Stories for March 2012

Wednesday, March 28

Knife maker cuts through tough economic times

posted: 03/28/2012 4:26 a.m.

When the economy faltered, things may have slowed a little for Tom Krein, owner and operator of Krein Knives in Gentry, but they didn’t slow very much and have started to pick up again with high demand for his skill and craftsmanship in making high-quality knives.

Is there really a lost hidden treasure?

posted: 03/28/2012 4:25 a.m.

Is there really treasure still hidden away somewhere in the Old Spanish Treasure Cave, owned and operated by Paul and Tracy Linscott? The Linscotts, like a number of people before them, think it’s there but don’t know if it will ever be found.

Decatur closes storm shelter

posted: 03/28/2012 4:24 a.m.

Decatur City Hall will no longer be opened as a storm shelter during tornado warnings, city council members decided at the March 12 meeting.

Gravette resolves to apply for grants

posted: 03/28/2012 4:23 a.m.

The Gravette City Council, in recent months, has discussed extension of city sewer services to areas east of Gravette and how financing such a project could be accomplished. Seeking a grant through a state agency has been mentioned as one possible source of funds.

Gentry awarded grant for Flint Creek nature area

posted: 03/28/2012 4:22 a.m.

The dream of a nature area along Flint Creek with walking trails and fishing ponds is expected to soon become a reality, thanks to a $80,340 grant awarded to the city by the Arkansas Department of Rural Services through its Wildlife Recreation Facilities Grant program.

A WALK IN THE PARK: Spring break leads back to roots

posted: 03/28/2012 4:21 a.m.

While many travel to sandy beaches or ski slopes for spring break, Earl and I headed for the hills of Kentucky.

OFF THE CUFF: My hat's off to Empire

posted: 03/28/2012 4:20 a.m.

I just read a story about Empire District Electric Co., which supplies power for much of the Eagle Observer area — a very positive story. The firm has received national recognition, an “Emergency Recovery Award” for outstanding power restoration efforts in the wake of last May’s deadly tornado in Joplin.

GRIZ BEAR COMMENTS: Can I beat the squirrels?

posted: 03/28/2012 4:19 a.m.

I told Mrs. Griz the squirrels would get it, but she didn’t believe me when we hung the two bird feeders in the backyard of our new abode.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Westside Eagle Observer Opinion

posted: 03/28/2012 4:18 a.m.

Editor, I guess I’ll jump into the political arena, but I need to think of an office that I might enjoy and be able to do the least amount of work. No need to hurry. I need to have the title of some elected office figured out before I start to filling out my application for establishing a super political action committee.

Water rates rising one way or another

posted: 03/28/2012 4:17 a.m.

The Benton-Washington Regional Public Water Authority will have to raise water rates, either gradually or all at once, Mayor Charles Linam told the Decatur city council at the March 12 meeting.

Carnahan graduates

posted: 03/28/2012 4:16 a.m.

Navy Fireman David Carnahan, son of Darrin and Kimberly Carnahan of Gravette, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. He is a member of Shepherd’s Chapel Church and a 2011 graduate of Gravette High School.

Russow to retire from OCH Clinic

posted: 03/28/2012 4:15 a.m.

Debbie Russow, LPN, is retiring from the Ozarks Community Hospital of Gravette Clinic after 20 years of service.

OBITUARIES: Westside Eagle Observer

posted: 03/28/2012 4:14 a.m.

Charles Emmett Jennings, 93, of Bella Vista, formerly of Gentry, died March 23, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers.

Gentry girls off to strong start

posted: 03/28/2012 4:13 a.m.

Gentry girls’ soccer team is nearing the halfway point in their game schedule and have picked up a number of victories and much experience. The girls played Siloam Springs on Feb. 21 and lost by one, with Ana Palacios kicking in Gentry’s only goal in the 2-1 game.

Gravette's Nichols makes the most of her athleticism

posted: 03/28/2012 4:12 a.m.

Shyanne Nichols made her expectations clear. There’s only one way Gravette softball should be ending its season this May.

Baseball and softball schedules busy ones for Gravette, Gentry

posted: 03/28/2012 4:11 a.m.

After a break last week during “Spring Break” Gravette Lions baseball and Lady Lions softball teams have a full schedule of upcoming games, some of which were to be played Monday and Tuesday.

Petition started to keep alive case

posted: 03/28/2012 4:10 a.m.

In effort to revive interest in the cold case and, hopefully, have someone with new information come forward, friends of Dana Stidham are launching an online petition drive to publicize the case.

Gravette Farmers' Market opening in Old Town Park

posted: 03/28/2012 4:09 a.m.

Gravette’s Farmers Market will open for the season Saturday, April 7, in Old Town Park, and there is still space for local vendors to participate.

Abiera receives AMSA honors

posted: 03/28/2012 4:08 a.m.

Among Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts students winning in the science fair and senior research symposium was Junior April Abiera — Junior Academy of Sciences, honorable mention in engineering/electrical and mechanical.

MAYSVILLE NEWS

posted: 03/28/2012 4:07 a.m.

We really did get a good rain last week and it was sure needed. Pastures are so pretty and green and lots of lawn mowing is going on.

HIWASSE NEWS

posted: 03/28/2012 4:06 a.m.

The first day of spring arrived kind of wet and wild.

Arvest names McGhee to Gravette Board

posted: 03/28/2012 4:05 a.m.

Arvest Bank announced that Ronnie Mc-Ghee, owner of Greenlawn Farms in Decatur, has been named as a member of the Arvest Bank in Gravette’s board of directors.

Decatur JBQ team headed to state finals

posted: 03/28/2012 4:04 a.m.

The Decatur Assembly of God fifth and sixth grade Junior Bible Quiz team won second place overall in the Northwest Section meet, held in Harrison on March 10, and are advancing on to the state level of competition.

Nominations sought for QUEST Program

posted: 03/28/2012 4:03 a.m.

Each year, the gifted and talented program of the Gentry School District, called Quest, seeks nominations from students, parents and other interested persons for names of students who could benefit from the program which seeks to identify and serve gifted and talented individuals who have special characteristics and learning styles, and whose talent for accomplishment is such that they require special provisions, experiences and services not provided in the regular instructional program.

Wednesday, March 21

Rumors of school threat unfounded

posted: 03/21/2012 3 a.m.

Totally unfounded is the way Gentry Police Chief Keith Smith described rumors of a possible school shooting threat.

School board rehires certified staff

posted: 03/21/2012 2:59 a.m.

The Gravette School Board, at its meeting March 15, completed re-employment of certified personnel and heard committee reports, including one from the superintendent search committee.

Hiwasse’s residents still seek to annex

posted: 03/21/2012 2:58 a.m.

Hiwasse residents will pursue their plan to merge with the city of Gravette even though Bella Vista has shelved its plans to annex the 6,000-acre community.

King resigns post at Decatur High

posted: 03/21/2012 2:57 a.m.

Decatur High School Principal Bobby King has submitted a letter of resignation, superintendent Larry Ben said on Friday.

Committee hears idea for Gravette's growth

posted: 03/21/2012 2:56 a.m.

After hearing reports from city department heads and discussing several city topics, the Gravette City Council Committee of the Whole heard an update concerning economic development ideas for the city.

Committee plans new website for city of Gentry

posted: 03/21/2012 2:55 a.m.

Mayor Kevin Johnston and members of the Gentry Council’s Economic Development Committee met Thursday morning to discuss development of a website for the city which would include not only basic city information but pages for city departments and links to other city sites in order to promote the city and provide residents with needed information on city services, regulations, activities and events.

Events schedule released by Gravette

posted: 03/21/2012 2:54 a.m.

The following schedule of upcoming special events, activities and services in Gravette has been announced by Allyson Ransom, director of communications for Gravette.

Girl Scouts celebrate 100th birthday

posted: 03/21/2012 2:51 a.m.

Gravette Girl Scouts last Monday evening, March 12, celebrated the 100th birthday of Girl Scouting in America.

SUSAN SAYS: Spring is finally officially here and the season is full of things to enjoy

posted: 03/21/2012 2:50 a.m.

Well, it’s official. Spring arrived the first of the week and it’s always a lovely time in these Ozark hills.

GRIZ BEAR COMMENTS: Are we all moved yet? The answer is: Yes and no; it really all depends

posted: 03/21/2012 2:49 a.m.

A few weeks ago, I mentioned our move of a few blocks from one house to another.

HIWASSE NEWS

posted: 03/21/2012 2:48 a.m.

Mark your calendar! The rabies clinic will be at the Hiwasse Fire Station April 23 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

MAYSVILLE NEWS

posted: 03/21/2012 2:47 a.m.

We are still getting warm weather. The forecast is rain and we can use that. It will make the grass grow. Mowers will be busy.

'Egg Stravaganza' planned April 10

posted: 03/21/2012 2:46 a.m.

An “Easter Egg Stravaganza” will be held Saturday, April 10, at the Ozarks Community Hospital Clinic in Gravette.

Highfill to set fees for those who neglect to pay fire dues

posted: 03/21/2012 2:45 a.m.

With only three council members and the mayor present, Highfill's city council passed three ordinances on their first reading at its March 13 meeting.

Future of Decatur's pool still in question

posted: 03/21/2012 2:44 a.m.

Is there enough money and community interest to justify keeping the Decatur city swimming pool open this summer?

HOMETOWN EVENTS

posted: 03/21/2012 2:43 a.m.

Riding Club will hold a season opener playday rodeo starting at 6 p.m., April 7, at the Luca Don Equestrian Center west of Gentry.

Pioneers win two, lose one

posted: 03/21/2012 2:42 a.m.

The Pioneer baseball squad picked up big wins last Tuesday and Wednesday but fell hard on Thursday.

Darrick Strzelecki signs letter of intent to play football for William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo.

posted: 03/21/2012 2:42 a.m.

As his teammates, whom he praised, watched during a ceremony Wednesday, Darrick Strzelecki signed a letter of intent to play football with William Jewell College at Liberty, Mo.

Lions unable to come with win last week

posted: 03/21/2012 2:41 a.m.

Gravette Lions baseball team was to travel to Westville Monday of this week to tangle with the Yellowjackets. The Lincoln Wolves will be at Pop Allum Park in Gravette next Monday and will travel to Pea Ridge next Tuesday, March 27.

Lions' coach player earn NWA Media honors

posted: 03/21/2012 2:39 a.m.

Dustin Peters knew there were better days ahead for Gravette’s boys basketball program.

Pierce finds stroke, boosts Lions

posted: 03/21/2012 2:38 a.m.

Terence Pierce has a simple philosophy when it comes to shooting the basketball.

Students gathering food to feed hungry classmates on weekends

posted: 03/21/2012 2:37 a.m.

Many local students rely on eating breakfast and lunch at school to fulfill their nutritional needs, but what do children in need eat on weekends and school holidays?

Jolly Good Times Club met

posted: 03/21/2012 2:36 a.m.

The regular monthly meeting of the Jolly Good Times Club was held Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the Billy V. Hall Senior Activity Center with three members and one guest, Charlie Griffin, present.

Band students compete

posted: 03/21/2012 2:35 a.m.

Fourteen Decatur band students received a “I” or “II” rating at the Region 7 Solo and Ensemble Contest at West Fork High School on March 9.

OBITUARIES: Westside Eagle Observer

posted: 03/21/2012 midnight

Michael Paul Gerulski, 47, of Gravette, died March 15, 2012, at his home in Gravette.

Wednesday, March 14

Bella Vista backs off Hiwasse

posted: 03/14/2012 3:24 a.m.

The city of Bella Vista backed away from its attempt to annex Hiwasse last Wednesday.

Cleanup planned

posted: 03/14/2012 3:23 a.m.

The city of Gravette will hold its annual spring cleanup day on Tuesday, May 1, according to Mayor Byron Warren. People are advised so they may be prepared for this one-day free service.

Council to regulate trash carts

posted: 03/14/2012 3:22 a.m.

City council, on March 5, with rules suspended and read by title only, passed two ordinances on their second readings, one governing the placement of the new polycart trash receptacles provided by Allied Waste Services and the second an amendment to city code updating flood plain information to comply with a new flood insurance map to take effect this spring.

Students study whales sharpen PowerPoint skills

posted: 03/14/2012 3:21 a.m.

Fourth grade gifted and talented students at Decatur Northside Elementary School are learning about whales while sharpening their PowerPoint skills.

GSAC volunteers honored for services to the center

posted: 03/14/2012 3:19 a.m.

Awards were presented to volunteers at the Gentry Senior Activity Center at a special banquet last Thursday.

Community Garden plots to be made available

posted: 03/14/2012 3:18 a.m.

After suffering from too much rain, followed by a month of record setting 100-degree temperatures last year, the Gravette Community Gardens announce plans for a “better year in 2012.” The theme for the gardens this year is “Family Gardening” and the garden board members are “encouraging families and organizations to adopt a plot.” Each plot will be 12’ x 12’. The plot will be tilled and ready for you to plant. Shovels, rakes, hoses and other garden supplies are available for use. Seed and bedding plants will be available until they are gone. Even the water is supplied.

Chamber plans Easter event, awards banquet

posted: 03/14/2012 3:17 a.m.

This year’s Decatur Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg Hunt will be held on April 7, chamber members said at the March 5 meeting.

Meeting set for poultry growers

posted: 03/14/2012 3:16 a.m.

Elkin Parker of the Eastern Region USDA will be in Siloam Springs on Tuesday, March 20. Parker will talk to poultry growers about the recent Grain Inspection Packers Stockyard Act rules and regulations that were passed.

GRIZ BEAR COMMENTS: Should government be able to medicate our water?

posted: 03/14/2012 3:03 a.m.

I’ve spent considerable time over the last week reading about fluoridation of drinking water and I have a number of concerns.

A WALK IN THE PARK: Chance meeting changed a life

posted: 03/14/2012 3:01 a.m.

We spent a recent evening attending a meeting for members and guests of the Ozark Highlands Trail Association.

OPINION? EVERYBODY HAS ONE: Why cook for yourself when someone else has cooked for you?

posted: 03/14/2012 3 a.m.

My close relative left yesterday to go to her cousin’s place for a few days. I have lots of meat loaf, two pies and lunch meat for grazing until she comes home.

OFF THE CUFF: Writings are eye-openers

posted: 03/14/2012 2:59 a.m.

I haven’t heard if any Eagle Observer readers were able to attend the lecture by Elie Wiesel last Wednesday at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville.

Gravette man gets probation for still

posted: 03/14/2012 2:57 a.m.

A Gravette man was placed on six years of state-supervised probation for operating a still.

Lady Lions roar

posted: 03/14/2012 2:57 a.m.

Last weekend was a good one for the Gravette Lady Lions softball team.

Gentry blasts West Fork

posted: 03/14/2012 2:56 a.m.

The Gentry Pioneers baseball team won Friday's non-conference game against the West Fork Tigers by a score of 12-2.

Pioneers win first outdoor track meet of the season

posted: 03/14/2012 2:55 a.m.

The Pioneers participated in the first outdoor meet of the season, the Tyson Invitational meet held Friday at Green Forest. Sixteen teams competed and the Pioneers scored 127 points to take first place.

Gentry wins consolation game

posted: 03/14/2012 2:54 a.m.

After two rain outs last week, the Lady Pioneers started out the Siloam Springs tournament against the Charleston Tigers. Gentry started out strong, but the Lady Tigers were able to rally back in the last inning to win 9-4.

Soccer teams pick up wins

posted: 03/14/2012 2:53 a.m.

Both the girls’ and boys’ Decatur soccer teams won their games against the Bergman Panthers on Friday. The Bulldogs finished the game, held in Harrison, with a score of 5-0, and the Lady Bulldogs won 1-0. The Bulldogs scored four points in the first half of the boys’ game, according to coach James Garner. With the comfortable lead, the secondstring players were able to compete in the second half, scoring an additional goal.

Makeover planned for Gravette intersection

posted: 03/14/2012 2:52 a.m.

The intersection at Highways 59 south and 72 east in Gravette is about to get a new look — a makeover — to improve the appearance of the intersection and make it more attractive, not only to local citizens but also to motorists driving through Gravette.

Falling Springs Road to be closed in Decatur for repair

posted: 03/14/2012 2:51 a.m.

Falling Springs Road will be closed one day next week for repairs, contractor Bobby Hubbard and street department manager Mike Barnett told the city council on Monday night.

Abiera receives honors

posted: 03/14/2012 2:51 a.m.

April Abiera, of Gravette, was awarded honorable mention at the annual Science Fair and Senior Research Symposium at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts in Hot Springs.

Student receives Golden Eagle Award

posted: 03/14/2012 2:49 a.m.

Northwest Arkansas Community College chose D’Etta Stephens-Mason, a leader in the college’s service learning project with the Cherokee Nation, as the Golden Eagle Award recipient for February.

It's March for Meals month in Gravette

posted: 03/14/2012 2:48 a.m.

Gravette Mayor Byron Warren yesterday, March 13, issued a proclamation designating March 2012 as March for Meals Month in Gravette.

HIWASSE NEWS

posted: 03/14/2012 2:47 a.m.

Sympathy is extended to the family of Jean Whitten Coffelt. They are former residents and well known in the area.

Quest students hear about state's agriculture

posted: 03/14/2012 2:46 a.m.

Students from Gentry’s gifted and talented program heard a presentation on Arkansas food sources and the agricultural products of the state, at noon Thursday.

OBITUARIES: West Side Eagle Observer

posted: 03/14/2012 1:37 a.m.

West Side Eagle Observer obituaries for March 14, 2012.

Wednesday, March 7

Obituaries

posted: 03/07/2012 4:59 a.m.

Local Death Notices

Fire destroys home

posted: 03/07/2012 3:33 a.m.

Fire last Thursday afternoon at 13304 Beaty Road west of Gravette destroyed a residence and heavily damaged an outbuilding.

Wesley to be Barbecue's entertainer

posted: 03/07/2012 3:32 a.m.

Chamber of Commerce members announced Monday that up and coming country musician James Wesley will be the featured entertainer at the 59th Annual Decatur Barbecue, planned for Aug. 4.

Sports complex is named in memory of Merrill Reynolds

posted: 03/07/2012 3:31 a.m.

Reynolds Memorial Complex was dedicated at the high school in ceremonies on Friday afternoon, with the baseball and softball fields named in memory of Merrill Reynolds, who was instrumental in turning the wet prairie into usable ball diamonds for the school’s baseball and softball teams.

Show to give gym facelift

posted: 03/07/2012 3:30 a.m.

A local youth spring fashion show is set for 5:30 p.m., Friday, March 10, at the Gentry High School Auditorium.

HOMETOWN EVENTS

posted: 03/07/2012 3:29 a.m.

Regular meetings of the Tired Iron of the Ozarks are held at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Tired Iron clubhouse located at the club’s show grounds on Taylor Orchard Road southwest of Gentry.

Decatur School adopts plan for new technology

posted: 03/07/2012 3:28 a.m.

Decatur school board members passed a three-year technology plan at a special meeting last Wednesday that will include a 90 percent savings on communication services.

Legion hall demolished

posted: 03/07/2012 3:27 a.m.

A part of Gentry’s history was demolished and removed last week due to the close of the local American Legion post and due to the deterioration of the building once used as a Legion hall.

WEEKLY DEVOTION

posted: 03/07/2012 3:26 a.m.

“But when He had turned around and looked on His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, Go behind Me, Satan! For you do not mind the things of God, but of the things of men.” Mark 8:33 (read verses 27-38 ) Do you mind the things of God or of men? That’s an important question for us all to consider because it is so easy for us to fall into the trap of thinking in worldly ways even when it comes to the establishing of God’s Kingdom.