FEMA, ADEM AND SBA WILL BE SET UP AT THE ASH FLAT CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY FROM 8 A.M. UNTIL 6 P.M. THIS IS FOR SUVIVORS ASSISTANCE.

LAWRENE COUNTY CIRCUIT JUDGE ROB RATTON ACCEPTED A NEGIOATED GUILTY PLEA FROM 33 YEAR OLD ALEXIS LYNETTE BEARDEN WHO WAS GIVEN 60 MONTHS PROBATION FOR SECOND DEGREE BATTERY... 60 MONTHS SUSPENDED FOR FAILTURE TO EPPAR... BEARDEN WAS FINED A THOUSAND DOLLARS AND ORDERED TO PAY $300 RESTITIUON.… 64 YEAR OLD JOLEANE MARIE BICE OF HOXIE WAS GIVEN 48 MONTHS PROBATION FOR POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA... BICE WAS FINED A THOUSAND DOLLARS...

 

IZARD COUNTY AUTHORITIES HAVE ARRESTED 39 YEAR OLD JONATHAN CORTER OF SIDNEY AFTER AN INCIDENT NEAR SAGE... CORTER IS CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT ON A FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD MEMBER AND CRIMINAL MISCHEIF,.... CORTER ALSO HAS A FAILURE TO APPEAR WARRANT OUT OF THE IZARD COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.....

 

THE VIOLA SCHOOL HAS ENTERED INTO A PARTNERSHIP WITH SCHOOL EATS. THE MOVE IS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE MENUS AND SERVICES IN THE SCHOOL CAFETERIA... SCHOOL EATS WILL BUILD PROGRAMS TO PRIORTIZE STUDENT CHOICE AND INCREASE PARTICIPATION.... SCHOOL EATS WILL PROVIDE ADDTIONAL SUPPORT, TRANING AND PURCHASING POWER TO HELP ELEVATE THE CAFETERIA, HOWEVER, THE DISTRICT WILL REMAIN SELF-OPERATED AND THE SAME TEAM WILL REMAIN SELF-OPERATED AND THE SAME TEAM WILL CONTINUE SERVING STUDENTS... THE LARGEST PURCHASER OF FOOD IN THE WORLD, COMPASS GROUP WHO OVERSEES SCHOOL EATS WILL SUPPLY THE VIOLA SCHOOL... SUPERINTENDENT KYLE MCCARN SAYS A BENEFIT FOR VIOLA STUDENTS IS THE PROGRAM, "WHATS COOKING", A HANDS-ON INTERACTIVE INITIATIVE TO BRING NUTRUTION EDUCATION TO STUDENTS TO HELP THEM MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES... THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE BAKED POTATO BARS, FRESH FRUIT PARFAITS, BUILD-YOUR-OWN TACO DAYS AND HOMEMADE STYLE COOKIES....

 

THE CENTER STAGE SHOWCASE, THE THURSDAY NIGHT MUSIC SERIES HOSTED BY THE ARTS CENTER OF NORTH ARKANSAS IS TONIGHT AT THE TOWN CENTER STAGE IN CHEROKEE VILLAGE... OPENING NIGHT WAS RAINED OUT LAST WEEK, BUT THE WEATHER IS LOOKING GOOD FOR TONIGHT... THE ARTS CENTER'S NANETTE DAUGHERTY TELL US TONIGHTS PERFORMERS ARE NATIVES OF THE AREA WHO HAD A SUCCESSFUL RUN IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS..… THE MUSIC BEGINS AT 5:30 AND WILL CONCLUDE AROUND 7:30 AT THE TOWN CENTER STAGE ON THE UPPER LEVEL OF THE TOWN CENTER IN CHEROKEE VILLAGE... BRING YOUR FOLDING CHAIRS, SNACKS WILL BE SOLD. THERE IS NO ADMISSION.... LAST WEEKS PROGRAM WITH LYN JONES FROM LITTLE ROCK IS NOW RESCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY NIGHT, JUNE 19TH...


 

WHILE YOU MAY BE ON THE WATER FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR, SOME OF YOU MAY BE IN THE WATER FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS WEEKEND... CORPS OF ENGINEERS SAFETY SPECIALIST LAURIE DRIVER… AREA LAKE LEVELS ARE HIGH... NORFORK STOOD AT FIVE-FIFTY EIGHT POINT 8 YESTERDAY.. THE LAKE HAS BEEN DROPPING ABOUT THREE INCHES A DAY.....

 

THE ARKANSAS STATE LIBRARY BOARD WILL DISBURSE PUBLIC FUNDS TO LIBRARIES FOR THE LAST TIME IN THE 2025 FISCAL YEAR IN JUNE AND LIKELY THE LAST TIME BEFORE ALL SEVEN BOARD MEMBRS ARE REPLACED.… AS LOCAL LIBRARY DIRECTORS WAIT FOR THEIR REGULAR SHARES OF STATE FUNDING, SOME CONTINUE TO AWAIT A LONG-DELAYED AVENUE FOR RURAL LIBRARIES TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR MORE STATE FUNDING.. AN AMENDMENT TO THE STATE LIBRARY'S FISCAL YEAR 024 APPROPIRATION BILL THAT WAS INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOHN PAYTON REQUIRED THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ALTER LIBRARY FUNDING ELIGIBILTY STANDARD TO ALLOW SMALLER, RURAL LIBRARIES NOT SUPPORTED WITH A LOCAL MILEAGE ACCESS TO STATE AID.. THE ORIGINAL DEADLINE FOR ESTABLISHING THESE STANDARDS WAS JULY FIRST LAST YEAR.... SENATOR PAYTON THIS PROCESS IS TAKING MUCH LONGER THAN HE ANTICIPATED… ELIGIBILITY FOR STATE AID WOULD ALLOW THE ASH FLAT LIBRARY TO APPLY FOR STATE AND FEDERAL GRANTS IT CURRENTLY CANNOT ACCESS… ONE OF THE LAST LAWS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PASSED BEFORE ADJOURNING LAST MONTH WAS ACT 903, WHICH WILL DISMISS THE ENTIRE STATE LIBRARY BOARD AND REQUIRE GOVERNOR SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS TO APPOINT A NEW SEVEN MEMBER BOARD IN AUGUST...


 

THE PORTIA PICNIC OPENS TONIGHT ... PRE-SALE ARMBANDS ARE ON SALE UNTIL 5 THIS AFTERNOON AT THE CITY HALL..... THE ARMBANDS SELL FOR $22, CASH ONLY.. THE ARMBANDS ARE GOOD FOR ONE DAY USE… ARMBANDS ARE $28 IF PURCHASED ON THE PICNIC GROUNDS ONCE THE CARNIVAL OPENS TONIGHT.... KENNYS FUNLAND CARNIVAL IS SET UP ON THE MIDWAY....THE PORTIA PICNIC WILL CONTINUE THRU SATURDAY... THE 120TH BABY SHOW IS SATURDAY. REGISTRATION AT 3:30, THE BABY SHOW WILL START PROMPTLY AT 4..


 

THE SPRING RIVER PARAMEDIC AMBULANCE SERVICE IS CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVING SHARP COUNTY... THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME TO 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION FRIDAY, JUNE 6TH NOON UNTIL ONE AT THE PINES AMBULANCE BASE AT 84 NAVAJO CENTER IN CHEROKEE VILLAGE.. THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF FOOD AND FUN FOR EVERYONE WHO ATTENDS...

 

THE SALEM CITY COUNCIL MEETS IN REGULAR MONTHLY SESSION TONIGHT AT 6 AT CITY HALL....

 

THE ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION TROUT MANAGMENT PROGRAM RECENTLY CONDUCTED A SEASONAL SAMPLING ON THE SPRING RIVER.. THE SAMPLING PROCESS IS PART ON THE ONGOING PROJECTS OF THE COMMSSION, BUT WAS ALSO THE FIRST TIME THE PROGRAM HAS SAMPLED SINCE THE MAJOR FLOODING ON THE SPRING RIVER IN APRIL… DURING THE FLOODING, BOTH THE JIM HINKLE SPRING RIVER STATE FISH HATCHERY AND THE NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY IN MAMMOTH SPRING LOST A LARGE QUANITY OF LARGE RAINBOW TROUT DUE TO BOTH FACILITIES BEING FLOODED AND THE FISH ESCAPING INTO THE RIVER… CATCH RATES OF RAINBOW TROUT HAVE EXCEEDED WHAT IS TYPICALLY SEED ON THE RIVER WITH 307 RAINBOW TROUT BEING COLLECTED... THE STAFF ALSO COLLECTED BROWN TROUT, TIGER TROUT, SMALLMOUTH BASS, LARGEMOUTH CASS, WALLEYE AND A NUMBER OF OTHER SPECIES...

 

THE 76TH ANNUAL FULTON COUNTY HOMECOMING FESTIVAL BEGINS FRIDAY NIGHT IN SALEM WITH A FISH FRY AT 4:30 AT THE SENIOR CENTER, A CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT AT 6 ON THE SQUARE, THE STREET DANCE FEATURING GROOVE VAULT FROM 6 TIL 9 ON THE SQUARE. STAR WARS MOVIES AT OLD MAIN AT 6.. SLEEP FAST... A FULL DAY OF FUN AWAITS YOU SATURDAY AS HEAR FROM SALEM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT LESLIE SCRIBNER. VISIT THE SALEM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON FACEBOOK OR MY HOMETOWN RADIO STATIONS DOT COM ON OUR HOMEPAGE FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF THE EVENTS AT THE 76TH ANNUAL FULTON COUNTY HOMECOMING FESTIVAL.. HOMETOWN RADIO WILL BE BROADCASTING "ON LOCATION" FROM HOMECOMING SATURDAY.•

********

THE ARKANSAS STATE POLICE HAS THE DETAILS ON THE FATAL CRASH THAT OCCURRED IN BLACK ROCK MONDAY MORNING THAT RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF A HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT.... 18 YEAR OLD KAINE WHITE OF WALNUT RIDGE WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON HIGHWAY 63  IN BLACK ROCK AROUND  6:10 WHEN THE LOST CONTROL OF HIS CAR, TRAVELED OFF THE ROADWAY, WENT DOWN A RAVINE AND STRUCK A TREE.... WHITE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE....

THE VIOLA SCHOOOL BOARD MEETS TONIGHT AT 6 IN THE FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES ROOM.

PRESIDENT TRUMP'S DISASTER DECLARATION FOR ARKANSAS LAST WEEK WAS WELCOME NEWS FOR SOME RANDOLPH COUNTY RESIDENTS... COUNTY JUDGE BEN WICKER SAYS 33 HOMES IN THE SHANNON, RAVENDEN SPRINGS, DALTON AND WARM SPRINGS COMMUNITIES WERE DAMAGED IN THE MARCH 14TH TORNADOES... COUNTLESS TREES, POWERLINES AND ROADS ALSO SUSTAINED DAMAGE... THE LAST TWO MONTHS HAS BEEN OVERHWELMINGING ACCORDING TO THE JUDGE… LIMITED FUNDS AND MANPOWER HAS BEEN A CHALLENGE COUPLED WITH THE APRIL FLOOD....

 

NORTH ARKANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE IS CONDUCTING THE ELECTION FOR ONE BOARD OF DIRECTOR POSITION IN IZARD COUNTY.. THE POSITION IS AT LARGE VOTING SO ALL NORTH ARKANSAS ELECTRIC MEMBERS, REGARDLESS OF LOCATIONS ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE... MEMBERS WERE MAILED AN ENVELOPE WITH THE NAEC LOGO FROM SURVEY AND BALLOT SYSTEMS EARLIER THIS MONTH.. THE MINNESOTA COMPANY IS HANDLING THE ELECTION AND TABULATION OF VOTES ON BEHALF OF NAEC.. THE COOPERATIVE'S ANNUAL REPORT IS INVLUDED IN THE MAILING.. BALLOTS CANNOT BE RETURED TO NORTH ARKANSAS ELECTRIC. THEY MUST BE MAILED TO SURVEY AND BALLOT SYSTEMS AND RECIEVED BY JUNE 17TH TO BE CONSIDERED VALID... AFTER CONSIDERATION, A NOMINATING COMMITTEE NOMINATED SONYA WILES.. IN ADDITION, MICHELLE GRAETZ WAS NOMINATED BY PETITION... RESULTS OF THE ELECTION WILL BE PUBLISHED AT NAECI.COM AND IN THE MESSANGER.. THE ANNUAL MEETING WILL ENTAIL ONLY A BUSINESS SESSION AND WILL BE HELD JUNE 19TH AT 10AM AT THE COOPERATIVE'S SALEM HEADDQUARTERS AS LONG AS WORK HAS FINISED FOLLOWING FLOOD DAMAGE.. MEMBERS CAN CALL NORTH ARKANSAS ELECTRIC AT 870895-3221 TO CHECK THE ANNUAL REPORT TO VERIFY THE MEETING TO NAECI.COM.. MEMBERS CAN WATCH THE ANNUAL MEETING LIVE AT NAECI.COM.. PHONE THE COOPERATIVE IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION AT 870895-3221...

 

"FULTON COUNTY FLASHBACKS" IS THE THEME FOR THE 76TH ANNUAL HOMECOMING FESTIVAL FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY IN SALEM… THE SALEM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS AGAIN COORDINATING THE SCHEDULE THAT IS PACKED WITH EVENTS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY… AS ALWAYS, HOMECOMING BEGINS WITH THE SALEM SENIOR CENTER FISH FRY FRIDAY AT 4:30... CHAMBER PRESIDENT LESLIE SCRIBNER HAS A RUNDOWN OF FRIDAY NIGHTS SCHEDULE.. THERE'S A FULL DAY OF ACTIVITIES SATURDAY BEGINNING WITH THE BANK OF SALEM MARK THOMAS APPLE PIE 5K... EVENTS THROUGHT THE MORNING, THE FESTIVAL PARADE AT 1, LINEUP RIGHT AFTER NOON AT PREACHER ROE PARK, MORE ACTIVITIES FOLLOWING THE PARADE THE SATURDAY AFTERNOON, VEW BINGO ON TEH SQUARE FOLLOWING THE PARADE, ALL SCHOOL REUNIONS AT OLD MAIN AND THE FINAL EVENT OF THE WEEKEND IS THE SOUTHFORK RIVER THERAPY AND REHAB MOVIE ON THE LAW, BEGINNING AT APPROXIMATELY 8:30 SATURDAY NIGHT… VISIT THE SALEM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON FACEBOOK OR THE HOME PAGE AT MY HOMETOWN RADIO STATIONS DOT COM FOR THE COMPLETE HOMECOMING FESTIVAL SCHEDULE.. HOMETOWN RADIO WILL BE BROADCASTING FROM HOMECOMING SATURDAY....

 

OZARKA COLLEGE RECENTLY HELD ITS FIRST INDUSTRIAL SIGNING DAY, MARKING A NEW TRADITION AIMED AT CELEBRATING STUDENTS ENTERING THE WORKFORCE DIRECTLY FROM TECHNICAL PROGRAMS.. THE EVENT HONORED SEVERAL STUDENTS FROM THE OZARKA WELDING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM WHO OFFICIALLY SIGNED EMPLOYEE AGREEMENTS WITH BAD BOY MOWERS... THE CEREMONY TOOK PLACE AT THE JOHN E. MILLER EDUCATION CENTER ON THE OZARKA CAMPUS IN MELBOURNE AND DREW COLLEGE FACULTY, ADMINSTRATORS, FAMILY MEMBERS AND INDUSTRIAL REPRESENTATIVES.. STUDENTS WERE INDIVIDUALLY RECOGNIZED… OFFICIALS AT OZARKA SAY THEY PLAN TO EXPAND THE INDUSTRIAL SIGNING DAY IN FUTURE YEARS TO INCLUDE STUDENTS FROM OTHER TECHNICAL PROGRAMS AND ADDITONAL EMPLOYERS.. THE INITATIVE ALIGNS OZARKA'S FOCUS ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND BUILDING STRONG INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS IN NORTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS...

 

SHARP COUNTY HAS ACHIEVED CERTIFICATION AS AN ACT WORK READY COMMUNITY, A DESIGNATION THAT UNDERSCORES ITS COMMITMENT TO BUILDING A SKILLED WORKFORCE THAT ATTRACTS EMPLOYERS, SUPPORTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND BENEFITS CURRENT AND FUTURE RESIDENTS… THE CERTIFICATION IS THE RESULT OF A COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVE AMONG THE NORTHEAST ARKANSAS REGIONAL INTERMODAL AUTHORITY, OZARKA COLLEGE, AND SHARP COUNTY LEADERSHIP. THE EFFORT BEGAN IN FEBRUARY 2024, WHEN COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES ATTENDED THE ACT WORK READY COMMUNITIES BOOT CAMP—AN EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP AND TRAINING PROGRAM FACILITATED BY ACT TO LAUNCH AND GUIDE TARGETED WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES… THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS, THE STEERING COMMITTEE ENGAGED LOCAL EMPLOYERS, EDUCATORS, AND POLICYMAKERS TO SET GOALS AND CREATE A SUSTAINABLE MODEL TAILORED TO COMMUNITY NEEDS. MORE THAN 450 STUDENTS, CURRENT WORKERS, AND JOB SEEKERS EARNED THE NATIONAL CAREER READINESS CERTIFICATE® (NCRC®), AND 24 AREA EMPLOYERS PLEDGED TO RECOGNIZE THE CREDENTIAL IN THEIR HIRING PROCESSES… "WE KNOW SHARP COUNTY HAS A STRONG, SKILLED WORKFORCE," SAID GRAYCEN BIGGER, NEA INTERMODAL AUTHORITY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. "THIS CERTIFICATION NOT ONLY HELPS CONNECT LOCAL TALENT WITH EXISTING EMPLOYERS, IT STRENGTHENS OUR REGIONAL RECRUITMENT EFFORTS. WE'RE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH OZARKA COLLEGE AND LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUED COLLABORATION TO ENHANCE OUR WORKFORCE."
GOVERNOR SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS HAD A MESSAGE FOR SHARP COUNTY REGARDING THE NEW DESIGNATION.. THE ACT® WORK READY COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE EQUIPS STATES, REGIONS, AND COUNTIES WITH DATA, TOOLS, AND STRATEGIES TO CLOSE SKILL GAPS AND DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH. WITH SHARP COUNTY'S CERTIFICATION, THE ENTIRE NEA INTERMODAL REGION IS NOW RECOGNIZED AS A CERTIFIED WORK READY REGION. "THIS CERTIFICATION IS A TESTAMENT TO WHAT'S POSSIBLE WHEN EDUCATION, INDUSTRY, AND LOCAL LEADERSHIP COME TOGETHER TO INVEST IN PEOPLE," SAID MARCUS ORE, OZARKA COLLEGE VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. "SHARP COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO WORKFORCE READINESS WILL PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR GENERATIONS." PARTICIPANTS IN THE INITIATIVE LEVERAGE THE ACT® WORKKEYS® NCRC® TO ASSESS AND ALIGN WORKFORCE SKILLS, CREATING A COMMON FRAMEWORK THAT LINKS EDUCATION, EMPLOYERS, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. LEARN MORE AT: HTTPS://WORKREADY COMMUNITIES.ORG

 

YOUR HEADED FOR THE LAKE THIS WEEKEND, A WORD OF CAUTION FROM CORPS OF ENGINEERS COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, LAURIE DRIVER… CHALLENGING MOST OF YOUR NEIGHBORS ON THE LAKE WILL BE ON THE WATER FOR THE FIRS TIME THIS YEAR, THIS WEEKEND, BE PATIENT, USE GOOD COMMON SENSE AND BE SAFE...

*****

IN A STATEMENT MADE BY THE DISTRICT A ONE VEHICLE ACCIDENT CLAIMED THE LIFE OF A HIGHLAND STUDENT MONDAY MORNING. “OUR REBEL FAMILY IS GRIEVING THIS LOSS, AND WE EXTEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE STUDENT’S FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND LOVED ONES. THE STUDENT WAS TRAVELING FROM OUT OF TOWN TO SCHOOL THIS MORNING WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. AS WE NAVIGATE THIS DIFFICULT TIME, WE ASK OUR COMMUNITY TO KEEP THE FAMILY AND OUR ENTIRE SCHOOL IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS… IN THE DAYS AHEAD, WE WILL OFFER SUPPORT TO STUDENTS AND STAFF AS WE PROCESS THIS TOGETHER. PLEASE JOIN US IN SURROUNDING THIS FAMILY—AND ONE ANOTHER—WITH CARE, COMPASSION, AND KINDNESS…”

IZARD COUNTY AUTHORITIES HAVE ARRESTED 20 YEAR OLD JAMES BENNETT POWELL ON RAPE CHARGES.. POWELL IS BEING HELD IN THE IZARD COUNTY DETENTION CENTER, CHARGED WITH TWO COUNTS OF RAPE, THREE COUNTS OF SECOND DEGREE SEXUALL ASAULT, TWO COUNTS OF SEXUAL INDENCY WITH A CHILD, LESS THAN 17 YEARS OLD AND TO PERFORM SEXUAL ACTS... POWELL FACES AN ADDTIONAL CHARGE OF RESISTING ARREST.. POWELL IS BEINGHELD IN THE IZARD COUNTY DETENTION CENTER ON A $500,000 BOND.

 

HIGHLAND SUPERINTENDENT JEREMY LEWIS ON THIS MONTHS MEETING OF THE HIGHLAND SCHOOL BOARD.. THE HIGHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL AGAIN PROVIDE FREE MEALS DURING JUNE FOR ALL CHILDREN AGE 18 AND YOUNGER.. THERE IS NO NEED TO SIGN UP OR APPLY, SHOW UP AT ANY OF THE LOCATIONS DURING THE MONTH… ON MONDAY'S AT J AND M ESTATES PARK AREA ON JM BOULEVARD… ON TUEDAYS AT THUNDERBIRD MARINA IN CHEROKEE VILLAGE, WEDNESDAY'S ON THE PARKING LOT AT BILL'S CASH SAVER IN HARDY, ON THURSDAY'S, AT THE WILLIFORD LIBRARY ON HIGHWAY 63... THE HOURS ARE 11 TIL NOON ON EACH OF THE JUST MENTIONED DAYS... FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT STEPHANIE SISK AT 870-257-0105.

 

WERE GETTING READY FOR THE 76TH ANNUAL FULTON COUNTY HOMECOMING FESTIVAL IN SALEM SATURDAY... THERE'S SOME CHANGES IN THE CAR SHOW THIS YEAR... TOM DOTY IS MANAGING THE SHOW... IT'S MOVING TO THE SKYVIEW CENTER PARKING LOT.… THE SKYVIEW PARKING LOT IS THE PERFECT VENUE FOR THE AUTO SHOW, FOR THE EXHIBITORS AND THE SPECTATORS.. THERES A CHANGE IN THE JUDGING OF THE AUTOS… REGISTRATION WILL BEGIN AT 8.. THE AUTO SHOW OPENS AT 9 AND... PLAQUES WILL BE GIVEN OUT AT NOON.. ALL OF THE EXHIBITORS ARE WELCOME TO ENTER THE HOMECOMING FESTIVAL PARADE AT 1... LINEUP FOR THE PARADE WILL BEGIN AT NOON AT PREACHER ROE PARK ON HIGHWAY 9 NORTH... VISIT THE SALEM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FACEBOOK PAGE FOR ALL OF THE INFORMATION SURROUNDING THE 76TH ANNUAL HOMECOMING FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND IN SALEM.. HOMETOWN RADIO WILL BE BROADCASTING "ON LOCATION" FROM HOMECOMING SATURDAY.. HOMECOMING FESTIVAL T SHIRTS ARE ON SALE AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS IN SALEM...

 

BUSINESSES IN HARDY ARE GEARING UP FOR THE MEMORIAL HOLIDAY WEEKEND.. MAYOR ETHAN BARNES WAS A GUEST ON KSAR'S TOTAL INFORMATION MONDAY MORNING.. HE TOLD US, THE RESTORTIAN FROM THE APRIL FLOOD CONTINUES… DESPITE FAKE NEWS TO THE CONTRARY, THE SPRING RIVER NEVER CLOSED, ITS OPEN, BUT IF YOU GOT RIVER PLANS, USE CAUTION… IF YOUR PLANNING ON BEING ON THE SPRING RIVER OR ANY OF THE AREA RIVERS OR LAKES, CAUTION IS ADVISED, THERE IS STILL DEBRIS IN SOME AREAS, SOME YOU CAN SEE AND SOME YOU CAN'T...

 

THE SMALL RUMINANT INDUSTRY IS GROWING ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND HERE IN NORTH ARKANSAS... THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE IS HOSTING ANOTHER SMALL RUMINANT WORKSHOP AND FIELD DAY THURSDAY.... LAWRENCE COUNTY AGENT BRYCE BALDRIDGE.. LAWRENCE COUNTY HAS HOSTED SEVERAL OF THESE SMALL RUMINANT WORKSHOPS
OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS... BALDRIDGE HAS PUT TOGETHER AN IMPRESSIVE LIST OF SPEAKERS FOR THURSDAY'S PROGRAM… THE SMALL RUMINANT WORKSHOP AND FIELD DAY IS THURSDAY 9 TIL NOON AT THE BOOKOUT FARM AT 222 LAWRENCE COUNTY ROAD 352 AT SAFFELL.• ITS FREE TO ATTEND... REGISTER BY CALLING THE EXTENSION OFFICE AT 870-886-3741 OR USE THE QR CODE ON THE LAWRENCE COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION FACEBOOK PAGE...

 

THE VIOLA SCHOOL DISTRICT IS PARTNERING WITH THE NORTH ARKANSAS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL'S HEAD START PROGRAM IN AN EFFORT TO SERVE MORE FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY AND SURROUNDING AREA.. THE VIOLA LITTLE LONGHORN PRESCHOOL PROGRAM IS NOW PLANNING FOR THE 2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR AND WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE VIOLA SCHOOL CAMPUS...FOR MORE INFORMATIN, EMAIL RENEA.HOUGHTALING@VIOLALONGHORNS.ORG
OR PHONE 870-458-2023 ...

 

RIVERSIDE PARK IN BATESVILLE IS NOW CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION… THE CITY HAS BEGUN A NEW IMPROVEMENT PROJECT THAT WILL TAKE UNTIL DECEMBER OF NEXT YEAR TO COMPLETE... AN OFFICIAL GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IN JUNE.. DESPITE THE CLOSURE, SOME NEARBY ATEMNITIES WILL REMAIN OPEN, INCLUDING THE SARA LOW MEMORIAL DOG PARK, THE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE AND RIVERFRONT STEAKHOUSE.

A THAYER MAN SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURIES AND WAS AIRLIFTED TO A HOSPITAL AFTER HIS MOTORCYCLE CRASHED INTO A DEER. ACCORDING TO THE MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL, THE CRASH OCCURRED ON HIGHWAY EE, 10 MILES NORTH OF THAYER, AT 3:55 P.M. ON SATURDAY. THE MAN DROVE A 2007 HONDA SHADOW SPIRIT 1100 MOTORCYCLE NORTHBOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE STRUCK A DEER ON THE HIGHWAY. THE 41-YEAR-OLD WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURIES. HE WAS TRANSPORTED BY AIR EVACUATION TO MERCY HOSPITAL IN SPRINGFIELD. HE WAS WEARING A SAFETY DEVICE AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. THE MOTORCYCLE SUFFERED MODERATE DAMAGE.

 

THE SALEM VFW POST #9777 WILL HOST FRIDAY NIGHT BINGO THIS WEEK AT THE POST HOME, ON VETERANS WAY, OFF HIGHWAY 395 NORTH IN SALEM.. DOORS OPEN AT 4:30, PLENTY OF CONCESSIONS AND BINGO AT 6… SALEM VFW IS AGAIN HOSTING BINGO ON THE SQUARE FOLLOWING THE HOMECOMING FESTIVAL PARADE SATURDAY.. WE GET MORE FROM AEMI THOMPSON.. THE SALEM VFW WILL HONOR VETERANS WITH A MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE NEXT MONDAY MORNING AT 11 AT THE POST HOME... FOLLOWING THE PROGRAM, A HOT DOG AND CHILI LUNCH WILL BE SERVICED..… HOMETOWN RADIO WILL BE BROADCASTING FROM THE 76TH ANNUAL FULTON COUNTY HOMECOMING FESTIVAL SATURDAY...

 

THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION HAS OPENED A DISASTER LOAN OUTREACH CENTER IN CAVE CITY TO ASSIST SMALL BUSINESSES, PRIVATE NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY SEVERE STORMS AND TORNADOES THAT OCCURED MARCH 14TH AND 15TH... SBA CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTER IN CAVE CITY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND ASSIST WITH THE DISASTER LOAN APPLICATION PROCESS.. NO APPOINTMENT IS NECESSARY, WALK-INS ARE WELCOME.. THE CENTER IS OPEN IN THE CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM AT 201 SOUTH MAIN STREET IN CAVE CITY.. THE HOURS ARE 9AM TIL 6PM MONDAY THRU FRIDAY AND 9AM UNTIL 1PM ON SATURDAYS… HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR HOME AND PERSONAL PROPERTY LOANS AND MAY BORROW UP TO $100,000 TO REPLACE OR REPAIR PERSONAL PROPERTY, SUCH AS CLOTHING, FURNITRE, CARS AND APPLIANCES.. HOMEOWNERS MAY APPLY FOR UP TO $500,000 TO REPLACE OR REPAIR THEIR PRIMARY RESIDENCE.... THE FILING DEADLINE TO RETURN APPLICATIONS FOR PHYSICAL PROPERTY DAMAGE IS JULY 7TH, 2025... THE DEADLINE TO RETURN ECONOMIC INJURY APPLICATIONS IS FEBRUARY 9TH, 2026....ASH FLAT'S ORIGINAL DETOUR ROUTE IS BACK OPEN.. THE LOW WATER CROSSING ON ORR ROAD HAS BEEN REPAIRED AND IS SAFE FOR TRAVEL… MAYOR LARRY FOWLER IS REQUESTING PEOPLE STOP STEALING THE DETOUR SIGNS.. THIS IS AGAINST THE LAW AND IS CAUSING CONFUSION FOR MOTORISTS..

THE SIXTH ANNUAL KEVIN KING MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT IS SATURDAY, JUNE 7TH AT THE SOUTH COURSE IN CHEROKEE VILLAGE.. THE ENTRY DEADLINE IS THURSDAY... ITS A FOUR PERSON SCRAMBLE WITH A 9 OCLOCK SHOTGUN START AND LUNCH IS PROVIDED.. FUNDS FROM THIS TOURNAMENT SUPPORT THE KEVIN KING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND.. DONNA CRUSE IS THE DIRECTOR.… SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED ANNUALLY TO DESERVING SENIORS IN THE THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT WHICH INCLUDES SHARP, LAWRENCE, RANDOLPH AND JACKSON COUNTIES, THE DISTRICT WHERE JUDGE KING WAS SERVING AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH… A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WAS ESTABLISHED TO FUND THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM… WHILE THE KEVIN® KING MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDS THE SCHOLARSHIPS, YOU DON'T HAVE TO GOLF TO CONTRIBUTE… GET SIGNED UP FOR THE SIXTH ANNUAL KEVIN KING MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT, A FOUR PERSON SCRAMBLE, SATURDAY, JUNE 7TH AT THE SOUTH COURSE IN CHEROKEE VILLAGE... CONTACT DONNA CRUSE AT 870-847-0323 TO SIGN UP OR TO GET MORE INFORMATION....

 

A REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER HAS MOVED TO EASTERN BAXTER COUNTY FROM CALIFORNIA.  77-YEAR-OLD DANIEL SHARPE IS RESIDING AT 2764 HIGHWAY 101 NORTH IN GAMALIEL.  SHERIFF JOHN MONTGOMERY SAYS SHARPE HAS NOT BEEN ASSIGNED A COMMUNITY RISK LEVEL BY THE ARKANSAS SEX OFFENDER COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION ASSESSMENT.  HE WAS CONVICTED IN SACREMENTO, CALIFORNIA IN AUGUST 2001 OF MULTIPLE COUNTS OF RAPE AND LEWD ACTS WITH AN UNDERAGE CHILD.  SHARPE IS CURRENTLY NOT WANTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT.  THIS NOTIFICATION IS NOT INTENDED TO INCREASE FEAR, BUT RATHER IT IS THE SHERIFF'S BELIEF THAT AN INFORMED PUBLIC IS A SAFER PUBLIC.

SHARP COUNTY AUTHROITIES HAVE ARRESTED 44-YEAR-OLD PHILLIP BARNETT OF CAVE CITY FOR ABSCONDING ON A WARRANT OUT OF WHITE COUNTY.  39-YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER CHRISTIE OF ARKANSAS CITY, 38-YEAR-OLD BRITTNEY ELLIS OF SALEM, AND 47-YEAR-OLD STACY SMITH OF CHEROKEE VILLAGE WERE ALL ARRESTED FOR DIRECT CONTEMPT OF COURT.  51-YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON OF WILLIFORD WAS ARRESTED FOR CRIMINAL TRESPASS.  49-YEAR-OLD HESA HESA OF PARAGOULD WAS ARRESTED FOR HOLD FOR ANOTHER COUNTY AND STATE.

IZARD COUNTY AUTHORITIES HAVE ARRESTED 26-YEAR-OLD TERRY CHISM OF MOUNTAIN HOME FOR POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND SIMULTANEOUS POSSESSION OF DRUGS AND FIREARMS.  CHISM IS BEING HELD IN THE IZARD COUNTY DETENTION CENTER.  47-YEAR-OLD FEATHER THOMPSON OF HENDERSON WAS ARRESTED ON AN IZARD COUNTY WARRANT FOR FAILURE TO APPEAR OUT OF DISTRICT COURT AND A HOLD FOR BAXTER COUNTY.  44-YEAR-OLD STEPHEN McCARROLL OF MOUNTAIN VIEW WAS ARRESTED FOR PROBATION VIOLATIONS.  33-YEAR-OLD DANIEL YOUNG OF OXFORD WAS ARRESTED ON A WARRANT FOR PROBATION VIOLATIONS OUT OF HOWELL COUNTY, MISSOURI.

THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IS NOW OFFERING LOW INTEREST FEDERAL DISASTER LOANS TO ARKANSAS SMALL BUSINESSES, PRIVATE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND RESIDENTS IN SHARP, IZARD, LAWRENCE, RANDOLPH, STONE, JACKSON, INDEPENDENCE AND GREENE COUNTIES WHO WERE AFFECTED BY THE SEVERE STORMS AND TORNADOES THAT HAPPENED ON MARCH 14TH AND 15TH.  FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE, VISIT sba.gov/disaster.

A GROUNDBREAKING FOR A NEW MODEL OF NURSING HOME CARE, THE GREEN COTTAGES OF ASH FLAT, WILL TAKE PLACE THURSDAY FROM 11:00 UNTIL 1:00 AT THE FUTURE SITE OF THE FACILITY AT 66 OZBIN LANE.  THE PUBLIC IS INVITED.  LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED BY ARTISAN'S GRILL.

THE SALEM SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE SEAMLESS SUMMER OPTION FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM THIS SUMMER.  THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FIVE DAYS A WEEK FOR CHILDREN AGE 18 AND YOUNGER IN THE HOUSEHOLD.  ALL FIVE MEALS WILL BE PREPARED FOR PICKUP ONE DAY PER WEEK, AND THOSE MEALS CAN BE STORED AT HOME UNTIL THEY ARE USED.  ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM NEEDS TO CONTACT THE SCHOOL AT 870-895-3293 TO REGISTER.  STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE TO ATTEND SALEM SCHOOLS TO PARTICIPATE.  THE FREE SUMMER BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM WILL BEGIN JUNE 5TH AND CONTINUE THROUGH JULY 23RD.

THREE TEACHERS WERE RECOGNIZED AT THE ANNUAL SLOAN HENDRIX TEACHERS END OF THE YEAR GET TOGETHER.  JENNIFER DAIL WAS NAMED THE ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR, AMANDA ROREX THE HIGH SCHOOL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR, AND ROBBIE WALTON RECEIVED A PLAQUE AS THE CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR.

OZARKS HEALTHCARE HAS RECOGNIZED RN MICHELLE FERGESON, WHO RECEIVED THE DAISY AWARD.  DAISY, MEANING THE DISEASES ATTACKING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AWARD FOR EXTRAORDINARY NURSES.  THE AWARD WAS PRESENTED DURING NATIONAL NURSES' WEEK IN HONOR OF FERGESON'S COMPASSIONATE CARE AND DEDICATION TO PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.  THE DAISY PROGRAM IS AN INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM THAT RECOGNIZES NURSES FOR THEIR CLINICAL SKILL, COMPASSIONATE CARE AND POSITIVE IMPACT ON PATIENTS AND FAMILIES.

BREANNA BURROW, A GRADUATE AT SLOAN HENDRIX HIGH SCHOOL IS THE RECIPIENT OF THE $1,000 SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTED BY THE RANDOLPH-LAWRENCE COUNTY CATTLEMAN'S ASSOCIATION.  THE CATTLEMAN'S ASSOCIATION ESTABLISHED THE SCHOLARSHIP TO HONOR LONGTIME MEMBER, CATTLEMAN AND AG TEACHER, LARRY BURROW.

INVESTIGATORS WITH THE 16TH JUDICIAL DRUG TASK FORCE AND MAMMOTH SPRING POLICE HAVE ARRESTED TWO MEN AFTER A TRAFFIC STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF HIGHWAY 63 AND 9 IN MAMMOTH SPRING... OFFICERS COULD SMELL THE ODOR OF MARIJUANA COMING FROM THE VEHICLE... BOTH MEN, IDENTIFIED AS MICHEAL HENRY OF THAYER AND PETE RAMAERIZ OF MAMMOTH SPRING DENIED HAVING A MARIJUANA CARD.. DURING A SEARCH OF THE SUSPECTS AND THE VEHICLE, OFFICERS FOUND A LOADED 380 MAGAZINE IN RAMAERIZ POCKET, TWO PISTOLS LOCATED IN THE CENTER CONSOLE OF THE VEHICLE, ONE HAVING THE SERIAL NUMBER REMOVED.... A SMALL BAGGIE OF A WHITE CRYSTALLINE SUBSTANCE THAT FIELD TESTED POSITIVE FOR METH, A SMALL CONTAINER WITH DRIED MUSHROOMS, A GREEN LEAFY SUBSTANCE, A BAG WITH MULTIPLE SYRINGES, A PRESCRIPTION PILL CONTAINER MARKED HYDROCODONE WITH SIX PILLS WERE ALL CONFISCATED… HENRY ALSO HAS AN OUTSTANDING WARRANT FOR POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY A CERTAIN PERSON.•

 

WITH THE PRESIDENT'S DISASTER DECLARATION THIS WEEK REGARDING THE MARCH 14TH AND 15TH TORNADOES IN ARKANSAS, CAVE CITY MAYOR JONAS ANDERSON WAS QUICK TO OFFER HIS APPRECIATION TO GOVERNOR SANDERS FOR HER APPEAL TO THE WHITE HOUSE GET THE DECLARATION SIGNED TO ENABLE FEDERAL RESOURCES TO BEGING FLOWING TOWARD THE STATE TO TO GET THE CLEANUP AND REBUILDING UNDERWAY... MAYOR ANDERSON SAYS THE CLEANUP IN CAVE CITY HAS GONE WELL.. MAYOR ANDERSON IS NOT SURE AT THIS TIME, BUT IS CONFIDENT FEMA AND THE GOVERNORS OFFICE WILL TAKE ACTION QUICKLY ON SPEEDING UP THE CLEAN UP AND REBUILDING PROCESS IN CAVE CITY AND OTHER COMMUNITES THAT WERE IMPACTED BY THE TORNADOES IN MID-MARCH..

 

STAFFING SHORTAGES AND SAFETY CONCERNS ARE RESULTING IN THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS TEMPORARILY ADJUSTING SERVICES AT BULL SHOALS AND NORFORK LAKES. AS OF MONDAY, MOUNTAIN HOME PROJECT OFFICE HOURS WILL BE REDUCED TO TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FROM 8 TO 4, AND A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM FOR SHORELINE USE PERMIT REQUESTS, INCLUDING DOCK AND VEGETATIVE MANAGEMENT PERMITS, WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL OCT. 1. ACCORDING TO THE CORPS, EXISTING STAFF WILL SHIFT THEIR FOCUS TO CORE RECREATION OPERATIONS, ENSURING THAT PARKS REMAIN ACCESSIBLE AND WELL-MAINTAINED. THIS PROACTIVE MEASURE IS REPORTEDLY FOR VISITOR SAFETY AND WILL ALLOW THE CORPS TO FOCUS RESOURCES ON OTHER PRIORITY AREAS. THE REDUCTION IN SERVICES WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL STAFFING LEVELS IMPROVE, AND CONDITIONS ALLOW FOR SAFE, SUSTAINABLE, OPERATIONS. AS CONDITIONS CHANGE OR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES BECOME AVAILABLE, THE CORPS WILL REASSESS AND MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS.
 

WITHOUT A  DOMINANT PEICE OF LEGISLATION ON THE AGENDA, STATE REPRESENTATIVE STEVEN WALKER BELIEVES THIS PAST SESSION WAS MUCH MORE PRODUCTIVE THAN LAST YEAR WHEN AN ALL NEW HOUSE AND A NEW GOVERNOR CAME TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME AND TACKLED THE GOVERNORS MASSIVE OVERHAUL FOR THE STATE'S EDUCATION SYSTEM WITH THE PASSAGE OF THE LEARNS ACT.… AS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE, WALKER SUPPORTED THE ACCESS BILL THAT ADDRESSED HIGHER EDUCATION ISSUES. WALKER WAS PLEASED TO SEE THE PER STUDENT FUNDING INCREASED FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION... MORE ON THAT COMING UP FROM REPRESENTATIVE STEVEN WALKER MONDAY ON HOMETOWN NEWS...
 

THE 76TH ANNUAL FULTON COUNTY HOMECOMING FESTIVAL T-SHIRTS ARE ON SALE... THE SHIRTS SELL FOR $20 EACH AND ARE AVAILABLE IN SIZES SMALL TO 3X.. THEY ARE ON SALE AT SAR-N-DIPITY, BLONDIES, PEACEFUL EASY FEELING AND THE BANK OF SALEM...

FNBC CEO MARTY SELLERS HAS ANNOUNCED THAT REBEKAH GUILTNER HAS BEEN PROMOTED TO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF RISK MANAGEMENT AND AUDIT.. IN MAKING THE ANNOUNCEMENT, SELLERS SAYS GUILTNER HAS BEEN A TRUSTED LEADER WITHIN NBC AND HAS EARNED THE WELL EARNED TITLE CHANGE IS A REFLECTION OF THE VITAL ROLE SHE PLAYS WITH THE BANK.. GUILTNER JOINED FNBC IN 2000 AS A CLERK-SCANNER AND HAS STEADILY ADVANCED THRU THE ORGANIZATION.... SHE CONTINUES TO OVERSEE FNBC'S AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE FUNCTIONS..