Fishing derby set June 1
It's almost time for the 10th annual Community Fishing Derby in Decatur. Continue Reading »
New business opens in Gentry
Mid America Tax & Accounting, LLC, celebrated its new Main Street business with local chamber members at a ribbon cutting on Thursday. Continue Reading »
4-H plans fundraiser
Bloomfield 4-H will hold a fundraiser from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday at Tractor Supply in Siloam Springs. Continue Reading »
Athletes take honors at Meet of Champs
Gentry, Gravette and Decatur sent athletes to the Meet of Champions at Lake Hamilton High School on Saturday. Gentry freshman Mallory Morris took seventh in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:25.64. Continue Reading »
Gentry High holds its commencement ceremonies Friday
Ninetyeight Gentry High School seniors were awarded diplomas in graduation ceremonies held Friday in the Bill George Arena on the campus of John Brown University in Siloam Springs. Continue Reading »
Chamber is now accepting vendor applications for Freedom Festival
Gentry Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for vendors at the annual Freedom Festival to be held July 4 at the Gentry City Park. Continue Reading »
GRIZ BEAR COMMENTS: Do we tell our graduates the truth?
It’s graduation time again and many high school seniors are taking that huge step out into the world — whether it be going away to a college or technical school, entering the job market, serving in the military or getting married and starting a new family. Continue Reading »
WEEKLY DEVOTION
Jesus is coming in clouds of glory Continue Reading »
Committee formed to find new coach
School board calls special meeting
A special school board meeting was held following graduation ceremonies in Siloam Springs to appoint a member of the board to a screening committee for the selection of a new high school girls’ basketball coach for the upcoming school year. The board unanimously accepted the resignation of Timothy Rippy as senior girls’ basketball coach, with an expression of thanks for his years of service in Gentry. Rippy, according to the board agenda, has accepted a similar position in the Siloam Springs School District. Continue Reading »
Gentry girls finish another successful season
The Gentry girls’ soccer team finished with a successful season and are set to play in state competition at Little Rock on Thursday. Continue Reading »
Gentry and Gravette bring home state honors in track
Two Gentry High School students won state championships at the 4A State Championship track meet held in Heber Springs on Thursday. Other area students placed in the top 10 in the competition. Continue Reading »
Siloam Springs man faces charges after attempts to speak with ex-girlfriend
A Siloam Springs man was arrested and charged with residential burglary and false imprisonment after breaking into a home to talk with his former girlfriend. Continue Reading »
Council rejects bids for work on ponds
City council members, on Monday, rejected bids for work at the Flint Creek Nature Area because those received came in considerably higher than originally anticipated. Continue Reading »
Technology lets students go to college while still in high school
Thanks to technology, it’s now possible for students at Gentry High School to take high school courses which otherwise would not be available to them and to get a jump start on their college education by completing a number of college courses while still in high school. Continue Reading »
GRIZ BEAR COMMENTS: To shoot or not to shoot? Judging isn't always so easy
While the news media is often right there with the attorneys in examining every possible mistake made by an officer in a police shooting incident, I have to say I'm not so quick to judge. Continue Reading »
Broken windshield leads to drug charges
A traffic stop for a broken windshield led to two arrests in Gentry on April 19. Continue Reading »
Prank text causes school lock-down
Officials say there was never any real threat to students or staff.
A text message speaking of a student bringing a gun to school caused a brief lock-down on the campus of Gentry High School last week, on April 23. Continue Reading »
GRIZ BEAR COMMENTS: Is it really necessary to go to the dentist?
I've put it off for a long, long time, just ignoring the notices — not from the IRS or a bill collector but from my dentist. It seems I may have missed my dental checkup a time or two. Continue Reading »
Teacher contract terminated after hearing
At a special meeting on April 11, the Gentry School board voted 4-2 to terminate the contract of Elizabeth Newlun as a librarian for the district. Continue Reading »
School board surveils video surveillance system
Board considering cost to install security system to help protect students, staff and property.
A new video surveillance system could be coming to Gentry Schools in an effort to improve security at the school campuses and provide additional protection for students, staff and property. Continue Reading »
Technology comes to the track
New technology is not just for the classroom at Gentry schools; it's also being used in athletics and was used last week on the track for the Pioneer Relays. Continue Reading »
GRIZ BEAR COMMENTS: Longhorn Sermons
Sometimes I’m just sure that God gave me Mrs. Griz to keep life interesting. Well, if not, it could be that Mrs. Griz thinks so. Please don’t read me wrong. I’m not embarrassed to be married to Mrs. Griz or to have her at my side wherever I may go, but she does have this knack of saying things in times and at places I just might not say them. I try to tease her back, but she is so much better at it than I am. I’ve already told you how she likes to tell stories about me and things I have done which might not always reflect well on my intelligence. The fact that they are true is no excuse for telling them just to see my face turn red. Well, on one Sunday a few years back, she did it at church, no less, and before almost the entire congregation. You see, the former pastor had this practice once each month at the opening of Sunday school to allow a member — a different one each month — to put an item, unknown to him, in a small gift box. He would open the box and use that item as an illustration for some spiritua Continue Reading »
Springtime Pickin' Time set to be held in Gentry, Decatur
If you're thinking of spring cleaning and maybe lightening your load a bit, or if you have art, antiques or other collectible items you'd like to sell, the perfect opportunity is coming up in just a few short weeks. Continue Reading »
Tired Iron of the Ozarks show to be held this weekend
Now that spring weather has finally arrived, it's time once again to crank up those old engines and tractors at the Tired Iron of the Ozarks show grounds for the three-day show which begins Friday. Continue Reading »
Krein appointed to planning commission
In a 15-minute meeting on April 1, the Gentry City Council passed resolutions to fill a vacant position on the planning commission and dispose of unclaimed property, and passed an ordinance revising a final plat. Continue Reading »
Gentry traffic stop leads to felony firearm charge
Police assist sheriff with hostage incident.
Curtis A. Severn, 50, of rural Gentry, was arrested following a routine traffic stop on Sunday and subsequently charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Continue Reading »
Gentry School District principals, curriculum coordinator rehired
Gentry School District’s administrative staff — including the district’s four principals and the federal curriculum coordination — were offered new contracts by the school board at its March 25 meeting. Continue Reading »
GRIZ BEAR COMMENTS: Basis for morals has shifted to popular opinion
The recent announcement by Ohio Sen. Rob Portman that he had changed his views regarding gay marriage because of his gay, college-age son, and the comments and statements of other “politically-conservative” voices on the matter have been an eye-opener to me. What I’ve heard a good many people say is that opposition to same-sex marriage and gay lifestyles should be reconsidered. One politically-conservative radio pundit who has strongly supported values held by the Republican Party said that, while many among the older generation still oppose same-sex marriage, the younger generation accepts it and sees nothing wrong with it. He then went on to argue that the Republican Party maybe ought to rethink its position on the matter. I’ve heard the same from others who have been a media voice for conservatism. What these statements indicate is that many politically conservative individuals and groups are more pragmatic in their approach to moral issues than Biblical. In other words, they look at what is expedient for Continue Reading »
Legislative audit reveals teacher policy violations
Gentry School Board hears issues raised and proposed corrective measures at its March meeting
Arkansas Legislative Auditing Committee reports for the Gentry School District revealed two cases in which teachers allegedly misappropriated funds by not depositing them into a school district bank account. Continue Reading »
Gentry boys drop three games in tournament
The Gentry Pioneers lost in nonconference tournament play at the McDonald’s Classic in Springdale on March 15-16, losing to Carthage (Mo.), 10-1 ; Siloam Springs, 11-1 ; and Gravette, 15-5. Continue Reading »
GRIZ BEAR COMMENTS: 'I know that my Redeemer lives....'
In the midst of his suffering, Job — an Old Testament character who lived in the land of Uz (thought to be in modern-day Syria) and who was likely a contemporary with the Old Testament patriarchs — expressed his confidence in the resurrection and second coming of his Savior and Redeemer. Continue Reading »
Sinkhole opens in Springtown
Property owners attribute backyard cave-in to compaction roadwork
Going with her dog Sue to check on her orchard in the early dawn hours of March 2, Karee Barrett was shocked to discover a new feature in her backyard, about 100 feet from her house, that wasn't there the day before — a sinkhole, 9-10 feet deep and about 35 feet wide, had opened up, revealing layers of soil and rock and with water moving through its bottom into an apparent small underground channel. Continue Reading »
Springtown gives mayor greater spending limits
Springtown’s council passed an ordinance increasing the mayor’s spending limits and approved paying for meals of those volunteering services in the city and attending town-related workshops, according to draft minutes of the March 12 meeting. Continue Reading »
Highfill looks for ways to save money on legal fees
In a brief meeting on March 12, Highfill City Council passed a rezoning ordinance, a resolution changing the fiscal year of the water and wastewater department and discussed options to cut the city's legal fees. Continue Reading »
GRIZ BEAR COMMENTS: I knew I shouldn't laugh but...
I shouldn't laugh when Mrs. Griz has an encounter with Murphy's Law, but it was kind of amusing when Murphy struck again during one of her trips to work last week. Continue Reading »
Gentry starts off with wins on the soccer field
GENTRY — Gentry girls’ soccer team (2-0 ) won 6-0 in play against visiting Commerce, Okla. Ana Palacios scored all four of Gentry’s goals in the first half. Bryana Carter scored two in the second. In play against Clarksville, the Lady Pioneers kicked in five goals to Clarksville’s four. Bryana Carter put three into the net, and Ana Palacios, two. Continue Reading »
Pioneers overcome Lions in last inning
GENTRY — In a seventh inning comeback, the Gentry Pioneers defeated the Gravette Lions in the Merrill Reynolds Memorial Complex in Gentry on Friday. Continue Reading »
GRIZ BEAR COMMENTS: I commend the Arkansas Legislature for taking a stand
The state of Arkansas passed a number of controversial bills this go around, and I, personally, thank legislators for their willingness to vote their conscience and pass laws which go against the flow of what is considered by many to be politically correct. Continue Reading »
Construction on multi-purpose athletic facility to begin soon
Plans are to move existing underground power lines over spring break, March 18-22, so that work on the Gentry High School multi-purpose athletic facility can begin shortly thereafter. Continue Reading »
Gentry approves trash rate increase
Council approves backhoe purchase, chooses new collection agency to collect on delinquent water bills
In a brief meeting on March 4, city council members approved a trash rate increase, appointed a collection agency to collect delinquent utility bills, approved the purchase of a new backhoe by the water department, voted to waive garage sale permit requirements for sales during the Gentry Chamber of Commerce "Pickin' Time on 59" events, and adopted an ordinance allocating court costs and fines collected for the city. Continue Reading »
Schools look at armed-intruder plans
Gentry superintendent asks school board members to review plans and provide suggestions and input
GENTRY — In the wake of the recent school shooting in Newtown, Conn., school administrators in Gentry continue to work on armed intruder plans to implement at school campuses in the event such plans are ever needed. Continue Reading »
Chamber banquet held
Awards presented to numerous residents for their service in Gentry
GENTRY — It was a soldout event at Gentry’s annual Chamber of Commerce awards banquet at the Wooden Spoon Restaurant on Thursday as members of the Gentry community gathered for a good meal, conversation and for the annual awards ceremonies. Continue Reading »
Lady Pioneers finish second in regionals, going to state finals
GENTRY — After beating Dover and Pottsville in regional play last week, the Lady Pioneers fell to conference rival Prairie Grove during the finals in Maumelle on Monday. Continue Reading »
Grapplers do well at state level
Pioneers bring home first, second, fourth and sixth in 1A to 5A division
GENTRY — The Pioneer Wrestling Team competed in the 2013 Arkansas State Wrestling Tournament last weekend at the Jack Stephens Center on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, picking up first-, second-, fourth-, and sixth-place finishes. Continue Reading »
GRIZ BEAR COMMENTS: Prescription drug addiction requires strong dose of tough love
When I was growing up, and even in the years I was in law enforcement, drug abuse usually involved illegal street drugs like marijuana, heroin and cocaine. Continue Reading »
Gentry hires new part-time and reserve police officers
GENTRY — The Gentry Police Department has hired several new officers. Continue Reading »
Storm sirens to be operational soon
Springtown council hears numerous project updates
SPRINGTOWN — Storm sirens should soon be in place and operational in Springtown, thanks, in part, to the donation of a new pole and protective screen wire for the project. According to draft minutes of the Feb. 12 town council meeting, the council approved paying Electrical Resources $1,924.05 for the remaining work and supplies to get the sirens in place. According to Springtown’s mayor, Paul Lemke, Electrical Resources also donated some of the equipment needed for the project. Continue Reading »
GRIZ BEAR COMMENTS: I've got a theory on the origins of basketball
For a guy who grew up in the hills of southeast Missouri where we just didn’t play much basketball, I sure got a good dose of it last week with all the tournament games going on at Gentry High School. Continue Reading »
Suspicious activity, fictitious tag leads to arrests
Three men arrested in Gentry, two on drug charges
GENTRY — Three men were arrested Feb. 12 after Gentry police noticed nervous activity and a vehicle license plate which did not match the car which the men occupied. Continue Reading »
GRIZ BEAR COMMENTS: Biblical flood is better fit to the evidence
I just read, a short time ago, that Arkansas is home to many marine fossils — especially in the Ozark region of the state. Continue Reading »