By RICK KRON
Leader staff writer
A suspect in Saturday’s deadly shooting at a Jacksonville apartment turned himself in to the Jacksonville police Tuesday.
Tavoris M. Bone, 25, of 3711 Henderson Road, came to the police station early Tuesday with his lawyer. Bone was charged with first-degree murder and first-degree criminal attempt to commit murder and is being held in the Pulaski County Jail.
The murder was the first of 2006 in Jacksonville.
The police were also talking to Shanga Ridgeway of Jacksonville as a “person of interest” in the shooting, but he was not charged with any crime as of late Tuesday.
According to police, the shooting occurred in the Manor House Apartments, Apt. 24, 1705 Redmond Road.
The dead man was identified as Anthony Parker, 20, of that address. A friend of his, who was also at the apartment, Cameo Simmons, was shot once below the ear and was alive when police responded.
Capt. Charles Jenkins, with the Jacksonville Police Department, called the wound to Simmons serious, but not life-threatening. He was transported to Rebsamen Medical Center and has since been released.
Police responded to the apartments, after a woman called 911 and said police “needed to get someone over on Redmond Road.” As police were trying to get an exact location from the caller, another call came in about a shooting at the apartments.
Police made contact with Sharonda Stevenson, of 213 Belluvue Circle, at the apartments, who said that two people were involved.
Although the murder is the first one of the year in Jacksonville, it is the second one in six months.
In October 2005, a 5-year-old girl died when a ocal man took her and others hostage in a Jacksonville apartment.
Howard Neal Jr., 23, was charged in December with capital murder, kidnapping and first-degree battery in the smothering death of the 5-year-old girl in October 2005.
Jasmine Peoples, the 5-year-old North Little Rock girl, was discovered dead under a pile of heavy furniture in a Jacksonville apartment after Jacksonville police ended an unsuccessful 45-minute negotiation by breaking into the home of Neal’s sister, Crystal Pickens, at 314 Elm St., and arresting him.
Peoples apparently suffocated, but it was unclear at the time whether it was accidental or on purpose. Neal also allegedly attacked Ronald Redden, 29, of Whatley Loop with a screwdriver during the incident. Redden escaped over a fence and across the railroad tracks, where he was discovered bleeding from the head and was transported to Rebsamen Medical Center and then airlifted to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, where he was treated and released.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
TOP STORY >> Developer abandons Cabot project
By SARA GREENE & JOAN MCCOY
Leader staff writers
The Rockwood Heights Commer-cial Subdivision in Cabot is “dead,” according to John Moore of Little Rock’s Blue Cube Development LLC after the Cabot City Council voted 5-1 on Monday night against rezoning 11.15 acres along Hwy. 89 and Rock-wood Road owned by J.B. and Gladys Smith from residential to commercial.
“We don’t think we’re going to be doing anything with that property,” Moore told The Leader on Tuesday. “We think there’s a lot of potential in Cabot, but we’d probably be shy about developing there after this.”
The matter is now dead for at least a year unless the Smiths decide to develop it as a residential subdivision before it is again eligible for rezoning. The rezoning turned controversial when about 100 Rockwood residents showed up for the December council meeting to protest the rezoning that had been recommended for app-roval two weeks earlier by the planning commission.
The residents told the council they didn’t even know the rezoning was a possibility until it went before the commission. More than 170 homeowners organized to fight it by forming the Rockwood Residents and Property Owners Association and hiring Stephen R. Giles, a Little Rock real estate attorney.
“They listened,” Jerald Garner, president of the association, said of the council vote on the rezoning that failed. “To me, that was city government at its best.”
Alderman Odis Waymack, who said during an earlier meeting that no one could stop the commercial development along Highway 89, voted for the rezoning.
“The city has reached a point where it can no longer serve just a few persons’ interests at the exclusion of the majority of its citizens,” said state Rep. Susan Schulte (R-Cabot), who lives in the area of the proposed development.
The Monday night council vote means that for a while the residents won’t have to worry about any businesses sprouting up at the entrance to their subdivision.
“No one should take credit for stopping it,” Garner said. “It should be put down in the books as government working for the people.”
Garner said he believes the advantage to organizing is that there are more eyes to keep a watch over their community. If zoned commercial, the property is estimated to be worth $2 million.
Garner says he is sure that the property will come up for rezoning again, and he knows that the city needs to grow commercially for the tax revenue.
But the residents didn’t know what would go on the site and that was what concerned them the most, he said.
The developers told the residents that they had one commitment to the proposed subdivision, a 12,000-square-foot Crye-Leike Realtors office, but they didn’t have buyers for the other lots.
“It’s rezoning 11-plus acres at the corner of a local street and a state highway only because the developer says ‘I’ve got a user for one lot,’” Giles said.
Garner told the council that residents still had concerns about traffic, light pollution at night and noise caused by a commercial development.
“We’re not against the betterment of Cabot. What we are not for is doing a C2 zoning without taking care of the already congested and horrific traffic that is going on there,” Garner said.
Moore told council members Blue Cube was planning a 15-foot natural buffer zone of trees along with a six-foot tall privacy fence around the development for privacy and a bill of assurance to be signed by any business in the commercial subdivision.
“The (Rockwood) housing association was arguing details but at the end of the day they just didn’t want the development,” Moore said.
In other business, the city council voted not to enter into eminent domain proceedings to take about a quarter acre from Larry Nipper so the city can widen and straighten Elm Street as a way to alleviate traffic off Hwy. 89.
“I have a hard time taking a man’s property and not giving him what he’s asking for it,” said Alderman Jerry Stephens.
The land appraised at $18,600 as residential property, but Nipper had it rezoned commercial. The city had the property appraised for $60,000. The city council offered Nipper $66,000 for the property which is the appraised value plus 10 percent.
At a previous council meeting, Nipper said two different appraisers told him it was not enough and he was asking $85,000 for the property.
Nipper respectfully declined the offer.
“I felt the price they were offering is not in line with the other commercial property being sold in Cabot,” Nipper said. “I was surprised. I thought they were going to take my land.”
Leader staff writers
The Rockwood Heights Commer-cial Subdivision in Cabot is “dead,” according to John Moore of Little Rock’s Blue Cube Development LLC after the Cabot City Council voted 5-1 on Monday night against rezoning 11.15 acres along Hwy. 89 and Rock-wood Road owned by J.B. and Gladys Smith from residential to commercial.
“We don’t think we’re going to be doing anything with that property,” Moore told The Leader on Tuesday. “We think there’s a lot of potential in Cabot, but we’d probably be shy about developing there after this.”
The matter is now dead for at least a year unless the Smiths decide to develop it as a residential subdivision before it is again eligible for rezoning. The rezoning turned controversial when about 100 Rockwood residents showed up for the December council meeting to protest the rezoning that had been recommended for app-roval two weeks earlier by the planning commission.
The residents told the council they didn’t even know the rezoning was a possibility until it went before the commission. More than 170 homeowners organized to fight it by forming the Rockwood Residents and Property Owners Association and hiring Stephen R. Giles, a Little Rock real estate attorney.
“They listened,” Jerald Garner, president of the association, said of the council vote on the rezoning that failed. “To me, that was city government at its best.”
Alderman Odis Waymack, who said during an earlier meeting that no one could stop the commercial development along Highway 89, voted for the rezoning.
“The city has reached a point where it can no longer serve just a few persons’ interests at the exclusion of the majority of its citizens,” said state Rep. Susan Schulte (R-Cabot), who lives in the area of the proposed development.
The Monday night council vote means that for a while the residents won’t have to worry about any businesses sprouting up at the entrance to their subdivision.
“No one should take credit for stopping it,” Garner said. “It should be put down in the books as government working for the people.”
Garner said he believes the advantage to organizing is that there are more eyes to keep a watch over their community. If zoned commercial, the property is estimated to be worth $2 million.
Garner says he is sure that the property will come up for rezoning again, and he knows that the city needs to grow commercially for the tax revenue.
But the residents didn’t know what would go on the site and that was what concerned them the most, he said.
The developers told the residents that they had one commitment to the proposed subdivision, a 12,000-square-foot Crye-Leike Realtors office, but they didn’t have buyers for the other lots.
“It’s rezoning 11-plus acres at the corner of a local street and a state highway only because the developer says ‘I’ve got a user for one lot,’” Giles said.
Garner told the council that residents still had concerns about traffic, light pollution at night and noise caused by a commercial development.
“We’re not against the betterment of Cabot. What we are not for is doing a C2 zoning without taking care of the already congested and horrific traffic that is going on there,” Garner said.
Moore told council members Blue Cube was planning a 15-foot natural buffer zone of trees along with a six-foot tall privacy fence around the development for privacy and a bill of assurance to be signed by any business in the commercial subdivision.
“The (Rockwood) housing association was arguing details but at the end of the day they just didn’t want the development,” Moore said.
In other business, the city council voted not to enter into eminent domain proceedings to take about a quarter acre from Larry Nipper so the city can widen and straighten Elm Street as a way to alleviate traffic off Hwy. 89.
“I have a hard time taking a man’s property and not giving him what he’s asking for it,” said Alderman Jerry Stephens.
The land appraised at $18,600 as residential property, but Nipper had it rezoned commercial. The city had the property appraised for $60,000. The city council offered Nipper $66,000 for the property which is the appraised value plus 10 percent.
At a previous council meeting, Nipper said two different appraisers told him it was not enough and he was asking $85,000 for the property.
Nipper respectfully declined the offer.
“I felt the price they were offering is not in line with the other commercial property being sold in Cabot,” Nipper said. “I was surprised. I thought they were going to take my land.”
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
SPORTS >> Cabot ladies hold off Lady Bombers
BY RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
IN SHORT: Cabot’s boys and girls basketball teams swept Mountain Home Saturday night, but in different ways. The boys routed the Bombers 62-31 while the girls went to the wire in a 55-54 contest.
The Cabot Lady Panthers took a double-digit lead, then held on for dear life in a 55-54 victory over Mountain Home Saturday night. The game was originally scheduled for Friday, but postponed due to snow.
The Cabot ladies’ biggest lead came at the 2:30 mark of the second quarter. After the Lady Bombers tied the game at 19-19, Cabot went on a 10-0 run to make it 29-19.
Over the last two and a half minutes, Mountain Home came back, and cut the margin to 31-27 by halftime. Lady Bomber guard Sam-antha Dean hit three three pointers in the quarter, including two from about 25 feet out to lead the Mountain Home charge.
The 8-2 run to close the half didn’t stop at intermission. The Lady Bombers added a run to start the third quarter to take a 36-32 lead with 4:24 showing on the clock.
Cabot played sporadically early in the third quarter in losing a big lead to West Memphis two weeks ago as well, but Lady Panther coach Carla Crowder thinks a better focus coming out of halftime will remedy the problem.
“We just came out a little flat in the third,” Crowder said. “It’s mostly just a concentration thing. They just need to get a little more focused early on.”
Two buckets by post player Rachel Glover tied the game up at 36-36, and it was nip-and-tuck the rest of the way.
Cabot threatened to pull away on two occasions, but each time Mountain Home point guard Micaela Cully led the Lady Bombers back.
A Maddie Helms’ putback of a Jamie Sterrenberg miss made it 45-39 with 6:43 left in the game, but Dean hit another long three to cut the margin to three.
Cully then got a steal, a layup and was fouled on the play. She hit the free throw to tie the game with 4:34 left.
Another Cully steal and layup put MH up 47-45 with 3:51 on the clock, but Helms erased the deficit with two free throws just six seconds later.
It was the last time the Lady Bombers would lead in the game.
Glover added a bucket with 2:40 left and Cully tied it again with 2:19 on the clock.
Helms gave Cabot the lead and senior Kim Sitzmann put the Lady Panthers up by four with two free throws at the 1:10 mark.
Cully then rebounded her own missed three pointer and scored with 59 seconds remaining.
MH was forced to foul, but Helms hit both ends of a one-and-one to put Cabot up 55-51 with 31 seconds left.
Cully scored again with 21 seconds on the clock, and then sent junior Lindsey Watts to the line. She missed the front end and Cully took it the other way.
She missed again, but again got her own rebound and was fouled with 1.3 seconds left on the clock.
After hitting her first free throw, which was also her eighth consecutive without a miss, Cabot called timeout. Cully missed the second after the break, Mountain Home’s Amanda Condrey came down with the ball, but Glover also got two hands on it from behind. The two wrestled for the ball until the buzzer sounded.
The win keeps Cabot undefeated after 11 conference games and lifts the Lady Panthers to 21-3 overall.
Mountain Home dropped to 16-8 and 8-3, but stayed alone in second place in the AAAAA-East race.
Sterrenberg led the Lady Panthers with 14 points while Helms added 13. Sitzmann chipped in 12 points and eight boards while Glover added eight points.
Cully led all scorers with 20 points, and added seven rebounds. Dean added 15 for the Lady Bombers.
MH’s Kaitlin May scored seven, and added six steals and six assists in the loss.
The boys game was competitive for a quarter, but the Panthers buried the Bombers in the second quarter of their 62-31 victory.
Cabot senior forward Josh Whatley sparked a 13-0 run over the first five minutes of the second frame that gave the Panthers a comfortable 33-12 lead.
He and junior guard Justin Haas each had nine points at halftime as the Panthers led 35-17. The Panthers put together another run midway through the third to put the game away.
The win lifts Cabot to 16-8 overall and 5-6 in conference play.
Mountain Home dropped to 5-19 and 0-11.
The Panthers and Lady Panthers went on the road to Sylvan Hills last night after Leader deadlines.
That boys matchup holds major playoff implications. Cabot trailed Sylvan Hills by one game and sat in fifth place heading into Tuesday night. Look for details of that game in Saturday’s edition of the Leader.
While the Lady Panthers’ hold on to first place safely regardless of Tuesday’s outcome, the Lady Bears need an upset to keep pace with Searcy and West Memphis for the final playoff spot.
Leader sports editor
IN SHORT: Cabot’s boys and girls basketball teams swept Mountain Home Saturday night, but in different ways. The boys routed the Bombers 62-31 while the girls went to the wire in a 55-54 contest.
The Cabot Lady Panthers took a double-digit lead, then held on for dear life in a 55-54 victory over Mountain Home Saturday night. The game was originally scheduled for Friday, but postponed due to snow.
The Cabot ladies’ biggest lead came at the 2:30 mark of the second quarter. After the Lady Bombers tied the game at 19-19, Cabot went on a 10-0 run to make it 29-19.
Over the last two and a half minutes, Mountain Home came back, and cut the margin to 31-27 by halftime. Lady Bomber guard Sam-antha Dean hit three three pointers in the quarter, including two from about 25 feet out to lead the Mountain Home charge.
The 8-2 run to close the half didn’t stop at intermission. The Lady Bombers added a run to start the third quarter to take a 36-32 lead with 4:24 showing on the clock.
Cabot played sporadically early in the third quarter in losing a big lead to West Memphis two weeks ago as well, but Lady Panther coach Carla Crowder thinks a better focus coming out of halftime will remedy the problem.
“We just came out a little flat in the third,” Crowder said. “It’s mostly just a concentration thing. They just need to get a little more focused early on.”
Two buckets by post player Rachel Glover tied the game up at 36-36, and it was nip-and-tuck the rest of the way.
Cabot threatened to pull away on two occasions, but each time Mountain Home point guard Micaela Cully led the Lady Bombers back.
A Maddie Helms’ putback of a Jamie Sterrenberg miss made it 45-39 with 6:43 left in the game, but Dean hit another long three to cut the margin to three.
Cully then got a steal, a layup and was fouled on the play. She hit the free throw to tie the game with 4:34 left.
Another Cully steal and layup put MH up 47-45 with 3:51 on the clock, but Helms erased the deficit with two free throws just six seconds later.
It was the last time the Lady Bombers would lead in the game.
Glover added a bucket with 2:40 left and Cully tied it again with 2:19 on the clock.
Helms gave Cabot the lead and senior Kim Sitzmann put the Lady Panthers up by four with two free throws at the 1:10 mark.
Cully then rebounded her own missed three pointer and scored with 59 seconds remaining.
MH was forced to foul, but Helms hit both ends of a one-and-one to put Cabot up 55-51 with 31 seconds left.
Cully scored again with 21 seconds on the clock, and then sent junior Lindsey Watts to the line. She missed the front end and Cully took it the other way.
She missed again, but again got her own rebound and was fouled with 1.3 seconds left on the clock.
After hitting her first free throw, which was also her eighth consecutive without a miss, Cabot called timeout. Cully missed the second after the break, Mountain Home’s Amanda Condrey came down with the ball, but Glover also got two hands on it from behind. The two wrestled for the ball until the buzzer sounded.
The win keeps Cabot undefeated after 11 conference games and lifts the Lady Panthers to 21-3 overall.
Mountain Home dropped to 16-8 and 8-3, but stayed alone in second place in the AAAAA-East race.
Sterrenberg led the Lady Panthers with 14 points while Helms added 13. Sitzmann chipped in 12 points and eight boards while Glover added eight points.
Cully led all scorers with 20 points, and added seven rebounds. Dean added 15 for the Lady Bombers.
MH’s Kaitlin May scored seven, and added six steals and six assists in the loss.
The boys game was competitive for a quarter, but the Panthers buried the Bombers in the second quarter of their 62-31 victory.
Cabot senior forward Josh Whatley sparked a 13-0 run over the first five minutes of the second frame that gave the Panthers a comfortable 33-12 lead.
He and junior guard Justin Haas each had nine points at halftime as the Panthers led 35-17. The Panthers put together another run midway through the third to put the game away.
The win lifts Cabot to 16-8 overall and 5-6 in conference play.
Mountain Home dropped to 5-19 and 0-11.
The Panthers and Lady Panthers went on the road to Sylvan Hills last night after Leader deadlines.
That boys matchup holds major playoff implications. Cabot trailed Sylvan Hills by one game and sat in fifth place heading into Tuesday night. Look for details of that game in Saturday’s edition of the Leader.
While the Lady Panthers’ hold on to first place safely regardless of Tuesday’s outcome, the Lady Bears need an upset to keep pace with Searcy and West Memphis for the final playoff spot.
SPORTS >> Favorites win in Metro opener
BY JASON KING
Leader sports writer
IN SHORT: All of the higher seeds won their first-round games in the Metro Conference freshmen basketball tournament Monday at Cabot High and CJHN.
The first round of the Metro-Conference tournament got underway at the Cabot High School gymnasium Monday night, and it was an opening round minus any upsets.
The higher seed won every game in the first night of action, which was delayed over the weekend because of the threat of snow. The Cabot South and Mount St. Mary’s girls advanced in the tournament, while North Pulaski, North Little Rock and Mills won first-round boys games.
One game was played at the North gym Monday night while the rest were held at Cabot High School.
The Cabot South girls moved on to round two with a 40-32 win over Sylvan Hills. The Lady Bears mounted a comeback in the third quarter after trailing 22-9 at halftime.
Sylvan Hills pulled to within two, 30-28 with 3:09 left in the game.
With a comeback in sight, Caron Van Hooks fouled out of the game for the Lady Bears, leaving only four players on the court. Myisha Harris led Sylvan Hills with 16 points, while Shelby Ashcraft was North’s game-leading scorer with 19.
The Lady Panthers faced North Little Rock on Tuesday. The Lady Wildcats received a bye to the semi-final round after finishing the regular season first in the Metro standings.
Sylvan Hills lost its opening game in the boys bracket to Mills 43-34. Maurice Peaster led the Bears with 12 points, while Richard Bunting led the Comets with 16 points and went 5 for 5 at the foul line. Mills faced conference champions Jacksonville on Tuesday.
North Little Rock advanced to the semifinals of the boys bracket with a win over South 53-44. The Wildcats got out to the early lead in the game, going up 7-3 at the end of the first quarter. South picked up offensive momentum in the second frame, but couldn’t close the early gap made by North Little Rock. The score was 18-11 at halftime, setting up an offensive shoot-out in the third quarter.
The Wildcats scored 19 points to South’s 12 in the third, with a pair of three-pointers for NLR, and a three from South’s Austin Johnson at the start of the period. The Panthers never came closer than eight in the final quarter, and the Wildcats moved to round two.
Johnson led South with 19 points. Gary Clark added 10 points for the Panthers. The Wildcats had three players finish in double figures.
North Pulaski reached the semifinals with a 41-31 win over Catholic in the North gymnasium on Monday night.
The Falcons took control early, leading 9-3 over the Rockets with 4:37 left in the first half. North Pulaski took the advantage by as much as 10 in the first half with less than two minutes to go, but a late Catholic rally cut the Falcons’ advantage to 15-9 by halftime.
By the end of the third quarter, North Pulaski returned to possessing a double-digit lead over the Rockets, and held it for the remainder of the contest. Jordan Anderson led all scorers for North Pulaski with 17 points.
Carlos Donley and Jaqun Davis both added six points for the Falcons.
The Falcons will play the winner of Tuesday evening’s game between Cabot North and Oak Grove to-day at 5:15 p.m at the High Sch-ool gym in the semifinals of the tourney.
The Jacksonville Lady Red Devils ended their season on a disappointing note with an opening-round loss to Mt. Saint Mary’s 45-25. The Belles move on to play the winner of yesterday’s game between North and Mills on Wednesday.
Today’s semifinal games start at 4 p.m. with Mt. Saint Mary’s against Cabot North. North Pulaski’s boys face the Cabot North-Oak Grove winner at 5:15. The second girls semifinal game between North Little Rock and South will get underway at 6:30. Jacksonville will then play North Little Rock in the final boys contest of the night.
The winners of those games will meet on Thursday in the finals of the Metro tournament. The girls game gets underway at 6:45 p.m., followed by the boys finals at 8 p.m.
Leader sports writer
IN SHORT: All of the higher seeds won their first-round games in the Metro Conference freshmen basketball tournament Monday at Cabot High and CJHN.
The first round of the Metro-Conference tournament got underway at the Cabot High School gymnasium Monday night, and it was an opening round minus any upsets.
The higher seed won every game in the first night of action, which was delayed over the weekend because of the threat of snow. The Cabot South and Mount St. Mary’s girls advanced in the tournament, while North Pulaski, North Little Rock and Mills won first-round boys games.
One game was played at the North gym Monday night while the rest were held at Cabot High School.
The Cabot South girls moved on to round two with a 40-32 win over Sylvan Hills. The Lady Bears mounted a comeback in the third quarter after trailing 22-9 at halftime.
Sylvan Hills pulled to within two, 30-28 with 3:09 left in the game.
With a comeback in sight, Caron Van Hooks fouled out of the game for the Lady Bears, leaving only four players on the court. Myisha Harris led Sylvan Hills with 16 points, while Shelby Ashcraft was North’s game-leading scorer with 19.
The Lady Panthers faced North Little Rock on Tuesday. The Lady Wildcats received a bye to the semi-final round after finishing the regular season first in the Metro standings.
Sylvan Hills lost its opening game in the boys bracket to Mills 43-34. Maurice Peaster led the Bears with 12 points, while Richard Bunting led the Comets with 16 points and went 5 for 5 at the foul line. Mills faced conference champions Jacksonville on Tuesday.
North Little Rock advanced to the semifinals of the boys bracket with a win over South 53-44. The Wildcats got out to the early lead in the game, going up 7-3 at the end of the first quarter. South picked up offensive momentum in the second frame, but couldn’t close the early gap made by North Little Rock. The score was 18-11 at halftime, setting up an offensive shoot-out in the third quarter.
The Wildcats scored 19 points to South’s 12 in the third, with a pair of three-pointers for NLR, and a three from South’s Austin Johnson at the start of the period. The Panthers never came closer than eight in the final quarter, and the Wildcats moved to round two.
Johnson led South with 19 points. Gary Clark added 10 points for the Panthers. The Wildcats had three players finish in double figures.
North Pulaski reached the semifinals with a 41-31 win over Catholic in the North gymnasium on Monday night.
The Falcons took control early, leading 9-3 over the Rockets with 4:37 left in the first half. North Pulaski took the advantage by as much as 10 in the first half with less than two minutes to go, but a late Catholic rally cut the Falcons’ advantage to 15-9 by halftime.
By the end of the third quarter, North Pulaski returned to possessing a double-digit lead over the Rockets, and held it for the remainder of the contest. Jordan Anderson led all scorers for North Pulaski with 17 points.
Carlos Donley and Jaqun Davis both added six points for the Falcons.
The Falcons will play the winner of Tuesday evening’s game between Cabot North and Oak Grove to-day at 5:15 p.m at the High Sch-ool gym in the semifinals of the tourney.
The Jacksonville Lady Red Devils ended their season on a disappointing note with an opening-round loss to Mt. Saint Mary’s 45-25. The Belles move on to play the winner of yesterday’s game between North and Mills on Wednesday.
Today’s semifinal games start at 4 p.m. with Mt. Saint Mary’s against Cabot North. North Pulaski’s boys face the Cabot North-Oak Grove winner at 5:15. The second girls semifinal game between North Little Rock and South will get underway at 6:30. Jacksonville will then play North Little Rock in the final boys contest of the night.
The winners of those games will meet on Thursday in the finals of the Metro tournament. The girls game gets underway at 6:45 p.m., followed by the boys finals at 8 p.m.
NEIGHBORS >> Forty years of service
BY JOAN MCCOY
Leader staff writer
IN SHORT: Postal worker looking forward to a busy retirement
Forty-one years ago, gas was 30 cents a gallon; an average house cost $20,000; stamps were five cents each and a family man who calls Beebe home went to work for the United States Postal Service.
Bill “Bear” Trimble was not quite 21 years old and already married with children when he started sorting mail. The job paid $2.48 an hour, no pittance if you consider that minimum wage was $1.15.
From 1964 through 1969, he sorted mail on trains and trucks. Zip codes existed back then but were rarely used. So mail clerks read the addresses and got letter bags ready to toss out for local post masters to pick up as they passed through the towns along their routes.
As the population grew and automation took the place of manual sorting, he moved to processing centers in Little Rock where his workrooms were stationary, but the equipment eventually moved with dizzying speed. His final stop was the Little Rock Processing and Distribution Center on McCain Boulevard where he dispatches mail trucks – but only for two more weeks.
Trimble, who turned 62 in November, will retire at the end of the month.
“Some people say when they retire that they won’t miss it, but I will,” Trimble said Sunday afternoon. “The post office has been great to me. I grew up there and it helped me raise my kids comfortably. I like the people I work with and I’m going to miss it.”
So why leave now?
Trimble says he’s leaving because he can. One of the attractions of the post office was the benefits, he said. His retirement is 80 percent of his base pay so he can afford to retire now.
And he isn’t concerned that he will be bored in retirement.
His seven children have given him 14 grandchildren and the youngest ones like nothing better than for him to watch them ride their bikes or play on the screened front porch he added onto his home mostly for their benefit.
He is pastor of the Apostolic Bible Church that he and his wife built not far from their home 26 years ago. Add to that the fact that several of his children and his oldest grandson have formed a bluegrass band and will require his presence at some of their performances and you might wonder how he found time to work.
Even though he was on hand to witness it, Trimble says he is still amazed at the technological ad-vances that keep the mail moving.
“When I started in August 1964, the only automation we had was a canceling machine (wavy marks across the stamps) and we had to turn everything by hand to make sure it was going in the right direction,” he said.
Later, clerks memorized zip codes, to make mail sorting faster. Name a town in Arkansas and Trimble can tell you the first three digits in the zip and maybe even all five. But it’s a skill that serves little purpose anymore. Now, computers read the zip codes and sort the letters.
“They go through so fast they look like they’re stacked,” said Billy Trimble, who has worked for the post office for 18 years and, like his father, dispatches mail trucks.
Four other members of the Trimble family either have or still do work for the post office and one more has applied.
So even though Bear Trimble will be gone in two weeks, he is certain to be remembered for a while. He got his nickname after he went to work at the processing center.
It came from the song “Running Bear” by Sonny James who was famous for his country ballads during the ‘60s and ‘70s. Ironically, it was the “running” part of the song title that he was known for.
In his early years sorting mail by hand, speed was everything and even though his job changed, his work ethic didn’t, he said. One day a co-worker called out, “Better get out of the way. Here comes Run-ning Bear. He’ll run over you.”
The full name stuck for a few months, he said.
Then the first part was dropped and he became known simply as Bear even though he never slowed his pace to the lumber bears are known for.
But that could change soon – if he wants it to. The beauty of retirement is the option of choices about how to fill those five days a week that once belonged to someone else.
“Two weeks,” Trimble said as he contemplated his imminent retirement. “Wow.”
Leader staff writer
IN SHORT: Postal worker looking forward to a busy retirement
Forty-one years ago, gas was 30 cents a gallon; an average house cost $20,000; stamps were five cents each and a family man who calls Beebe home went to work for the United States Postal Service.
Bill “Bear” Trimble was not quite 21 years old and already married with children when he started sorting mail. The job paid $2.48 an hour, no pittance if you consider that minimum wage was $1.15.
From 1964 through 1969, he sorted mail on trains and trucks. Zip codes existed back then but were rarely used. So mail clerks read the addresses and got letter bags ready to toss out for local post masters to pick up as they passed through the towns along their routes.
As the population grew and automation took the place of manual sorting, he moved to processing centers in Little Rock where his workrooms were stationary, but the equipment eventually moved with dizzying speed. His final stop was the Little Rock Processing and Distribution Center on McCain Boulevard where he dispatches mail trucks – but only for two more weeks.
Trimble, who turned 62 in November, will retire at the end of the month.
“Some people say when they retire that they won’t miss it, but I will,” Trimble said Sunday afternoon. “The post office has been great to me. I grew up there and it helped me raise my kids comfortably. I like the people I work with and I’m going to miss it.”
So why leave now?
Trimble says he’s leaving because he can. One of the attractions of the post office was the benefits, he said. His retirement is 80 percent of his base pay so he can afford to retire now.
And he isn’t concerned that he will be bored in retirement.
His seven children have given him 14 grandchildren and the youngest ones like nothing better than for him to watch them ride their bikes or play on the screened front porch he added onto his home mostly for their benefit.
He is pastor of the Apostolic Bible Church that he and his wife built not far from their home 26 years ago. Add to that the fact that several of his children and his oldest grandson have formed a bluegrass band and will require his presence at some of their performances and you might wonder how he found time to work.
Even though he was on hand to witness it, Trimble says he is still amazed at the technological ad-vances that keep the mail moving.
“When I started in August 1964, the only automation we had was a canceling machine (wavy marks across the stamps) and we had to turn everything by hand to make sure it was going in the right direction,” he said.
Later, clerks memorized zip codes, to make mail sorting faster. Name a town in Arkansas and Trimble can tell you the first three digits in the zip and maybe even all five. But it’s a skill that serves little purpose anymore. Now, computers read the zip codes and sort the letters.
“They go through so fast they look like they’re stacked,” said Billy Trimble, who has worked for the post office for 18 years and, like his father, dispatches mail trucks.
Four other members of the Trimble family either have or still do work for the post office and one more has applied.
So even though Bear Trimble will be gone in two weeks, he is certain to be remembered for a while. He got his nickname after he went to work at the processing center.
It came from the song “Running Bear” by Sonny James who was famous for his country ballads during the ‘60s and ‘70s. Ironically, it was the “running” part of the song title that he was known for.
In his early years sorting mail by hand, speed was everything and even though his job changed, his work ethic didn’t, he said. One day a co-worker called out, “Better get out of the way. Here comes Run-ning Bear. He’ll run over you.”
The full name stuck for a few months, he said.
Then the first part was dropped and he became known simply as Bear even though he never slowed his pace to the lumber bears are known for.
But that could change soon – if he wants it to. The beauty of retirement is the option of choices about how to fill those five days a week that once belonged to someone else.
“Two weeks,” Trimble said as he contemplated his imminent retirement. “Wow.”
EDITORIAL >> Make Huckabee accountable
In four years, according to calculations by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Gov. Huckabee burned the State Police for $485,000 to carry him about the country on airplanes that the agency acquired for police work. If you apply the same expense rate to all his air travels since he took office nearly 10 years ago, hauling the governor, his wife, children, friends and aides has cost the law-enforcement agency (taxpayers) nearly $1 million.
Those expenses are not charged against the appropriation for the governor’s office but are unidentified in the State Police annual appropriation. The budget for the office of the governor makes him look pretty frugal.
But is that sum exorbitant, and should taxpayers not bear all the cost of Huckabee’s air travels? We wish we could say, but the skimpy government records do not support a solid judgment of any kind. The purposes of the travels — whether important state business, personal or political — are not identified on the State Police logbooks except for the rote stamp “official business.” Even that is not required by law. Guests are often identified only by entries such as “K. Rove.” Hmmm. Wonder who that was?
The governor of even our little insular state is an important person whose duties require travel, both about the state and to our nation’s capital, among other venues. Arkansas governors have tended to gain a measure of national respect and prestigious offices like chairmanships of governors’ associations. No one should begrudge the governor’s travel to perform the ceremonial and substantive functions of those jobs.
The Arkansas Times began raising questions about the governor’s and his wife’s taxpayer-paid travels three years ago, suggesting that it was not all official business and that the state should not be subsidizing personal and political journeys.
There were Mrs. Huckabee’s flights to Okla-homa to visit friends and many flights to the first couple’s weekend getaway in southwest Arkansas. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Sunday identified a number of trips to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, the early presidential primary states.
Huckabee has refused for years to discuss the State Police flights with the Times because he says the paper does not report on him accurately. The Democrat-Gazette story said the governor refused to talk to its reporters about the travel because they edited and twisted his words. On a radio call-in show the other day, he said all the trips involved at least some official business, although there might have been personal and political events sandwiched around it. He wrote a policy in 1997 spelling out that he would not use the State Police aircraft for out-of-state trips that were “solely” for political or religious purposes or for personal business. An aide said then that the governor would reimburse the state from his campaign funds for part of the costs of any flights that happened to involve political events. The State Police said there had been no reimbursements.
What do others do? Bill Clinton, a similarly ambitious governor, did not use a state plane and paid for his gallivanting from campaign funds. The Republican governors of Texas and Missouri don’t let taxpayers pay for their air travel. Mississippi and Tennessee require extensive details on the state business involved in flights on state aircraft.
Who can say whether the Huckabees abused the office by charging taxpayers for personal and political business in the 731 flights they took on State Police planes from July 1996 through 2005?
We must give them the benefit of doubt. But we confidently surmise one thing: As it is in so much else in the realm of public ethics, Arkansas is woefully lax in enforcing good behavior by its servants. The state should require detailed records and strict accounting for public travel by officeholders. Until it does, some politician sometime is liable to cheat.
Those expenses are not charged against the appropriation for the governor’s office but are unidentified in the State Police annual appropriation. The budget for the office of the governor makes him look pretty frugal.
But is that sum exorbitant, and should taxpayers not bear all the cost of Huckabee’s air travels? We wish we could say, but the skimpy government records do not support a solid judgment of any kind. The purposes of the travels — whether important state business, personal or political — are not identified on the State Police logbooks except for the rote stamp “official business.” Even that is not required by law. Guests are often identified only by entries such as “K. Rove.” Hmmm. Wonder who that was?
The governor of even our little insular state is an important person whose duties require travel, both about the state and to our nation’s capital, among other venues. Arkansas governors have tended to gain a measure of national respect and prestigious offices like chairmanships of governors’ associations. No one should begrudge the governor’s travel to perform the ceremonial and substantive functions of those jobs.
The Arkansas Times began raising questions about the governor’s and his wife’s taxpayer-paid travels three years ago, suggesting that it was not all official business and that the state should not be subsidizing personal and political journeys.
There were Mrs. Huckabee’s flights to Okla-homa to visit friends and many flights to the first couple’s weekend getaway in southwest Arkansas. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Sunday identified a number of trips to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, the early presidential primary states.
Huckabee has refused for years to discuss the State Police flights with the Times because he says the paper does not report on him accurately. The Democrat-Gazette story said the governor refused to talk to its reporters about the travel because they edited and twisted his words. On a radio call-in show the other day, he said all the trips involved at least some official business, although there might have been personal and political events sandwiched around it. He wrote a policy in 1997 spelling out that he would not use the State Police aircraft for out-of-state trips that were “solely” for political or religious purposes or for personal business. An aide said then that the governor would reimburse the state from his campaign funds for part of the costs of any flights that happened to involve political events. The State Police said there had been no reimbursements.
What do others do? Bill Clinton, a similarly ambitious governor, did not use a state plane and paid for his gallivanting from campaign funds. The Republican governors of Texas and Missouri don’t let taxpayers pay for their air travel. Mississippi and Tennessee require extensive details on the state business involved in flights on state aircraft.
Who can say whether the Huckabees abused the office by charging taxpayers for personal and political business in the 731 flights they took on State Police planes from July 1996 through 2005?
We must give them the benefit of doubt. But we confidently surmise one thing: As it is in so much else in the realm of public ethics, Arkansas is woefully lax in enforcing good behavior by its servants. The state should require detailed records and strict accounting for public travel by officeholders. Until it does, some politician sometime is liable to cheat.
OBITUARIES >> 02-15-06
Harry Vines
Harry Doyle Vines, 67, died at home on Feb. 11.
He was born in Caldwell Corner on Sept. 12, 1938. He grew up working in the cotton fields of eastern Arkansas until junior high, when he discovered basketball. The game he loved would take him all over the world for the rest of his life. He graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1957.
He was a member of the Central High basketball Tigers, leading the team to a Big 8 championship and earning a high school All American award in 1957.
He went on to play for coach Abe Lemons, his mentor for life, at Oklahoma City University, playing in the NIT in 1959 and leaving as the sixth-leading scorer. He graduated from OCU in 1961 and became a basketball coach at Southwest Ju-nior High. He later earned a master’s degree in rehabilitation from North Texas State University.
He went to work for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services in 1963 and served the state in positions with the Services for the Blind, attorney general’s office, governor’s office and Workers Compensation Commis-sion for 32 years.
In 1978, he found his true calling when he was asked to coach a fledgling wheelchair basketball team, the Arkansas Rolling Razorbacks. He coached the Rolling Razorbacks for 22 seasons, with 21 winning seasons and a record of 238-40. His teams made 13 final four appearances in the 1980’s and 90’s and won five national championships, their first in Little Rock in 1991.
He later coached U.S. teams in the World Cup, the Paralympics and many other international competitions. At the time of his death, he was the president of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association.
Though he gave of himself and his time unselfishly, he received many honors for his achievements. He was a Governor’s Volunteerism Award recipient in 1980 and Sher-wood Chamber of Commerce man of the year in 1980 and 1983.
In 1990, he was honored by President George H.W. Bush with a Volunteer Action award and later as Bush’s 967th “point of light.” He and the Rolling Razorbacks later visited President Clinton at the White House. He was pleased to be an A-SOB (Arkansas Staff of Bill). He was a Kiwanis Paul Harris Fellow.
He was inducted into the OCU Sports Hall of Fame in 1988 and the National Wheelchair Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.
He served the Governor’s Com-mission on People with Disabilities, the Our Way board of directors, the Arkansas Community Service Com-mission and the city of Sherwood personnel committee.
He was a charter member of the Sherwood Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Max Howell Roast, a scholarship fundraiser. He was a member of Sylvan Hills Methodist Church. He walked on the court at Boston Garden, played the Old Course in Scotland and traveled to all 50 states.
He is survived by his wife and partner, Cheryl; his daughter, Holly Vines and son, Dr. Phillip Vines, both of Little Rock; an aunt, Christine Hampton of Colt, and two uncles, Donald Parkman of Forrest City and Jerry Parkman of Zell-wood, Fla.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Cindy and Kenny Limbo of Fair Oaks, Calif., and Steve Lady and Shary Smith of Emigsville, Pa.; nieces and nephews, Kasey Limbo, Shellee and Jesse McAsey, Vanessa and Lucy, and a host of cousins and friends, as well as the past and present members of the Arkansas Rolling Razorbacks.
The family thanks Dr. Tom Meziere and Dr. Mark Peterson for their compassionate care and support over this long illness.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Roller-Owens Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Arkansas Rolling Razorbacks, P.O. Box 1669, North Little Rock, Ark. 72115.
Robert Harkey
Robert Ervin Harkey, 68, of Cabot passed away on Feb.13.
He was retired from the Air Force and was a veteran of both Vietnam and Korean Wars.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Harkey; five sons, Cecil and wife Becky Harkey of Austin, Texas; Merlin Harkey of Mocksville, N.C.; Roger and wife Abby Barker of Batesville; David Barker of Cabot; Tony and wife Lisa Barker of Texarkana; one daughter, Denise and husband Pat Brandt of Amarillo, Texas; four brothers, Bill Harkey, Frank Harkey, Neddie Harkey and Tony Harkey all of North Carolina; four sisters, Brenda Peffley, Bonnie Williams, Ruby Williams and Joanne Smith all of North Carolina; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Boyd Funeral Home Chapel in Lonoke, with interment in Lonoke Cemetery.
Alice Hensley
Alice Marie (Mower) Hensley, 76, died Feb. 13.
She was born Aug. 29, 1929, in Jackson, Miss., to Curtis D. Mow-rer and Icis (Heath) Mower. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Joe F. Hensley and Alvin Ingle; brothers, Ellis Mowrer and Calvin Mowrer and a sister Edith Cornett of Lonoke.
Survivors include sons, Troy Hensley and wife Frances of Beebe, Tom Hensley and wife Sharon of Hot Springs Village and Dan Hensley and wife Brenda of Mabelvale; brother James R. Mowrer of Austin and sister Dorothea Pearson.
She was a loving grandmother to grandchildren, Jennifer Hensley of Fayetteville, Erica Preston and husband Clinton of Lowell, Niki Moss and husband Josh of Con-way, Justin Hensley and wife Sun-ny of Baton Rouge, La., and Jon Hensley and Ariel Hensley of Mabelvale and three great-grandchildren, Maddie, Ethan and Georgia.
Hensley was a charter member of New Testament Missionary Baptist Church in Lonoke.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Boyd Funeral Home in Lonoke with interment in Brownsville Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
David Jackson
David L. Jackson, 41, of Austin died Feb. 10.
He was a race horse trainer and a member of the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; son, Stuart Jackson of Austin; daughter, Jamie Jackson of Conway; two step-sons, Luke and Spencer Eldridge of Pang-burn; father, Walter “Red” Jackson of Austin; brother, Walter Ray Jackson of Arlington, Texas, and sister, Carolyn Harbort and husband Eric of Mildenhall, England.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille and his first wife, Patricia.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1430 McCollum Road, Austin, Ark., 72007.
Ryan Duncan
Ryan Howard Duncan, 29, of Cabot passed away Feb. 13.
He was born July 1, 1976 in North Little Rock to Kent and Bonnie Best Duncan. He was a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church.
He is survived by his parents, of Austin, and two sisters; Angela Paige Lantz and her husband Ronnie of St. Louis, Mo., and Stacy Duncan of Lonoke. He is also survived by three nieces; Ashley Stricklin, Sydney Stricklin and Hannah Lantz and one nephew, Aaron Stricklin.
The family will receive friends Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cabot Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Mount Carmel Baptist Church with Bro-thers Mitch Tapson and Ronnie Simmons officiating.
Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery.
Annie King
Annie Cassini King, of Cabot, born July 14, 1937, was received into glory on Feb. 12.
With her heart and house always open and a smile to welcome family and friends; she will be dearly missed.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Ira and Frances Buckner; and six brothers.
Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Chester King; four sons: Chester and wife Judy King of Jacksonville, Stephen and wife Kelly King of Hot Springs, Timmy and wife Miki King of Hot Springs, Phillip and wife Pattie King of Hot Springs; daughter, Melba Roe of Cabot; foster daughter, Ginger Palmer of Missouri; seven grandchildren: Crystal, Sean, Kosha, Kara, Nikki, Courtney and Celsey; two great-grandchildren: Dailen and Keegan; brother, J.C. Buck-ner of Slidell, La.; two sisters, Laura Alexander and Bettye Thomson both of Cabot; countless nephews, nieces and extended family members.
Funeral services are 2 p.m., Wednesday at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church with Dennis Wilson officiating.
Burial will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Arrangements by Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home in Cabot.
Ellen Sheets
Ellen R. Sheets, 70, of Jackso-nville passed away Feb. 7 in Jacksonville.
She was born March 10, 1935 in Lonoke County to the late Joe and Sarah Grimes Weaver. She is preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters. She was an avid Razorback fan and a Methodist.
Survivors include her loving husband, Bobby Joe Sheets, of Jacksonville; daughters, Chris Hobson and her husband Bill of Sherrill and Cindy Stivers of Conway; son, Jody Sheets and his wife Shelly of Conway; three sisters, Peggy Griffin of Colonial Heights, W. Va., Callie Berger of Diamond Springs, Calif., and Martha Petray of Jacksonville, as well as five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday at Mulberry Cemetery in England with Rev. Larry Ballard officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home.
Martha Philpott
Martha Helen Philpott, 80, of Jacksonville died Feb. 13 at St. Vincent Medical Center North in North Little Rock.
She was born February 19, 1925 in Mullens, W.V., to Roby and Phoebe Smith Blevins.
She is survived by four children, Bobbie and her husband Wally Waddell of Jacksonville, Betty Kemmer of California, Bill Agee of Fayetteville, Ben and Mary Ellen Philpott of Boones Mill, Va.; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren; three brothers, Lennie Blevins of Richmond, Va., Earl and Ralph Blevins, both Montgomery, Ala.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Beckley, W.V. with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park there.
Local funeral arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home.
Patsy Corpier
Patsy Corpier, 55, of Higden, died Feb. 11. She was a beautician and attended Fairfield Bay Baptist Church.
She is survived by one son, Jody Copier and his wife, Jennifer, of Higden; one grandson, Jacob; and her mother, Cleo Wright of Higden.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Corpier.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Fairfield Bay Baptist Church.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at the church, with burial in Pinecrest Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up in her memory for donations to the Make A Wish Foundation.
Donations may be made to the Patsy Corpier Memorial Fund at Heber Springs State Bank or mailed to Patsy Corpier Memorial Fund at P.O. Box 1273, Greers Ferry, Ark., 72067.
Harry Doyle Vines, 67, died at home on Feb. 11.
He was born in Caldwell Corner on Sept. 12, 1938. He grew up working in the cotton fields of eastern Arkansas until junior high, when he discovered basketball. The game he loved would take him all over the world for the rest of his life. He graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1957.
He was a member of the Central High basketball Tigers, leading the team to a Big 8 championship and earning a high school All American award in 1957.
He went on to play for coach Abe Lemons, his mentor for life, at Oklahoma City University, playing in the NIT in 1959 and leaving as the sixth-leading scorer. He graduated from OCU in 1961 and became a basketball coach at Southwest Ju-nior High. He later earned a master’s degree in rehabilitation from North Texas State University.
He went to work for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services in 1963 and served the state in positions with the Services for the Blind, attorney general’s office, governor’s office and Workers Compensation Commis-sion for 32 years.
In 1978, he found his true calling when he was asked to coach a fledgling wheelchair basketball team, the Arkansas Rolling Razorbacks. He coached the Rolling Razorbacks for 22 seasons, with 21 winning seasons and a record of 238-40. His teams made 13 final four appearances in the 1980’s and 90’s and won five national championships, their first in Little Rock in 1991.
He later coached U.S. teams in the World Cup, the Paralympics and many other international competitions. At the time of his death, he was the president of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association.
Though he gave of himself and his time unselfishly, he received many honors for his achievements. He was a Governor’s Volunteerism Award recipient in 1980 and Sher-wood Chamber of Commerce man of the year in 1980 and 1983.
In 1990, he was honored by President George H.W. Bush with a Volunteer Action award and later as Bush’s 967th “point of light.” He and the Rolling Razorbacks later visited President Clinton at the White House. He was pleased to be an A-SOB (Arkansas Staff of Bill). He was a Kiwanis Paul Harris Fellow.
He was inducted into the OCU Sports Hall of Fame in 1988 and the National Wheelchair Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.
He served the Governor’s Com-mission on People with Disabilities, the Our Way board of directors, the Arkansas Community Service Com-mission and the city of Sherwood personnel committee.
He was a charter member of the Sherwood Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Max Howell Roast, a scholarship fundraiser. He was a member of Sylvan Hills Methodist Church. He walked on the court at Boston Garden, played the Old Course in Scotland and traveled to all 50 states.
He is survived by his wife and partner, Cheryl; his daughter, Holly Vines and son, Dr. Phillip Vines, both of Little Rock; an aunt, Christine Hampton of Colt, and two uncles, Donald Parkman of Forrest City and Jerry Parkman of Zell-wood, Fla.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Cindy and Kenny Limbo of Fair Oaks, Calif., and Steve Lady and Shary Smith of Emigsville, Pa.; nieces and nephews, Kasey Limbo, Shellee and Jesse McAsey, Vanessa and Lucy, and a host of cousins and friends, as well as the past and present members of the Arkansas Rolling Razorbacks.
The family thanks Dr. Tom Meziere and Dr. Mark Peterson for their compassionate care and support over this long illness.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Roller-Owens Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Arkansas Rolling Razorbacks, P.O. Box 1669, North Little Rock, Ark. 72115.
Robert Harkey
Robert Ervin Harkey, 68, of Cabot passed away on Feb.13.
He was retired from the Air Force and was a veteran of both Vietnam and Korean Wars.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Harkey; five sons, Cecil and wife Becky Harkey of Austin, Texas; Merlin Harkey of Mocksville, N.C.; Roger and wife Abby Barker of Batesville; David Barker of Cabot; Tony and wife Lisa Barker of Texarkana; one daughter, Denise and husband Pat Brandt of Amarillo, Texas; four brothers, Bill Harkey, Frank Harkey, Neddie Harkey and Tony Harkey all of North Carolina; four sisters, Brenda Peffley, Bonnie Williams, Ruby Williams and Joanne Smith all of North Carolina; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Boyd Funeral Home Chapel in Lonoke, with interment in Lonoke Cemetery.
Alice Hensley
Alice Marie (Mower) Hensley, 76, died Feb. 13.
She was born Aug. 29, 1929, in Jackson, Miss., to Curtis D. Mow-rer and Icis (Heath) Mower. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Joe F. Hensley and Alvin Ingle; brothers, Ellis Mowrer and Calvin Mowrer and a sister Edith Cornett of Lonoke.
Survivors include sons, Troy Hensley and wife Frances of Beebe, Tom Hensley and wife Sharon of Hot Springs Village and Dan Hensley and wife Brenda of Mabelvale; brother James R. Mowrer of Austin and sister Dorothea Pearson.
She was a loving grandmother to grandchildren, Jennifer Hensley of Fayetteville, Erica Preston and husband Clinton of Lowell, Niki Moss and husband Josh of Con-way, Justin Hensley and wife Sun-ny of Baton Rouge, La., and Jon Hensley and Ariel Hensley of Mabelvale and three great-grandchildren, Maddie, Ethan and Georgia.
Hensley was a charter member of New Testament Missionary Baptist Church in Lonoke.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Boyd Funeral Home in Lonoke with interment in Brownsville Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
David Jackson
David L. Jackson, 41, of Austin died Feb. 10.
He was a race horse trainer and a member of the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; son, Stuart Jackson of Austin; daughter, Jamie Jackson of Conway; two step-sons, Luke and Spencer Eldridge of Pang-burn; father, Walter “Red” Jackson of Austin; brother, Walter Ray Jackson of Arlington, Texas, and sister, Carolyn Harbort and husband Eric of Mildenhall, England.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille and his first wife, Patricia.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1430 McCollum Road, Austin, Ark., 72007.
Ryan Duncan
Ryan Howard Duncan, 29, of Cabot passed away Feb. 13.
He was born July 1, 1976 in North Little Rock to Kent and Bonnie Best Duncan. He was a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church.
He is survived by his parents, of Austin, and two sisters; Angela Paige Lantz and her husband Ronnie of St. Louis, Mo., and Stacy Duncan of Lonoke. He is also survived by three nieces; Ashley Stricklin, Sydney Stricklin and Hannah Lantz and one nephew, Aaron Stricklin.
The family will receive friends Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cabot Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Mount Carmel Baptist Church with Bro-thers Mitch Tapson and Ronnie Simmons officiating.
Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery.
Annie King
Annie Cassini King, of Cabot, born July 14, 1937, was received into glory on Feb. 12.
With her heart and house always open and a smile to welcome family and friends; she will be dearly missed.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Ira and Frances Buckner; and six brothers.
Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Chester King; four sons: Chester and wife Judy King of Jacksonville, Stephen and wife Kelly King of Hot Springs, Timmy and wife Miki King of Hot Springs, Phillip and wife Pattie King of Hot Springs; daughter, Melba Roe of Cabot; foster daughter, Ginger Palmer of Missouri; seven grandchildren: Crystal, Sean, Kosha, Kara, Nikki, Courtney and Celsey; two great-grandchildren: Dailen and Keegan; brother, J.C. Buck-ner of Slidell, La.; two sisters, Laura Alexander and Bettye Thomson both of Cabot; countless nephews, nieces and extended family members.
Funeral services are 2 p.m., Wednesday at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church with Dennis Wilson officiating.
Burial will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Arrangements by Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home in Cabot.
Ellen Sheets
Ellen R. Sheets, 70, of Jackso-nville passed away Feb. 7 in Jacksonville.
She was born March 10, 1935 in Lonoke County to the late Joe and Sarah Grimes Weaver. She is preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters. She was an avid Razorback fan and a Methodist.
Survivors include her loving husband, Bobby Joe Sheets, of Jacksonville; daughters, Chris Hobson and her husband Bill of Sherrill and Cindy Stivers of Conway; son, Jody Sheets and his wife Shelly of Conway; three sisters, Peggy Griffin of Colonial Heights, W. Va., Callie Berger of Diamond Springs, Calif., and Martha Petray of Jacksonville, as well as five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday at Mulberry Cemetery in England with Rev. Larry Ballard officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home.
Martha Philpott
Martha Helen Philpott, 80, of Jacksonville died Feb. 13 at St. Vincent Medical Center North in North Little Rock.
She was born February 19, 1925 in Mullens, W.V., to Roby and Phoebe Smith Blevins.
She is survived by four children, Bobbie and her husband Wally Waddell of Jacksonville, Betty Kemmer of California, Bill Agee of Fayetteville, Ben and Mary Ellen Philpott of Boones Mill, Va.; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren; three brothers, Lennie Blevins of Richmond, Va., Earl and Ralph Blevins, both Montgomery, Ala.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Beckley, W.V. with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park there.
Local funeral arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home.
Patsy Corpier
Patsy Corpier, 55, of Higden, died Feb. 11. She was a beautician and attended Fairfield Bay Baptist Church.
She is survived by one son, Jody Copier and his wife, Jennifer, of Higden; one grandson, Jacob; and her mother, Cleo Wright of Higden.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Corpier.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Fairfield Bay Baptist Church.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at the church, with burial in Pinecrest Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up in her memory for donations to the Make A Wish Foundation.
Donations may be made to the Patsy Corpier Memorial Fund at Heber Springs State Bank or mailed to Patsy Corpier Memorial Fund at P.O. Box 1273, Greers Ferry, Ark., 72067.
TOP STORY >> Soaring energy costs squeeze area elderly
BY JOHN HOFHEIMER
Leader staff writer
IN SHORT: High utility bills have some seniors swaddled in blankets or choosing between paying for food or medicine.
Since his electric bill has risen about 45 percent this year, Bill Carr of Jacksonville says he’s afraid he and his wife Wanda will have to choose between prescription drugs and food. “It might be cheaper just to put me in a hole,” said Carr.
The Carrs are among thousands of area senior citizens living on Social Security who find their utility bills suddenly an even bigger burden than before. As they ate a Valentine’s Day meal at the Jacksonville Senior Citizen Center Tuesday, they confided that they get about $1,200 a month to cover all expenses.
But with a heating bill from First Electric of more than $300, it can be a struggle. “It just about doubled,” he said. “Before this there was not a lot of money left at the end of the month. Now there’s none.”
His wife said they were filling out a form to see if they could get some assistance with their bill.
“It’s very hard for us,” said Wanda Carr. Everything went up at the grocery store, too.
Bill and Delores Garrett, who were sitting with the Carrs, said they cut the thermostat back from 75 degrees to 69 or 70 degrees.
“We sit around the house wrapped up in blankets,” he said. “If this had been a harsh winter…” he said, his sentence trailing off.
“We replaced our windows,” said Delores Garrett. “That might have helped some.”
“I heard (the electric company) will help weatherize some homes,” she added.
Henry Foster and his wife Pearlie, dressed in her red Valentine’s Day finery, traveled to the McAlmont Senior Center at the McAlmont Church of Christ.
“My bill went up at least $100 or so,” said Foster who also has a pension from UPS to supplement his Social Security. He said he paid about $300 this time.
“I’ll just have to ride with the tide,” said Foster, who says he must keep the heat up for his wife, who is diabetic and has had a stroke.
“When everybody gets their pockets full, (prices) will come down,” said Foster.
Ceola Lee Crump, who lives at Brushy Island just outside Sher-wood, says levelized gas billing and help from the Department of Human Services on one electric bill eased the pain of the utility hikes for her.
Scripture says “Be thankful for all things,” said Crump.
The increased cost of energy is tied to the rising cost of oil, which Friday “fell” to $62.60 a barrel, disruptions in the supply of natural gas caused by three hurricanes and also, in Arkansas at least, diminished coal supplies at two major coal burning electric plants caused by disruptions in rail service, according to Neal Frizell, vice president of marketing and communications for the First Electric Cooperative.
First Electric serves, among others, most customers outside cities and big towns in Pulaski, Lonoke and White counties.
The increase in First Electric’s customer bills is attributable to two things, according to Frizell, the least of which is an increase in the basic service charge from $8 a year ago to $14.
The second, and by far more significant increase, is the energy-cost adjustment, based on the amount First Electric had to pay to fuel its plants and to buy electricity on the open market to supply its consumers, Frizell said.
Entergy and Centerpoint also have been passing increases in utility costs on to consumers, although in February, Centerpoint actually lowered costs, reflecting a decrease in the cost of natural gas.
Crisis assistance
Central Arkansas Development Council is accepting applications for crisis intervention assistance, a spokesman said. The eligible household must meet income, resource and residency guidelines and also demonstrate a home energy related emergency situation.
This could be in the form of a disconnect notice within seven days, disconnected service or a household using propane that is below 10 percent and must pay cash on delivery. Households wishing to apply should provide proof of income for the prior month and a copy of the disconnect notice.
Winter assistance
CADC continues to accept winter assistance applications. Any household that has not received winter assistance in 2006 is eligible to apply. Eligibility is based on income, resource and residency guidelines. Most households receiving food stamps will be eligible for this program. Households should provide proof of income for the prior month and a copy of their current bill.
Applications will be accepted in Pulaski County at the Jacksonville Workforce Center, No. 2 Crestview Plaza, in Jacksonville. The contact person is Shannon Jones. For an appointment call 982-3835.
Applications are also accepted at the North Little Rock Dept. of Human Services, 1900 East Washington Ave. in North Little Rock.
In Lonoke County, applicants may go to the CADC office at 117 S. E. Front St. in Lonoke. Mary Abshure is the contact person and can be reached from 8 a.m. until noon by calling 501-676-0019.
Leader staff writer
IN SHORT: High utility bills have some seniors swaddled in blankets or choosing between paying for food or medicine.
Since his electric bill has risen about 45 percent this year, Bill Carr of Jacksonville says he’s afraid he and his wife Wanda will have to choose between prescription drugs and food. “It might be cheaper just to put me in a hole,” said Carr.
The Carrs are among thousands of area senior citizens living on Social Security who find their utility bills suddenly an even bigger burden than before. As they ate a Valentine’s Day meal at the Jacksonville Senior Citizen Center Tuesday, they confided that they get about $1,200 a month to cover all expenses.
But with a heating bill from First Electric of more than $300, it can be a struggle. “It just about doubled,” he said. “Before this there was not a lot of money left at the end of the month. Now there’s none.”
His wife said they were filling out a form to see if they could get some assistance with their bill.
“It’s very hard for us,” said Wanda Carr. Everything went up at the grocery store, too.
Bill and Delores Garrett, who were sitting with the Carrs, said they cut the thermostat back from 75 degrees to 69 or 70 degrees.
“We sit around the house wrapped up in blankets,” he said. “If this had been a harsh winter…” he said, his sentence trailing off.
“We replaced our windows,” said Delores Garrett. “That might have helped some.”
“I heard (the electric company) will help weatherize some homes,” she added.
Henry Foster and his wife Pearlie, dressed in her red Valentine’s Day finery, traveled to the McAlmont Senior Center at the McAlmont Church of Christ.
“My bill went up at least $100 or so,” said Foster who also has a pension from UPS to supplement his Social Security. He said he paid about $300 this time.
“I’ll just have to ride with the tide,” said Foster, who says he must keep the heat up for his wife, who is diabetic and has had a stroke.
“When everybody gets their pockets full, (prices) will come down,” said Foster.
Ceola Lee Crump, who lives at Brushy Island just outside Sher-wood, says levelized gas billing and help from the Department of Human Services on one electric bill eased the pain of the utility hikes for her.
Scripture says “Be thankful for all things,” said Crump.
The increased cost of energy is tied to the rising cost of oil, which Friday “fell” to $62.60 a barrel, disruptions in the supply of natural gas caused by three hurricanes and also, in Arkansas at least, diminished coal supplies at two major coal burning electric plants caused by disruptions in rail service, according to Neal Frizell, vice president of marketing and communications for the First Electric Cooperative.
First Electric serves, among others, most customers outside cities and big towns in Pulaski, Lonoke and White counties.
The increase in First Electric’s customer bills is attributable to two things, according to Frizell, the least of which is an increase in the basic service charge from $8 a year ago to $14.
The second, and by far more significant increase, is the energy-cost adjustment, based on the amount First Electric had to pay to fuel its plants and to buy electricity on the open market to supply its consumers, Frizell said.
Entergy and Centerpoint also have been passing increases in utility costs on to consumers, although in February, Centerpoint actually lowered costs, reflecting a decrease in the cost of natural gas.
Crisis assistance
Central Arkansas Development Council is accepting applications for crisis intervention assistance, a spokesman said. The eligible household must meet income, resource and residency guidelines and also demonstrate a home energy related emergency situation.
This could be in the form of a disconnect notice within seven days, disconnected service or a household using propane that is below 10 percent and must pay cash on delivery. Households wishing to apply should provide proof of income for the prior month and a copy of the disconnect notice.
Winter assistance
CADC continues to accept winter assistance applications. Any household that has not received winter assistance in 2006 is eligible to apply. Eligibility is based on income, resource and residency guidelines. Most households receiving food stamps will be eligible for this program. Households should provide proof of income for the prior month and a copy of their current bill.
Applications will be accepted in Pulaski County at the Jacksonville Workforce Center, No. 2 Crestview Plaza, in Jacksonville. The contact person is Shannon Jones. For an appointment call 982-3835.
Applications are also accepted at the North Little Rock Dept. of Human Services, 1900 East Washington Ave. in North Little Rock.
In Lonoke County, applicants may go to the CADC office at 117 S. E. Front St. in Lonoke. Mary Abshure is the contact person and can be reached from 8 a.m. until noon by calling 501-676-0019.
TOP STORY >> Housing makeover: Air base modernizing
BY SARA GREENE
Leader staff writer
IN SHORT:A new neighborhood town hall is the center of a planned housing development, offering a taste of modern amenities.
Signs of a massive housing construction boom at Little Rock Air Force Base are found along Arkan-sas Boulevard and Iowa Circle, where a $1.2 million town hall has just opened.
The town hall will anchor four newly built or remodeled housing areas for enlisted personnel as part of a project that will cost more than $400 million when it is completed in nine years.
The town hall, which opened for base residents last week as the center of family housing on the base, has the look and the amenities of a prosperous suburban home: Attractive, spacious and up-to-date with modern furniture, appliances, computers and more.
Much of the new housing will have the same modern appearance, built from the ground up, as old houses are demolished or old ones are completely remodeled.
Plans call for 84 new homes to be completed this year, with 384 more homes to be built 2015.
“Little Rock Family Housing elected to build this facility first because it, unlike new homes, provides an immediate benefit to all of our residents,” said James T. (Tom) Brockway, project director.
Little Rock Family Housing is part of American Eagle Com-munities, the company now in charge of base housing.
“The town hall has already hosted a retirement ceremony and a dinner. We look forward to hosting wedding showers, anniversary dinners, baby showers and birthday parties,” Brockway said.
Started last May, the 7,018-square-foot town hall is completely opposite of the flat-roofed, efficient and unexceptional buildings military families have grown to expect. The inviting building looks like a sprawling house complete with slate-colored vinyl siding, gabled roof and bricked entryway. The inside of the building is decorated in a complementary color scheme of beige, taupe accented with gold and earth tones.
“The town hall has something for everyone,” said Cathy Living-ston, community coordinator. She said more than 160 people have toured the building in addition to the events that have been held there.
The town hall has three meeting rooms, a cyber café with five computers and a media room with a 55-inch high definition television.
There is an exercise room done in bright blue-green and a lemonade yellow playroom where parents can exercise and watch their children all at the same time.
Outside, there are basketball and volleyball courts, a junior Olympic swimming pool and Brockway’s favorite part of the new facility, a playground equipped with a sprayground-- a water play area featuring spraying fountains. All of these features are free to residents during normal business hours, and can be reserved for private parties.
“My children have been fortunate to play in these types of fountain areas at other assignments in Colorado and South Carolina and I thought it would be a wonderful addition to our facility, particularly when paired with the playground that is immediately adjacent to the fountains,” Brockway said.
A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the town hall is scheduled for March 13.
In addition to the town hall, there will be four smaller neighborhood centers constructed as well.
The housing areas are being named to foster a sense of community. These neighborhoods will be named Lakeview Estates in the west; Ridgecrest in the south and Meadow Wood in the east.
American Eagle’s project is one and a half years into a seven-year building cycle that will feature 468 new homes and 732 renovated homes for Little Rock Air Force Base families. The new houses are at least 1,700 square feet and have three bedrooms, says Brockway.
The homes feature a master bedroom suite with a walk-in closet and private bath.
The secondary bedrooms share a single bath and, in the four-bedroom model, there is an additional half bath.
The homes feature laundry rooms, with a laundry sink, space for a freezer, exterior storage, two car garages, a storm safe room, carpeted living areas and high-speed Internet connections.
Unlike the existing homes, built in the 1950s and 1960s—before families gathered around the television set, these homes will have great rooms, home offices as well as being energy efficient.
The renovated homes will feature the same products that are in the new homes with upgraded amenities such as new appliances, renovated kitchens and baths, high speed Internet access and carpeted living areas as well as unseen improvements like telephone and cable outlets in every room and upgraded electrical systems.
The new homes being constructed at the corner of Minnesota Circle and Texas Avenue are expected to be completed in May.
American Eagle Communities submitted the winning bid to buy the houses—but not the land—to raze and rebuild existing homes and remodel another 732, managing the houses and collecting the rents. Eventually there will be 1,200 housing units.
The initial development contract of $111 million for Little Rock Air Force Base also included a 50-year operating agreement valued at more than $400 million. American Eagle is responsible for housing upkeep and maintenance for the duration of the agreement, in addition to managing the housing program for the base.
“The builder is using the three prototype homes as ‘proof of concept’ homes that allow Airmen to review the floor plans, materials and the workmanship of the selected tradesmen,” Brockway said.
“We are introducing panelized, steel framing in our new units,” Brockway said.
“The steel framing panels allow us to build new homes faster, lower our insurance costs, provide a fail-safe barrier to termite damage all at the same cost of traditional wood construction,” Brockway explained.
Tech. Sgt. Arlo Taylor of the 314th Airlift Wing public affairs wing contributed to this article.
Leader staff writer
IN SHORT:A new neighborhood town hall is the center of a planned housing development, offering a taste of modern amenities.
Signs of a massive housing construction boom at Little Rock Air Force Base are found along Arkan-sas Boulevard and Iowa Circle, where a $1.2 million town hall has just opened.
The town hall will anchor four newly built or remodeled housing areas for enlisted personnel as part of a project that will cost more than $400 million when it is completed in nine years.
The town hall, which opened for base residents last week as the center of family housing on the base, has the look and the amenities of a prosperous suburban home: Attractive, spacious and up-to-date with modern furniture, appliances, computers and more.
Much of the new housing will have the same modern appearance, built from the ground up, as old houses are demolished or old ones are completely remodeled.
Plans call for 84 new homes to be completed this year, with 384 more homes to be built 2015.
“Little Rock Family Housing elected to build this facility first because it, unlike new homes, provides an immediate benefit to all of our residents,” said James T. (Tom) Brockway, project director.
Little Rock Family Housing is part of American Eagle Com-munities, the company now in charge of base housing.
“The town hall has already hosted a retirement ceremony and a dinner. We look forward to hosting wedding showers, anniversary dinners, baby showers and birthday parties,” Brockway said.
Started last May, the 7,018-square-foot town hall is completely opposite of the flat-roofed, efficient and unexceptional buildings military families have grown to expect. The inviting building looks like a sprawling house complete with slate-colored vinyl siding, gabled roof and bricked entryway. The inside of the building is decorated in a complementary color scheme of beige, taupe accented with gold and earth tones.
“The town hall has something for everyone,” said Cathy Living-ston, community coordinator. She said more than 160 people have toured the building in addition to the events that have been held there.
The town hall has three meeting rooms, a cyber café with five computers and a media room with a 55-inch high definition television.
There is an exercise room done in bright blue-green and a lemonade yellow playroom where parents can exercise and watch their children all at the same time.
Outside, there are basketball and volleyball courts, a junior Olympic swimming pool and Brockway’s favorite part of the new facility, a playground equipped with a sprayground-- a water play area featuring spraying fountains. All of these features are free to residents during normal business hours, and can be reserved for private parties.
“My children have been fortunate to play in these types of fountain areas at other assignments in Colorado and South Carolina and I thought it would be a wonderful addition to our facility, particularly when paired with the playground that is immediately adjacent to the fountains,” Brockway said.
A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the town hall is scheduled for March 13.
In addition to the town hall, there will be four smaller neighborhood centers constructed as well.
The housing areas are being named to foster a sense of community. These neighborhoods will be named Lakeview Estates in the west; Ridgecrest in the south and Meadow Wood in the east.
American Eagle’s project is one and a half years into a seven-year building cycle that will feature 468 new homes and 732 renovated homes for Little Rock Air Force Base families. The new houses are at least 1,700 square feet and have three bedrooms, says Brockway.
The homes feature a master bedroom suite with a walk-in closet and private bath.
The secondary bedrooms share a single bath and, in the four-bedroom model, there is an additional half bath.
The homes feature laundry rooms, with a laundry sink, space for a freezer, exterior storage, two car garages, a storm safe room, carpeted living areas and high-speed Internet connections.
Unlike the existing homes, built in the 1950s and 1960s—before families gathered around the television set, these homes will have great rooms, home offices as well as being energy efficient.
The renovated homes will feature the same products that are in the new homes with upgraded amenities such as new appliances, renovated kitchens and baths, high speed Internet access and carpeted living areas as well as unseen improvements like telephone and cable outlets in every room and upgraded electrical systems.
The new homes being constructed at the corner of Minnesota Circle and Texas Avenue are expected to be completed in May.
American Eagle Communities submitted the winning bid to buy the houses—but not the land—to raze and rebuild existing homes and remodel another 732, managing the houses and collecting the rents. Eventually there will be 1,200 housing units.
The initial development contract of $111 million for Little Rock Air Force Base also included a 50-year operating agreement valued at more than $400 million. American Eagle is responsible for housing upkeep and maintenance for the duration of the agreement, in addition to managing the housing program for the base.
“The builder is using the three prototype homes as ‘proof of concept’ homes that allow Airmen to review the floor plans, materials and the workmanship of the selected tradesmen,” Brockway said.
“We are introducing panelized, steel framing in our new units,” Brockway said.
“The steel framing panels allow us to build new homes faster, lower our insurance costs, provide a fail-safe barrier to termite damage all at the same cost of traditional wood construction,” Brockway explained.
Tech. Sgt. Arlo Taylor of the 314th Airlift Wing public affairs wing contributed to this article.
TOP STORY >> Lonoke looks beyond scandal
BY JOHN HOFHEIMER
Leader staff writer
IN SHORT:The town may be reeling by the recent arrests of its mayor and police chief, but despite his misdemeanor arrest, the mayor is still in charge and says the best is yet to come.
A maze of opportunities and problems face the town of Lonoke, Mayor Thomas Privett told the city council Monday in his state of the city address.
The future is bright, he said, despite a misdemeanor charge against Privett for having an inmate hang Christmas lights at his home and work on an air conditioner, and a bevy of felony charges against Lonoke Police Chief Jay Camp-bell, resulting in his resignation, but Privett said the city was moving beyond those problems.
Privett has named Campbell’s second in command, Capt. Sean O’Nale, interim chief of police and has met with the officers to tell them he had full confidence in them.
“My goal is to build or rebuild trust in this community between the police, the businesses and the residents,” said Privett.
“I’m really proud of our police,” said Privett. “Our crime rate was reduced 25 percent in 2005.”
Growth is brisk at three new subdivisions in the town, said Privett, resulting not only in more property taxes, but an increase in water sales of $40,000.
Lonoke’s new middle school will open next year after the Christmas holiday and the old middle school will be converted for use as a vocational school, perhaps in partnership with ASU-Beebe and for adult education classes, he said.
The four-year-old Lonoke Community Center continues to add classes and plan for expansion, said the mayor.
“The key is money,” Privett said, noting that the city is currently getting $42,000 a year in tower rental from two wireless carriers.
Sales tax revenues were up slightly and bound to increase by about $100,000 a year once the receipts from a new 2-cent hospitality tax start getting to the city park budget, probably in July.
The town’s ballparks are in good shape and getting better under the direction of director Roy Don Lewis, and a state tournament will be held in Lonoke this year, he said.
Thanks in large part to the growth of Cabot, Lonoke’s share of the county sales tax is up as well, the mayor pointed out.
The city expected and budgeted about $272,000 in county takes, but now it appears its share will be about $400,000.
Laster and Laster, a startup local company that invented and manufactures a device to make it easier for truckers to hook up tandem trailers, opened recently and employs about nine people. Eventually it should employ more and generate sales tax, said the mayor.
The Thomas James Trust donated the old Movie Gallery building to the city.
Privett says Cong. Marion Berry and Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor are helping make a new I-40 interchange at state Hwy. 89 on the east end of Lonoke a reality. Privett and others are meeting frequently with representatives of the state Highway Department.
Privett said the town would already have landed one or more manufacturers had they been able to promise a completion date for the new interchange.
Privett said work also had been done to make the land adjacent to that eventual interchange more attractive as an industrial park to potential manufacturers.
The town’s new water clarifyer and repaired aerator are providing residents with cleaner water and saving the city about $150 a day through more efficient operation, he said.
The amount of rust in the water has fallen off from .04 parts per million to a paltry .002 parts per million, he reported.
“We’ve got a lot of balls in the air, a lot on our plate,” said Privett.
“The best is yet to come,” he insisted.
Leader staff writer
IN SHORT:The town may be reeling by the recent arrests of its mayor and police chief, but despite his misdemeanor arrest, the mayor is still in charge and says the best is yet to come.
A maze of opportunities and problems face the town of Lonoke, Mayor Thomas Privett told the city council Monday in his state of the city address.
The future is bright, he said, despite a misdemeanor charge against Privett for having an inmate hang Christmas lights at his home and work on an air conditioner, and a bevy of felony charges against Lonoke Police Chief Jay Camp-bell, resulting in his resignation, but Privett said the city was moving beyond those problems.
Privett has named Campbell’s second in command, Capt. Sean O’Nale, interim chief of police and has met with the officers to tell them he had full confidence in them.
“My goal is to build or rebuild trust in this community between the police, the businesses and the residents,” said Privett.
“I’m really proud of our police,” said Privett. “Our crime rate was reduced 25 percent in 2005.”
Growth is brisk at three new subdivisions in the town, said Privett, resulting not only in more property taxes, but an increase in water sales of $40,000.
Lonoke’s new middle school will open next year after the Christmas holiday and the old middle school will be converted for use as a vocational school, perhaps in partnership with ASU-Beebe and for adult education classes, he said.
The four-year-old Lonoke Community Center continues to add classes and plan for expansion, said the mayor.
“The key is money,” Privett said, noting that the city is currently getting $42,000 a year in tower rental from two wireless carriers.
Sales tax revenues were up slightly and bound to increase by about $100,000 a year once the receipts from a new 2-cent hospitality tax start getting to the city park budget, probably in July.
The town’s ballparks are in good shape and getting better under the direction of director Roy Don Lewis, and a state tournament will be held in Lonoke this year, he said.
Thanks in large part to the growth of Cabot, Lonoke’s share of the county sales tax is up as well, the mayor pointed out.
The city expected and budgeted about $272,000 in county takes, but now it appears its share will be about $400,000.
Laster and Laster, a startup local company that invented and manufactures a device to make it easier for truckers to hook up tandem trailers, opened recently and employs about nine people. Eventually it should employ more and generate sales tax, said the mayor.
The Thomas James Trust donated the old Movie Gallery building to the city.
Privett says Cong. Marion Berry and Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor are helping make a new I-40 interchange at state Hwy. 89 on the east end of Lonoke a reality. Privett and others are meeting frequently with representatives of the state Highway Department.
Privett said the town would already have landed one or more manufacturers had they been able to promise a completion date for the new interchange.
Privett said work also had been done to make the land adjacent to that eventual interchange more attractive as an industrial park to potential manufacturers.
The town’s new water clarifyer and repaired aerator are providing residents with cleaner water and saving the city about $150 a day through more efficient operation, he said.
The amount of rust in the water has fallen off from .04 parts per million to a paltry .002 parts per million, he reported.
“We’ve got a lot of balls in the air, a lot on our plate,” said Privett.
“The best is yet to come,” he insisted.
FROM THE PUBLISHER >> Huckabee no better than mayor
BY GARRICK FELDMAN
Leader publisher
How come Lonoke Mayor Thomas Privett faces charges of using inmate labor to put up Christmas lights at his home and at a friend’s house, but Gov. Huckabee can use murderers to do chores around the Governor’s Mansion?
Not only use them at the mansion, but pardon them, too, at a furious pace, although the people of Arkansas, having caught on to his abuses, have pretty much put him out of the pardoning business.
While Privett’s mug shot is shown around the world — the front page of last Wednesday’s Leader reporting the arrest of Lonoke officials for various crimes, some serious, indeed, was featured Friday evening on CNN — yet Huckabee takes taxpayers for a ride every time he uses a State Police airplane for his out-of-state travels to promote his diet books and presidential aspirations.
Shouldn’t the Legislative Joint Performance Review Committee look into Huckabee’s misuse of the state plane for his personal errands?
Sure, some of those trips are connected with his travels to meetings of the National Governors Association, which he heads, but many trips are political and personal, although he’s been secretive about them, as is his custom.
The Joint Performance Review Committee should find out if Huckabee has broken the law every time he hijacks the State Police airplane for his personal use, costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Huckabee says it’s none of our business what he does. That’s what he said when he was pardoning hundreds of criminals, but the Legislature curbed his pardoning powers, and now it should also limit his use of the state plane.
If the Joint Performance Re-view Committee finds he violated the law — and he almost certainly did — he should repay taxpayers the cost of those flights — and there have been hundreds of questionable trips in recent years.
The Legislature might as well take the plane away from him. Other governors managed to travel without their personal airplane. Let’s keep the State Police plane for crime fighting.
Make him take Southwest Airlines if he wants to fly around the country to sell himself as a presidential candidate.
Why is he seeking the presidency, anyway?
It’s a foolish quest, but he’s apparently running on a Thin Man platform, promising to help every fat person in America lose weight just like he did.
That’s great, but how will that help us fight al-Qaida, balance the budget and provide health care to every sick American?
He has disqualified himself from the presidency if for no other reason than his blatant abuse of power, from record pardons to record out-of-state travels on our dime.
There are those who think losing all that weight has made Huckabee delusional. They liked him better when he was pleasantly plump.
Leader publisher
How come Lonoke Mayor Thomas Privett faces charges of using inmate labor to put up Christmas lights at his home and at a friend’s house, but Gov. Huckabee can use murderers to do chores around the Governor’s Mansion?
Not only use them at the mansion, but pardon them, too, at a furious pace, although the people of Arkansas, having caught on to his abuses, have pretty much put him out of the pardoning business.
While Privett’s mug shot is shown around the world — the front page of last Wednesday’s Leader reporting the arrest of Lonoke officials for various crimes, some serious, indeed, was featured Friday evening on CNN — yet Huckabee takes taxpayers for a ride every time he uses a State Police airplane for his out-of-state travels to promote his diet books and presidential aspirations.
Shouldn’t the Legislative Joint Performance Review Committee look into Huckabee’s misuse of the state plane for his personal errands?
Sure, some of those trips are connected with his travels to meetings of the National Governors Association, which he heads, but many trips are political and personal, although he’s been secretive about them, as is his custom.
The Joint Performance Review Committee should find out if Huckabee has broken the law every time he hijacks the State Police airplane for his personal use, costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Huckabee says it’s none of our business what he does. That’s what he said when he was pardoning hundreds of criminals, but the Legislature curbed his pardoning powers, and now it should also limit his use of the state plane.
If the Joint Performance Re-view Committee finds he violated the law — and he almost certainly did — he should repay taxpayers the cost of those flights — and there have been hundreds of questionable trips in recent years.
The Legislature might as well take the plane away from him. Other governors managed to travel without their personal airplane. Let’s keep the State Police plane for crime fighting.
Make him take Southwest Airlines if he wants to fly around the country to sell himself as a presidential candidate.
Why is he seeking the presidency, anyway?
It’s a foolish quest, but he’s apparently running on a Thin Man platform, promising to help every fat person in America lose weight just like he did.
That’s great, but how will that help us fight al-Qaida, balance the budget and provide health care to every sick American?
He has disqualified himself from the presidency if for no other reason than his blatant abuse of power, from record pardons to record out-of-state travels on our dime.
There are those who think losing all that weight has made Huckabee delusional. They liked him better when he was pleasantly plump.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
OBITUARIES >> 02-08-06
TERRY HOLLAND
Terry Ann Holland, 55, of Jack-sonville, passed away Feb. 5 in Sherwood. Holland was born Sept. 30, 1950, in McAlmont to the late Terry Joshway and Dora Ellen Homan Ivey. She was preceded in death by seven brothers, Arnold, Marvin, Leo, Wayne, Jam-es Edward, Johnny Ray and Vernon; and two sisters, Essie and Mary Ellen.
She was a member of Gravel Ridge First Baptist Church and loved animals very much.
Survivors include her loving husband of 23 years, Robert Holland of Jacksonville; her daughter, Michele Lee Cunning-ham Alvarido; son, James David Cunningham, brother, Billy Joe Ivey, who has been a great support for both Terry Ann and Robert; sisters, Ruby Brandon, Dorothy Ry-chlowski, Betty Heigle, Carlion Rischar, Juanita Distefano, Peggy Rupp, Doris Sayles, Jo Ann Miller and Rebecca Nava who all loved her so very much and will miss her equally. Her two precious cats, Missie and Patches also survive her.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Terry Fortner officiating.
Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
KENNETH MATTHEWS
Kenneth E. Matthews, 71, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, Feb. 5. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Ester Doss and a beloved daughter, Lisa Wyles. He was a member of Brownsville Baptist Church and a retired truck driver.
Matthews was a friendly, fun loving person who loved the Lord and people and enjoyed talking with everyone. He loved children, and especially enjoyed the great-grandchildren. His final days were made brighter by Kaylie, Braylyn, Eryn and Paige. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Shirley Abshier Matthews; a daughter, Melinda Sullivan; one son, Kevin Shane Matthews, both of North Little Rock; five grandchildren and six great- grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. today at Boyd Funeral Home Chapel, Lonoke with Rev. Andy Kerr and Bro. Dan Stout officiating. A committal service will follow at 1:30 p.m. in Crestlawn Memorial Park, Conway.
ARLES LUCAS
Arles F. Lucas, 74, of Jacksonville, passed away Feb. 3. He was the son of Neely Lucas and Nellie Henderson Lucas.
He was in the Air Force for 26 years and retired as a master sergeant. He enjoyed his woodworking and especially his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Jo Lucas, one daughter, Gina Summers and husband Bill, one son, Bruce Lucas and wife Tammy all of Jack-sonville, one brother, Bill Lucas and wife Mariam of Rogers, two grandsons, Ryan Summers and wife Jacinda and Brandon Summers all of Jacksonville; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held Monday at Rest Hills Memorial Park with Jimmie Sheffield officiating. Memorials can be made to Arkansas Hospice, 5600 W. 12th Street, Little Rock, Ark., 72204. Funeral arrangements by Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home.
DUSTIN HARRIS
Dustin Miller Harris, 13, of Cabot, died Feb. 2.
He was born May 20, 1992, to Jerry Harris and Lisa Whittington Beebe in Hope. Harris was a member of Cabot United Methodist Church, a student at Cabot Junior High North where he was on the football team; he also enjoyed video games and hunting.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, W.C. Beebe of Hope and Ed Harris of Prescott.
He is survived by his parents: Lisa and Tom Beebe of Cabot, Jerry and Denise Harris of Prescott; brother, Shane Harris of Prescott; stepbrothers: Kyle Beebe and wife, Jennifer of Hope, Jeremy Woods of Prescott; stepsister, Tara Beebe of Sherwood; aunts, Jo Rayborn of East Camden, Jenny Throgmorton of Spanish Fork, Utah, Marsha Blackburn of Lake Village; uncle, Ron Whittington of North Richland Hills, Texas; grandparents, Carol and Lloyd Braden of Deann, Ruth Beebe of Hope; numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins from Prescott and Hope.
Services were held Monday at Cabot United Methodist Church with Rev. Richard Lancaster officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Prescott.
Arrangements are by Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home.
ANN KNOX
Ann E. Knox, 74, of Beebe died Saturday, February 4, 2006. She was a member of Beebe Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, I. V. Knox. She is survived by two sons, Larry and wife Deborah Knox of El Paso and Johnny and wife Kathy Knox of Beebe; one daughter, Vickie Fowlkes of Beebe; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Davidson and Brenda Roth of Brooksville, Ky.
Funeral services were Tuesday at Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe, with burial at Meadow-brook Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements by Westbrook Funeral Home.
CLARENCE HALE
Clarence Herschel “Doby” Hale, 75, of Vinity died Feb. 5. He was well known for his catfish cooking. Cla-rence was the dedicated president of Cheek Cemetery, and past Road Commissioner of White County.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Ott Hale and his parents, James K. and Martha Hale.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Garrison Hale; his son, Jimmy Hale; his brother, Marion Hale and wife Glenda, all of Vinity; his sister-in-law, LaVerne Hale and numerous nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial at Cheek Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Westbrook Funeral Home.
Terry Ann Holland, 55, of Jack-sonville, passed away Feb. 5 in Sherwood. Holland was born Sept. 30, 1950, in McAlmont to the late Terry Joshway and Dora Ellen Homan Ivey. She was preceded in death by seven brothers, Arnold, Marvin, Leo, Wayne, Jam-es Edward, Johnny Ray and Vernon; and two sisters, Essie and Mary Ellen.
She was a member of Gravel Ridge First Baptist Church and loved animals very much.
Survivors include her loving husband of 23 years, Robert Holland of Jacksonville; her daughter, Michele Lee Cunning-ham Alvarido; son, James David Cunningham, brother, Billy Joe Ivey, who has been a great support for both Terry Ann and Robert; sisters, Ruby Brandon, Dorothy Ry-chlowski, Betty Heigle, Carlion Rischar, Juanita Distefano, Peggy Rupp, Doris Sayles, Jo Ann Miller and Rebecca Nava who all loved her so very much and will miss her equally. Her two precious cats, Missie and Patches also survive her.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Terry Fortner officiating.
Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
KENNETH MATTHEWS
Kenneth E. Matthews, 71, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, Feb. 5. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Ester Doss and a beloved daughter, Lisa Wyles. He was a member of Brownsville Baptist Church and a retired truck driver.
Matthews was a friendly, fun loving person who loved the Lord and people and enjoyed talking with everyone. He loved children, and especially enjoyed the great-grandchildren. His final days were made brighter by Kaylie, Braylyn, Eryn and Paige. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Shirley Abshier Matthews; a daughter, Melinda Sullivan; one son, Kevin Shane Matthews, both of North Little Rock; five grandchildren and six great- grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. today at Boyd Funeral Home Chapel, Lonoke with Rev. Andy Kerr and Bro. Dan Stout officiating. A committal service will follow at 1:30 p.m. in Crestlawn Memorial Park, Conway.
ARLES LUCAS
Arles F. Lucas, 74, of Jacksonville, passed away Feb. 3. He was the son of Neely Lucas and Nellie Henderson Lucas.
He was in the Air Force for 26 years and retired as a master sergeant. He enjoyed his woodworking and especially his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Jo Lucas, one daughter, Gina Summers and husband Bill, one son, Bruce Lucas and wife Tammy all of Jack-sonville, one brother, Bill Lucas and wife Mariam of Rogers, two grandsons, Ryan Summers and wife Jacinda and Brandon Summers all of Jacksonville; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held Monday at Rest Hills Memorial Park with Jimmie Sheffield officiating. Memorials can be made to Arkansas Hospice, 5600 W. 12th Street, Little Rock, Ark., 72204. Funeral arrangements by Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home.
DUSTIN HARRIS
Dustin Miller Harris, 13, of Cabot, died Feb. 2.
He was born May 20, 1992, to Jerry Harris and Lisa Whittington Beebe in Hope. Harris was a member of Cabot United Methodist Church, a student at Cabot Junior High North where he was on the football team; he also enjoyed video games and hunting.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, W.C. Beebe of Hope and Ed Harris of Prescott.
He is survived by his parents: Lisa and Tom Beebe of Cabot, Jerry and Denise Harris of Prescott; brother, Shane Harris of Prescott; stepbrothers: Kyle Beebe and wife, Jennifer of Hope, Jeremy Woods of Prescott; stepsister, Tara Beebe of Sherwood; aunts, Jo Rayborn of East Camden, Jenny Throgmorton of Spanish Fork, Utah, Marsha Blackburn of Lake Village; uncle, Ron Whittington of North Richland Hills, Texas; grandparents, Carol and Lloyd Braden of Deann, Ruth Beebe of Hope; numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins from Prescott and Hope.
Services were held Monday at Cabot United Methodist Church with Rev. Richard Lancaster officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Prescott.
Arrangements are by Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home.
ANN KNOX
Ann E. Knox, 74, of Beebe died Saturday, February 4, 2006. She was a member of Beebe Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, I. V. Knox. She is survived by two sons, Larry and wife Deborah Knox of El Paso and Johnny and wife Kathy Knox of Beebe; one daughter, Vickie Fowlkes of Beebe; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Davidson and Brenda Roth of Brooksville, Ky.
Funeral services were Tuesday at Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe, with burial at Meadow-brook Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements by Westbrook Funeral Home.
CLARENCE HALE
Clarence Herschel “Doby” Hale, 75, of Vinity died Feb. 5. He was well known for his catfish cooking. Cla-rence was the dedicated president of Cheek Cemetery, and past Road Commissioner of White County.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Ott Hale and his parents, James K. and Martha Hale.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Garrison Hale; his son, Jimmy Hale; his brother, Marion Hale and wife Glenda, all of Vinity; his sister-in-law, LaVerne Hale and numerous nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial at Cheek Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Westbrook Funeral Home.
TOP STORY >> Commission agrees to rezoning in Cabot
BY JOAN MCCOY
Leader staff writer
IN SHORT: After an approval by a 3-2 vote, the city council will decide the fate of the proposed development.
A proposed 11-acre commercial subdivision across from Wal-Mart in Cabot that is opposed by the people who own the homes behind the proposed development re-ceived the green light Tuesday night.
The Cabot Planning Com-mission voted 3-2 to recommend to the city council re-zoning the residential pro-perty for commercial use.
The council will vote on the rezoning later this month, and the residents of the Sun Terrace subdivision who have fought it since they learned about it after the December planning commission meeting will meet twice to work on their argument against it.
Their presentation to the commission Tuesday included a slide show of statistics gathered from the state that showed, to no one’s surprise, that traffic has worsened in the area. They also are concerned about maintaining a quiet residential neighborhood, security, noise pollution, light pollution and declining property values.
Matt Bell, one of the developers, said he had compared property values in other subdivisions in town that are near commercial developments. The homes sell quickly and for about 99 percent of the asking price.
Bell promised sidewalks and curbs and guttering around the subdivision and improved traffic flow from a double left turn lane onto Hwy. 89. The ridge on the property will be graded so that the view of the businesses would be obscured. And no hotels, motels, auto sales, convenience stores, garages, liquor stores or adult book stores would be allowed.
No metal buildings would be allowed, he said.
But Matt Webber, who voted against the rezoning, said the commission had none of those promises in writing.
Steven Miles also voted against the rezoning. Voting for it were James Reid, Dennis Hyland and Claude Irvin.
State Rep. Susan Schulte, who lives in the neighborhood, asked the commission to turn down the rezoning. But Calvin Aldridge, who also lives there, told the commission that he was in favor of it and just wanted them to know that not everyone was against it.
“I moved here for the quiet life and country living,” Aldridge said. “It’s gotten crowded. But I appreciate the convenience of the businesses that have grown up.”
Aldridge also pointed out that other property in the area has been rezoned for commercial use and that to deny this one would be unjust.
“I don’t see how you cannot rezone this when you’ve done it on either side,” he said.
Leader staff writer
IN SHORT: After an approval by a 3-2 vote, the city council will decide the fate of the proposed development.
A proposed 11-acre commercial subdivision across from Wal-Mart in Cabot that is opposed by the people who own the homes behind the proposed development re-ceived the green light Tuesday night.
The Cabot Planning Com-mission voted 3-2 to recommend to the city council re-zoning the residential pro-perty for commercial use.
The council will vote on the rezoning later this month, and the residents of the Sun Terrace subdivision who have fought it since they learned about it after the December planning commission meeting will meet twice to work on their argument against it.
Their presentation to the commission Tuesday included a slide show of statistics gathered from the state that showed, to no one’s surprise, that traffic has worsened in the area. They also are concerned about maintaining a quiet residential neighborhood, security, noise pollution, light pollution and declining property values.
Matt Bell, one of the developers, said he had compared property values in other subdivisions in town that are near commercial developments. The homes sell quickly and for about 99 percent of the asking price.
Bell promised sidewalks and curbs and guttering around the subdivision and improved traffic flow from a double left turn lane onto Hwy. 89. The ridge on the property will be graded so that the view of the businesses would be obscured. And no hotels, motels, auto sales, convenience stores, garages, liquor stores or adult book stores would be allowed.
No metal buildings would be allowed, he said.
But Matt Webber, who voted against the rezoning, said the commission had none of those promises in writing.
Steven Miles also voted against the rezoning. Voting for it were James Reid, Dennis Hyland and Claude Irvin.
State Rep. Susan Schulte, who lives in the neighborhood, asked the commission to turn down the rezoning. But Calvin Aldridge, who also lives there, told the commission that he was in favor of it and just wanted them to know that not everyone was against it.
“I moved here for the quiet life and country living,” Aldridge said. “It’s gotten crowded. But I appreciate the convenience of the businesses that have grown up.”
Aldridge also pointed out that other property in the area has been rezoned for commercial use and that to deny this one would be unjust.
“I don’t see how you cannot rezone this when you’ve done it on either side,” he said.
FROM THE PUBLISHER >> No wonder Lonoke jail so popular
BY GARRICK FELDMAN
Leader publisher
No wonder the Lonoke jail is always overcrowded. There’s a party atmosphere over there, according to Prosecuting Attorney Lona McCastlain, who accuses the police chief and his wife of serving up more than just baked beans and day-old bread for the prisoners.
McCastlain accuses Police Chief Jay Campbell and his wife Kelly of handing out alcohol and drugs to inmates, while Mrs. Campbell is also charged with having sex with prisoners.
There’s so much fun in the Big House, why should inmates leave when their sentences are up?
Remember, too, the rent’s free. No wonder the place is overcrowded: Everyone wants to get in since they found out what’s really going on over there. It’s party time.
With all that liquor and dope that are part of the daily diet at the Lonoke jail, not to mention the sexual favors that are available for the asking, the jail is more like a frat house or a seedy motel, McCastlain’s indictment suggests. It looks like they have it pretty good at the jail.
Free booze and dope and sex, and the next thing you know, people will pay to go to jail. That would be a good way to fund a new facility, since the old one has long been considered substandard. If McCastlain’s indictment is to be believed, they have no standards at the jail.
Did we mention that Lonoke Mayor Thomas Privett stands accu-sed of using inmates to do work around his house? Small stuff when compared to the charges against his police chief and his Mrs., but the mayor looked all shook up after he was booked at the city jail. You would have thought Prosecutor McCastlain was charging him with serial murder, animal cruelty and drinking on the job, instead of just using prisoners to put up his Christmas lights at his house, which a lot of mayors consider one of the perks of holding office.
It’s a mess, I know, but the story gets even more complicated. We’ve heard from Linda Ives again. She has accused Campbell, when he was with the State Police, of being responsible for the death of her son Kevin, who died under mysterious circumstances on some railroad tracks near Benton, along with another boy, back in 1987.
She’s been leading a campaign against Campbell and former Saline County Prosecutor Dan Harmon for years, but we haven’t heard from her in a long time. Both have dismissed her allegations, although Harmon served time on drug and corruption charges.
Ives sent us this e-mail on Tuesday with the heading “I told you so:”
“Years ago, long before he was convicted and sent to prison, I tried to tell the media and the public about Dan Harmon. Everyone in the media pretty much wrote me off as a conspiracy nut. But I was right.
“I tried to tell you and the citizens of Lonoke about Jay Campbell, and you did the same thing — pretty much called me a nut case. Well, time has proven me right again.
“But the things that have been exposed are only the tip of the iceberg — the least of which Campbell and Harmon are guilty of. I am certain in my own mind that both of them are involved in the murder of my son, Kevin Ives. Perhaps someday I can tell you ‘I told you so again.’
“I just hope that Lonoke County doesn’t start raining dead bodies first.”
She should contact Saline County Prosecuting Attorney Robert Herzfeld if she has serious evidence against Campbell and Harmon.
Herzfeld met with Ives three years ago when he was elected prosecutor, but he doesn’t think he can reopen the case now. He says several grand juries have looked into the deaths and have come up empty.
“I would like nothing better than to solve the boys on the tracks case,” Herzfeld, who is running for attorney general, told us Tuesday. “Unfortunately, without a major break, such as a confession or murder weapon, I don’t see how that would be possible at this point.”
Leader publisher
No wonder the Lonoke jail is always overcrowded. There’s a party atmosphere over there, according to Prosecuting Attorney Lona McCastlain, who accuses the police chief and his wife of serving up more than just baked beans and day-old bread for the prisoners.
McCastlain accuses Police Chief Jay Campbell and his wife Kelly of handing out alcohol and drugs to inmates, while Mrs. Campbell is also charged with having sex with prisoners.
There’s so much fun in the Big House, why should inmates leave when their sentences are up?
Remember, too, the rent’s free. No wonder the place is overcrowded: Everyone wants to get in since they found out what’s really going on over there. It’s party time.
With all that liquor and dope that are part of the daily diet at the Lonoke jail, not to mention the sexual favors that are available for the asking, the jail is more like a frat house or a seedy motel, McCastlain’s indictment suggests. It looks like they have it pretty good at the jail.
Free booze and dope and sex, and the next thing you know, people will pay to go to jail. That would be a good way to fund a new facility, since the old one has long been considered substandard. If McCastlain’s indictment is to be believed, they have no standards at the jail.
Did we mention that Lonoke Mayor Thomas Privett stands accu-sed of using inmates to do work around his house? Small stuff when compared to the charges against his police chief and his Mrs., but the mayor looked all shook up after he was booked at the city jail. You would have thought Prosecutor McCastlain was charging him with serial murder, animal cruelty and drinking on the job, instead of just using prisoners to put up his Christmas lights at his house, which a lot of mayors consider one of the perks of holding office.
It’s a mess, I know, but the story gets even more complicated. We’ve heard from Linda Ives again. She has accused Campbell, when he was with the State Police, of being responsible for the death of her son Kevin, who died under mysterious circumstances on some railroad tracks near Benton, along with another boy, back in 1987.
She’s been leading a campaign against Campbell and former Saline County Prosecutor Dan Harmon for years, but we haven’t heard from her in a long time. Both have dismissed her allegations, although Harmon served time on drug and corruption charges.
Ives sent us this e-mail on Tuesday with the heading “I told you so:”
“Years ago, long before he was convicted and sent to prison, I tried to tell the media and the public about Dan Harmon. Everyone in the media pretty much wrote me off as a conspiracy nut. But I was right.
“I tried to tell you and the citizens of Lonoke about Jay Campbell, and you did the same thing — pretty much called me a nut case. Well, time has proven me right again.
“But the things that have been exposed are only the tip of the iceberg — the least of which Campbell and Harmon are guilty of. I am certain in my own mind that both of them are involved in the murder of my son, Kevin Ives. Perhaps someday I can tell you ‘I told you so again.’
“I just hope that Lonoke County doesn’t start raining dead bodies first.”
She should contact Saline County Prosecuting Attorney Robert Herzfeld if she has serious evidence against Campbell and Harmon.
Herzfeld met with Ives three years ago when he was elected prosecutor, but he doesn’t think he can reopen the case now. He says several grand juries have looked into the deaths and have come up empty.
“I would like nothing better than to solve the boys on the tracks case,” Herzfeld, who is running for attorney general, told us Tuesday. “Unfortunately, without a major break, such as a confession or murder weapon, I don’t see how that would be possible at this point.”
TOP STORY >> Residents in Lonoke stunned by arrests
BY JOHN HOFHEIMER
Leader staff writer
IN SHORT: Although many of them are not surprised about the alleged corruption in their town.
Reaction to the arrest of Lonoke Police Chief Jay Campbell, his wife and Mayor Thomas Privett on Mon-day ranged from stunned surprise to resignation for those who said it was about time.
Ex-convict Fran Lindsey expressed shock.
“Jay has stood behind me,” she said rushing to city hall when she heard the news Tuesday morning that Campbell had been arrested on drug charges.
Campbell arrested her for distribution of methamphetamine about three years ago, and when she served her time, “He got me a car and set me up with a job,” she said. “I stand behind them.”
But a pair of city councilmen said the chief’s status on paid administrative leave had to be re-examined.
“I’m comfortable with the mayor,” said councilman Michael Florence, who noted that the mayor owned up to his mistaken judgment months ago in having city prisoners do work at his house.
“We’ve got a tough time ahead of us now,” said Capt. Sean O’Nale, the acting police chief.
City Clerk Gwen Pauschert said calls to city hall from the public had been mostly supportive of the mayor.
“I was floored,” said Lloyd Whitacre, a member of the city police commission, who also expressed anger that prosecutor Lona McCastlain held her news conference in her office, where there was only room for members of the press.
Interviewed in a grocery store parking lot, a young black woman who didn’t want to be identified said, “I’ve been having less confidence in the police department. This is very sick. I think it’s all true.”
The woman, a lifelong Lonoke resident, said of the mayor, “He needs to get the hell out.”
Ellen Massey, a nurse who has lived in Lonoke for three years, said, “I think it’s a mess. I’m gld they caught them.”
Of the police chief she said, “He knows that’s not right. This is the stuff (methamphetamine) that we’re trying to keep the kids away from. They need to realize what message they are sending the kids.”
Lynn Gooden, who is moving to Lonoke from the county, said, “It’s pretty bad for the chief. He’s for the drug dealers.”
Gooden said he has a brother in prison for arson, and the family is disappointed that the city of Lonoke has been stripped of its Act 309 program, which they hoped would bring him back to town to finish his sentence working around town while being held in the city jail.
“How can you trust (Chief Campbell)?” he asked. “He stays arresting people in the black neighborhood. Every dog has their day.”
“If they are guilty, they need to pay for it,” said Rick Stevens, a post office worker. “They need to pay for it. I think they are guilty. I know old Bobby Cox (arrested for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine) and he’s the first to holler ‘justice.’”
Leader staff writer
IN SHORT: Although many of them are not surprised about the alleged corruption in their town.
Reaction to the arrest of Lonoke Police Chief Jay Campbell, his wife and Mayor Thomas Privett on Mon-day ranged from stunned surprise to resignation for those who said it was about time.
Ex-convict Fran Lindsey expressed shock.
“Jay has stood behind me,” she said rushing to city hall when she heard the news Tuesday morning that Campbell had been arrested on drug charges.
Campbell arrested her for distribution of methamphetamine about three years ago, and when she served her time, “He got me a car and set me up with a job,” she said. “I stand behind them.”
But a pair of city councilmen said the chief’s status on paid administrative leave had to be re-examined.
“I’m comfortable with the mayor,” said councilman Michael Florence, who noted that the mayor owned up to his mistaken judgment months ago in having city prisoners do work at his house.
“We’ve got a tough time ahead of us now,” said Capt. Sean O’Nale, the acting police chief.
City Clerk Gwen Pauschert said calls to city hall from the public had been mostly supportive of the mayor.
“I was floored,” said Lloyd Whitacre, a member of the city police commission, who also expressed anger that prosecutor Lona McCastlain held her news conference in her office, where there was only room for members of the press.
Interviewed in a grocery store parking lot, a young black woman who didn’t want to be identified said, “I’ve been having less confidence in the police department. This is very sick. I think it’s all true.”
The woman, a lifelong Lonoke resident, said of the mayor, “He needs to get the hell out.”
Ellen Massey, a nurse who has lived in Lonoke for three years, said, “I think it’s a mess. I’m gld they caught them.”
Of the police chief she said, “He knows that’s not right. This is the stuff (methamphetamine) that we’re trying to keep the kids away from. They need to realize what message they are sending the kids.”
Lynn Gooden, who is moving to Lonoke from the county, said, “It’s pretty bad for the chief. He’s for the drug dealers.”
Gooden said he has a brother in prison for arson, and the family is disappointed that the city of Lonoke has been stripped of its Act 309 program, which they hoped would bring him back to town to finish his sentence working around town while being held in the city jail.
“How can you trust (Chief Campbell)?” he asked. “He stays arresting people in the black neighborhood. Every dog has their day.”
“If they are guilty, they need to pay for it,” said Rick Stevens, a post office worker. “They need to pay for it. I think they are guilty. I know old Bobby Cox (arrested for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine) and he’s the first to holler ‘justice.’”
TOP STORY >> District decides on chief
BY RICKY HARVEY
Leader managing editor
IN SHORT: he PCSSD board sticks with its interim superintendent, rejecting four other candidates to lead the schools.
The Pulaski County Special School District Board voted unanimously Tuesday evening to stick with the person who has led the district on an interim basis for the past three months.
Four candidates with extensive backgrounds in education traveled from all over the country to visit the district two weeks ago, vying to be superintendent, but in the end, interim chief James Sharpe received the nod to keep leading the state’s second-largest school district.
The decision, drawing applause from those in attendance, ends nine rocky months for the district, which went without a permanent superintendent after Don Henderson’s contract was bought out last May. In fact, the district has been labeled as unstable since Bobby Lester retired in 1999.
“This job started Nov. 15 when I was appointed interim superintendent,” Sharpe said Tuesday, acknowledging his hiring was a surprise. “The challenges ... are challenges, but I think what is broken can be fixed.”
The board also approved a motion to begin negotiations for Sharpe’s salary, which will range from $165,000-$175,000, an amount approved by the Arkansas Department of Education.
Sharpe, who has been with the district since 2000, was one of five candidates who interviewed with the board and also met with various focus groups two weeks ago. The other candidates included Dr. Aquine Jackson of Milwaukee; Dr. Ed Musgrove of Waynesville, Mo.; Dr. Bruce Harter of Wilmington, Del., and Dr. Carl Davis of Powder Springs, Ga.
“After considering all the candidates, I felt like (Sharpe) has the best interest of our school district in mind and in heart,” board president Pam Roberts said. “He has been with our district, knows a lot about our district already and has very good leadership ability.”
That leadership is needed as the district attempts to overcome an array of problems, including serious financial woes, getting out from under court desegregation order, improving facilities and helping strengthen relationships with the various communities.
“In looking at all the comments from the focus groups, talking to my constituents, looking at the job he has done so far and weighing him with the other candidates, he came out as the strongest candidate,” said board vice president Gwen Williams. “I think he has done a pretty good job as interim superintendent, and given the opportunity to know he’s going to be in the position, he’s going to do some good things.”
Tackling the issues of the district being on the state fiscal-distress list and dealing with a feasibility study that will determine whether the PCSSD will continue to exist as it is are top priorities, and so is strengthening the district’s relationship with patrons of Jacksonville and Sherwood, Sharpe said.
“We will be communicating with those communities a lot better,” Sharpe said. “Communication is the key, trust is the key and integrity is the key, doing what you say you’ll do and living up to your promises.”
Roberts said the board spent last week reading the comments members of each focus group — which included students, teachers, principals and support staff — submitted after meeting with each candidate.
And despite the board spending $18,500 (plus expenses) to hire the national consulting firm of McPherson and Jacobson of Omaha, Neb., to lead the search and the district spending the money to fly the four out-of-state candidates in from as far as Delaware, she was satisfied with the process that led to Sharpe getting the job was the right thing to do.
“We knew there was a possibility that someone from within would apply when we agreed (to hire the search firm),” Roberts said. “We just wanted to make sure that we considered all possible candidates in the field, and it just so happened that we had a good one right here.”
Sharpe’s familiarity with the issues was a key in his hiring, board vice president Williams said.
“A lot of the constituents in my area wanted somebody who knew the history of the district, the history behind desegregation and fiscal distress,” said Williams, whose district includes McAlmont and parts of Jacksonville.
Sharpe was hired five years ago as PCSSD’s assistant superintendent for human resources, a position he held until being named interim superintendent.
Sharpe’s background includes being a principal and director of human resources at St. Cloud Schools in Minnesota from 1994-1998 and being executive director of Flint (Mich.) Community Schools from 1998-2000.
He received his bachelor’s in chemistry from Philander Smith College in 1964 and his master’s in chemistry from Pittsburg State University in Kansas in 1974. He was certified to be an administrator at the University of Tulsa in 1990.
“I would hope now that he will get with the board and we can sit down and look at short-term objectives and long-term goals to help us get where we want to be,” Williams said of Sharpe. “I think he’s working in that direction.”
While the search for a permanent leader may be finally over, ending a lot of stress for the school board, there are still challenges ahead, Roberts said.
“The work isn’t over for me, it’s just beginning,” she said. “We’re going to be doing a lot of work together to better this school district.”
Leader managing editor
IN SHORT: he PCSSD board sticks with its interim superintendent, rejecting four other candidates to lead the schools.
The Pulaski County Special School District Board voted unanimously Tuesday evening to stick with the person who has led the district on an interim basis for the past three months.
Four candidates with extensive backgrounds in education traveled from all over the country to visit the district two weeks ago, vying to be superintendent, but in the end, interim chief James Sharpe received the nod to keep leading the state’s second-largest school district.
The decision, drawing applause from those in attendance, ends nine rocky months for the district, which went without a permanent superintendent after Don Henderson’s contract was bought out last May. In fact, the district has been labeled as unstable since Bobby Lester retired in 1999.
“This job started Nov. 15 when I was appointed interim superintendent,” Sharpe said Tuesday, acknowledging his hiring was a surprise. “The challenges ... are challenges, but I think what is broken can be fixed.”
The board also approved a motion to begin negotiations for Sharpe’s salary, which will range from $165,000-$175,000, an amount approved by the Arkansas Department of Education.
Sharpe, who has been with the district since 2000, was one of five candidates who interviewed with the board and also met with various focus groups two weeks ago. The other candidates included Dr. Aquine Jackson of Milwaukee; Dr. Ed Musgrove of Waynesville, Mo.; Dr. Bruce Harter of Wilmington, Del., and Dr. Carl Davis of Powder Springs, Ga.
“After considering all the candidates, I felt like (Sharpe) has the best interest of our school district in mind and in heart,” board president Pam Roberts said. “He has been with our district, knows a lot about our district already and has very good leadership ability.”
That leadership is needed as the district attempts to overcome an array of problems, including serious financial woes, getting out from under court desegregation order, improving facilities and helping strengthen relationships with the various communities.
“In looking at all the comments from the focus groups, talking to my constituents, looking at the job he has done so far and weighing him with the other candidates, he came out as the strongest candidate,” said board vice president Gwen Williams. “I think he has done a pretty good job as interim superintendent, and given the opportunity to know he’s going to be in the position, he’s going to do some good things.”
Tackling the issues of the district being on the state fiscal-distress list and dealing with a feasibility study that will determine whether the PCSSD will continue to exist as it is are top priorities, and so is strengthening the district’s relationship with patrons of Jacksonville and Sherwood, Sharpe said.
“We will be communicating with those communities a lot better,” Sharpe said. “Communication is the key, trust is the key and integrity is the key, doing what you say you’ll do and living up to your promises.”
Roberts said the board spent last week reading the comments members of each focus group — which included students, teachers, principals and support staff — submitted after meeting with each candidate.
And despite the board spending $18,500 (plus expenses) to hire the national consulting firm of McPherson and Jacobson of Omaha, Neb., to lead the search and the district spending the money to fly the four out-of-state candidates in from as far as Delaware, she was satisfied with the process that led to Sharpe getting the job was the right thing to do.
“We knew there was a possibility that someone from within would apply when we agreed (to hire the search firm),” Roberts said. “We just wanted to make sure that we considered all possible candidates in the field, and it just so happened that we had a good one right here.”
Sharpe’s familiarity with the issues was a key in his hiring, board vice president Williams said.
“A lot of the constituents in my area wanted somebody who knew the history of the district, the history behind desegregation and fiscal distress,” said Williams, whose district includes McAlmont and parts of Jacksonville.
Sharpe was hired five years ago as PCSSD’s assistant superintendent for human resources, a position he held until being named interim superintendent.
Sharpe’s background includes being a principal and director of human resources at St. Cloud Schools in Minnesota from 1994-1998 and being executive director of Flint (Mich.) Community Schools from 1998-2000.
He received his bachelor’s in chemistry from Philander Smith College in 1964 and his master’s in chemistry from Pittsburg State University in Kansas in 1974. He was certified to be an administrator at the University of Tulsa in 1990.
“I would hope now that he will get with the board and we can sit down and look at short-term objectives and long-term goals to help us get where we want to be,” Williams said of Sharpe. “I think he’s working in that direction.”
While the search for a permanent leader may be finally over, ending a lot of stress for the school board, there are still challenges ahead, Roberts said.
“The work isn’t over for me, it’s just beginning,” she said. “We’re going to be doing a lot of work together to better this school district.”
TOP STORY >> City corruption
BY JOHN HOFHEIMER
Leader staff writer
IN SHORT: Mayor, police chief, others to be prosecuted
Lonoke residents are reeling at the news that its top gun with a reputation for being tough on meth cooks and users has himself been charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. Meanwhile, his wife is charged with having sex with prisoners, and the mayor with having inmates work at his home.
Lonoke Mayor Thomas Privett has called a special city council meeting for 5:30 p.m. today to discuss the future of Police Chief Jay Campbell. Privett placed Campbell on paid administrative leave after the chief was arrested Monday on conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and theft charges, among others, but some city councilmen don’t think Campbell should be paid.
Campbell, his wife and two bail bondsmen all were arrested on fel-ony drug charges and other charges Monday, and Privett was charged with a misdemeanor for having jail inmates do work around his house.
An investigation begun about six months ago into whether or not some Lonoke city officials improperly used Act 309 inmate labor to fix a boat and hang Christmas lights has resulted in the charges that Campbell conspired to manufacture methamphetamine and that his wife had sex with prisoners about two dozen times, supplying some with liquor and marijuana.
Surrender to sheriff
Chief Campbell, his wife Kelly Harrison Campbell and bail bondsmen Bobby Cox Jr. and Larry Norwood all surrendered to the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office Monday on an array of felony drug, alcohol and/or theft charges and were booked and released on bond, according to Sheriff Jim Roberson.
boat and hang Christmas lights has resulted in the charges that Camp-bell conspired to manufacture meth-amphetamine and that his wife had sex with prisoners about two dozen times, supplying some with liquor and marijuana.
SURRENDER TO SHERIFF
Chief Campbell, his wife, Kelly Harrison Campbell, and bail bondsmen Bobby Cox Jr. and Larry Norwood all surrendered to the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office Monday on an array of felony drug, alcohol and/or theft charges and were booked and released on bond, according to Sheriff Jim Roberson.
Cox, Norwood and Chief Camp-bell each posted $50,000 bond and Kelly Campbell posted a $20,000 bond. They will be arraigned March 13.
Privett, who also surrendered, posted a $500 bond for his lone count, misdemeanor theft of services. Privett’s arraignment is set for April 3.
Several months ago, the state Corrections Department found that some Act 309 inmates— state prisoners who are moved to towns and counties to provide labor and alleviate overcrowding — were doing personal work for city officials.
The ADC decertified the city’s Act 309 program and took the inmates back to prison.
STATE INVESTIGATION
At the request of the Corrections Department, the State Police then initiated the investigation that resulted in the filing of charges by Lonoke County Prosecutor Lona McCastlain.
Privett, who has said that he used inmate labor to fix his home air conditioner, to hang his Christmas lights and to mow a lot in town belonging to a friend, admits he should have known better.
He has never denied those actions. He said Tuesday that the charge brought by McCastlain was “politically motivated” and pro-mised he would mount a vigorous defense.
“Ms. McCastlain has a history of using her power as prosecuting attorney to bring charges that generate headlines, but have no substance,” Privett said.
Mark Hampton, representing some of the accused, also has called the charges political.
McCastlain hasn’t announced her candidacy, but is widely believed to be seeking reelection in November.
In a brief news conference to announce the charges Tuesday, McCastlain disputed allegations that her actions were politically motivated.
“This case was investigated (by the State Police) on its merits and charged on its merits. I play the cards as dealt,” she said.
“I disagree (with paying the chief’s salary),” Alderman Michael Florence said Tuesday. He said he was not the only alderman who felt that way, and he encouraged Privett to call the special session on Wednesday.
Alderman Pat Howell said he could see paying Campbell for a while, but pointed out that court cases like these could play out for a couple of years.
Capt. Sean O’Nale has been named interim chief, a position he held for about a month last summer while an internal investigation was conducted into the allegation of abuse of inmate labor.
Privett said he would like to assure Lonoke residents that there would be “no disruption in the quality law enforcement that they are accustomed to.”
MORALE HIT
“Morale has taken a hit,” said O’Nale, but he said the officers were professionals and that residents would continue to receive high quality protection and service from the department.
Privett called the charges “a tragic endeavor to disrupt the mayor and city council in their efforts to complete the important functions of municipal government.”
Privett hired Campbell, a former Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office dep-uty, as chief in October 2003. Camp-bell now stands accused of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, two counts of hindering apprehension or prosecution, conspiracy to commit burglary, theft by receiving, theft of services and one misdemeanor, theft of property.
The conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine is punishable with a term of 6 to 30 years.
WIFE CHARGED
Kelly Campbell was charged with five counts of furnishing prohibited articles, one count of second-degree escape, one count of residential burglary, four counts of obtaining controlled substances by fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit residential burglary, one count of theft of property and one misdemeanor charge, tampering.
Cox was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, intimidating a juror, a witness or an informant and terroristic threatening.
Norwood was charged with a single count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.
The chief’s wife allegedly had sexual relations with at least two of the Act 309 inmates, according to Charles McLemore, investigator for the State Police.
SEX WITH PRISONERS
Prisoner Andrew Baker told McLemore that Kelly Campbell had a “very close relationship” with at least two Act 309 prisons, Shane Scott and Tim Ainsworth.
Scott told McLemore and Arkansas Department of Corrections officials that he had sex with Kelly Campbell 18 to 20 times in various places in the city and the county.
Among those places were the Lonoke Holiday Inn Express, at the police department, in the ball park press box, once at the Campbell home on Cherry Street and numerous times in Campbell’s Suburban in the Department of Human Services parking lot next to the jail.
Ainsworth told investigators that he had sex at least four times with the chief’s wife and then asked to return to prison for fear of getting in trouble and having to serve more time.
Officers, jailers and dispatchers confirmed the relationships and said Kelly Campbell came and went freely from the jail and that the chief would not discuss it with them.
At the instruction of their supervisor, Lisa Marty, dispatchers noted Kelly Campbell’s visits in the jail log.
CHIEF IRATE
“When the chief found out, he became irate,” reported McLemore.
The jail logs reflect some of the comings and goings in the jail, as did the security cameras, reported Mc-Lemore, but “a lightning storm ‘supposedly’ hit and knocked out the cameras destroying the video.”
McLemore’s affidavit was sworn Feb. 6.
He reported that Kelly Campbell brought vodka, gin and Crown Royal and other bottles of alcohol for Act 309 inmates.
Baker also reported that she brought marijuana into the jail for some inmates and reportedly gave Scott a cell phone with which they could communicate “regularly.”
Baker told McLemore that he had taken photographs of Kelly Campbell and Scott in various intimate poses while the prisoners were working on Chief Campbell’s party barge and motor in the Otasco building owned by Privett. Baker said she paid him $260 to keep his “mouth shut.”
DRUGS TAKEN
Kelly Campbell also is charged with breaking into a neighbor’s house and taking jewelry and prescription drugs.
The items were taken from the home of Jo Talley in March or April of 2003. Talley reported the break-in around noon, and the Lonoke police searched the house and took fingerprints at her request. Chief Campbell came by and asked if any medications were missing.
Kelly Campbell then telephoned Talley to say she had noticed the back door broken and had let herself in to make sure everything was all right, so her fingerprints would be all over the house.
The fingerprints were lost and never developed. A prescription bottle of the narcotic hydrocodone syr-up was later found to be missing.
At least three other people complained that painkilling medication was missing from their homes after a visit by Kelly Campbell.
She also is charged with stealing jewelry worth several thousand dollars and 30 gold Krugerrands worth more than $25,000.
Chief Campbell is charged with helping sell the jewelry to a pawn shop, “then calling in a panic to get it back,” according to McLemore’s affidavit.
METH CONSPIRACY
Chief Campbell also is charged with entering into a conspiracy with bail bondsmen Cox and Norwood to manufacture methamphetamine.
According to McLemore’s report, the two bondsmen needed leverage on a man named Roger Light, who could lead them to someone who skipped, leaving them potentially forfeiting a large bond to the courts.
McLemore said that with Camp-bell’s help, they told Ronald Adams they could make his drug charges in Lonoke County and Jacksonville go away if he would cook some meth, sell it to Light and let them bust Light and force him to help find the man who skipped bond.
According to McLemore’s affidavit, O’Nale, now the acting chief, actually arrested Light. Campbell and Norwood then took Adams’ meth lab and reported it to the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office as “found on the road.” McLemore said the conspiracy came to light because Adams reported the incident to the State Police after nothing was done to help him out of his drug cases.
Leader staff writer
IN SHORT: Mayor, police chief, others to be prosecuted
Lonoke residents are reeling at the news that its top gun with a reputation for being tough on meth cooks and users has himself been charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. Meanwhile, his wife is charged with having sex with prisoners, and the mayor with having inmates work at his home.
Lonoke Mayor Thomas Privett has called a special city council meeting for 5:30 p.m. today to discuss the future of Police Chief Jay Campbell. Privett placed Campbell on paid administrative leave after the chief was arrested Monday on conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and theft charges, among others, but some city councilmen don’t think Campbell should be paid.
Campbell, his wife and two bail bondsmen all were arrested on fel-ony drug charges and other charges Monday, and Privett was charged with a misdemeanor for having jail inmates do work around his house.
An investigation begun about six months ago into whether or not some Lonoke city officials improperly used Act 309 inmate labor to fix a boat and hang Christmas lights has resulted in the charges that Campbell conspired to manufacture methamphetamine and that his wife had sex with prisoners about two dozen times, supplying some with liquor and marijuana.
Surrender to sheriff
Chief Campbell, his wife Kelly Harrison Campbell and bail bondsmen Bobby Cox Jr. and Larry Norwood all surrendered to the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office Monday on an array of felony drug, alcohol and/or theft charges and were booked and released on bond, according to Sheriff Jim Roberson.
boat and hang Christmas lights has resulted in the charges that Camp-bell conspired to manufacture meth-amphetamine and that his wife had sex with prisoners about two dozen times, supplying some with liquor and marijuana.
SURRENDER TO SHERIFF
Chief Campbell, his wife, Kelly Harrison Campbell, and bail bondsmen Bobby Cox Jr. and Larry Norwood all surrendered to the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office Monday on an array of felony drug, alcohol and/or theft charges and were booked and released on bond, according to Sheriff Jim Roberson.
Cox, Norwood and Chief Camp-bell each posted $50,000 bond and Kelly Campbell posted a $20,000 bond. They will be arraigned March 13.
Privett, who also surrendered, posted a $500 bond for his lone count, misdemeanor theft of services. Privett’s arraignment is set for April 3.
Several months ago, the state Corrections Department found that some Act 309 inmates— state prisoners who are moved to towns and counties to provide labor and alleviate overcrowding — were doing personal work for city officials.
The ADC decertified the city’s Act 309 program and took the inmates back to prison.
STATE INVESTIGATION
At the request of the Corrections Department, the State Police then initiated the investigation that resulted in the filing of charges by Lonoke County Prosecutor Lona McCastlain.
Privett, who has said that he used inmate labor to fix his home air conditioner, to hang his Christmas lights and to mow a lot in town belonging to a friend, admits he should have known better.
He has never denied those actions. He said Tuesday that the charge brought by McCastlain was “politically motivated” and pro-mised he would mount a vigorous defense.
“Ms. McCastlain has a history of using her power as prosecuting attorney to bring charges that generate headlines, but have no substance,” Privett said.
Mark Hampton, representing some of the accused, also has called the charges political.
McCastlain hasn’t announced her candidacy, but is widely believed to be seeking reelection in November.
In a brief news conference to announce the charges Tuesday, McCastlain disputed allegations that her actions were politically motivated.
“This case was investigated (by the State Police) on its merits and charged on its merits. I play the cards as dealt,” she said.
“I disagree (with paying the chief’s salary),” Alderman Michael Florence said Tuesday. He said he was not the only alderman who felt that way, and he encouraged Privett to call the special session on Wednesday.
Alderman Pat Howell said he could see paying Campbell for a while, but pointed out that court cases like these could play out for a couple of years.
Capt. Sean O’Nale has been named interim chief, a position he held for about a month last summer while an internal investigation was conducted into the allegation of abuse of inmate labor.
Privett said he would like to assure Lonoke residents that there would be “no disruption in the quality law enforcement that they are accustomed to.”
MORALE HIT
“Morale has taken a hit,” said O’Nale, but he said the officers were professionals and that residents would continue to receive high quality protection and service from the department.
Privett called the charges “a tragic endeavor to disrupt the mayor and city council in their efforts to complete the important functions of municipal government.”
Privett hired Campbell, a former Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office dep-uty, as chief in October 2003. Camp-bell now stands accused of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, two counts of hindering apprehension or prosecution, conspiracy to commit burglary, theft by receiving, theft of services and one misdemeanor, theft of property.
The conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine is punishable with a term of 6 to 30 years.
WIFE CHARGED
Kelly Campbell was charged with five counts of furnishing prohibited articles, one count of second-degree escape, one count of residential burglary, four counts of obtaining controlled substances by fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit residential burglary, one count of theft of property and one misdemeanor charge, tampering.
Cox was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, intimidating a juror, a witness or an informant and terroristic threatening.
Norwood was charged with a single count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.
The chief’s wife allegedly had sexual relations with at least two of the Act 309 inmates, according to Charles McLemore, investigator for the State Police.
SEX WITH PRISONERS
Prisoner Andrew Baker told McLemore that Kelly Campbell had a “very close relationship” with at least two Act 309 prisons, Shane Scott and Tim Ainsworth.
Scott told McLemore and Arkansas Department of Corrections officials that he had sex with Kelly Campbell 18 to 20 times in various places in the city and the county.
Among those places were the Lonoke Holiday Inn Express, at the police department, in the ball park press box, once at the Campbell home on Cherry Street and numerous times in Campbell’s Suburban in the Department of Human Services parking lot next to the jail.
Ainsworth told investigators that he had sex at least four times with the chief’s wife and then asked to return to prison for fear of getting in trouble and having to serve more time.
Officers, jailers and dispatchers confirmed the relationships and said Kelly Campbell came and went freely from the jail and that the chief would not discuss it with them.
At the instruction of their supervisor, Lisa Marty, dispatchers noted Kelly Campbell’s visits in the jail log.
CHIEF IRATE
“When the chief found out, he became irate,” reported McLemore.
The jail logs reflect some of the comings and goings in the jail, as did the security cameras, reported Mc-Lemore, but “a lightning storm ‘supposedly’ hit and knocked out the cameras destroying the video.”
McLemore’s affidavit was sworn Feb. 6.
He reported that Kelly Campbell brought vodka, gin and Crown Royal and other bottles of alcohol for Act 309 inmates.
Baker also reported that she brought marijuana into the jail for some inmates and reportedly gave Scott a cell phone with which they could communicate “regularly.”
Baker told McLemore that he had taken photographs of Kelly Campbell and Scott in various intimate poses while the prisoners were working on Chief Campbell’s party barge and motor in the Otasco building owned by Privett. Baker said she paid him $260 to keep his “mouth shut.”
DRUGS TAKEN
Kelly Campbell also is charged with breaking into a neighbor’s house and taking jewelry and prescription drugs.
The items were taken from the home of Jo Talley in March or April of 2003. Talley reported the break-in around noon, and the Lonoke police searched the house and took fingerprints at her request. Chief Campbell came by and asked if any medications were missing.
Kelly Campbell then telephoned Talley to say she had noticed the back door broken and had let herself in to make sure everything was all right, so her fingerprints would be all over the house.
The fingerprints were lost and never developed. A prescription bottle of the narcotic hydrocodone syr-up was later found to be missing.
At least three other people complained that painkilling medication was missing from their homes after a visit by Kelly Campbell.
She also is charged with stealing jewelry worth several thousand dollars and 30 gold Krugerrands worth more than $25,000.
Chief Campbell is charged with helping sell the jewelry to a pawn shop, “then calling in a panic to get it back,” according to McLemore’s affidavit.
METH CONSPIRACY
Chief Campbell also is charged with entering into a conspiracy with bail bondsmen Cox and Norwood to manufacture methamphetamine.
According to McLemore’s report, the two bondsmen needed leverage on a man named Roger Light, who could lead them to someone who skipped, leaving them potentially forfeiting a large bond to the courts.
McLemore said that with Camp-bell’s help, they told Ronald Adams they could make his drug charges in Lonoke County and Jacksonville go away if he would cook some meth, sell it to Light and let them bust Light and force him to help find the man who skipped bond.
According to McLemore’s affidavit, O’Nale, now the acting chief, actually arrested Light. Campbell and Norwood then took Adams’ meth lab and reported it to the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office as “found on the road.” McLemore said the conspiracy came to light because Adams reported the incident to the State Police after nothing was done to help him out of his drug cases.
SPORTS >> Red Devils run away from Panthers
BY RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
IN SHORT: The Jacksonville boys and Cabot girls won the rivalry games Tuesday night.
The Jacksonville Red Devils led from gun to tape last night in another critical AAAAA-East matchup at Cabot. Jacksonville guard Airic Hughes hit a three pointer 58 seconds into the game to put the Devils up 3-0, and Lavar Neely hit an uncontested layup at the buzzer to set the final margin at 59-49, improving Jacksonville’s conference record to 6-4 and dropping the Panthers to 4-6.
The Red Devils led by as much as 21. An alley-oop pass from Hughes was slammed home by senior post Kelsey Credit with 3:10 left in the third quarter to put Jacksonville up 41-20.
After that, Jacksonville got sloppy and Cabot began to close the gap.
The Panthers trimmed the lead to as little as 10 with 3:05 left, and nine with 46 seconds remaining.
Jacksonville coach Vic Joyner was not pleased with how his team closed the game, but was pleased to get a win in a brutal conference.
“We have got to learn how to close out games and finish teams off,” Joyner said. “This wasn’t as bad as the other night. We were up by 20 points, but there are too many good teams and too many good coaches at this level to be messing around with any lead. No lead is safe in this conference. But we got that lead and got comfortable, and just didn’t finish it off. I’m happy to get the win though. I’ll take a win, any win against a team like this.”
Cabot struggled through another game of missed shots. The looks were there, but the shots haven’t been falling the Panthers in recent games.
Starting forward Shawn Tramel found a quick seat on the bench after picking up his second foul just 1:30 into the game, and the Panther struggled for six points in the first quarter.
Jacksonville opened the second quarter quickly, turning a 12-6 lead into a 23-10 advantage. Two blocks by Credit sparked the run. He also got a bucket, and his assist to Hughes ended the half with the Devils leading 25-14.
Another fast start in the third buried the Panthers under a nearly insurmountable lead. Credit opened the half with a layup from a penetrate and dish assist by Lavar Neely.
Cabot post player Alex Sharp responded with a pull up jumper to make it 27-26, but Jacksonville scored the next seven points. Neely hit a three pointer, Bryan Owens hit two free throws and Airic Hughes got a steal and layup to put the Devils up 33-16 with 5:25 left in the quarter.
Cabot junior Justin Haas ended the run with a three pointer and Chad Glover added a free throw to cut the margin to 33-20, but Jacksonville responded with an 8-0 run to take its biggest lead of the game.
The Panther bench got Cabot back to within striking distance in the fourth quarter, but it was too late to mount a serious threat.
Guards Jacob Trammell and Brett Beam scored 10 points each, all in the second half, while Alex Sharp came off the bench to post nine points in the game.
The trio accounted for 25 of Cabot’s 35 second-half points.
Conversely, Jacksonville got just one point the entire game from the six players that came off the bench. The Red Devil starting five accounted for all but one free throw of their 59 points.
Neely led all scorers with 18 points. He also grabbed six rebounds and dished out six assists. Hughes finished 16 while Credit posted 11 points, seven boards and six blocked shots.
Cabot is now 15-8 overall while Jacksonville improved to 16-8.
The game’s result, combined with Forrest City’s win over West Memphis, and Sylvan Hills’ victory over Searcy last night, leaves Cabot tied with the Blue Devils for fifth place in the league race.
The Lady Panthers sat two starters for injury and illness, but still had little trouble with the Lady Red Devils, who also sat an injured starter. Cabot won the game 65-31 and improved to 21-3 on the season and 10-0 in conference play.
Jacksonville hung tough early, playing to a 14-6 score by the end of the first. Cabot stepped up the defensive pressure in the second quarter and held a 33-13 lead by halftime.
It was all over in the third as Cabot, who missed all six of its three-point attempts in the first half, began hitting from outside. Jacksonville had no answer. The Lady Panthers led 60-23 by the end of the frame.
Twelve Lady Panthers scored in the game. They were led by Kim Sitzmann’s 20 points and eight rebounds.
Tarneshia Scott led Jacksonville with 18 points and 11 boards.
The Lady Devils fell to 2-18 and 0-10.
Jacksonville host Jonesboro Friday while Cabot will entertain Mountain Home.
The Lady Bombers are 8-2 and in second place in the AAAAA-East.
Leader sports editor
IN SHORT: The Jacksonville boys and Cabot girls won the rivalry games Tuesday night.
The Jacksonville Red Devils led from gun to tape last night in another critical AAAAA-East matchup at Cabot. Jacksonville guard Airic Hughes hit a three pointer 58 seconds into the game to put the Devils up 3-0, and Lavar Neely hit an uncontested layup at the buzzer to set the final margin at 59-49, improving Jacksonville’s conference record to 6-4 and dropping the Panthers to 4-6.
The Red Devils led by as much as 21. An alley-oop pass from Hughes was slammed home by senior post Kelsey Credit with 3:10 left in the third quarter to put Jacksonville up 41-20.
After that, Jacksonville got sloppy and Cabot began to close the gap.
The Panthers trimmed the lead to as little as 10 with 3:05 left, and nine with 46 seconds remaining.
Jacksonville coach Vic Joyner was not pleased with how his team closed the game, but was pleased to get a win in a brutal conference.
“We have got to learn how to close out games and finish teams off,” Joyner said. “This wasn’t as bad as the other night. We were up by 20 points, but there are too many good teams and too many good coaches at this level to be messing around with any lead. No lead is safe in this conference. But we got that lead and got comfortable, and just didn’t finish it off. I’m happy to get the win though. I’ll take a win, any win against a team like this.”
Cabot struggled through another game of missed shots. The looks were there, but the shots haven’t been falling the Panthers in recent games.
Starting forward Shawn Tramel found a quick seat on the bench after picking up his second foul just 1:30 into the game, and the Panther struggled for six points in the first quarter.
Jacksonville opened the second quarter quickly, turning a 12-6 lead into a 23-10 advantage. Two blocks by Credit sparked the run. He also got a bucket, and his assist to Hughes ended the half with the Devils leading 25-14.
Another fast start in the third buried the Panthers under a nearly insurmountable lead. Credit opened the half with a layup from a penetrate and dish assist by Lavar Neely.
Cabot post player Alex Sharp responded with a pull up jumper to make it 27-26, but Jacksonville scored the next seven points. Neely hit a three pointer, Bryan Owens hit two free throws and Airic Hughes got a steal and layup to put the Devils up 33-16 with 5:25 left in the quarter.
Cabot junior Justin Haas ended the run with a three pointer and Chad Glover added a free throw to cut the margin to 33-20, but Jacksonville responded with an 8-0 run to take its biggest lead of the game.
The Panther bench got Cabot back to within striking distance in the fourth quarter, but it was too late to mount a serious threat.
Guards Jacob Trammell and Brett Beam scored 10 points each, all in the second half, while Alex Sharp came off the bench to post nine points in the game.
The trio accounted for 25 of Cabot’s 35 second-half points.
Conversely, Jacksonville got just one point the entire game from the six players that came off the bench. The Red Devil starting five accounted for all but one free throw of their 59 points.
Neely led all scorers with 18 points. He also grabbed six rebounds and dished out six assists. Hughes finished 16 while Credit posted 11 points, seven boards and six blocked shots.
Cabot is now 15-8 overall while Jacksonville improved to 16-8.
The game’s result, combined with Forrest City’s win over West Memphis, and Sylvan Hills’ victory over Searcy last night, leaves Cabot tied with the Blue Devils for fifth place in the league race.
The Lady Panthers sat two starters for injury and illness, but still had little trouble with the Lady Red Devils, who also sat an injured starter. Cabot won the game 65-31 and improved to 21-3 on the season and 10-0 in conference play.
Jacksonville hung tough early, playing to a 14-6 score by the end of the first. Cabot stepped up the defensive pressure in the second quarter and held a 33-13 lead by halftime.
It was all over in the third as Cabot, who missed all six of its three-point attempts in the first half, began hitting from outside. Jacksonville had no answer. The Lady Panthers led 60-23 by the end of the frame.
Twelve Lady Panthers scored in the game. They were led by Kim Sitzmann’s 20 points and eight rebounds.
Tarneshia Scott led Jacksonville with 18 points and 11 boards.
The Lady Devils fell to 2-18 and 0-10.
Jacksonville host Jonesboro Friday while Cabot will entertain Mountain Home.
The Lady Bombers are 8-2 and in second place in the AAAAA-East.
SPORTS TOP STORY >> Lady Lions, Bears pick up wins
BY JASON KING
Leader sports writer
IN SHORT: The Sylvan Hills boys and Searcy girls won their respective AAAAA-East games Tuesday night at SHHS.
Sylvan Hills beat the Searcy Lions for the second time this season, 59-43 Tuesday night in Sherwood, and secured sole possession of fourth place in the AAAAA-East standings.
The Bears held Lions senior post player Chris Brown to only 16 points in the contest, one of his lowest totals all season. The Bears held off Searcy for the entire second half to claim the win.
“We had lost about three (games),” Syl-van Hills coach Kevin Davis said. “We knew coming back after the Moun-tain Home game we wanted to try to keep the winning ways. In this conference, we knew it was going to take a solid team effort.”
Searcy jumped out to the early lead with a three-point shot from Cody Wilmath, followed by a put-back from Brown to put them up 5-0 at the 5:26 mark of the first quarter.
The Bears came back quickly with shots from senior postman Robert Mc-Kinney and senior guard Victor Roy to pull within one less than a minute later.
U.S. Robinson made his first appearance in the game for Sylvan Hills with 2:17 left in the opening frame, and made his presence known immediately.
Robinson hit a jumper on the next Bears’ possession to tie the game at 8-8, then swished a three pointer moments later to give Sylvan Hills the lead. McKinney added two more points before the end of the quarter, giving the Bears a 13-8 lead after one.
Sylvan Hills slowly added to their lead in the second quarter, holding the momentum for the entire period. Another inside shot from McKinney with 42 seconds left in the half gave the Bears a double-digit lead for the first time in the contest at 27-17. Darrell Crenshaw added a three at the buzzer to give Sylvan Hills a 30-17 lead at the half.
The Lions reeled Sylvan Hills back in during the third quarter. Justin Rowden scored seven of his total 15 points in the third, narrowing the Bears’ lead to 34-31 by the 1:41 mark with a transition jumper inside. Michael Gross answered for Sylvan Hills with a three pointer, followed by basket from Tanner Arnold to increase the Bears lead once again to 39-31 heading into the final quarter.
Searcy attempted to speed up the game’s pace in the final frame, but the Bears matched them point-for-point. The Lions hurried their shots to try and make up the deficit, and the Bears patiently waited for the rebounds. Sylvan Hills out-rebounded Searcy 10-4 in the fourth, a stat that would prove to be the Lions downfall late. After the Bears entered the bonus with 2:36 left, they hit six of seven free-throws going away to secure the win.
“I thought the guys did an excellent job on Chris (Brown),” Davis said. “He is one heck of a player. Our outside defense was pretty good tonight, they made it pretty tough on them.”
Gross led the Bears with 17 points in the game, with McKinney adding 11 points and nine rebounds. Brown’s 16 points was tops for the Lions. The most suprising statistic of the night was Brown’s rebounding totals, which stood at only two at game’s end.
The win improves Sylvan Hills record to 12-10 overall and 5-5 in the AAAAA-East. The loss puts Searcy at 3-7 in the East conference.
The Lady Bears had a chance at beating Searcy on Tuesday night, leading by six, 45-39 with less than 10 seconds remaining in regulation. It wasn’t to be, however. Searcy came back to force overtime and rode that momentum in the extra period for a 50-46 victory.
Sylvan Hills did not count on Searcy’s unlikely hero, senior Felicia Graham. Graham had not seen court time all season until three games ago, but made the difference against Sylvan Hills when it counted the most.
Graham hit a three-point shot with four seconds remaining to cut the lead to three. Sylvan Hills had to simply inbound the ball and draw the foul to clinch it. A wild in-bounds pass from Shontaye Reed went two-thirds the distance of the court, and was picked by Graham, who drove across mid-court and banked in a 30-footer as time expired, forcing overtime.
The Lady Lions held onto the momentum in the extra-period, taking the 50-46 win in one of the biggest comebacks of the season.
Graham led the Lady Lions in scoring with 14 points, with junior standout Kallie Bartee adding 10 points. Crystal Maxwell led Sylvan Hills in the game with 18 points. The win gives Searcy sole possession of fourth place in the AAAAA-East standings, improving their conference record to 6-4 on the season. The loss takes the Lady Bears out of the top four, with an East record of 5-5.
Leader sports writer
IN SHORT: The Sylvan Hills boys and Searcy girls won their respective AAAAA-East games Tuesday night at SHHS.
Sylvan Hills beat the Searcy Lions for the second time this season, 59-43 Tuesday night in Sherwood, and secured sole possession of fourth place in the AAAAA-East standings.
The Bears held Lions senior post player Chris Brown to only 16 points in the contest, one of his lowest totals all season. The Bears held off Searcy for the entire second half to claim the win.
“We had lost about three (games),” Syl-van Hills coach Kevin Davis said. “We knew coming back after the Moun-tain Home game we wanted to try to keep the winning ways. In this conference, we knew it was going to take a solid team effort.”
Searcy jumped out to the early lead with a three-point shot from Cody Wilmath, followed by a put-back from Brown to put them up 5-0 at the 5:26 mark of the first quarter.
The Bears came back quickly with shots from senior postman Robert Mc-Kinney and senior guard Victor Roy to pull within one less than a minute later.
U.S. Robinson made his first appearance in the game for Sylvan Hills with 2:17 left in the opening frame, and made his presence known immediately.
Robinson hit a jumper on the next Bears’ possession to tie the game at 8-8, then swished a three pointer moments later to give Sylvan Hills the lead. McKinney added two more points before the end of the quarter, giving the Bears a 13-8 lead after one.
Sylvan Hills slowly added to their lead in the second quarter, holding the momentum for the entire period. Another inside shot from McKinney with 42 seconds left in the half gave the Bears a double-digit lead for the first time in the contest at 27-17. Darrell Crenshaw added a three at the buzzer to give Sylvan Hills a 30-17 lead at the half.
The Lions reeled Sylvan Hills back in during the third quarter. Justin Rowden scored seven of his total 15 points in the third, narrowing the Bears’ lead to 34-31 by the 1:41 mark with a transition jumper inside. Michael Gross answered for Sylvan Hills with a three pointer, followed by basket from Tanner Arnold to increase the Bears lead once again to 39-31 heading into the final quarter.
Searcy attempted to speed up the game’s pace in the final frame, but the Bears matched them point-for-point. The Lions hurried their shots to try and make up the deficit, and the Bears patiently waited for the rebounds. Sylvan Hills out-rebounded Searcy 10-4 in the fourth, a stat that would prove to be the Lions downfall late. After the Bears entered the bonus with 2:36 left, they hit six of seven free-throws going away to secure the win.
“I thought the guys did an excellent job on Chris (Brown),” Davis said. “He is one heck of a player. Our outside defense was pretty good tonight, they made it pretty tough on them.”
Gross led the Bears with 17 points in the game, with McKinney adding 11 points and nine rebounds. Brown’s 16 points was tops for the Lions. The most suprising statistic of the night was Brown’s rebounding totals, which stood at only two at game’s end.
The win improves Sylvan Hills record to 12-10 overall and 5-5 in the AAAAA-East. The loss puts Searcy at 3-7 in the East conference.
The Lady Bears had a chance at beating Searcy on Tuesday night, leading by six, 45-39 with less than 10 seconds remaining in regulation. It wasn’t to be, however. Searcy came back to force overtime and rode that momentum in the extra period for a 50-46 victory.
Sylvan Hills did not count on Searcy’s unlikely hero, senior Felicia Graham. Graham had not seen court time all season until three games ago, but made the difference against Sylvan Hills when it counted the most.
Graham hit a three-point shot with four seconds remaining to cut the lead to three. Sylvan Hills had to simply inbound the ball and draw the foul to clinch it. A wild in-bounds pass from Shontaye Reed went two-thirds the distance of the court, and was picked by Graham, who drove across mid-court and banked in a 30-footer as time expired, forcing overtime.
The Lady Lions held onto the momentum in the extra-period, taking the 50-46 win in one of the biggest comebacks of the season.
Graham led the Lady Lions in scoring with 14 points, with junior standout Kallie Bartee adding 10 points. Crystal Maxwell led Sylvan Hills in the game with 18 points. The win gives Searcy sole possession of fourth place in the AAAAA-East standings, improving their conference record to 6-4 on the season. The loss takes the Lady Bears out of the top four, with an East record of 5-5.
NEIGHBORS >> Blueprint for the future
BY SARA GREENE
Leader staff writer
IN SHORT: Cabot Parks and Recreation releases plans for development in the coming year.
Cabot Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking funding from the Cabot Advertising and Promotions Commission to help with $200,000 worth of improvements and maintenance projects this year, including a $50,000 skateboard park.
Cabot Parks and Recreation has about $43,000 left over from the 2005 budget. Most of the organization’s income is from revenue generated from its programs including concessions, rentals, sponsorships, tournaments, fund-raising and gate admission.
Since 2000, the department has received $678,932 from the Cabot Advertising and Promotions Commission for improvements and maintenance projects that range from rebuilding baseball and softball fields to new construction of 10 soccer fields, a T-ball field, pavilions, playgrounds, walking trails and a disc golf course. The partnership has benefited the continued development of the city’s park system, said Carroll Astin, director of Cabot Parks and Recreation.
“By replenishing our ballfields each year with topsoil, sand and lava ash, the parks continue to be sought after for post-season tournaments and events for the Special Olympics,” Astin said.
The Cabot Parks and Recreation Commission will seek funding for four projects this year including a $50,000 skateboard park to be built between the tennis and basketball courts on Richie Road. Plans call for a four-inch concrete pad approximately 5,600-square feet. The equipment will include various ramps and bars. Dual bids will be sought for the project for steel or modular equipment.
“In 1999, we had a skate park and the group of folks at that time chose not to follow the rules so we shut it down. Modular equipment would let us take the skatepark down easier if we need to,” Astin said. “As long as we aren’t negligent with the park or the equipment, it is user beware.”
The commission will be seeking funding for $63,000 in maintenance supplies and $25,000 for maintenance equipment. Supplies include fertilizer for grass at all the parks, pool chemicals, chalk, paint, grass seed, fencing, bases, goals and groundcover for playgrounds.
The equipment includes a 60-inch mower and bagger/sweeper for the fields, a John Deere Gator Utility Vehicle and a replacement for the 10-year-old John Deere 650 tractor.
Due to the rising cost of fuel, Astin says the department plans to mow the fields once a week instead of twice or three times a week during the spring and summer. An additional $9,000 will be sought for dirt, sand and lava ash for the baseball, softball and T-ball fields.
“This is an ongoing repair item,” Astin said. “The topsoil and sand are used to fill in low spots in grassy areas while sand and lava ash are applied to softball, T-ball and baseball fields prior to the season starting.”
Lava ash helps absorb rain and dries the field sooner during brief summer showers which causes fewer rained-out games.
Other improvements includes $8,000 for a scoreboard at the Cricket Soccer Complex, construction of a $20,000 irrigation pond at the First Street Sports Complex and $20,000 for two aerators for the pond at Campground and Kerr Park to keep the fishing water clear from silt.
“I think when your biggest complaint is there’s not enough parking, that’s a good problem for a park system to have,” Astin said.
Leader staff writer
IN SHORT: Cabot Parks and Recreation releases plans for development in the coming year.
Cabot Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking funding from the Cabot Advertising and Promotions Commission to help with $200,000 worth of improvements and maintenance projects this year, including a $50,000 skateboard park.
Cabot Parks and Recreation has about $43,000 left over from the 2005 budget. Most of the organization’s income is from revenue generated from its programs including concessions, rentals, sponsorships, tournaments, fund-raising and gate admission.
Since 2000, the department has received $678,932 from the Cabot Advertising and Promotions Commission for improvements and maintenance projects that range from rebuilding baseball and softball fields to new construction of 10 soccer fields, a T-ball field, pavilions, playgrounds, walking trails and a disc golf course. The partnership has benefited the continued development of the city’s park system, said Carroll Astin, director of Cabot Parks and Recreation.
“By replenishing our ballfields each year with topsoil, sand and lava ash, the parks continue to be sought after for post-season tournaments and events for the Special Olympics,” Astin said.
The Cabot Parks and Recreation Commission will seek funding for four projects this year including a $50,000 skateboard park to be built between the tennis and basketball courts on Richie Road. Plans call for a four-inch concrete pad approximately 5,600-square feet. The equipment will include various ramps and bars. Dual bids will be sought for the project for steel or modular equipment.
“In 1999, we had a skate park and the group of folks at that time chose not to follow the rules so we shut it down. Modular equipment would let us take the skatepark down easier if we need to,” Astin said. “As long as we aren’t negligent with the park or the equipment, it is user beware.”
The commission will be seeking funding for $63,000 in maintenance supplies and $25,000 for maintenance equipment. Supplies include fertilizer for grass at all the parks, pool chemicals, chalk, paint, grass seed, fencing, bases, goals and groundcover for playgrounds.
The equipment includes a 60-inch mower and bagger/sweeper for the fields, a John Deere Gator Utility Vehicle and a replacement for the 10-year-old John Deere 650 tractor.
Due to the rising cost of fuel, Astin says the department plans to mow the fields once a week instead of twice or three times a week during the spring and summer. An additional $9,000 will be sought for dirt, sand and lava ash for the baseball, softball and T-ball fields.
“This is an ongoing repair item,” Astin said. “The topsoil and sand are used to fill in low spots in grassy areas while sand and lava ash are applied to softball, T-ball and baseball fields prior to the season starting.”
Lava ash helps absorb rain and dries the field sooner during brief summer showers which causes fewer rained-out games.
Other improvements includes $8,000 for a scoreboard at the Cricket Soccer Complex, construction of a $20,000 irrigation pond at the First Street Sports Complex and $20,000 for two aerators for the pond at Campground and Kerr Park to keep the fishing water clear from silt.
“I think when your biggest complaint is there’s not enough parking, that’s a good problem for a park system to have,” Astin said.
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