NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CONFIRMS TORNADO NEAR MCCASKILL - The National Weather Service has determined a small
tornado is responsible for tree and power line damage that occurred Wednesday afternoon along Highway 371 between Nashville
and McCaskill. A survey team from Shreveport visited Hempstead county Thursday and determined an EF0 tornado initially began
near a logging road to the west of Hempstead Country Road 40 West. The tornado then continued to the northeast for about 2 and
a half miles, where it knocked down several large trees and power lines along Highway 371, before lifting. The weather service
survey team says the maximum winds were estimated at 70 miles per hour and the storm was about 50 yards wide. That storm
was part of a system that was also responsible for numerous large hail reports. Hail up to baseball size was reported with the
storm as it moved near the Delight area. Another storm later Wednesday evening also dropped golf ball and lager size hail in the
city of Glenwood, causing property damage.
SCRAPPER BASEBALL TEAM ADVANCES IN HORATIO TOURNAMENT - The Nashville Scrapper Baseball team beat Trinity
Christian 1 to zero, Thursday afternoon to advance in a tournament at Horatio. Coach Kyle Slayton says the team is still struggling
to make runs, they had 13 strike outs in yesterday's game. Luke Jamison had two hits and pitched seven innings, gave up 3 hits,
no runs, struck out 7 and walked one. Spencer Pack scored the winning run and was knocked in by Reed Keel. Nashville will
continue play tonight at 6:00. The Dierks Outlaws are also playing in the tournament. They lost to Horatio 18 to 2 but will
continue in play, since the tournament is a double elimination. The Outlaws will play tomorrow morning against the loser of
Lincoln and Centerpoint.
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 24TH ANNUAL HCCC BENEFIT FISHING TOURNAMENT - The 24th annual Howard County Children's
Center Benefit Fishing Tournament has been set for May 1st at Lake Greeson. The event is sponsored by Husqvarna Outdoor
Products and is held to raise money for the children's center. Two person teams can sign up now at a cost of $80 per boat. The
tournament will begin at 6:30 that morning and weigh in will take place at 3:00. The winner will receive a cash prize of $2000
dollars with several other prizes to be given away. For more information call 845-1211.
MARCH FOR PARKS AUCTION RAISES $3000 - The Nashville City Parks annual March for Parks auction and fundraiser was held
last night and Parks Director Nikki Cherry was pleased with the turnout and amount of money
raised. Cherry also says that people can still help donate to the park. The money being raised
is going to finish a grant that will include improvements to areas of the park around the new
soccer complex.
NASHVILLE WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO THEFT OF PUBLIC BENEFITS CHARGE - A Nashville woman charged with Theft of
Public Benefits has pleaded guilty. 28 year old Carnita Hamilton plead Wednesday in Howard County Circuit Court. Hamiltion was
accused of receiving wages for two weeks from Husqvarna and unemployment for 18 weeks in the amount of five thousand dollars
that she was not entitled too. She is to serve five years of probation, pay a $1000 fine and pay $5000 of restitution.
MINERAL SPRINGS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO DRUGS AND WEAPONS CHARGES - A Mineral Springs resident has plead guilty to
several drugs and weapons charges. 31 year old Christopher Edwards is charged with possession of a controlled substance with the
intent to deliver Marijuana and Cocaine, Simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms and possession of firearms by certain
persons among other charges. Edwards was arrested in early February after police served a search warrant of his home and found
about a half pound of marijuana and other drugs and weapons. Edwards will serve 20 years in the Arkansas Department of
Corrections.
7-4A ALL DISTRICT BASKETBALL TEAMS ANNOUNCED - The 7-4A All-District Basketball Teams have been announced.
Scrapperette Basketball Coach Ron Alexander was proud to have two players named to all-district
teams. Scrappers Alan Copeland and Nick Hopkins were named to the boy's all district basketball
team.
NASHVILLE SCRAPPERETTE TRACK TEAM FINISHES 2ND IN ASHDOWN MEET - The Nashville Junior High girls track team
finished runner-up in Tuesday's track meet at Ashdown. DeQueen placed first with 135 points and Nashville placed second with
133 points. Kassidy Snowden led the way for the Junior Scrapperettes with 46 points. She placed first in the 100 meter dash with
13 seconds, first in the long jump with 15 feet, 10 inches and also placed second in the 400 meter dash with 65 seconds. The
Junior Scrapperettes also placed first in the 100 and 300 meter relays. They will next compete in the Scrapper Relays next Tuesday
and the 7th and 8th grade girls will compete again at Ashdown this Monday. The Junior Girls Track coach is Buster Bonner.
LOCAL POLICE OFFICIALS COMPLETE TRAINING COURSE FOR NEW EQUIPMENT - 68 police officers and jailers in southwest
Arkansas completed an eight hour course Wednesday to receive certification for operating new equipment designed to determine
the alcohol content in the breath of D.W.I. suspects. Howard County Sheriff's investigator David Shelton said the state health
department is requiring the new units, known as Intoximeter ECIR-2, to be installed. The units have been in existence about 6
years..but are brand new to Arkansas. Shelton said police departments or jails who conduct breathalyzer tests must have the new
equipment installed by April 1st, 2011. Howard county's unit is expected to be delivered next week and will replace the current
equipment that has been in operation since 1992. This week's training, hosted by the local sheriff's office, was conducted by the
Arkansas Health Department's office of Alcohol Testing.
COSSATOT RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT INTERIM BOARD HOLDS FIRST MEETING - The interim board for the Cossatot River
School District met Tuesday Night. According to Wickes Superintendent Megan Witonski, the board is comprised of 4 Wickes school
board members and 3 VanCove representatives. The board will become permanent after the changeover, which will officially take
place on July 1st. Witonski says the meetings of the interim board will mainly be for informational sessions, no decisions can be
made by the board. She also says that the main reason for the consolidation was to cut down on central office costs and to increase
education. Besides a new name for the district, a new mascot will also be created. Each school will still keep it's identity and
Witonski says that the Umpire school will remain open as long as it remains physically sound and educationally feasible. A new
high school will soon be built between Wickes and Vancove to serve those students.
NASHVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT RECOMMENDED ACCREDITATION - AdvancED, an organization of the North Central Association
Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement finished up a three day review of the Nashville School District on
Wednesday. An exit report was given and Superintendent Doug Graham was very pleased with
the report. Graham says that the process helps a district grow and look for areas of
improvement. AdvanceED has recommended the Nashville School District for full accreditation
...that will go before a full committee in June for final approval.
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU STILL LOOKING FOR PART-TIME CENSUS TAKERS - The U.S. Census Bureau is still looking for area
residents in Howard and Pike Counties interested in part time jobs as census takers. To apply for a job you must take a test to be
considered. Those interested should call 1-866-861-2010. A list of upcoming test locations in the area can be found here. When
attending the test you must have two forms of identification. More information can be found at 2010.census.gov/2010 census jobs.
NASHVILLE JUNIOR HIGH TRACK TEAM PLACES FIRST IN ASHDOWN MEET - The Nashville Junior High Track Team placed first
in a meet at Ashdown on Tuesday. Nashville finished first with 157 points, DeQueen placed second with 115 points, Broken Bow
was third and Prescott placed fourth. Several Junior Scrappers placed first in their events. JaKaree Gaines placed first in the long
jump with 19 feet, 6 inches; first in the 100 meter dash with a time of 11.67 seconds; and first in the 200 meter dash with just
barely over 24 seconds. Michael Steele placed first in the 800 meter run with 2 minutes and 18 seconds and also first place in the
1600 meter run with 5 minutes and 3 seconds. In the High Jump, Brandon Shamrock won the event with five feet and 4 inches
and in the 400 meter dash, Steven Snell won with 55.84 seconds. The Junior Scrappers are coached by Kyle Jackson and will next
compete in the Scrapper Relays on March 16th.
CCCUA TO HOST RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE FRIDAY - Nashville's Cossatot Community College will be
hosting the 2010 Southwest Arkansas Rural Business Development Conference tomorrow, from eight until two. The Henderson
State University Small Business and Technology Development Center along with the USDA Rural Development and several other
public and private sector organizations will host the meeting and will present information to strengthen rural businesses and
encourage private enterprise. Several small businesses will discuss topics ranging from advertising and marketing tools to building
partnerships and locating federal stimulus money. This event is free and open to the public. For more information call 845-2454.
NASHVILLE BASEBALL TEAM LOSES TO MAGNOLIA, PREPARING FOR HORATIO TOURNAMENT - The Nashville Scrapper
Baseball team lost to Magnolia 16 to 9, in a game Tuesday at Wilson Park. Head Coach Kyle Slayton says the team overall did not
play well and had some base running mistakes, dropped fly balls and did not pitch well. The game was tied 2 to 2 in the 5th inning
when the Scrappers came up with a few errors and Magnolia scored 5 runs. By the 6th inning the score was 15 to 2, however
Nashville did try to come back with 6 runs late. The team will next compete in a tournament at Horatio, playing tomorrow
afternoon at 3:30 against Trinity Christian. Other teams that will be competing include Dierks, Horatio, Spring Hill, Genoa Central,
Center Point and Lincoln.
BALLOT POSITIONS DRAWN FOR MAY PRIMARY ELECTION IN HOWARD COUNTY - Ballot positions were drawn Tuesday for the
May Primary Election in Howard County. In the race for Nashville Mayor, Kelly Sherman drew the first position, Charles Pinkston
drew the second position and Billy Ray Jones will be third. Liz McDaniel drew the first position for City Clerk/Treasurer and Shelia
Pinson will be second. Nate Steel drew the second position for State Representative District 21, so Frank Scott will be in the first
ballot position.
State ballot positions were also drawn Tuesday: [Democrat] U.S. Senate- 1. DC Morrison, 2. Bill Halter, 3. Blanche Lincoln.
Secretary of State- 1. Pat O'Brien, 2. Doris Tate, 3. Mark Wilcox. Commissioner of State Land- 1. Mike Berg, 2. LJ Bryant, 3. Monty
Davenport. [Republican] U.S. Senate- 1. Fred Ramey, 2. Gilbert Baker, 3. Curtis Coleman, 4. Conrad Reynolds, 5. Jim Holt, 6. Kim
Hendren, 7. Randy Alexander, 8. John Boozman. U.S. Congress District 4- 1. Beth Anne Rankin, 2. Glen Gallas. Lt. Governor- 1.
Donnie Copeland, 2. Mark Darr.
MINERAL SPRINGS TO START RECYCLING PROGRAM - The city of Mineral Springs has received an $18,000 grant for recycling.
The award was announced during Tuesday's meeting of the Mineral Springs City Council. The funds will help start a recycling
program through the city, local school district, and the Howard County Children's Center. According to Mineral Springs
Recorder/Treasurer Frankie Darr, four large bins and several smaller trash bins will be purchased to recycle cardboard and plastic.
In other business, the city continues talks with the highway department about improvements on the intersection of Reynolds Street
with Highway 355. One option being considered is to widen the highway, however property owners would have to approve that. It
was also announced during the meeting that city is still waiting on a possible drainage grant of $150,000.
HOWARD COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING DEATH - The Howard County Sheriff's Department is investigating
the death of a local man. Police received a call Tuesday concerning a deceased person located at 650 Wakefield Road in Nashville.
He has been identified as 71 year old Tor Anderson, who lived alone at the residence. Anderson was pronounced at the scene by
Howard County Coroner John Gray and the body will be sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy. Police do not suspect
foul play.
42ND ANNUAL JONQUIL FESTIVAL TO BE HELD AT HISTORIC WASHINGTON NEXT WEEKEND - The 42nd Annual Jonquil
Festival will be held next weekend at the Historic Washington State Park. Patricia Thomas says there will be a lot of things to do at
the event. Hours of the festival will be Friday and Saturday March 19th and 20th, 9 to 5 and
on Sunday March 21st, 9 to 4. This is a free event, parking will cost five dollars.
HOWARD COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE LOOKING FOR SPONSORS - Howard County's Relay For Life is asking local businesses to
consider being a sponsor of the event to be held on June 4th. Committee member Marilyn
Hockaday explains the different levels of sponsorship. Hockaday says that pledge letters
will be sent out to local businesses in about a week. For those that would like to make a
pledge, the money is not due until May.
HOWARD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT RECEIVES AWARD - Howard Memorial Hospital's Radiology
Department has been recognized with a Digital X-Ray World Leadership award from Carestream Health, for being one of the first
hospitals globally to adopt a new digital medical imaging system. The DRX-1 system can produce multiple patient images in less
than one minute, which offers higher productivity for hospital staff and less time in the waiting room for patients. The system also
offers environmental benefits, enabling facilities to transition to digital with their existing equipment. It also uses less energy than
other digital systems. The staff and administration of HMH, strive to provide state-of-the-art healthcare to the community. There
will be an Award Presentation Ceremony at the hospital on March 16th at 10 a.m.
SEX OFFENDER TO LIVE IN HOWARD COUNTY - A new sex offender will be living in Howard County. 44 year old Dean Wedge is
a level 3 sex offender and will be living in the Cottonshed Community at 203 Pineview Drive in Mineral Springs. Level 3 means that
he is considered to be a high risk for repeating the crime. Wedge was recently released from the Arkansas Department of
Corrections. He was convicted of Rape in October 1999 after engaging in sexual contact with two 13 year old males.
HOWARD COUNTY CHIEF DEPUTY ATTENDS TRAINING WORKSHOP - Howard County Chief Deputy Eric Wakefield recently
attended a Pursuit Policy training workshop held at the Black River Technical College in Pocahontas. According to Howard County
Sheriff Butch Morris, those that attended the workshop discussed U.S. Supreme Court decisions and State specific statutes that have
impacted and governed pursuit operations. Also discussed were local pursuit policies and how those meet state guidelines.
LOCAL FORESTRY AND LAND JUDGING CONTEST HELD - The Mine Creek Conservation District and the Pike County Conservation
District held a Forestry and Land Judging Contest on March 3 at the Center Point Community Building. The contest is held each year
to give FFA teams experience before competing in their district and state competitions. The forestry contest was held on land
owned by Joe and Norma Martin near Center Point. The land judging contest was held on the Bobby Billings, JR. farm near Center
Point. A total of 209 students representing 24 schools competed for the county and overall awards. Teams representing Howard
included Nashville, Dierks, and Umpire. Teams representing Pike County included Center Point, Murfreesboro, and Delight. Schools
outside Pike and Howard Counties included; Acorn, Ashdown, Bradley, Camden Fairview, De Queen, Gurdon, Harmony Grove,
Hermitage, Lafayette County, Mena, Ouachita, Quitman, Smackover, Taylor, Van Cove, Wickes, Greenbrier and Caddo Hills. The
Mine Creek Conservation District and the Pike County Conservation District recognized the first place team and high point individual
in both contests among county contestants. Each winning team received a plaque and each team members received a t-shirt. High
Point individuals received hooded sweat shirts and windbreakers.
Howard County Winners
Land Judging
Dierks FFA. Team # 1. Team members were Jaron Tipton, Kevin Bogan, Tyler Strasner, and Seth Bailey. Vo Ag Instructor for Dierks is Shannon Bailey.
High Point Individual was Jaron Tipton, Dierks.
Forestry
Umpire FFA Team # 1 . Team members were Dakota Bailey, Zack Pinson, Andy Gurley and Charles Dowdy. Vo Ag instructor for Umpire is Brandon Smith.
High Point Individual was Zach Pinson, Umpire.
Other Schools Participating from Howard County was Nashville FFA.
Pike County Winners
Land Judging
Delight FFA
Team Members, Randy House, Austin Miller, Brennon Watts. Vo Ag Teacher is Reggie Lamb
High Point Individual was Austin Miller, of Delight
Forestry
Center Point FFA
Team Members Stephanie Vanda, Ethan Fagan, David Kitchens, John Kirksey. Vo Ag Teacher is Robbie Pettigrew
High Point Individual was John Kirksey.
Other schools participating from Pike County included Murfreesboro.
Overall Winners
Dierks FFA also won the overall Overall High Point Team award in Land Judging. Team members were Jaron Tipton, Kevin Bogan, Tyler Strasner, Seth Bailey
Vo Ag Instructor is Shannon Bailey
Overall High Point Individual – Jaron Tipton from Dierks
Harmony Grove won the Overall High Point Team award in Forestry. Team members were Jared Lampkins, Derek Green, Alex Wigley, & Jon Murrey.
Vo Ag Instructor is Perry Richard. Over all high Point Individual- Alex Wigley from Harmony Grove.
All schools attending the contest were eligible to compete for the overall awards
Sponsors for the contest provided a meal for the students and workers at the contest: Sponsors included, First State Bank of Dierks & Murfreesboro, Farm Credit
Services of Western Arkansas, Diamond Bank Nashville & Murfreesboro, Farm Bureau Insurance Nashville & Murfreesboro, First National Bank of Murfreesboro, Bank of
Delight, City Grocery, Weyerhaeuser Company.
PLANNING CONTINUES FOR SCRAPPER SHOWDOWN - Planning continues for the upcoming Scrapper Showdown which is
scheduled for Saturday, April 3rd at 6:30 at the Nashville Elementary Cafeteria. Scrapper Booster Club Sponsor Gaye Graham has
more details on the event. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Nashville School District Administration building. More
details will be released as the event gets closer. Some of the auction items include:
* Reserved parking place at the gate at Scrapper Stadium
* Cheerleader for the Day
(This is for a girl grade K-6. She will cheer at a high school pep rally and at the game)
* Reserved booth in the press box for a Scrapper Game
* Autographed Scrapper football and helmet
* Draw up and call a play at a Scrapper football game
* Autographed Razorback football by Frank Broyles
* Friends Night Out for a fried crappie dinner
REGISTRATION BEGINS FOR MISS ELBERTA PEACH PAGEANT - Registration is now open for the annual Miss Elberta Peach
Pageant. The event will be held on April 17th at the Nashville Elementary Cafeteria. Organizer Dena Tollett has more information
on the pageant. The deadline to enter the pageant is April 10th.
PIKE COUNTY FILING PERIOD CLOSES - The close of the filing period in Pike County saw several contested races for the May
Primary Election. Murfreesboro Mayor Jim O'Neal and Chris Thompson are challenging current Pike County Judge Don Baker. Four
individuals have filed for the seat of Sheriff and Collector. Challenging current Sheriff Preston "Pep" Glenn are Jerry Lowery, Wes
Turner and Joe Jessup running as Independents and Jeremy Collums running as a Republican. Another contested race included
Beckie Alden and Danny Dougan filing for Pike County Assessor. Filing for JP District 3 are Ricky Buck and Jerry O'Neal. Also filing
for JP District 9 are Randy Reid and Paul Baker.
KIRBY SENIOR HIGH GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM ADVANCES TO STATE 1A CHAMPIONSHIP GAME - The Kirby Senior High Girls
basketball team has advanced to the class 1A State Championship game. They beat Kingston on Saturday 58 to 44 in the semi-
finals and will play Poyen this Saturday at 11:00 at Summit Arena at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Because of this, the
Hunter Education Course scheduled for this Saturday at Kirby High School has been cancelled.
MICHIGAN MAN FINDS 1.96 CARAT WHITE DIAMOND AT CRATER OF DIAMONDS - A Michigan man is the latest person to find
a diamond at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro. David Anderson found a 1.96 carat silver cape diamond on
Saturday at the park. The white diamond has a silver frosting on the outside that adds to the typical diamond shine. It's the 50th
diamond find for Anderson who has been visiting the park for the last four years. So far this year, 68 diamonds have been found at
the Crater.
MINERAL SPRINGS SENIOR HIGH BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM LOSES IN STATE SEMI - The Mineral Springs Senior High Boys
Basketball Season ended last Saturday with a 58 to 51 loss against Hughes in semi-final action at the 2A State Basketball
Tournament. The Hornets were ahead by 12 points in the first half and were leading with a score of 27 to 19 at halftime. During
the third period, Mineral Springs only managed to score four points and trailed after that. Trevor Lewis led the way for the Hornets
with 16 points. Shaun Richardson had 15 points and Jason Ware had 11. This was the first time the Hornets had advanced to the
semifinals in a state basketball tournament. They finish with a season record of 27 and 7.
NASHVILLE BAND OBSERVING NATIONAL MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS MONTH - The Nashville Scrapper Band is celebrating
National Music In Our Schools Month in March. Drum Major Matt Williams says it's all about raising awareness about what music
can teach people. Local students have the opportunity to consider joining the band starting in
the sixth grade. Williams also says that band students are involved in many events this semester
. This is the first year for the band winterguard, which participates in competitions with a routine
consisting of flags, rifles and other equipment. They placed fifth recently in a competition and will soon compete in the regional
championship. The concert band will be competing in a contest this Thursday at Lake Hamilton High School.
2010-2011 NJHS CHEERLEADERS SELECTED - Cheerleader selections at Nashville Junior High School have been announced for
the 2010-2011 school year. Next year’s squad will include Abby Herzog, Emily Herzog, Avery Kesterson, Kathleen Lance, Jana
Copeland, Jayla Jaques, Brooke Bowden, Rachel Dawson, Taylor Spigner, Maggie Worthington, Brittany Backus, and Alexus White.
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL LANDOWNERS WHO HAVE GRAZING LANDS - Howard and Pike County landowners who have
grazing lands are being encouraged to sign up for funds available thru the USDA's 2010 Grassland Reserve Program. State officials
are concerned that grazing lands are disappearing as residential and commercial development increases. Applications should be
submitted on or before March 12th and those in high priority counties near larger population areas will be considered first. For
more information contact the local Natural Resources Conservation Service office at 845-4121 extension 3.
TICKETS ON SALE FOR ANNUAL EVELYN RAMSAY TASTING BRUNCH - Tickets are now on sale for the annual Evelyn Ramsay
Tasting Brunch which is scheduled for Friday, April 9th in the First Baptist Church Family Activities Building. The event is sponsored
by the Nashville Junior Auxiliary. Tickets are seven dollars and can be purchased from any JA member or by calling 451-1161.
The tasting brunch is the main fundraiser for the local Junior Auxiliary which provides money for other projects they support
including scholarships, the Relay For Life, Angel Tree gifts and Basket of Thanks.
NASHVILLE SCRAPPERETTES REFLECT ON SEASON - The Nashville Scrapperettes ended their season at the 4A South Regional
Basketball Tournament, losing to Dumas 60 to 43. Coach Ron Alexander says despite the loss the team had a great season,
finishing with a record of 20 and 10. Alexander also says that several players helped
lead the team this year. Coach Alexander is excited about next year. Several freshmen will be
moving up from this year's girls Junior High Team which finished 22 and 2. The Scrapperettes
will now start off season, with several players involved in track.
PIKE COUNTY POULTRY PRODUCERS ANNUAL REGISTRATION DUE - The Pike County Conservation District would like to
remind all Poultry producers that their annual registration is due by the end of this month. The fee is ten dollars and producers
may register at the Pike Co. office at 131 North Kelly Street, in Murfreesboro. Arkansas law requires poultry feeding operations
with 2,500 or more poultry housed to register. Failure to do so will result in penalties. For more information call the Pike County
Conservation Office at 870-285-2424.
SEX OFFENDER REGISTERS IN HOWARD COUNTY - The Howard County Sheriff's office has registered another sex offender. 47
year old Ronald Gene Webb of 141 Antioch Road in Nashville registered last Monday as a Level 3 sex offender. Sheriff Morris said
the level three classification is for individuals who are considered to be a high risk for repeating the crime. Webb was released
February 22nd from the Arkansas Department of Corrections...where he has been serving a 15 year prison sentence on drug
charges. Sheriff Morris said Webb was convicted in 1995 of 1st Degree Sexual Abuse for engaging in sexual intercourse with an 11
year old female.
REMODELING COMPLETE ON PAVILION AT CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK - The North Washing Pavilion at the Crater of
Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro has been completely remodeled, according to park officials. Last year a similar project
remodeled the south washing area, replacing water troughs and accommodating more people to sluice. The maintenance
department has been working on this project since last fall and is also busy with the day to day operations at the park. Because of
their work they received the 2008-2009 park of the year award last year.
PLANNING UNDERWAY FOR ANNUAL PEACH BLOSSOM FESTIVAL IN NASHVILLE - Planning is currently underway for this year's
Peach Blossom Festival in Nashville. Organizer Freddie Horne has more on what is being planned. Horne says the location for the
festival has changed slightly. This year the festival will take place further South on Main Street
from Shepherd Street to Hempstead Street. Applications for arts and crafts and food vendors
are being taken until April 15th. For more information you may call the Nashville Chamber of
Commerce at 845-1262 or contact Horne at 845-0030.
HELP WITH FILLING OUT 2010 CENSUS FORMS AVAILABLE - A representative of the U.S. Census Bureau will be operating a
questionnaire assistance center in Southwest Arkansas over the next six weeks. The questionnaire assistance center will be in the
lobby of DeQueen City Hall from 9 until 4 on Monday's, Wednesday's and Fridays, through April 14th. The census representative
will also be at the Horatio School from 9 until Noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays and at Dierks City Hall from 1 until 4 on Tuesdays
and Thursdays. Anyone that may need assistance in filling out a form in English or Spanish, or that may have questions about the
2010 census is welcome to ask the representative for help.
2009 AUDIT COMPLETED AT HOWARD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - Howard Memorial Hospital has received it's annual audit for the
fiscal year which ended last fall. Hospital Administrator Debra Wright has more details on the
audit. Wright says the hospital would like to increase it's charity care. Auditors suggested
making the process more user friendly. Wright says to take advantage of the program that
patients should fill out paperwork before having medical treatment.
HOWARD MEMORIAL PLANNING LEGAL ACTION AGAINST QUORUM HEALTH - Howard Memorial Hospital is considering legal
action against its former management company in an attempt to recoup money the hospital feels it was unnecessarily charged.
Nashville's hospital board elected to utilize St. Joseph's Hospital as its management company last fall once the previous contract
with Quorum Health Resources expired. Upon reviewing financial information a month or two after the new partnership had
begun, an unanticipated 33 thousand dollar fee charged by the Quorum management company was discovered. When questioned,
Quorum said the money was a severance fee. Hospital officials say there should be no severance given because the contract was
not terminated early, it was allowed to expire. A written notice has been submitted to Quorum Health Resources seeking a return
of the money..but the hospital has not heard a response. The local hospital board is now planning to turn the matter over to the
prosecuting attorney's office for the possible beginning of legal action against the Tennessee based management firm.
CCCUA SEES HIGHEST ENROLLMENT EVER - Enrollment at Cossatot Community College is at one of the highest levels ever.
Currently, 1491 students are enrolled at CCCUA. Enrollment has increased 73% since the college joined the University of Arkansas
system in mid-2001. Registration in the spring of 1992 was 91 students. Chancellor Frank Adams attributes the high enrollment
due to the fact that CCCUA has the lowest tuition rate in Arkansas. He also mentions that thanks to a 1/4 cent sales tax in Howard,
Little River and Sevier Counties, tuition is kept low. Cossatot offers both technical certification and Associate's degrees and
collaborates with other colleges to offer bachelor's and master's degrees on all three campuses.
LIST OF SEX OFFENDERS INCREASES IN HOWARD COUNTY - Howard county's list of sex offenders continues to increase. Sheriff
Butch Morris says 30 year old Critt Stewart, Jr., is the latest person to be included on the list. Stewart was convicted of First Degree
Sexual Abuse of a two year old female in 1998. Sheriff Morris said Stewart will be living at 210 Buckeye Street in Tollette. State
records show Stewart was released from prison Friday, February 19th..after serving almost three years on a manslaughter charge.
He was convicted in February 2007 in connection with a fatal accident that claimed the lives of an infant and the child's mother the
previous year on Highway 27 in Sevier county. Stewart is categorized as a high risk, or Level 3 sex offender. A list of the county's
registered sex offenders is provided on the Howard County Sheriff's Department's new website.
FARMER'S MARKET PREPARING FOR GROWING SEASON - The local Farmer's Market is preparing for the upcoming growing
season. Organizer Debra Bolding says growers are getting ready to plant and that the market should open in May. Those that are
interested in being a vendor at the market should register now according to Bolding. Organizers
are also getting ready to plant and fix up a demonstration garden, next to the market, that is
used for training. All produce grown in the garden is donated to local needy people in the
community. If you have questions or would like more information call 845-1262 or 845-1032.
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR NURSING ASSISTANT CLASS AT CCCUA - Registration is now open for a Nursing Assistant Class at
the Cossatot Community College in DeQueen. The course will be offered March 19th thru April 14th, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The
90 hours of training will consist of classroom instruction, lab activities, and supervised training in a long-term care nursing facility.
Enrollment is limited to 12 students. You may register at any CCCUA campus or by calling 1-800-844-4471. The registration
deadline is March 15th.
REGISTRATION BEGINS FOR UPCOMING FORESTRY CLINIC - A clinic for landowners, pro-loggers and Foresters will be held next
month. The 8th annual Cossatot Forestry Clinic will be held for residents in Howard, Sevier and
Polk Counties on Saturday, March 13th at the Wickes School Auditorium, starting at 8:30 a.m.
County Extension Agent Sherry Beaty describes some of the topics that will be covered at the
clinic. To register or for more information call 845-7517. There is a ten dollar registration fee.
HIGHWAY 371 TO BE RESURFACED AND WIDENED LATER THIS YEAR - Plans are currently underway to resurface and widen a
portion of Highway 371 in Nashville. Public Works Director Larry Dunaway says the project will
include a large portion of the highway. Dunaway says a water line on Peach Tree Street must
be moved before the project begins. The highway department is expected to bid the project out
in April with construction starting sometime in June.
RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM HOSTING T-SHIRT FUNDRAISER - The Knee Benders Relay For Life Team of First Baptist Church in
Lockesburg are selling t-shirts for the American Cancer Society. The "Fight Like a Girl" t-shirts are available in pink or brown short
sleeve or long sleeve or you may order a hoodie. To order a shirt or for more information call 870-784-3182 or 870-584-7936.
HOWARD COUNTY BEGINS NEW REAPPRAISAL CYCLE - A new county reappraisal cycle has started in Howard County according
to Assessor Debbie Teague. Teague says the county is on a five year reappraisal cycle of property for tax purposes. A new cycle
starts this year, beginning with the northern part of the county. Teague wants county residents to be aware that appraisers will be
visiting your home. All representatives should have identification and if you have any questions you may call Teague at 845-7511.
HMH FOUNDATION DEDICATES HOSPITAL CHAPEL - The Howard Memorial Hospital Foundation recently held a dedication of the
hospital's chapel. The chapel was dedicated to Lucille Cowling by donations from Dr Frank Teed and his wife Sarah. According to
Freda Davis of the hospital foundation, Cowling is a long term citizen of Howard County and is Teed's aunt. The dedication was in
honor of her service in the community. The chapel is the first room in the hospital to be named after someone through a donation
program. Donations of $5,000 or greater to the HMH foundation will grant the donor the opportunity to have their name or the
name of a loved one linked to a specific room of the hospital or a piece of equipment. For more information you can contact Davis
at 845-4400.
CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK 2010 CALENDAR - The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro has several planned
events for this year. Some are annual events including John Huddleston Day on June 19th and the Great Crater Cleanup held in the
fall. Other events include workshops and a recycling contest in May.
The events listed below and marked with an “*” have a limited number of participants. Visitors who wish to attend will need to call or email the Park to reserve their spot.
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Power Healthmart Pharmacy
1310 South 4th Street
870-845-1413
1310 South 4th Street
870-845-1413
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