Archive
May 17th, 2013
The staff at Sparks Regional Medical Center tries to alleviate their patients' pain in a variety of ways — including through the power of music, thanks to a local volunteer.
David Bruce, 65, spends his afternoons as a hospital volunteer playing hymns on his diatonic harmonicas to staff and patients alike in the main entrance, in hallways and in patients' rooms. He learned the hymns, which fill up two thick, three-inch music books that he carries around the hospital along with his harmonicas, when he attended First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith with his parents as a child.
BENTON – The Benton Panthers had a historic year this past season, winning a school-record 27 games opposed to just three losses, and losing in the semifinals of the 6A State Tournament. But the Panthers wouldn’t have had their historic year, which included an undefeated 14-0 South Conference schedule, without two players who are trading in their paws for a different species.
BRYANT – Former Bryant senior Brooke Howell provided plenty of power for the Lady Hornets in her All-State career. Howell is now taking that power to north Arkansas as she signed to play volleyball for the Williams Baptist Lady Eagles (Walnut Ridge) on Wednesday at Bryant High School.
In fact her power became legend after one of her spikes hit an opposing player above the shoulders which resulted in a trip to the emergency room. Bryant Coach Beth Solomon said Howell was definitely the hardest hitter she’s ever coached.
May 16th
Betty Jean Martindale went to be with our Lord on May 15, 2013, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Hope to Stephen Leroy and Esther Murphy on July 24, 1931. She married the love of her life, Joseph L. Martindale Sr., on July 17, 1953.
Betty graduated from Arkansas State Teachers College in 1953 and started a long career in teaching until retirement from Bauxite Public Schools after 19 years of service.
She moved with her family to Benton in 1960 where she lived out the rest of her life.
Billy Harold Ramsey, 81, of Benton went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, while surrounded by his family. He was the third of nine children born July 7, 1931, to George Sr. and Esther Wright Ramsey.Â
He was a member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church and a veteran of the Korean Conflict.Â
Mr. Ramsey was retired from Alcoa after 35 years and was owner-operator of Wright-Away Taxi for several years.
Michael Lynn Ives, 35, of Bryant went to be with the Lord on May 13, 2013. Michael was born Sept. 13, 1977, to Phillip and Patricia Ives in Little Rock.
Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents; Mr. and Mrs. Tracey Brady and Mr. and Mrs. John Ives; an uncle, Randy Brady; and cousins, Kevin Ives and Regina Duncan.
He is survived by his parents; his sister, Lori Yerberry and husband Daniel; and a nephew, Samuel.
Gussie Alexander Pack Jr., 80, passed away May 11, 2013 in Green Cove Springs, Fla., following a brief illness. Gus was born in Orange Grove, Texas, attended school in Petronila and Robstown, and served as a cannoneer in the U.S. Army.
Following his service to his country, he and his wife Charlene resided in Little Rock,Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and most recently in Orange Park, Fla. Gus was a career salesman, and retired from Joe Esco Tire Co., Oklahoma City, in 1993. Following his retirement, Gus and Charlene relocated to Florida to be close to their granddaughter.
The Benton Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing person. Police say the missing woman, Sarah Mondragon, was last known to be living at the Interstate 30 travel park in Benton.
Sarah is a 31-year-old white female, with brown eyes and blond hair.
She is about 5’10” tall and 160 pounds.
She has a tattoo of a flower on her chest and a blue butterfly on her left ankle.
The city of Benton has announced it will launch a new website today. The site is expected to go-live later this afternoon, sometime after 2 p.m. The site includes extensive information, contact listings and other items such as maps and city ordinances.
The address of the new site has changed from the city's prior site. The new location is www.bentonar.org.
PINE BLUFF - The Harmony Grove Lady Cardinals have been on the positive end of history before, winning three straight state softball titles from 2002-04. Despite making state every year since, Harmony Grove as not brought home the title since.
But 2013 is a different scenario. With one of the strongest and most talented teams in school history, the Lady Cardinals have a chance to bring home the hardware once again after thumping the Rivercrest Lady Colts 10-1 on Monday in the semifinals in Pine Bluff.
