A Look Back at 2009

Editor’s Note: Several persons said they “missed the recap of 2009” events in Gravette so here are just a few of the stories making headlines during the year just ended.

JANUARY 2009: Work began in earnest on Gravette’s new million gallon water tank. Florence Thomas celebrated birthday number 100. Amy Roberts was crowned basketball homecoming queen. Sulphur Springs museum received a $12,000 grant. All-Star Pizza opened for business.

FEBRUARY 2009: Gravette was hit by an ice storm the last week in January. Not as severe as the 2007 storm. Eastern Benton County was hit hard. Sarah Smith was named Miss GHS; Lincoln Parker and John Stay shared the Mr. GHS title. A Community Life Complex was proposed to incorporate the present library, museum, civic center and adjacent school property.

MARCH 2009: Lonnie Ash was honored on his retirement from the police department. The fire department and EMTs moved into their “new” home adjacent the fire station. Tracy Sewell is new office manager for the city. Gravette teacher authors “Teacher toTeacher” volume. First steps were poured in Old Town “who will step up” project. Bradford pear trees were in bloom.

APRIL 2009: Council discussed extending thepresent 3/4 cent sales tax. Brittany Nims earned allstate band honors. Voters approved bond issue for new school improvements. No millage increase. A “Piano Through the Decades” show featuring the high school musicians with American Idol finalist Patrick Hall drew a large crowd. Kim Hendren announced plans for a U.S. Senate bid.

MAY2009:Constructionon the “bowl” of the new water tank began. Gravette Lions baseball team won the regional crown, topping Shiloh 11-8. Lady Lions secured a berth in state softball tourney. One hundred six seniors graduated. Author Radine Trees Nehring won first place in a contest sponsored by OklahomaWritersFederation.MichaelCroasdellrepeatedas state winner in the long jump contest. Ethan McKinzie named All-State football player, Hollyann Walker and Chelsea Goodwin all state softball. New CAT scan machine installed at hospital. Gravette author/editor Al Kuettner died at age 95.

JUNE 2009: Erica Leeman was Merit Scholar. Jeremy Shorter, Gravette author, had book signing at library. More than $8,000 raised at athletic banquet. Golf Classic raised more than $8,000. Marge Macedo, Angie Scott, Mike Johnson, Sarah Roach and Amber Sizemore honored as teachers of the year. The old brick elementary schools were demolished. Gravette voters okayed 3/4cent sales tax for sewer project. School reunion held at Sulphur Springs. Farmer’s Market opened. Holiness Bible School dedicated honors wall.

JULY 2009: Nathan Gibbs took national Skills crown at Kansas City event. Annual fireworks show held at Pop Allum Park. OCH opened new geriatric behavioral health unit. Old water tower, erected in 1913, came down. Maysville held celebration, Jewel Lukens was Grand Marshal. Old Town Park steps under construction. Donations assured 35 would be completed. Drug dog euthanized after attack on child. El Tarasco Mexican restaurant was welcomed to town.

AUGUST 2009: New water tower now in place. Sign reads: “Gravette. The Heart of Hometown America”. Annual Gravette Day was held. Makayla Morrison was Miss Gravette. New cell tower was erected at site of old water tower. School enrollment near 1,900. Another new business opened: All Season Lawn Equipment.

SEPTEMBER 2009: Bible School received ACE recognition.GHSACTscoresstopped state and national figures. Contract approved for new GHS fieldhouse/gym and music complex for middle school. Jacy Alsup crowned Miss Benton County at Fair. Hailey House was Miss Benton County Teen. Lions toppedWellington, KS 21-14.School mourned death of Casey Russell, GHS junior.

OCTOBER 2009: Care and Share celebrated 25th anniversary. Tajhe Turner named football homecoming queen. New water tank was being filled. OCH held fall festival. Sally Shorter debuted with new vocal CD. Senior Center received state grants. David Smith appointed fire chief. Taylor Eaton was state Legion poster winner. Lions suffered first loss of season to Shiloh.

NOVEMBER 2009: GHS thespians presented “Alice in Wonderland”. Water now flowing into system.Veterans saluted at GHS assembly. Lions beat Valley View in playoffs at Lion Stadium. More than 750 students received Swine Flu vaccinations. R&R Solutions honored vets with special ceremony. New fieldhouse construction underway. Lions dropped playoffgame to Heber Springs.

DECEMBER 2009: Public Library unveiled improvements and new manager, Kim Boldt. Annual Love Lights a Tree project held. Work began on new road improvements at elementary and middle schools. Rain dampened Christmas parade but Santa visited. Bryce Graves was OCH employee of the year. Old Spanish Treasure Cave unveiled Winter Wonderland. News Herald published hundreds of letters to Santa. Big snow hit on Christmas Eve. Bill Harrelson was NWA Coach of the Year.

News, Pages 1 on 01/06/2010