Stories from Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The Poinsett County Pesticide Applicator Training (PAT) meeting dates for 2012 have been set. These trainings are required for Agricultural Producers (farmers) in order to receive a license to purchase Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP). Producers learn the most up-to-date restrictions and regulations relating to pesticide safety and use. The first training will be offered Wednesday, Jan. 25, beginning at 9 a.m., in Weiner, at the Rice Festival Building. A second meeting will be offered Wednesday, Feb. 8, also starting at 9 a.m., at the Old Dixie Equipment Building in Trumann. The third and final meeting in Poinsett County will be Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 9 a.m. in Harrisburg at the Harrisburg Annex. These meetings all start promptly at 9 a.m., so please don't be late. If you are unable to attend one of these trainings you may want to attend a meeting in a nearby county. You should have received, or will receive shortly, a list of meetings in a letter from the Arkansas State Plant Board with your license renewal form. If you did not receive your letter, you can contact the State Plant Board at (501) 225-1598 or contact us here at the Poinsett County Cooperative Extension Office at (870) 578-4490 and ask for meeting dates near you. If you have attended one of the certification meetings in the last five years, you do not need to attend. Only those persons whose certification expires on or before Dec. 31 have to attend. Also, if you have never been certified and wish to obtain a RUP license, you need to attend. If you do not need to be recertified, remember that you must still renew your license every year but only attend training every five years. We should be getting past this step as most are now eligible to purchase a five-year license. All meetings are open to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (large print, audiotapes, etc.) should notify the county Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible prior to the activity.

The Trumann Rotary Club will sponsor Breakfast with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Cedar Park Elementary School cafeteria. Breakfast includes two pancakes, bacon or sausage, juice, coffee and milk. One child and one adult will cost $15 and each additional child or adult will cost $6. A family of four can eat for $25 and a family of five can eat for $30. Each family gets one family photo with Santa and additional photos may be purchased at $5 each.

The Lepanto Senior Life Center will sponsor a traveling Christmas bazaar from Monday, Nov. 21, to Wednesday, Nov. 23. There will be Christmas arrangements, wreaths, jewelry and other items. The bazaar will open at 8 a.m. each day and close at 3 p.m. "Any support will be greatly appreciated," said a center spokesman.

The Industrial Street Church of Christ in Marked Tree will hold a clothing drive from 9 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, Nov. 19. The church is located at 306 Industrial Drive.

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.

Harrisburg area residents are invited to have some fun and show pride in the Harrisburg area with some Christmas spirit. The Harrisburg Christmas parade will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, starting downtown at the Poinsett County Courthouse and ending at the Harrisburg High School Fine Arts Building, where a Christmas drawing will be held. The theme is "The Sights and Sounds of Christmas," and the prizes this year are big. The full-sized float first place winner will receive $500, the second place winner $300 and the third winner $200. The prizes for the mini floats, or floats under 10 feet, are $200 for first place, $150 for second place and $100 for third place. The Christmas drawing prizes include $1,000 in Harrisburg Bonus Bucks, one $200 gift certificate to Food Giant Family Center and 10 $100 certificates in Harrisburg Bonus Bucks. There also will be a Business Decorating Contest and a Residential Decorating Contest. The Business Decorating Contest is open to businesses in Harrisburg and the decorations must be visible from outside and inside the business. The prize is a plaque for the winning business to display and keep. The Residential Decorating Contest is open to homes within the city and within a six-mile radius of the city. House and yard decorations will be considered in determining the winner. There will be a prize of $200 for first place, $100 for second and $50 for third.

A Harrisburg woman died Wednesday, Nov. 9, after her car collided head-on with another vehicle on Highway 1. According to the Arkansas State Police, Sherry Roberts, 59, was traveling southbound on Highway 1 when her 1996 Hyundai crossed the center line. Allen Christian, 63, tried to avoid the vehicle, but the cars collided head-on. Police say Roberts, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died from her injuries. Christian and his passenger, Linda Christian, 69, were both taken to St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.

The Lepanto City Council soon will be putting together an operating budget for 2012, and one item council members are struggling with is finding money for animal control. Mayor Steve Jernigan said an animal control budget would require at least $10,000 to $12,000. He also told the council he had heard four suggestions from residents on how to come up with the money. These included: using the money budgeted for mosquito spraying, adding a $1 fee to the mosquito fee, laying off a police officer, or letting the street employees take care of dogs during the week. The council briefly discussed adding a fee to water bills, but decided against it since water rates will be rising in the future to help pay for work replacing the city's corroding water lines. The council transferred $1,500 from the jail feeding expense so a roof can be placed on the city's dog pen and the facility will be ready to house dogs once the city hires a dog catcher. Mayor Jernigan said one of his long term concerns is the sales tax. "Sales tax has dropped in Harrisburg and Marked Tree," he said. "We've been holding our own, but I don't know what's going to happen." Other budget concerns he shared were aging city equipment, continually climbing gas prices and the absence of extra monies for needed projects. In other business, the council approved the five people Mayor Jernigan appointed to the Parks Commission, which will oversee operations at the Sports Complex. Last month, the council postponed a decision on which bid to take to repair the roofs of the municipal complex and police station because they only received one bid. As of this month's meeting, they still had not received any bids. Mayor Jernigan said the city may have to hold a special meeting to discuss the roof repairs before the next regularly scheduled meeting. The council approved Christmas bonuses for city employees, which were already budgeted but required a separate vote for auditing purposes.

The annual Marked Tree community Thanksgiving service will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, at the Church of God on Allyn Street in Marked Tree. Special guest speaker will be Pastor Andy Price of the First Baptist Church. Choirs will join together from the Church of God, First Baptist Church and the First United Methodist Church to lead the congregation and sing special music for the event. The community is welcome and will be blessed. The offering from this servicewill go to help the needy in the local community.

The November meeting for the Women's Progressive Club of Marked Tree was held last Tuesday at the First United Methodist Churchon Frisco Street. A Thanksgiving dinner was catered by the Methodist Chicks. The opening prayer was given by Pastor Janice Williams. Pastor Ron Williams of the Methodist Church was the special guest speaker and shared his thoughts and scriptures on Thanksgiving. He was followed by an exciting mini-concert by musician, singer, guitarist and hometown boy, James Patrick Dailey. Heis the son of Jim and Pat Dailey of Marked Tree and a graduate ofArkansas State University with a Master's degree in English. Dailey is a music instructor at Back Beat Music in Jonesboro and is the singer and guitarist for the band "Plain Meanness." His band can be seen Nov. 18 in Jonesboroat Skinny J's and on Nov. 25 at Cregeen's. Dailey delighted a large crowd with a mixture of country, rock and gospel. The Woman's Progressive Club meets once a month and usually has informative or entertaining guests. The program ended in prayer given by Pastor Andy Price of the First Baptist Church on Liberty Street in Marked Tree.

James Earnest "J.E." Stidem of Marked Tree died Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011, in St. Bernards Medical Center at Jonesboro. He was a Methodist and a retired oil truck driver for Ritter Oil Company. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Flossie Stidem; brother, L.D. Stidem, and two sons, Gary and Randy Stidem. Survivors include his wife, Geraldine Stidem of the home; daughter-in-law, Connie Stidem of Marked Tree; granddaughter, Misty Hicks (Allen) of Marked Tree; great-grandson, Brayden Hicks, and nephew, Terry Seaton of Jonesboro. Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Murphy Funeral Home in Marked Tree. Graveside services were at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, in Marked Tree Cemetery with Rick Kimery officiating. Pallbearers were Allen Hicks, Terry Seaton, Charles Thomas, Don Sanderfur, Carles Smullin and Wayne Nichols.

The Poinsett County Quorum Court was pleased to report this week that County Judge Charles Nix is doing much better. "I visited him in the hospital and told him our agenda for the night," said Fonda Condra, Poinsett County Clerk. "He looked good and spoke well." The board then went on to approve the millage rate for Poinsett County. The personal and real estate millage are at the same rate in each category. The millage for general county usage in Poinsett County for both personal and real estate is: county general, 2.6 mills; county road, 2.0 mills, and county library, 1.3 mills. The Poinsett County school districts' millage for both personal and real estate is: Weiner, 39.90 mills; Harrisburg, 35.50 mills; East Poinsett County, 35.20 mills; Trumann, 35.80 mills, and Marked Tree, 33.50 mills. The millage for Poinsett cities for both personal and real estate is: Fisher, 3.4 mills; Harrisburg, 5.4 mills; Lepanto, 2.1 mills; Marked Tree, 3.4 mills; Trumann, 5.0 mills; Trumann City Library, .4 mills; Tyronza, 5.4 mills; Waldenburg, 1.6 mills, and Weiner, 5.4 mills. Poinsett County Sheriff Larry Mills asked the board to grant the department $9,000 to replace a car that can no longer be used. Mills said he is searching for a used car. "We have a lot of cars that are not in good shape," reported Mills. "We are hoping to receive a grant for two new cars and we will try set aside money in next year's budget for the purchase of three more."

The Arkansas Supreme Court heard oral arguments last week in the case of Lepanto Mayor Steve Jernigan's residency. The case is an appeal of a Poinsett County Circuit Court decision in Jernigan's favor. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Martin Lilly alleges Jernigan is not a resident of Lepanto under state law and should be removed from office. Lilly argued that Jernigan had rented sham apartments within the city limits to run for office and that he does not live in the city but in the county with his wife. Lilly told the Supreme Court, "It's clear he never intended to make a place in the city his residence or domicile." Members of the court questioned whether or not a residence was equivalent to a domicile. Lilly went on to say that even if the statute only requires candidates to have a residence in city limits and not a domicile, "we would submit that he didn't even meet that residence requirement." He said Jernigan did not keep clothes or pictures in his apartment in the city, that he didn't do laundry there, and that his wife had never been there. Jernigan's attorney, Arlon Woodruff, said the case was a fact question and that "the state is asking the court to do something it normally does not do, and that's take away the ability of a trial court to judge witnesses' credibility and evidence." In Lilly's closing argument, he said there are many people who may live and work in Little Rock but may have a residence in Hot Springs for weekend activities, "but I don't think the Legislature intended for them to be able to run for the mayor of Heber Springs." Lilly alleged that Jernigan never intended to make the Lepanto apartment his permanent residence. He said that for the Supreme Court to uphold the Circuit Court's ruling "means that someone can simply enter into any kind of sham lease they want to and run for any office in any city, and I don't think that any reasonable individual looking at our statutes for city offices could think that that's what the Legislature meant." He added he believes the court should find a person could only vote where their domicile is. The Arkansas Supreme Court has not yet delivered an opinion on the case.

Earlier, on Nov. 5, a Trumann police officer responded to Producer's Rice Mill in reference to a burglary, were someone had stolen a large amount of electrical cord. The officer observed tire tracks and foot impressions in the area of the theft and found the tire tracks to match a unique set of tires on Clanton's truck. The footprint was found to match a pair of shoes worn by Church, and after the officer interviewed the individuals, he learned they were in the area to find scrap copper to recycle. There were incriminating statements made that led to the arrests of both individuals and they both received a $25,000 bond. Larry Edward Gregory was arrested Nov. 10 for aggravated assault. A Trumann officer responded to Trumann Quick Lube in reference to a person that had pulled a gun on the employees. The officer spoke with several individuals that stated Gregory was fighting with a business owner then pulled a rifle from his vehicle and made a threatening comment. Gregory's vehicle was checked at the police department and did contain a rifle that matched the description given by the witnesses. On Nov. 12, Jimmy Joe Woods was arrested and charged with possession of controlled substance with the purpose to deliver, manufacturing methamphetamine, possessing drug paraphernalia with purpose to manufacture and use and fleeting on foot and resisting arrest. An officer went to 197 Oak in Trumann in reference to attempting to locate Woods for an outstanding arrest warrant. After making contact with Woods, a small quantity of methamphetamine was found on him and when it was found, Woods fled the house. The officer pursued Woods and apprehended him. After another search, a large amount of drug paraphernalia, a bottle containing liquids consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine and a significant amount of methamphetamine was found. Woods' court date is set for Dec. 27 and his bond is set at $50,000.

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.

Harrisburg recently welcomed Kara Byars, a new attorney at the Tiner and Cobb Law Firm. Byars began working in Harrisburg on Aug. 1 of this year, and is originally from Charlotte. "I grew up in a small town, so this really feels like home," Byars said. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and in May of 2011 graduated with her Juris Doctor in honors from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. Tiner and Cobb Law Firm specializes in criminal defense cases, but also takes on multiple cases in family and domestic law. "One nice thing about living in a small town is you get to do a little of everything," she said. "Working on several different types of cases really keeps my work interesting." Byars is excited to be working alongside Lohnes Tiner, who has been a Harrisburg lawyer for 51 years, and Jarrett Cobb, who has been practicing for six years. One thing that surprised Byars about taking the job was that she had the opportunity to work cases from all over Northeast Arkansas. "We have plenty of cases from Harrisburg, but we also occasionally get cases from Jonesboro and outlying Craighead County, Lawrence County, Jackson County and the Wynne area," she said. Overall, it is clear that Byars is satisfied with her job, coworkers and residency in Harrisburg. "I love living here," Byars said. "It's a slower pace and less stressful than Little Rock was, so it's been a nice change." Tiner and Cobb Law Firm is located at 107 North Gould Street in Harrisburg. Byars can be reached at 870-578-5403.

People gathered at Stephens Square in Lepanto on Veterans Day to release balloons in honor of veterans. Ninety-two balloons were released by veterans and relatives of veterans. Each balloon had a veteran's name on it. Mayor Steve Jernigan spoke at the event and said, "It always makes me feel good to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I don't see anything wrong with honoring someone who put it all on the line." (DT Photo/Corey Clairday)

Major Timothy Norman spoke to Trumann High School students Nov. 11 during the school's Veterans Day assembly. Both the Trumann band and choir gave performances and local veterans were honored.

The East Poinsett County School Student Council sponsored a Veterans Memorial/Appreciation Ceremony Friday, Nov. 11. The high school students filled the gymnasium to pay tribute to local veterans.The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance and was followed by the EPC band playing, andthe crowd singing,the Star Spangled Banner. The Student Council and the Lepanto Girl Scouts presented Steve Jernigan of the Lepanto American Legion a check for $130. Jim Duffle gave a message about the Freedom of America, ending with a plea that God Bless America.The Veterans thenintroduced themselves,followed bya loud standing ovation from students and faculty. As the ceremony was dismissed, several students lined up to shake hands with and give thanks to the veterans. The EPC Student Council later honored the veterans with a luncheon in the cafeteria.

Kids Feeding Kids is a program Trumann School is running district-wide to help provide food for those who otherwise might go hungry on Thanksgiving. Through Friday, Nov. 17, Trumann students are collecting canned goods which will go to the local food pantry. The students are bringing out their competitive spirits in order to gather more food. Trumann Intermediate School is holding a contest among fourth, fifth and sixth graders to see which class can collect the most food. As of this week, 15, 378 items had been brought in and the fifth graders were winning. The grade that wins could possibly have a game and field day or a technology day. Trumann Intermediate also held a contest to help promote Kids Feeding Kids, challenging students to write essays on why the community should donate. The winner of that contest was Isaac Haynie. He wrote: "Kids Feeding Kids is a food drive being held by the three schools in Trumann. This is what everyone thinks is a good cause. Here are a couple of reasons you should donate that my classmates and I came up with. For example, one reason is that when you donate it makes you and many others feel good. Another reason you should donate is that when you give a can it is very possible that you are saving a life. These are a couple of reasons I think you should donate to the food drive of Kids Feeding Kids."

Harrisburg teacher Amy Wallace spoke at noon Tuesday to the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce about her critical reading class. Wallace has taught reading, literacy, English and AP English for the last 18 years, including 13 years at Harrisburg. This is her first year teaching critical reading. The critical reading class is designed for students around 10th grade and gives them the opportunity to work with real world documents, such as reports, briefs and manuals. "It's important for students to understand that they will have to read in any job they have," said Wallace. "A farmer is going to have to know how to read his tracker manual, and a lawyer will have to read briefs." In addition to speaking to the Chamber, Wallace also asked that members visit her two critical reading classes throughout the year to give a short presentation on the types of documents they must be familiar with in their line of work. In Chamber business, streetlights around the courthouse were discussed and $660 was approved by the Chamber to repair the electrical wiring around the poles. Once the electrical work is complete, painting will begin as the weather permits. The board also approved a donation of $200 to the local Department of Human Services to help foster children. The money will be used to help local needy children. Members also approved a $50 donation to Harrisburg School District to go towards Thanksgiving food baskets for the needy.

Paul Roberts, District Governor for Rotary District 6150, was the special guest at Marked Tree Rotary Club's meeting last week. Since November is Foundation Month for Rotary Clubs, Roberts spoke about the Rotary Foundation which supports Rotary International in humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs. The Rotary Foundation has helped with the eradication of polio with PolioPlus to ensure children are immunized around the world. The PolioPlus program began in 1985, and since then, more than two billion children have received polio vaccines. The Rotary Foundation received $355 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Rotary has committed to raising $200 million by June of 2012. Roberts said Rotary International is considering what to fund after the eradication of polio and noted malaria could be the next goal. "There are these new drops for malaria instead of a shot that has intrigued trustees," Roberts said. He said they had also considered AIDS, but added it seems a lot of organizations are looking at AIDS but not enough at malaria. Roberts also spoke of the importance of focusing on helping people overseas in addition to those in clubs' local communities. "We need to do as much as we can locally," Roberts said, "but Rotary says 'International.' Our first goal is to help other people less fortunate overseas. Rotary wants us to do more work internationally. We know we'll do the local work anyway."

Phyllis Gandy, Lisa McClard, Poinsett County Sheriff Larry Mills and Connie VanHozzer helped make Tuesday's 15th annual Poinsett County Sheriff's Department chili dinner a success. Mills began the chili dinner when he took office in 1997. Each year Mills makes the chili himself. "This is a way we can show our support to the community," Mills said. "Without them, we would not be able to do what we do."

Marked Tree is putting together an ordinance providing rules and regulations for owners of dogs and other animals in the city limits. One of the things the city council discussed Monday regarding the ordinance is the imposition of steep fines for impounded dogs. Council member Shane Glenn suggested the fines be set at $75 for the first impoundment, $350 for the second and $500 for the third. "This has been one of Marked Tree's biggest issues," Glenn said. "Dogs are not getting taken care of. I get more complaints about dogs than anything else." Glenn also suggested mailing letters to everyone about registering their dogs, with a fine for people whose dogs are not registered. "You've got to get people's attention. If you're going to have an ordinance, you have to enforce it," Glenn said. Council member Mary Smith expressed concern over the number of dogs a household would be allowed to keep outside, which was initially no more than four. "Most houses in Marked Tree are too close together for someone to have four dogs in a pen. It's not fair to your neighbor not to have a limit. If we're going to have a law, let's have a law with some teeth in it," Smith said. She suggested people be allowed no more than two dogs outside. City Clerk Pam Wright said the council will not vote on the ordinance for a while so changes can be made. The council will review the changes to the ordinance at next month's meeting. Marked Tree residents also are doing what they can to fight the possible closure of the National Guard Armory. Mayor Wayne Nichols said he met with General William Wofford and several officers to discuss the possible closure. Nichols also wrote to Gov. Mike Beebe explaining the advantages of the Armory and urging him not to close the facility. "We need the equipment because we're sitting on the New Madrid Fault Line," Nichols said. "I'd like to keep the Armory if we could. We're sitting here halfway between Jonesboro and Memphis. It's an ideal spot." In his letter to the governor, Mayor Nichols noted that because Marked Tree is surrounded by the St. Francis River, the Little River, the Tyronza River and the Floodway, residents could not leave the area if they lost the bridges in an earthquake. The town would be better equipped to handle a disaster with the equipment in the Armory, he told the governor. The council also discussed drainage problems on 12th Street that citizen Joan Campbell brought up at last month's meeting. Council members Shane Glenn, Cleo Johnson and Danny Johnson all looked at the area. Glenn said the curb has sunken and the only way to fix it would be to cut out the curb, put dirt in to raise it, and put the curb back in. "The city can't afford it," Mayor Nichols said. "It's all over town. This city has not got the money. If you do one, you have to do everyone's." After some discussion about the possible cost, Glenn made a motion the city repair the curb. With six votes needed to pass, the motion failed with five voting for the plan, one against and two abstaining. Mayor Nichols gave an update on the Awesome Products facility and railroad spur. He said the plans have been submitted to Burlington Northern and Industrial Development for approval.

The Harrisburg School District presented its annual report to the public Monday evening at the Center for the Arts auditorium. Danny Sample, superintendent of the Harrisburg and Weiner campuses, gave an attendance report. "The District has a total of 1,372 students compared to 1,386 students for this same period last year," he said. For each child that is lost to the district, the system loses $6,000. "Most of this has been attributed to the home school movement taking place in the area," said Sample. "Ever since the two schools merged (Harrisburg and Weiner), we have been seeing a drop in students attending the school." Another issue Sample discussed was the Shell Bills and Interim Study, which would require the school to provide teachers to teach students in the local juvenile facility. "These are students who haven't just shoplifted or committed a petty crime," said Sample. "These are juveniles who have been charged with murders, assaults and rape." Each student taught would mean $10,000 for the district, but the school would have to hire someone to teach strictly the students in the juvenile facility. "The teacher would have to teach the four cores, as well as physical education and some electives," said Sample. The school currently is working on fighting the bill so it will not be required to take on teaching in the juvenile facility. Another important issue discussed was Common Core, a new standard in education for 44 states. The purpose of Common Core is to ensure that all states are teaching on the same level and that the entire United States is practicing common learning standards. Currently all states have different tests and standards in which they measure their students, but after just being ranked at 22nd in the world for its education system, the United States government set up this program to bring the states together. Common Core focuses on reading, science, math and English and strives to ensure students are ready for college. Common Core will be fully implemented by 2013-2014.

Trumann High School is mourning the loss of guidance counselor Charles Richard Kirksey. Kirksey, 60, of Trumann died Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011, at the family residence. He was born in Jonesboro and had lived his lifetime in Trumann. A teacher of 31 years, he spent 27 years with the Trumann School District. He also was past president of the Trumann Rotary Club and a member of Trumann Fine Arts Council and the Trumann Planning and Zoning Commission. He was a past Boy Scout leader and of the Baptist faith. He was the son of the late A. Doyle and Mavis M. Freeman Kirksey. Survivors include one daughter, Amiee Kirksey of Cabot; one sister, Debbie Layton and husband Dr. Louis Layton of Jonesboro; one brother, Freddie Kirksey and wife Gail of Eads, Tenn., and three grandchildren, Austin Carter, Ali Carter and Mason Nelson. Officials at Trumann High School said he will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at the First Baptist Church, 1301 Arkansas 69 Blvd. Burial will follow in the Philadelphia Cemetery in Jonesboro. Pallbearers will be Ricky Mitchell, Doug Butler, Allen Rhodes, Wayne Maggard, Darren Chenoweth and Dr. Louis Layton. An online register can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

Sheila Hooker has been behind the stove since she was six years old and is known around Trumann for her delicious meals. Hooker's husband, James, is originally from Trumann, while she grew up in Tomato, Miss. She later moved to Jonesboro after meeting her husband. "Since I was six, I had to cook," Hooker said. She stood on an apple box to reach the woodburning stovetop. "I was the oldest girl at home, so I had to learn to cook." Her very first meal was making fried potatoes. Hooker's mother would peal the potatoes for her, but she then would fry them. One of her husband's favorite dishes is her fried potatoes. He also loves white beans with homemade yellow cake. The only thing he will not eat is rice, and that's only because he was raised on it. James Hooker has two daughters, and Sheila Hooker has her own two daughters. Between them they have two grandsons and two granddaughters and, out of everyone, Sheila is the only one in the family who enjoys cooking. "It's hard work, tiring work," said Hooker. "But I can lose myself when I cook and forget about other things. It's my stress relief." This year for Thanksgiving Gabriel, Hooker's grandson, will be in Honduras, so the big meal will have to wait for Christmas. Still, good food and heavenly recipes will be found at the Hooker's home. Sheila Hooker provided all of her Thanksgiving recipes.

The Trumann Rotary Club will host a Breakfast with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec 10, in the Cedar Park Elementary School cafeteria. Breakfast will include two pancakes with syrup and butter, bacon or sausage, and juice, coffee or milk. One child and one adult can attend for $15 and each additional child or adult is $6 extra. A family of four can attend for $25 and a family of five for $30. Each family gets one family photo with Santa and additional photos may be purchased for $5 each. There also will be holiday themed activities at the event. Tickets can be purchased at Regions Bank, Southern Bancorp, Unico Bank and Victory Insurance. All of the food for the breakfast will be provided by Wal-Mart of Trumann and all proceeds will go toward future service projects conducted by the Rotary Club of Trumann.

The Marked Tree Historical Society and Friends of the Library will hold a holiday bake sale and silent auction fundraiser Saturday, Dec. 3, benefitting both the Marked Tree Delta Area Museum and the Marked Tree Library. The events will be set up in the library at 102 Locust Street and in the adjoining Community Room at 308 Frisco Street. Sales and bidding will start at 9 a.m. and end at 12 noon. Ample parking is available.

Hot cocoa, festive music and bright lights all signal the coming of Christmas, and what better way to celebrate good cheer than by attending one of the many Christmas parades to be held in Poinsett County. The Harrisburg Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade is set to roll Saturday, Dec. 3, according to parade chairman Mark Weston. "We are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. and all entries need to be checked in and lined up by 3:30 p.m.," Weston said. Leading the way will be the Harrisburg High School ROTC and the award-winning Harrisburg High School Band. The parade will follow the same route as in the past, starting at the court square and proceeding west on Highway 14 to Cole Street. It will continue past the Woodbriar Nursing Home and end at the Harrisburg High School parking lot. The theme for this year's parade is "The Sights and Sounds Of Christmas." The city will be honoring Mauria Morgan as the parade's official Grand Marshal. "Mauria has been an asset to this community for many years and it is time we give her the honor she deserves," Weston said. "We want to encourage everyone to come out and help support the parade. A lot of hard work goes into putting together a nice parade and it is really nice when the community comes out in strong support." All dignitaries and beauty contestants are urged to participate. Local school groups and city clubs are welcome to design and enter their own personal floats as well. "We are not going to have our antique car competition this year, but we do want to encourage all those who own those special vehicles to participate in the parade," Weston said. "We will have our costume characters walking again this year and that always adds such a great feel to the parade. But, of course, the biggest attention getter is always the prize giveaway at the conclusion of the parade. "Once again, the big-ticket winner will go home with $1,000 in Harrisburg Bonus Bucks, the second place winner will receive a $200 gift certificate from Food Giant and 10 winners will claim $100 each in Harrisburg Bonus Bucks." Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate in the decorating contest this year. Home decorations prizes are $200 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place. "Make plans to be in town Saturday, Dec. 3, and support Harrisburg's Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade," Weston said. Other scheduled Christmas parades in Poinsett County include: * Trumann Christmas Parade Thursday, Dec. 8. The theme is "Rockin' at Christmas Night" and all who enter are encouraged to play music from their float. Lineup will begin at Burger King and the parade will march through town to the old community building. First, second and third place trophies will be awarded. * Marked Tree Parade at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Lineup will take place at 5 p.m. at First Delta Bank. Those who want more information or wish to register for the event may contact Linda's Flowers and Gifts. * Lepanto Christmas Parade at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, beginning at The Painted House. Kaye Holliman is in charge of the event. Those who want more information may contact her at (870) 475-6084. * Tyronza Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. There is no cost to enter and floats can be registered at city hall. Lineup will take place at A and A Service station. Tyronza also will hold a home decorating contest for those who live in the city. This December, don't let the winter chill keep you away from having some warm fellowship with the folks of Poinsett County. Parades are a source of pride and this holiday season is sure to be full of Christmas spirit.

Local nature enthusiasts will be pleased to know that an Audubon Chapter has been created in the area in association with the National Audubon Society. The newly-formed Eastern Arkansas Audubon Chapter joins nearly 500 chapters nationwide and will encompass an area from Jonesboro to Helena and the surrounding communities. The mission of Audubon's efforts focuses on conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems of birds, other wildlife and their habitats. "These animals are a crucial link in the chain of life and serve as unique barometers of our planet's health," said an organizer. "If they are at risk, so are people, and the intricate web of life on Earth. By helping them, we help ourselves." The present steering committee of this new chapter includes: president Rick Wise of the Boy Scouts of America from Wynne;vice president Steven Brooks, Delta Heritage Trail park interpreter at Barton; secretary Tara Gillanders, park interpreter at the Mississippi River State Park; treasurer Dr. David Gillanders of Jonesboro, a retired electrical engineering instructor from Arkansas State University, and committee chair Susan Winston, amateur wildlife photographer from Helena. They all share in Audubon's mission and the vision of connecting people with nature.Plans are to encourage community support through nature outings, conservation projects and educational programs. Participants might learn why the hobby of birding is second only to gardening. Volunteers also are welcome to become Citizen Scientists in December by participating in the annual Christmas Bird Count. Each tally helps provide valuable information to ornithologists about the well being of North American birds. The public is encouraged to become a member of the Eastern Arkansas Audubon Chapter by filling out a membership form in the brochure, which can be found in local businesses or on the organization's Facebook page. Annual enrollment dues are $20, and members will receive the Audubon magazine as well as discounts at National Audubon Society locations. For more information, contact Tara Gillanders at870-295-4040 or by email at earaudubon@gmail.com. "We also invite everyone to visit our Facebook page by searching for Eastern Arkansas Audubon Chapter," Gillanders said."The Facebook page will be used to keep people informed of all upcoming workshops and outings."

Mrs. Joyce Barnes' Pre-K Class Lepanto Campus Abby Mikulan -- My family and for the Thanksgiving food we will eat for dinner. Reagan Holloway -- I am thankful for Cameron, Cooper, Candon, Baby Collins, Luke, Hayden and Ethan.They are my cousins. Kyla Harston -- My mommy, daddy and sissy. I am thankful for my nanna too. Hunter Thrasher -- I am thankful for the birds and spiders. Ryder Gill -- My mommy, daddy and my bubba. Cayden Worsham -- Mommy and daddy. Makayla Rash -- Momma, daddy, Cameron, my bubba and Austin. Gabby Weathers -- My new puppy. Jeazarious Reel -- I am thankful for big dogs. Kaylee Welch -- A turkey and my mommy. Jacob Gaines -- I am thankful for all my brothers, sisters, daddy and momma. I love everybody that comes to my house. Mercedes Reel -- My whole family. Morgan Stone -- My daddy and my big dog. Corneilus Anderson -- Momma. Jackson Worsham -- Daddy and Momma. Julia Stutts -- Momma, daddy and my bubba. Madison Weaver -- My mommy and dad. Trenton Stakes -- My momma, daddy and bubba. Mary Wilson -- Mommy, daddy and sissy.

Lepanto's 23rd annual Community Christmas Parade will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. No entry fee is required, but everyone must complete an entry fee and waiver to participate. This year's Grand Marshal is Mack Howington of Lepanto. The master of ceremonies is Jody Duffel, assisted by Tarra Wright Holt. Those who want more information may contact Kaye Holiman at (870) 475-6084 or mericiakh@rittermail.com. The deadline for entries is Saturday, Dec. 3. Elementary School Event The East Poinsett County (EPC) Elementary Lepanto campus will host a Polar Express Literacy Night from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, for elementary students. Children are asked to wear pajamas to school that day and night. The teachers will have golden tickets for the students to travel from room to room for the activities. Community leaders and parents are encouraged to go to the school that day and read to the students. Those who want more information may contact Paige Tyler at the school, (870) 475-2632. Christmas Program The The EPC Lepanto campus will have its annual Christmas program Thursday, Dec. 15, in the school cafeteria. Those who want more information may contact Ms. Fischer at (870) 475-2632. Decorating Contest The Lepanto homeowners and merchants Light Up, Fix Up and Decorate It contest will be from 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14. Participates are asked to turn on their displays and keep them lit during this time. The winners will be announced the following day. The top three will have a yard sign displayed in their yard during the month, receive a plaque and recognition in the Poinsett County Democrat-Tribune newspaper.

Paul Edward Ritter, 77, of Jonesboro, Ark., died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011, at St. Bernards Medical Center. Born July 28, 1934 in Jonesboro, he was the son of the late Henry and Sophia Rueswald Ritter and had been a long-time area resident. Mr. Ritter had been a member of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church since he was a child where he taught Sunday school, was a communion minister and an usher. He worked on John Deere tractors since 1954 and enjoyed collecting John Deere memorabilia. Mr. Ritter was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and spending time at the lake. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mrs. Linda Ritter of Jonesboro, Ark.; one son, Tim Ritter of Jonesboro; one daughter, Stacey Stevens of Jonesboro; two brothers, Raymond Ritter and wife Mary and Charles Ritter, all of Jonesboro; two sisters, Bernice Elias of Little Rock, Ark., and Theresa Schneider and husband Lawrence of Jonesboro. Mr. Ritter also leaves three grandchildren, Matthew, Jaclyn and Jacob, and a host of other family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Henry Ritter, Jr. and Donald Ritter. Funeral services were 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Jonesboro, with Father Jack Vu officiating. The family requested a private burial under the direction of Faith Funeral Service of Manila, Ark. The family received visitors after the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Children's Home in Paragould, Ark.

Mrs. Judy Kay Baker Pennington Ford, 56, of Whiteside, Tenn., died Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, Tenn. Mrs. Ford was born in Trumann and had lived in Tennessee for the past 11 years. She was a home health caretaker and of the Pentecostal faith. Mrs. Ford was preceded in death by her parents, Betty Dean Pipkin and C.J. Baker. Survivors include her husband, Randy Ford of the home; one son, Jeffrey Pennington of Chattanooga, Tenn.; two sisters, Deneace Tate and Connie Baker, both of Trumann; one brother, Joey Baker of Bono, Ark., and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home of Trumann with Rev. Jerry Dunning officiating. Burial followed in the Herman Cemetery in Jonesboro, Ark. Active pallbearers were Allen Tate, Tanner Tate, Cameron Gay, Jason Gay, Billy Joe Baker and Jesse Baker. Visitations was Friday evening, Nov. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann. An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

Trumann resident Jason Mullins is excited about restarting a 4-H program here. He and his wife, Tabithia, are the owners of Fair Haven Farms, which rescues animals in need. With the 4-H club, Mullins will be teaching youth in the area about the responsibilities of taking care of animals at the farm, where food comes from, the properties of herbs through a spring garden and about recycling or repurposing items into things that can be used around the farm or entered into the Poinsett County Fair. The 4-H club is open to all youth between the ages of five and 19. It is primarily group focused and is family oriented. 4-H is operated by local volunteers and is coordinated by the Poinsett County Extension Service. The club revolves around the four H's - Head, Heart, Hands and Health. Because of strong community support, 4-H clubs began to incorporate into their programs things like recreation, safety, wildlife conservation, community improvement and other activities like baitcasting and photography contests. Ribbons, awards and scholarships can also be won through the program. In Arkansas, there are three age levels in which youth can participate in the 4-H program -- Cloverbuds for five to eight-year-olds, juniors for nine to 13-year-olds and seniors for 14 to 19-year-olds. For more information on the program, contact Sharon Lowery, Poinsett County Extension Agent or Jason and Tabithia Mullins at brojasonmullins@yahoo.com.

The Harrisburg Science Club and National Honor Society teamed up under the supervision of Sandra Lambert to make Thanksgiving baskets. This is the third year the school has prepared the baskets and this year they will pass out 14 to local families. The Honor Society collected all of the canned goods, while the Science Club collected boxed food, turkey, pies and rolls. Pictured are: Taylor Hammone, a senior in both the Science Club and Honor Society; Hailey Chatman, a senior in the Honor Society and president of the Science Club; Hunter Clapit, a senior and president of the Honor Society, and Nicole Wray, a senior in the Science Club.

The NEA Food Bank held a 'Fill the Food Bank' food drive from 6 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17. The drive is to help end hunger in Northeast Arkansas.

Before each Marked Tree school board meeting, board members recognize teachers who are doing exceptional work in the school. This month the board recognized first grade teachers Emily Gillis and Tiffany Gibson. The teachers said Common Core Standards are being implemented in K-2 and that the standards have extended learning and given students a deeper comprehension of skills. The students are doing more project-based and hands-on learning, which has greatly improved student writing, they noted. Gibson said the students currently are at a writing level they don't usually see until the end of December. They also are using CGI Math (Cognitively-Guided Instruction) where instead of having students memorize a formula to solve a problem, students are challenged to come up with their own methods for solving the problem and then explain their reasoning. Gillis and Gibson said they often combine their classes. And though they have the largest classes in the elementary with 49 students total between them, their students also are scoring very high. The first grade TLI (The Learning Institute) assessment showed 89 percent of the combined population scored proficient or advanced. Caucasian students scored 83 percent proficient or advanced, African-American students scored 100% and Economically Disadvantaged students scored 88 percent. In other business, the board: * Approved the purchase of HVAC in the elementary cafeteria. The board reviewed three bids and accepted a bid of $25,000. * Approved job descriptions which were devised by looking at other schools' descriptions and tweaking them. * Approved five percent payment for a grant award for John Kelly, who wrote a grant through the Arkansas Economic Acceleration Agency for participation in a Stock Market game and a grant for six iPads and an iPad mobile lab. Kelly said he got half the money for the iPads and hopes to show how the students improve in the game next semester with the use of the iPads to make a case for getting the full amount when he writes the grant again next year. Kelly said Marked Tree has a team that placed second place in the region and 14th in the nation in the Stock Market game. First and second place teams will be invited to a banquet in Little Rock. * Heard an update from teachers who visited Nu-Tech schools in Texas and Cross County. John Kelly said one of the things that impressed him was that schools are partnering with local businesses to present students with real world problems to solve. The board approved proceeding and exploring what other options are out there. * Heard an update from Superintendent Annesa Thompson regarding board rezoning information. Thompson said she does not think the board rezoning law that was passed will affect Marked Tree and that Urban Planning Associates is looking into it. If there is a change, she said, the board will adopt a resolution at the April meeting. * Heard about a preschool grant award for an early learning arts program which will bring in a resident artist to work with the children for a week. Jazz musician Kenneth Jackson will visit the preschool for a week in December.

With the holidays fast approaching, students at Cedar Park Elementary School in Trumann shared some Thanksgiving thoughts. Three boys in the fourth grade gave some insight into their family traditions and told why Thanksgiving is an important holiday to them. Jaden Osment said Thanksgiving is time when he gets to celebrate and eat with his family. "We normally go to Jonesboro," Osment said. "We have turkey, dressing and cake afterwards." Osment said he was most thankful for his family and God. Luke Hicks, another proud Wildcat, said his family normally stays in Trumann for the holidays. "We go to my grandma's house," Hicks said. "My grandma makes pudding and we eat turkey." Hicks said he enjoys celebrating Jesus and is most thankful for his mom and dad. AJ Spence said his favorite things about Thanksgiving are learning the history of the pilgrims and how they celebrated what God gave them. Spence said his family always joins together at his grandmother's house. "It's a big family reunion," he said. "My dad and my mom's brothers and sisters all come." Spence said his family keeps it traditional with the turkey, but there is always something different, like ribs prepared. "The reason I like celebrating Thanksgiving is because I can celebrate God," Spence said. "I am most thankful for God's love."

John Strode, vice president of external affairs for Ritter Communications, said that once every three years Ritter negotiates with broadcast stations for the right to carry their stations. Ritter Communications has started retransmission negotiations with local stations in Jonesboro, Memphis and Little Rock to determine the rates Ritter will need to pay for the right to carry the stations (retransmission consent fees). Since 1992, the federal government has given television broadcasters the right to grant or deny cable operators use of their signal. Strode explained to Marked Tree Rotary Club members that, in the past 20 years, the balance of power has shifted between cable providers and broadcasters. Strode said the world has changed a lot since 1992 and that cable providers have lost a lot of power now that Direct TV and Dish Network have become so big. Broadcasters now are requesting dramatic increases in fees and have threatened to withdraw or blackout their signals if their terms are not met, he said. Strode said the FCC recognized there is a problem earlier in the year, but is not required to do anything with the evidence they gathered. "We have been begging Congress and the FCC to do something," he said, "but members of Congress have been hesitant to do anything that looks like they're siding against the National Association of Broadcasters. "It puts us in a position we don't want to be in," Strode said. "We don't want to ask you to pay $4 more a month, but we don't want to not deliver channels. We are fighting very hard to keep that number down." In a press release, Ritter Communications VP David Adams said, "Outdated federal laws and regulations give broadcasters enormous negotiating leverage over our cable company. TV stations' 'blackmail or blackout' strategy will continue to frustrate pay-TV consumers until Congress decides to change an irresponsible law biased in favor of broadcasters." Adams said broadcasters around the country have routinely demanded fees more than 10 times the current rates and pulled their channels from cable systems until their demands are met. "Our customers have our word that we will put their best interests first in our negotiations," Adams said. "Ritter can't promise that broadcasters will do the same. It is our intent to come to agreeable terms quickly, so we can continue to deliver quality and affordable programming. Our customers want and deserve access to the local broadcast channels, and we look forward to working with the local stations to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. However, we simply refuse to allow our customers to be extorted, especially when cable customers in urban markets do not experience the price increases that customers in smaller markets do." Strode said Ritter is working to keep the cost down and to get the contracts done by Dec. 31. "We're fighting as hard as we can and will continue to fight to keep prices down for our customers," Strode said.

Trumann's annual holiday Tour of Homes will take place from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, according to Debbie Norman, president of the Poinsettia Club. The tour will include the homes of Bob and Norma White at 10 Eagle Crest, Bobby and Sharon Vest at 1 Eagle Crest, and Shelby and Debra Irwin at 628 Primrose. The cost is $5. Refreshments for the Tour of Homes participants will be served at the Trumann Fire Station.

Arkansas is consistently one of the top four states in hunger rankings, according to Christie Jordan, executive director of the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas. "More than 5,000 people visit a center associated with the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas," Jordan said. "2.8 million pounds of food will be distributed this year, but we need to do twice that." A new distribution center soon will help with that demand. The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas broke ground Monday for the new 56,000-square-foot Donald W. Reynolds Charitable Food Distribution Center that will be located on 6.5 acres of land in the Henry P. Jones Park at One Place in Jonesboro. In 2010, the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas received a $7.9 million grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation to build, furnish and equip the Charitable Food Distribution Center. The Foundation also awarded the Food Bank an additional grant of $502,000 to purchase vehicles, freezers, refrigerators and shelving to grant to the Food Bank's partner agencies and programs to assist the agencies in distributing more food to needy families. The new facility will include increased freezer and refrigerated capacity, multiple shipping and receiving docks, warehouse space equipped with racking, work areas designated for volunteer projects, and a community room and demonstration kitchen. The Food Bank has had to turn away food in the past because there was not adequate storage space, but the new facility will help alleviate that problem by increasing cold storage more than 10 times the current capacity. The Food Bank then will be allowed to increase its annual food distribution to six million pounds a year. The project also will increase the capacity of current partner agencies and increase the number of agencies served by the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, as well as provide space to teach cooking and nutrition classes. "This is a dream come true for a lot of us," Food Bank board member Joe Verser said. "It's not just a building. It's a way for us to take food that would go to waste and get it to families who need it. It gives us an access we've never had before." Currently, the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas operates from a 13,000-square-foot building on South Culberhouse in Jonesboro. The Food Bank distributes food through 94 partner agencies and programs in 12 counties in Northeast Arkansas. The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation is a national philanthropic organization founded in 1954 by the late media entrepreneur for whom it is named. Headquartered in Las Vegas, it has committed over $20 million to support food distribution programs in Arkansas.

The Trumann Industrial Commission gathered Friday, Nov. 18, with city officials to announce that Trumann is receiving funds totaling $250,000 to go towards building a multi-purpose building for continuing education. The donors are siblings Jerry Simms and Patty Talbot, who grew up in the area. "We love this community," Simms said, "and education is close to our hearts. Without having at least a high school education or a two-year degree, it is close to impossible to get a job. That is why we are giving this gift of $250,000 for the construction of the center." The facility will be named the Simms and Talbot Center and will hold rooms to further the education of the community. It will be a center to gain a GED, for workers to receive company training and for those who wish to further their education. The center will be a 5,100 square foot building, located on land donated by the Patterson family next to the Trumann Police Station. Barbara Lewallen spoke at the Trumann Industrial Commission meeting, saying the center has been a dream for the city for quite some time. "We got the idea to build the center in 2008 at a governor's conference," she said. "We believe that education is economic development, and with the changing technology, everyone in the community needs the opportunity to receive continuous education."

Lt. Gov. Mark Darr was in Weiner last week to hear people's concerns and ideas for growing the area as part of the Rural Community Alliance's Rural Development Listening Tour. Weiner was the first stop on the listening tour. Part of the purpose of the tours is to hear people's concerns and take them back to the Senate. Darr said, as Lieutenant Governor, he has the biggest voice in the Senate to speak on issues. One of the first issues discussed was the possible closure of several rural post offices. Cong. Rick Crawford and Sen. John Boozman have sponsored a bill to protect rural post offices. Darr said he looked at the issue from the point of view of a businessman and compared the Postal Service to banks that build a bank on every corner and cannot keep up with demand. "We all know we've got to cut somewhere," Darr said. "There will have to be some tough cuts, not just here but everywhere. Everybody agrees we have to cut, but we don't want to cut our things." Some of the problems people identified included the price of lumber being too high to be feasible to build housing to attract industry and Jonesboro drawing away businesses. Darr talked about the importance of giving businesses incentives to come here. "I went to China recently and met with all but six of the provincial governors," Darr said. "Arkansas is one of two states without a Chinese company in the state. I asked every one of them to invest in Arkansas, and every single one told me: 'Your state offers no incentives for businesses to come.' We are in competition with other states when it comes to industry. We need to look at giving power to the legislative or executive branch to make those deals. We need to look at competition with other states just like with sports." Another idea brought up was encouraging young people to think in the direction of entrepreneurship. Darr said many young people are starting businesses but are leaving the region. "They're just not coming back. You've got to have a community that believes in them," he said. Harrisburg Mayor Randy Mills agreed with the importance of entrepreneurship. "Entrepreneurship is where it's at," he said. "Regionalism is where we'll be in the future. We've got to work together to do that." He added that Central and Northwest Arkansas are thriving and had grown in such a short time because they have embraced regionalism and that Northeast Arkansas needs to follow their example. Rural Community Alliance is a state-wide organization of rural community members whose purpose is helping rural schools and communities survive and thrive. Members are organized into self-governing local chapters which advocate at the local, state and national level on issues that are important to their schools and communities. Rural Community Alliance currently has about 1,200 members in 50 chapters throughout the state.

Beth Alexander, coordinator of the Harrisburg First United Methodist Church Food Pantry, has been working with families across the county, attempting to keep bellies and kitchen cabinets full. Last month, the Harrisburg food pantry helped feed 249 families and 694 individuals. The pantry's all-time high was broken in August, when volunteers fed 290 families in Poinsett County. This food pantry reaches out past Harrisburg, to places like Weiner and Fisher, and in the past, Marked Tree and Lepanto. Trumann has its own food pantry, located at 610 Walnut Street. The Trumann pantry provides plenty of coverage for the community and works closely with the food pantry in Harrisburg to blanket all of Poinsett County. "All we require is a utility bill to verify residency and an ID of everyone in family," said Alexander. The ID is required, she said, to confirm the number of members living in the household, since in today's economy the number of persons underneath one roof can grow unexpectedly. A family of seven is eligible for more food under the program than a family of two. "We explain to everyone who uses the service that the USDA provides only part of the food," said Alexander. For the month of November, the USDA supplied the pantry with rice and beans only. Everything else, such as canned vegetables, spaghetti sauce, cereal and brownie mix, is donated by the community. "The goal is to give everyone in each family around 10 pounds of food," she said. Through a grant with the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, the pantry now is able to give meat to those in need. "The grant paid for about half of our refrigerator," she said. Stored behind the heavy, stainless steel doors are chunks of lunchmeat, chicken and even frozen meals for families. Volunteers at the pantry try to provide two pounds of meat per person in each family. Another refrigerator has stacks of bread, frozen to prevent any molding. Another gift the pantry provides is birthday bags for children under age 10. Inside is cake mix, frosting, candles, cups, plates and theme related trinkets, like princess items. Civic groups like the Extension Homemakers put most of the birthday bags together. "It is very touching to see a parent receive one of these for their children," said Alexander. "Sometimes it is the only thing a parent can afford to give." For Christmas, local clubs and groups will be putting together Christmas stockings for families with children. This year, Arkansas was ranked highest in childhood hunger. Forty percent of the people who receive food from the pantry are children or senior citizens, and 25 percent of families have at least one person working. "We are always looking for food," said Alexander. "Last week we fed 54 and some said they were getting food to prepare for Thanksgiving." The First United Methodist Church Food Pantry will accept any non-perishable food that individuals would like to donate and will even accept perishable foods, like meat and bread, if it is called in ahead. The First United Methodist Church Food Pantry in Harrisburg is open from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Tuesdays and Thursdays and is located at 204 South Main Street. The pantry will be closed on Thanksgiving, but will reopen the following week. The Trumann Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Weiner Outreach program is open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and caters to the Weiner, Fisher and Waldenburg areas.

Steve Jernigan will remain mayor of Lepanto after the Arkansas Supreme Court last week upheld the circuit court ruling that Jernigan is a legal resident of the city and therefore qualified to be mayor. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Martin Lilly, representing the State, had alleged that Jernigan did not reside in city limits as required by Arkansas Code Annotated section 14-42-201(c)(1). At issue when oral arguments were presented before the Arkansas Supreme Court was whether the term "residence" was synonymous with the term "domicile" because the statute does not define residency. Arkansas law requires only that mayoral candidates reside in the city limits. As such, the court concluded "the legislature intended for 'reside' to mean 'live' or 'be physically present.' Even though the circuit court suggested there might be subterfuge on Jernigan's part, it ultimately credited Jernigan's testimony that he lived within the city limits of Lepanto, at 614 Alexander, when he filed for candidacy on Aug. 6, 2010, and that he continued to live within the city limits of Lepanto at 234 Greenwood." The court held that the State failed to meet its burden of proving that Jernigan did not reside within the Lepanto city limits. The court also clarified a statement made earlier suggesting the word "residence" was synonymous with "domicile," saying, "in determining the residency of voters and public officials, this court considered (1) whether a person was physically present in a particular location, or (2) whether a person intended to establish a domicile in a particular location. In other words, if a candidate was unable to establish residency by showing physical presence in the requisite location, this court has allowed a candidate to establish residency by showing domiciliary intent in the requisite location."

Many of Trumann residents and city officials are less than thrilled over the recent service they have been receiving from the local residential and commercial trash pickup through Delta Environmental. Eaton-Moery Environmental Services, Inc., or EMS, acquired Delta Disposal and B and B Disposal, and in 2007, EMS combined the two companies into Delta Environmental. According to the EMS Merger and Acquisition Program: "Although there are many small waste collectors and haulers in Arkansas, Waste Management and Waste Corp, the two largest waste service providers in the state, have not pursued their (Delta Disposal and B and B Disposal) acquisitions, preferring to leave the small players alone. Because Glen Eaton (current president of EMS) recognizes this opportunity, EMS will be able to become a bigger player by cornering a piece of the small market niche without opposition." But on June 30, 2010, EMS filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. That is when many of Trumann's residents say the quality in service began to falter. Neal Vickers, chairman of the Trumann Chamber of Commerce and owner of Trumann Auto Parts - NAPA, said that trash for his commercial business has been picked up four times over the past eight weeks. "I had it picked up twice this month and twice last month," said Vickers. "The trash pickup was great until this last year. We should have better service though. Businesses in the community are less than satisfied." Joe Hillis, who lives on Pine Street in Trumann, is supposed to have his trash picked up once a week. "They are supposed to pick up my trash every Monday, but it's Friday now and my trash is here," he said. "I just don't understand why we have to pay for something we aren't receiving service for." Trumann mayor Sheila Walters explained the situation the city is in. "We had a contract with B and B Disposal, which was acquired by Delta," said Walters. "Our contract expires in August 2012, and Delta is aware that the city will not continue service with them." Walters said the city has, on two separate occasions, tried to dissolve the contract, but due to protection under bankruptcy laws, the contract was not dissolved. "The city has hired a bankruptcy attorney, but we have been unable to dissolve the connection with Delta because of the bankruptcy laws. Right now, we cannot break that contract without causing a lawsuit for the city." Walters said she receives multiple calls daily and keeps records of all complaints. She called Friday and asked to speak to the president of the company, Glen Eaton, but he was not available and the company would not provide her with his cell phone number due to company policy, she said. Senior vice president Bob Cordrick said the reason for the poor service last week was due to several trucks malfunctioning. "One of our trucks broke down on Monday (Nov. 14) and our spare truck had computer problems," Cordrick said. He added the company had to order a new part to fix the computer problem, which was the major cause for delay. Cordrick said the company would double up on rounds Friday, Nov. 18, to finish the job by the end of the day. "Right now, we are finished with commercial trash and only lack six residential streets," he said. "Starting on Monday, everything will be back to usual. We will starting on time Monday morning at 7:30 a.m." David Thompson, of Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann, said his problems have stretched back a lot further than this last week, however. "I've been having problems since this summer," he said. "I've been skipped for two and three weeks before and I've called Delta several times about the problem. It seems like every time I call, it's a truck problem." EMS has had several infractions claimed against them from Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, including one Notice of Violation for offenses on Dec. 17, 2010, March 30, 2011, and June 10, 2011, amounting to $37,600 in civil penalties. Mark Clairday moved to Trumann last month from California. "I've had my trash picked up once since I've been here," he said. "It was my first week here and it was trash the tenants left before I moved in." Clairday has called Delta Environmental and has spoken with Mayor Walters to try to have his trash removed. He was told it would be taken care of by the end of the day Friday, Nov. 18. "I just wish they would do their job," said Clairday. On Monday, Nov. 21 at 9:30 a.m., Clairday informed the Poinsett County Democrat-Tribune his trash had not been touched. Mayor Sheila Walters also confirmed she had complaints Monday that several other streets, including Second and Monroe, had not had their trashed picked up.

Lepanto -- The EPC Warriors hosted the Des Arc Eagles in the second round of the Class 2A state football playoffs this past Friday in Lepanto. The first half was a game of ball control by Des Arc as they limited EPC to 12 offensive plays as the Warriors took a 7-0 lead to the half. The second half was classic EPC, run and gun, as they went on to a 35-6 victory. After a scoreless first quarter, Darius Barnes gave EPC its only score of the first half as he returned a punt 63-yards for a touchdown with 2:44 left in the first half. Blake Carter added the point after for a 7-0 lead. The Warriors (10-0) hurt themselves with penalties in the first half. Des Arc's slow down game worked at slowing EPC down, but they were never able to put points the board. Barnes and Tristan McDaniel hooked up for a 31-yard touchdown pass with 3:42 left in third. Carter's point after made the score 14-0 in favor of EPC. After forcing a Des Arc punt, Barnes kept the ball and sprints 52-yards for the score with 2:07 left in the third. Carter makes the score 21-0 Warriors with the extra point. The Eagles (6-6) found the end zone with 10:07 left in the fourth quarter. The two-point try was no good leaving the score 21-6. Trevor McDaniel scored the first of his two fourth quarter touchdowns going 19-yards for the EPC touchdown. Carter tacks on the extra point for a 28-6 lead with 6:58 left. Trevor McDaniel scampered 41-yards for EPC's final score of the night with 3:19 left in the game. Carter's extra point set the final score at 35-6. "We played their tempo the first half and it did not work for us," EPC Coach Brian Weathers said after the game. "We got back to our tempo the second half and was able to control the ball." He also added, "We just kept on plugging and plugging and I think we wore them down in the fourth quarter." EPC will host the quarterfinal round the Class 2A playoffs at 7:30 p.m. Friday as the Bearden Bears, with University of Arkansas commit Defonta Lowe, coming to town.

The Marked Tree Lady claimed a pair of victories this past Thursday and Friday nights. On Thursday they travelled to Rector and escaped with a 48-45 win. They hosted West Memphis Christian on Friday and had four players score in double figures on their way to a 71-45 victory. At Rector, Marked Tree (2-0, 1-0) got 15 points from Alytrius Perry in the 2A-3 conference match up. Rector won the junior high game 27-23. Quanesia Perry poured in 29 points to lead the Lady Indians (3-0) as they hosted West Memphis Christian. Alytrius Perry and Quandedra Perry both scored 11 and Lexi Perry chipped in 10 while grabbing 15 rebounds.

Marked Tree -- The Marked Tree Indians senior boy's basketball team improved to 2-0 on the season with a 60-17 victory over West Memphis Christian this past Thursday night. Allen Buchanan led the way for the Indians scoring 15 points. Darius Ivy and Gunner Pitts added 12 and 10 points respectively. Marked Tree won the junior high contest 36-30.

Colt and David Collins, both of Trumann, had successful hunts while hunting recently near Ravenden.

Bay's senior high basketball teams travelled to Armorel on different nights last week, but got the same results in 1A-3 East action. The Lady Yellowjackets held on for a 50-48 victory on Thursday. The boys had a little easier time as they won 70-32. In the girl's game, Bay led 40-28 to start the final period. Armorel made the game close by outscoring Bay 20-10 to set the final score. Tesha Taggart and Hannah Willard led Bay in scoring with 13 points each. Jade Presley was right behind them with 12. Bay won the junior high game 28-19. Bay raced out to a 42-14 halftime lead on their way to a 70-32 victory in the boy's contest. Dylan Loven scored 19 points to lead three Yellowjackets in double figures on the night. Damien Holt tossed in 14 while Gunner Freeman added 11. Armorel won the junior high game 48-47 on Friday.

Harrisburg -- The Harrisburg Lady Hornets hosted Lady Lions of Manila this past Friday in a 3A-3 conference game. The visitors got the better of the host as Manila posted a 42-39 victory. Kelly Simpson led Harrisburg's scoring on the night with 19 points. Kiley Howton scored 10. Manila won the junior high game 46-37.

Lepanto -- The EPC Lady Warriors had four players in double digits as they claimed their second conference win in as many games. EPC (2-0, 2-0) started fast and went on to claim a 79-12 over Cross County this past Thursday. Teria Young and Brittany Bell both tossed in 17 points to lead the Lady Warriors in scoring. Alicia Ross scored 12 points and Synteria Ward added 10. EPC won the junior game 45-17.

Weiner -- The Weiner Cardinals celebrated Homecoming night by defeating the visiting Brookland Bearcats 45-35 this past Friday. The Cardinals (4-6), winners of their last four games, got 13 points from Tyler Armstrong. Alex Jones and Taylor Ozbun each added 10 points on the night. Brookland won the junior high game 47-23.