Stories from Monday, January 6, 2014

Many memories were rekindled for a few residents of Marked Tree during a Walk Through History Tour on Saturday, Dec. 14. The Marked Tree Chamber of Commerce cosponsored the walk presented by Rachel Silva, Preservation Outreach Coordinator for the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program...

With the end of the year near, Marked Tree Mayor Mary Ann Arnold deemed the year a success for Marked Tree with the help of its civic clubs including the Marked Tree Chamber. According to Marked Tree Chamber President Sandy Teague, this year has been one of the most successful years for the group in all of its history...

The Trumann School District recently recognized two of its teachers for becoming National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs). Superintendent Myra Graham said the district only has a few NBCTs, and she was proud to have the district gain two more. According to NBCTs website, the mission of the National Board is to advance student learning and achievement by establishing rigorous standards and systems for certifying accomplished educators. ...

The nation has been hit with a wave of a deadly disease, and Trumann is one of the only communities yet to be affected. With this creative scenario in mind, the Trumann High School 10th grade Global Studies class has created crisis plans for the community...

With the celebration of its 175th birthday this year, Poinsett County saw its share of big stories in 2013. The following are some of the top stories of the year. Poinsett County turned 175 years old this year. The county was established on Feb. 28, 1838. The county was named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, according to County Judge Charles Nix. Joel Roberts Poinsett was a statesman, scientist and botanist. Several events took place throughout the year to honor this big turning point in history...

Fonda Condra announces that she will not seek reelection in the 2014 Primary election. Fonda Condra was elected and took office January 2001 and will have served 14 years at her retirement in December 2014. She released the following statement. "I consider it an honor to have served as County Clerk since 2001, but it is now time for someone else to have the privilege that I have been afforded. ...

Claudia Mathews is looking forward to spending time with her three granddaughters and traveling with her husband Allen. Poinsett County Circuit Clerk Claudia Mathews announced Dec. 26 she will not seek another term in office. Mathews, a Democrat, has worked in the Poinsett County Courthouse since 1991. She became circuit clerk in 1997 after working as a deputy clerk under former circuit clerk Barbara Eastin. Mathews said she was taught well by Eastin who served from 1979-1996...

Misty Richardson of Harrisburg announces her intentions to run for the office of Poinsett County Circuit Clerk. Richardson has worked as a deputy clerk under Claudia Mathews for ten years. Mathews is retiring when her term ends in 2014. During her time with the Circuit's Office Richardson has been involved in many of the updates to the county's computer and recording systems, including being recognized by the Supreme Court of Arkansas for participation in the Arkansas Court Automation Project. ...

2013 was a big year year for many schools in Poinsett County with stories ranging from closure of a high school to the talk of construction of a new elementary school building. The beginning of the year marked a big turning point for EPC School District. ...