Archive - Dec 17, 2012
Late afternoon Saturday, Benton School District Superintendent Jeff Collum sent a message via telephone to hundreds of local residents to assure them that school district officials take the safety of their children seriously.
Collum was aware that many were focused on news accounts from Friday’s school shootings in Newtown, Conn., which took the lives of 20 children.
The tragic mass murders at Sandy Hook Elementary, which also cost the lives of six adults, once again put the issue of school safety back into the spotlight, and Collum realized the importance of communicating with residents.
Linda Montalvo made local history recently when she became the first woman to become Saline County clerk.
Montalvo's term in office has been a short one, however, as she will be retiring from county employment at the close of the month.
She was honored Friday at a reception held in the upstairs courtroom at the Saline County Courthouse.
Attending the event were several hundred people, including local county and state officials.
Montalvo was appointed to the clerk's office by the Saline County Quorum Court after the former clerk, Freddy Burton, retired for health reasons.
Nearly a year after the homicide of a Hot Springs Village dispatcher, authorities say the investigation is still active.
A reward of $11,000 has been offered "for any information that would assist in the arrest and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for this murder."
Jillian Elora Elmore received her angel wings on Tuesday, Dec. 11. She was the longed for and loved daughter of Jason and Jaclyn Elmore of Benton.
She is also survived by her maternal grandparents, Russell and Vicki Roberts; and paternal grandparents, Don and Laura Elmore. Also remaining to cherish her memory are many special aunts, uncles and cousins.
A private graveside service honoring her brief life was held on Thursday, Dec. 13. A private visitation was held prior to the service. Jillian will forever and always be in our hearts.
Harvey Boyd "Slick" Reeves, 80, of Benton passed away Wednesday, Dec. 12, in Little Rock. He was born March 2, 1932 in Humphrey, to the late Hazel and Melda Iona Moore.
Harvey’s greatest joy came from working. He was involved in carpentry, construction, excavation and gardening. Most recently his best times were spent digging for the plumbers and working in the raised bed community garden. He always enjoyed hunting trips to Colorado, deer clubs all over Arkansas and a good ride on an unbroken horse.
Barbara Frances "Sissy" (Williams) Wilkins died Dec. 10, 2012, in Flower Mound, Texas.
Barbara was born Oct. 6, 1940, in Benton to Edward "Doc" Arlee Williams and Glennie Williams. She was a Jehovah's Witness.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents and her son, James Terry Williams.
She is survived by her sons, Michael Dean Carroll of Tioga, Texas, and Corwin Wilkins of Phoenix, Ariz.; and her daughter, Dana Griffin of Jonesboro.
No service is planned.
DeBerry Funeral Home in Denton, Texas, was in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 294, Tioga, TX 76271.
