Archive
May 17th, 2011
Helen Elizabeth Hickey, age 88, of Benton, passed away Friday, May 13, 2011. She was born January 12, 1923, in Paron. Mrs. Hickey was a hairdresser and a member of First Baptist Church in Benton. She was preceded in death by her parents, Buck and Delia Holland; husband, Lynn Hickey; sister, Pauline Moberly and brother, Bob White.Â
She is survived by two sons, Dwight Hickey of Benton and Glenn Hickey and wife, Sandy of Little Rock; one grandson, Jeffrey J. Hickey and wife, Renee; and two great-grandchildren, Taylor and Andrew Hickey.
SHERWOOD — The game of softball is all about momentum, and in Monday’s semifinal game between Benton and Mountain Home momentum was being tossed between the two teams like a hot potato.
“We got the most out of our momentum,” coach Eric Ryan said. “We would get it and they would get it. We would go back and forth.”
The Benton Lady Panthers scored five runs in the seventh inning to defeat Mountain Home 7-5 to advance to their third straight 6A State Final in Fayetteville.
By beating Little Rock Catholic 7-6 Monday in the 7A State Tournament semifinals in Fort Smith, Bryant advances to the championship game, which it is looking to win for the second straight year.
The Hornets will take on championship-round host Conway at 5:30 p.m Saturday.
Head coach Kirk Bock, whose team is 23-6 on the year (10-4 7A Central), said Saturday’s game against the Wampus Cats “is going to be a chore.”
“We’re kind of tired of playing people in our conference,” Bock said, laughing.
May 16th
Mrs. Inez Johnson Brown, age 80, of Lonsdale. died Saturday, May 14, 2011. She was born August 16, 1930 in Benton. Inez was a housewife.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Zona Canfield Johnson, husband, Arthur Thomas Brown, two brothers and one sister.
Survivors include a daughter, Virginia Inez Swayze of Lonsdale; brothers, Ed Johnson, and Ronnie Johnson, both of Little Rock; Charles Johnson, Prattsville; two grandchildren.
No services are planned at this time.
Cremation arrangements are by Ashby Funeral Home.
Online guest book: ashbyfuneralhome.com
After the Lady Beavers’ season came to an end Friday, Glen Rose head coach Kyle Lem said it will be difficult to replace the team’s five senior starters.
Particularly his two starting pitchers, seniors Madison Jacobs and Tiffany Houpt.
Seniors Stephanie Farber (center field), Hollie Boles (shortstop) and Katie Peterson (left field) also will be graduating — and leaving big shoes to fill.
Still, Lem said his squad has a strong foundation to build on for the program’s future.Â
May 14th
Both defending state champions advanced to the 7A State Tournament semifinals Saturday, with the Hornets beating Cabot 7-5 and the Lady Hornets beating Springdale Har-Ber 10-0.
Hornets head coach Kirk Bock said the wind at the tournament in Fort Smith was a major factor in the game.
"They did a great job of scattering some hits around," he said. "It was unbelievable how hard that wind was blowing. Defensively, any popup was an adventure."
SHERWOOD — Before Saturday's game against Russellville, Benton head coach Eric Ryan was unsure who he would start in the circle. With three quality pitchers to choose from, anyone could have started, but Ryan decided to go with the proven-senior leader Jessica Smith.
"She has had a little bit more pop on her fast ball and good movement," Ryan said.
It paid off as Smith pitched a complete game, allowing just one run (earned) on three hits with four strikeouts and one walk as the Lady Panthers defeated Russellville 7-1 at Sherwood in the second round of the 6A State Tournament.
May 13th
The Harmony Grove Lady Cardinals scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning to defeat Perryville 4-2 in the first round of the 3A State Tournament at Prescott High School Friday afternoon.
In the seventh, Morgan Ramsey reached on a one-out walk and with two outs senior Kaylee Allen hit a line drive up the middle to move Ramsey to third. Macy Coffee walked to load the bases and two runs would score on a hit by Stephanie Parins.
Molly White gave Harmony Grove a two-run lead when she single home Coffee.
When the Hornets and Lady Hornets step onto the diamond today, both teams will be battling for a second straight state championship — a feat scarcely seen.
And if you ask either coach about the other’s team, you’re bound to hear similar words of respect and admiration.
Baseball head coach Kirk Bock said, “We’re pretty good, but they’re really good,” adding that softball head coach Debbie Clark “does a tremendous job with those girls.”
W. Richard Wilhelm, 88, of Benton went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 11, 2011. He was a retired dairy farmer, an avid gardener, and a gifted winemaker. Richard was a member of Avilla Zion Lutheran Church. He was a tender-hearteded, gentle man with a dry wit who was loved dearly by his family and friends.
Born in Alexander on Nov. 7, 1922, he was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Katherine “Kaff” Mary Wilhelm; his parents, Walter and Carrie Wilhelm; his sister, Verena Smith Pritchard; and his brother, Harold Wilhelm.
