Archive - Mar 2012 - News Article
Few, if any, who knew the late Lorene Shaver would have thought her to be a wealthy woman.
That was the impression of Benton resident Marvin Gay, who recently has settled the estate for Mrs. Shaver.
"Most people didn't know she had anything," Gay said.
He recalled receiving a phone call from the woman in which she asked him to "take care of things for me when I die."
According to Gay, she meant that she wanted him to pay any bills she owed and to make certain that her estate would benefit certain institutions, including Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia.
March 26th
Nearly 14 years ago when B.J. and Johnathan Thorn exchanged nuptials, they had no idea the profound impact they would have one day on the lives of so many people. B.J., then 19, and Johnathan, 22, learned they were pregnant one month after returning from their honeymoon ... with twins.
"We didn't even have time to get to like each other," Thorn says.
The Thorns began making plans like any soon-to-be parents, but no amount of planning could have adequately prepared them for the early arrival of their daughters.
Benton Middle School has been awarded $10,517 from the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission as part of the 2012 Child Wellness Intervention Project Grant Program.
Dian Cowser, the school's assistant principal, accepted the award in a recent ceremony at the state Capitol in Little Rock.
Dr. Joe Thompson, Arkansas surgeon general, and Dr. Susan Hanahan, chair of the Tobacco Settlement Commission, made the presentations to Benton Middle School and other state schools selected for the grants.
March 22nd
Tom Lish has announced his bid for a third term as justice of the peace for Saline County District 13.
Lish is seeking the nomination of the Saline County Republican Party in the May preferential primary election.
Lish stated, "While serving as JP, we have continued the tradition of being one of two counties in Arkansas not having a County General Sales Tax. I will continue to vote against any General Sales Tax.
David Pierce, the convicted sex offender who served for nearly three decades as minister of music at Benton's First Baptist Church, has left prison. However, he will be under the supervision of the Kentucky Department of Corrections for the next seven years.
Pierce, 59, was granted parole from the Arkansas Department of Correction slightly less than two months ago, but was not allowed to leave immediately because of stipulations that required him to seek residency out of state.
March 21st
The striping crew will be working on Military between Smithers and Lincoln on Thursday, March 22nd removing the existing striping.
The switch to the temporary signal at the Military/Lincoln intersection is
scheduled for Friday, March 23rd. The lane shift on Military from Smithers to Lincoln will be done at the same time. Eastbound traffic will be shifted into the center turn lane and the right lane will be closed from just west of Smithers to Watts. The westbound traffic will not change.
Benton resident Sarah Young-Price, 20, was crowned “Miss Awesome Personality” in the 2012 Arkansas Angels Pageant on March 17 at Beebe High School.
The pageant was marked with the traditional grandeur - participants attired in rich gowns and suits, jewel-laden tiaras and satin sashes. Unlike other pageants, however, Arkansas Angels contestants are male and female, ages zero to 21, who have special needs.
Cliff McAdoo, 67, of Avilla, knows cars. His 50-plus years of car-building experience culminated this month when he was awarded the 2011 Arkansas Street Rodder of the Year by his peers.
"I was nominated back in November by James Hallman, a fellow street rodder," McAdoo explains.
In March, an awards dinner, with approximately 200 in attendance, was held in Conway for the 10 Arkansas nominees.
March 19th
Benton resident Brad Moore has announced candidacy for a 5th term as Ward 4/Position 1 Alderman on the Benton City Council.
Moore lists his accomplishments as alderman as actions of which he is proud and which include:
· As chairman, Personnel Committee presented Comprehensive Employee Handbook
(passed unanimously) that is currently used
· As chairman, Personnel Committee presented proposal to settle lawsuit with
AFSCME union (passed unanimously)
· As chairman, Billboard Ad-Hoc Committee presented the "Billboard
March 14th
Richard "Chris" Madison, licensed in all courts of Arkansas, the U.S. District Courts for Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court, is now Bryant's staff attorney.
Born and raised in south Pulaski County, Madison graduated from Mills High School and attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science.
