Church damaged by drunk driver

— A gaping hole and damage to a stained glass window were the result of a vehicle accident that occurred about 5 p.m. last Wednesday afternoon.

A vehicle driven by James Watkins, 47, of Gravette, was headed west on Highway 72 when the driver lost control, hit a car in the church parking lot and plowed into the side of the church.

Max and Shirley Wallace, owners of the parked car, were not in the vehicle which slammed into the entrance canopy, damaging it, and came to a stop inchesfrom the church front entrance.

Damage to the church, besides breaking portions of the window, included exterior brick work as well as damage to the inside wall of the building. Flying debris missed a piano and other church furniture.

The accident occurred shortly before the Wednesday evening youth program had assembled at the church.

Watkins was transported to the Ozarks Community Hospital where he was treated. According to a report by investigating officer Josh Crane, the driver was charged with DWI and careless and prohibited driving.

News, Pages 5 on 11/21/2012