• THE HARDY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION WILL MEET AT 5 P.M. TONIGHT AT THE OLD HARDY GYM TO DISCUSS A BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION REQUEST. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, THERE WILL B EA SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HARDY CITY COUNCIL AT 5:10 AT THE GYM TO DISCUSS AN UPDATE ON DISASTER RECOVERY, AND A RESOLUTION TO PURCHASE A USED FIRE TRUCK.

• OFFICIALS WITH FUSION ENERGY GRID LLC MET WITH RESIDENTS OF CAVE CITY LAST NIGHT TO DISCUSS THE CRYPTO-MINING FACILITY THAT IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION ON WEST CENTER STREET... RESIDENTS MAIN CONCERNS DEALT WITH NOISE AND HOW IT WILL AFFECT THEM......OTHERS VOICED CONCERNS ABOUT THEIR PROPERTY VALUES LOWERING ONCE THE  MINING FACILITY BEGINS OPERATING..  FUSION ENERGY LLC HAS BROKE GROUND.. 

• TWO INDIVIDUALS WERE ARRESTED IN OZARK COUNTY IN MARCH AFTER A NEIGHBOR AND A LAW-ENFORCEMENT DRONE WERE SHOT AT. MATT TRENT AND NANCY BLACKBURN WERE BOOKED INTO THE OZARK COUNTY JAIL ON MULTIPLE COUNTS, AND CHARGES WERE ALSO SENT TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION AGAINST BLACKBURN FOR ALLEGEDLY SHOOTING AT THE DRONE. ACCORDING TO THE OZARK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, DEPUTIES RESPONDED MARCH 15 TO A 911 CALL IN TECUMSEH. THE CALLER CLAIMED TO HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY SHOT AT BY A NEIGHBOR AS BOTH WERE ON A LOCAL COUNTY ROAD… DEPUTIES RESPONDED TO THE AREA, AND THE SHERIFF'S SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT TEAM WAS CALLED OUT TO SEARCH FOR THE SUSPECT SEEN RUNNING THROUGH THE WOODS. DEPUTIES ARRIVED AND BEGAN SEARCHING THE AREA, AND A DRONE WAS UTILIZED TO SEARCH THE NEARBY AREA AND BLACKBURN'S RESIDENCE… BLACKBURN ALLEGEDLY SHOT AT THE DRONE, RESULTING IN THE ISSUANCE OF SEARCH WARRANTS FOR BLACKBURN'S AND TRENT'S PROPERTIES. TRENT HAD TO BE CONTACTED OVER THE PHONE. A NEGOTIATOR WAS LATER ABLE TO CONVINCE HIM EXIT HIS RESIDENCE AND SURRENDER TO AUTHORITIES. BLACKBURN WAS ALSO ARRESTED AFTER HER PROPERTY WAS SEARCHED. TRENT IS FACING CHARGES OF SECOND-DEGREE ASSAULT, POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY A FELON, ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION AND UNLAWFUL USE OF A WEAPON. IN ADDITION TO HER FAA CHARGES, BLACKBURN WAS ALSO BOOKED ON COUNTS OF UNLAWFUL USE OF A WEAPON AND POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE.

• TODAY IS THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE LIHEAP WINTER CRISIS ASSISTANCE.. THE PROGRAM CLOSES TODAY.. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CONTACT YOUR CUONTY NADC OFFICE.... IN FULTON COUNTY, CALL THE OFFICE IN SALEM AT 870 -895-3628, IN IZARD COUNTY, CALL THE OFFICE IN MELBOURNE AT 870-368-4329 OR IN SHARP COUNTY, CALL THE ASH FLAT OFFICE AT 870-994-7353.... THESE OFFICES CLOSE AT 4:30 THIS AFTERNOON...
  
   

• THE ALL NEW LAWRENCE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET WILL OPEN SATURDAY... THE MARKET WILL BE OPEN 8 UNTIL 11 EVERY SATURDAY THRU AUGUST.. THE MARKET IS LOCATED AT 1217 WEST MAIN STREET IN WALNUT RIDGE NEXT TO
  LAWRENCE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL... VENDORS ARE NEEDED… CONTACT KIM ANDREWS AT 870-454-4239 OR TORY FOWLER AT 870-886-3741 OR EMAIL LOCO.FARMERSMARKET@GMAIL.COM......
  
   

• THE 73RD ANNUAL IZARD COUNTY PIONEER DAY WEEKEND BEGINS FRIDAY NIGHT IN MELBOURNE... THE HOMECOMING STYLE GOSPEL SINGING WILL KICKOFF THE WEEKEND FRIDAY NIGHT AT 6;30 AT MILLER AUDITORIUM ON THE OZARKA CAMPUS IN MELBOURNE FOLLOWED BY THE PIONEER DAY RODEO AT 8 AT THE FAIRGROUNDS ARENA..... THERE'S A FULL DAY OF ACTIVITY ON SATURDAY... THOSE 70 AND OVER ARE REMINDED TO STOP BY THE BIG TENT ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE SQUARE FOR THE DIAMOND AGE REGISTRATION... THE IZARD COUNTY EXTENSION HOMEMAKERS ARE IN CHARGE OF THE REGISTRATION... KELLY RUSSELL IS PRESIDENT OF THE EXTENSION HOMEMAKERS COUNCIL..… THE DIAMOND AGE LUNCHEON WILL FOLLOW THE MAIN PARADE THAT IS SCHEDULED FOR 11 OCLOCK.... THE AWARDS PRESENTATION IS AT 1.… THE IZARD COUNTY EXTENSION HOMEMAKERS WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN ORGANZING PIONEER DAY 73 YEARS AGO.... IZARD COUNTY FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES AGENT ELIZABETH DAIGLE.… GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT PLACES IS THEME FOR THE 73RD ANNUAL IZARD COUNTY PIONEER DAY, THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY IN MELBOURNE... VISIT IZARD COUNTY PIONEER DAY ON FACEBOOK FOR ALL THE DETAILS AND A SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES… HOMETOWN RADIO WILL BE IN MELBOURNE FOR COVERAGE OF PIONEER DAY SATURDAY...
  
   

• A MOUNT PLEASANT WOMAN, 39 YEAR OLD JESSICA ADAMS IS BEING HELD IN THE IZARD COUNTY DETENTION CENTER FOLLOWING HER ARREST DURING A ROUTINE TRAFFIC STOP.... ADAMS IS CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNAILIA… IN A SEPERATE ARREST, 29 YEAR OLD LEONARD SPARKS OF SALEM HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY, THIRD DEGREE AND ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A MINOR... SPARKS IS BEING HELD IN THE IZARD COUNTY DETENITON CENTER, AWAITING A BOND HEARING...
  
   

• THE AMERICAN RED CROSS IS REACHING OUT TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THE RECENT TORNADOES, FLOODING AND SEVERE WEATHER TO DISCUSS ELIGIBIITY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. IF YOUR HOME WAS DAMAGED DURING THE RECENT STORMS, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. IF YOU ARE IN THE HARDY AREA, STOP BY THE HISTORIC OLD HARDY GYM, THURSDAY FROM 4 TIL 8 AND THE RED CROSS TEAM WILL HELP YOU REGISTER FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. YOU MAY REGISTER AT RDCRSS.ORG/4IXYMBT
  FOR QUESTIONS CALL 1-800-RED-CROSS
  
   

• THE DEADLINE FOR PARENTS TO FILE A SCHOOL CHOICE APPLICATION IN ARKANSAS IS TOMORROW.... IF YOUR PLANNING ON ENROLLING YOUR CHILD IN A NEW SCHOOL OR YOUR CONTEMPLATING THE DECISION, YOU NEED TO FILE AN APPLICATION BEFORE THE DEADLINE ENDS.… SALEM SUPERINTENDENT WAYNE GUILTNER EXPLAINS THE APPLICATION PROCESS.. 8111H 55 Q; INTO THE SALEM SCHOOL DISTRICT TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO FILE A SCHOOL CHOICE APPLICATION.. TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE.....

• TWO INDIVIDUALS WERE ARRESTED EARLIER THIS MONTH AFTER METHAMPHETAMINE WAS LOCATED IN A RESIDENCE IN THE MIDDLE OF WEST PLAINS. WILLARD "DICKEY" MARTIN AND NICHOLE WILBURN EACH FACE CHARGES OF FIRST- DEGREE DRUG TRAFFICKING AND KEEPING OR MAINTAINING A PUBLIC NUISANCE. ACCORDING TO THE WEST PLAINS POLICE DEPARTMENT, OFFICERS AND HOWELL COUNTY DEPUTIES EXECUTED A NARCOTICS-RELATED SEARCH WARRANT OBTAINED BY THE SOUTH CENTRAL DRUG TASK FORCE IN THE 400 BLOCK OF CHERRY STREET ON APRIL 15. NEARLY 6.8 OUNCES OF METHAMPHETAMINE WERE LOCATED AND SEIZED WITHIN THE RESIDENCE. MARTIN WAS HELD ON A PROBATION AND PAROLE DETAINER WITH NO BOND. WILBURN IS BEING HELD ON A BOND OF $50,000.

• THE 73RD ANNUAL IZARD COUNTY PIONEER DAY WEEKEND BEGINS FRIDAY NIGHT WITH THE GAITHER HOMECOMING STYLE GOSPEL SINGING AT MILLER AUDITORIUM ON THE OZARKA CAMPUS IN MELBOURNE.… GAYLE COOPER IS THE LONGTIME DIRECTOR OF THE SINGING… THE SINGING IS FREE, 6;30 FRIDAY NIGHT AT MILLER AUDITORIUM ON THE OZARKA CAMPUS IN MELBOURNE FOLLOWED BY THE RODEO AT 8 IN THE FAIRGROUNDS ARENA.... SATURDAY'S SCHEDULE INCLUDES THE 5K RACE, DIAMOND AGE REGISTRATION AND LUNCHEON, MUSIC THROUGHT THE DAY, KIDDIE PARADE AND MAIN PARADE, DIAMOND AGE LUNCHEON FOLLOWING THE PARADE, AWARDS PRESENTATION AT 1, THE BAGGO TOURNAMENT, BURNOUT CONTEST AND THE TOMMY WILHITE MEMORIAL CAR SHOW AT 1, TERRAPIN RACE AT 2.. THE PIONEER DAY GOLF TOURNAMENT AT COOPER HAWK GOLF COURSE, SATURDAY NIGHT RODEO AT 7... TRUE COUNTRY WILL PLAY FOR THE STREET DANCE ON THE MELBOURNE SQUARE AT 8:30 SATURDAY NIGHT... VISIT IZARD COUNTY PIONEER DAY ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE INFORMATION... HOMETOWN RADIO WILL BE BROADCASTING FROM PIONEER DAY SATURDAY.......

• ANDREA HICKMAN, THE DYSLEXIA INTERVENTIONIST AND TEACHER MENTOR FOR THE SLOAN HENDRIX SCHOOL DISTRICT HAS NAMED THE MARCH "CITIZENS BANK EXCELLENCE IN CITIZENSHIP" AWARD.... EACH MONTH, CITIZENS BANK AT IMBODEN AND THE SLOAN HENDRIX SCHOOL DISTRICT AIM TO RECOGNIZE STUDENTS AND STAFF WHO ARE COMMITTED TO LIVING OUT THE DISTRICT'S MISSION TO PRESERVE YESTERDAY, EXCEL TODAY AND PREPARE FOR TOMORROW....

• THE ANNUAL OZARK GATEWAY REGION AWARDS DINNER BANQUET IS TONIGHT AT 5:30 AT NEXT DOOR ON SOUTH MAIN STREET IN CAVE CITY… OZARK GATEWAY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CATHY DREW TELL US TONIGHTS BANQUET HOLD SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE.… SEVERAL AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED... A SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER IS COMING FROM LITTLE ROCK.… THE BANQUET IS A SELL OUT... BAILEY'S FAMILY RESTURANT WILL CATER THE MEAL.

• THE NORFORK SCHOOL DISTRICT IS TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR A HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL FOLLOWING THE RESIGNATION OF PRINCIAL JASON WILLIAMS.... THE BOARD IS ACCPETING APPLICATIONS THRU MAY 7TH... THE BOARD HAS ALSO SET MAY 7TH AS THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICANTS TO APPLY FOR THE SUPERINTENDENTS POSITION... AT ITS RECENT MEETING, THE BOARD VOTED TO RENEW ALL CLASSIFIED STAFF CONTACTS FOR THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR... THE BOARD ACCEPTED THE RESIGNATIONS OF THE TRANSPORATION DIRECTOR AND LONE ROCK ROUTE BUS DRIVER.. DEREK IVENS WAS HIRED AS THE NEW TRANSPORATION DIRECTOR AND WALLY BOBINSKI WAS HIRED TO DRIVE THE LONE ROCK ROUTE.... THE BOARD REVIEWED STIPENDS FOR EXTRA DUTY AND UPDATES TO THE SALARY SCHEDULE.... THE ISSUE OF COMBINING THE ELEMENTARY ART AND GIFTED AND TALENTED TEACHER WAS DISCUSSED, BUT NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.... THE NORFORK BOARD VOTED TO RESCIND THEIR ALTERNATIVE LEARNING ENVIORNMENT CONTACT WITH THE MOUNTAIN HOME SCHOOL DISTRICT THEY HAD APPROVED AT LAST MONTHS MEETING AFTER LEARNING IT WILL NOT BE REQUIRED BY THE STATE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR... IT WAS DECIDED THAT NORFORK WILL SET UP THEIR OWN PROGRAM AT THE SCHOOL....

• FRIENDS OF HORSESHOE BEND ANIMALS HAS BEEN AWARDED A GRANT FROM THE ARKANSAS COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION, TWIN LAKES DIVISION, FROM THE MARTHA BARBER ANIMAL WELFARE ENDOWMENT... WITH THE GRANT, THE ORGANIZATION WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE $15 SPAY=NEUTER VOUCHERS TO RESIDENTS IN IZARD AND FULTON COUNTIES... TO APPLY, PHONE 870-373-2649....

• A COMMUNITY MEETING IS EXPECTED TO DRAW A LARGE CROWD TONIGHT AT THE HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA IN CAVE CITY.... STATE REPRESENTATIVE BART SCHULZ SAYS THE MEETING WILL DEAL WITH THE WEST CENTER STREET CRYPTO PROJECT IN CAVE CITY… REPRESENTATIVE SCHULZ IS NOT SURE WHAT WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE MEETING, BUT REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMPANY WHO INITIATED THE CRYPTO PROJECT WILL ATTEND TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.… GROUND HAS BEEN BROKE FOR THE CRYPTO MINE ON WEST CENTER STREET NEARBY PROPERTY OWNERS HAVE VOICED CONCERNS ABOUT THEIR PROPERTY VALUES.. THE MEETING BEGINS AT 5:30 THIS AFTERNOON AT THE CAVE CITY HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA.....

• A SHARP COUNTY MAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED AFTER AUTHORITIES WERE MADE AWARE OF THE MAN'S BEHAVIOR..... A SERIES OF EVENTS THAT BEGAN IN MARCH LEAD TO THE ARREST OF 61 YEAR OLD JESSEE TONKINSON WHEN VICTIMS STARTED NOTICING A PATTERN OF BEHAVIOR BY TONKINSON.... VICTIMS PROVIDED SCREENSHOTS OF MESSAGES THAT SHOWED TONKINSON REPEATEDLY CONTACTING THE VICTIMS AT VARIOUS HOURS OF THE DAY AND NIGHT....THE CONTENT OF THE MESSAGES INCLUDED HARDY POLICE CHIEF SCOTT ROSE... TONKINSON IS CHARGED WITH THREE COUNTS OF STALKING IN THE FIRST DEGREE, CLASS B FELONIES... HE IS BEING HELD IN THE SHARP COUNTY DETENTION CENTER… BOND FOR TONKINSON HAS NOT YET BEEN SET... THE CASE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION AND ADDITIONAL CHARGES MAY BE ADDED.....

• CAVE CITY MAYOR JONAS ANDERSON TELLS HOMETOWN NEWS, THE CLEANUP FROM THE MARCH 14TH TORNADO HAS GONE WELL..… ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER SOME TIME FOR THE CAVE CITY CLEANUP EFFORT IS ASKED TO SIGN UP WITH 8 DAYS OF HOPE STATIONED AT THE CAVE CITY FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH AT 437 NORTH MAIN STREET IN CAVE CITY....

• ADDITIONAL CHARGES HAVE BEEN MADE AGAINST 25 YEAR OLD SKYLAR CRISP OF VIOLA... CRISP WAS ARRESTED LAST WEEK FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD ABUSE SEXUAL MATERIAL... FULTON COUNTY SHERIFF JAKE SMITH SAYS CRISP IS NOW CHARGED WITH 15 ADDITIONAL COUNTS OF POSSESSION OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL INVOLVING A CHILD FROM INCIDENTS DATING BACK TO DECEMBER OF LAST YEAR... CRISP WAS AN EMPLOYEE OF THE GROWING KINDNESS LEARNING CENTER IN VIOLA... HE WAS TERMINATED IMMEDIATELY… THE CASE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION....

• WHITE RIVER HEALTH AND ONOCOLOGY CENTER HAS RECEIVED A DONATION OF $23,000 FROM THE RED HAT COMMITTEE IN BATESVILLE.... THE RED HAT LADIES LUNCHEON IN BATESVILLE RECENTLY RAISED $20,000 FOR THE CENTER… THE LUNCHEON HAS CONTRIBUTED OVER $200,000.00 TO AREA CAUSES OVER ITS 19 YEAR HISTORY... WHITE RIVER HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY THE FUNDS WILL ENHANCE TO ONCOLOGY CENTER'S CAPACITY TO DELIVER CARE THRU IMPROVED STAFF SUPPORT, EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY.... IT WILL ALSO CREATE A HEALING SPACE FOR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES...

• TWO SALEM GRADUATES WERE RECOGNIZED AT ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY'S ANNUAL DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS CEREMONY… AMBER YATES RECEIVED THE UNIVERSITY'S MOST PRESTIGIOUS AWARD, THE R.E. LEE WILSON AWARD… THE R.E. LEE WILSON AWARD, PRESENTED ANNUALLY, RECOGNIZES ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY'S MOST OUTSTANDING GRADUATING SENIOR... RECIPIENTS ARE CHOSEN BASED ON THEIR EXEMPLARY CHARACTER, UNWAVERING DETERMINATION, ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT AND EXCEPTIONAL ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS.... PREVIOUS WILSON AWARD RECIPIENTS FORMED A WILSON FELLOWS CHAPTER OF THE A-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION THAT HAS FUNDED A SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM... WILSON AWARD WINNERS RECEIVE A POST-GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP FROM THE CHAPTER TO BE USED FOR ADDITIONAL EDUCATION AFTER GRADUATION FROM ASTATE... YATES GRADUATED FROM ASTATE IN DECEMBER, BUT HAS ALREADY BEEN ACCEPTED TO THE UNIVERSITY'S GRADUATE SCHOOL.... YATES WAS ALSO NAMED ASTATE'S 2024 HOMECOMING QUEEN WITH ANOTHER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD WINNER, JONATHAN SCHAUFLER OF SALEM, WHO WAS THE KING....

• SUPERINTENDENT WAYNE GUILTNER REPORTS ON THIS MONTHS MEETING OF THE SALEM SCHOOL BOARD..... THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING FOR THE SALEM SCHOOL BOARD IS MAY 19TH AT 6 AT THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING....

• THE HORSESHOE BEND CITY COUNCIL WILL MEET TONIGHT AT 6 IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL.... THE FULTON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TONITE AT 6:30 AT THE COURTHOUSE IN SALEM....

• THE IZARD COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS WILL TESTING OF ELECTION EQUIPMENT AT 9 THIS MORNING AT THE COURTHOUSE IN MELBOURNE.... A PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION WILL BE CONDUCTED AT 2 THIS AFTERNOON AT THE COURTHOUSE... THE TESTING IS DONE TO CHECK THE LOGIC AND ACCURACY OF THE EQUIPMENT....

• THE PIONEER DAY PAGENTS WERE HELD SATURDAY.... BAILEY SMITH WAS CROWNED MISS PIONEER DAY, GAIGE HOOPER WAS THE FIRST RUNNER-UP,  MACIE WEBB , SECOND RUNNER-UP... GAIGE HOOPER WON THE PHOTOGENTIC CONTEST.... AUDREY CONE WAS CROWNED JUNIOR MISS PIONEER DAY, EMMA RUSH WAS FIRST RUNNER-UP,  DYLAND BOOKOUT THE SECOND RUNNER-UP AND RILEY BOOKER TOOK THE PHOTOGENTIC COMPEITITION...  CAITLYNN MAPLE CROWNED YOUNG MISS PIONEER DAY,  TRINATEY YOUNGER WAS FIRST RUNNER-UP, ARIEL BREWER THE SECOND RUNNER-UP.. ATIEL TOOK THE PHOTOGENTIC CONTEST...  ADLEY JOHNSON WON THE PETITE MISS DIVISION... DAWSYN BUTLER WAS FIRST RUNNER-UP, QUINN PASSMORE, SECOND RUNNER-UP AND DAWSON BUTLER WON THE PHOTOGENTIC DIVISION...  PAISLEY RHODES WON LITTLE MISS PIONEER DAY, MEMPHYS MAE SMITH WAS FIRST RUNNER-UP, BEXLEIGH JO BALL WAS SECOND RUNNER-UP AND RYLEIGH DARNELL WAS THE PHOTOGENTIC WINNER...  BLAKE LANGSTON WON THE TINY MISTER CONTEST, PAXTON WILSON WAS FIRST RUNNER-UP, CAMERON MOSLEY THE SECOND RUNNER-UP AND LEVI DARNELL, JUNIOR WON THE PHOTOGENTIC DIVISION...  HUNTLEE TATE WAS CROWNED TINY MISS PIONEER DAY, AINSLEY EFLING WAS FIRST RUNNER-UP, WRENTLY BARNETT WAS SECOND RUNNER-UP AND AINSLEY WON THE PHOTOGETNIC COMPETITION... KHARMARI CROSS WON THE BABY MISTER CONTEST.. LOYAL LEWIS WAS FIRST RUNNER-UP,  RHOHAN BALL THE SECOND RUNNER-UP AND ROHAN WON THE PHOTOGENTIC CONTEST.... THEA SMITH WAS CROWNED BABY MISS PIONEER DAY, WESLEE WOMACK WAS FIRST RUNNER UP, ELLIE JO ADAMS THE SEECOND RUNNER-UP AND DEMI REYNOLDS WAS THE PHOTOGETNIC WINNER...   ALL OF THE WINNER HAVE BEEN INVITED TO RIDE IN THE ANNUAL PIONEER DAY PARADE SATURDAY.... HOMETOWN RADIO WILL BE BROADCASTING  "ON LOCATION" FROM PIONEER DAY  IN MELBOURNE SATURDAY...

• COMMUNITY BAKERY OF LITTLE ROCK WAS THE OVERALL WINNER AT THE ARKANSAS PIE FESTIVAL IN CHEROKEE VILLAGE... THE WINNER , A CHOCOLATE  GANACHE PEANUT BUTTER PIE... THEY NOW QUALIFY FOR THE WORLD FOOD CHAMPIONSHIP.... TERRY LUNSFORD OF MELBOURNE WITH A COOKIE BUTTER PIE WAS JUDGED THE RUNNER-UP...   THE PIE IN THE SKY AWARDS AWARDED FOR EXCELLENCE IN BAKING WAS GIVEN TO KRISTIN'S KITCHEN OF ROGERS FOR THE PEACHY KEEN PIE.... LAST YEARS OVERALL WINNER, BUTTERCREAM BAKERY OF POCAHONTAS WON THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD.... HOLY SMOKES OF MOUNTAIN HOME WAS THE RUNNER-UP....  DIVISION AWARD WINNERS INCLUDED,   COMMUNITY BAKERY OF LITTLE ROCK TOOK FIRST IN THE COMMERCIAL CATEGORY,  ABBY CAKES OF JONESBORO WAS THE RUNNER-UP AND HOLY SMOKES OF MOUNTAIN HOME FINISHED THIRD...  IN THE HOME CHEF CATEGORY,  TIFFANY LUNSFORD OF MELBOURNE TOOK FIRST,  ROBIN CERTAIN OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK FINIISHED SECOND AND EMILY NIEMCZYK OF BENTON FINISHED THIRD....   IN THE YOUTH DIVISION, HANNAH HILL'S PERFECT SUMMER PIE WAS FIRST, AVERY HICKS, AVERY'S APPLE PIE CAME IN SECOND AND MAGGIE HUTTON'S, MONKEY BUSINESS PIE WAS JUDGED THIRD....

• A MOODY, MISSOURI MAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES IN HOWELL COUNTY.  62-YEAR-OLD DAVID WAYNE BLAKE WAS BOOKED INTO THE HOWELL COUNTY JAIL, CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, FIRST DEGREE; TAMPERING WITH A MOTOR VEHICLE; AND UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM.  BLAKE IS NOW FREE AFTER POSTING BOND.

• SHARP COUNTY DEPUTIES MADE THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS THIS WEEK.  44-YEAR-OLD MELISSA BOYD OF CALAMINE FOR CONTEMPT OF COURT AND HARASSING COMMUNICATIONS; 29-YEAR-OLD DEREK BULLOCK OF PLEASANT PLAINS FOR HARASSMENT AND CRIMINAL MISCHIEF, SECOND DEGREE.  37-YEAR-OLD CORY CLOUSE OF ASH FLAT FOR DISORDERLY CONDUCT, RESISTING ARREST AND PUBLIC INTIXICATION.  THERE WERE SEVERAL TAKEN INTO CUSTODY FOR PAROLE-PROBATION VIOLATIONS, INCLUDING 26-YEAR-OLD DESTINY HENSLEY OF TEXARKANA, 43-YEAR-OLD JOAN HUGES OF CLARKSVILLE AND 44-YEAR-OLD AARON JACKSON OF BATESVILLE.  31-YEAR-OLD DEVIN WIGGINS OF JONESBORO WAS JAILED FOR DISORDERLY CONDUCT.  74-YEAR-OLD FLOYD TACKET OF BATESVILLE FOR AGGRAVATED ASSAULT; BATTERY, THIRD DEGREE; AND ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A MINOR.

• THE DEADLINE TO NEED A REAL ID TO BOARD DOMESTIC FLIGHTS OR ENTER A FEDERAL BUILDING IN THE UNITED STATES IS JUST TWO WEEKS AWAY.  BEGINNING MAY 7TH, ANYONE WITHOUT A REAL ID WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DO THOSE THINGS.  IN ARKANSAS, THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION IS RAMPING UP TO HELP RESIDENTS WHO HAVE NOT GOTTEN THEIR REAL ID'S TO GET THEM BEFORE THE DEADLINE.  YOU CAN GO TO THE REVENUE OFFICE IN YOUR HOME COUNTY TO GET A REAL ID.  VISIT AR.GOV/REALID TO FIND OUT WHAT DOCUMENTS YOU NEED TO TAKE TO THE REVENUE OFFICE TO GET A REAL ID.  THAT'S AR.GOV/REALID.

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• SALEM VFW POST #9777 AND AUXILLARY RECENTLY AWARDED CASH PRIZES TO AREA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR THEIR ENTRIES IN THE 2024-25 VOICE OF DEMOCRACY ESSAY WRITING CONTEST.  GARDES 9 THROUGH 12 PARTICIPATED.  THESE SALEM JUNIORS TOOK THE TOP FIVE PRIZES.  KAMDEN TURNER EARNED $250 FOR HIS FIRST PLACE ENTRY, ELLA POLSTON GOT $175 FOR SECOND PLACE, SHAYLEE GOODSON RECEIVED $125 FOR THIRD PLACE, ELLA NEWMAN GETS $75 FOR FOURTH PLACE AND CAMERON BRITAN GOT $50 FOR FIFTH PLACE.  THE STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES WERE RECOGNIZED AT THE VFW AWARDS BANQUET EARLIER THIS MONTH.

• FRIENDS OF HORSESHOE BEND ANIMALS HAS BEEN AWARDED A GRANT FROM THE ARKANSAS COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION, TWIN LAKES DIVISION, FROM THE MARTHA BARBER ANIMAL WELFARE ENDOWMENT.  WITH THE GRANT, THE ORAGANIZATION WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE $15 SPAY-NEUTER VOUCHERS TO RESIDENTS IN IZARD AND FULTON COUNTIES.  TO APPLY, PHONE 870-373-2649.

• THE CITY OF HARDY HAS RETRIEVED THE MISSING SKID STEER.  THE SKID STEER WAS DISCOVERED GONE EARLIER IN THE WEEK, BUT IT HAS BEEN RECOVERED.

• A CAULFIELD, MISSOURI MAN WHO HAD AN ACTIVE FELONY WARRANT FROM TANEY COUNTY HAS BEEN ARRESTED BY HOWELL COUNTY AUTHORITIES… DURING A TRAFFIC STOP, THE HOWELL COUNTY K9 INDICATED THE PRESENCE OF NARCOTICS... A SEARCH OF THE VEHICLE TURNED UP TWO BAGS CONTAINING A WHITE CRYSTALLINE SUBSTANCE BELIEVED TO BE METH... JASON WANGAGEL WAS TAKEN TO THE HOWELL COUNTY DETENTION CENTER... HE HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO TANEY COUNTY ....
   
• THE OWNER OF THE OLD TOWN AND COUNTRY BUILDING IN THAYER IS OFFERING A FIVE THOUSAND DOLLAR REWARD AFTER THIEVES KNOCKED OUT THE BACK CINDER BLOCK WALL TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE BUILDING... THE OWNER, RENEE CLAY CIRCLE SAYS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED WITH THE CRIME... ANYONE WITH INFORMATION THAT WILL LEAD TO THE ARREST OF THE PERSON OR PERSONS INVOLVED IS ASKED TO CONTACT OFFICER LUKE MARTIN AT THE THAYER POLICE DEPARTMENT....

• A MARKED TREE TRUCK DRIVER WAS INJURED WEDNESDAY MORNING WHEN HIS TANKER TRUCK OVERTURNED ON HIGHWAY 63 NORTH OF KOSHKONONG.... HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO OZARKS HEALTHCARE IN WEST PLAINS FOR TREATMENT… FUEL FROM THE TANKER WAS SPILLED, HAZMAT CREWS RESPONDED, AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF CLEANING UP, THE HIGHWAY WAS REOPENED.....

• SHARP COUNTY AUTHORITIES HAVE ARRESTED 34 YEAR OLD TIMOTHY TUCKER OF EVENING SHADE.. TUCKER WAS TAKEN TO THE SHARP COUNTY DETENTION CENTER WHERE HE IS CHARGED WITH FAILURE TO APPEAR ON POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, PROBATION REVOCATION AND DIRECT CONTEMPT OF COURT... TUCKER IS BEING HELD IN THE SHARP COUNTY DETENTION CENTER.... IN AN UNRELATED CASE, 31 YEAR OLD SETH POIRRIER OF HARDY WAS ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE FOUR NARCOTICS... POIRRIER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE SHARP COUNTY DETENTION CENTER..

• LYON COLLEGE HAS ANNOUNCED AN 11 MILLION DOLLAR GIFT FROM THE ARKANSAS ANIMAL RESCUE FOUNDATION TO ESTABLISH THE KATHARINE REESE SHELTER MEDICINE AND ANIMAL WELFARE PROGRAM AT THE LYON COLLEGE SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE IN CABOT.. THE GIFT WILL FUND ENDOWED FACULTY POSITIONS AND SCHOLARSHIPS, DEDICATED CLASSROOMS AND SHELTER FACILITIES AND A MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT FOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH... THE PROGRAM WILL SERVE AS A CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR HANDS-ON LEARNING, RESEARCH AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH SHELTERS AND RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS STATEWIDE...

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• A POCAHONTAS WOMAN WHO WORKED AT FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE IN POCAHONTAS IS BEING HELD IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY DETENTION CENTER ON SUSPICISION OF THEFT OF PROPERTY, A CLASS B FELONY, FORGERY, A CLASS B FELONY, FINANCIAL IDENTITY FRAUD, A CLASS C FELONY AND COMPUTER FRAUD, A CLASS D FELONY.. ACCORDING TO COURT DOCUMENTS, IT WAS DISCOVERED MARCH 20TH THAT HEATHER PANKEY WHO WAS EMPLOYED AT FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE WAS INVOLVED IN UNAUTHORIZED AND FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY CONCERNING MULTIPLE CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS AT THE BANK.... THE INITIAL RED FLAG APPEARED WHEN A TRANSACTION WAS INITITATED ON A DECEASED CUSTOMERS ACCOUNT AND FAILED TO POST. INVESTIGATORS ALLEGED THE TRANSACTION WAS ENTERED USING ANOTHER EMPLOYEES LOGIN CREDENTIALS WITHOUT THEIR CONSENT... AUTHORITIES SAY THE TOTAL AMOUNT TAKEN IS OVER TWO HUNDRED FORTY ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS.… IN A STATEMENT SUBMITTED IN COURT, PANKEY WROTE THAT SHE BORROWED MONEY FROM A COUPLE OF CUSTOMERS THAT SHE KNEW WOULDN'T NEED THE MONEY AT THE TIME.. AFTER REVIEWING THE CASE, A JUDGE FOUND PROBABLE CAUSE TO CHARGE PANKEY AND ISSUED A WARRANT FOR HER ARREST.. POCAHONTAS POLICE ARRESTED PANKEY AND BOOKED HER INTO THE RANDOLPH COUNTY DETENTION CENTER WEDNESDAY....
  
   

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