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Cockrill looks to next chapter
When the opportunity arose in April of this year for someone to take the lead as interim sheriff Alan Cockrill stepped up to the plate.
“I’ve always wanted to try my hand at being in charge,” the veteran officer said.
And while taking over the office of Independence County Sheriff from Keith Bowers was new on his list of duties, he wasn’t unfamiliar to the job of law enforcement.
For the past 24 years he’s been involved in just about every aspect, from kicking down doors during a drug raid, to solving some high-profile crimes or even giving out speeding tickets. -
New Year’s Eve dance set
DESHA — The Desha Veterans of Foreign Wars Post is hosting a New Year’s Eve dance Friday from 8 p.m. until midnight, according to a news release.
Everybody is invited. No alcohol and no smoking will be allowed.
The dance features music by the Blue Diamond Band with special guest Judy Garcia.
Admission is $5. -
Calico Rock Museum pays down debt, begins construction
CALICO ROCK — The Calico Rock Museum Foundation board of trustees has announced immediate plans to move forward with the museum expansion project.
At their regular quarterly meeting in December, the trustees voted to pay $15,000 toward the building purchase loan with First National Bank of Izard County. This payment was made in December and leaves the foundation owing $52,000. The foundation obtained the $80,000 loan in July to purchase the building. -
Thida’s Diamond T 4-H Club presents awards
THIDA — Diamond T 4-H Club held its sixth annual Club Awards Banquet on Nov. 18 at Thida Community Center.
Brianne Reed, vice president, welcomed the guests. Cheyenne Brooks led the prayer, and Cheyenne Reed led the 4-H pledge. Hannah Kimmer and Keylee Harris led the pledge of allegiance.
The club history was read by Cecile Harris, president. The club received the following awards this year: 2010 Arkansas State Honor Club, Independence County Champion Club Award, 100 Percent Record Journal Award, Competitive Activity Award and High Point Club Award. -
Carol Bissell
Carol Elaine Bissell, 84, of Batesville died Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010, at her home.
Born Sept. 24, 1926, in Jamestown, N.Y., she was the daughter of Elmer Carl Johnson and Eva Mary Catherine Lenhart Johnson. She was a homemaker and was of the Lutheran faith. -
Ernest Wadley
NEWARK — Ernest Wilford Wadley, 87, of Newark died Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010, in a Batesville hospital.
Born Feb. 10, 1923, in Tuckerman, he was the son of Homer and Maude Wadley.
Survivors include a son, David Wadley of Newark; two brothers, Ellis Wadley of Texas and Wayne Wadley of Jonesboro; three sisters, Lucille Fella and Lois Stone, both of Tuckerman, and Dorthy Heltner of Illinois; three grandchildren, Christian White, James Wadley and William Wadley; and four great-grandchildren, John Silver Newby, Melanie Wadley, Rowan Wadley and Trent Szachnitowski. -
Blanche McNamee
BRYAN, Ohio — Blanche M. McNamee, 100, of Bryan, Ohio, died Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010, in a Bryan nursing home.
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Lavonda Climer
Lavonda Kay Climer, 59, of Batesville died Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010, in a Batesville hospital.
Born Aug. 30, 1951, in Tulare, Calif., she was the daughter of Henry Keys and Dillie Woods. -
Traffic stop leads to drug charges
A 21-year-old Newark man is facing several charges after an Independence County deputy stopped him for speeding and allegedly found him in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Ernie Gillihan pulled over a Jeep Cherokee at 9:28 a.m. Monday for traveling 60 mph in a 45-mph zone. -
Pioneers hammered in Harrison tourney
HARRISON — A day removed from being doubled up by Harrison 62-31, the Batesville Pioneers suffered a 52-18 beatdown in the consolation game of the Lendel Thomas Classic here Wednesday evening.
Valley Springs, a Class 3A state semifinalist last season, used a 15-0 run midway through the first half to turn a 7-5 lead into a 22-5 laugher. The Tigers led 27-10 at halftime. -
Oklahoma State gets first 11-win season
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Justin Blackmon caught two touchdown passes, showboating into the end zone to cap a 71-yard strike, and No. 16 Oklahoma State finished its first 11-win season with a 36-10 victory over Arizona in the Alamo Bowl on Wednesday night.
Blackmon, the Biletnikoff Award winner as the nation’s top receiver, set an NCAA record with his 12th straight game with at least 100 yards receiving and a touchdown. The sophomore caught nine passes for 117 yards in perhaps his last college game. -
Authorities crack down on flea market fakes
TRENTON, N.J. — Used to be, if you wanted a knockoff handbag or fake fragrance, Lower Manhattan’s Canal Street was a mecca.
But with flea markets across the country now carrying the same kind of counterfeit products with poser trademarks, authorities warn that shoppers may get more than they bargain for in poor quality and safety risks while helping fund criminal syndicates in some cases.
