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BREAKING NEWS: Missing teen is now home

2012-02-22T18:19:13-05:00

Katelyn North, 17, of Benton is also "safe and unharmed" Lt. Kevin Russell of the Benton Police Department said. To report missing persons, call the Benton Police Department at 778-1171 or 315-TIPS (8477).

Man arrested for allegedly beating baby

2012-02-22T17:35:16-05:00

As of press time, 30-year-old Christopher Williams remains in the Saline County jail on a $50,000 sheriff's bond. According to jail staff, Williams could post bond with $5,000.According to Benton police, officers responded to SMH on Monday for a report of possible child abuse. Williams was then taken to the Benton Police Department for questioning and later charged with felony endangering the welfare of a minor and felony first-degree battery."Williams was associated with the infant and it was not a case of a stranger harming the child," Lt. Kevin Russell said. "Williams was apprehended without incident and transported to the Saline County Detention Facility. This is an ongoing investigation and more charges could be forthcoming."Details of the alleged crime were not released to the media as of press time.

Mitchell becomes third Saline mayor facing recall

2012-02-22T15:49:58-05:00

"You call me the ringleader, so I hate to be the bearer of bad news" were the words of Alexander Alderman Andy Mullins as he rose to address mayor Paul Mitchell during the Alexander City Council meeting Tuesday night. Mullins approached Mitchell and handed him a copy of a petition for signatures to recall the mayor from office. Mitchell looked at the petition briefly before wading it into a ball and leaving it on his desk. The action was the final piece of business of the meeting. The council adjourned shortly thereafter. Mullins says he has had contact with Alexander residents who are ready to sign the petition. "It's what the city is wanting. I'm here for what the city wants as an elected official," he added. "We won't have any problems getting the signatures," said Mullins. He researched the initiative and says a total of 233 signatures from the Saline County portion of Alexander and a total of 20 signatures from the Pulaski County side of Alexander are needed to put the measure before the residents for a vote. Mullins stated he consulted with Bryant Alderman Adrian Henley regarding the steps necessary to initiate the recall process. Henley recently started an effort to recall Bryant Mayor Jill Dabbs from office. Henley had not returned messages to verify Mullins' claim of involvement at press time. At the conclusion of the meeting, six people signed the petition before leaving. Approximately 40 people were in attendance. Mullins said he has been considering the recall initiative for several weeks but has feared coming forward. He says he has received telephone calls and threats from those who support Mitchell. "I'm afraid he will have his cronies come around and shoot up my house," said Mullins. As of press time, Mitchell had not returned calls or messages regarding the recall initiative or other comments made by Mullins. If comments are received, they will be reported in the Saline Courier. Mitchell is the third current Saline County mayor facing a recall initiative. Dabbs in Bryant is facing a challenge led by Henley and Bauxite Mayor Johnny McMahan is the object of an effort initiated by Bauxite resident Debbi Purifoy. In other business, Mullins raised the issue of city employees using their city vehicles for personal use, despite a directive from Mitchell not to do so. Mullins produced photographs of the vehicle driven by Fire Chief Mark Ridgeway parked outside an establishment outside Alexander city limits. Ridgeway confirmed the location of the business in the photograph and said he had gone there to meet his wife. "I'm on call 24/7," said Ridgeway. "I listen to all the calls coming in and if it requires me to be there, I respond to the call." Mitchell responded to the issue by saying he had distributed the city policy against personal use of city vehicles to all department heads and expected it to be followed. He told the council he would have a meeting with Ridgeway to get additional details. Alderman Dorothy Smith urged Mitchell to have the conversation during the council meeting. Mitchell stated he would talk with Ridgeway as a department head in a meeting to be scheduled. He also said he would decide a course of action based upon the outcome of the meeting. Ridgeway told the council "it will not happen again" in regard to his personal use of the city vehicle. Mullins also questioned Police Chief Horace Waters about one of the city police vehicles being parked outside a business during off-duty hours. Waters explained that he had approved the action by one of his officers. The officer in question works off-duty at the establishment and Waters approved the action because "it's on his way home and no additional tax dollars are spent on fuel." Mullins and the council were satisfied by Waters' decision, but the matter came up during public comment. The sentiment expressed by two residents present was that this was an abuse of city finances and that "if it's not OK for one, it shouldn't be for another." Alderman Regina Watson addressed the council and the crowd gathered at the meeting regarding a program of community involvement she is spearheading to improve the city and its image. A separate story of this effort will be published in a later edition of The Saline Courier. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Teen missing from Benton

2012-02-21T16:40:18-05:00

She is described as a five-foot, eight-inch tall white female, around 135 pounds, with green eyes and brown hair. Authorities did not have details of what North could be wearing, but believe she is still in the Central Arkansas area.

Bryant School Board to focus on salary schedules Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. meeting.

2012-02-21T15:17:59-05:00

That session will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the district’s Professional Development Center.The board also plans to vote on the district's technology plan for 2012-14.Richard Stipe, district business manager, will present the January financial report and a donation report.Stipe also plans to provide an update on construction in the district. Current building projects in the district include renovations and additions at Salem and Springhill elementary campuses and new construction for Bryant High School and Hill Farm Elementary.Bryant Superintendent Randy Rutherford plans to present a report on district events.Scott Hart, Bryant school board member, will read school board team norms.Dr. Deborah Bruick, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, will present an update on LEED tours recently taken by Bryant High School students.Student Senate President Lauren Lucas plans to report on the student governing body's initiatives in the past month.Salem Elementary student artwork will be presented at the monthly meeting. The board will enter into executive session to consider resignations and employment. At the closing of last month's school board meeting, it was determined the position for a principal for Hill Farm Elementary would be posted..

Herzfeld seeks Benton council seat

2012-02-21T15:13:53-05:00

Herzfeld plans to seek the Ward 4, Position 2, seat currently held by Alderman David Sparks.All council positions, along with other municipal posts, are nonpartisan. Filing for the positions opens in July.Herzfeld, 71, is no stranger to community service.Beginning in 1977, he served 10 years on the Benton School Board and then served 13 years on the board of directors of the Saline County Board of Education. He currently serves on the Pulaski Tech board of directors, service he began in 2003.He initially was appointed to that board by former Gov. Mike Huckabee, then reappointed by Gov. Mike Beebe.During the 1970s, he served on the board of directors for the Benton Chamber of Commerce and served for 10 years on the board of directors for Regions Bank.He has been active with the Saline County Industrial Development Corp. for nearly a quarter of a century. He is a charter member of that organization and served 1 1/2 years as board president.He is a longtime member of First Baptist Church, where he is a deacon and a Sunday School teacher. For around 23 years, he has taught what he described as "the oldest men's class.""I started teaching the class when my dad was a member," he said.Herzfeld is the son of the late Leo and Myrtle Herzfeld."I've always been involved in local politics," he said. "I helped with (the late) Mayor George Wagner's campaign. During his tenure, we were successful with several projects. We approved a new sewer system and several street projects in the 1980s and 1990s."I feel like we've got a rally great mayor now," he said. "If we can get good people to work with him, we can do some really great stuff."James Herzfeld has been semi-retired from the family business, Herzfeld Insurance since 2006, but still goes into the office every day, he said.He was active in the insurance business for 40 years. Before entering that profession, he worked for Reynolds Metals for three years.Following gradation from Ouachita Baptist College (now Ouachita Baptist University), where he was active in the ROTC program, he served two years in the Army.Herzfeld's family includes wife Margaret, a retired teacher for the Benton School District; a son, Andy Herzfeld of Benton; a daughter, Holly Dixon of Conway; and three grandchildren. Politics and public service have been closely aligned with the Herzfeld family, James Herzfeld said. His brother, the late Bob Herzfeld, served on the Benton School Board, the Saline County Quorum Court and the Saline County Library Board, which named. Herzfeld Library in his memory.Leo Herzfeld served as county clerk and later as circuit clerk of Saline County.

County jail G.E.D. program gives hope to inmates

2012-02-20T10:14:01-05:00

"If I learn to do something else ... when I get out, I can do something to benefit myself in a better way than coming back in here," those are the words of one of the eight inmates that sit in group atmosphere every Tuesday and Thursday night for the new General Educational Development (GED) program. Another inmate said that many "people come in here with no kind of education at all," but also added that this program "is a blessing ... and we can set goals to achieve."The program is a partnership between the Saline County Adult Education Center and the administration of the Saline County jail. This program was started, and is maintained, at no cost to the tax-payers, Jail Administrator Lt. Don Birdsong and Sheriff Bruce Pennington said. Yvonne Dougherty, director of the SCAEC, is providing all the GED program materials, including the teachers, for free. The inmates also get a chance to not only earn a GED — if they score 600 points or higher on the GED test — they will qualify for a full-paid two-year scholarship to Pulaski Technical College. Even if the inmate moves on from the jail to a prison facility, the inmate can still take college courses via www.pulaskitech.edu. Birdsong said "we received permission from the Arkansas Department of Correction and the U.S. Marshals Service concerning the federal prisoners.""According to Ms. Dougherty, the Adult Education Center will also be able to present classes free of charge that will help deputies become more proficient in their report writing skills," Pennington said. "She was very receptive to this program. She knows without that education, people's hands are tied now days. We are excited about working with the (SCAEC) and obtaining more training for our personnel too."The inmates also know what is at stake to lose."I am not trying to put the blame on anyone but ourselves, but some of us never had that opportunity to take college courses," an inmate said. "This (program) is something that a lot of people in our lifestyle never gets a chance to get, whether we've been doing drugs all our life or whatever the crime is that we are in here for."Another inmate added, "I want to show appreciation to people with a degree, no matter where I get it from."The only cost tax-payers are asked to give is to let the program prove it's worth to a community. Birdsong, the sheriff, Dougherty, teachers like Cindy Green, and eight inmates believe in the program. All they want is for you to believe in it too."I think it is a blessing that Lt. Birdsong got us this program," an inmate said. "Jail is a dark, gloomy, depressing place as it is and if we can come out of here with some kind of goal to achieve, I believe that is a good thing."Pennington added, "If we can help these people get an education then maybe we won't see them in here again. It is almost impossible for someone without a high school diploma to get a good job. While they are here with us, maybe it's a starting point for them to better themselves, and I just want to afford them the opportunity to do so. So far we have eight inmates in the program. That's a good start."Birdsong said a survey from the inmate population shows that 24 people are asking to join the program.*******People like me**********Today eight inmates have an opportunity to leave behind the crime ridden, drug infested streets that put them into the cold, lonely cell in the first place and exchange it for knowledge. This is their chance to exchange that past life of robbing people of valuable possessions, innocence, and pride for a life full of laughter, love, and healing. People like the female inmate at the Saline County jail that drew numerous and elaborate Valentine's Day cards with nothing but sheets of white paper and flavored Tootsie Roll wrappers. Pennington even told her that "you are only restricted in your goals — by you. You have a God-given talent and it's obvious."Some of the inmates in the program also have families. If they can prove to themselves and their family that they can change in a positive manner, it can open the door to other inmates to change. Thus, the cycle begins."I have two daughters and I am looking to moving forward in my life instead of backwards," an inmate said. Another inmate added, "I wanted to get into (the program) as soon as I heard about it, so I can further my education when I get out. I plan on getting back in school when I get out."This is also an opportunity for the eight inmates to open doors that heal broken hearts, that inspires, that lends hope, and to show that all people can change, no matter how many times they've been broken. Or broken other people's lives. People like these eight inmates that society may have given up on, but the jail administration has not. "I don't look at you all any different than what I look at anyone else," Pennington said. "You've just had a bump in the road. But it's nothing that you can't make better."The inmates said they understand that the road to a positive change won't be easy. They said the scholarship "is something we look forward to." The inmates, however, have to put into the program just as much as the teachers and jail staff are allowing them. "A person like me, with the type of charges I got, it's kind of hard for me to get financial aid like a pell grant," an inmate said. "I am trying to get that GED scholarship to help me out."Another inmate said, "If I had a degree, I could pursue a career, get a paycheck and take care of my family the way that productive citizens are suppose to."One inmate wants to be an electrician, another wants to be a Registered Nurse, and a few inmates want their skills polished so they can get any job available. Some of the inmates said they are tired of living in jail cells. Sometimes they just need guidance to help them not only leave jail now, but to learn how to never return. "I haven't had a regular job in about 10 years," an inmate said. "I have a GED but it's about 15 years old. So this (program) is refreshing my math skills, because even to get a job at a convenience store you have to take a test on math skills and things. If you mess up with someone's money, you aren't going to have your job very long."Another inmate added, "Just sitting in a pod — which is what we call the jail cell — all day it kind of makes you feel like what you have learned (in the past) is basically leaking and leaving you. You have to use (education) or you'll lose it. I believe that math and science are very, very important to life. Math and science changes everyday and you have to grow with what is going on. I got my GED about 4 years ago, so it is good to refresh and find out the new information. I might even learn something new."Then there are some inmates that never had a proper education. Some inmates said if they had a good education earlier in life, they may not be where they are today."I definitely know that if I had an education earlier, I would be doing different things (today)... maybe I wouldn't have been doing the drugs and doing the crimes that I was doing," an inmate said. "I never was given the chance to go to college, whether it was because of finances or being sidetracked. I think this (program) is a positive thing that may help someone get their foot in the door to change their life. If you can leave this place with something positive, that can be an inspiration for other people, and our children."*******People opening doors******For these eight inmates, and future inmates, teachers like Cindy Green are dedicated to helping them become better educated. "The students were receptive and eager from the beginning," she said. "The students are excited, they enjoy coming to the classroom and they love the fact that someone wants to come and help them. They are even excited for me to read the Charles Dickens classic 'A Tale of Two Cities.'" Birdsong and Pennington said the atmosphere in the jail is also changing, or rather they are just emphasizing to everyone — jail staff included — what they have long believed. The sheriff said he wants everyone to "treat each other in a civil manner.""The changes that I want to make benefits not only us as at the Sheriff's Department, but people that are being housed here as well," Pennington said. "I don't want anyone in the face of my jail staff, but on the flip-side of that, I don't want them doing that to you either. Conditions in a detention facility is bad enough already."He added, "You're locked in here, tempers sometimes run high, emotions run high sometimes ... the last thing we need is for anyone to agitate you. In the past, it may have (been bad), but in the future it ain't happening. We are just not going to do that. But on the flip-side of that, if you get in one our (staff member's) face, it ain't going to be pretty either."After the inmates in the GED program shook their heads in an agreeable manner, a few praised the jail administration. The inmates know they have to be the ones to change and are thankful for the opportunity to better their lives, as well as others."I'm ashamed to say it, but I've been locked up, incarcerated in several facilities. This is probably one of the only (jails) that I've seen this type of blessing," an inmate said. "It's a blessing. This is something we can take with us to further our education and we can set goals to achieve. I appreciate everything that goes into this program."Another inmate said, "A lot of us go back to our old ways (of crimes), if we don't have any new outlets, because there is nothing to do but what we did in the first place. But I believe that you pass through the death of Jesus and there is a new life. I believe that what you learn and whatever direction you choose with guidance, God is opening doors for you."The sheriff and Birdsong also praised the eight inmates. They said there is hope that future inmates enter the program and that all that participate will change to a more positive, successful life.""I am really proud of you for doing this. It means a lot and I am proud of you," Pennington said. "You are all well aware that without an education there isn't a whole lot you can do. You have to have the basics anyway, either a GED or a high school diploma or no one is going to hire you. I want to see you all do better. Get back into your communities and be productive. And with this GED program, you can be (successful)."Birdsong added, "I've been with you all on this program from day one and I am so proud of you all. I don't want you all in here any longer that I have to have you, but I sure am going to be proud at that first graduation that takes place and you all are going to do it."

New superintendent looking forward to meeting district employees, students, residents.

2012-02-20T10:07:24-05:00

At 7 p.m. that day, a "meet-and-greet" event is scheduled to introduce the newly hired superintendent, Jeff Collum of Longview, Texas, to the community. That event will be held in the district's new athletic complex.And while local residents are eager to meet the new superintendent, Collum says he is equally looking forward to getting to know area residents.In a telephone interview Friday with Collum, he said he is "very excited and impressed" with the Benton School District and the Benton community."I'm really impressed overall with the academic accolades the district has received as well as the extracurricular accolades at the state and national levels," Collum said. "The Benton community has already been very welcoming," he added. "I'm very impressed and excited and looking forward to getting up to Benton, Ark. We've been through there a number of times. We have visited a church in Little Rock as we began traveling back and forth from Longview to Little Rock and stopped in Benton one day when we got sort of lost."We found out it's really a nice community, and one thing led to the next and then when I saw the superintendent posting, I began to research the community and district and saw it was an opportunity I didn't want to pass on."Collum was interviewed by the school board last Monday and it was announced Tuesday night that he was the unanimous choice of the seven-member panel."After meeting with the board and getting a feel for their vision and mission and where they want to take the school district in general, I feel we can work together and feel we can continue to do some wonderful things for the Benton district," Collum said.He commented that the district's "new high school is beautiful. I've just been able to see the exterior, but I can tell just by looking that it's a state-of-the-art facility. I'm looking forward to meeting the kids and teachers. That's what makes the buildings come alive."Collum noted that his start date here is July 1. "I'll finish out the school year here in Tyler and move to Benton sometime between May and June, hopefully."Collum currently is serving as executive director of secondary education of the Tyler ISD, which includes oversight for two 5A high schools, six middle schools, an athletic department, career and technology education and university initiatives. The family lives in Longview.Collum's wife, Cara, is a math teacher and volleyball coach, but currently is a stay-at-home mom to their sons, who are 5 and 3. "She doesn't plan to teach now," he added. "We have a busy household," he added. "Every evening when I walk in the door, it's a new adventure."Initially, Collum plans to spend time "getting to know the staff — and that's everyone — teachers, maintenance, all staff. I'm really big on building relationships, People are our No. 1 resource, and I also want to spend a lot of time getting to know the people in the Benton community who support the school district."I want to learn about the school district from the ones who are there, so I will come in slowly, trying to evaluate objectively. Maybe I'll be putting some ideas and recommendations in place after I get to know the people who are here."We've been so impressed with the community and the welcome we've received thus far," he said. "We weren't just looking at a school district, but also a place to raise our family. We felt very comfortable that Benton would be a great place to do that. It just happened to also be a great professional opportunity for me, but in the grand scheme of things, it's an opportunity to be a part of a great community."We're very excited and look forward to coming up for the community event on Feb. 27, which I understand is a grand opening for one of the facilities," he said.

BAMM Board to honor new Wall of Fame inductees, 1955 cross-country tream

2012-02-20T10:00:32-05:00

This year's inductees are Becky Fulcher, Emily Arnold Hinton and Jeff Freeman.Donnie Burks, executive director of the BAMM Museum, said the banquet honoring the three inductees will take place at 6 p.m. at the Benton High School cafeteria.In addition to recognizing the inductees, the BAMM Board of Directors plans to present an Exemplary Service Award to Gary James, executive director of the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce.Another highlight of the event will be the recognition of Benton High School's first cross-country team from 1955. Comprising the team were Charles Dove, Jack Fant, Don Hall, James Mahan and Dwight Moore. The late Tom Hardin, for whom the BAMM Museum is named, served as the team's coach. (A later story will focus on the team.) Also, the board will present the annual Hardin Scholarships to Alex Arnold, Josh Fogleman and Amy Wilson and the annual Weaver Scholarship to Katie Holstead.Displays depicting accomplishments of the new inductees will be set up in the BAMM Museum, which will be open from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.Tickets for the banquet are $15 each and may be obtained from any member of the BAMM Board of Directors or from Burks, who may be reached at 776-4054 or 317-5008.Profiles of each inductee follow.Becky FulcherBecky Fulcher graduated from Crossett High School in 1974. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1978 from Arkansas State University. She has completed post-graduate work at University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Arkansas at Monticello, Southern Arkansas University and Henderson State University.Before coming to teach in the Benton School District, Fulcher taught in the Hamburg and Crossett school districts. Math is her subject preference.She has served as chairman of the Benton High School math department since 2006. For the past three years, her geometry students have scored No. 1 on the End of Course Exam, which is given throughout the state.She also achieved significant success as coach of the Benton high School Pep Steppers, which won two state championships during her leadership.Fulcher was named Teacher of the Year for the 2011-12 school year, an honor determined by a vote of the district's teachers.Emily Arnold HintonEmily Arnold Hinton graduated from Benton High School as valedictorian of her class in 1991.During her high school career, she not only excelled in academics, she also excelled in basketball, being named AAAA South All conference in both 1990 and 1991.She also was named to the Lady Warriors Hall of Fame and was ranked first in Arkansas in NASTAR ski racing.Hinton obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and received a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1991.She earned associate professor certification from University of Texas Southwestern.She is board-certified and has practiced medicine in Fayetteville since 2006.Jeff FreemanJeff Freeman is a 1989 graduate of Benton High School.He excelled on the track and field team and held the Benton High School pole vault record of 14 feet, 4 inches, from 1989 until 2006.He placed second in state in the pole-vaulting event and participated in the Arkansas Meet of Champs and the Tri-State Championship Meet in Bossier City, La.He also was the recipient of Benton High School's Outstanding Track and Field Event award in 1989.A 1994 graduate of Henderson State University, he excelled as a member of the Red Wave Dive Team.Awarded the Arkansas Diver of the Year Award in 1994, he was named All-American diver in both 1- and 3-meter springboard events.He took fourth place in the nation in the 1-meter springboard and fifth in the nation in 3-meter springboard events in Seattle, Wash., in the NAIA National Championship Competition.Scholarship RecipientsAmy Elizabeth Wilson and Katie Holstead plan to attend University of Central Arkansas in Conway.Joshua Fogleman plans to attend Arkansas State University.Alexis Arnold plans to attend University of Mississippi at Oxford.

Jail GED Program Brings Hope

2012-02-19T14:41:31-05:00

"If I learn to do something else ... when I get out, I can do something to benefit myself in a better way than coming back in here," those are the words of one of the eight inmates that sit in group atmosphere every Tuesday and Thursday night for the new General Educational Development (GED) program. Another inmate said that many "people come in here with no kind of education at all," but also added that this program "is a blessing ... and we can set goals to achieve."The program is a partnership between the Saline County Adult Education Center and the administration of the Saline County jail. This program was started, and is maintained, at no cost to the tax-payers, Jail Administrator Lt. Don Birdsong and Sheriff Bruce Pennington said. Yvonne Dougherty, director of the SCAEC, is providing all the GED program materials, including the teachers, for free. The inmates also get a chance to not only earn a GED — if they score 600 points or higher on the GED test — they will qualify for a full-paid two-year scholarship to Pulaski Technical College. Even if the inmate moves on from the jail to a prison facility, the inmate can still take college courses via www.pulaskitech.edu. Birdsong said "we received permission from the Arkansas Department of Correction and the U.S. Marshals Service concerning the federal prisoners.""According to Ms. Dougherty, the Adult Education Center will also be able to present classes free of charge that will help deputies become more proficient in their report writing skills," Pennington said. "She was very receptive to this program. She knows without that education, people's hands are tied now days. We are excited about working with the (SCAEC) and obtaining more training for our personnel too."The inmates also know what is at stake to lose."I am not trying to put the blame on anyone but ourselves, but some of us never had that opportunity to take college courses," an inmate said. "This (program) is something that a lot of people in our lifestyle never gets a chance to get, whether we've been doing drugs all our life or whatever the crime is that we are in here for."Another inmate added, "I want to show appreciation to people with a degree, no matter where I get it from."The only cost tax-payers are asked to give is to let the program prove it's worth to a community. Birdsong, the sheriff, Dougherty, teachers like Cindy Green, and eight inmates believe in the program. All they want is for you to believe in it too."I think it is a blessing that Lt. Birdsong got us this program," an inmate said. "Jail is a dark, gloomy, depressing place as it is and if we can come out of here with some kind of goal to achieve, I believe that is a good thing."Pennington added, "If we can help these people get an education then maybe we won't see them in here again. It is almost impossible for someone without a high school diploma to get a good job. While they are here with us, maybe it's a starting point for them to better themselves, and I just want to afford them the opportunity to do so. So far we have eight inmates in the program. That's a good start."Birdsong said a survey from the inmate population shows that 24 people are asking to join the program.People Like MeToday eight inmates have an opportunity to leave behind the crime ridden, drug infested streets that put them into the cold, lonely cell in the first place and exchange it for knowledge. This is their chance to exchange that past life of robbing people of valuable possessions, innocence, and pride for a life full of laughter, love, and healing. People like the female inmate at the Saline County jail that drew numerous and elaborate Valentine's Day cards with nothing but sheets of white paper and flavored Tootsie Roll wrappers. Pennington even told her that "you are only restricted in your goals — by you. You have a God-given talent and it's obvious."Some of the inmates in the program also have families. If they can prove to themselves and their family that they can change in a positive manner, it can open the door to other inmates to change. Thus, the cycle begins."I have two daughters and I am looking to moving forward in my life instead of backwards," an inmate said. Another inmate added, "I wanted to get into (the program) as soon as I heard about it, so I can further my education when I get out. I plan on getting back in school when I get out."This is also an opportunity for the eight inmates to open doors that heal broken hearts, that inspires, that lends hope, and to show that all people can change, no matter how many times they've been broken. Or broken other people's lives. People like these eight inmates that society may have given up on, but the jail administration has not. "I don't look at you all any different than what I look at anyone else," Pennington said. "You've just had a bump in the road. But it's nothing that you can't make better."The inmates said they understand that the road to a positive change won't be easy. They said the scholarship "is something we look forward to." The inmates, however, have to put into the program just as much as the teachers and jail staff are allowing them. "A person like me, with the type of charges I got, it's kind of hard for me to get financial aid like a pell grant," an inmate said. "I am trying to get that GED scholarship to help me out."Another inmate said, "If I had a degree, I could pursue a career, get a paycheck and take care of my family the way that productive citizens are suppose to."One inmate wants to be an electrician, another wants to be a Registered Nurse, and a few inmates want their skills polished so they can get any job available. Some of the inmates said they are tired of living in jail cells. Sometimes they just need guidance to help them not only leave jail now, but to learn how to never return. "I haven't had a regular job in about 10 years," an inmate said. "I have a GED but it's about 15 years old. So this (program) is refreshing my math skills, because even to get a job at a convenience store you have to take a test on math skills and things. If you mess up with someone's money, you aren't going to have your job very long."Another inmate added, "Just sitting in a pod — which is what we call the jail cell — all day it kind of makes you feel like what you have learned (in the past) is basically leaking and leaving you. You have to use (education) or you'll lose it. I believe that math and science are very, very important to life. Math and science changes everyday and you have to grow with what is going on. I got my GED about 4 years ago, so it is good to refresh and find out the new information. I might even learn something new."Then there are some inmates that never had a proper education. Some inmates said if they had a good education earlier in life, they may not be where they are today."I definitely know that if I had an education earlier, I would be doing different things (today)... maybe I wouldn't have been doing the drugs and doing the crimes that I was doing," an inmate said. "I never was given the chance to go to college, whether it was because of finances or being sidetracked. I think this (program) is a positive thing that may help someone get their foot in the door to change their life. If you can leave this place with something positive, that can be an inspiration for other people, and our children."People Opening DoorsFor these eight inmates, and future inmates, teachers like Cindy Green are dedicated to helping them become better educated. "The students were receptive and eager from the beginning," she said. "The students are excited, they enjoy coming to the classroom and they love the fact that someone wants to come and help them. They are even excited for me to read the Charles Dickens classic 'A Tale of Two Cities.'" Birdsong and Pennington said the atmosphere in the jail is also changing, or rather they are just emphasizing to everyone — jail staff included — what they have long believed. The sheriff said he wants everyone to "treat each other in a civil manner.""The changes that I want to make benefits not only us as at the Sheriff's Department, but people that are being housed here as well," Pennington said. "I don't want anyone in the face of my jail staff, but on the flip-side of that, I don't want them doing that to you either. Conditions in a detention facility is bad enough already."He added, "You're locked in here, tempers sometimes run high, emotions run high sometimes ... the last thing we need is for anyone to agitate you. In the past, it may have (been bad), but in the future it ain't happening. We are just not going to do that. But on the flip-side of that, if you get in one our (staff member's) face, it ain't going to be pretty either."After the inmates in the GED program shook their heads in an agreeable manner, a few praised the jail administration. The inmates know they have to be the ones to change and are thankful for the opportunity to better their lives, as well as others."I'm ashamed to say it, but I've been locked up, incarcerated in several facilities. This is probably one of the only (jails) that I've seen this type of blessing," an inmate said. "It's a blessing. This is something we can take with us to further our education and we can set goals to achieve. I appreciate everything that goes into this program."Another inmate said, "A lot of us go back to our old ways (of crimes), if we don't have any new outlets, because there is nothing to do but what we did in the first place. But I believe that you pass through the death of Jesus and there is a new life. I believe that what you learn and whatever direction you choose with guidance, God is opening doors for you."The sheriff and Birdsong also praised the eight inmates. They said there is hope that future inmates enter the program and that all that participate will change to a more positive, successful life.""I am really proud of you for doing this. It means a lot and I am proud of you," Pennington said. "You are all well aware that without an education there isn't a whole lot you can do. You have to have the basics anyway, either a GED or a high school diploma or no one is going to hire you. I want to see you all do better. Get back into your communities and be productive. And with this GED program, you can be (successful)."Birdsong added, "I've been with you all on this program from day one and I am so proud of you all. I don't want you all in here any longer that I have to have you, but I sure am going to be proud at that first graduation that takes place and you all are going to do it."