GRAVETTE — The “Brown Bulletin”, a publication of John Brown University, reports the American Enterprise Institute ranks JBU with “the highest graduation rate in the state of Arkansas among colleges and universities in the “Competitive” or above categories.

The University in Siloam Springs graduates 71% of students who enter the university within six years, the institute reported.

Categories besides competitive are non-competitive, less competitive, very competitive, highly competitive or most competitive.

JBU’s graduation rate tied for fifth in the southern region when compared to other colleges and universities.

Births

Eric and Sabra Bird of Gravette are parents of a 7 pound, 4 ounce daughter, Kyleigh, born November 16, 2009, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville.

Grandparents are Nina Pilkington of Gravette, David Heaton of Centerton and David and Debbie Elkins of Anderson, MO. Great-grandmothers are Lois Heaton and Myrtle Overholser, b oth of Gravette.

Tree Grants Are Received By Area Cities

Gentry and Springtown will be beneficiaries of a $15,000 matching grant by the Illinois River Watershed Partnership to help complete a tree survey and develop tree management plans, steps required for the cities to be designated “tree cities”.

The grant was funneled through the Arkansas Forestry Commission. Matching grant funds will be made up largely through in-kind and volunteer service.

Funds Stolen From School In Decatur;

Were To Finance Trip By FFA

Several thousand dollars of proceeds from an FFA fund raiser were stolen from the Decatur High School agri building during the Thanksgiving break. The funds were to finance FFA activities such as a trip, etc.

Apparently entry was made through a rear door and later an interior door was pried open.

The stolen funds contained currency as well as checks made payable to the Decatur Public School. Persons who have information are asked to contact the Decatur Police Department.

News, Pages 3 on 12/16/2009