Archive - News Article
November 15th, 2012
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.
November 10th
When the famous quote "War is Hell" is heard, many associate it with soldiers on the battlefield. But for many Vietnam War veterans, there is an association with "hell" being on American soil.
Forty-six years ago U.S. Marine Cpl. Bill Scrimager, today 68, was severely wounded in the Vietnam War. He watched his best friend die before his own eyes. He lost an eye, was severely burned, and he lost his hearing. After a year in a Navy hospital in San Diego, Calif., Scrimager returned home and enrolled in the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1969.
A Saline County resident is in critical condition and a Benton man has been arrested after a motorcycle crash early Friday, authorities said.
Lt. Kevin Russell, public information officer for the Benton Police Department, said about 12:30 a.m. officers responded to the north service loop of Alcoa Road for a report of a motorcycle accident. The driver, 40-year-old John Bunton of Benton, reportedly fled the scene on the motorcycle, leaving the passenger behind.
November 9th
Even after tears and expressions of anger from family members of murder victims Randall Craig Anderson of Mabelvale and Joe Lee "Joey" Richards Jr. of Benton, Marissa Lynn Wright of Traskwood continued to smile.
Wright appeared before Saline County Circuit Judge Gary Arnold early Wednesday and, through a plea arrangement, entered two guilty pleas to murder in the first degree.
Arnold sentenced Wright to two life sentences with the Arkansas Department of Correction. The sentences will run concurrently.
November 8th
The fifth annual Bryant lighted Christmas parade is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6.
"It's creating excitement for the kids about Christmas," said Rae Ann Fields, executive director of the Bryant Area Chamber of Commerce. Fields said the parade is special because it is a chamber event that is "strictly dedicated to serving the community."
The grand marshal of the parade will be the Bryant 13-year-old Babe Ruth World Series champions.
Deadline to register for the parade is 5 p.m. Nov. 23. After that, a $10 late fee will be added to the $10 entry fee.
When all the votes were counted, the results from Tuesday's general election gave the Benton City Council two new members and returned four incumbents to the positions they now hold.
However, two current members — who were part of a three-way contest for the Ward 4, Position 1 seat — will face off in a runoff on Nov. 29.
That race is the only one that will necessitate a runoff, according to Saline County Election Coordinator Darlene Westbrook.
November 6th
A special judge is expected to be appointed to preside in the case of a Bryant couple accused of hindering apprehension in a child abuse case.
Brandon N. Sutton, 31, and 26-year-old Holly G. Sutton were scheduled Mondday to enter a plea before Saline County Circuit Judge Bobby McCallister, but McCallister and other local judges have recused from the case.
