Archive - Oct 2012
October 2nd
A former Bryant teacher is suspected of sexual assault of a minor.
Courtney Speer, 31, allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old Bryant High School student, according to Benton police. Speer resigned Monday from her position as 9th grade English teacher at Bryant High School.
The case is a joint investigation with the Benton and Bryant Police Departments, because incidents occurred in both jurisdictions, on school property and at Speer's Benton home.
At the time of the alleged incidents, Speer was employed as a teacher at Bryant High School.
October 1st
Shane Knight has resigned as chairman of the Saline County Republican Committee.
Rumors of his resignation had been circulating around Saline County for the past week and Knight posted on his Facebook page Sunday that he had made a political move.
Steve McDaniel, second vice chairman of the committee, confirmed Knight's resignation Sunday night. McDaniel did not state the reason for Knight's resignation, but added "the Republican Party will carry on and Shane isn't the first chairman to have to resign because of personal conflicts."
Nov. 5, 2010, began as any other day for 36-year-old Sherri Cathey, a teacher at Bethel Middle School. Staff and students were out of school that fall day and, like most teachers, Cathey mother to four daughters - was trying to squeeze in all of those necessary doctor and dentist appointments.  She never made it to the dentist. Within minutes of seeing her doctor for pain under her arms, it was determined she had swollen lymph nodes. The doctor ordered Cathey to go directly to Baptist Breast Center and to call her husband, Mike, to meet her there.
Eloise “MeMa” Kirkwood, 81, of Bryant passed away Thursday, September 27, at UAMS. She was born on February 9, 1931 in Tuscumbia, Ala. to the late W.B. and Mattie Staggs Scott.  She retired from Dillards after working for 35 years.Â
In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by one grandson, Justin Darter.
Omer Ray Crone, 79, of Sardis died Wednesday, Sept. 19, in a VA foster home in Cabot from many ailments to his body.
He was born Aug. 21, 1933, to the late George C. Crone and Sarah Alma Ball Crone in England. Ray was a graduate of Sheridan High School and Henderson State Teacher College in Arkadelphia. He was of the Baptist faith and a Korean War veteran.
Eva Dell Schaal, 76, died Sept. 13, in Benton.
She was born March 26, 1936, to Andrew Clark Keys Sr. and Gertrude Gogel in Oklahoma City, Okla.
She was of the Baptist faith and a member of the Order of Eastern Star. She was a retired nurse and a member of the Nurses Association.
Eva was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Gus Schaal.
Tyler Dewayne Cash of Mabelvale went to be with the Lord on Friday, Sept. 21. Even though his time here on Earth was short, it was very cherished. Tyler will always be loved and will never be forgotten. He will always be our sweet baby angel.
He is survived by his parents, Gary and Christy Cash; one sister, Kyleigh Cash; his grandparents, Connie Stark and James Smith, Marie and Vern Stubbs, Danny and Sandra West, and Gary Cash; and his great-grandparents; Buddy and Sue Skinner, Leroy Potts, Eva Britton, Barbara and Billy West, Vern and Barbara Stubbs.
Janie A. Linsley, 64, of Malvern passed away Tuesday, Sept. 25.
Janie was born Nov. 7, 1947, in Malvern, to Hebert and Thelma (Rae) Erwin. She was a member of Victory Fellowship Church in Bryant, where she was a church secretary for more than 25 years. She also worked at Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
Janie loved to pick blueberries and she loved her family, especially her son, Brent.
She was predeceased by her parents.
Christine U. Lashlee, 79, of Benton, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 25. She was born March 22, 1933 in Malvern.Â
Mrs. Lashlee was a member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Neill Carr and Ella Mae Carr and her husband, Jim Lashlee.
Juanita Bingham of Mabelvale passed away Friday, Sept. 21.
She was born to the late Lonnie and Ethel Brazil. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Sardis. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and children, whom she loved dearly. She was known for always putting others before herself.
