Archive - News Article
April 9th, 2012
Step into Margaret Sorrows’ classroom and within 30 seconds, it is clear the profound impact the journalism adviser of 33 years — 21 of which have been at Bryant — has had on her students. Framed award certificates and plaques border the walls. Autographed photos and notes of students long-graduated, vie for prominent placement on the esteemed adviser's desk, shelves, tables and bookcases.
April 4th
A town hall meeting will be held on Thursday by the Benton Police Department to present a life saving service called Smart911.
"There is a vast amount of opportunity for our 911 service. Smart911 could provide faster, safer public safety response that could save lives," Police Chief Kirk Lane said. "We want to first educate the public about the program. Then we want people to give feedback and input on if we should pursue this or not."
April 3rd
The Saline County Striders will host its third annual Run with the Dogs 5K at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 21, in the Hurricane Lake Estates subdivision of Benton.
A one-mile Dog and Jog will follow at 9 a.m.; all proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Saline County.
"This is a great partnership we have with the Humane Society because we are able to get the word out, and they can use the funds the best way they see fit to help the animals of Saline County," said Jayme Butts-Hall, Strider and race co-director.
Highly decorated Korean War veteran Walter Rhodes of Saline County is now serving as the chaplain for the Military Order of the Purple Heart Association of Arkansas.
Rhodes recently spoke about his military experiences for a meeting of Provincia de la Sal Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
He retired with the rank of lieutenant after serving in Korean and Germany.
March 31st
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.
