Saline Voice

Chief meets public

By LEWIS DELAVAN Editor — 01/07/2009

A packed Benton City Council chamber greeted new Police Chief Kirk Lane Monday. After years of service to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department, Lane returns to Benton, where he served served as an officer from 1984 to 1987.

Benton hits 'home run'

By LEWIS DELAVAN / Editor — 01/07/2009

Leadership, character, integrity and vision are key qualities of Benton High School�s new head football coach, says Scott Neathery, athletic director. Steve Quinn, head coach at Southern Arkansas University from 2001-2008, starts Monday, Jan. 12 at BHS. �I feel we hit a home run,� Neathery said.

Photo

01/07/2009

ICE WEIGHS HEAVY Ice brought down this pine tree on Lillian Street in Benton Monday. The street was closed from noon to 4 p.m. Monday. Hundreds of Saline County residents were without power Monday as a wintry rain mix covered the county resulting in tree limbs and trees falling on power lines, leaving many without power for several hours. LAJUAN MOONEY PHOTO

McCoy questions funding

By LEWIS DELAVAN Editor — 01/07/2009

The city discussed aid for a drainage project several times with Arkansas Municipal League attorneys before funding was approved, a Benton official says. Harps Food Stores Inc. is now working on the site at the corner of Highway 5 and Salem Road in Benton.

Masoner and Ball make federal wire-fraud plea agreements

By DIANE UPCHURCH / Voice News Service — 01/07/2009

Elmer Andrew "Andy" Masoner and Deborah Ball entered plea agreements in their federal case on Dec. 30. The two were allowed to enter a guilty plea on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The federal indictment contained six counts. The other five counts were dismissed in the plea agreements.

Council header talks guns

01/07/2009

A proposed ban on use of a firearm in the city limits is set for its second reading at the 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12 Benton City Council meeting. The proposed ordinance would allow lawenforcement officers to use a firearm while performing their duties, and would allow people to defend themselves or their home with a firearm.

EVENTS

01/07/2009

The monthly Benton Advertising and Promotion Commission meeting will be 5:30 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 8 in the A&P office nearthe corner of Lillian and East South streets.

Photo

01/07/2009

LEWIS DELAVAN PHOTO NAMES ON THE LINE Waiting to sign paperwork with Saline County Judge Lanny Fite's administrative assistant, Joy Ballard (right,) are (from left) justices of the peace Sharon Riggan, Tom Lish and Barbara Howell, as well as constable Jo Lish, who serves northwest Saline County.

Girl Scout cookies on the way soon

01/07/2009

Thousands of Girl Scouts in the state will begin taking Girl Scout cookie orders soon. The Girl Scout cookie program, an American tradition for nearly 90 years, kicks off Saturday and will continue through mid-March, with booth sales beginning Feb. 20, said spokeswoman Kendall Thornton.

Photo

01/07/2009

REBECCA JONES PHOTO BRINGING CHEER TO HOSPICE Saline Memorial Hospital Hospice patients recently had a wonderful holiday surprise, thanks to a generous donation by the Bryant Chick-fil-A. Just before Christmas, Chick-fil-A staff members and helpers delivered boxes of gifts for SMH Hospice patients. They also provided chicken and snacks at a small reception for patients' families and staff at the SMH Hospice House in Bryant. The famous Chick-fil-A cow made an appearance and passed out gifts to the patients. Standing, from left, Kathy Cash, SMH Hospice; Ann Burns, SMH Hospice manager; Blake Wilson, Doug Slack, Chick-fil-A manager; and Lauren Watkins, Chick-fil-A owner. Kneeling: Lauren Sirewright, Aubrey Watkins and Amberly Watkins.

Fite sets intergovernmental meetings; mayors invited

01/07/2009

Quarterly Saline County intergovernmental meetings have been set for Feb. 17, May 19, Aug. 18 and Nov.10. All meetings will be held at the Office of Emergency Management (911) Building, lower level, at 102 S. Main St., Benton, in the conference room, at 2 p.m., said County Judge Lanny Fite.

December revenues beat forecast

01/07/2009

State revenues were lower in December than a year ago but exceeded the monthly forecast, the Department of Finance and Administration reported Monday. Gov.

Nominations deadline nears

01/07/2009

The deadline nears for Arkansas National Guard and Reserve members and families to nominate supportive employers for the 2009 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.

First Electric Co-op returns $3.5 million to members in 2008

01/07/2009

The board of directors of First Electric Cooperative has approved a refund of $3,540,320 to its members. This refund, known as Capital Credits, represents the members' share of the remaining revenue less the cost of operation for the years being retired.

FIRE REPORTS

01/07/2009

Benton Fire Department Thursday, Dec. 25 At 12:39 a.m. units from station 4 were called to an EMS incident at 2209 Sharon. At 1:17 a.m. station 3 responded to an EMS call at 828 Cole. At 5:21 a.m. station 1 responded to 735 S. Neeley St for an EMS incident. At 10:45 a.m. station 1 was called to assist an invalid at 704 Bird. At 9:45 p.m.

Bank robbery suspect still sought

01/07/2009

A Little Rock man accused of robbing the US Bank branch at 100 Commerce Drive, Bryant, remained at large Monday. Brian Keith Robinson, 49, allegedly entered the bank just after 5 p.m. Dec. 30 with a note demanding money, writing "empty both drawers, no bait," police said.

WELCOMING OFFICIALS

01/07/2009

LEWIS DELAVAN PHOTOS JUSTICES OF THE PEACE AFFIRMED Members of the Saline County Quorum Court aresworn in on New Year's Day by Arkansas Supreme Court Associate Justice Robert Brown.

2008 In Review

01/07/2009

June 4 A young woman who pleaded guilty last month to concealing the birth of a child has begun serving a 22-day sentence in the Saline County jail. Jill Jones, 21, formerly of Benton, also was sentenced Monday to six years' probation by Circuit Court Judge Grisham Phillips. Three years of the probation will be supervised.

Make some financial resolutions

01/07/2009

If you're like many people, you've made some New Year's resolutions. Perhaps you've vowed to go the gym more often, or learn a new language or reconnect with long-lost friends. All these are worthy goals, but at the same time, you don't want to neglect one of the most important areas of life — finances. Why not make some financial resolutions?

Benton SCAT delivers food

01/07/2009

Central Arkansas Development Council Benton SCAT (South Central Arkansas Transit) public transportation received 360 cans during its "Anyone Can" food drive in December.

Chase ends in death for motorcyclist

01/07/2009

A high-speed police chase ended in death Friday morning in Collegeville when a 25- year-old East End man crashed into a utility pole. Arkansas State Police were unsure why Jeremy W. Penix, of the 16000 block of Ironton Road, fled an officer on Interstate 430. They believe he may have been wanted on several warrants.

Court declines new trial in 2005 infant death

By John Lyon Arkansas News Bureau — 01/07/2009

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Court of Appeals has declined to reconsider its decision overturning a Maumelle woman's homicide conviction in her infant son's death. The court Dec.

PUPPIES, DOGS AND CATS AVAILABLE

01/07/2009

Needing homes now are these young dogs at the Humane Society of Saline County, 7600 Bauxite Highway, Bauxite. President Ann Sanders said the shelter always has "lots of sweet dogs and cats available for adoption." While Shelia, Rex and Bee Bee Boxer may be adopted by now, there will be more animals eager for a good home. The shelter is open for adoptions from noon to 4 p.

Health, Mind & Body 2009

01/07/2009

Police chief choice mistake by mayor

01/07/2009

More than any other non-elected city position, a police chief must have the respect of his subordinates and citizens. A police chief directly wields power over life and liberty in the core duty of government: the obligation to protect its people. It's essential to not only have a chief whose character is unimpeachable, but one who is respected.

Cartoon

01/07/2009

Back up before it's too late!

Lewis Delavan — 01/07/2009

Always back up! Back up! Back up! That's the best advice for any digital file. Photographs, stories, membership lists may take hours, days, months, even years to compile. They have real value, based upon the cost of labor or time.

Seat this man from Illinois

John Brummett — 01/07/2009

One thing that's become obvious even at elite levels in this country is that we don't really believe a man is innocent until proven guilty. If the authorities haul you in, we're sold. We're modernized, civilized lynch mobs. We had that local case in Little Rock in which a local television personality was brutally killed.

State should review environmental policy

David Sanders — 01/07/2009

Arkansas is at risk of falling prey to cookie-cutter environmental policy recommendations pushed by an out-of-state "advisory" group, which besides being funded by global warming alarmists, wants the state to raise taxes and utility rates and to spend billions of taxpayers' dollars all in the name of curbing Arkansas' carbon dioxide emissions.

'Benjamin Button' has curious problems

Carol Cling — 01/07/2009

While watching "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" — all 167(!) minutes of it — I kept thinking of Joni Mitchell's song "The Circle Game" and its rueful, poignant chorus: And the seasons,

'Milk,' Penn's portrayal of gay-rights advocate inspire

01/07/2009

Sean Penn — smiling? What's wrong with this picture? Not much, it turns out. In "Milk," Penn plays Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to a major political office. That is, until Dan White, his former colleague on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, gunned him down, along with his political ally, Mayor George Moscone.

POLICE BEAT

01/07/2009

A non-functioning license plate light and crossing the fog line led to a traffic stop, a DWI and a Class Y felony drug charge on a Little Rock man about 2 a.m. Dec. 14 The Cadillac STS driven by Cantrell L. Bailey, 32, of West Baseline Road, was stopped on the Interstate 30 north service road near of the Alcoa Road overpass , the report of Officer David Richey said.

COURTHOUSE NEWS

01/07/2009

The following couples have applied for a marriage license: Charles Caden Bailey, 35, of Hensley and Melissa Rasheal Smith, 35, of Hensley Dallas Cody Modisette, 19, of Benton and Carrie Lee Witt, 17, of Benton Emmett Thomas Mason Sr.

Squirrel tails used for fishing lures

JOE MOSBY Outdoors editor — 01/07/2009

A quiet little sideline in the hunting and fishing world is approaching a half-century in age. Few people know it exists. This is the selling of squirrel tails to the Mepps fishing lure manufacturing folks.

Final five for Benton job seen

MARTIN COUCH Sports editor — 01/07/2009

In a press release issued to the Saline County Voice on Friday afternoon by Benton Athletic Director Scott Neathery, the following five candidates for the Panthers head football coach's position were interviewed on Monday night by an interview committee made up of Benton School District personnel.

Panthers prepare for 6A-South after tourney

MARTIN COUCH Sports editor — 01/07/2009

A championship at the fourth annual Spa City Classic tournament at the Convention Center arena in Hot Springs before the new year began wasn't in the cards for the Benton Panthers. After defeating Oak Grove 62-47, and avenging last year's loss to the Hot Springs Trojans 52-41, the Panthers were ambushed by the Hot Springs Lakeside Rams 42- 39.

Hornets test Spa City foes before 7A-Central

MARTIN COUCH Sports editor — 01/07/2009

The Spa City Classic wasn't exactly what the Bryant Hornets would have liked. A break on a rebound or getting a shot to fall from the outside could have been a promising formula to get the Hornets to a championship game.

Hardwood Guide

01/07/2009

Jan. 8 - NLR at Benton freshman, 5 p.m. Bryant at Lady Crushers, 4:30 Cabot South at Bryant freshman, 5 p.m. Jan 9 - Wonderview at Harmony Grove, 5:30 p.m. Benton at Watson Chapel, 5 p.m Bauxite at Mayflower, 5 p.m. Bryant at MSM/Catholic, 5 p.m.

Players of the Week

01/07/2009

Mattison Chilton

Lady Panthers get ready for conference season

MARITN COUCH Sports editor — 01/07/2009

The Benton Lady Panthers ended up the Spa City Classic with one win out of three games. After a late substitution for their first game due to the Bryant Lady Hornets, the tournament's defending champions, dropping out, Benton played and defeated DeQueen 61-37 in the opening round.

Lady Miners learn lessons at Herb Russell games

MARITN COUCH Sports editor — 01/07/2009

The Herb Russell Holiday tournament wasn't very kind to the Bauxite Lady Miners this year. The Lady Miners opened the tournament by defeating the Poyen Lady Indians 56-41, but lost to Blevins 42-22 and Magnet Cove 49-45 to finish the tournament 1-3.

Miners take second at Ouachita Holiday tourney

JAMIE BOSHEARS Sports writer — 01/07/2009

For the second year in a row, the Bauxite Miners ended the Herb Russell Holiday Classic as the runners-up, finishing with a 2-1 record. "We were runner-up again in this tournament. I'm tired of being runner-up; I'm ready to win one." said Miners' head coach Mark Hall. "However, we're proud to be bringing hardware back to Bauxite as far as basketball is concerned.

Benton freshman teams fall to Malvern at home

GARY GARNER Sports writer — 01/07/2009

The Christmas break was not kind to the ninth grade Benton Lady Panthers. The only positive thing in the first half for Benton was winning the opening tip. After that it was all Malvern. Asia Walls was unstoppable in the first half for Malvern. The best thing to happen for Benton was when she picked up her third foul late in the first half.

More basketball pictures

01/07/2009

TOURNAMENT ACTION KEVIN NAGLE PHOTOS Bauxite played Harmony Grove in a tounament game and the Bauxite boys played a rough game against Bismarck. Little Rock Christian won the girls division and the Bryant Express won the boys division by defeating Malvern. Little Rock Christian defeated Harmony Grove.

Fifth and sixth grade tournament at Bauxite

Kevin Nagle photos — 01/07/2009

BASKETBALL Bauxite teams took on Harmony Grove, Bismarck, Ouachita, Malvern, Little Rock Christian and Bryant during the tournament games.

J.C. Mangum

01/07/2009

John Charles "J.C." Mangum, 71, of Haskell, Ark. died from a long battle of cancer on Dec. 25, 2008. Mr. Mangum served in the Arkansas Army National Guard and retired from Alcoa after 30 years. He was preceded in death by his father, Harvey Mangum; a wife, Ana Lee Mangum; and a daughter, Mary Ann Mangum.

James Lovell

01/07/2009

James Paul Lovell, 41, of Bee Branch, Ark. died Dec. 25, 2008. He was born Nov. 28, 1967, in Racine, Wis., to Jimmy and Ida Lovell. Lovell was a Baptist and a member of Fairbanks Community Church. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Marion Johnson and Mary Inez Johnson; and great-grandmother, Delilah Meeks.

Dulcie Bell

01/07/2009

Dulcie Marie Shoptaw Bell, 90, of Benton, Ark. died Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, in Benton. She was born March 25, 1918, in Belfast, Ark., in Grant County. Mrs. Bell was retired from the Benton Services Center and was a charter member of Trinity Baptist Church in Benton.

Faye Gibson

01/07/2009

Faye Hamilton Gibson, 90, of Benton, Ark. died Dec. 27, 2008. She was an educator for 37 years, retiring in 1983 after serving the last 10 years of her career as principal of Benton's Howard Perrin Elementary School. Mrs. Gibson was widely known in her later years as "Hido," a name lovingly bestowed upon her by her first grandchild.

John Parker

01/07/2009

John C. Parker, 85, of Alexander, Ark. died Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, at Quapaw Quarter Nursing Center. He was born Feb. 6, 1923, in Fort Smith, to Earl and Lillie Parker. He was a Mason, a World War II veteran and was a Little Rock firefighter for 29 years. He was a Baptist.

Larry Burchfield

01/07/2009

Larry Allen Burchfield lost his battle with cancer on Dec. 27, 2008, at University Medical Center of Little Rock. Larry was born Aug. 16, 1946, to Oba Burchfield and Allean Johnson-Burchfield in Halley, Ark. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Billy Burchfield.

Alleene Speir

01/07/2009

Alleene Jewel Speir, 80, of Benton, Ark. died on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008. She was born Feb. 24, 1928, in Little Rock. Mrs. Speir was the daughter of the late John B. Lawhon and Annie Wells Lawhon. She retired from AT&T after more than 25 years of service and was a member of West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church for many years.

Chad McGehee

01/07/2009

Chad Josef McGehee, 23, of Benton, Ark. died on Dec. 27, 2008. McGehee was born on Aug. 8, 1985, in Monticello. He enjoyed playing baseball and playing his Xbox. He loved spending time with his two daughters and his family. He was an avid artist.

Ella Drennan

01/07/2009

Ella Sue Drennan, 89, of Benton, Ark. died Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, at Saline Hospice House in Bryant. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Horace Lee Drennan; one daughter, Sandra Lou Presley; one grandson, Russ Allen Grant; and her parents, Haywood Gladden Hall and Myrtle Overn Hall.

Mary Reed

01/07/2009

Mary Katherine Reed, 91, of Mabelvale, Ark. died Monday, Dec. 29, 2008. She was born July 5, 1917, in Plumerville, Ark., to Walter and Nancy Bartlett. Mary retired from the Arkansas School for the Deaf after many years and attended Highway 5 Church of Christ in Benton.

Thomas Rice

01/07/2009

Thomas William Rice, 64, of Little Rock died Dec. 31, 2008. He was born Dec. 16, 1944, in Delaplaine, Ark., to Everett and Wanda Rice. Thomas worked as a mechanic and truck driver for Brown's Trucking Co.

Bennie Mitchell

01/07/2009

Bennie L. Mitchell, 76, of Traskwood, Ark. died Dec. 31, 2008, in Benton. She was born April 4, 1932, in Big Springs, Texas, to Ira Alderman and Tennie (Smith) Alderman. She was a notary public and a Realtor. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Mark Mitchell and Gregory Mitchell; and seven brothers.

Ralph Shelnutt

01/07/2009

Lifelong Benton resident Ralph Waldo Shelnutt, a veteran, entrepreneur, musician and adored family man, died on Jan. 1, 2009, his 88th birthday. The funeral service was held at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton on Saturday, Jan. 3. Burial was at New Rosemont Cemetery in Benton.

Doris Martin

01/07/2009

Doris Koen Martin, 78, of Mabelvale, Ark. died on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2008. She was born March 11, 1930, in Gloster, Miss. She was a member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. Preceded in death by her husband, survivors include three children; four grandchildren; and three siblings.

James Turney

01/07/2009

James Harold Turney, 89, of Benton, Ark. died Dec. 30, 2008. He was born June 18, 1919, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to James and Pearl Turney. Turney was a Methodist and worked in the engineering department of General Electric.