Archive - Nov 2012
November 15th
Elizabeth Elaine Billips and her infant son, Jack Samuel Stegall, died together Nov. 7 at her home in Bryant.
Billips was born to Paul and Elaine Billips on Oct. 23, 1985, and was raised in White Hall, where she graduated high school in 2004. She was a true lover of life and those around her. Family members said she enjoyed singing, golfing, and baking for her family and friends. With a smile that could light up a room, she left an everlasting mark on each heart that she touched.
Susan Rene Parish, 34, of Benton passed away Wednesday, Nov.r 7. She was born Jan. 15, 1978, in Little Rock.
She was self-employed and a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Benton.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Michael Smithers; and her grandparents, Clomer and Betty Smithers and Jackie and Emma Smith.
A former Bryant teacher who was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday for the alleged sexual assault of a minor has a new court date.
Courtney Speer, 31, was not present Tuesday in Benton's District Court, but her lawyer attended on her behalf. Speer is scheduled for an appearance on Dec. 18.
A former administrative assistant for the Benton Parks Department pleaded guilty on Tuesday to charges of felony computer fraud, falsifying business records and theft of property.
Saline County Circuit Judge Gary Arnold sentenced 58-year-old Kitty Smith to serve 36 months of probation, pay a $750 fine and court costs of $150.
She also must serve 40 hours of community service and make restitution to the city of Benton.
November 12th
Arkansas voters passed Issue No. 1 in Tuesday's general election.
As a result, a half-percent sales tax will be implemented throughout the state for improving roads.
Revenue generated from the tax will finance improvements to streets, bridges and roads, but primarily will be used to pay for a four-lane highway system statewide.
The issue received approval from 58 percent of Arkansas voters. That constitutes 592,980 votes. In Arkansas, 42 percent of Arkansas voters, constituting 425,733 votes, were opposed to the issue.
Last summer when Michelle Finney's mother was a patient at Saline Memorial Hospital, she had several opportunities to see the 2012 GMC Acadia parked near the hospital entrance.
The car was at the site to promote an upcoming fundraiser for the SMH Foundation and the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce.
The promotion for the vehicle, being donated by Everett Buick GMC, involved selling $100 chances— 500 of them — to raise money for the effort.
On Nov. 5, one of God’s true angels, Sara Elizabeth Besancon, was granted her angel wings and flew home to be with the Lord. Her life began Oct. 31, 1990, and was tragically taken from injuries sustained in a one-car accident.
Jessie Mae Long, 80, passed away on November 10, 2012 at Saline Memorial Hospice House in Bryant.
Jessie was born on July 19, 1932 in Damascus, Ark.
She is survived by daughter Darlene Bunt and spouse Tim of Benton; son Gordon Hall and spouse Rachael of Alexander; step-son Tommy Stratton and spouse Carolyn of Alexander; 6 grandchildren; 4 great- grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, as well as a host of other friends and family members all who loved her and will miss her dearly.
Jessie was preceded in death by her parents Jess and Leunnie Mahar and son Jerry Hall.
Harold G. Ferguson, 82, of Bismarck went to be with his heavenly father and family members all ready there on November 8, 2012.Â
He was born March 10, 1930 in Benton to the late George and Bealuh James Ferguson.Â
Harold was a member of Gravel Hill Baptist Church in his younger years and then, Leonard Street Baptist Church for many years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Micheal Ferguson and Terry Ferguson; and wives, Dorothy Ferguson and Mildred Ferguson.
James Samuel Scott, 59, of Benton passed away on Wednesday November 7, after his battle with Lung Cancer. He was born July 7, 1953 in Little Rock. Sam was employed as a Mail Carrier by Little Rock Community Mental Health Center. He served in the US Army for two years and was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church. Sam was a farmer, cattleman and an integral partner in the Scott Family Farm. He was also an avid and successful gardener and fisherman. Sam was very generous with the fruits of both.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert M. Scott.
