By JOAN MCCOY
Leader staff writer
Cong. Marion Berry, D-Gillette, who was in Cabot on Monday at the request of the Arlene Cherry Memorial Library, said he has heard rumors that he is not running again for the First District seat he has held for nine years, and those rumors are false, he insists.
“I know there’s people telling that, but it’s not so,” Berry said. “There’s probably some who wish I wasn’t running, but I’m actually more energetic and enthusiastic about it than I was last year.”
It’s been almost a year since doctors at UAMS in Little Rock identified four degenerated vertebrae as the source of the debilitating pain in Berry’s neck. Since the operation in January to correct the problem, the congressman says his life is back to normal and he is excited about representing the people who live in his district.
“There are just so many things going on that I want to see finished,” he said.
But Berry would not comment on the two Republicans from Cabot who want to take his seat next November – Mayor Stubby Stumbaugh and Patrick D’Andrea, who will face off in the primary next year.
“I don’t ever talk about my opponents,” he said.
Instead, he talked about the work in progress that he has been a part of: major highway projects, an airport at Stuttgart capable of handling small jets and an anticipated truck-manufacturing plant at Wynne that will help revitalize the economy in the Delta.
“We’ve got a lot of good things happening, and I want to stick around and see them happen,” said Berry, who is seeking a fifth term.
His appearance in Cabot was to acknowledge a grant of books the library had received from the National Endowment for the Humanities’ “We the People Project,” which sponsors the bookshelf program.
The 30 or so books the library received all contain some element of this year’s theme – freedom.
Berry perused the titles, commenting that “Animal Farm” by George Orwell was a classic and that C. S. Lewis, author of “The Complete Chronicles of Narnia” isn’t someone he usually associates with children’s literature.
Dixie Lewis, children’s librarian, said before Berry arrived that the congressman was not responsible for the grant.
“This was a grant from the national government, so we asked him to come by and celebrate this gift,” she said.
Berry posed for pictures in front of the new collection and reminisced about the first library he had ever visited.
“It wasn’t any bigger than that rack right there,” he said, pointing to a rack containing about 20 books. Berry grew up in the country near DeWitt where textbooks were scarce and libraries were almost non-existent, he said.
Now, he says he can’t imagine a morning without a newspaper or a life without books.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Friday, November 25, 2005
TOP STORY >> Polantz to run for mayor
By JOAN MCCOY
Leader staff writer
Cabot Alderman David Polantz is in his fifth term on the city council. Now, he says he wants to be mayor.
Polantz has been among those known for months to be considering running, but he would never say how serious that consideration was, only that he was praying about it.
He made his announcement quietly to news reporters following Monday night’s city council meeting.
“I am going to run,” he said.
Polantz said in a phone interview Tuesday that he has not developed any sort of platform, but if elected mayor he would continue the work he has been doing for nine years.
“I want to continue to work on quality-of-life issues,” he said. “This is home to me, and I want to work with everyone to ensure it is the best it can be.”
When he was first elected, Polantz worked to get a federal grant for about $500,000 to build sidewalks in Cabot and he has continued to stand firm on waiving sidewalks in new developments. He says that no matter how remote a development seems when it is started, all of Cabot will eventually be covered in houses or businesses and people need to be able to walk to them without getting in the street.
“The goal here is to provide people with a way to move about without cars,” he said.
In recent years, Polantz has sponsored much of the legislation that has gone before the city council. Much of it he says was about “Trying to maintain a system where everybody is treated with equity regardless of who they are or how much they have.”
He said he is proud of the impact fee on building that could be ready for the council to act on before the end of the year.
“The impact fee will be a major shifting of the cost of infrastructure from the people who live here to the people moving in and creating the demand,” he said.
The resolution calling for an impact fee rankled bankers, builders and developers who said they should have input into imposing the fee since they were the ones who would pay it. The mayor and council eventually conceded that they were right and included them in discussions.
Polantz counts the new improved Cabot budget as among his best efforts.
“I’m very proud of getting the budget into a readable form so people can understand where the money is going,” he said.
Polantz says he doesn’t have a campaign manager yet and he doesn’t anticipate holding any fund-raisers until early in 2006.
“People need to spend time with their families now,” he said. “That’s what the holidays are all about. We’ll fire all that up after the first of the year.”
Leader staff writer
Cabot Alderman David Polantz is in his fifth term on the city council. Now, he says he wants to be mayor.
Polantz has been among those known for months to be considering running, but he would never say how serious that consideration was, only that he was praying about it.
He made his announcement quietly to news reporters following Monday night’s city council meeting.
“I am going to run,” he said.
Polantz said in a phone interview Tuesday that he has not developed any sort of platform, but if elected mayor he would continue the work he has been doing for nine years.
“I want to continue to work on quality-of-life issues,” he said. “This is home to me, and I want to work with everyone to ensure it is the best it can be.”
When he was first elected, Polantz worked to get a federal grant for about $500,000 to build sidewalks in Cabot and he has continued to stand firm on waiving sidewalks in new developments. He says that no matter how remote a development seems when it is started, all of Cabot will eventually be covered in houses or businesses and people need to be able to walk to them without getting in the street.
“The goal here is to provide people with a way to move about without cars,” he said.
In recent years, Polantz has sponsored much of the legislation that has gone before the city council. Much of it he says was about “Trying to maintain a system where everybody is treated with equity regardless of who they are or how much they have.”
He said he is proud of the impact fee on building that could be ready for the council to act on before the end of the year.
“The impact fee will be a major shifting of the cost of infrastructure from the people who live here to the people moving in and creating the demand,” he said.
The resolution calling for an impact fee rankled bankers, builders and developers who said they should have input into imposing the fee since they were the ones who would pay it. The mayor and council eventually conceded that they were right and included them in discussions.
Polantz counts the new improved Cabot budget as among his best efforts.
“I’m very proud of getting the budget into a readable form so people can understand where the money is going,” he said.
Polantz says he doesn’t have a campaign manager yet and he doesn’t anticipate holding any fund-raisers until early in 2006.
“People need to spend time with their families now,” he said. “That’s what the holidays are all about. We’ll fire all that up after the first of the year.”
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
EDITORIAL >> Highway scare tactics
Lots of legislators have needed reassuring since learning that the highway bond law they enacted last spring asks voters to surrender their voice on future highway debt, so Gov. Huckabee and the state Highway and Transportation Department applied the balm this week.
Here is their argument for giving the Highway Commission eternal authority to keep a debt of up to $575 million without getting approval of voters each time it borrows: It will save the taxpayers the cost of special elections in the future, and if the Highway Commission cannot issue any more bonds it will not be able to improve primary and secondary highways out around the state.
Both are ridiculous arguments, immediately refutable, but it takes very little to persuade a gullible lawmaker.
Gov. Huckabee has been deploring the cost of special statewide elections - the one he is calling for Dec. 13 will cost you right at $1 million - and he says voters will be saving themselves and their heirs more such costs if they vote to surrender their right to vote on future debt propositions for the Interstate highways. Highway officials offered the same argument to legislators at the Capitol.
That seemed to reassure several lawmakers.
But the taxpayers need not pay a single dime to vote on bonds, even on the current proposition. They could submit the issue to voters at the general election next November, or November 2008 or November 2010. There is, after all, no rush about voting. The Highway Commission does not plan to issue the bonds until 2010 at the earliest and perhaps much later.
The money that will be pledged to pay off the proposed bonds is tied up for the next few years to pay off the existing Interstate bonds.
They do not want bond votes held at the general election because three or four times as many people will vote at a general election. Special elections attract voters with a vested interest.
Everyone should ignore the argument that the bond proposal will economize with taxpayers’ money. Exactly the opposite is true.
If Huckabee were genuinely concerned about election expenses, he would save taxpayers a million dollars by putting his proposals on the 2006 ballot. It apparently never occurred to a legislator to call the highway men’s hand.
And the cost of future special elections is the strongest of their arguments.
Since all of the $575 million that the Highway Commission wants to borrow when it pays down the current debt would be spent on the remaining Interstate mileage that has not been improved, there is no incentive for people far off the Interstates to vote for the proposition and some incentive to vote no.
So highway officials told legislators Tuesday that if voters do not approve future indebtedness for the Interstates everyone’s highway improvements back home, from Lake Village to Salem to Jacksonville to Cabot to Beebe, will be in jeopardy.
That is because the motor fuel taxes and car and truck license fees that are now used to build and maintain primary and secondary highways supposedly will have to be diverted to pay for repairs to the big interstates, delaying the North Belt completion even further, as if it hasn’t been delayed long enough.
Rep. Randy Rankin of Eudora said that did it for him. He wanted the widening of U.S. Highway 65 through his county completed, so he was voting for the Interstate debt, even though the nearest Interstate mileage was more than 100 miles away.
No one needed even a hand-held calculator to figure out the ruse. The Interstate bonds will tie up the state’s allotment of federal Interstate maintenance funds each year plus the receipts from a 4-cent-a-gallon diesel tax. Together, they make up $75 million a year. Without issuing the bonds, the Highway Commission could still spend that $75 million to improve the Interstates each year, which ought to be more than ample. Of course, the Highway Commission could, if it chose, take the $15 million a year from the diesel tax and apply it to primary and secondary roads to supplement other highway taxes.
Over the 12, 15 or 20 years that the Highway Commission would be paying off the debt, the state could spend more on the highways by spending less on interest to investors and fees to underwriters, brokers and bond lawyers. You can take a mortgage payout schedule and figure it out for yourself. Debt is costly. The only time you borrow huge sums of money is when there is an emergency or the task is so huge that you can’t pay for it as you go.
So Rep. Rankin and his constituents stand a much better chance of getting a wider Highway 65 through the Delta if the bonds are defeated.
Besides, with any deference from his region’s highway commissioner, his project should be completed long before the commission gets around to actually using the new borrowing power that voters may be about to give them.
Here is their argument for giving the Highway Commission eternal authority to keep a debt of up to $575 million without getting approval of voters each time it borrows: It will save the taxpayers the cost of special elections in the future, and if the Highway Commission cannot issue any more bonds it will not be able to improve primary and secondary highways out around the state.
Both are ridiculous arguments, immediately refutable, but it takes very little to persuade a gullible lawmaker.
Gov. Huckabee has been deploring the cost of special statewide elections - the one he is calling for Dec. 13 will cost you right at $1 million - and he says voters will be saving themselves and their heirs more such costs if they vote to surrender their right to vote on future debt propositions for the Interstate highways. Highway officials offered the same argument to legislators at the Capitol.
That seemed to reassure several lawmakers.
But the taxpayers need not pay a single dime to vote on bonds, even on the current proposition. They could submit the issue to voters at the general election next November, or November 2008 or November 2010. There is, after all, no rush about voting. The Highway Commission does not plan to issue the bonds until 2010 at the earliest and perhaps much later.
The money that will be pledged to pay off the proposed bonds is tied up for the next few years to pay off the existing Interstate bonds.
They do not want bond votes held at the general election because three or four times as many people will vote at a general election. Special elections attract voters with a vested interest.
Everyone should ignore the argument that the bond proposal will economize with taxpayers’ money. Exactly the opposite is true.
If Huckabee were genuinely concerned about election expenses, he would save taxpayers a million dollars by putting his proposals on the 2006 ballot. It apparently never occurred to a legislator to call the highway men’s hand.
And the cost of future special elections is the strongest of their arguments.
Since all of the $575 million that the Highway Commission wants to borrow when it pays down the current debt would be spent on the remaining Interstate mileage that has not been improved, there is no incentive for people far off the Interstates to vote for the proposition and some incentive to vote no.
So highway officials told legislators Tuesday that if voters do not approve future indebtedness for the Interstates everyone’s highway improvements back home, from Lake Village to Salem to Jacksonville to Cabot to Beebe, will be in jeopardy.
That is because the motor fuel taxes and car and truck license fees that are now used to build and maintain primary and secondary highways supposedly will have to be diverted to pay for repairs to the big interstates, delaying the North Belt completion even further, as if it hasn’t been delayed long enough.
Rep. Randy Rankin of Eudora said that did it for him. He wanted the widening of U.S. Highway 65 through his county completed, so he was voting for the Interstate debt, even though the nearest Interstate mileage was more than 100 miles away.
No one needed even a hand-held calculator to figure out the ruse. The Interstate bonds will tie up the state’s allotment of federal Interstate maintenance funds each year plus the receipts from a 4-cent-a-gallon diesel tax. Together, they make up $75 million a year. Without issuing the bonds, the Highway Commission could still spend that $75 million to improve the Interstates each year, which ought to be more than ample. Of course, the Highway Commission could, if it chose, take the $15 million a year from the diesel tax and apply it to primary and secondary roads to supplement other highway taxes.
Over the 12, 15 or 20 years that the Highway Commission would be paying off the debt, the state could spend more on the highways by spending less on interest to investors and fees to underwriters, brokers and bond lawyers. You can take a mortgage payout schedule and figure it out for yourself. Debt is costly. The only time you borrow huge sums of money is when there is an emergency or the task is so huge that you can’t pay for it as you go.
So Rep. Rankin and his constituents stand a much better chance of getting a wider Highway 65 through the Delta if the bonds are defeated.
Besides, with any deference from his region’s highway commissioner, his project should be completed long before the commission gets around to actually using the new borrowing power that voters may be about to give them.
OBITUARIES
HENRY HEIGLE
It was with great sadness along with all our love that Henry Heigle joined our Lord on Nov. 17. He was born Sept. 29, 1930, in Tumbling Shoals, Ark., to a family of 12 children.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Betty Jean Heigle; three brothers, Alva, Orville and James; five sisters, Frances, Melba, Lois, Annie and Mary; three children, Deborah Anita Roe, Darlene Rochelle Wagner and Darin Henry Heigle; seven grandchildren, Dana, Dustin, Nicole, Kara, Joshua, Amanda and Jesse; four great-grandchildren: Miran-da, Reyna, Damien and Alicia. He was a veteran of the Korean War and retired from the Teamsters Union Local No. 357.
He spent his spare time with his family camping, water skiing, hiking, picnicking and being involved in any and all sports and activities they were participating in.
He was a devoted, loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.
Funeral services are to be held at Miller Jones Mortuary in Perris, Calif., on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. For any information regarding the services, please call (951) 943-8313.
"SALLY" HAWKINS
Ida Mae “Sally” Hawkins, 78, passed away Sunday morning, Nov. 20 at her home in Fort Worth, Texas.
Sally was born in Lonoke on April 14, 1927, to Richard and Ernie Mae Reiff. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 25 years, Jeff Thomason of Lonoke, her husband of 31 years, Orval K. Hawkins of Alpena, and four grandchildren.
Sally is survived by sons, Richard and wife Glenda Thomason of Springtown, Texas, Jeff and wife Mary Thomason, Jr. of Malvern and Kenneth and wife Nola Hawkins of Alpena; daughters, Charlotte and husband Burnis Horton of Cabot, Margo Wilson of Fort Worth, Texas, Doris and husband Ted Christian and Le Iva and husband Donald Klein of Alpena, Texas, Kathryn and husband Maynard Craff of East Alton, Ill., and Gayle and husband Dan Bedillian of Bedford, Texas. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren from her union with Mr. Thomason, 31 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren from her union with Mr. Hawkins, and many others who adopted her as their “Granny.”
She was small in stature but a giant in sharing love and laughter. Her precious smile stayed with her right up to the threshold of heaven and a strong faith in God carried her across. She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.
Services officiated by Brother Floyd Flowers will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Boyd Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Hebron Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Jason Coker, Greg Horton, Brad Thomason, Jerry Thomason, A.J. Womack and Andrew Womack. Arrangements by Boyd Funeral Home in Lonoke.
ERNEST HANSON
Ernest Gerald Hanson, 74, passed away Nov. 21 at his McRae home. He was born Dec. 24, 1930, in Oregon, Ill., to the late Ernest Otto and Anna E. Guenther Hanson. He was a retired carpenter, a member of the Moose Lodge, Rabbit Breeders Association of MO and a Lutheran.
He is survived by two sons, Ernest A. Hanson of McRae and Gerald E. Hanson of Rochelle, Ill.; grandchildren, Kristy McCall, Christopher Hanson, Angela Hanson, Pamela Hanson, Hans Hanson, Shane Hanson and Kordell Hanson; five great-grandchildren, Xavier McCall, Clayton McCall, Nadji Hanson, Sapora Hanson, and Armani Hanson; a sister, Arlene Lothson of Dekalb, IL. He is preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Ann K Summerville.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Sunday at Moore’s Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Visitation will be noon until 2 p.m., Sunday. Funeral arrangements are under direction of Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home.
WALLACE HOWARD
Wallace Howard, 64, of Jack-sonville, passed away Monday, Nov. 21. He was born Sept. 20, 1941 in Carlisle to Henry Andrew “Andy” and Delores Hester Howard. He was a U.S. Army veteran, a factory worker and a Baptist. Wallace was a hard-working man and enjoyed music at the Huddle House.
He is survived by his son, Wallace Eugene, Jr. and Lisa of Jacksonville; a grandson, Wallace Eugene III “Scooter” of Jackson-ville; two brothers and their wives, Claude and Carol Howard of Jacksonville, and George and Pat Howard of Russellville; a sister, Thelma Ainsworth and her husband Frank of Ward and other friends and loving family. He was preceded in death by a half-sister, Velma. Thanks to Holly McCloud at the V.A. for being there for him.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Friday at Moore’s Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville, with Bro. Elton Balentine officiating. Interment follows at Butlerville Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Funeral arrangements are under direction of Moore’s Jack-sonville Funeral Home (501) 982-2136.
MARIE FARRAR
Marie Alice Farrar, 82, of Cabot, formerly of Auburn, N.Y., passed away on Nov. 20. She was born March 1, 1923, in Brooklyn, N.Y. to the late David and Kathryn Meehan.
She was a member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville and the Senior Citizen’s in Cabot.
She was preceded in death by her husband William C. Farrar on Nov. 1, 1991.
Survivors include three daughters: Katie Nichols and husband Edwin of Cabot, Sharon Seymour and husband Larry of Auburn, N.Y., and Donna Leontovich of Concord, N. C.; one sister Kathryn Walker of Hemet, Calif.; six grandchildren: Christopher, Heather, Edwin Jr., Scott, Zachary and Stephanie; and two great-grandchildren: Alexis and Tyler David.
Memorial services to be announced at a later date. Cre-mation arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service in Cabot.
DELLA DELAO
Della Jane Roper DeLao, 68, of Jacksonville, passed away Nov. 19. She was born Jan. 6, 1937, in Sikeston, Mo., to Shirley Bernece Norwood Roper and the late Ralph Dolan Roper. She was a 1954 graduate of Harding Academy in Searcy, and attended Capital City Business College. She had a 35-year civil service career retiring in 1993 as an executive secretary to the hospital commander at Little Rock Air Force Base and was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include her two sons and their wives, Darryl and Teresa DeLao of Altus, Okla., and Kevin and Michelle DeLao of Tuscon, Ariz.; daughter, Gail Greene and husband Tony DeQueen; six grandchildren, Darryl Jr., Blake, Brittany and Chafen DeLao and Camille and Lee Greene. Funeral services were Tuesday at the Harris Chapel with Mr. Bruce Bryant officiating. Burial was at Robertsville Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton
Pallbearers were family and friends.
KARL EYER
Karl Douglas Eyer, 31, of Jacksonville, passed away Nov. 14. He was born April 12, 1974, at U.S. Camp Kui Army Hospital in Okinawa, Japan, to Olen and Elizabeth Eyer. Karl was a graduate of Jacksonville High School.
He is survived by his parents, Olen and Elizabeth Eyer; brother, Major Ryan M. Eyer, U.S. Marine Corp, several aunts, uncles and cousins from Illinois.
Private funeral services were conducted by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home 1504 Loop Rd, Jacksonville, Ark., with interment in Chapel Hill Memorial Park.
VARA SEATON
Vara S. Seaton, 89, of Batesville passed away Nov. 15. Born April 22, 1916, in Sylvania in Lonoke County, she lived there until moving to Batesville in 1997.
She was a lifelong member of Sylvania Presbyterian Church.
She served as elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher, vacation bible school teacher, youth leader, Women of the Church president, Presbyterian Church Extension Committee chairman, and a home missions committee member. She was a Sunday school teacher for sixty years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Otha.
She is survived by one daughter, Darlene Seaton Byrd of Doniphin, Mo.; two sons, Eddie Seaton of Cabot and Carroll Seaton of Batesville; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Graveside service was Saturday at Sylvania Cemetery, by Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe.
It was with great sadness along with all our love that Henry Heigle joined our Lord on Nov. 17. He was born Sept. 29, 1930, in Tumbling Shoals, Ark., to a family of 12 children.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Betty Jean Heigle; three brothers, Alva, Orville and James; five sisters, Frances, Melba, Lois, Annie and Mary; three children, Deborah Anita Roe, Darlene Rochelle Wagner and Darin Henry Heigle; seven grandchildren, Dana, Dustin, Nicole, Kara, Joshua, Amanda and Jesse; four great-grandchildren: Miran-da, Reyna, Damien and Alicia. He was a veteran of the Korean War and retired from the Teamsters Union Local No. 357.
He spent his spare time with his family camping, water skiing, hiking, picnicking and being involved in any and all sports and activities they were participating in.
He was a devoted, loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.
Funeral services are to be held at Miller Jones Mortuary in Perris, Calif., on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. For any information regarding the services, please call (951) 943-8313.
"SALLY" HAWKINS
Ida Mae “Sally” Hawkins, 78, passed away Sunday morning, Nov. 20 at her home in Fort Worth, Texas.
Sally was born in Lonoke on April 14, 1927, to Richard and Ernie Mae Reiff. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 25 years, Jeff Thomason of Lonoke, her husband of 31 years, Orval K. Hawkins of Alpena, and four grandchildren.
Sally is survived by sons, Richard and wife Glenda Thomason of Springtown, Texas, Jeff and wife Mary Thomason, Jr. of Malvern and Kenneth and wife Nola Hawkins of Alpena; daughters, Charlotte and husband Burnis Horton of Cabot, Margo Wilson of Fort Worth, Texas, Doris and husband Ted Christian and Le Iva and husband Donald Klein of Alpena, Texas, Kathryn and husband Maynard Craff of East Alton, Ill., and Gayle and husband Dan Bedillian of Bedford, Texas. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren from her union with Mr. Thomason, 31 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren from her union with Mr. Hawkins, and many others who adopted her as their “Granny.”
She was small in stature but a giant in sharing love and laughter. Her precious smile stayed with her right up to the threshold of heaven and a strong faith in God carried her across. She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.
Services officiated by Brother Floyd Flowers will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Boyd Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Hebron Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Jason Coker, Greg Horton, Brad Thomason, Jerry Thomason, A.J. Womack and Andrew Womack. Arrangements by Boyd Funeral Home in Lonoke.
ERNEST HANSON
Ernest Gerald Hanson, 74, passed away Nov. 21 at his McRae home. He was born Dec. 24, 1930, in Oregon, Ill., to the late Ernest Otto and Anna E. Guenther Hanson. He was a retired carpenter, a member of the Moose Lodge, Rabbit Breeders Association of MO and a Lutheran.
He is survived by two sons, Ernest A. Hanson of McRae and Gerald E. Hanson of Rochelle, Ill.; grandchildren, Kristy McCall, Christopher Hanson, Angela Hanson, Pamela Hanson, Hans Hanson, Shane Hanson and Kordell Hanson; five great-grandchildren, Xavier McCall, Clayton McCall, Nadji Hanson, Sapora Hanson, and Armani Hanson; a sister, Arlene Lothson of Dekalb, IL. He is preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Ann K Summerville.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Sunday at Moore’s Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Visitation will be noon until 2 p.m., Sunday. Funeral arrangements are under direction of Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home.
WALLACE HOWARD
Wallace Howard, 64, of Jack-sonville, passed away Monday, Nov. 21. He was born Sept. 20, 1941 in Carlisle to Henry Andrew “Andy” and Delores Hester Howard. He was a U.S. Army veteran, a factory worker and a Baptist. Wallace was a hard-working man and enjoyed music at the Huddle House.
He is survived by his son, Wallace Eugene, Jr. and Lisa of Jacksonville; a grandson, Wallace Eugene III “Scooter” of Jackson-ville; two brothers and their wives, Claude and Carol Howard of Jacksonville, and George and Pat Howard of Russellville; a sister, Thelma Ainsworth and her husband Frank of Ward and other friends and loving family. He was preceded in death by a half-sister, Velma. Thanks to Holly McCloud at the V.A. for being there for him.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Friday at Moore’s Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville, with Bro. Elton Balentine officiating. Interment follows at Butlerville Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Funeral arrangements are under direction of Moore’s Jack-sonville Funeral Home (501) 982-2136.
MARIE FARRAR
Marie Alice Farrar, 82, of Cabot, formerly of Auburn, N.Y., passed away on Nov. 20. She was born March 1, 1923, in Brooklyn, N.Y. to the late David and Kathryn Meehan.
She was a member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville and the Senior Citizen’s in Cabot.
She was preceded in death by her husband William C. Farrar on Nov. 1, 1991.
Survivors include three daughters: Katie Nichols and husband Edwin of Cabot, Sharon Seymour and husband Larry of Auburn, N.Y., and Donna Leontovich of Concord, N. C.; one sister Kathryn Walker of Hemet, Calif.; six grandchildren: Christopher, Heather, Edwin Jr., Scott, Zachary and Stephanie; and two great-grandchildren: Alexis and Tyler David.
Memorial services to be announced at a later date. Cre-mation arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service in Cabot.
DELLA DELAO
Della Jane Roper DeLao, 68, of Jacksonville, passed away Nov. 19. She was born Jan. 6, 1937, in Sikeston, Mo., to Shirley Bernece Norwood Roper and the late Ralph Dolan Roper. She was a 1954 graduate of Harding Academy in Searcy, and attended Capital City Business College. She had a 35-year civil service career retiring in 1993 as an executive secretary to the hospital commander at Little Rock Air Force Base and was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include her two sons and their wives, Darryl and Teresa DeLao of Altus, Okla., and Kevin and Michelle DeLao of Tuscon, Ariz.; daughter, Gail Greene and husband Tony DeQueen; six grandchildren, Darryl Jr., Blake, Brittany and Chafen DeLao and Camille and Lee Greene. Funeral services were Tuesday at the Harris Chapel with Mr. Bruce Bryant officiating. Burial was at Robertsville Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton
Pallbearers were family and friends.
KARL EYER
Karl Douglas Eyer, 31, of Jacksonville, passed away Nov. 14. He was born April 12, 1974, at U.S. Camp Kui Army Hospital in Okinawa, Japan, to Olen and Elizabeth Eyer. Karl was a graduate of Jacksonville High School.
He is survived by his parents, Olen and Elizabeth Eyer; brother, Major Ryan M. Eyer, U.S. Marine Corp, several aunts, uncles and cousins from Illinois.
Private funeral services were conducted by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home 1504 Loop Rd, Jacksonville, Ark., with interment in Chapel Hill Memorial Park.
VARA SEATON
Vara S. Seaton, 89, of Batesville passed away Nov. 15. Born April 22, 1916, in Sylvania in Lonoke County, she lived there until moving to Batesville in 1997.
She was a lifelong member of Sylvania Presbyterian Church.
She served as elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher, vacation bible school teacher, youth leader, Women of the Church president, Presbyterian Church Extension Committee chairman, and a home missions committee member. She was a Sunday school teacher for sixty years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Otha.
She is survived by one daughter, Darlene Seaton Byrd of Doniphin, Mo.; two sons, Eddie Seaton of Cabot and Carroll Seaton of Batesville; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Graveside service was Saturday at Sylvania Cemetery, by Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe.
EVENTS
Jacksonville’s holiday open house is Dec. 16
The city of Jacksonville’s annual Christmas Open House will be held at city hall from noon to 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16.
The ceremony to present year pins and certificates to city employees will begin at 2 p.m. in the council chambers. Everyone is invited to stop by for refreshments.
Junior auxiliary to host Christmas Tour of Homes
The Junior Auxiliary of Jacksonville will host their annual Christmas tour of homes from 2-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec.11.
The following homes are included on the tour: Mr. and Mrs. John Vanderhoof, Mr. and Mrs. Gid Branscum, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Carlisle, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Sherman. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds benefit the underprivileged children of Jacksonville. For ticket information, call Mandy Watson at 501-982-1241.
Holiday Closings
Nearly all area city offices will be closed Thursday and Friday for observance of Thanksgiving Day, while sanitation schedules in some communities will be altered because of the holiday.
In Jacksonville, city offices will be closed both days and there will be no sanitation or recycling services on either day. Landfill (bulky items) will instead be collected today.
City offices in Beebe will be closed Thursday, but open on Friday.
In Cabot, city offices will be closed Thursday and Friday. Thursday garbage collections will be moved to Friday and Friday collections will be moved to Saturday for Cabot residents.
In Lonoke, regular sanitation schedule will take place on Friday, while Thursday’s route will also be run on Friday.
Trash pick-up in Ward will also run as usual on Friday and what doesn’t get picked up on Friday will be picked up on Saturday, according to city officials.
Austin’s city offices will be closed Thursday, but will be open Friday. The sanitation schedule won’t change.
Sherwood’s offices will be closed both days. Thursday’s sanitation schedule will be picked up today and Friday’s regular schedule will be picked up on Monday.
The city of Jacksonville’s annual Christmas Open House will be held at city hall from noon to 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16.
The ceremony to present year pins and certificates to city employees will begin at 2 p.m. in the council chambers. Everyone is invited to stop by for refreshments.
Junior auxiliary to host Christmas Tour of Homes
The Junior Auxiliary of Jacksonville will host their annual Christmas tour of homes from 2-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec.11.
The following homes are included on the tour: Mr. and Mrs. John Vanderhoof, Mr. and Mrs. Gid Branscum, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Carlisle, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Sherman. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds benefit the underprivileged children of Jacksonville. For ticket information, call Mandy Watson at 501-982-1241.
Holiday Closings
Nearly all area city offices will be closed Thursday and Friday for observance of Thanksgiving Day, while sanitation schedules in some communities will be altered because of the holiday.
In Jacksonville, city offices will be closed both days and there will be no sanitation or recycling services on either day. Landfill (bulky items) will instead be collected today.
City offices in Beebe will be closed Thursday, but open on Friday.
In Cabot, city offices will be closed Thursday and Friday. Thursday garbage collections will be moved to Friday and Friday collections will be moved to Saturday for Cabot residents.
In Lonoke, regular sanitation schedule will take place on Friday, while Thursday’s route will also be run on Friday.
Trash pick-up in Ward will also run as usual on Friday and what doesn’t get picked up on Friday will be picked up on Saturday, according to city officials.
Austin’s city offices will be closed Thursday, but will be open Friday. The sanitation schedule won’t change.
Sherwood’s offices will be closed both days. Thursday’s sanitation schedule will be picked up today and Friday’s regular schedule will be picked up on Monday.
NEIGHBORS >> Honoring a new American
By SARA GREENE
Leader staff writer
Sue Hiipakka is proud to be an American.
Born in Germany, she’s even prouder after a special day was hosted in her honor after she became a U.S. citizen earlier this month.
“After 9/11 I wanted to show my allegiance to the United States,” said Hiipakka, a third-grade teacher at Ward Central Elementary in Cabot. “Besides, it’s good to have a say in your government from voting for president to the school board.”
Living near Ramstein, Germany, Sue Reis married Tech Sgt. Tom Hiipakka while he was stationed at Ramstein Air Force Base in 1983.
Other than a three-year stint in Michigan, the Hiipakkas stayed at Ramstein Air Force Base until 1996 when they were transferred to Little Rock Air Force Base. After Tom Hiipakka retired, Sue got an Arkansas teaching certificate and began teaching at Ward Central Elemen-tary about four years ago.
“I think most Americans take their citizenship for granted,” Hiipakka said.
Becoming a naturalized citizen can take between five months to two years depending on the number of applications submitted to Citizenship and Immigration Service, formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
Hiipakka said she had to study a thick, three-ring binder on American history for a civics test as well as an English test.
Applicants must be photographed, fingerprinted and go through an interview process.
After completing her exams, Hiipakka took the oath of citizenship during a ceremony in Little Rock two weeks ago, and the school then decided to surprise her by holding an “American Day.”
Most of the students came to school wearing red, white and blue clothing. Teachers decorated Hiipakka’s classroom with patriotic red, white and blue banners. During a morning ceremony, students raised the flag, recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the “Star Spangled Banner” as well as “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood.
Michele French, principal at the school dressed like a judge to reenact Hiipakka’s oath of citizenship ceremony in front of the students.
Connie Kempf, speech pathologist and resident poet at the school, wrote the poem “Congratulations New Citizen” in honor of Hiipakka.
Hip hip hurray
Hip hip hurray
Let’s hear it for Mrs. Hiipakka
It’s her special day!
Way to go, Mrs. Hiipakka
We’re so proud of your new name
The title “U. S. Citizen”
You now can claim!
You studied hard and passed the test
That I would hate to take
But not our “Super Citizen”
For you, it was a piece of cake!
Let’s raise the roof and clap our hands
And show our Ward Central Pride
Red, white and blue shine just for you
Our happiness we cannot hide!
“We are so proud of this lady,” French said, hugging Hiipakka.
After the morning assembly, Zach Owen, manager of Kentucky Fried Chicken of Cabot, delivered 65 snack boxes of chicken and biscuits to the school so the teachers could have an American lunch.
Leader staff writer
Sue Hiipakka is proud to be an American.
Born in Germany, she’s even prouder after a special day was hosted in her honor after she became a U.S. citizen earlier this month.
“After 9/11 I wanted to show my allegiance to the United States,” said Hiipakka, a third-grade teacher at Ward Central Elementary in Cabot. “Besides, it’s good to have a say in your government from voting for president to the school board.”
Living near Ramstein, Germany, Sue Reis married Tech Sgt. Tom Hiipakka while he was stationed at Ramstein Air Force Base in 1983.
Other than a three-year stint in Michigan, the Hiipakkas stayed at Ramstein Air Force Base until 1996 when they were transferred to Little Rock Air Force Base. After Tom Hiipakka retired, Sue got an Arkansas teaching certificate and began teaching at Ward Central Elemen-tary about four years ago.
“I think most Americans take their citizenship for granted,” Hiipakka said.
Becoming a naturalized citizen can take between five months to two years depending on the number of applications submitted to Citizenship and Immigration Service, formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
Hiipakka said she had to study a thick, three-ring binder on American history for a civics test as well as an English test.
Applicants must be photographed, fingerprinted and go through an interview process.
After completing her exams, Hiipakka took the oath of citizenship during a ceremony in Little Rock two weeks ago, and the school then decided to surprise her by holding an “American Day.”
Most of the students came to school wearing red, white and blue clothing. Teachers decorated Hiipakka’s classroom with patriotic red, white and blue banners. During a morning ceremony, students raised the flag, recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the “Star Spangled Banner” as well as “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood.
Michele French, principal at the school dressed like a judge to reenact Hiipakka’s oath of citizenship ceremony in front of the students.
Connie Kempf, speech pathologist and resident poet at the school, wrote the poem “Congratulations New Citizen” in honor of Hiipakka.
Hip hip hurray
Hip hip hurray
Let’s hear it for Mrs. Hiipakka
It’s her special day!
Way to go, Mrs. Hiipakka
We’re so proud of your new name
The title “U. S. Citizen”
You now can claim!
You studied hard and passed the test
That I would hate to take
But not our “Super Citizen”
For you, it was a piece of cake!
Let’s raise the roof and clap our hands
And show our Ward Central Pride
Red, white and blue shine just for you
Our happiness we cannot hide!
“We are so proud of this lady,” French said, hugging Hiipakka.
After the morning assembly, Zach Owen, manager of Kentucky Fried Chicken of Cabot, delivered 65 snack boxes of chicken and biscuits to the school so the teachers could have an American lunch.
SPORTS >> SH girls fall to FC; JHS tops hurt NP
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
The Sylvan Hills girls basketball team dropped to 1-2 Saturday with a hard-fought loss to Forrest City in the Heavenly Hoops Classic hosted by Mount St. Mary at the UALR Fieldhouse.
The game’s result gave the Lady Mustangs fifth place in the tournament and left the Lady Bears with sixth.
Two Lady Mustang players finished with double-doubles while three players finished in double figures.
Fareedah Washington led the way with 16 points and 12 rebounds while Cassandra Jackson added 11 points and 11 boards. Kesha Stovall finished with 10 points and four rebounds and had three blocked shots.
LaShunda Rogers added five points and grabbed nine rebounds. It took the team a half to get their game going.
“We came out real sluggish and just didn‚t look like we wanted to be there,” said Lady Mustang Coach Jackie England.
Indeed, Sylvan Hills led 14-13 after one period but Forrest City rallied just enough in the second period to claim a 23-20 lead at the half.
Things picked up quite a bit for the Lady Mustangs in the second half.
The Lady Bears regained the advantage after three periods, leading 28-27 before Forrest City closed the game by outscoring Sylvan Hills 16-10 in the fourth period.
“Sylvan Hills is quicker than us,” England said. “Not as big as we are, but quicker. They are a much better team than they were a year ago.”
The game was knotted at 38-38 with 1:20 left to play. Forrest City dropped in three out of four free throws in the final 30 seconds to put the game away.
“Sylvan Hills never quit and we never lost our composure late in the game,” England said. “We found a way to end the game the way we wanted to end it.”
The two teams will meet twice more in AAAAA-East Conference play.
In the seventh-place game, Jackson-ville beat crosstown rival North Pulaski 57-46 for its first win of the season. North Pulaski dropped to 0-3, but played the whole tournament without two key players, and played its last two games without three of its projected starters.
Jacksonville was led by Tarneshia Scott and Morgan Waits, who each scored 18 points for the Lady Devils.
Neisha Ridgeway and Jessica Carter led the Lady Falcons with 11 points apiece.
The two teams will meet again on December 5 to make up what was supposed to be the season opener for both teams on Nov. 11. That game was rescheduled because Jacksonville’s football playoff game schedule conflicted with the game.
Mount St. Mary won the tournament by beating Russell-ville 51-46 in the final.
The third-place game pitted two AAAAA-South teams against each other, and it was Watson Chapel coming out on top of El Dorado. Jacksonville hosted North Little Rock in its home opener last night after Leader deadlines.
The Lady Falcons played at Little Rock Central Tuesday night, and won’t open at home until the return game with Central on Dec. 13. NP will be in the CAC tournament next week. Look for details of Tuesday’s Jacksonville and North Pulaski games in Saturday’s edition of The Leader.
Leader sports editor
The Sylvan Hills girls basketball team dropped to 1-2 Saturday with a hard-fought loss to Forrest City in the Heavenly Hoops Classic hosted by Mount St. Mary at the UALR Fieldhouse.
The game’s result gave the Lady Mustangs fifth place in the tournament and left the Lady Bears with sixth.
Two Lady Mustang players finished with double-doubles while three players finished in double figures.
Fareedah Washington led the way with 16 points and 12 rebounds while Cassandra Jackson added 11 points and 11 boards. Kesha Stovall finished with 10 points and four rebounds and had three blocked shots.
LaShunda Rogers added five points and grabbed nine rebounds. It took the team a half to get their game going.
“We came out real sluggish and just didn‚t look like we wanted to be there,” said Lady Mustang Coach Jackie England.
Indeed, Sylvan Hills led 14-13 after one period but Forrest City rallied just enough in the second period to claim a 23-20 lead at the half.
Things picked up quite a bit for the Lady Mustangs in the second half.
The Lady Bears regained the advantage after three periods, leading 28-27 before Forrest City closed the game by outscoring Sylvan Hills 16-10 in the fourth period.
“Sylvan Hills is quicker than us,” England said. “Not as big as we are, but quicker. They are a much better team than they were a year ago.”
The game was knotted at 38-38 with 1:20 left to play. Forrest City dropped in three out of four free throws in the final 30 seconds to put the game away.
“Sylvan Hills never quit and we never lost our composure late in the game,” England said. “We found a way to end the game the way we wanted to end it.”
The two teams will meet twice more in AAAAA-East Conference play.
In the seventh-place game, Jackson-ville beat crosstown rival North Pulaski 57-46 for its first win of the season. North Pulaski dropped to 0-3, but played the whole tournament without two key players, and played its last two games without three of its projected starters.
Jacksonville was led by Tarneshia Scott and Morgan Waits, who each scored 18 points for the Lady Devils.
Neisha Ridgeway and Jessica Carter led the Lady Falcons with 11 points apiece.
The two teams will meet again on December 5 to make up what was supposed to be the season opener for both teams on Nov. 11. That game was rescheduled because Jacksonville’s football playoff game schedule conflicted with the game.
Mount St. Mary won the tournament by beating Russell-ville 51-46 in the final.
The third-place game pitted two AAAAA-South teams against each other, and it was Watson Chapel coming out on top of El Dorado. Jacksonville hosted North Little Rock in its home opener last night after Leader deadlines.
The Lady Falcons played at Little Rock Central Tuesday night, and won’t open at home until the return game with Central on Dec. 13. NP will be in the CAC tournament next week. Look for details of Tuesday’s Jacksonville and North Pulaski games in Saturday’s edition of The Leader.
SPORTS >> NPHS freshmen upset Red Devils
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
The North Pulaski freshman Falcons came from behind in the second half to pull off a minor upset Monday night in Metro Conference play with a 42-39 victory over crosstown rival Jacksonville.
The Falcons win blurs the early race for the final Metro Conference championship, giving Jacksonville one loss, and drops the Devils into a four-way tie for first with North Pulaski, North Little Rock and Cabot Junior High North.
The Falcons put together a furious rally after falling behind 30-24 late in the third quarter. From that point, the Falcons outscored Jacksonville 13-2 to take a 37-32 lead with two minutes left in the game, and held on for the victory.
“The kids played great tonight,” North Pulaski coach Todd Romaine said. “They’re so up and down. They played so poorly in the first half at Cabot, then came out tonight and played like this. I’m very proud of them. They gave a great effort and they played smart at the same time. It’s a good win.”
Falcon center Carlos Donely scored just two points in the first three quarters, but finished with 11 after going on a tear to lead NP in the fourth.
No shot was bigger than a 16-footer from the elbow that put the Falcons up 40-37 with 35 seconds left in the game. The shot rattled around the rim before popping straight up and falling straight back through.
“Everybody kind of gasped when he shot that, but that pretty much sealed it for us,” Romaine said. “It was a huge shot. He really stepped up. He got in early foul trouble and I couldn’t play him. When he went in there in the fourth quarter he played smart and he hit the big one.”
A rebound and putback by Antwan Lockhart pulled the Red Devils back to within 40-39 with 15 seconds left. North Pulaski guard Jordan Anderson was then fouled with 6.5 seconds left and went to the line, where he smoothly nailed both free throws to set the final margin.
Jacksonville’s LaQuentin Miles got an open look from three at the other end, but the shot was too long as time expired.
Jacksonville grabbed a small lead early in the game and kept it until the fourth quarter when the Falcons went on their 13-2 run.
NP had tied the game at 24-24 before Jacksonville scored six- straight points.
Romaine called timeout, but afterwards said he didn’t try to inspire his guys, just the opposite.
“It wasn’t gut-check time,” Romaine said. “I was trying to get them to calm down. I’ve got some good athletes this year, but we’re not going to out-athlete that bunch. They were getting us into a type of game that they were going to beat us at. I just called a play and told ‘em to relax and run the offense like they had been. They responded, they executed and you can see what it got us.”
Donley’s 11 led the Falcons. Anderson added 10 points while guard Stanley Appleby scored eight. Cody Wafe added seven for the Falcons.
Lockhart led all scorers with 13 points while Antonio Wash-ington added 10 for the Red Devils. Miles scored eight.
The two teams, as well as the rest of the Metro Conference, will be back in action next Monday. Jacksonville will host Oak Grove while North Pulaski travels to Mills.
North Little Rock improved to 4-1 with a home win over Mills Monday. Cabot North traveled to Sylvan Hills for another victory to also improve to 4-1.
Cabot South beat Oak Grove for its first conference win of the year, but is a major player in the title race this year despite the 1-3 record.
South took North Pulaski and North Little Rock into overtime this season, while losing by just four points to Jacksonville.
Leader sports editor
The North Pulaski freshman Falcons came from behind in the second half to pull off a minor upset Monday night in Metro Conference play with a 42-39 victory over crosstown rival Jacksonville.
The Falcons win blurs the early race for the final Metro Conference championship, giving Jacksonville one loss, and drops the Devils into a four-way tie for first with North Pulaski, North Little Rock and Cabot Junior High North.
The Falcons put together a furious rally after falling behind 30-24 late in the third quarter. From that point, the Falcons outscored Jacksonville 13-2 to take a 37-32 lead with two minutes left in the game, and held on for the victory.
“The kids played great tonight,” North Pulaski coach Todd Romaine said. “They’re so up and down. They played so poorly in the first half at Cabot, then came out tonight and played like this. I’m very proud of them. They gave a great effort and they played smart at the same time. It’s a good win.”
Falcon center Carlos Donely scored just two points in the first three quarters, but finished with 11 after going on a tear to lead NP in the fourth.
No shot was bigger than a 16-footer from the elbow that put the Falcons up 40-37 with 35 seconds left in the game. The shot rattled around the rim before popping straight up and falling straight back through.
“Everybody kind of gasped when he shot that, but that pretty much sealed it for us,” Romaine said. “It was a huge shot. He really stepped up. He got in early foul trouble and I couldn’t play him. When he went in there in the fourth quarter he played smart and he hit the big one.”
A rebound and putback by Antwan Lockhart pulled the Red Devils back to within 40-39 with 15 seconds left. North Pulaski guard Jordan Anderson was then fouled with 6.5 seconds left and went to the line, where he smoothly nailed both free throws to set the final margin.
Jacksonville’s LaQuentin Miles got an open look from three at the other end, but the shot was too long as time expired.
Jacksonville grabbed a small lead early in the game and kept it until the fourth quarter when the Falcons went on their 13-2 run.
NP had tied the game at 24-24 before Jacksonville scored six- straight points.
Romaine called timeout, but afterwards said he didn’t try to inspire his guys, just the opposite.
“It wasn’t gut-check time,” Romaine said. “I was trying to get them to calm down. I’ve got some good athletes this year, but we’re not going to out-athlete that bunch. They were getting us into a type of game that they were going to beat us at. I just called a play and told ‘em to relax and run the offense like they had been. They responded, they executed and you can see what it got us.”
Donley’s 11 led the Falcons. Anderson added 10 points while guard Stanley Appleby scored eight. Cody Wafe added seven for the Falcons.
Lockhart led all scorers with 13 points while Antonio Wash-ington added 10 for the Red Devils. Miles scored eight.
The two teams, as well as the rest of the Metro Conference, will be back in action next Monday. Jacksonville will host Oak Grove while North Pulaski travels to Mills.
North Little Rock improved to 4-1 with a home win over Mills Monday. Cabot North traveled to Sylvan Hills for another victory to also improve to 4-1.
Cabot South beat Oak Grove for its first conference win of the year, but is a major player in the title race this year despite the 1-3 record.
South took North Pulaski and North Little Rock into overtime this season, while losing by just four points to Jacksonville.
EDITORIAL >> Murtha’s clarion call
It can be recorded that on the sere autumn day of the 17th of November in Washington, D.C., the great American tragedy of Iraq reached its denouement when the end if not the absolute solution could be seen clearly.
It was the day U.S. Rep. John Murtha, quite an obscure man for most Americans, said that the United States should very soon withdraw nearly all of its troops from Iraq and redeploy them.
Men and women of far greater stature had criticized the war and called for withdrawal without causing a blip in the enduring discourse on the war. But after the war speech by the meek Pennsylvanian, the Bush administration’s favorite Democrat, the White House went on the attack.
President Bush, Vice President Cheney, GOP leaders called him disloyal, a boon to terrorists, the exponent of traitorous ideas that gave succor to the enemies of freedom and discouragement to our troops.
Three days later, the administration had reconsidered and called Murtha a patriotic American, just a wrongheaded one.
Perhaps the president had divined that Murtha was not right, at least most Americans believed that he was. Murtha said he was far behind the American people. A decorated war hero and the military’s best friend in Congress, Murtha was a firm advocate of the invasion of Iraq and one of Bush’s few defenders on the Democratic side.
What Murtha offered on the 17th was not another broadside against the administration but a thoughtful and detailed analysis of the war and a way out of it, which even Republicans in Congress are beginning to demand that the administration formulate.
He would pull nearly all foreign troops from Iraqi soil in phases over six months, bring Reservists and Guardsmen home and redeploy troops in the region as a fast-strike force. Security and stability in Iraq would be pursued diplomatically.
While Bush and Cheney continue to say the United States will stay the course and remain in Iraq until it is a secure and prosperous democracy, sometime before the midterm elections in 2006 the government, probably over Cheney’s private objections, will embrace something like Murtha’s strategy. When close to 70 percent of Americans believe the war was wrong or badly conducted, an administration that makes a religion of politics will have no choice.
Forget the debate over whether the administration cooked the evidence for invading Iraq. If there is one thing clear about this murky war it is that regardless of the valorous and humanitarian work of our warriors, we are getting no closer to winning the hearts and minds of Iraqis or of securing the safety of the people or the stability of their government. Iraqi security forces will never secure the country as long as we are willing to do it for them.
Murtha thought it was imperative to end the war because U.S. presence was feeding the insurgency and radicalism in a country that had always eschewed religious extremism and, under Saddam Hussein, even butchered it. As long as U.S. troops are around, even the elected government will be seen as puppets, which may explain why it called for an early withdrawal of our military. It is hard to argue that withdrawal will lead to chaos when we see it every day in the rubble and the blood-streaked faces of innocent Iraqi citizens.
But Murtha had a more heartfelt reason. The military that he loves is deteriorating daily.
Readiness is strained, recruiting has collapsed, ground equipment is worn out and soldiers are unprotected, procurement corruption is rampant and troops are fatigued after two and sometimes three tours of duty.
He may have remembered the explanation by Gen. Maxwell Taylor, the Army chief of staff, for America’s departure from Vietnam. We went there to save Vietnam and got out to save the U.S. Army.
It was the day U.S. Rep. John Murtha, quite an obscure man for most Americans, said that the United States should very soon withdraw nearly all of its troops from Iraq and redeploy them.
Men and women of far greater stature had criticized the war and called for withdrawal without causing a blip in the enduring discourse on the war. But after the war speech by the meek Pennsylvanian, the Bush administration’s favorite Democrat, the White House went on the attack.
President Bush, Vice President Cheney, GOP leaders called him disloyal, a boon to terrorists, the exponent of traitorous ideas that gave succor to the enemies of freedom and discouragement to our troops.
Three days later, the administration had reconsidered and called Murtha a patriotic American, just a wrongheaded one.
Perhaps the president had divined that Murtha was not right, at least most Americans believed that he was. Murtha said he was far behind the American people. A decorated war hero and the military’s best friend in Congress, Murtha was a firm advocate of the invasion of Iraq and one of Bush’s few defenders on the Democratic side.
What Murtha offered on the 17th was not another broadside against the administration but a thoughtful and detailed analysis of the war and a way out of it, which even Republicans in Congress are beginning to demand that the administration formulate.
He would pull nearly all foreign troops from Iraqi soil in phases over six months, bring Reservists and Guardsmen home and redeploy troops in the region as a fast-strike force. Security and stability in Iraq would be pursued diplomatically.
While Bush and Cheney continue to say the United States will stay the course and remain in Iraq until it is a secure and prosperous democracy, sometime before the midterm elections in 2006 the government, probably over Cheney’s private objections, will embrace something like Murtha’s strategy. When close to 70 percent of Americans believe the war was wrong or badly conducted, an administration that makes a religion of politics will have no choice.
Forget the debate over whether the administration cooked the evidence for invading Iraq. If there is one thing clear about this murky war it is that regardless of the valorous and humanitarian work of our warriors, we are getting no closer to winning the hearts and minds of Iraqis or of securing the safety of the people or the stability of their government. Iraqi security forces will never secure the country as long as we are willing to do it for them.
Murtha thought it was imperative to end the war because U.S. presence was feeding the insurgency and radicalism in a country that had always eschewed religious extremism and, under Saddam Hussein, even butchered it. As long as U.S. troops are around, even the elected government will be seen as puppets, which may explain why it called for an early withdrawal of our military. It is hard to argue that withdrawal will lead to chaos when we see it every day in the rubble and the blood-streaked faces of innocent Iraqi citizens.
But Murtha had a more heartfelt reason. The military that he loves is deteriorating daily.
Readiness is strained, recruiting has collapsed, ground equipment is worn out and soldiers are unprotected, procurement corruption is rampant and troops are fatigued after two and sometimes three tours of duty.
He may have remembered the explanation by Gen. Maxwell Taylor, the Army chief of staff, for America’s departure from Vietnam. We went there to save Vietnam and got out to save the U.S. Army.
FROM THE PUBLISHER >> Administration runs into trap door overseas
Every administration has its defining moment that symbolizes its successes or failures — from John Kennedy’s “Ich bien ein Berliner” to Ronald Reagan’s “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall,” from Richard Nixon’s “I’m not a crook” to Bill Clinton’s “I did not have sex with that woman,” from George H.W. Bush throwing up in Japan to George W. visiting Beijing more than a decade later and getting stuck in front of a door that would not open. (Maybe it was the first Bush’s immortal words, “Read my lips, no new taxes,” that got him defeated.)
The trap door where President Bush found himself on Sunday as he tried to leave a press conference that was going badly is a pretty good snapshot of an administration that has lost its way.
The President’s poll numbers are down 50 points in four years — an unprecedented decline that speaks volumes about lost opportunities since 9/11. Unable to convince most Americans that the war in Iraq was worth fighting, the administration, while attacking its critics, is speeding up plans to withdraw our troops starting next fall, just in time for the November congressional elections.
The Senate two weeks ago passed a measure calling for a pullback starting next year.
Iraqi factions on Tuesday called for a similar timetable, leaving the Bush administration little choice but to join the bandwagon, with or without Vice President Cheney and Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, who are still true believers.
Republicans made a mistake picking a fight with Rep. John Murtha, an avuncular figure who last week called for an early withdrawal from Iraq.
The administration and its supporters tried to attack Murtha, then backed off, calling him a patriot who has every right to speak out.
Speak out? Invite him into the Bush cabinet.
Although the Republican-passed Senate resolution is similar to Murtha’s position on the war, the House last Friday voted on an absurd Republican measure calling for immediate withdrawal. It was rejected after a nasty partisan fight, but it revealed deep divisions in a once solidly united Repub-lican Party, where support for the war has dropped as casualties continue to rise.
Murtha, a decorated Vietnam veteran, is a plain-spoken conservative Democrat who is one of the Pentagon’s biggest boosters in Congress. Like CBS anchorman Walter Cronkite, who turned against the Vietnam War in the 1960s and changed public opinion almost overnight, Murtha has won over millions of Americans who see our involvement in Iraq as a series of mistakes — from faulty intelligence to inadequate troop strength and supplies — although most Americans have believed that for months.
Bush has lost the support of the left, center and right. A trifecta.
Just a third of the public approves the way Bush is handling his job, which will make him a lame duck for the next three years, unless he reaches out to new advisers and fires his national security team, from Cheney on down, and starts all over, refocusing his energies and leveling with the public on why his administration has faltered so badly.
Voters and pundits from across the political spectrum have concluded that we have stumbled badly in Iraq. The President could start by admitting that the so-called intelligence that led us into war was totally wrong and the people who misled him and the nation are banished from government forever.
He owes that much to the nation and the people who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq.
The trap door where President Bush found himself on Sunday as he tried to leave a press conference that was going badly is a pretty good snapshot of an administration that has lost its way.
The President’s poll numbers are down 50 points in four years — an unprecedented decline that speaks volumes about lost opportunities since 9/11. Unable to convince most Americans that the war in Iraq was worth fighting, the administration, while attacking its critics, is speeding up plans to withdraw our troops starting next fall, just in time for the November congressional elections.
The Senate two weeks ago passed a measure calling for a pullback starting next year.
Iraqi factions on Tuesday called for a similar timetable, leaving the Bush administration little choice but to join the bandwagon, with or without Vice President Cheney and Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, who are still true believers.
Republicans made a mistake picking a fight with Rep. John Murtha, an avuncular figure who last week called for an early withdrawal from Iraq.
The administration and its supporters tried to attack Murtha, then backed off, calling him a patriot who has every right to speak out.
Speak out? Invite him into the Bush cabinet.
Although the Republican-passed Senate resolution is similar to Murtha’s position on the war, the House last Friday voted on an absurd Republican measure calling for immediate withdrawal. It was rejected after a nasty partisan fight, but it revealed deep divisions in a once solidly united Repub-lican Party, where support for the war has dropped as casualties continue to rise.
Murtha, a decorated Vietnam veteran, is a plain-spoken conservative Democrat who is one of the Pentagon’s biggest boosters in Congress. Like CBS anchorman Walter Cronkite, who turned against the Vietnam War in the 1960s and changed public opinion almost overnight, Murtha has won over millions of Americans who see our involvement in Iraq as a series of mistakes — from faulty intelligence to inadequate troop strength and supplies — although most Americans have believed that for months.
Bush has lost the support of the left, center and right. A trifecta.
Just a third of the public approves the way Bush is handling his job, which will make him a lame duck for the next three years, unless he reaches out to new advisers and fires his national security team, from Cheney on down, and starts all over, refocusing his energies and leveling with the public on why his administration has faltered so badly.
Voters and pundits from across the political spectrum have concluded that we have stumbled badly in Iraq. The President could start by admitting that the so-called intelligence that led us into war was totally wrong and the people who misled him and the nation are banished from government forever.
He owes that much to the nation and the people who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq.
TOP STORY >> Ruling favorable to payday lenders
By WESLEY BROWN
Arkansas News Bureau
A circuit judge in Little Rock upheld Arkansas’ payday lending law Tuesday.
Opponents who challenged the six-year-old law said they would appeal Pulaski County Circuit Judge Barry Sims’ ruling that the Check Cashers Act of 1999 is constitutional.
Sims ruled after a 40-minute hearing that there has been no misuse of taxpayer funds by the State Board of Collection Agencies, and that the 1999 statute passed by the legislature to regulate payday lending is legally sound.
“The statute as written is constitutional,” Sims said in his one-sentence decision.
Jacksonville, Cabot and Sher-wood have several payday lenders that cater to the working poor and members of the military and their families.
The issue was back before Sims after the state Supreme Court in January reversed its earlier decision dismissing the original complaint for failure to state facts upon which relief could be granted.
The plaintiffs in the case, represented by attorney Todd Turner of Arkadelphia, argued the check-cashing law violates state usury laws, allowing pay-day lenders to charge annual interest rates in excess of 400 percent despite the state Constitution’s usury cap of 17 percent on consumer loans.
“What I am asking the court to do is overrule what the General Assembly did when it passed the checking-cashing law ... and declare it unconstitutional,” Turner told the judge. But lawyers for the state Board of Collection Agencies and the Arkansas Financial Services Association, which represent the payday lending industry, disputed Turner’s arguments on two fronts.
Thomas Thrash, representing the ABCA, contended Turner could not argue the 1999 act’s legal integrity unless he proved that state funds were misused in applying the law.
“This is a very simple (issue), but we’ve done our very best to complicate it,” Thrash said.
If the plaintiffs were going to attack the constitutionality of the law, then they must first exhaust all their remedies before the ABCA, he said.
“This entire case hinges on whether or not there were taxpayer funds in use to finance the ABCA’s division of check cashing,” the Little Rock attorney said.
Arkansas News Bureau
A circuit judge in Little Rock upheld Arkansas’ payday lending law Tuesday.
Opponents who challenged the six-year-old law said they would appeal Pulaski County Circuit Judge Barry Sims’ ruling that the Check Cashers Act of 1999 is constitutional.
Sims ruled after a 40-minute hearing that there has been no misuse of taxpayer funds by the State Board of Collection Agencies, and that the 1999 statute passed by the legislature to regulate payday lending is legally sound.
“The statute as written is constitutional,” Sims said in his one-sentence decision.
Jacksonville, Cabot and Sher-wood have several payday lenders that cater to the working poor and members of the military and their families.
The issue was back before Sims after the state Supreme Court in January reversed its earlier decision dismissing the original complaint for failure to state facts upon which relief could be granted.
The plaintiffs in the case, represented by attorney Todd Turner of Arkadelphia, argued the check-cashing law violates state usury laws, allowing pay-day lenders to charge annual interest rates in excess of 400 percent despite the state Constitution’s usury cap of 17 percent on consumer loans.
“What I am asking the court to do is overrule what the General Assembly did when it passed the checking-cashing law ... and declare it unconstitutional,” Turner told the judge. But lawyers for the state Board of Collection Agencies and the Arkansas Financial Services Association, which represent the payday lending industry, disputed Turner’s arguments on two fronts.
Thomas Thrash, representing the ABCA, contended Turner could not argue the 1999 act’s legal integrity unless he proved that state funds were misused in applying the law.
“This is a very simple (issue), but we’ve done our very best to complicate it,” Thrash said.
If the plaintiffs were going to attack the constitutionality of the law, then they must first exhaust all their remedies before the ABCA, he said.
“This entire case hinges on whether or not there were taxpayer funds in use to finance the ABCA’s division of check cashing,” the Little Rock attorney said.
TOP STORY >> Cabot developers frustrated
By JOAN MCCOY
Leader staff writer
Five Cabot-area developers were among those who attended a hearing called to air grievances against the actions of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality which has stepped up enforcement of federal EPA storm-water runoff regulations.
One of those developers says he appreciates the interest of Sen. Bobby Glover, D-Carlisle, who called the hearing earlier this month, but he says nothing has changed.
The ADEQ is hardnosed in its enforcement and he fears higher fines if he complains.
The developer said he was fined twice, once for $4,800 and once for $2,800.
Fines generally range from $3,000 to $10,000 per violation.
The developer, who asked not to be identified, said ADEQ’s requirements are adding significantly to the cost of development.
“It’s getting expensive,” he said. “I can spend $30,000 to $40,000 to put bales of hay and screening around a subdivision before I even start building. And some of it is uphill. Where’s anything going to run to?”
During the hearing, developers complained that the ADEQ has unfairly fined them for violating storm-water runoff regulations without giving them time to correct problems.
Glover said the department has been nitpicking the developers—fines for not having a rain gauge in the right place or papers in the right place, for instance.
Each development must have a permit in plain sight, with an approved pollution-discharge plan in an ADEQ mail box at the development and must have devices like straw bales and mesh netting to reduce the discharge of silt from construction sites.
The Cabot developer said this week that one of the biggest problems is dirt on the street that comes off delivery trucks that have driven across muddy construction sites.
“There is no way to prevent that,” he said.
Dennis Benson, chief of the ADEQ water division enforcement section, said enforcement was stepped up about 18 months ago after a sweep of central Arkansas showed that about 75 percent of developers were in violation of runoff regulations.
“Sediment can have a lot of impact on receiving waters,” Ben-son said.
For instance, he said, they are talking about a drawdown of Lake Conway because of sediment coming from developments.
In cities, silt fills up storm-water drains and can cause flooding. In Cabot, improperly maintained silt fences and improper discharge of water from a subdivision muddied the city pond on Kerr Station Road so badly that one resident who fished there every Sunday feared Arkansas Game and Fish would not be able to stock it with trout in December as planned.
Tim Lemons, a Cabot civil engineer, represents several developers. While he says ADEQ inspectors are polite and professional, he said the developers need time to adjust to the new inspection rules and time to correct any deficiencies before they are fined.
“My problem is not with the ADEQ staff, my problem is with the system itself,” Lemons said.
He said he wants a probationary period for developers to find out what they are doing wrong and fix it and learn before the fining phase.
But the Cabot developer said he believes any effort to get ADEQ to soften its enforcement practices is “dead in the water.”
While Lemons was reserved and respectful with his comments, the developer was more plain spoken.
“They’ve gone from one extreme to the other,” he said. “It used to be that they came out and talked to us and told us what we were doing wrong. Now they fine us. I think they want us to be afraid of them.”
Leader staff writer
Five Cabot-area developers were among those who attended a hearing called to air grievances against the actions of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality which has stepped up enforcement of federal EPA storm-water runoff regulations.
One of those developers says he appreciates the interest of Sen. Bobby Glover, D-Carlisle, who called the hearing earlier this month, but he says nothing has changed.
The ADEQ is hardnosed in its enforcement and he fears higher fines if he complains.
The developer said he was fined twice, once for $4,800 and once for $2,800.
Fines generally range from $3,000 to $10,000 per violation.
The developer, who asked not to be identified, said ADEQ’s requirements are adding significantly to the cost of development.
“It’s getting expensive,” he said. “I can spend $30,000 to $40,000 to put bales of hay and screening around a subdivision before I even start building. And some of it is uphill. Where’s anything going to run to?”
During the hearing, developers complained that the ADEQ has unfairly fined them for violating storm-water runoff regulations without giving them time to correct problems.
Glover said the department has been nitpicking the developers—fines for not having a rain gauge in the right place or papers in the right place, for instance.
Each development must have a permit in plain sight, with an approved pollution-discharge plan in an ADEQ mail box at the development and must have devices like straw bales and mesh netting to reduce the discharge of silt from construction sites.
The Cabot developer said this week that one of the biggest problems is dirt on the street that comes off delivery trucks that have driven across muddy construction sites.
“There is no way to prevent that,” he said.
Dennis Benson, chief of the ADEQ water division enforcement section, said enforcement was stepped up about 18 months ago after a sweep of central Arkansas showed that about 75 percent of developers were in violation of runoff regulations.
“Sediment can have a lot of impact on receiving waters,” Ben-son said.
For instance, he said, they are talking about a drawdown of Lake Conway because of sediment coming from developments.
In cities, silt fills up storm-water drains and can cause flooding. In Cabot, improperly maintained silt fences and improper discharge of water from a subdivision muddied the city pond on Kerr Station Road so badly that one resident who fished there every Sunday feared Arkansas Game and Fish would not be able to stock it with trout in December as planned.
Tim Lemons, a Cabot civil engineer, represents several developers. While he says ADEQ inspectors are polite and professional, he said the developers need time to adjust to the new inspection rules and time to correct any deficiencies before they are fined.
“My problem is not with the ADEQ staff, my problem is with the system itself,” Lemons said.
He said he wants a probationary period for developers to find out what they are doing wrong and fix it and learn before the fining phase.
But the Cabot developer said he believes any effort to get ADEQ to soften its enforcement practices is “dead in the water.”
While Lemons was reserved and respectful with his comments, the developer was more plain spoken.
“They’ve gone from one extreme to the other,” he said. “It used to be that they came out and talked to us and told us what we were doing wrong. Now they fine us. I think they want us to be afraid of them.”
TOP STORY >> District official defends himself
By JOHN HOFHEIMER
Leader staff writer
Marvin H. Jeter III said Monday that the reason he was not rehired at Forest (Miss.) Municipal School District was that he championed racial equality and also allowed an integrated prom, which displeased the superintendent.
Jeter, director of learning services for Pulaski County Special School District, also denied charges by Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Director Bonita Rownd that he asked her for help in transferring Michael Nellums from his position as principal of the Jacksonville Middle School boys campus.
On Oct. 18, Rownd sent a letter to then-acting PCSSD superintendent Robert Clowers alleging that Jeter sought her help because Nellums had a lot of community support in the Jacksonville area.
According to Rownd’s letter, Jeter told her privately that Nellums “didn’t have the experience to handle the intricacies of a challenging new program” and said he needed to be moved to another school, but that the community seemed to support Nellums.
In her letter, Rownd wrote that Jeter charged that Nellums, school board member Rev. James Bolden III and Karl Brown, assistant superintendent for equity and pupil services, had formed “a power block to try to get things done their own way.”
Speaking Monday night after a community meeting over the proposed closing of Homer Adkins Elementary School, Jeter flatly denied having that conversation or anything resembling it with Rownd.
“I deny the accusations made in the first and second paragraphs of Ms. Rownd’s letter,” Jeter wrote in a memo to Clowers.
“Although I have previously discussed with you my disappointment in Michael Nellums’ performance as principal of Jacksonville Middle School, boys campus, I did not discuss that personally with Ms. Rownd.”
STAND BY LETTER
“I stand by my letter,” Rownd said Tuesday afternoon. “I don’t want to escalate the rhetoric. I don’t want to get into a war of words.”
Jeter said he didn’t include Skip Lathem, superintendent of Forest Municipal Schools, as a reference when he sought his current job with Pulaski County Special School District because “I was philosophically, ethically and morally repulsed by Mr. Lathem’s position on the inequitable treatment of students and teachers.”
In a telephone interview last week, Lathem said Jeter was involved in “divisive-type issues” while at the district and was not eligible for rehire as long as he was superintendent.
“Whatever the problem between Mr. Jeter and Mr. Lathem, I don’t know,” said Sammye Jean Webb, former president of the Forest Municipal School District Board and Jeter’s reference in lieu of Lathem.
“The students liked him very well,” she said. Webb, who said Jeter told her Tuesday to expect a reporter’s inquiry, confirmed that prior to Jeter’s arrival, the district had segregated proms but said she didn’t know if racial issues were at the root of the problems between Lathem and Jeter. She characterized Jeter as very forward-looking and talented.
“He had some ideas that might have worked had he been able to put them in place,” Webb said.
Webb said she didn’t recall whether or not PCSSD personnel had checked with her as Jeter’s reference before he was hired.
Jeter said that while academics were his priority, he never neglected his duties as athletic director for the district.
Leader staff writer
Marvin H. Jeter III said Monday that the reason he was not rehired at Forest (Miss.) Municipal School District was that he championed racial equality and also allowed an integrated prom, which displeased the superintendent.
Jeter, director of learning services for Pulaski County Special School District, also denied charges by Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Director Bonita Rownd that he asked her for help in transferring Michael Nellums from his position as principal of the Jacksonville Middle School boys campus.
On Oct. 18, Rownd sent a letter to then-acting PCSSD superintendent Robert Clowers alleging that Jeter sought her help because Nellums had a lot of community support in the Jacksonville area.
According to Rownd’s letter, Jeter told her privately that Nellums “didn’t have the experience to handle the intricacies of a challenging new program” and said he needed to be moved to another school, but that the community seemed to support Nellums.
In her letter, Rownd wrote that Jeter charged that Nellums, school board member Rev. James Bolden III and Karl Brown, assistant superintendent for equity and pupil services, had formed “a power block to try to get things done their own way.”
Speaking Monday night after a community meeting over the proposed closing of Homer Adkins Elementary School, Jeter flatly denied having that conversation or anything resembling it with Rownd.
“I deny the accusations made in the first and second paragraphs of Ms. Rownd’s letter,” Jeter wrote in a memo to Clowers.
“Although I have previously discussed with you my disappointment in Michael Nellums’ performance as principal of Jacksonville Middle School, boys campus, I did not discuss that personally with Ms. Rownd.”
STAND BY LETTER
“I stand by my letter,” Rownd said Tuesday afternoon. “I don’t want to escalate the rhetoric. I don’t want to get into a war of words.”
Jeter said he didn’t include Skip Lathem, superintendent of Forest Municipal Schools, as a reference when he sought his current job with Pulaski County Special School District because “I was philosophically, ethically and morally repulsed by Mr. Lathem’s position on the inequitable treatment of students and teachers.”
In a telephone interview last week, Lathem said Jeter was involved in “divisive-type issues” while at the district and was not eligible for rehire as long as he was superintendent.
“Whatever the problem between Mr. Jeter and Mr. Lathem, I don’t know,” said Sammye Jean Webb, former president of the Forest Municipal School District Board and Jeter’s reference in lieu of Lathem.
“The students liked him very well,” she said. Webb, who said Jeter told her Tuesday to expect a reporter’s inquiry, confirmed that prior to Jeter’s arrival, the district had segregated proms but said she didn’t know if racial issues were at the root of the problems between Lathem and Jeter. She characterized Jeter as very forward-looking and talented.
“He had some ideas that might have worked had he been able to put them in place,” Webb said.
Webb said she didn’t recall whether or not PCSSD personnel had checked with her as Jeter’s reference before he was hired.
Jeter said that while academics were his priority, he never neglected his duties as athletic director for the district.
TOP STORY >> Roundup of holiday activities
By RICKY HARVEY
Leader managing editor
Many area churches have spent the past couple of weeks preparing and distributing food baskets for needy families and at least one church will host a Thanksgiving Day meal for those in need on Thursday.
First United Methodist Church in Beebe will host a noon lunch on Thursday for anyone in need. There are no eligibility requirements for the free meal, which last year drew a crowd of 375 hungry diners.
“One year we had someone just passing through town who saw our sign and just came in and ate,” said Bill Palmisano, coordinator of the event.
The VFW post in Jacksonville hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for 238 guests on Saturday.
“It went very well,” said Paula Jahoda, assistant manager at the VFW. “The size of crowd we had was just about average.”
First Baptist Church in Jacksonville was one of many churches in the area which prepared food baskets.
“We just delivered our final one just a little bit ago,” the church secretary said Tuesday afternoon.
The Cabot Rotary Club held their annual Thanksgiving food drive and used money earned from a four-wheeler give-away to buy food at a discounted price from Kroger in Cabot.
On Saturday, 150 care baskets were put together and delivered in Lonoke County, including 30 baskets which were delivered to spouses of airmen deployed overseas.
The leadership personnel at Little Rock Air Force Base will serve airmen Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, according to 1st Lt. Jon Quinlan.
“The command chief and commander are among those who serve Thanksgiving dinner to the troops who are here,” Quinlan said.
“All the airmen who are required to stay on base or students who can’t go home come and eat. We usually have a full house.”
Leader managing editor
Many area churches have spent the past couple of weeks preparing and distributing food baskets for needy families and at least one church will host a Thanksgiving Day meal for those in need on Thursday.
First United Methodist Church in Beebe will host a noon lunch on Thursday for anyone in need. There are no eligibility requirements for the free meal, which last year drew a crowd of 375 hungry diners.
“One year we had someone just passing through town who saw our sign and just came in and ate,” said Bill Palmisano, coordinator of the event.
The VFW post in Jacksonville hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for 238 guests on Saturday.
“It went very well,” said Paula Jahoda, assistant manager at the VFW. “The size of crowd we had was just about average.”
First Baptist Church in Jacksonville was one of many churches in the area which prepared food baskets.
“We just delivered our final one just a little bit ago,” the church secretary said Tuesday afternoon.
The Cabot Rotary Club held their annual Thanksgiving food drive and used money earned from a four-wheeler give-away to buy food at a discounted price from Kroger in Cabot.
On Saturday, 150 care baskets were put together and delivered in Lonoke County, including 30 baskets which were delivered to spouses of airmen deployed overseas.
The leadership personnel at Little Rock Air Force Base will serve airmen Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, according to 1st Lt. Jon Quinlan.
“The command chief and commander are among those who serve Thanksgiving dinner to the troops who are here,” Quinlan said.
“All the airmen who are required to stay on base or students who can’t go home come and eat. We usually have a full house.”
TOP STORY >> FEMA funding ends soon
Leader staff report
“Right now, we’re trying to find a house to rent,” said Wade Morgan, 26, who has hunkered down at the Holiday Inn Express in Lonoke with his 2-year-old son and his son’s mother and said he was looking forward to a fresh start.
The 1,023 families evacuated from hurricanes Katrina and Rita still living in Arkansas hotels — 2,083 people in all — will have to pay living costs out-of-pocket either with Federal Emer-gency Management Agency rental housing aid or from their own funds after an extended Jan. 7 deadline, according Bob Alvey, public affairs officer for the Arkansas FEMA office.
“No one is being kicked out, it’s just the rooms aren’t going to be paid for automatically,” Alvey said.
In the immediate wake of Hurri-cane Katrina, and then Hurricane Rita, the Holiday Inn Express was disaster central for evacuees in the Lonoke area. Now Morgan and his family are the last remaining family seeking refuge.
“We’re probably moving back toward Baton Rouge or to Tulsa,” he said, adding he has filled out paperwork, but has yet to be approved for FEMA help with an apartment or rental house.
Three or four families have settled in Lonoke, according to Mayor Thomas Privett.
Morgan expects to be moved out by the end of December. While the motel room has been a great help, it’s been claustrophobic, he said.
Morgan, an oil refinery construction worker, says the rent home he had in the New Orleans area was ruined.
He has some possessions secure in a mini storage, he said.
“They can pay for the rooms with housing-aid money from FEMA but it is more cost effective to put that money towards rent,” Alvey said.
By Jan. 7, the thousands of evacuees who receive FEMA housing aid in vouchers issued though state or local authorities will have to sign a rental lease to remain eligible for the funding.
According to an Associated Press report, the hotel rooms have cost FEMA $274 million since the storms struck.
Critics say FEMA has not given evacuees enough time to find homes and sign leases — a process that can take months in rental markets already nearing capacity. So far, FEMA says it has provided $1.2 billion in transitional housing assistance to more than 500,000 households displaced by the hurricanes.
Locally, there are 319 families of hurricane evacuees living in hotels in Pulaski County, four families are living in hotels in White County and one evacuee is living in a Lonoke motel. Families will need to apply and qualify by Dec. 1 for the assistance, Alvey said.
“These evacuee numbers are very fluid because these are the people who have returned data sheets to FEMA, it can go up or down as more people apply or people return home,” Alvey said.
In Jacksonville, there are three families still living in hotels.
“Those families are filling out paperwork with the Jacksonville Housing Authority to get into homes,” said Angie Mitchell, a volunteer with the Hurricane Katrina Assistance Center in Jacksonville.
Although the center closed in mid-November, the center still helps evacuees with assistance through the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. Mitchell spent most of this week passing out vouchers for free turkeys from Kroger to the 100 evacuee families who have housing in Jacksonville.
Approximately 15,856 families had applied for FEMA assistance in Arkansas since Katrina hit on Aug. 29, followed by Rita on Sept. 24.
FEMA granted extensions to 9,830 families in hotels in Louisi-ana and 2,508 in hotels in Mississippi, where there is a housing shortage, according to Alvey. Evacuees in those states have until Jan. 7 to find homes. Additionally, the six-month leases for evacuees living on cruise ships will end March 1. FEMA previously had set the December deadline as a goal to have evacuees out of hotels and into travel trailers, mobile homes or apartments until they find permanent homes.
The FEMA deadline for getting out of hotels and into more permanent housing was never an issue in Cabot and Beebe.
Peggy Moss, chairman of Cabot KARE, said that organization worked closely with Alan Turnbo with the Cabot Housing Authority to get families into permanent housing as soon as they arrived.
Currently, 40-45 families call the Cabot area home, she said.
As for Cabot KARE, headquartered in the old Knight’s grocery store, it has closed its doors. Moss said the tentative plan for donations stored there is to sell them in a rummage sale and divide the proceeds among the hurricane victims.
Julie Hill, with Beebe KARES, said the hotel deadline was never an issue in Beebe.
“Our folks went into housing or they went back home,” Hill said.
As for the organization she co-chaired with husband Paul Hill, Beebe’s clerk-treasurer, Hill said it’s not closing its doors. It will stay around in some form to help those in need.
In Sherwood, about 95 percent of Chief Elwin Warhorse Gillum’s St. Tammany Parrish Native American Tribe have moved from the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church to the Park Crest apartments, with the rest living elsewhere, according to Pastor Larry Potts.
The church keeps its laundro-mat open for the Native Americans, and several of them attend services there and are active in the music ministry, he said.
“Right now, we’re trying to find a house to rent,” said Wade Morgan, 26, who has hunkered down at the Holiday Inn Express in Lonoke with his 2-year-old son and his son’s mother and said he was looking forward to a fresh start.
The 1,023 families evacuated from hurricanes Katrina and Rita still living in Arkansas hotels — 2,083 people in all — will have to pay living costs out-of-pocket either with Federal Emer-gency Management Agency rental housing aid or from their own funds after an extended Jan. 7 deadline, according Bob Alvey, public affairs officer for the Arkansas FEMA office.
“No one is being kicked out, it’s just the rooms aren’t going to be paid for automatically,” Alvey said.
In the immediate wake of Hurri-cane Katrina, and then Hurricane Rita, the Holiday Inn Express was disaster central for evacuees in the Lonoke area. Now Morgan and his family are the last remaining family seeking refuge.
“We’re probably moving back toward Baton Rouge or to Tulsa,” he said, adding he has filled out paperwork, but has yet to be approved for FEMA help with an apartment or rental house.
Three or four families have settled in Lonoke, according to Mayor Thomas Privett.
Morgan expects to be moved out by the end of December. While the motel room has been a great help, it’s been claustrophobic, he said.
Morgan, an oil refinery construction worker, says the rent home he had in the New Orleans area was ruined.
He has some possessions secure in a mini storage, he said.
“They can pay for the rooms with housing-aid money from FEMA but it is more cost effective to put that money towards rent,” Alvey said.
By Jan. 7, the thousands of evacuees who receive FEMA housing aid in vouchers issued though state or local authorities will have to sign a rental lease to remain eligible for the funding.
According to an Associated Press report, the hotel rooms have cost FEMA $274 million since the storms struck.
Critics say FEMA has not given evacuees enough time to find homes and sign leases — a process that can take months in rental markets already nearing capacity. So far, FEMA says it has provided $1.2 billion in transitional housing assistance to more than 500,000 households displaced by the hurricanes.
Locally, there are 319 families of hurricane evacuees living in hotels in Pulaski County, four families are living in hotels in White County and one evacuee is living in a Lonoke motel. Families will need to apply and qualify by Dec. 1 for the assistance, Alvey said.
“These evacuee numbers are very fluid because these are the people who have returned data sheets to FEMA, it can go up or down as more people apply or people return home,” Alvey said.
In Jacksonville, there are three families still living in hotels.
“Those families are filling out paperwork with the Jacksonville Housing Authority to get into homes,” said Angie Mitchell, a volunteer with the Hurricane Katrina Assistance Center in Jacksonville.
Although the center closed in mid-November, the center still helps evacuees with assistance through the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. Mitchell spent most of this week passing out vouchers for free turkeys from Kroger to the 100 evacuee families who have housing in Jacksonville.
Approximately 15,856 families had applied for FEMA assistance in Arkansas since Katrina hit on Aug. 29, followed by Rita on Sept. 24.
FEMA granted extensions to 9,830 families in hotels in Louisi-ana and 2,508 in hotels in Mississippi, where there is a housing shortage, according to Alvey. Evacuees in those states have until Jan. 7 to find homes. Additionally, the six-month leases for evacuees living on cruise ships will end March 1. FEMA previously had set the December deadline as a goal to have evacuees out of hotels and into travel trailers, mobile homes or apartments until they find permanent homes.
The FEMA deadline for getting out of hotels and into more permanent housing was never an issue in Cabot and Beebe.
Peggy Moss, chairman of Cabot KARE, said that organization worked closely with Alan Turnbo with the Cabot Housing Authority to get families into permanent housing as soon as they arrived.
Currently, 40-45 families call the Cabot area home, she said.
As for Cabot KARE, headquartered in the old Knight’s grocery store, it has closed its doors. Moss said the tentative plan for donations stored there is to sell them in a rummage sale and divide the proceeds among the hurricane victims.
Julie Hill, with Beebe KARES, said the hotel deadline was never an issue in Beebe.
“Our folks went into housing or they went back home,” Hill said.
As for the organization she co-chaired with husband Paul Hill, Beebe’s clerk-treasurer, Hill said it’s not closing its doors. It will stay around in some form to help those in need.
In Sherwood, about 95 percent of Chief Elwin Warhorse Gillum’s St. Tammany Parrish Native American Tribe have moved from the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church to the Park Crest apartments, with the rest living elsewhere, according to Pastor Larry Potts.
The church keeps its laundro-mat open for the Native Americans, and several of them attend services there and are active in the music ministry, he said.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
EDITORIAL >> Credit to the city fathers
Remember when the Clinton haters were frothing over the plans to build the presidential library on riverbank land that the city of Little Rock had acquired with the proceeds of a city bond issue? The statewide newspaper was in the forefront.
The city directors had utterly destroyed the public’s trust in municipal government, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette roared. The paper editorialized that the city should hold a citywide vote on a new tax to buy the land. You could surmise that the editor and owner of the paper were confident that people would defeat the tax and thwart the construction of a library and museum for the newspaper’s old nemesis, the 42nd president of the United States.
The newspaper’s tone has softened considerably of late, since it has divined the intense pride that people invest in the Clinton Presidential Center and the riverside park of which it is the central feature. A summary of the financial impact of the presidential center and park suggests other reasons that the city’s wisdom in finding a quick arrangement to acquire the parkland should be celebrated. In just short of one year since it opened, the library has brought tens of millions of dollars in new tourism business to Little Rock, and the fallout has been countywide. The goal was to have 300,000 visitors the first year; the actual number will approach 500,000.
“The city has changed,” said Dan O’Byrne, chief executive officer of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau. “There’s a new energy and a new dynamic here.” The bustling riverfront, on both sides of the river, is a testament to the city fathers’ wisdom. Try navigating the traffic to reach one of the riverfront diners or shops, or the public library, day or night. The city overdid it.
The city directors had utterly destroyed the public’s trust in municipal government, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette roared. The paper editorialized that the city should hold a citywide vote on a new tax to buy the land. You could surmise that the editor and owner of the paper were confident that people would defeat the tax and thwart the construction of a library and museum for the newspaper’s old nemesis, the 42nd president of the United States.
The newspaper’s tone has softened considerably of late, since it has divined the intense pride that people invest in the Clinton Presidential Center and the riverside park of which it is the central feature. A summary of the financial impact of the presidential center and park suggests other reasons that the city’s wisdom in finding a quick arrangement to acquire the parkland should be celebrated. In just short of one year since it opened, the library has brought tens of millions of dollars in new tourism business to Little Rock, and the fallout has been countywide. The goal was to have 300,000 visitors the first year; the actual number will approach 500,000.
“The city has changed,” said Dan O’Byrne, chief executive officer of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau. “There’s a new energy and a new dynamic here.” The bustling riverfront, on both sides of the river, is a testament to the city fathers’ wisdom. Try navigating the traffic to reach one of the riverfront diners or shops, or the public library, day or night. The city overdid it.
EDITORIAL >> Much ado about nothing
This state would be a far better place if we could capture and redirect the energy expended by politicians in the tireless pursuit of the frivolous and the futile. A few Republican lawmakers were at it again Thursday, trying to frighten people into believing that the government was going to take their humble dwellings or farms and give them to private developers if lawmakers did not come to their rescue.
Not one but two legislative committees spent a couple of hours haggling over whether private property in Arkansas might ever be in peril of confiscation by private interests as a result of the U. S. Supreme Court’s decision this summer in Kelo v. New London, Conn., which said that if state and local governments permitted taking property for private purposes it did not violate the U.S. Constitution. That actually has been happening in some states where state constitutions or statutes permit it.
It looked like a great political issue. A few members of Congress rushed to the rescue and proposed federal legislation to take power away from states to regulate their eminent domain authority. In Arkansas, Asa Hutch-inson, the putative Republican nominee for governor, leaped on it and promised legislation to outlaw takings for private purposes if he is elected governor. Attorney General Mike Beebe, the Democrat, said he could see no reason for state legislation. Now, Republican state legislators, including Hutchinson’s nephew Jeremy, are pressing the issue so that their gubernatorial candidate is not left looking stupid or opportunistic.
One more time, class: The Arkansas Constitution bars government from taking property for private purposes. You just flat can’t do it. If the legislature passes and the governor signs 500 laws banning condemnations for private purposes people will not be one whit safer than they are under the Constitution’s umbrella. The reason is that every statute passed by the legislature is vulnerable to the next one.
Developers could come to the next legislature and the next governor and persuade them of the great benefit of private takings, and the previous statutes against them would be useless.
Someone said that some future Arkansas Supreme Court might interpret the Constitution’s language to say the opposite of what it says. Which is more likely, the Supreme Court flouting the clear language and its own precedents or the Arkansas Legislature sneakily changing the law? (For clues, we refer you to the current brouhaha over legislative authors sneakily inserting language into a highway bond statute that would end the authority of people to vote on future highway debt for interstate work. We didn’t know it was in there when we passed it last spring, some legislators were saying this week.)
As a matter of fact, the legislature did exactly what we are suggesting earlier this year. It passed a bill allowing cities to (unconstitutionally) condemn private property for the benefit of developers and Gov. Huckabee cheerfully signed it. The takings language was included in the tax-increment-financing law, which permits cities and counties to condemn property for commercial developments and to confiscate school taxes to pay for improvements to the commercial development. All the lawmakers who are wailing about the threat of private takings, including nephew Jeremy Hutchinson of Little Rock, voted for it.
Asa Hutchinson? He’s not sure how he feels about that.
They are all against private takings in theory, but not necessarily in practice. That is why the Constitution and not the whims of legislative lawmaking is the protection. Better let sleeping dogs lie.
Not one but two legislative committees spent a couple of hours haggling over whether private property in Arkansas might ever be in peril of confiscation by private interests as a result of the U. S. Supreme Court’s decision this summer in Kelo v. New London, Conn., which said that if state and local governments permitted taking property for private purposes it did not violate the U.S. Constitution. That actually has been happening in some states where state constitutions or statutes permit it.
It looked like a great political issue. A few members of Congress rushed to the rescue and proposed federal legislation to take power away from states to regulate their eminent domain authority. In Arkansas, Asa Hutch-inson, the putative Republican nominee for governor, leaped on it and promised legislation to outlaw takings for private purposes if he is elected governor. Attorney General Mike Beebe, the Democrat, said he could see no reason for state legislation. Now, Republican state legislators, including Hutchinson’s nephew Jeremy, are pressing the issue so that their gubernatorial candidate is not left looking stupid or opportunistic.
One more time, class: The Arkansas Constitution bars government from taking property for private purposes. You just flat can’t do it. If the legislature passes and the governor signs 500 laws banning condemnations for private purposes people will not be one whit safer than they are under the Constitution’s umbrella. The reason is that every statute passed by the legislature is vulnerable to the next one.
Developers could come to the next legislature and the next governor and persuade them of the great benefit of private takings, and the previous statutes against them would be useless.
Someone said that some future Arkansas Supreme Court might interpret the Constitution’s language to say the opposite of what it says. Which is more likely, the Supreme Court flouting the clear language and its own precedents or the Arkansas Legislature sneakily changing the law? (For clues, we refer you to the current brouhaha over legislative authors sneakily inserting language into a highway bond statute that would end the authority of people to vote on future highway debt for interstate work. We didn’t know it was in there when we passed it last spring, some legislators were saying this week.)
As a matter of fact, the legislature did exactly what we are suggesting earlier this year. It passed a bill allowing cities to (unconstitutionally) condemn private property for the benefit of developers and Gov. Huckabee cheerfully signed it. The takings language was included in the tax-increment-financing law, which permits cities and counties to condemn property for commercial developments and to confiscate school taxes to pay for improvements to the commercial development. All the lawmakers who are wailing about the threat of private takings, including nephew Jeremy Hutchinson of Little Rock, voted for it.
Asa Hutchinson? He’s not sure how he feels about that.
They are all against private takings in theory, but not necessarily in practice. That is why the Constitution and not the whims of legislative lawmaking is the protection. Better let sleeping dogs lie.
OBITUARIES
DILMER TROTTER
Dilmer C. Trotter, 78, of Jacksonville, passed away Nov. 13 in Little Rock.
He was born on Oct. 31, 1927, in North Little Rock to the late Charley E. and Eva E. “Crone” Trotter. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Earl and Carl Trotter as well as a sister, Bernice Pettit Trotter. He served in the United States Navy during WWII in the Philip-pines and the Air Force during the Korean War. He later retired from Delta Airlines.
Trotter was an early member of the Jacksonville Sertoma Club which was founded in 1956. He held all posts within the club including club president. He was an avid supporter of the goals of the Sertoma Club which included help to the speech and hearing impaired, boys and girls programs, little league football, The Miss Jacksonville Pageant and other worthwhile charity events. He was a faithful and devoted member and will be missed by both Sertoma members and the Jacksonville community.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Atkins Trotter of Jacksonville; daughter, Teresa A. Patrick and her husband, Bill, of Trussville, Ala.; grandchildren, Trey “Will” Patrick of Henderson, Nev., and Mittchell Wyatt Patrick of Trussville, Ala.; great-grandchild, Madison Anne Patrick of Hender-son, Nev.; sister, Mary A. Welch of Jacksonville; several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Cliff Hutchins officiating. Entombment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Park in Jack-sonville. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Jacksonville Sertoma Club.
Funeral arrangements are under direction of Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home.
WILBUR HUFF
Wilbur Charles Huff, 81, of Cabot died Nov. 14. He was born on Oct. 11, 1924, to Hubert and Katherine Huff in Carl-isle.
He was a retired Air Force lieutenant colo-nel, a member of Cabot United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Lions Club, Military Officers Association of America, American Legion, AARP, Chamber of Commerce and a lifetime member of Carlisle High School Alumni Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, David Scott Huff.
He is survived by his wife, Anna Sue Huff; three sons, Mark Stephen Huff of Glen Allen, Va., Terry Lee Huff of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Robert Charles Huff of Greenville, S.C.; a stepson, Sammy Thurmon of American Canyon, Calif.; a stepdaughter, Mary Humphries of Ward and two grandchildren.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home in Cabot.
Services are 10 a.m. Thursday at Cabot United Methodist Church, with Rev. Richard Lan-caster officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Cabot United Methodist Church library or food pantry.
Funeral arrangements by Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home.
SHAWN MCGEE
Shawn Ryan McGee, 20, of Cabot, passed away Nov. 9. He was born Feb. 19, 1985, in Little Rock.
Survivors include his parents, Joanna McGee and Douglas Meiggs; owner of Doug’s In and Out Auto Repair; two brothers,: Bradley and Ethan McGee; grandmother, Geneva McGee all of Cabot; great-grandmother, Lucille Wheetley of Old Austin; one aunt, Tonya Price and cousin, Chad Sheets both of Cabot.
Memorial Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Campground Union Church. 2211 Campground Road Cabot. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service in Cabot.
RICHARD SIMMONS
Richard Lynn Simmons, 54, of Beebe, left us on Nov. 13. He served two tours in Vietnam with the Marines, was retired from Union Pacific Railroad and was Post Commander of VFW Post 7769 in Beebe.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Betty Starb Simmons, and is survived by his wife, Helen Simmons; three sons, David Simmons and wife Wanda of Crossett, Micheal Simmons of Jacksonville and Johnny Peeks of Beebe; one daughter, Tracy VanWinkle of Lonoke; and three sisters, Donna Scott, Linda Smith and Brenda Rackley, all of Jacksonville.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Mtn. Springs Cemetery.
Arrangements by Westbrook Funeral Home of Beebe.
CECIL BATES
Cecil H. Bates of, Cabot left for his eternal home Nov. 13 at the age of 94. He is survived by his daughter, Joy Dean Wilson of Austin; a brother, Joe Bates of Ward; 13 grandchildren, many great and great-great-grandchildren and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Evalee Bates; and two sons Elwood and Clarence Bates.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe with burial in Center Point Cemetery, Quitman.
Dilmer C. Trotter, 78, of Jacksonville, passed away Nov. 13 in Little Rock.
He was born on Oct. 31, 1927, in North Little Rock to the late Charley E. and Eva E. “Crone” Trotter. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Earl and Carl Trotter as well as a sister, Bernice Pettit Trotter. He served in the United States Navy during WWII in the Philip-pines and the Air Force during the Korean War. He later retired from Delta Airlines.
Trotter was an early member of the Jacksonville Sertoma Club which was founded in 1956. He held all posts within the club including club president. He was an avid supporter of the goals of the Sertoma Club which included help to the speech and hearing impaired, boys and girls programs, little league football, The Miss Jacksonville Pageant and other worthwhile charity events. He was a faithful and devoted member and will be missed by both Sertoma members and the Jacksonville community.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Atkins Trotter of Jacksonville; daughter, Teresa A. Patrick and her husband, Bill, of Trussville, Ala.; grandchildren, Trey “Will” Patrick of Henderson, Nev., and Mittchell Wyatt Patrick of Trussville, Ala.; great-grandchild, Madison Anne Patrick of Hender-son, Nev.; sister, Mary A. Welch of Jacksonville; several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Cliff Hutchins officiating. Entombment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Park in Jack-sonville. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Jacksonville Sertoma Club.
Funeral arrangements are under direction of Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home.
WILBUR HUFF
Wilbur Charles Huff, 81, of Cabot died Nov. 14. He was born on Oct. 11, 1924, to Hubert and Katherine Huff in Carl-isle.
He was a retired Air Force lieutenant colo-nel, a member of Cabot United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Lions Club, Military Officers Association of America, American Legion, AARP, Chamber of Commerce and a lifetime member of Carlisle High School Alumni Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, David Scott Huff.
He is survived by his wife, Anna Sue Huff; three sons, Mark Stephen Huff of Glen Allen, Va., Terry Lee Huff of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Robert Charles Huff of Greenville, S.C.; a stepson, Sammy Thurmon of American Canyon, Calif.; a stepdaughter, Mary Humphries of Ward and two grandchildren.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home in Cabot.
Services are 10 a.m. Thursday at Cabot United Methodist Church, with Rev. Richard Lan-caster officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Cabot United Methodist Church library or food pantry.
Funeral arrangements by Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home.
SHAWN MCGEE
Shawn Ryan McGee, 20, of Cabot, passed away Nov. 9. He was born Feb. 19, 1985, in Little Rock.
Survivors include his parents, Joanna McGee and Douglas Meiggs; owner of Doug’s In and Out Auto Repair; two brothers,: Bradley and Ethan McGee; grandmother, Geneva McGee all of Cabot; great-grandmother, Lucille Wheetley of Old Austin; one aunt, Tonya Price and cousin, Chad Sheets both of Cabot.
Memorial Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Campground Union Church. 2211 Campground Road Cabot. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service in Cabot.
RICHARD SIMMONS
Richard Lynn Simmons, 54, of Beebe, left us on Nov. 13. He served two tours in Vietnam with the Marines, was retired from Union Pacific Railroad and was Post Commander of VFW Post 7769 in Beebe.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Betty Starb Simmons, and is survived by his wife, Helen Simmons; three sons, David Simmons and wife Wanda of Crossett, Micheal Simmons of Jacksonville and Johnny Peeks of Beebe; one daughter, Tracy VanWinkle of Lonoke; and three sisters, Donna Scott, Linda Smith and Brenda Rackley, all of Jacksonville.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Mtn. Springs Cemetery.
Arrangements by Westbrook Funeral Home of Beebe.
CECIL BATES
Cecil H. Bates of, Cabot left for his eternal home Nov. 13 at the age of 94. He is survived by his daughter, Joy Dean Wilson of Austin; a brother, Joe Bates of Ward; 13 grandchildren, many great and great-great-grandchildren and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Evalee Bates; and two sons Elwood and Clarence Bates.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe with burial in Center Point Cemetery, Quitman.
EVENTS
Holiday market sale is planned at church
The ECW of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is hosting its annual “Thanks for Giving” holiday market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
For more information, contact Pat Phillips at 501-982-0134. The church is located at 2413 Northeastern Avenue in Jacksonville.
VFW plans full Thanksgiving dinner for seniors
The VFW Post 4548 in Jacksonville will serve a full Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday, Nov. 19 for local senior citizens.
VFW members and Ladies Auxiliary members plan on serving up to 300 seniors. Members of the Jacksonville High School JROTC will provide the color guard before helping to serve the meal at 1 p.m. Call the Post at 982-5579 for more information.
The ECW of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is hosting its annual “Thanks for Giving” holiday market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
For more information, contact Pat Phillips at 501-982-0134. The church is located at 2413 Northeastern Avenue in Jacksonville.
VFW plans full Thanksgiving dinner for seniors
The VFW Post 4548 in Jacksonville will serve a full Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday, Nov. 19 for local senior citizens.
VFW members and Ladies Auxiliary members plan on serving up to 300 seniors. Members of the Jacksonville High School JROTC will provide the color guard before helping to serve the meal at 1 p.m. Call the Post at 982-5579 for more information.
EDITORIAL >> Bond idea still dubious
Here is the key question that everyone should be asking about the big interstate highway bond issue that will be on the ballot at a special election on Dec. 13: Why are we paying for a special election in the Christmas season rather than, say, the regular general election of 2006, or 2008 or even 2010?
No one apparently thought to ask that question this spring when the legislature, virtually without debate, approved the legislation authorizing Gov. Huckabee to call the election, and no one wants to talk about it now, four weeks before the election.
What is the emergency that moves the governor to ask us to act now to empower the Highway Commission to obligate the state for another $575 million of debt to repair stretches of the interstate system? Huckabee himself says the interstate system now is in excellent shape.
Are we having to act quickly so that taxpayers can take advantage of relatively low long-term interest rates, still in the neighborhood of 4-5 percent on municipal bonds of medium maturity?
Well, no. The Highway Commission said this week that if the voters grant them permanent authority to issue bonds whenever the commission wishes, it will not do it before 2010, perhaps much later than that. 2010! And we are voting five years in advance.
That really is no surprise. The commission can’t issue bonds until it has nearly paid off the current $575 million bond issue, authorized six years ago. Some $500 million of that is still outstanding and that the $75 million a year of diesel taxes and federal interstate matching funds that would support the new bonds are obligated to pay for the old ones.
We repeat: Why are we voting at a costly special election in an off-year when nothing will happen for five to eight years?
Until Gov. Huckabee and the Highway Commission answer, let us assay a few guesses.
The voter turnout at special elections in the chilly season will be a small fraction of the turnout at a general election. The voters will be those with a special interest in the outcome — builders and suppliers, naturally, but in the broadest sense the urban interests that are clients of the interstates. People out in the state will not even note the election’s passing unless they are aroused that their interests might be harmed. The 1999 bonds were approved overwhelmingly at just such an election, which favors those proposing the issue.
If you wait until 2010 to put the question before the voters, conditions might not be conducive for a favorable vote. As Alan Greenspan implied this week, the nation’s gigantic budget deficits and the mushroom trade deficit may drive up interest rates to stratospheric levels. The Highway Commission could not calculate a fairly low payout of interest over 12 years, as it did this week by basing it on current interest rates. In 2010 or 2012 the state may have have other large debt obligations — for school buildings, for instance — and voters would have a horror of even greater debts obligating the state’s general funds. Yes, Gov. Huckabee’s highway bond proposition would obligate tax receipts that ordinarily would go to the schools if the diesel tax or slumping federal matching funds are ever short of paying the highway bond investors.
This way, the Highway Commission and the bond underwriters and lawyers could plunge ahead with the bond sale regardless of public skepticism.
Cynics — not us — would suggest that if the vote were in 2010 or 2012 Mike Huckabee could not claim credit for the great leap forward.
Some lawmakers, like the Arkansas Trucking Asso-ciation, were saying this week that they had not been aware when the legislation passed that it would permanently bypass people’s constitutional right to vote every time the state incurred a big debt that obligated their taxes. Some did not know that it could tie up general revenues as well.
Too many questions. Few of them asked. None of them answered.
No one apparently thought to ask that question this spring when the legislature, virtually without debate, approved the legislation authorizing Gov. Huckabee to call the election, and no one wants to talk about it now, four weeks before the election.
What is the emergency that moves the governor to ask us to act now to empower the Highway Commission to obligate the state for another $575 million of debt to repair stretches of the interstate system? Huckabee himself says the interstate system now is in excellent shape.
Are we having to act quickly so that taxpayers can take advantage of relatively low long-term interest rates, still in the neighborhood of 4-5 percent on municipal bonds of medium maturity?
Well, no. The Highway Commission said this week that if the voters grant them permanent authority to issue bonds whenever the commission wishes, it will not do it before 2010, perhaps much later than that. 2010! And we are voting five years in advance.
That really is no surprise. The commission can’t issue bonds until it has nearly paid off the current $575 million bond issue, authorized six years ago. Some $500 million of that is still outstanding and that the $75 million a year of diesel taxes and federal interstate matching funds that would support the new bonds are obligated to pay for the old ones.
We repeat: Why are we voting at a costly special election in an off-year when nothing will happen for five to eight years?
Until Gov. Huckabee and the Highway Commission answer, let us assay a few guesses.
The voter turnout at special elections in the chilly season will be a small fraction of the turnout at a general election. The voters will be those with a special interest in the outcome — builders and suppliers, naturally, but in the broadest sense the urban interests that are clients of the interstates. People out in the state will not even note the election’s passing unless they are aroused that their interests might be harmed. The 1999 bonds were approved overwhelmingly at just such an election, which favors those proposing the issue.
If you wait until 2010 to put the question before the voters, conditions might not be conducive for a favorable vote. As Alan Greenspan implied this week, the nation’s gigantic budget deficits and the mushroom trade deficit may drive up interest rates to stratospheric levels. The Highway Commission could not calculate a fairly low payout of interest over 12 years, as it did this week by basing it on current interest rates. In 2010 or 2012 the state may have have other large debt obligations — for school buildings, for instance — and voters would have a horror of even greater debts obligating the state’s general funds. Yes, Gov. Huckabee’s highway bond proposition would obligate tax receipts that ordinarily would go to the schools if the diesel tax or slumping federal matching funds are ever short of paying the highway bond investors.
This way, the Highway Commission and the bond underwriters and lawyers could plunge ahead with the bond sale regardless of public skepticism.
Cynics — not us — would suggest that if the vote were in 2010 or 2012 Mike Huckabee could not claim credit for the great leap forward.
Some lawmakers, like the Arkansas Trucking Asso-ciation, were saying this week that they had not been aware when the legislation passed that it would permanently bypass people’s constitutional right to vote every time the state incurred a big debt that obligated their taxes. Some did not know that it could tie up general revenues as well.
Too many questions. Few of them asked. None of them answered.
SPORTS >> Perryville presents strong test for Harding
By JASON KING
Leader sports writer
The Harding Academy Wildcats are on to the second round of the AA state playoffs this week after a high-scoring opening-round win over the Earle Bulldogs 56-44. The Wildcats (11-0) will host the Perryville Mustangs (9-1) at Alumni Field in Searcy.
The Mustangs’ only loss this season came in week four to Little Rock Episcopal 27-16.
The Wildcats hope to give up fewer points than last week’s shootout against speedy Earle. Defense has been the strong suit of the undefeated Wildcats, shutting opponents’ offenses down, particularly in the second half. Harding Academy has, however, developed a reputation for giving up a lot of rushing yards to faster opponents once the playoff season begins.
Harding Academy head coach Tommy Shoemaker is not concerned going into Friday’s game, he says last week’s generosity was more of a special-teams issue than a defensive problem for the Wildcats.
“We swapped a little bit of our personnel around, but we didn’t make any drastic changes,” Shoemaker said.
“It wasn’t defense as much as it was poor special teams. Special teams killed us last week. We had that kickoff that they ran back for a touchdown, and a punt that they returned inside our 10-yard line. We did give up some big plays defensively, particularly in the red zone. It was probably one of those things where it wasn’t as bad as it may have looked.”
As for the reasons the game last week did not go as smoothly as desired for Harding Academy, Shoemaker says the drama of the 6AA title game against Des Arc two weeks ago could have been partially to blame.
“It was definitely not like how we played all year; our defense has been tremendous up until this point. I don’t really know why we gave up as much as we did, I think we might have had a little bit of a let down after the Des Arc game. All in all, I thought we did pretty well, especially offensively. Zach (Tribble) did a great job. We had a lot of guys make some great plays, some pretty spectacular catches that we were able to use to put points on the board.”
Shoemaker is not as worried about last week’s difficulty as much as he is concerned with this week’s game against Perryville.
“They are a very good football team. They have two kids that are very explosive in McNally and McSpadden.
“McNally is a big, strong runner that can do a lot of things on offense. We have to play well on defense, and we definitely have to do better on special teams. We just need to get in a little bit better rhythm this week.”
Leader sports writer
The Harding Academy Wildcats are on to the second round of the AA state playoffs this week after a high-scoring opening-round win over the Earle Bulldogs 56-44. The Wildcats (11-0) will host the Perryville Mustangs (9-1) at Alumni Field in Searcy.
The Mustangs’ only loss this season came in week four to Little Rock Episcopal 27-16.
The Wildcats hope to give up fewer points than last week’s shootout against speedy Earle. Defense has been the strong suit of the undefeated Wildcats, shutting opponents’ offenses down, particularly in the second half. Harding Academy has, however, developed a reputation for giving up a lot of rushing yards to faster opponents once the playoff season begins.
Harding Academy head coach Tommy Shoemaker is not concerned going into Friday’s game, he says last week’s generosity was more of a special-teams issue than a defensive problem for the Wildcats.
“We swapped a little bit of our personnel around, but we didn’t make any drastic changes,” Shoemaker said.
“It wasn’t defense as much as it was poor special teams. Special teams killed us last week. We had that kickoff that they ran back for a touchdown, and a punt that they returned inside our 10-yard line. We did give up some big plays defensively, particularly in the red zone. It was probably one of those things where it wasn’t as bad as it may have looked.”
As for the reasons the game last week did not go as smoothly as desired for Harding Academy, Shoemaker says the drama of the 6AA title game against Des Arc two weeks ago could have been partially to blame.
“It was definitely not like how we played all year; our defense has been tremendous up until this point. I don’t really know why we gave up as much as we did, I think we might have had a little bit of a let down after the Des Arc game. All in all, I thought we did pretty well, especially offensively. Zach (Tribble) did a great job. We had a lot of guys make some great plays, some pretty spectacular catches that we were able to use to put points on the board.”
Shoemaker is not as worried about last week’s difficulty as much as he is concerned with this week’s game against Perryville.
“They are a very good football team. They have two kids that are very explosive in McNally and McSpadden.
“McNally is a big, strong runner that can do a lot of things on offense. We have to play well on defense, and we definitely have to do better on special teams. We just need to get in a little bit better rhythm this week.”
SPORTS >> Local teams unblessed at MSM
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
Three area teams played in the first round of the Heavenly Hoops Basketball Classic at the UALR fieldhouse Monday, and all three lost their opening games.
North Pulaski was the first to fall, losing 55-41 to Russellville. Sylvan Hills made their game exciting towards the end, but ultimately fell 65-55 to El Dorado.
Jacksonville played the late game against the host team, and lost big 56-30.
North Pulaski coach Katrina Mimms took an already injury-riddled team to the tournament, and it only got worse as the game went on.
Two key players missed the game with injuries, another played at less than 100 percent, starting post player Maria Livings went down with an ankle injury in the second half.
Russellville moved out to a double-digit lead in the second quarter, but never put the game entirely away.
After the lead grew to its largest at 16 points at the start of the fourth quarter, the Lady Falcons put together a small run that cut the lead to nine.
It was then that Livings went down, and that’s when the rally ended.
Mimms wasn’t using that as an excuse for the loss.
“The main thing is that they outplayed us,” Mimms said. “They were passing us up and down the floor. That’s what was most frustrating because we have more speed than they do. They shouldn’t have been beating us down the court, but they were.”
Sylvan Hills was down by as much as 12 when it began a furious comeback. The Lady Bears cut El Dorado’s lead to two in the final period, and had a chance to tie it with two free throws.
Neither foul shot would fall, nor did the stickback attempt after Sylvan Hills got the rebound. The Lady Wildcats got the second rebound and was fouled. The lead shot back up to eight points in just a few seconds and stayed near than margin for the remainder of the game.
Sylvan Hills coach Bee Rodden wasn’t upset with her team’s effort, just its execution.
“We played hard,” Rodden said.
“I’m not going to complain about that. We just didn’t do some things very well. We have some good guards that can get up and down the floor, but there’s also a time when they have to slow it down and execute in half court. We didn’t do that real well all the time. My main concern though is rebounding. Now El Dorado had bigger bodies than we did, but we didn’t block out well and gave them too many second-chance points. If I can keep getting good effort though, we’ll get some of that other stuff taken care of.”
The other first-round game featured to AAAAA heavyweights, and it was Watson Chapel that came out on top of Forrest City 35-34.
Sylvan Hills will play North Pulaski to open the second round of play at 4 p.m. today. Jack-sonville will face Forrest City at 5:30 p.m.. In the winners’ bracket, MSM will face Chapel at 7 p.m. and Russellville will take on El Dorado in the late game at 8:30 p.m.
Leader sports editor
Three area teams played in the first round of the Heavenly Hoops Basketball Classic at the UALR fieldhouse Monday, and all three lost their opening games.
North Pulaski was the first to fall, losing 55-41 to Russellville. Sylvan Hills made their game exciting towards the end, but ultimately fell 65-55 to El Dorado.
Jacksonville played the late game against the host team, and lost big 56-30.
North Pulaski coach Katrina Mimms took an already injury-riddled team to the tournament, and it only got worse as the game went on.
Two key players missed the game with injuries, another played at less than 100 percent, starting post player Maria Livings went down with an ankle injury in the second half.
Russellville moved out to a double-digit lead in the second quarter, but never put the game entirely away.
After the lead grew to its largest at 16 points at the start of the fourth quarter, the Lady Falcons put together a small run that cut the lead to nine.
It was then that Livings went down, and that’s when the rally ended.
Mimms wasn’t using that as an excuse for the loss.
“The main thing is that they outplayed us,” Mimms said. “They were passing us up and down the floor. That’s what was most frustrating because we have more speed than they do. They shouldn’t have been beating us down the court, but they were.”
Sylvan Hills was down by as much as 12 when it began a furious comeback. The Lady Bears cut El Dorado’s lead to two in the final period, and had a chance to tie it with two free throws.
Neither foul shot would fall, nor did the stickback attempt after Sylvan Hills got the rebound. The Lady Wildcats got the second rebound and was fouled. The lead shot back up to eight points in just a few seconds and stayed near than margin for the remainder of the game.
Sylvan Hills coach Bee Rodden wasn’t upset with her team’s effort, just its execution.
“We played hard,” Rodden said.
“I’m not going to complain about that. We just didn’t do some things very well. We have some good guards that can get up and down the floor, but there’s also a time when they have to slow it down and execute in half court. We didn’t do that real well all the time. My main concern though is rebounding. Now El Dorado had bigger bodies than we did, but we didn’t block out well and gave them too many second-chance points. If I can keep getting good effort though, we’ll get some of that other stuff taken care of.”
The other first-round game featured to AAAAA heavyweights, and it was Watson Chapel that came out on top of Forrest City 35-34.
Sylvan Hills will play North Pulaski to open the second round of play at 4 p.m. today. Jack-sonville will face Forrest City at 5:30 p.m.. In the winners’ bracket, MSM will face Chapel at 7 p.m. and Russellville will take on El Dorado in the late game at 8:30 p.m.
NEIGHBORS >> The gift of shade
By SARA GREENE
Leader staff writer
Five trees, two red oaks and three red maples, have been planted at Central Elementary School in Cabot as part of the Arkansas Forestry Commission’s Shade Trees On Playgrounds (STOP) program.
Each year around the state nine schools with little or no trees on their playgrounds are selected by regional foresters to receive five trees to provide shade and inspiration.
“This whole project has been a lot of fun and given us new energy this fall,” said Jerry Vaughn, principal at Central Elementary.
“They play hard out here, and that’s good, but it can get pretty hot and we all welcome the shade. If it also means we are doing something to lower the risk for cancer later in life for the children, then it is a double benefit for all of us.”
About 470 students at Central Elementary attended an outdoor planting ceremony for the trees last week. In the weeks leading up to the planting, students at the school studied trees in science class, as well as used trees in writing and creative projects. Several students were selected to share their assignments with the rest of the school during the planting ceremony.
Second grader Madeline Chosich-Hill read her essay titled “Trees On Playground.”
“Did you know trees are our breathing buddies because they are? Trees help our environment,” Chosich-Hill wrote.
“Trees protect us from skin cancer. When kids yell on the playground, trees can make it quiet. The sun shines so bright but the trees protect us.”
Other students read poems and haikus aloud. Haikus are Japanese-style poems of 17 syllables. Haikus are arranged in three lines of five, seven and five syllables such as these, all entitled “Trees.”
“Blossoms, colors, fruit
Trees are very beautiful
The world needs more trees.”
Alexis Baker, third grade“Trees help us make things
Pencils, paper, chairs, rubber
Those are things made from trees.”
Aaliyah Darbro, fourth grade
“Trees are beautiful
They grow apples, oranges, pears
Trees improve our air.”
Haven Maxwell, third grade
“Trees give fruits and nuts,
Trees give paper and syrup
And they grow from seeds.”
Grant Tarvin, third grade
“Fall colorful leaves,
Shade, tire swings, climb, treehouses,
Homes for animals.”
Mark Howard, fourth grade
After the ceremony, each grade took turns claiming a tree and shoveling dirt in on the roots with assistance from forester Steve Burgess.
With guidance from science teacher Sharon Boyd, each grade will keep a tree scrapbook to keep track of how tall and wide the trees grow each year.
“Children, the trees in front of Central Elementary are 6-years-old,” Vaughn told the crowd.
“They were three-feet tall when they were planted and now all of the trees are taller than Mr. Vaughn.”
It will take about three years of careful tending to insure the trees get a good start on the playground. To help the school care for the trees the Arkansas Forestry Commission provided a detailed maintenance and watering schedule for the trees.
“These trees are already about 3-years-old,” Burgess said, adding, October and November are prime times for tree planting.
“The secret to successfully planting a tree is making sure the hole is wide, but not too deep so the roots can grow out, not down,” Burgess said. “The hole only needs to be deep enough to cover the root bundle.”
Leader staff writer
Five trees, two red oaks and three red maples, have been planted at Central Elementary School in Cabot as part of the Arkansas Forestry Commission’s Shade Trees On Playgrounds (STOP) program.
Each year around the state nine schools with little or no trees on their playgrounds are selected by regional foresters to receive five trees to provide shade and inspiration.
“This whole project has been a lot of fun and given us new energy this fall,” said Jerry Vaughn, principal at Central Elementary.
“They play hard out here, and that’s good, but it can get pretty hot and we all welcome the shade. If it also means we are doing something to lower the risk for cancer later in life for the children, then it is a double benefit for all of us.”
About 470 students at Central Elementary attended an outdoor planting ceremony for the trees last week. In the weeks leading up to the planting, students at the school studied trees in science class, as well as used trees in writing and creative projects. Several students were selected to share their assignments with the rest of the school during the planting ceremony.
Second grader Madeline Chosich-Hill read her essay titled “Trees On Playground.”
“Did you know trees are our breathing buddies because they are? Trees help our environment,” Chosich-Hill wrote.
“Trees protect us from skin cancer. When kids yell on the playground, trees can make it quiet. The sun shines so bright but the trees protect us.”
Other students read poems and haikus aloud. Haikus are Japanese-style poems of 17 syllables. Haikus are arranged in three lines of five, seven and five syllables such as these, all entitled “Trees.”
“Blossoms, colors, fruit
Trees are very beautiful
The world needs more trees.”
Alexis Baker, third grade“Trees help us make things
Pencils, paper, chairs, rubber
Those are things made from trees.”
Aaliyah Darbro, fourth grade
“Trees are beautiful
They grow apples, oranges, pears
Trees improve our air.”
Haven Maxwell, third grade
“Trees give fruits and nuts,
Trees give paper and syrup
And they grow from seeds.”
Grant Tarvin, third grade
“Fall colorful leaves,
Shade, tire swings, climb, treehouses,
Homes for animals.”
Mark Howard, fourth grade
After the ceremony, each grade took turns claiming a tree and shoveling dirt in on the roots with assistance from forester Steve Burgess.
With guidance from science teacher Sharon Boyd, each grade will keep a tree scrapbook to keep track of how tall and wide the trees grow each year.
“Children, the trees in front of Central Elementary are 6-years-old,” Vaughn told the crowd.
“They were three-feet tall when they were planted and now all of the trees are taller than Mr. Vaughn.”
It will take about three years of careful tending to insure the trees get a good start on the playground. To help the school care for the trees the Arkansas Forestry Commission provided a detailed maintenance and watering schedule for the trees.
“These trees are already about 3-years-old,” Burgess said, adding, October and November are prime times for tree planting.
“The secret to successfully planting a tree is making sure the hole is wide, but not too deep so the roots can grow out, not down,” Burgess said. “The hole only needs to be deep enough to cover the root bundle.”
TOP STORY >> Cabot superintendent gets state’s top honor
By SARA GREENE
Leader staff writer
Frank Holman, superintendent of the Cabot School District, was presented the Arkansas Superintendent of the Year Award during the board of education meeting Tuesday night.
Kellar Noggle, executive director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Admini-strators along with a group of about 10 superintendents from around the state, presented Holman with the award.
“We know Frank for his keen interest in student achievement.
“He’s a leader at the state level for us,” Noggle said.
“It was a surprise,” Holman said.
“Today with schools being taken over, you see a bunch of superintendents walk in and you think ‘what’s going on?’”
In February, Holman will attend the national convention of school superintendents.
“We’ve never had an Arkansas superintendent get a national award so I’m pulling for him,” Noggle said.
Jan Loyd, a social studies teach-er at Cabot Junior High South, was recognized as being selected as Teacher of the Year by the Arkansas Council for Social Studies.
“Ms. Loyd does so many things like reading and writing strategies across the curriculum,” said Henry Hawkins, principal at Cabot Junior High South.
In other recognition, the Cabot High School Band has been selected to represent Arkansas in the 2006 Independence Day parade in Washington.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to represent Arkansas,” said Tony Thurman, principal at Cabot High School.
Joe Trusty, director of the Cabot High School marching band, told board members there are several fund-raisers planned to help offset the cost of the trip for band students.
Leader staff writer
Frank Holman, superintendent of the Cabot School District, was presented the Arkansas Superintendent of the Year Award during the board of education meeting Tuesday night.
Kellar Noggle, executive director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Admini-strators along with a group of about 10 superintendents from around the state, presented Holman with the award.
“We know Frank for his keen interest in student achievement.
“He’s a leader at the state level for us,” Noggle said.
“It was a surprise,” Holman said.
“Today with schools being taken over, you see a bunch of superintendents walk in and you think ‘what’s going on?’”
In February, Holman will attend the national convention of school superintendents.
“We’ve never had an Arkansas superintendent get a national award so I’m pulling for him,” Noggle said.
Jan Loyd, a social studies teach-er at Cabot Junior High South, was recognized as being selected as Teacher of the Year by the Arkansas Council for Social Studies.
“Ms. Loyd does so many things like reading and writing strategies across the curriculum,” said Henry Hawkins, principal at Cabot Junior High South.
In other recognition, the Cabot High School Band has been selected to represent Arkansas in the 2006 Independence Day parade in Washington.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to represent Arkansas,” said Tony Thurman, principal at Cabot High School.
Joe Trusty, director of the Cabot High School marching band, told board members there are several fund-raisers planned to help offset the cost of the trip for band students.
TOP STORY >> GOP candidates square off
By RICK KRON
Leader staff writer
The two Republican candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives’ seat in the First District both live in Cabot and both know each other, but no one would go so far as to call it a friendship.
Both Cabot Mayor Stubby Stum-baugh and juvenile probation officer Patrick D’Andrea want to oust Marion Berry, the Democratic incumbent.
Stumbaugh on D’Andrea, “He’s never been a friend, just an acquaintance.”
D’Andrea on Stumbaugh, “I know him through a friend of a friend. I walk on my side of the street and he walks on the other side.”
So far, they have followed the 11th Commandment of GOP politics: Thou shalt not speak ill of another Repub-lican.
Stumbaugh announced in late summer that he planned to run as a Republican in a bid to oust Berry.
Earlier this month, D’Andrea announced that he would take on Stumbaugh in the Republican primary.
Stumbaugh and D’Andrea will face each other in the Republican primary next year. Berry, a wealthy farmer who was elected to Congress in 1996, doesn’t have a Democratic opponent, at least not yet.
All Stumbaugh said after the announcement was that he welcomed D’Andrea into the race.
D’Andrea said at the time that he had nothing to say about Stum-baugh.
“I’m not going to spend my time advertising for another candidate,” D’Andrea said the day he announced his candidacy. The pair, friends or not, seem to be lightning rods for attracting controversy and problems.
According to sources, D’Andrea was in trouble a number of times as a young Marine and was administered punishment for his infractions.
About two years ago, D’Andrea filed bankruptcy and is paying off thousands of dollars in an IRS judgment.
For D’Andrea, this is his second foray into the political arena. He ran for a seat on the Sherwood City Council two years ago and lost to Keith Rankin. He said D’Andrea ran a good campaign.
“I don’t know much about the man, but he seemed sincere about what he wanted to do,” Rankin said.
Stumbaugh’s past has been well-documented.
As a young Little Rock police officer, Stumbaugh was suspended a handful of times. Stumbaugh said none of the offenses were bad enough to get fired for and most were while he was in his 20s.
As mayor, Stumbaugh has been involved in a number of controversial situations with other city officials and commissions.
A recent $2,270 bill for an ad congratulating Stumbaugh as being nominated as one of Arkansas Business’ “40 under 40,” a list of the state’s young leaders has also caused consternation for Stumbaugh as some aldermen objected to the ad being paid with city funds.
Stumbaugh made the decision to run after he met with a number of officials in Washington, D.C. who encouraged him to run.
“I believe the voters of the First District have the right to know any mistakes I’ve made in my past as well as my accomplishments. The bottom line is that while my life has not always been perfect, it has molded me into an effective leader,” Stumbaugh said.
Leader staff writer
The two Republican candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives’ seat in the First District both live in Cabot and both know each other, but no one would go so far as to call it a friendship.
Both Cabot Mayor Stubby Stum-baugh and juvenile probation officer Patrick D’Andrea want to oust Marion Berry, the Democratic incumbent.
Stumbaugh on D’Andrea, “He’s never been a friend, just an acquaintance.”
D’Andrea on Stumbaugh, “I know him through a friend of a friend. I walk on my side of the street and he walks on the other side.”
So far, they have followed the 11th Commandment of GOP politics: Thou shalt not speak ill of another Repub-lican.
Stumbaugh announced in late summer that he planned to run as a Republican in a bid to oust Berry.
Earlier this month, D’Andrea announced that he would take on Stumbaugh in the Republican primary.
Stumbaugh and D’Andrea will face each other in the Republican primary next year. Berry, a wealthy farmer who was elected to Congress in 1996, doesn’t have a Democratic opponent, at least not yet.
All Stumbaugh said after the announcement was that he welcomed D’Andrea into the race.
D’Andrea said at the time that he had nothing to say about Stum-baugh.
“I’m not going to spend my time advertising for another candidate,” D’Andrea said the day he announced his candidacy. The pair, friends or not, seem to be lightning rods for attracting controversy and problems.
According to sources, D’Andrea was in trouble a number of times as a young Marine and was administered punishment for his infractions.
About two years ago, D’Andrea filed bankruptcy and is paying off thousands of dollars in an IRS judgment.
For D’Andrea, this is his second foray into the political arena. He ran for a seat on the Sherwood City Council two years ago and lost to Keith Rankin. He said D’Andrea ran a good campaign.
“I don’t know much about the man, but he seemed sincere about what he wanted to do,” Rankin said.
Stumbaugh’s past has been well-documented.
As a young Little Rock police officer, Stumbaugh was suspended a handful of times. Stumbaugh said none of the offenses were bad enough to get fired for and most were while he was in his 20s.
As mayor, Stumbaugh has been involved in a number of controversial situations with other city officials and commissions.
A recent $2,270 bill for an ad congratulating Stumbaugh as being nominated as one of Arkansas Business’ “40 under 40,” a list of the state’s young leaders has also caused consternation for Stumbaugh as some aldermen objected to the ad being paid with city funds.
Stumbaugh made the decision to run after he met with a number of officials in Washington, D.C. who encouraged him to run.
“I believe the voters of the First District have the right to know any mistakes I’ve made in my past as well as my accomplishments. The bottom line is that while my life has not always been perfect, it has molded me into an effective leader,” Stumbaugh said.
TOP STORY >> Grandson unhappy with fire response
By JOAN MCCOY
Leader staff writer
A fire caused by a lightning strike on Hwy. 319 near Ward destroyed an elderly woman’s home and all her belongings Saturday night, but her grandson says he believes something could have been saved if the fire department had responded sooner and called for backup.
Timmy Wisinger, who serves on both the El Paso Volunteer Fire Department and the Mountain Springs Volunteer Fire Department, says he is disappointed with Mountain Springs’ response to the fire at Rita Harris’ home at 7963 Hwy. 319 about one mile east of Hwy. 5.
Wisinger said he drove from McArthur Drive in North Little Rock to Harris’ home in about 15 minutes after he got the call about the fire. Mountain Springs Fire Depart-ment arrived just one minute before he did, he said.
Wisinger also is critical of Mountain Springs Fire Chief Harold Ward for not calling El Paso Fire Department for backup although he said another firefighter eventually did make that call.
“The chief never called for additional help. I’m very disappointed,” he said.
“This fire department needs a lot of help. I’ve resigned. I just haven’t turned in my equipment yet.” Ward could not be reached for comment. Wisinger said a fire investigator for Farm Bureau In-surance told family members that the lightning that hit the telephone box on his grandmother’s house was one of three lightning strikes within one-tenth of a mile Saturday evening.
His grandmother, 4-year-old son and uncle were in the house when it struck, he said.
The house caught on fire, was in flames immediately and the family barely escaped. The fire burned for more than an hour before the 60 to 70-year-old house was consumed.
Eddie Heater, president of the board of the El Paso Volunteer Fire Department, said it is impossible to predict the effect of a lightning strike on a home. His home has been hit twice without being destroyed, he said.
But he said older houses often burn faster because the wood is dryer. In rural areas especially, fires often go unreported until it is too late to save the homes.
“By the time the flames are coming through the roof, you couldn’t pour Lake Maumelle on it and put it out,” he said. “By that time all you can do is protect the other structures around it.”
Leader staff writer
A fire caused by a lightning strike on Hwy. 319 near Ward destroyed an elderly woman’s home and all her belongings Saturday night, but her grandson says he believes something could have been saved if the fire department had responded sooner and called for backup.
Timmy Wisinger, who serves on both the El Paso Volunteer Fire Department and the Mountain Springs Volunteer Fire Department, says he is disappointed with Mountain Springs’ response to the fire at Rita Harris’ home at 7963 Hwy. 319 about one mile east of Hwy. 5.
Wisinger said he drove from McArthur Drive in North Little Rock to Harris’ home in about 15 minutes after he got the call about the fire. Mountain Springs Fire Depart-ment arrived just one minute before he did, he said.
Wisinger also is critical of Mountain Springs Fire Chief Harold Ward for not calling El Paso Fire Department for backup although he said another firefighter eventually did make that call.
“The chief never called for additional help. I’m very disappointed,” he said.
“This fire department needs a lot of help. I’ve resigned. I just haven’t turned in my equipment yet.” Ward could not be reached for comment. Wisinger said a fire investigator for Farm Bureau In-surance told family members that the lightning that hit the telephone box on his grandmother’s house was one of three lightning strikes within one-tenth of a mile Saturday evening.
His grandmother, 4-year-old son and uncle were in the house when it struck, he said.
The house caught on fire, was in flames immediately and the family barely escaped. The fire burned for more than an hour before the 60 to 70-year-old house was consumed.
Eddie Heater, president of the board of the El Paso Volunteer Fire Department, said it is impossible to predict the effect of a lightning strike on a home. His home has been hit twice without being destroyed, he said.
But he said older houses often burn faster because the wood is dryer. In rural areas especially, fires often go unreported until it is too late to save the homes.
“By the time the flames are coming through the roof, you couldn’t pour Lake Maumelle on it and put it out,” he said. “By that time all you can do is protect the other structures around it.”
TOP STORY >> Beebe mayor won't seek second term
By JOAN MCCOY
Leader staff writer
Beebe Mayor Donald Ward announced before about 40 city leaders Tuesday that he will not run for re-election next year.
Ward saved the announcement until near the end of a 15-minute speech outlining the accomplishments during his seven years in office.
The accomplishments included a recovery from a tornado that destroyed one-third of the town just 21 days after he took office, a new city hall and fire department, four new fire trucks and a ladder truck, a fire rating that has been cut from eight to four, sidewalks into neighborhoods where the elderly live and an economic-development commission with a paid director to name a few.
Sitting with Ward’s supporters was State Sen. John Paul Capps who was there to present Ward with a Capitol Citation from Secretary of State Charlie Daniels for his work for the city. Ward said he was surprised by the announcement.
Ward had made no secret recently that he was considering running again even though he had said previously that two terms were all he wanted.
“This decision was not out of fear,” he told those who assembled for his announcement. “I be-lieve we could have won another term.”
Former Mayor Mike Robertson, whom Ward narrowly defeated seven years ago, has not announced that he will run, but has said he is seriously considering it.
Ward said his children were growing up and that he has spent so much time in public service that he sometimes feels like he doesn’t know them.
He said he will continue to teach since he has five more years left before he can retire. But he doesn’t rule out the possibility of a race sometime in the future either for another city office or for a higher one.
He quoted a line from former Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus, who told him when asked for advice on running for public office, “You’ll know when the time is right.”
Ward said he made his an-nouncement early to make it easier for others who might be considering a race to get ready to run.
But he said that just because he isn’t running doesn’t mean he isn’t on the job now.
“I’m still the mayor until one minute after Jan. 1 (2007),” he said. “Even though some may now call me a lame duck, I pledge to work for you as hard as I have for the past seven years.”
Leader staff writer
Beebe Mayor Donald Ward announced before about 40 city leaders Tuesday that he will not run for re-election next year.
Ward saved the announcement until near the end of a 15-minute speech outlining the accomplishments during his seven years in office.
The accomplishments included a recovery from a tornado that destroyed one-third of the town just 21 days after he took office, a new city hall and fire department, four new fire trucks and a ladder truck, a fire rating that has been cut from eight to four, sidewalks into neighborhoods where the elderly live and an economic-development commission with a paid director to name a few.
Sitting with Ward’s supporters was State Sen. John Paul Capps who was there to present Ward with a Capitol Citation from Secretary of State Charlie Daniels for his work for the city. Ward said he was surprised by the announcement.
Ward had made no secret recently that he was considering running again even though he had said previously that two terms were all he wanted.
“This decision was not out of fear,” he told those who assembled for his announcement. “I be-lieve we could have won another term.”
Former Mayor Mike Robertson, whom Ward narrowly defeated seven years ago, has not announced that he will run, but has said he is seriously considering it.
Ward said his children were growing up and that he has spent so much time in public service that he sometimes feels like he doesn’t know them.
He said he will continue to teach since he has five more years left before he can retire. But he doesn’t rule out the possibility of a race sometime in the future either for another city office or for a higher one.
He quoted a line from former Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus, who told him when asked for advice on running for public office, “You’ll know when the time is right.”
Ward said he made his an-nouncement early to make it easier for others who might be considering a race to get ready to run.
But he said that just because he isn’t running doesn’t mean he isn’t on the job now.
“I’m still the mayor until one minute after Jan. 1 (2007),” he said. “Even though some may now call me a lame duck, I pledge to work for you as hard as I have for the past seven years.”
TOP STORY >> Routes offered for loop project
By JOHN HOFHEIMER
Leader staff writer
Nearly 500 North Pulaski residents attended public meetings on potential routes being considered to complete the missing North Belt Loop link through or around Sherwood on Monday and Tuesday, and as expected the predominant theme was “not in my backyard.”
In late 2003, Sherwood rejected the Highway Department choice of alternatives to link the North Belt from Hwy. 67/167 to a spot near the North Little Rock Municipal Airport en route to Crystal Hill and I-430 precisely because the State High-way and Transportation Depart-ment’s preferred route would have run through several developed or developing subdivisions on or near the east-west portion of Hwy. 107.
That’s when the department went back to the drawing board, launching an in-house, supplemental environmental impact statement to determine the route the North Belt Freeway will take through the Sherwood area.
Completion of the 12.6-to 14.5-mile North Belt Loop from Hwy. 67/167 to I-430 is expected to cost about $200 million.
Currently under consideration are variations of four alternatives considered last time, plus two alignments north of Gravel Ridge.
This time, each alignment is broken up into segments that can be combined to make variations. The department will accept comments on these routes through Nov. 30, according to Ruby Jordan, who works in the department’s environmental section.
Jordan said about 260 people attended the meeting Monday night at Calvary Baptist Church on Brockington Road in Sherwood. Among them were faces familiar from the previous attempt to pick a route.
The public meetings are part of the supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.
“We hope to have an approved route in 2007,” according to Randy Ort, spokesman for the State Highway and Transpor-tation Department. First, there will be a final location public hearing, he said.
“We can go to the location public hearing without a preferred alignment,” he said, but added the department hopes not to.
Jim Anderson, who was the president of the group that helped derail the proposed route that would have cut right through Amber Oaks and other subdivisions near him, said he was confident those neighborhoods were safe this time — but not so confident that he would ignore the selection process.
“They are saying the original (rejected) alignment is just for historical purposes,” Anderson said.
Many of those at the Sherwood meeting preferred the two northern-most alternatives, while many among the 220 people to attend the Tuesday night meeting at Cato Elementary School in Runyan Acres said they preferred one of the more southerly routes.
Sherwood Aldermen Becki Vassar and Marina Brooks said they preferred the “red” route — essentially alternative 4-A last time around.
Segments eight and 10 (red and orange on the map) avoid nearly all construction, said Vassar.
Billie Dreher says that alternative would take her whole Silver Creek subdivision and Bobbie Riffle says it would threaten her home at Kellogg Acres Road.
She said money and power seem likely to trump democracy on this issue.
Sherwood Mayor Bill Harmon said excluding the “green” option parallel to Hwy. 107 — essentially the route rejected by the town last time — any of the three lower alternatives would be acceptable.
Dianne Wilson, on the Gap Creek board of directors, said she wants a far-north route to avoid planned construction.
Judy Beale, a member of the Dupree family in Jacksonville, said she preferred linking segments one, three, 10, 13 and 16.
She lives in the area and is part of the family developing the Legacy Project, which will be bisected by Hwy. 67/167 and Hwy. 440.
The selection process is broken up into more segments this time around, according to Lynn Mal-brough, assistant division head in engineering for the department.
He said the two northern-most routes, while eliminated a decade ago, now have sufficient area traffic for consideration.
Rick Ragan, who lives in Gibson, said his mother, Freda, lives in Kellogg Acres and has been there since 1959. His brother has a home next door. He was at the meeting looking after their interests, he said.
Comments may be sent to the state Highway and Transpor-tation Department, Environ-mental Division, P.O. Box 2261, Little Rock, Ark., 72203. For a response form or further information, call (501) 569-2281.
Leader staff writer
Nearly 500 North Pulaski residents attended public meetings on potential routes being considered to complete the missing North Belt Loop link through or around Sherwood on Monday and Tuesday, and as expected the predominant theme was “not in my backyard.”
In late 2003, Sherwood rejected the Highway Department choice of alternatives to link the North Belt from Hwy. 67/167 to a spot near the North Little Rock Municipal Airport en route to Crystal Hill and I-430 precisely because the State High-way and Transportation Depart-ment’s preferred route would have run through several developed or developing subdivisions on or near the east-west portion of Hwy. 107.
That’s when the department went back to the drawing board, launching an in-house, supplemental environmental impact statement to determine the route the North Belt Freeway will take through the Sherwood area.
Completion of the 12.6-to 14.5-mile North Belt Loop from Hwy. 67/167 to I-430 is expected to cost about $200 million.
Currently under consideration are variations of four alternatives considered last time, plus two alignments north of Gravel Ridge.
This time, each alignment is broken up into segments that can be combined to make variations. The department will accept comments on these routes through Nov. 30, according to Ruby Jordan, who works in the department’s environmental section.
Jordan said about 260 people attended the meeting Monday night at Calvary Baptist Church on Brockington Road in Sherwood. Among them were faces familiar from the previous attempt to pick a route.
The public meetings are part of the supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.
“We hope to have an approved route in 2007,” according to Randy Ort, spokesman for the State Highway and Transpor-tation Department. First, there will be a final location public hearing, he said.
“We can go to the location public hearing without a preferred alignment,” he said, but added the department hopes not to.
Jim Anderson, who was the president of the group that helped derail the proposed route that would have cut right through Amber Oaks and other subdivisions near him, said he was confident those neighborhoods were safe this time — but not so confident that he would ignore the selection process.
“They are saying the original (rejected) alignment is just for historical purposes,” Anderson said.
Many of those at the Sherwood meeting preferred the two northern-most alternatives, while many among the 220 people to attend the Tuesday night meeting at Cato Elementary School in Runyan Acres said they preferred one of the more southerly routes.
Sherwood Aldermen Becki Vassar and Marina Brooks said they preferred the “red” route — essentially alternative 4-A last time around.
Segments eight and 10 (red and orange on the map) avoid nearly all construction, said Vassar.
Billie Dreher says that alternative would take her whole Silver Creek subdivision and Bobbie Riffle says it would threaten her home at Kellogg Acres Road.
She said money and power seem likely to trump democracy on this issue.
Sherwood Mayor Bill Harmon said excluding the “green” option parallel to Hwy. 107 — essentially the route rejected by the town last time — any of the three lower alternatives would be acceptable.
Dianne Wilson, on the Gap Creek board of directors, said she wants a far-north route to avoid planned construction.
Judy Beale, a member of the Dupree family in Jacksonville, said she preferred linking segments one, three, 10, 13 and 16.
She lives in the area and is part of the family developing the Legacy Project, which will be bisected by Hwy. 67/167 and Hwy. 440.
The selection process is broken up into more segments this time around, according to Lynn Mal-brough, assistant division head in engineering for the department.
He said the two northern-most routes, while eliminated a decade ago, now have sufficient area traffic for consideration.
Rick Ragan, who lives in Gibson, said his mother, Freda, lives in Kellogg Acres and has been there since 1959. His brother has a home next door. He was at the meeting looking after their interests, he said.
Comments may be sent to the state Highway and Transpor-tation Department, Environ-mental Division, P.O. Box 2261, Little Rock, Ark., 72203. For a response form or further information, call (501) 569-2281.
TOP STORY >> Former boss planned to let Jeter go
By JOHN HOFHEIMER
Leader staff writer
Marvin H. Jeter III, Pulaski County Special School District’s assistant superintendent for learning services, resigned from his most recent job as a school administrator in Mississippi before his former superintendent could recommend nonrenewal of his contract, and there is some indication that the PCSSD failed to check his references at that school.
That’s according to Skip Lathem, superintendent of the Forest (Miss.) Municipal School District.
Jeter, the leading proponent of Jacksonville’s new single-gender middle schools, is seen as a polarizing figure by some area patrons, and he apparently had the same effect on some patrons of the Forest School District, where he served as principal for the 2001-2002 school year.
Lathem, who is still superintendent, said Jeter was involved in “some divisive-type issues” while at the district and was allowed to resign at the end of his first year.
Would Jeter be eligible for reemployment with the Forest School District?
“Not for an educational leadership position,” Lathem said Monday. “Not as long as I’m superintendent.
“I felt that he was not suited for high school principal. You have to be involved in the various activities including sports and that’s not his cup of tea.
“He was a creative individual, very well spoken, with good knowledge, but not in the practical day-to-day running of a school,” Lathem said. “I would not have made the recommendation to hire him back. He knew what my recommendation would be.”
“Anytime they don’t want you back … that would concern anyone,” said Rev. James Bolden III, a school board member.
Lathem said his office wasn’t contacted for a background check before PCSSD hired Jeter. James Sharpe, who was assistant superintendent for human resources at that time — and until his appointment to interim superintendent Tuesday — said someone in his department would have contacted Jeter’s former employer.
“Human resources is responsible to research backgrounds,” Bolden said.
Asked if the district should reconsider Jeter’s employment, Bolden responded that the Philadelphia Eagles let star wide receiver Terrell Owens go in the middle of the season.
Jeter and Michael Nellums, principal of the Jacksonville Middle School boys campus, appeared locked in a power struggle. Nellums is supported by many area school patrons, especially those who worked in the past toward making Jacksonville a stand-alone school district.
Jeter asked Bonita Rownd, director of the Jacksonville Cham-ber of Commerce, to support him in his efforts to have Nellums reassigned to another school, according to a letter she delivered to then-acting Superintendent Robert Clowers following an Oct. 18 meeting of the chamber’s education committee.
“Jeter asked for my assistance in having Nellums removed,” Rownd wrote.
Rownd said Tuesday that she had kept the letter private, but made a copy available to The Leader after someone apparently leaked it.
According to her letter, Jeter told her that Nellums “Didn’t have the experience to handle the intricacies of a challenging new program” and said he needed to be moved to another school, but that the community seemed to like Nellums.
According to Rownd, Jeter charged that Nellums, Bolden and Karl Brown, assistant superintendent for equity and pupil services, had formed “a power block to try to get things done their own way.”
“I felt that the conversation was very inappropriate and unprofessional,” Rownd wrote. “I have known Dr. Bolden for many years and know his intentions are honorable and above reproach. His mission is helping our school children receive a quality education.
“On another occasion, Jeter told an untruth to Dr. Bolden, Clowers and Mr. Nellums. He told them I said I had businesses that would pay for an awning to be built between the two middle school buildings. I had not said this, but in fact had been in a meeting where he was questioned about having this built, and he said the district would take care of it.”
Nellums won a recent round in his battle when Attorney General Mike Beebe issued an opinion that the boys campus was not subject to the decisions made by the site-based council at the girls campus.
Locally, Bolden, businessman Mark Perry, Mayor Tommy Swaim and others have been supportive of Nellums’ efforts on behalf of the boys campus and state Rep. Will Bond asked Beebe for an opinion.
As a result of the opinion, Nellums hopes to change the boys campus’ schedule to the traditional seven-period schedule, which he says will enable additional classes, electives and help with discipline problems.
If the girls campus continues to use the block schedule, there could be a problem scheduling coeducational electives.
Jeter was in meetings Tuesday and could not be reached for comment.
Leader staff writer
Marvin H. Jeter III, Pulaski County Special School District’s assistant superintendent for learning services, resigned from his most recent job as a school administrator in Mississippi before his former superintendent could recommend nonrenewal of his contract, and there is some indication that the PCSSD failed to check his references at that school.
That’s according to Skip Lathem, superintendent of the Forest (Miss.) Municipal School District.
Jeter, the leading proponent of Jacksonville’s new single-gender middle schools, is seen as a polarizing figure by some area patrons, and he apparently had the same effect on some patrons of the Forest School District, where he served as principal for the 2001-2002 school year.
Lathem, who is still superintendent, said Jeter was involved in “some divisive-type issues” while at the district and was allowed to resign at the end of his first year.
Would Jeter be eligible for reemployment with the Forest School District?
“Not for an educational leadership position,” Lathem said Monday. “Not as long as I’m superintendent.
“I felt that he was not suited for high school principal. You have to be involved in the various activities including sports and that’s not his cup of tea.
“He was a creative individual, very well spoken, with good knowledge, but not in the practical day-to-day running of a school,” Lathem said. “I would not have made the recommendation to hire him back. He knew what my recommendation would be.”
“Anytime they don’t want you back … that would concern anyone,” said Rev. James Bolden III, a school board member.
Lathem said his office wasn’t contacted for a background check before PCSSD hired Jeter. James Sharpe, who was assistant superintendent for human resources at that time — and until his appointment to interim superintendent Tuesday — said someone in his department would have contacted Jeter’s former employer.
“Human resources is responsible to research backgrounds,” Bolden said.
Asked if the district should reconsider Jeter’s employment, Bolden responded that the Philadelphia Eagles let star wide receiver Terrell Owens go in the middle of the season.
Jeter and Michael Nellums, principal of the Jacksonville Middle School boys campus, appeared locked in a power struggle. Nellums is supported by many area school patrons, especially those who worked in the past toward making Jacksonville a stand-alone school district.
Jeter asked Bonita Rownd, director of the Jacksonville Cham-ber of Commerce, to support him in his efforts to have Nellums reassigned to another school, according to a letter she delivered to then-acting Superintendent Robert Clowers following an Oct. 18 meeting of the chamber’s education committee.
“Jeter asked for my assistance in having Nellums removed,” Rownd wrote.
Rownd said Tuesday that she had kept the letter private, but made a copy available to The Leader after someone apparently leaked it.
According to her letter, Jeter told her that Nellums “Didn’t have the experience to handle the intricacies of a challenging new program” and said he needed to be moved to another school, but that the community seemed to like Nellums.
According to Rownd, Jeter charged that Nellums, Bolden and Karl Brown, assistant superintendent for equity and pupil services, had formed “a power block to try to get things done their own way.”
“I felt that the conversation was very inappropriate and unprofessional,” Rownd wrote. “I have known Dr. Bolden for many years and know his intentions are honorable and above reproach. His mission is helping our school children receive a quality education.
“On another occasion, Jeter told an untruth to Dr. Bolden, Clowers and Mr. Nellums. He told them I said I had businesses that would pay for an awning to be built between the two middle school buildings. I had not said this, but in fact had been in a meeting where he was questioned about having this built, and he said the district would take care of it.”
Nellums won a recent round in his battle when Attorney General Mike Beebe issued an opinion that the boys campus was not subject to the decisions made by the site-based council at the girls campus.
Locally, Bolden, businessman Mark Perry, Mayor Tommy Swaim and others have been supportive of Nellums’ efforts on behalf of the boys campus and state Rep. Will Bond asked Beebe for an opinion.
As a result of the opinion, Nellums hopes to change the boys campus’ schedule to the traditional seven-period schedule, which he says will enable additional classes, electives and help with discipline problems.
If the girls campus continues to use the block schedule, there could be a problem scheduling coeducational electives.
Jeter was in meetings Tuesday and could not be reached for comment.
TOP STORY >> Cannon to get makeover
By SARA GREENE
Leader staff writer
The cannon from the Civil War era in front of the Lonoke County Courthouse is on its way to Historical Ordnance Works in Woodstock, Ga., to be restored.
The 800-pound cannon, which is actually a three-inch ordnance rifle Model 1861, No. 705, was crafted in 1864 at the Phoenixville Iron Company in Pennsylvania and will be returned to Lonoke in about six months.
“This is a great day,” said Ann McSwain of the Lonoke Historical Society.
“I overheard some people talking about the cannon at a Christmas party last year and apparently it is a very fine Civil War relic,” she added.
Since then she and other members of the Lonoke His-torical Society have been raising money towards the cannon’s restoration.
Emmett Powers of the Lonoke Historical Society researched the history of the cannon, which first appeared in front of the Lonoke County Courthouse in 1911.
No records have been found relating to the cannon’s role, if any, in the Civil War.
Powers said he did find out that about 1,400 of the cannon were delivered to the Federal army. More than 200 of the cannon are on display in places such as Gettysburg where No. 707, 709 and 710 are on display. No. 711 is on display at Chickamaugua and No. 398 is on display at Pea Ridge. No. 398 at Pea Ridge is the only other 3-inch cannon in Arkansas.
Powers is transporting the disassembled cannon on a trailer to Georgia.
Exposure to the elements, along with termites, has damaged the wooden carriage of the cannon. Tuesday afternoon workers sawed parts of the damaged wood in half to expedite the cannon’s transport.
At the Historical Ordnance Works, the metal parts of the cannon will be cleaned and it will be remounted on a carriage made of white oak.
The Lonoke Historical Society raised $3,000 towards the restoration of the cannon. The county put up $5,000 from the county maintenance budget for the cannon repair.
“I don’t know what it’s worth,” said Lonoke County Judge Charlie Troutman. “Historically, it may be worth $100,000. I don’t know what it’s worth as a collection piece.”
Leader staff writer
The cannon from the Civil War era in front of the Lonoke County Courthouse is on its way to Historical Ordnance Works in Woodstock, Ga., to be restored.
The 800-pound cannon, which is actually a three-inch ordnance rifle Model 1861, No. 705, was crafted in 1864 at the Phoenixville Iron Company in Pennsylvania and will be returned to Lonoke in about six months.
“This is a great day,” said Ann McSwain of the Lonoke Historical Society.
“I overheard some people talking about the cannon at a Christmas party last year and apparently it is a very fine Civil War relic,” she added.
Since then she and other members of the Lonoke His-torical Society have been raising money towards the cannon’s restoration.
Emmett Powers of the Lonoke Historical Society researched the history of the cannon, which first appeared in front of the Lonoke County Courthouse in 1911.
No records have been found relating to the cannon’s role, if any, in the Civil War.
Powers said he did find out that about 1,400 of the cannon were delivered to the Federal army. More than 200 of the cannon are on display in places such as Gettysburg where No. 707, 709 and 710 are on display. No. 711 is on display at Chickamaugua and No. 398 is on display at Pea Ridge. No. 398 at Pea Ridge is the only other 3-inch cannon in Arkansas.
Powers is transporting the disassembled cannon on a trailer to Georgia.
Exposure to the elements, along with termites, has damaged the wooden carriage of the cannon. Tuesday afternoon workers sawed parts of the damaged wood in half to expedite the cannon’s transport.
At the Historical Ordnance Works, the metal parts of the cannon will be cleaned and it will be remounted on a carriage made of white oak.
The Lonoke Historical Society raised $3,000 towards the restoration of the cannon. The county put up $5,000 from the county maintenance budget for the cannon repair.
“I don’t know what it’s worth,” said Lonoke County Judge Charlie Troutman. “Historically, it may be worth $100,000. I don’t know what it’s worth as a collection piece.”
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