - Morgan Boyd, Chayton Carter, Abigail Casas, Kyle Collins, Sheyanne Echols, Brandon Graham, Julian Hayes, Brooke Hazelwood, Jaycee Hogan, Lacey Holman, Beth Kirkland, Billie Jean Owens, Ashton Parker, Anahi Ramos, Jacob Rathburn, Jamie Renshaw, Devon Stracener, Hunter Terrell, Alyssea Thacker, Lauren Walker, Emileigh Waters, Erin Williams, Sarah Wilson, Hannah Wood.

On Nov. 15, at 5 p.m., Poinsett County 4-H Programs will be conducting an organizational meeting at the Fair Haven Farms at 16750 North Ozark Avenue, Trumann. Our Trumann 4-H Volunteer, Jason Mullins, will be sending out information on the Poinsett County 4-H Programs Facebook page regarding refreshments and activities. Jason is excited about getting 4-H started again in Trumann. He is looking forward to helping Trumann's youth to learn about responsibility by taking care of animals at the farm, learning about where food comes from and the properties of herbs through a spring garden, learning about recycling or repurposing items into items around the farm or crafts that can be entered into the Poinsett County Fair. Your children can be involved in these activities and more. Come learn about individual projects, record books, and learning important life skills. 4-H is one of the educational programs of the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service involving youth and adults. It is a family-community effort supplementing and complementing the mission of the home, church and school for the development of youth. These clubs are open to all youth between the ages of 5 and 19 regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender or disability. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (large print, audiotapes, etc.) should contact the County Extension Office as soon as possible prior to the activity. 4-H is: * An informal educational program * Community based and locally determined * Primarily group focused and family oriented * Volunteer operated * Coordinated by professional Extension faculty. Community 4-H clubs have been a good influence on 4-H programs. It has enabled clubs to include all four of the H's (Head, Heart, Hands and Health) in their programs. Also, it marked the beginning of a year-round program in the community. As a result, clubs began to add recreation, safety, wildlife conservation, community improvement and other activities to their programs. 4-H is for a young person who wants to go places, do interesting things, learn new skills, make new friends, have fun. * Projects galore - great for the whole family or even community. * Fun doing recreational type things such as arts and crafts, fishing and rock climbing. * Activities such as taking part in baitcasting, forestry camp, and photography contests. * Awards, receiving everything from ribbons toscholarships. * Winners in local events are selected to go to district and state events working towards big trips to exciting places like Washington, D.C. 4-H clubs are organized Community-based or Project-based clubs. Clubs are continuing groups with elected officers, volunteer leaders and planned programs for nine to twelve months of the year. 4-H members may enroll in several different projects or in one project area. Boys and girls who join a 4-H club do not have to pay a membership fee nor are they required to wear a uniform. Clubs may be organized on a county-wide, school, or community level. School clubs meet during school hours. Clubs that meet on school grounds before or after school hours are considered community clubs. In Arkansas there are three age levels in which youth can participate in the 4-H program. They are: * Cloverbuds - ages 5 to 8 * Junior - ages 9 to 13 * Senior - ages 14 to 19

Step by Step Ministries, with Rodney and Karen Stoker, will be at Alsup Free Pentecost Church at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. The church is located at the corner of 616 County Road 607 in Bay. Everyone is invited to attend for the great music and "redneck testimonials."

Trumann mayor Shelia Walters went to an East Arkansas Planning and Development meeting Friday, Oct. 28, in Jonesboro to discuss a grant that could impact the city. Craighead County, Poinsett County and possibly a few other surrounding counties will apply for a grant that will allow for $20 million in restoration projects in the area. Walters sought permission from the city council and applied for one of the grants offered that could potentially give Trumann over $1.77 million. The money would be used for the partial or complete renovation of about 30 streets. Some of the streets will be widened to 24 feet, instead of their current 20 feet, to provide bike paths. The streets also will be restriped. The grant is part of the Roads to Education program that helps add bike paths to educational facilities. The widened streets will lead to both the Trumann Intermediate School and the Adult Educational building in Trumann. "There are a lot of people in this area who walk, jog and bike, so this grant would be very helpful," Walters said. Walters has already spoken with an engineer about the improvements. The city council passed an ordinance in January to allow the construction of bike paths in Trumann.

The Trumann Area Fine Arts Council reminds everyone the annual November Music/Arts Fest meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 17 at the CLC Building of the First Baptist Church in Trumann. The Trumann High School Theatre Department, under the direction of Beth Montgomery, will perform dramatic skits. The Trumann High School Band will be represented by Seth Berryhill, Eric Jackson and Keiron Sims with director Shelia Stephan. The public is invited. There is no admission charge and refreshments will be served.

The Tyronza City Council continued discussion Tuesday night of two properties on Main Street with structural damage. Mayor Marion Bearden said letters had been sent to the properties' owners stating that if the properties are not cleaned and fixed up the city will move forward in condemning them. Mayor Bearden said she heard back from one of the property owners who said she was working to fix up the property also is having health issues. The property owner could not come before the council to discuss the issue because she was in the hospital. The city has not yet received a response from the other property owner. "The notice has been put out. We'll see what happens," Mayor Bearden said. "This isn't something that has just come up. The properties need to be cleaned up, and we need to see structural improvements. If not, then the council will proceed." Council member Tommy Baine mentioned the grocery store also is "falling apart" and in need of repair. "It's possible it may be past the point of repair," he added. Mayor Bearden said the same notice letter will be sent to that property owner. City Attorney Noyl Houston suggested the city get someone knowledgeable to inspect the properties. Tyronza does not have a city inspector. Mayor Bearden said the city will look into setting up a part-time city inspector. In new business, the council received copies of the amended budget for review. The council will approve the budget at the December meeting.

In 2008, The Wall That Heals, a traveling three-fifths replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, came to Marked Tree. Now a group of veterans with the 1st Cavalry and the Bring the Wall to Tyronza Committee are working to bring the wall back to Poinsett County for Tyronza's Stars and Stripes Festival. Sergeant Paul Sicca, from Westminster, Md., is one of the veterans who has been pushing for Tyronza to get the wall, but in order to do that, the Bring the Wall to Tyronza committee needs to raise $10,000. "This can only happen with your kindness and help. Please bring us Vietnam Veterans back home to our new home Tyronza, Ark. This is where friends meet friends and share the good times and where friendship comes together again," Sicca said. The committee already has two fundraisers scheduled. One is a memorial Christmas Tree. A Christmas ornament can be purchased to be displayed on the tree from Dec. 2 through Jan. 2. The cost of ornaments ranges from $10 to $15. The committee is also selling t-shirts. The shirts cost $15 each. They are also looking for 60 sponsors whose names will be printed on the back of the t-shirts. The cost to be a sponsor is $50, which will get sponsors a t-shirt with their name printed on the back. After they visited the wall in Marked Tree in 2008 and received such a warm welcome, the group of veterans Sicca belongs to have adopted Poinsett County as their home away from home. They come to the Cotton Pickin' Jubilee and the Stars and Stripes Festival every year. They hope that when they come next year, they will get the chance to see the wall again. "Let The Wall That Heals bring peace and joy to all, and with your help and support we can once again come together, not as strangers, but as friends," Sicca said. "Let America see that this great state of Arkansas welcomes us back home. God bless America and the wonderful people of Arkansas." "This Stars and Stripes Celebration is not just for us Vietnam Veterans, but for all to see. Come meet us and join us for this special occasion. We are looking forward to meeting you and the good and wonderful people from the great state of Arkansas." Sicca said. Donations can be sent to David Wood, head of the Bring the Wall to Tyronza Committee, at P.O. Box 218, Tyronza, AR 72386. Wood can also be reached by phone at 870-243-4914.