Archive - Jun 26, 2012
Saline County residents already are under a burn ban issued Friday by Saline County Judge Lanny Fite, but additional restrictions have been imposed on Benton residents by Fire Chief Bill Ford.
On Monday, Ford issued a ban on the sale and use of fireworks in the city until the countywide burn ban has been lifted.
Fite's ban, which includes Benton and all of Saline County, will be enforced until lifted by Fite.
Benton City Council members once again discussed an ordinance that in its present form revises the customer service rules, regulations and fees for Benton Utilities, but the ordinance still has not been adopted.
In a meeting Tuesday night, attempts were made to revise the ordinance, but these suggestions were not approved.
Efforts also were made to approve the ordinance as it now reads on all of its three readings, but this didn't happen either.
Also thwarted was a motion to send the ordinance back to committee for further study.
A Benton judge set a $200,000 sheriff's bond for a former Benton firefighter arrested on Friday for allegedly having child pornography on his home computer, according to staff at the Saline County jail.
Timothy Ryan Bodkin, 38, appeared via satellite in Benton District Court on Monday facing 1,000 counts of felony possession of child pornography. He reportedly is scheduled to appear back in Benton District Court on Aug. 7, at which time where he could enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
Anna Woods Towell, 87, passed away June 21 at Saline Memorial Hospice house in Bryant. She was born in Heber Springs on July 13, 1924, the daughter of the late Albert and Mary Woods. Anna was a retired hostess at the Red Apple Inn.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Linda Chastain Matthews; a sister, Lucille Delong; and the father of their children, Leonard Towell.
Minnie V. Burkett, 92, of Benton, passed away June 25. She was born Nov, 9, 1919, in Saline County to the late Francis and Sophia Cash Craft.
Minnie was a member of Fairplay Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husbands, Andy Parker and Novell Burkett.
She is survived by her brother, Junior Craft of Benton; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Cremation was through Ashby Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be held a later date.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, at Ashby Funeral Home.
Online guest book: www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Presley Faith Hunt, infant daughter of Devin and Ashley (Jones) Hunt of Benton, went to be with the Lord Friday, June 22. She was born Feb. 6, 2012 in Little Rock.
She was preceded in death by her paternal great-grandparents, Army Sgt. Alfred and Jean Hunt, Airman 1st Class Coyt Smith Jr.; and her great-grandmother, Shirley Hamby.Â
Marcia Ann Atchley, 58, of Little Rock passed away on June 23, 2012, at her residence. She was born in Little Rock on May 8, 1954, to John W. and Bonnie Faye (Coyle) Gillmore.
She worked for many years at Bank of America as a customer service representative. Marcia attended Geyer Springs Baptist Church. She enjoyed roller skating and photography.
Marcia’s favorite pastime was spending time with her family, whom she treasured above all else.
Ronald “Ronnie” Elam, 47, of Benton left this world on June 22. He was born June 19, 1965. Ronnie was very loved and will be dearly missed.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Elam; his brother, Keith Coney; and his sister, Tonya Brown.
