KWXI News Tuesday March 9th, 2010

The Weiner and Delight school districts have received approval from the Arkansas Education Board to merge with neighboring districts. Weiner is to be incorporated into the neighboring Harrisburg School District, and Delight is to combine with Murfreesboro, to create the South Pike County School District. Weiner and Delight both were below the 350-student state minimum and had to consolidate. The board also approved the merger of the Wickes and Van Cove districts

Pike County voters will be making a lot of decisions this election year. There will be three candidates in the County Judge’s race, all democrats, including incumbent Don Baker, Jim A. O’Neal, Jr. and Chris Thompson. The sheriff’s race will have incumbent Preston “Pep” Glen and Jerry L. Lowery in the Democratic primary, Jeremy Collums running as the only Republican and Wes Turner and Joe Jessup running as Independents.
Other contested races in Pike County will be the County Assessors race with Beckie Alden and Danny Dougan both running as Democrats, JP District 3 with Ricky Buck and Jerry O’Neal both running as Democrats and JP District 9 with Randy Reid and Paul Baker both running as Democrats. The filing period closed yesterday at noon.

Arkansas is sending 200 airmen to Afghanistan from an Air National Guard unit at Fort Smith. The Arkansas National Guard said the airmen left yesterday and that this will be the unit's first deployment with the A-10 Thunderbolt II - popularly known as the "Warthog" - since the 188th received the aircraft in April 2007. The announcement said the airmen would join about 75 members of the 188th already in Afghanistan and that they would be deployed for about two months.

Charles B. Pierce, an independent filmmaker whose inexpensively made "The Legend of Boggy Creek" made him something of a legend himself, has died at the age of 71.
Pierce, a native of Indiana who grew up in Arkansas, made his films mostly in Arkansas, including the cult hit "The Legend of Boggy Creek," released in 1972.

The new economic incentive for movie makers who film in Arkansas has drawn some takers. Arkansas Film Commissioner Christopher Crane said Thursday that six projects are in the approval stages for a 15 percent rebate film crews get for spending in Arkansas. Another 10 percent of payroll can be given in a rebate for Arkansas workers hired into the crew. Filmmaker Harry Thomason has been in Arkansas shooting "The Last Ride," about the final three days of country singer Hank Williams Sr.'s life. Thomason could get $300,000 back in rebates from his $2 million budget. Crane says scripts have to be approved by the state if they are to get taxpayer money. He says the state won't subsidize films that portray Arkansas in a negative light

On this date in history in 1986 NASA confirmed they had found remains of the Shuttle Challenger. Birthdays of note today include the first man in space, Russian Yuri Gagarin born in 1934 and singer Mickey Gilley born this date in 1936.

KWXI News Monday March 8, 2010

The Weiner and Delight school districts are back on the Arkansas Education Board agenda. The districts, which are 200 miles apart, were in the spotlight at last month's meeting, at which they tried to win approval for a long-distance consolidation. Now the districts are asking to merge with neighboring districts. The districts have fewer than 350 students, the state minimum. Turrell is on the same list and has asked to merge with Earle. The Wickes and Van Cove districts each are well above the 350-student minimum, but they have asked to consolidate and form a new Cossatot River School District. They want to merge so they can pool resources and build a new high school. The board meets today in Little Rock.

The Arkansas House of Representatives has selected Rep. Robert Moore as its new speaker for its next session. Moore is a Democrat from Arkansas City. Last session, he served as chairman of the House Rules Committee, which oversaw all lottery legislation.
Moore defeated Rep. Johnnie Roebuck, a Democrat from Arkadelphia, in a secret-ballot vote. Moore got 63 votes. Moore, the former director of the Arkansas Alcohol Beverage Control Board, takes over for Rep. Robbie Wills, who is running for Congress.

Gov. Mike Beebe says he wants to continue phasing out Arkansas' sales tax on groceries if re-elected, but won't give a timeline for when he'd like to do it. Beebe on Friday filed paperwork to run for a second term. He's a Democrat who was elected in 2006.Beebe ran four years ago on a promise to eventually phase out the state's sales tax on groceries. Since he's taken office in 2007, the tax has been lowered from 6% to 2%. Former state legislator Jim Keet, a Republican, filed paperwork earlier this week to run against Beebe.

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has filed for re-election and says he wants to end his second term with a definitive date for ending Arkansas' desegregation payments to Little Rock area schools. McDaniel filed paperwork at the state Capitol on Thursday. He's a Democrat who was elected to the office in 2006. No Republicans have announced to challenge him.

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to transfer control of oil and gas exploration drilling proceeds from the state Game and Fish Commission to the Legislature. The commission said Pulaski County Circuit Court Judge Jay Moody threw out James Dockery's 2009 lawsuit. Dockery had argued that the money should be placed under the control of the Legislature instead of remaining solely in the hands of the wildlife agency.
The commission voted in 2008 to lease drilling rights to Chesapeake Energy Corp. of Oklahoma City for $32.2 million. The area comprises more than 7,500 acres in the Petit Jean River Wildlife Management Area in Yell County and nearly 4,000 acres in the Gulf Mountain WMA in Van Buren County.

On this date in history in 1946 the first helicopter for commercial use was licensed. Birthdays of note today include actor Alan Hale born in 1918 and actress and model Kathy Ireland was born this date in 1963.

KWXI News March 5, 2010

Arkansas lawmakers are formally ending the state's first-ever fiscal session with little fanfare. The Legislature is scheduled to meet briefly Thursday to formally adjourn the session. The House and Senate recessed last week after giving final approval to the state's $4.5 billion spending plan and legislation setting amounts for lottery-funded scholarships.
Lawmakers aren't expected to attempt an override of the only veto Gov. Mike Beebe issued from the session. Beebe rejected legislation that would have taken money from the fund that finances constitutional officers to pay the cost of redistricting. Lawmakers had rejected Beebe's proposal to borrow money from their fund for local projects to pay for redistricting.

A top official of a Texas-based company that has a construction-materials plant at Hope says 50 to 60 people will lose their jobs when the facility shuts down at the end of April.
Irving-based Commercial Metals Co. chairman, president and CEO Murray Mc Clean says the workers have been told their last day will be April 29. Commercial Metals is the parent of the CMC Joist and Deck Co. fabricating facility at Hope that builds lightweight steel joists used in construction of large retail stores. The plant laid off 60 workers in January because of reduced demand for its products. Mc Clean said Friday that officials of the parent company have decided to get out of the joist and deck fabrication business because the outlook for demand is weak.

State officials say they don't know the whereabouts of around 350 sex offenders currently living in Arkansas. There are nearly 10,000 registered sex offenders currently living in the Natural State, and Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) statistics show that number grows by 9-10% every year. All who are registered are divided into four levels based on law enforcement's evaluation of how dangerous they are: level one offenders are only considered to be a minor threat, but level four offenders are considered serious threats. Officials say the most difficult part of tracking them all is that many offenders stay on the move. 50 sex offenders are currently registered as living in Benton. Lt. Kevin Russell with Benton Police says his office does monthly check-ins with registered offenders and alert neighborhoods when someone moves in.

The Arkansas Department of Health says another person has died of complications from swine flu in Arkansas. Ed Barham, public information officer for the Health Department, said Tuesday that the death occurred last week, but he couldn't release additional information. Barham says there have been 30 deaths since the pandemic started in Arkansas in August. He says reports of hospitalizations and absenteeism from schools has slowed in recent months, but anyone can still contract the flu, also known as H1N1. Barham says most of the deaths have been of people in the 45-64 age group, but he says the illnesses and deaths have occurred in all age ranges.

On this date in history in 1960 Elvis Presley gets out of the Army after a two year hitch. Birthdays of note today include singer Andy Gibb born this date in 1958.

KWXI News Thursday March 4, 2010

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Keet is calling for a phase out of the state's capital gains taxes and a reduction in the state's income tax. Keet on Tuesday made his bid for the state's highest office, filing paperwork at the state Capitol. Keet said at a news conference that he believed the state's tax structure is forcing businesses out of Arkansas.
Keet, a restaurant owner and former state legislator, is the only Republican who has announced a run for governor. Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe is seeking a second term and has enjoyed high popularity in the state.

An earthquake along the New Madrid Fault Line rattled a few homes Tuesday afternoon. According to the United States Geological Survey, a 3.7 earthquake hit southeast Missouri around 1:30 PM. The quake's epicenter was about 2 miles east of East Prairie, Missouri. The depth of the quake was about 3 miles deep. No major damage has been reported, but many people reported feeling the quake. Students and faculty evacuated the East Prairie High and Junior High Schools as a precaution. Reports to the USGS say the quake was felt in parts of Lexington Kentucky, and Indianapolis, Indiana.

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a former Pulaski County circuit judge seeking to file for re-election even though the state Supreme Court removed him from the bench. In a 15-page order Tuesday, U.S. District Judge James M. Rosenbaum dismissed the suit filed by former judge Willard Proctor Jr., finding that the federal court did not have jurisdiction in the case. Proctor wanted the judge to issue a temporary injunction allowing him to file for re-election, but Rosenbaum dismissed the case instead. The Arkansas Supreme Court removed Proctor from the bench in January over his dealings with the Cycle Breakers program, which aimed to keep probationers from committing more crimes. The federal judge sided with the Arkansas attorney general's office, which argued that the case should have been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

A judge in Jonesboro has sentenced a man to six years in prison for breaking into a convenience store and stealing lottery tickets. Thirty-year-old Robert Dewayne Buford of Jonesboro pleaded guilty Friday to theft and commercial burglary. Buford was arrested after a Kum & Go convenience store was burglarized Oct. 17. Officials say $2,400 in lottery tickets were taken. Circuit Judge Cindy Thyer suspended an additional four-year sentence on the condition that Buford testify against an accomplice. The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery can track each ticket and stolen tickets are easily voided.

On this date in history many US Presidents were sworn in when the inauguration was in March and in 1801 Thomas Jefferson was the first to be sworn in in DC. IN 1849 the US had no President for a day since Polk’s term had expires and Taylor couldn’t be sworn in due to the weather.

Birthdays of note today include football player and coach Knute Rockne born on this date in 1888.

KWXI News March 3, 2010
 
Arkansas financial officials says the state's revenues came in above expectations last month - but are below last year's collections. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration on Tuesday said the state's net available revenues in February totaled $181.5 million. That's $25.9 million below last year's figures and $14.3 million above forecast. Deputy Director Tim Leathers said the revenues were higher than forecast mostly because the state handed out less in income tax refunds than expected. The state's individual income and sales tax collections were both lower than last year's figures and lower than the state had expected. Arkansas has cut $206 million from its budget over the past year because of drops in tax revenues.
 
Gov. Mike Beebe has vetoed a portion of the budget that would have been used to pay for redistricting. The General Assembly ended its first-ever fiscal session on Thursday, though Beebe and legislators could not come to an accord on where the reapportionment money should come from. Beebe explained Monday in a letter to the Senate that he disagreed with a legislative proposal to tap $1.6 million from the Central Services Fund. Beebe was willing to use $1.3 million from the unclaimed property fund. But lawmakers rejected Beebe's request to borrow money from a local projects fund. Beebe says using money in the State Central Services Fund would take dollars from a fund that "supports the core functions of our government."
 
State Sen. Shane Broadway says he's running for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. In a news release Broadway that said he would hold a formal event today to launch his bid. He made the announcement shortly after Lt. Gov. Bill Halter said he would challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln in the May primary. Halter was elected lieutenant governor in 2006. Broadway, who is from Bryant, has served in the state Senate since 2003 and is a former state House speaker.
 
AFL-CIO leaders say the decision to oppose Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln's re-election bid will send a message to other Democrats who fall out of step with unions. Officials at the nation's largest labor federation call the move part of a more aggressive posture to make sure labor's support is not taken for granted. At least three unions have already pledged $1 million each to helping Arkansas Lt. Gov. Bill Halter in his primary challenge to Lincoln. The AFL-CIO's political director says other Democrats who won support in the past may find that they are not endorsed or endorsed without spending resources.
The federation's political agenda for the year was discussed at the AFL-CIO's annual winter meeting in Florida.
 
On this date in history in 1847 the Postal Department is authorized to issue postage stamps, in 1885 AT&T in incorporated and in 1931 The Star Spangled Banner officially becomes the US National Anthem.
 
Birthdays of note today include country singer Lou DeWitt of the Statler Brothers born this date in 1931.

KWXI News Tuesday March 2, 2010

Economic indicators of a newly released regional survey increased significantly from previous months, pointing to improving economic growth in the months ahead. But the survey of business leaders and supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states, including Arkansas, released Monday also found signs of inflation in the months to come. The Business Conditions Index for the Mid-America region jumped to 61 in February from 54.7 in January and 50.3 in December. The index ranges from zero to 100. Any score above 50 suggests economic growth in the next three to six months. Conversely, a score below 50 suggests a contracting economy in coming months. The Mid-America survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Two people are dead after an accident on Interstate 40 near Russellville that involved three tractor- trailers and a pickup. The accident occurred just before 7 a.m. Monday and authorities shut down both the interstate and nearby State Highway 64 for about an hour.
Pope County Sheriff Aaron Duvall says the wreck caused one tractor-trailer to run off the highway, where it caught fire. He says the two bodies were recovered from that vehicle, which was carrying vegetables. Duvall didn't release the name of the company that owned that vehicle and said the drivers in the other vehicles received minor injuries or were not injured at all.

Lt. Bill Halter says he is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Sen. Blanche Lincoln this fall. Halter's spokesman provided a statement yesterday in which the one-term lieutenant governor said he would file papers for the U.S. Senate this week. Halter is the only Democrat to formally announce a challenge to Lincoln as she seeks a third term.
Lincoln faces a tough re-election fight this year, with eight Republicans already announcing interest in the seat. Groups on the left have criticized her stances on labor, health care and air pollution regulations. Halter is a former Clinton administration official and was elected lieutenant governor in 2006 and led the campaign for the lottery amendment Arkansas voters approved in 2008.

The Circus is coming to Southwest Arkansas. The Kelly-Miller Circus has been pleasing crowds since 1938 and will bring the big top to Glenwood March 31st with shows at 5:00pm and 7:30pm at the junction of US Hwy 70 and 70B West. Advance tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, Wright’s Food Center, Judy’s Grocery in Amity, Diamond Bank and First National Bank in Glenwood, Chambers Bank in Amity and Dunlap’s Store in Kirby.

On this date in history in 1976 Walt Disney World welcomed their 50 millionth visitor.

Birthdays of note today include Theodore Geisel, aka Dr. Suess, born in 1904 and actor Desi Arnaz born this date in 1917.

KWXI News Monday March 1, 2010

Gov. Mike Beebe says he's more concerned about taking money from a fund that finances constitutional officers than the state's unclaimed property fund to pay for various budget needs. Beebe said Thursday he hasn't ruled out vetoing a bill that would take $1.6 million from the Central Services Fund to pay for redistricting costs. Finance officials project the fund will end this budget year with a $1.9 million deficit. Beebe said he's not worried about using $1.3 million from the unclaimed property fund. The state auditor estimates there's about $52 million in the fund.

Lawmakers rejected Beebe's request to borrow money from their fund for local projects to pay for the needs. The Legislature has agreed to loan $6.3 million from the fund, mostly to pay counties for housing state inmates.

The Arkansas Supreme Court will decide if a Memphis man charged with shooting two soldiers at a Little Rock military recruiting station will have his defense paid for by the state. A Pulaski County circuit judge ruled that the state's Public Defender Commission should pay to defend the man charged with capital murder of 23-year-old Army Pvt. William Long of Conway and the wounding of another soldier outside the recruiting station last June 1. The agency appealed that decision and the state Supreme Court on has ordered an expedited hearing in the case.

After a proposed long-distance consolidation proposal was rejected by state officials, the Weiner school district is looking elsewhere for a partner. The Weiner school board has voted to request another meeting with the Harrisburg school board to discuss the possible consolidation of the two districts. Enrollment in the Weiner district in Poinsett County has been below the state-minimum 350-student mark for two straight years, leading to talk of consolidation. The district proposed merging with the Delight school district, located about 200 miles away, but the state Board of Education rejected that proposal earlier this month.

A former Arkansas lawmaker and business owner says he's likely to run for the Republican nomination for governor. Jim Keet, a former member of the state House and Senate, said late last week that he was leaning toward running for the party's nomination for governor.

On this date in history in 1937 the fist permanent automobile license plates were issued in Connecticut and in 1941 the first FM radio station went on the air in Nashville, Tennessee.

Birthdays of note today include singer Jim Ed Brown born this date in 1934 in Sparkman, Arkansas and Ron Howard, aka Opie Taylor, born in 1953.

KWXI News February 26, 2010

Arkansas lawmakers have recessed their first-ever fiscal session, capping off two week's worth of work in which they approved the state's spending plan and set lottery scholarship amounts for students this fall. The House and Senate each recessed shortly after 11 yesterday morning. Both chambers gave final approval to $5,000 lottery scholarships for four-year students and $2,500 scholarships for two-year students. The Legislature also passed the state's $4.5 billion spending plan, which would restore most of the $206 million in budget cuts the state has made in the past year. The chambers planned to reconvene March 4 for formal adjournment and to consider overriding any vetoes Gov. Mike Beebe may issue.

The cities of Jonesboro, El Dorado and Harrison will share a $150,000 federal grant to promote airline service to and from Memphis. The U.S. Department of Transportation grant announced Tuesday is to help smaller cities improve their air service. The three cities recently began receiving air service to and from Memphis from Oregon-based SeaPort Airlines. SeaPort also announced it now has approval to add flights from Harrison to Kansas City and on to Salina, Kan. Jonesboro Municipal Airport Manager Philip Steed says the money can be spent on advertising and promotion to make people more aware of the air services that are available.

Senate President Bob Johnson says he won't challenge U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln in the Democratic primary in May. Johnson told reporters on Thursday that he's decided against running against Lincoln - a Democrat seeking a third term. Johnson is a former House speaker from Bigelow and says he's decided his family is more important than a Senate run.

State Representative Steve Cole of Lockesburg has been approved as chancellor of Cossatot Community College in De Queen. The University of Arkansas board of trustees voted 9-0 Wednesday to approve Cole on the recommendation of UA System President B. Allen Sugg. Cole will replace retiring Chancellor Frank Adams.

Arkansas based Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, says it wants its suppliers to reduce 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2015. Wal-Mart says it won't force suppliers to make changes but will work with them on projects that will reduce both emissions and costs.

On this date in history in 1930 the first red and green traffic signals were installed in New York City and also on this date in 1935 RADAR was first demonstrated.

Birthdays of note today include William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody born in 1846 and singer Johnny Cash was also born this date in 1932 in Kingsland, Arkansas.
 

KWXI News February 25, 2010

The Arkansas chapter of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now - or ACORN - is cutting ties with the national organization. Arkansas ACORN board member Donna Massey said Tuesday the state organization is suffering from the funding and public image problems affecting the national group. The Arkansas group is forming a new organization called Arkansas Community Organizations that plans to organize low- and medium-income people. Plans are to focus on health care improvements and crime prevention. ACORN was formed in Little Rock in 1970 as Arkansas Community Organizations for Reform Now. The national group has suffered bad publicity since conservative filmmakers secretly videotaped sessions with ACORN employees in several cities.

Little Rock Police are looking for two men who robbed a bank Tuesday morning. Authorities say that two black men entered the Centennial branch on Rodney Parham just before 11:30 a.m. armed and dressed in fatigues, demanded money and ran away with an undisclosed amount. This is the second time this bank has been robbed in two weeks. If you have any information on the robbery, call the Little Rock Police Department at (501) 371-4660.

A southwestern Arkansas fire chief is hospitalized in stable condition after suffering smoke inhalation while fighting a house fire. Horatio Chief Bruce Richardson was treated at the scene of the fire Monday afternoon before being flown by helicopter to a Texarkana hospital. No other injuries are reported. Fire Department secretary Reita Lofland says Richardson was not wearing a breathing apparatus and was having trouble breathing.
Lofland says the home is a total loss and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

A restaurant was evacuated and streets blocked off this week in Hot Springs after a car wash owner found a grenade on his property. The owner of the Magic Spray Carwash on Higdon Ferry near Oaklawn Park found the grenade in one of the car wash bays and called police. Bomb technicians, state police, the FBI and ATF were all called in. The pin was still in the grenade when it was found. Authorities took it to a safe location to be detonated.

Police in Mountain Home are questioning a teenage boy that officers say was found outside an elementary school with a toy gun. Lt. Sam Seamans says police were called just before 7:30 a.m. Wednesday to Nelson-Wilks-Herron Elementary to a report of a man with a gun in a car in the drop off lane at the school. Seamans says officers instead found the teenager with the toy gun and three other minors in the car. No names have been released.

On this date in history in 1836 Samuel Colt patented the first revolving barrel multi-shot firearm and in 1989 Coach Tom Landry was fired as the Cowboys head coach after 29 years. Birthdays of note today include actor Jim Backus born in 1913 and singer George Harrison born this date in 1943.

KWXI News February 24, 2010

Arkansas lawmakers are advancing proposals to pay for some budget needs using funds other than the ones lawmakers use for local projects around the state. The Joint Budget Committee  recommended the state use $800,000 from the unclaimed property proceeds trust fund for defibrillators for schools and for a health information exchange system. The panel also advanced legislation that would use $1.6 million from the state's central services fund to pay for redistricting costs. The items are among $9.2 million in programs Gov. Mike Beebe had proposed funding by borrowing from the Legislature's portion of the General Improvement Fund. The panel has backed Beebe's proposed $5.8 million loan from the fund to pay for programs in the departments of correction and community correction.

Arkansas lawmakers have rejected a hefty cut to Lt. Gov. Bill Halter's budget that would have laid off all but 1 of his staffers. The personnel subcommittee of the Joint Budget Committee Tuesday rejected the proposal to cut Halter's budget by more than $230,000. The proposal by Democratic Rep. Keith Ingram would have reduced Halter's budget from $366,695 a year to $129,580. Ingram also proposed cutting Halter's full-time staff from four to one. Ingram said he didn't believe Halter needed that large of an office because the lieutenant governor's job is part-time. The lieutenant governor presides over the senate and serves as governor when the state's chief executive is out of town or unable to perform his duties.

The president of the University of Arkansas System is recommending a state lawmaker as the next chancellor of Cossatot Community College in De Queen. Rep. Steve Cole would succeed retiring Chancellor Frank Adams if the UA board of trustees accepts the recommendation by UA President B. Alan Sugg. The board meets Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Little Rock.

Known as the "Grandad Bandit," a man in his 60s has now been implicated in two Arkansas bank robberies. Authorities do not know his name, but they say he has hit nearly 20 banks in 12 states over the past two years including an Arvest Bank in Little Rock last July and a Fort Smith bank in December. The FBI  says he will typically enter the bank, approach a teller and hand them a note demanding money. He may be driving a silver sport utility vehicle, but officers say they have no reason to believe he is in Arkansas. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of this criminal. If you have any information that may be helpful in the investigation contact the local police department or the FBI.

On this date in history in 1845 the first baseball team was organized and in 1957 President Eisenhower sent federal troops to Little Rock to protect the nine students entering the newly integrated high school.

Birthdays of note today include sportscaster Jim McKay born this date in 1921.

KWXI News February 23, 2010

A group of Fort Smith business owners are proposing the sale of alcohol on Sunday for off-premises consumption. Off-premises consumption means beer, wine or liquor purchased in a store must be consumed elsewhere. Several convenience store operators are circulating petitions asking for a vote on the issue. Supporters need 3,075 registered voters in Fort Smith to sign the petition to get the question on the ballot. Alcohol sales for on-premise consumption in restaurants and bars were approved in 2001. Supporters say residents are currently driving across the state line into Oklahoma where alcohol sales are allowed on Sundays.

Two inmates who walked away from a community correction center last month now face an extra three years behind bars. Authorities say 20-year-old Sidney Bradbury and 24-year-old Jeremy Goforth will serve their escape sentences after they finish up their terms at Southwest Arkansas Community Correction Center. Bradbury was serving a 2-year sentence for theft and fraudulent use of a credit card, while Goforth was serving a 1-year sentence for theft. The two men were captured Jan. 20 walking along Interstate 30, just hours after they escaped.

Hit and run accidents, like the one recently that injured State Representative Roy Ragland and his wife, is only one of many that happen every month in the capital city.
If you are involved in a crash, you are required by law to render aid and identify yourself. If you don't, it becomes classified as a hit-and-run and Little Rock Police say more than 100 such crashes happen every month. Roughly 50 crashes each month are on private property and 80 are on public streets. Little Rock Police have dedicated two detectives to work full-time on these cases just to handle the volume. Accidents involving damage only to property are misdemeanors, but if someone is injured it becomes a felony.

Officials say 212 workers are likely to lose their jobs by the end of the year at a Fort Smith plant that makes air conditioning systems, mostly for homes. Ingersoll Rand, the parent firm of Trane Residential Solutions, said Friday that some of the production at the Trane plant at Fort Smith will be moved to a plant in Lynn Haven, Fla. The company said 197 hourly employees and 15 salaried employees would lose their jobs, as currently planned, but "the actual number of employees affected could change depending on fluctuations in production levels, attrition and other factors."

On this date in history in 1836 the Alamo is attacked by Santa Anna and in 1927 President Coolidge created the Federal Radio Commission, no the FCC.

Birthdays of note today include former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Ed “Too Tall” Jones born this date in 1951.

 

KWXI News February 22, 2010

What could be the last week of the state's first fiscal session is underway.
Lawmakers are scheduled to take up legislation to set the amounts of scholarships to be funded by Arkansas' lottery today. Legislative leaders say they believe the session could end by Friday, with votes planned late this week on Gov. Mike Beebe's proposed $4.5 billion spending plan for the coming year. The House Rules Committee plans to consider legislation that would fund $5,000 scholarships for four-year schools and $2,500 scholarships for two-year schools with the net proceeds from Arkansas' lottery. Arkansas began selling lottery tickets in late September, and the games are expected to raise $112 million annually for the scholarships. So far no scholarships have been awarded.

A man charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of the son of Malvern's mayor now faces another murder charge in Hot Springs. Hot Springs police issued an arrest warrant for capital murder Thursday for 23-old Timothy Allen Wells in the shooting death of 53-year-old Hot Springs resident. Wells was charged earlier this week with first- degree murder in the shooting death of 30-year-old Stephan Shane Northcutt in Malvern, the son of Mayor Steve Northcutt. Wells is being held without bond in the Hot Spring County jail after a court hearing Wednesday in which he appeared without an attorney. Police have declined to discus possible motives for the killings.

A federal judge says a Benton pre-school center violated federal law when a cook's assistant was fired after telling her employer she had been selected for a jury pool in federal court at Little Rock. U.S. District Judge Bill Wilson Jr. did not immediately impose a penalty on The Learning Center after his decision Friday at the conclusion of a 2½-hour hearing Friday. The center's owner and operator could be ordered to pay a fine of up to $5,000, perform community service and compensate the fired employee for lost wages.

Two more small earthquakes were reported late Thursday and early Friday morning.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Web site, a 1.3-magnitude earthquake was reported at 9:37 p.m. about three miles north northwest of Greenbrier and five miles south southwest of Guy. The second one, a 1.6-magnitude quake recorded at about 3:04 a.m., was recorded about three miles north of Greenbrier and four miles south southeast of Twin Groves. Two other small earthquakes were recorded on Wednesday night and Thursday morning in the same vicinity.

The Pike County Quorum Court meets tonight at 7 PM in the courthouse at Murfreesboro according to Judge Don Baker. The meeting is open to the public.

The John Pelphrey show will air on 98.9 FM tonight starting at 7 PM.

On this date in history in 1856 the Republican Party held their first national meeting in Pittsburg. Birthdays of note today include the father of our country George Washington born this date in 1732.

KWXI News Friday February 19, 2010

Gov. Mike Beebe's $4.5 billion spending plan for the upcoming year has advanced out of a legislative committee. The Joint Budget Committee on Thursday endorsed the proposed Revenue Stabilization Act that sets the state's spending priorities based on expected revenues. The measure now heads to the House floor for a vote. Beebe's proposal increases general revenue spending by $176 million. It restores most of the $206 million in budget cuts that have been made over the past year. The Legislature has been meeting for a fiscal session, the first under a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2008 requiring lawmakers to meet and budget every year.

Arkansas lawmakers want to prevent the state from paying the legal bills for criminal defendants who have hired private attorneys. A proposal endorsed Thursday by the Joint Budget Committee would allow payment only for lawyers who get clients through the Arkansas Public Defender Commission. The measure is in response to Abdulhakim Muhammad's request that the state pay his legal bills. Muhammad is charged with capital murder of Army Pvt. William Long and the wounding of another soldier outside a Little Rock recruiting station. He's claimed the shootings were justified because of U.S. military action in the Middle East. The proposed restriction wouldn't affect Muhammad because it is included in the commission's budget for next fiscal year.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. says its fourth-quarter profit rose 22 percent as the world's largest retailer cut costs and slimmed down its inventories. But the discounter says a key measure of sales showed its third consecutive quarterly decline. Wal-Mart says it earned $4.63 billion, or $1.21 per share, in the quarter ended Jan. 31. That compares with $3.8 billion, or 96 cents per share, in the same quarter last year. The company says that total sales rose 4.4 percent to $113.6 billion. However, sales at stores open at least a year fell 1.6 percent. That's considered an important measure of a retailer's health. Analysts expected a profit of $1.12 per share on revenue of $114.4 billion.

A man who has dug for treasure at Crater of Diamonds State Park for more than three decades has made his biggest find yet, a 2.13 carat chestnut-colored diamond.

Glenn Worthington started looking for diamonds at the park in 1978, and he found 10 that summer. Yesterday Worthington registered a stone that he and his wife decided to name the "Brown Rice Diamond," because of its color and dimensions. The stone is several times larger than a rice grain, however. Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only park of its kind, where patrons can keep any diamonds they find. Last April, Worthington found a 2.04-carat stone that he named the "Easter Sunrise Diamond." Both gems have elongated shapes.

On this date in US history in 1884 tornadoes in seven states killed 800 people and also on this date in 1913 the first prize was placed in a box of Cracker Jacks.

Birthdays of note today include actor Lee Marvin born in 1924.

KWXI News February 18, 2010

Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe is proposing to repay $10 million he wants to take from a fund lawmakers use for one-time projects to help pay for various budget needs.  Lawmakers on Wednesday reviewed the governor's proposed $4.5 billion spending plan for the current year. Beebe has proposed using $10 million from the legislative portion of the General Improvement Fund and $3 million from his side of the fund for various budget items. Most of the money would go toward reimbursing counties for housing state inmates. Beebe's proposal introduced on Wednesday calls for paying that money back using any fund balances from state agencies at the end of the fiscal year.

The Saline County Quorum Court is considering a daytime curfew in an effort to reduce truancy and juvenile crime. The court passed the proposal on first reading Tuesday and will vote on it again in March. The curfew would prohibit anyone under age 18 from being on the streets from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. when public schools are in session. County Judge Bobby McCallister says it's based on a daytime curfew in Pine Bluff.  The proposal would be an unclassified misdemeanor. Officials say they have no plans to fine youths or send them to jail - but some might be ordered to do community service. Some parents at the meeting expressed concerns about home-schooled students and said freedoms are being taken away.

The Arkansas Court of Appeals says five members of the Tony Alamo Christian Ministries who are challenging the state's seizure of their children have a valid point on appeal - but should've raised the issue at trial. The parents say Circuit Judge Joe Griffin shouldn't have granted the Department of Human Services' request for a directed verdict before they could present their case. The judge made his decision saying a full hearing had been held beforehand regarding the children's siblings - who had been placed in DHS custody. The appeals court says it refused to reverse the decision because the claim was made first on appeal, not at the trial level. The state took 23 children in 2008 after concerns of underage marriage and beatings in Alamo's church.

A federal judge in Little Rock is ordering a business owner in Benton to explain why an employee was fired after being called to jury duty. Andrew Bunten is to appear before U.S. District Judge Bill Wilson on Friday to explain the firing of Elizabeth Curtis of Alexander. Curtis worked as a cook at The Learning Center of Benton - which is a group of preschools owned and operated by Bunten. Bunten attorney Justin Minton says the firing just happened to coincide with other issues. He declined to elaborate. Curtis says a termination letter she was given makes it clear she was fired because her supervisors believe the jury duty notice is false. Firing an employee because of jury duty is a violation of both state and federal law.

On this date in history in 1895 Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was first published. Birthdays of note today include George “The Gipper” Gipp, Notre Dame football great, was born in 1895 and actress Cybill Shepherd was also born this date in 1949.

The Montgomery Co. Sheriff's Ofc. has requested activation of a Silver Alert. Point of contact for additional information is Chief Dep. John Logan - (870) 867-3151.

John Turner Jacobs

Age and/or DOB: 5/31/1931
Missing Date: 2/17/2010
Missing Time: 06:45 am
Missing from City: Mt. Ida
Missing from County: Montgomery Sex: Male
Race: White
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 190
Hair: Brown/Grey
Eyes: Blue
Complexion is described as: Fair
Circumstances
N/A The missing Individual was last known to be at 439 Hwy 270 E near Exxon Tiger Mart .

Last seen wearing Brown Jacket/Tan Pants/Ball Cap.

Missing individual may be traveling in: 705GBR AR/1989 Ford LTD/Cream color

Anyone having information should contact:
Montgomery Co. Sheriff's Ofc. (870) 867-3151

KWXI News February 17, 2010

A shortfall in state revenue will mean about $36.2 million fewer dollars for Arkansas Public School Fund budget. The fund was cut by $44 million in January - but nearly $7 million was taken from reserves to offset that cut. The remainder of the cuts will be made in about two dozen state education initiatives. The standardized testing program and the Arkansas Public School Computer Network system are each being cut by about $1 million. And a program for schools where high percentages of students take the rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, teacher merit pay plans and bonuses for speech-language pathologists are being cut more than $1 million. Another $20 million is being cut from a program for districts that saw increased enrollment this year.

Arkansas lawmakers say they want more influence over how the state will reduce the cost of Medicaid programs by $400 million. Arkansas Department of Human Services Director John Selig told lawmakers the department plans to keep next year's budget for the program at the same level as this year. But Selig says that means cutting $400 million in the program because of increasing costs and more clients. Selig says he's asked Medicaid service providers and others to offer suggestions by March 1st on where to cut. The Legislature may wrap up its roughly month-long fiscal session by then. Sen. Randy Laverty on Tuesday said he's worried that the Legislature won't have a role in deciding where the cuts would be made.

House Speaker Robbie Wills is proposing Arkansas delay for one year its lottery-funded scholarship eligibility requirements for students from schools identified by the state as grade inflaters. Wills on Tuesday said he would propose the delay when the lottery's legislative oversight committee planned to meet. Wills said he had worked over the weekend on a compromise on the stricter requirements that one lawmaker said was unfair to the students. Wills said delaying the requirements for a year would give the state time to work on a more long-term solution to the grade inflation issue. The proposed delay would be included in legislation setting the amounts for scholarships to be funded by the state's lottery. There have been no scholarships awarded so far.

Former Gov. Mike Huckabee's daughter Sarah will be managing Republican congressman John Boozman's campaign for a US Senate seat in Arkansas. Boozman's campaign announced the appointment yesterday. Sarah Huckabee was director of her father's political action committee and was national political director for his unsuccessful presidential bid in 2008.

The Razorbacks take on South Carolina tonight and you can hear the game on 98.9 FM with the pre-game show at 7:30 this evening.

On this date in history in 1959 the first weather satellite, the Vanguard 2, was launched. Birthdays of note today include A. Montgomery Ward born in 1844 and Michael “Air” Jordon born this date in 1963.

KWXI News February 16, 2010

Authorities in Jonesboro say a student brought a loaded gun to Westside Elementary School, but no one was hurt and a teacher quickly took the weapon away from the student. Westside Superintendent James Best says a student told a teacher at about 7:55 a.m. Monday that another student brought a gun to school. The teacher immediately confronted the student and obtained the gun in less than five minutes. Best says the school did not go into lockdown because the incident was quickly controlled. This is the same school district where the horrific school shootings took place in 1998. A 6th grader in another Jonesboro district took a gun to his school just two weeks ago. Best says the student in question will be punished according to policy, but the school and Craighead County Sheriff's Office are both still investigating.

Malvern residents are in shock after the mayor's son was found shot to death.
The body Shane Northcutt, 30, was found about 4 a.m. Sunday outside a home on the city's east side, just blocks away from his own home. State Police Spokesperson Bill Sadler says Malvern Police called the state police for assistance in the homicide investigation, and they have been working around the clock ever since. Officials have given no motive or suspect information, nor any leads on why someone would gun down Mayor Steve Northcutt's son.

Arkansas lawmakers are moving closer toward voting on Gov. Mike Beebe's $4.5 billion spending plan this week. Meanwhile, compromises are being sought on lottery-funded scholarships and plans to use General Improvement Fund money for budget needs. The chairmen of the Joint Budget Committee said they expect the panel to vote this week on the proposed Revenue Stabilization Act - which sets the state's funding priorities for the year based on expected revenues. Beebe released his proposed spending plan last week after lawmakers complained that they weren't comfortable giving it an early vote without seeing details of the bill. Lawmakers will also discuss whether to change the state's lottery law to ease the scholarship eligibility requirements for students who graduate from schools identified by the state as grade inflaters.

Wintry weather prompted Oaklawn Park to call off thoroughbred racing before the $150,000 Southwest Stakes could be run. The track canceled the remainder of its card yesterday after the fourth race, citing a danger to horses and jockeys. The mile race is the first of three Kentucky Derby prep races at the Hot Springs track. Track announcer Terry Wallace said the race would be rescheduled, but no date was immediately announced. The temperature hovered at about freezing Monday afternoon and the area had gotten a little snow overnight.

On this date in history in 1959 Fidel Castro named himself premier of Cuba after overthrowing Batista and in 1968 the first 911 phone system began operating in Haleyville, Alabama.

Birthdays of note today include ventriloquist Edgar Bergen born in 1903 and country singer and actor Jimmy Wakely born in Mineola, Arkansas in 1914.

KWXI News February 15, 2010

Garland County authorities say a man was fatally shot, reportedly as he tried to drive off on another man's four wheeler. The sheriff's office said 34-year-old Brian Luman was found dead early Friday outside the Pearcy home of  a friend, 35-year-old Robert Ryan Sipe. Sipe told investigators he woke up shortly after 3 a.m. to the sound of his four-wheeler starting up outside, and then saw the victim driving away on it. Sipe told deputies he got a handgun and fired two shots at the man fleeing on the four wheeler.

Before the current fiscal session started, state lawmakers were saying they had only a small amount of work to do on Arkansas’ lottery law during the session — just setting the amounts for lottery-funded scholarships and making a few minor improvements. Now, a week into the session, legislators say retooling the lottery law is proving to be more complicated than they expected. Some lawmakers fear it may be getting too complicated. There have been no scholarships awarded yet.

School superintendents across Arkansas are waiting to learn how much of $112 million in economic stimulus money they will get. The state already divided $229 million among the districts, for use for a wide range of projects. Some schools made repairs, some upgraded technology and others funded different programs. State officials are working to determine how much of the $112 million will have to be devoted to shore up budget deficits before what's left can go to the school districts. When the larger grant was awarded, $22 million was applied to cover a shortfall in higher education. In Lee County in east Arkansas, officials say they are still waiting for the first portion of the grant, which is needed to fix leaky roofs.

North Louisiana authorities say two Arkansas men died when the pickup truck they were in ran into a tour bus carrying members of country singer Trace Adkins' band.
Cindy Chadwick of the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office said five band members suffered minor injuries in the Saturday accident. Adkins wasn't on the bus. Chadwick said the pickup crossed the center line of U.S. Highway 71 and ran into the bus around 9:30 a.m.
Killed were the pickup truck driver, 21-year-old Justin Maxey of Fouke, Arkansas, and the passenger, 36-year-old Jeffrey Ferguson Jr., of Texarkana, Arkansas.

The Montgomery County Quorum Court will meet this evening at 7 PM in the court house at Mt. Ida and is open to the public.

District basketball tournaments get underway this week at area schools and will provide plenty of great basketball action for fans.

On this date in history in 1905 the first race meet was held at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs in 1931 on this date the first Dracula movie was released. Birthdays of note today include actor Ceaser Romero born in 1907.

KWXI News Thursday February 11, 2010

Arkansas lawmakers are trying to make up for time lost from wintry weather by advancing dozens of budget bills. The Joint Budget Committee on Wednesday endorsed more than seven dozen appropriations bills as the Legislature continued its first-ever fiscal session. The session is expected to last less than a month and is to focus primarily on the state's budget. Wintry weather this week had scaled back the Legislature's agenda, with the Senate and the budget panel not meeting on Tuesday. Both chambers met Wednesday afternoon. This is the first fiscal session held under a constitutional amendment voters approved in 2008 requiring the Legislature to meet and budget annually.

Arkansas State Police say a Little Rock man was killed when he was hit by a car while walking in a lane of traffic on Interstate 30. Troopers say 34-year-old Kevin Hall has hit early Wednesday morning while walking in an eastbound lane in south Little Rock. The driver of the car was not injured. State Police spokesman Bill Sadler says it's not clear why Hall was walking on the interstate.

The Delight School System is unsure of the next step for the school  after the Arkansas Board of Education denied a merger proposal that would have linked the Pike County school with another district over 200 miles away. Education commissioners voted unanimously to deny an administrative consolidation between Delight and  Weiner to form the Arcadia School District. Weiner is located in northeastern Arkansas in Poinsett County and was sought out as a potential merger partner for Delight after both school districts experienced two consecutive years of student enrollment numbers below the state-mandated figure of 350 students. Delight’s current enrollment is 313 and Weiner currently has 323 students.

Recent winter weather has taken a toll on local blood banks. The American Red Cross comes to the aide of Americans and Arkansans alike after tornados, floods and even winter weather. But the Greater Arkansas chapter was forced to close blood drives Monday and Tuesday this week, greatly decreasing the amount of blood being donated so officials are putting the call out for donors. You can find the donation site closest to you by calling (1-800) RED-CROSS.

The National Weather Service is forecasting snow and sleet for parts of the KWXI listening area today and snow tonight and Friday morning with the greatest chance tonight. Parts of north Arkansas still have power outages, closed schools and businesses as well as patchy ice on rural roads from storms that hit the state earlier in the week.

On this date in history in 1942 the first Archie comic book debuts.

Birthdays of note today include inventor Thomas Alva Edison born in 1847 and actor Burt Reynolds born this date in 1936.

KWXI News February 10, 2010

A wrecker on his way to help a stranded motorist yesterday found a dead body of a young black man around 2:15 p.m. under the Arch Street Bridge on Interstate 30 in Little Rock.. Officials believe the victim had been there for days and he was murdered, but few other details have been confirmed. The body has been sent to the state crime lab for autopsy.

The Arkansas Supreme Court is to hear oral arguments on April 15 in a utility's appeal of a ruling that voided its permit to operate a $1.6 billion coal-fired electric generation plant in southwest Arkansas. Southwestern Electric Power Company is challenging a ruling by the Arkansas Court of Appeals that found that the state Public Service Commission didn't follow proper procedures before issuing a permit. The plant is under construction near Fulton in Hempstead County, where nearby landowners challenged the permit in court.

The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Board ruled last month that SWEPCO was properly granted a separate air quality permit.

A new report ranks Arkansas 12th worst in the nation in the number of older citizens who've gotten a pneumonia shot. The report by the Trust for America's Health, the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation says 35.8 percent of Arkansans 65 and older have not received the vaccine. The report says the national average is 33.1 percent going without the shot. The vaccine helps prevent streptococcus. Streptococcus pneumonia accounts for about 25 to 30 percent of pneumonias and is the only pneumonia for which there is a vaccine.

The Arkansas Board of Education has voted to take over and split up the Twin Rivers School District in northern Arkansas. The board voted unanimously Monday to take over administration of the district. Students will be sent to other nearby districts after the current school year ends. The district has been on probation since the 2007-08 school year. Officials say the school was not teaching the 38 core courses that are required, did not have a professional development plan and that a teacher in the district was not in compliance with licensing requirements. The district was created in 2004 by the consolidation of the Williford and the Randolph County districts.

An assistant attorney general says he's seeking the Democratic nomination for a central Arkansas congressional seat. John Adams, who works in the criminal division of the attorney general's office, announced Monday that he's running for the 2nd district. Democratic Rep. Vic Snyder announced last month that was retiring at the end of his term and would not seek re-election.

On this date in history in 1956 Elvis Pressley recorded what would be a huge it, Heartbreak Hotel.

Birthdays of note today include actress Sharon Stone born in 1958 and former Clinton aide and now broadcaster George Stepanopoulos born this date in 1961.

KWXI News February 9, 2010

Winter weather has caused numerous closings and travel problems for a large part of Arkansas. The National Weather Service says that while most of the snow was north of Little Rock that there were reports in Central and Southwest Arkansas of snow, sleet and heavy rains as well as power outages. To check road conditions call 800-245-1672 or visit the web site www.arkansashighways.com. Temperatures in the KWXI listening are expected to be well above freezing today with afternoon highs in the upper thirties. More winter precipitation is expected Thursday and Friday of this week according to the Weather Service.

Gov. Mike Beebe says the Legislature can help set the tone for future fiscal sessions by being brief and keeping its focus on the state's budget. Beebe addressed members of the House and Senate on yesterday as they gathered for the first day of the fiscal session. The session is the first under a constitutional amendment requiring the Legislature to meet and budget annually. Beebe also told lawmakers that he's willing to support their recommendation of $5,000 scholarships for 4-year schools and $2,500 for 2-year schools to be funded by the state's lottery. Beebe had backed lower scholarship amounts for students already in school. The session is expected to last less than a month.

Former congressman Asa Hutchinson says he's not running for his old House seat in northwest Arkansas. Hutchinson announced Monday that he does not plan to run for the Republican nomination for the 3rd district seat in northwest Arkansas. Republican Congressman John Boozman announced Saturday he would not run for re-election and is running for the GOP Senate nomination. Boozman was elected to the House seat after Hutchinson resigned in 2001 to take a post with the George W. Bush administration.

A federal appeals court has upheld Arkansas' lethal injection procedure. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at St. Louis upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by three death-row inmates, including two who are scheduled to die over the next nine weeks.

Terrick Nooner, Don Williams and Jack Jones Jr. challenged the constitutionality of Arkansas' execution procedures. The appeals court ruled yesterday that Arkansas' three-drug protocol is "substantially similar to - and perhaps even more thorough than" a Kentucky procedure upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Centerpoint School Board will meet at 7 PM this evening in the High School Home Economics room. The meeting is open to the public.

The Newhope Fire Department will have a public meeting tonight at 7 PM to discuss the possibility of having  monthly bingo games as fundraisers. Residents of the community are encouraged to attend.

On this date in history in 1863 the fire extinguisher was patented by Alanson Crane. Birthdays of note today include singer Carole King born in 1942 and singer Travis Tritt born in 1963.

KWXI News Monday February 8, 2010

Gov. Mike Beebe told Arkansas beer distributors last week he doubts the Legislature would change state law to allow stores to sell alcohol on Sundays. He was asked about Sunday alcohol sales at the end of a speech to the distributors at their annual conference.

Beebe told the 50 wholesalers attending the conference that current state election laws allow voters to consider the issue at the local level. Arkansas has more dry counties than any state in the nation with just over half of the counties having no public sale of alcohol.

House Speaker Robbie Wills says he's changed his mind and won't raise money for his congressional bid during this year's legislative session. Wills said Friday that he thinks the focus on the legislative session should be on balancing the state's budget, not fundraising. Wills announced last week he's running for the Democratic nomination for the 2nd congressional district. The head of the House Rules Committee has said a ban on fundraising during the fiscal session only applies to House members seeking re-election. The committee will discuss the ban today, the first day of the fiscal session.

Wills had initially said he would raise money during the legislative session if the rules allowed it.

North Little Rock businessman Tom Cox says he's dropping out of the race for the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln. Cox, who had launched his bid last summer, said Friday that he's ending his campaign for the Senate. Cox says it was difficult to balance the campaign's demands with those of his family and his business. Cox is co-founder of the Arkansas Tea Party, which has organized protests around the state targeting President Barack Obama's budget policies.

Officials in the western Arkansas town of Paris are looking for a new supplier of electricity. Mayor Bill Elsken says Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co. notified him it will not longer sell wholesale electricity to the city beginning Feb. 1, 2011. OG&E spokesman Rob Ratley says the company is getting out of  wholesale contracts in an effort to manage its growth through 2020 without adding fossil-fuel power generation. Elsken says the city buys most of its power from the Southwestern Power Administration - but SWPA is providing the maximum amount of electricity allowed.

The Montgomery County Quorum Court will meet tonight at 7 PM in the court house according to County Judge Alvin Black. The Quorum Court meeting will be preceded by any committee meetings and all are open to the public.

On this date in history in 1837 the first US vice president was selected by the Senate. Richard Johnson served under President Van Buren. Also on this date in 1922 the White House was outfitted with a radio for he first time.

Birthdays of note today include actor Jack Lemmon born in 1925 and newsman Ted Koppel born in 1940.

KWXI News Friday February 5, 2010

Hot Springs Police believe a woman stabbed her husband to death Wednesday morning. Authorities were called to a residence on Linwood around 4:30 AM and found the body of Steven Haun, 47. His wife, Patricia Haun, was questioned by detectives and later arrested. She is charged with first degree murder, a class Y felony.

WalMart officials say they are cutting hundreds of jobs at their Bentonville headquarters as part of a move to trim costs. The 300 positions set to be cut are mainly in corporate support. The layoffs were announced Wednesday in a memo to employees. The company announced in January it would close 10 Sam's Club stores in California, leaving more than 11,000 people without jobs.

An England, AR man is in jail after Lonoke County authorities say they found counterfeit money in his car following a traffic stop. Sheriff Jim Roberson says a deputy stopped the car driven by 23-year-old Mancel Castleberry and arrested him on a burglary warrant from Pulaski County. Roberson says deputies then found three bogus $20 bills and seven counterfeit $5 bills while searching the car. The counterfeit bills have been turned over to the U.S. Secret Service and Castleberry is being held in the Lonoke County Detention Facility.

Authorities say a Mississippi man who was working on a cellular phone tower in Arkansas died after falling about 100 feet from the structure. Terry Thompson, 51, of was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident near U.S. 70 in Saline County. Officials say he died on impact. Authorities say Thompson had 37 years experience working on towers.

More than 20,000 Arkansas students will benefit from state lottery-funded scholarships. Lawmakers have recommended students who go to four-year colleges be eligible for scholarships worth $5,000, and $2,500 for students at two-year institutions. The panel backed the amounts despite a recommendation from Governor Mike Beebe's office that lower scholarships be awarded for students already in college, but the amounts are not finalized yet. Beebe also advised lawmakers to assume the lottery would bring in less than the $112 million predicted. The legislative fiscal session begins Monday.

Midway Missionary Baptist youth will have a Haiti fundraiser at Plyler’s in Glenwood Saturday starting at 9AM and there will be a fundraiser for Ryan Hamilton, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia, Saturday afternoon at the Glenwood Christian School starting at 1 PM.

On this date in history in 1922 Reader’s Digest was first published.

Birthdays of note today include 1957 National League MVP Hank Aaron born in 1934.

KWXI News Thursday February 4, 2010

The Arkansas Parole Board has reversed course and overturned the parole of a convicted sex offender who failed to complete a program for sex offenders. The board had voted in December to parole 38-year-old Michael Butler after Correction Department Director Larry Norris asked that he not be required to complete the program. Norris' request was part of a settlement of a lawsuit Butler filed after he was beaten by prison guards. On Jan. 19 the board reconsidered the parole at the request of Gov. Mike Beebe and announced Tuesday its decision to rescind Butler's parole. Butler was charged with rape in Mississippi County and pleaded guilty in 2003 to a reduced charge of sexual assault as part of a plea deal. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

A federal judge has dismissed a civil lawsuit filed by members of the Tony Alamo Christian Ministries. U.S. District Judge Harry Barnes on Tuesday rejected claims that members' religious rights were infringed upon when the state seized underage children from ministry compounds in September and November 2008. Barnes said there was no evidence the Arkansas Department of Human Services acted in bad faith to deny the ministry members "their right to practice their religious beliefs." The lawsuit accused DHS of using the child-abuse investigation to disband the ministry. Alamo was sentenced to 175 years in prison after he was convicted of taking young girls across state lines for sex. The parental rights of several parents were terminated last week by Miller County Circuit Judge Joe Griffin.

An 18-year-old Little Rock high school student has been arrested after being found with a loaded gun on the school campus. Police made the arrest Monday at Hall High School. Police say a custodian called officers after seeing the student show off a .22 caliber weapon to another student behind the football field house.

The number of Arkansans receiving emergency food assistance has increased 49 percent since 2006, according to a recently released report. The report by the hunger-relief network Feeding America, titled “Hunger in America 2010,” states that 433,900 Arkansans now receive food assistance annually through the nation’s network of food banks and the agencies they serve. A 2006 report set the number at 291,500. Nationwide, 37 million people, or one in eight Americans — including 14 million children and nearly 3 million seniors — now receive emergency food, a 46 percent increase since 2006.

On this date in history in 1861 the Confederate Constitutional Convention met for the first time in Montgomery, Alabama and elected Jefferson Davis President of the Confederacy.

Birthdays of note today include aviator Charles Lindberg born this date in 1902.

KWXI News Wednesday February 3, 2010

The Clinton Presidential Center plans a new exhibit on the Oklahoma City bombing. The exhibit, "Leadership in the Time of Crisis," will focus on former President Bill Clinton's role after the 1995 bombing of the Oklahoma City federal building. The exhibit is a partnership between the Clinton Foundation, the National Archives and the Oklahoma City National Memorial. The exhibit will include photos, video and artifacts from the attack. The exhibit opens March 1, and the center plans an event that night featuring survivors, families of victims, first responders and former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating and former first lady Cathy Keating. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the bombing that killed 168 people.

The State Board of Education will consider next week whether to allow the consolidation of two school districts on opposite sides of the state. The Weiner and Delight school districts are more than 200 miles apart - but want to merge to create the Arcadia School District. Both districts fall below the 350-student level - meaning they must be consolidated or annexed into another district. The schools say they can use technology to create a district benefiting all students. The board is to consider the request at its meeting Monday. For the consolidation to go into effect by July 1, the board must approve the request by May 1.

Entergy Corp. parlayed increased electricity usage and sharply lower fuel expenses into an 84 percent gain in fourth-quarter profit. For the October-through-December period, New Orleans-based Entergy earned $313.8 million, or $1.64 per share, on revenue of $2.5 billion. That's compared with year-ago earnings in the fourth quarter of $170.6 million, or 89 cents per share, on revenue of $3 billion. During the latest quarter, Entergy recorded a 63 percent drop in fuel-related expenses from $1.04 billion a year ago to $382.1 million. Entergy provides power to customers in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Texas.

The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery has identified the man who claimed the $25 million Powerball prize as Harold W. Bailey of Conway. The lottery said  that Bailey, who chose to take the cash option of $12.2 million, wound up with a check for $8.3 million after federal and state tax deductions. There have not been any scholarships awarded yet in the Scholarship Lottery.

The City of Glenwood has placed a dumpster on the lot next to the Glenwood Water & Sewer facility on North 1^st Street across from the fairgrounds for Glenwood citizens. Large items may be placed next to the dumpster and city employees will place them in the dumpster. No household trash will be allowed in the dumpster. The dumpster will help residents who have items they want to discard as well help with beautification of the city.

On this date in history in 1913 the 16^th Amendment to the US Constitution is ratified and that was the federal income tax amendment. Birthdays of note today include artist Norman Rockwell born in 1894 and also born on his date in 1904 Charlie “Pretty Boy” Floyd the infamous criminal.

February 2, 2010 KWXI News

Governor Mike Beebe says he accepted airline flights and hotel accommodations from Tyson Foods Inc., the Democratic Governors Association and the state Economic Development Commission in 2009. The reports are on his recently filed financial disclosure form. The governor said Tyson paid $337 for airline service from Dallas to Little Rock during his trip to Cuba in July. The Democratic Governors Association paid $174 for a night's hotel stay for a conference in Nashville in September. Beebe said the Economic Development commission paid $6,683 for hotel and airfare during a trade mission to Europe. He also says the commission's foundation paid $1,406 for the trip, but didn't specify what it was for. All of these functions were part of his duties as governor and had they not been paid for by others would have been expenses of the state.

The National Weather Service  says a new record for snowfall in January was set at one Ozarks community in Arkansas as a result of last week's storm, while the month was among the top 10 snowy Januarys at several other sites in the state. A news release from the agency Sunday said that, at Gilbert along the Buffalo River in Searcy County, January 2010 was the snowiest month since February 1929, and tied January 1926 for the snowiest January on record, with a total of 16.5 inches falling in last week's storm and one earlier in January. Gilbert is known to weather aficionados as often recording the lowest temperature in the state. The weather service also said that, at 10 other locations, January was one of the 10 snowiest Januaries on record. The agency listed those sites as Evening Shade, Calico Rock, Salem, Melbourne, Big Fork, Harrison, Damascus, Mountain Home, Booneville and Batesville. Some schools and business remained closed in Northern Arkansas today after last weeks ice and snow.

Entergy Arkansas is now reporting just under 500 customers are still without power following the winter storm. The company's Web site indicated 499 were in the dark yesterday in various parts of southern Arkansas. The outages were reported as far west as Hot Springs to southeast of Stuttgart and from Jacksonville in the north to south of Pine Bluff. The storm system moved into the state Thursday and Friday and dumped nearly a foot of snow in northern counties and dropped a sheet of ice on roads and power lines as far south as Pine Bluff and Hot Springs.

A January survey of business leaders in nine Midwest and Plains states, including Arkansas, suggests that the region's economy is picking up steam. The Business Conditions Index for the Mid-America region made a healthy jump in January, to 54.7, up from December's 50.3 and November's 47.5. The index ranges from zero to 100, and any score above 50 suggests economic growth in the next three to six months.

On this date in history in 1960 John F. Kennedy announced is candidacy for the presidency. Birthdays of note today include country singer Ricky Van Shelton born this date in 1952.

KWXI News Monday February 1, 2010

While the southern part of Arkansas is getting back to normal after last weeks ice and snow other parts of the state are still dealing with power outages, closings and bad road conditions. West central Arkansas and the northwest corner of the state still have residents without power and many schools in the northern part of the state will remain closed today.

Members of Arkansas' congressional delegation say a National Forest Service plan to close areas of the Ouachita National Forest to off-road vehicles should be stopped in its tracks. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Rep. Mike Ross say any such rule could hurt the economy in western Arkansas. Lincoln cites the Mena area in particular as one that would be hard-hit by an off-road vehicle ban in the national forest.  The forest covers 1.8 million acres in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.

The Arkansas Higher Education Department says that fall enrollment in state colleges and universities was up 6.2 percent from a year ago. The increase equals about 10,000 more students attending the state's 33 public colleges and universities and 11 private institutions. The numbers were announced Friday by the department. The total number of students for the fall semester was 164,997. One year earlier, the schools had enrollment of 155,352.Education officials say the recession has led to job losses, which has resulted in workers seeking to further their education to boost their employment chances.

Little Rock - A source says Republican congressman John Boozman will challenge two-term incumbent Democrat Blanche Lincoln this year for one of Arkansas' U.S. Senate seats. He will be the third of Arkansas' four congressmen to scrap a re-election bid. Boozman is the 10th Republican to enter the race. The source said the Republican from northwestern Arkansas would announce his decision Feb. 6. The source spoke on condition of anonymity so as to not undermine the official announcement.

The U.S. Labor Department has announced that it's recovering more than $1 million in overtime back wages from poultry processor Pilgrim's Pride Corp. In a statement issued Friday, the department said the back wages are owed to 798 former and current workers at the Pittsburg, Texas-based company's Dallas processing plant. In a consent decree filed in U.S. District Court in El Dorado, Ark., Pilgrim's Pride also agrees to pay for time spent by workers donning and removing work-related gear in all of its U.S. processing plants.

The Labor Department had accused Pilgrim's Pride violated federal law by not paying workers for all hours worked, including time spent putting on and removing protective clothing. Under the consent decree, however, Pilgrim's Pride admits to no wrongdoing.

On this date in history in 1893 Thomas Edison completed the world’s first movie studio in West Orange, NJ.

Birthdays of note today include Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis, born this date in 1968.

KWXI News Friday January 29^th, 2010

There are some closings and some travel problems due to the weather and we urge you to be sure about the road conditions before leaving. The Arkansas Highway Condition Hotline number is 1-800-245-1672 and stay tuned to KWXI for area closings or cancellations. The national Weather Service in North Little Rock has issued a Winter Weather Warning for a large part of the state including Montgomery, Garland and Polk Counties and while Pike County is not in this area the northern part of Pike County, including Glenwood, will likely see some ice and snow. If you need to have a closing or cancellation added to our list that we will frequently read on KWXI call 870-356-2151 and if you are directed to voice mail be sure and leave your name and callback number in addition to the information that needs to be on the air.

The Arkansas Livestock Show Association has cut the list of proposed sites for the Arkansas State Fair to four. The current location in Little Rock is among them. The other sites are two locations near the intersection of Interstates 40 and 440 in North Little Rock and along I-440 near U.S. 167 in the Jacksonville area. The association's board agreed to allow a buyer's agent to begin negotiating agreements to buy the land in the Jacksonville area. Fair officials say a lack of space and the appearance and safety of the neighborhood where the fair is now located led to discussions about moving.

The state Board of Parole has set a clemency hearing for a man scheduled to be executed in March for the killing of a Bald Knob woman. The hearing for Jack Harold Jones Jr. is set for Feb. 9. It will start with a parole board hearing in the morning and a victims' input hearing in the afternoon. Jones received a death sentence for the rape and slaying of Bald Knob bookkeeper Mary Phillips and an attack on her 11-year-old daughter. The parole board in 2007 rejected Jones' request for clemency, but he won a stay blocking his execution as he challenged the state's lethal injection protocols.

Arkansas' attorney general says he's sued a company that operates an online payday lending site that provides quick loans with triple-digit interest rates. Attorney General Dustin McDaniel says he's filed a lawsuit against Geneva Roth Ventures Inc., which operates the site loanpointusa dot com. The site advertises loans for Arkansas residents of up to $600 with a minimum interest rate of 364 percent. McDaniel says he's going after online sites that provide short-term, high-interest loans.

On this date in history in 1936 the first players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame included Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb and in 1951 Liz Taylor’s first divorce is granted from Conrad Hilton, Jr.

Birthdays of note today include actor and funny man W.C. fields born in 1880 and actor Tom Selleck was born this date in 1945. 

KWXI News January 28, 2010

The KWXI listening area will be under a winter storm watch from this afternoon until Friday morning and National Weather Service forecaster Joe Goudsward told KWXI News what Southwest Arkansas residents can expect the rain Thursday night to change to freezing rain and then to snow early Friday. Goudsward said to expect ice on bridges and elevated roads. For road condition information in Arkansas call 1-800-245-1672.

Pike County Quorum Court member Johnny Plyler of Glenwood doesn’t expect the operators of the Pike County Hospital to re-open the Murfreesboro facility. The Quorum Court voted unanimously to send a letter to the company contracted to operate the hospital advising them to get the hospital open or that the contract would be voided. The letter is expected to be sent today or tomorrow.

The Senate Rules Committee endorsed a proposal yesterday to allow state senators to keep raising money through the upcoming fiscal session. The vote was not unanimous and the full senate will have the final say on the matter on the first day of the session next month. Sen. Jim Luker, D-Wynne, said banning fundraising during the fiscal session would give “a serious advantage” to the opponents of senators who are either running for re-election or for another office.

Hearings are scheduled in Miller County Circuit Court on the custody status of children taken from the Tony Alamo Christian Ministries. DHS is expected to ask that parental rights be terminated so the children can be put up for adoption.  A DHS spokesperson says termination of parental rights is typically requested when parents are not meeting conditions set out by a judge. An advocate for the parents is Cheryl Barnes of the CPS Watch Legal Team. Barnes says the hearings are for 15 children ages 2 to 16 from four families. Barnes says the parents contend an order that they separate themselves from the Alamo ministry violates their religious freedoms.

Glenwood area pastors are will get together for a pastor’s alliance meeting this Friday at the Abundant Faith Church. The noon meeting will include a meal. If you plan to attend call 870-356-9090.

The basketball games between Umpire and Kirby that were to have been at Kirby this evening have been re-scheduled due to a scheduling conflict. The games will be played February 4^th starting with the junior game at 5:30 at Kirby according to Superintendent Jeff Alexander.

On this date in history Iceland becomes the first country to legalize abortion in 1935 and in 1957 Elvis Presley made his very first TV appearance on the Dorsey Brothers Stage Show.

Birthdays of note today include actor Alan Alda born in 1936.

KWXI News Wednesday January 27, 2010

The Arkansas Supreme Court has ordered the removal of Pulaski County Circuit Judge Willard Proctor Jr. from the bench, finding he had an inappropriate relationship with some of his defendants. In a 64-page order the high court sided with the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission, which sought Proctor's removal from the bench. The court found that although Proctor had "good intentions" with his Cycle Breakers program for probationers, "good or true intentions do not absolve a judge of his or her ethical duties under the canons," said the court's opinion, written by Associate Justice Paul Danielson.

Gov. Mike Beebe has set an execution date of April 12 for Don William Davis, a killer who was among Arkansas death row inmates who challenged the state's lethal injection procedure. Davis was convicted in the 1990 execution-style slaying of Jane Daniel of Rogers. Earlier this month, Beebe set a March 16 execution date for Jack Harold Jones Jr., who killed a Bald Knob bookkeeper. One other inmate, Stacey Eugene Johnson, has exhausted appeals.

Congressman Marion Berry will join Representative Vic Snyder in retirement next year. The US Representatives from Arkansas' 1st and 2nd Districts have now both announced they will not seek re-election.

A new tax relief law allows taxpayers who contributed in 2010 to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti to take a tax deduction for the contribution on their 2009 tax return instead of their 2010 return. Only cash contributions made to these charities after Jan. 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, are eligible. This includes contributions made by text message, check, credit card or debit card. The contributions must be made specifically for the relief of victims in areas affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti.
According to the law, you may deduct these contributions on either your 2009 or 2010 returns, but not both.

Glenwood police continue to investigate recent burglaries at businesses and business owners and residents are encouraged to keep doors locked, valuables out of sight and to report any suspicious behavior to police. The Arkansas Attorney General’s office continues to warn residents to be careful when asked to donate to Haiti causes and to make sure the person or organization is legitimate before donating.

On this date in history in 1948 the first tape recorder is sold, in 1967 the Apollo 1 fire kills US Astronauts Grissom, White and Chaffee and also in 1967 the New Orleans Saints sign their very first player, kicker Paige Cothren.

Birthdays of note today include the father of the modern nuclear navy Admiral Hyman G. Rickover born in 1900 and actress Donna Reed was born this date in 1921.
 

KWXI News Tuesday January 26, 2010

State prison officials say an inmate at a work-release center in Texarkana is missing after he never returned from his job at a milling company. Department of Correction spokeswoman Dina Tyler says 39-year-old Arthur Newberry was missing when workers went to pick him up at his job early Monday morning. Tyler says Newberry normally works a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift, and that someone may have picked him up at the milling company and drove him away. Newberry was serving a 14-year sentence out of Pulaski County for aggravated robbery, forgery and second-degree battery. He would have been eligible for parole in June 2011. Newberry is described as a white male, standing 6 foot 3 inches tall and weighing 200 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes.

State police say requests for permits to carry a concealed guns in Arkansas are back to more routine levels after showing a sharp increase in late 2008 and early 2009.

State police records show that the number of applications for concealed-carry permits totaled 1,199 in November 2008, but jumped to 2,072 in December of that year. The records show that the numbers continued to rise through March, when 3,472 applications were filed, before dropping back to 1,199 requests in December 2009.

Wal-Mart has laid off an unspecified number of Sam's Club staffers. The nationwide cuts mostly affect the warehouse club's demo department, which offers samples to customers and demonstrates products, but other departments also lost staff. Employees were told the news at mandatory meetings on Sunday morning. Earlier this month, Wal-Mart closed 10 Sam's Club stores, resulting in about 1,500 jobs being lost.

The Wickes and Van-Cove school boards in Polk County have approved a merger of the two districts. Van-Cove Superintendent Andy Curry said that the two boards met late last week and both approved the consolidation on 6-1 votes. The Wickes district was placed on the state Education Department's fiscal-distress list in November, and the Van-Cove district has been suffering from declining enrollment. Curry said paperwork on the consolidation was filed with the state agency Friday, including a request for money to build a new high school for the combined district. State officials are required to wait 30 days before acting on the petition to consolidate to allow time for potential challenges or other comment.

Kirby will be at Caddo Hills tonight for basketball and the senior games can be heard on 98.9 FM and on www.kwxi.net for those unable to attend.

On this date in history in 1838 Tennessee became the first state to prohibit alcohol and in 1871 the US income tax was repealed.

Birthdays of note today include actor Paul Newman born on this date in 1925.

KWXI News Monday January 25, 2010

Police in Pine Bluff are concerned after 2010 started off with a wave of violence.
The homicide rate in Pine Bluff dropped 20% between 2008 and 2009, but the police chief is discouraged that January has been packed with violent crime. Police found a dead man and bags of drugs Wednesday night: things Chief Powell says seem to go hand-in-hand. There were three shootings, two which turned into homicides, in the first three weeks of the year. Chief Howell believes most of the crime can be tied directly to the vicious cycle of drug use and the violence that surrounds it.

A Pulaski County prosecutor says he will not waive the death penalty for the man charged with murdering a soldier outside an Arkansas Army Recruiting Center, even after he asked to change his plea. Abdulhakim Muhammad, formerly known as Carlos Bledsoe, handwrote a two-page letter January 12 to Judge Wright asking to change his plea to guilty.  The FBI  would not comment on Muhammad's claim of having ties to a Yemen-based affiliate of Al Qaeda, but they did first investigate this case because of possible links to terrorism. Muhammad's trial is still set for June 7.

Arkansas workforce officials say the unemployment rate in the state rose during December by three-tenths of a percentage point to 7.7%, up from 7.4% in November.
A news release Friday from the state's Department of Workforce Services said the jobless rate in Arkansas in December was 2 percentage points higher than the same month in 2008. Unemployment in Arkansas remains well below levels seen in other states. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics said the unemployment rate for the country in December 2009 was 10%.

A state report says more than half of all first-time Arkansas college and university students weren't ready for college-level work when they enrolled last fall. The state Higher Education Department report says that, of 21,689 students tested, 11,837 - or 54.6 percent - needed remedial work in either math, English or reading.

The Wickes and Van-Cove school boards in Polk County have approved a merger of the two districts. Van-Cove Superintendent Andy Curry said Friday that the two boards met Thursday and both approved the consolidation on 6-1 votes. The Wickes district was placed on the state Education Department's fiscal-distress list in November, and the Van-Cove district has been suffering from declining enrollment

Arkansas congressman Marion Berry will announce today that he won't seek re-election this fall. Berry has represented the 1st district in eastern Arkansas since 1997.

On this date in history in 1915 transcontinental telephone service starts with long distance service between New York and San Francisco.

Birthdays of note today include actor Dean Jones born this date in 1931.

KWXI News for Saturday January 23rd, 2010

Unemployment Rate in Arkansas Hits 22-Year High

LITTLE ROCK, AR-The unemployment rate in Arkansas rose to 7.7 percent in December, it's highest level since June 1988. According to the jobless report, 105,400 Arkansans are without work. The unemployment rate which is seasonally adjusted is up from 7.4 percent in November. In June 1988, the rate was 7.7 percent.

Murfreesboro Woman Charged WIth Steeling Money From Her Employer

The Texarkana Gazette reported that a Murfreesboro woman was charged in Howard County Circuit Court with stealing $96,733 from a Nashville business where she worked. According to the story, 34-year old Sharla D. Skinner was charged with forgery in the second-degree and she faces a potential sentence of 3-to-10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.

According to the story, Ms. Skinner allegedly stole the money from her employer, Dwight Jones Agency and she allegedly made checks out to herself from the company's checking account between 2006 and 2009. According to the story, Skinner confessed to stealing the money and depositing it in her account. She was released from custody on her own recognizance and she's scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

Multi Agency Search Results in Found in De Queen Home

The Sevier County Sheriffs Department said that numerous guns were confiscated from a residence in De Queen and the resident is allegedly being investigated by federal agencies after the guns and explosives were found in the residence that is located on Arkansas Highway 41, just south of De Queen. According to a story in the Texarkana Gazette, the person residing in the home is Jamie Baker. The story also said that Baker was not charged with any crime.

KWXI News Friday January 22, 2010

US Senator Blanche Lincoln told KWXI listeners yesterday that while congress was trying to create jobs that the unemployment situation may last a while longer. Lincoln answered questions about health care reform, jobs, the economy and Haiti and called for more bi-partisanship in Washington. A number of people will attempt to get Lincoln’s job in this year’s election.

Authorities say a 13-year-old girl who lives near Stuttgart has been arrested for allegedly shooting her mother. Authorities said Wednesday the girl was arrested just south of Stuttgart and the mother was taken to a Little Rock hospital. Her condition was not released. The Arkansas County Sheriff's Department and the Arkansas State Police are  investigating the shooting. Prosecutor Robert Dittrich said that formal charges are pending and could include attempted murder or first-degree battery.

Arkansas lawmakers have recommended no raises for themselves or other state elected officials as the state continues to deal with budget problems. The Joint Budget Committee wrapped up pre-session budget hearings this week with the recommendation to keep salaries level for legislators, judges, prosecutors and constitutional officers. Gov. Mike Beebe last week cut $106 million from this year's budget and said that state workers would not get a raise under the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year. The Legislature will convene Feb. 8 for a session dealing primarily with budget issues. It's the first session under a constitutional amendment requiring the Legislature to meet annually, rather than every other year.

The Parkview High School basketball player that collapsed during a game earlier this week is reported to be in critical condition in a Little Rock hospital. Fifteen-year-old Chris Winston had played the first quarter of the game against Searcy when he fell to the floor Tuesday night. The incident was similar to one two years ago when Parkview player Anthony Hobbs collapsed during a game against Lake Hamilton and died later at a Little Rock hospital. A law named for Hobbs now requires automated external defibrillators and CPR programs in Arkansas schools.

A 3.3 magnitude earthquake was reported in Lawrence County Wednesday afternoon around 3:18 PM and has been confirmed by authorities. The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department says there were no reports of damage or injuries.

On this day in history in 1973 the US Supreme Court, in the Roe v. Wade case, legalized some abortions of unborn babies.

Birthdays of note today include actor Bill Bixby born this date in 1934 and actress Linda Blair born this date in 1959.

KWXI News Thursday January 21, 2010

A high school athlete passed out at a Tuesday night basketball game in Little Rock as he was heading off the court to the bench. It took a defibrillator to revive him. Chris Winston was taken to Baptist Health in Little Rock and is expected to recover. Strangely, this happened at Parkview High School, the same school where an athlete passed out and ultimately died which led to the push for legislation eventually passed in March 2009, providing funding for defibrillators in all state schools. Budget cuts have prevented some schools from buying the life-saving devices.

One in five people eligible for a tax credit worth more than $5,600 failed to claim it on their returns last year, a lapse that that officials in Arkansas want to correct. The IRS says last year the earned income tax credit was worth $642 million to the 291,000 low and middle income earners in Arkansas who claimed it. The IRS says help is available across Arkansas, and that residents should call 800-829-1040 to find help preparing returns properly.

The chairman of the Arkansas Parole Board says the board didn't fully review a sex offender's record before voting to grant him parole. The board is considering whether to rescind its decision granting parole to 38-year-old Michael Butler. The vote in December made Butler eligible for parole in March despite his failure to complete a program for sex offenders. Board Chairman Leroy Brownlee said during a hearing Tuesday that the board didn't get a chance to look at Butler's record because of "errors." The board will decide within the next few days whether to rescind Butler's parole and a decision is expected to be announced in early February. Butler is serving 10 years for sexual assault in Mississippi County.

Two more Democrats are considering a run for an Arkansas congressional seat and a spokesman says retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark is listening to supporters about joining the race. Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola and state Sen. Mary Anne Salmon of North Little Rock say they're thinking about running for the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder. Snyder, a Democrat, who announced last week he would not seek an eighth term. Another potential candidate is Clark, who ran unsuccessfully for the 2004 presidential nomination. A spokesman for Clark said the former NATO commander is not actively considering a run, but is listening to people who would like to see him serve.

Murfreesboro Mayor Jim O’Neal has announced his candidacy for Pike County Judge. O’Neal is no stranger to county government having served on the Pike County Quorum Court for two decades prior to becoming mayor in 2003.

The Razorbacks host the Florida Gators at Walton arena for basketball. The game will be on 98.9 FM with the pre-game at 7:30 PM and the tip-off at 8 PM.

On this date in history in 1977 President Jimmy Carter pardoned almost all Vietnam War draft evaders.

Birthdays of note today include singer Mack Davis born this date in 1942.

Wednesday January 20^th, 2010 KWXI News

A lawmaker says he may propose increasing taxes on businesses to help Arkansas pay off about $220 million the state owes the federal government for unemployment insurance benefits. Sen. Larry Teague of Nashville said Tuesday he's concerned about the amount of money the state has borrowed to pay for an increase in the number of unemployed workers in the state. Teague said he would likely propose increasing the amount of wage that can be taxed that businesses pay for unemployment benefits. The Legislature meets next month for a session dealing primarily with budget issues. Teague's proposal would require a two-thirds vote in both chambers to even be considered because it's not an appropriation bill.

Gov. Mike Beebe says he's seeking a second term as Arkansas' governor. The Democrat on Tuesday announced that he's running for re-election and said he was in the early stages of organizing a campaign. Beebe had been widely expected to seek a second term, but had held off on formally announcing and hadn't started raising money for a re-election bid. Beebe, a former attorney general who served 20 years in the state Senate, defeated Republican Asa Hutchinson, a former congressman and federal Homeland Security official, in the 2006 election. No Republicans have announced they're running against Beebe.

State Sen. Joyce Elliott, D-Little Rock, said Monday she is “98 percent” sure she will run for the second district congressional seat being vacated by Vic Snyder. Elliott is the first to state an intention to run for the seat since Snyder, 62, of Little Rock announced Friday he would not seek re-election to a seventh term.

The Arkansas attorney general's office says people giving money to help the recovery in Haiti should be careful to donate only to reputable groups. Attorney General Dustin McDaniel says some charities give only a very small amount of what they raise to the cause they advertise. McDaniel says disreputable groups often use names that sound very similar to established charities. He also says to not give out any personal or financial information in reply to an unsolicited e-mail. To research an organization's record, the Better Business Bureau has a Web site at www.give.org, which also has lists of bona fide organizations.

Former vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin will be the keynote speaker at an Arkansas Republican Party fundraising event on Feb. 16 in North Little Rock. The party announced Monday that general admission tickets to see Palin at Verizon Arena are $65 and $35 and go on sale Friday.

On this date in history in 1930 The Lone Ranger was first broadcast on radio  and in 1945 FDR was sworn in for an unprecedented fourth term as US President.

Birthdays of note today include astronaut Buzz Aldrin born this day in 1930.

KWXI News Tuesday January 19, 2010

Clark County officials want prisoners in the county jail at Arkadelphia to pay for their punishment. Starting this year, inmates will be charged a daily rate and mileage for the trip to jail, plus fees for seeing a doctor or nurse. The Arkadelphia lockup joins several other jails across the state in starting a pay-to-stay program to help recoup some costs of keeping prisoners behind bars. Authorities say the inmates will be billed at a rate of $58 a day, plus $20 for doctor, dentist or nurse visits, $10 for prescription medications and fees for transportation. Sheriff David Turner said that, if a prisoner is too poor or if paying would cause a hardship on their children, the money likely won't be collected.

Arkansas is at the core of a national effort to reduce childhood obesity rates. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation decided to locate the national headquarters of its Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity in Little Rock, and chose Dr. Joe Thompson, the state's surgeon general, as the center's director. Dwayne Proctor, director of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's childhood-obesity program management team, says the decision to locate in Arkansas stemmed from a measure signed into law in 2003 by then-Gov. Mike Huckabee. That law started a variety of initiatives aimed at childhood obesity, including removing vending machines from elementary schools, setting nutrition standards for school cafeteria food, increasing physical education and measuring students' body-mass indexes.

City officials in Hope are considering allowing deer hunting with bows and arrows inside the city limits. A decision is expected by March. City officials say manicured lawns, flowers, fruit-bearing trees and shrubs in the city are attracting the deer. Police say at least 28 auto accidents involving deer have been reported in the past six years. The city's board of directors has met with state Game & Fish Commission officials who suggested the urban hunt. The only weapons allowed would be longbows, recurve bows or compound bows with at least 40-pound draw weight and at least 7/8-inch-wide arrowheads. Hunters would also have to meet several other conditions before being allowed to hunt - including the first deer taken must be a doe.

The Kirby School is helping with the Haiti relief effort by accepting donations of items needed like baby bottles, liquid formula, first aid supplies, hygiene items and cash. If you would like to make a donation drop it off at the high school office.

There will be a flu clinic at the Glenwood Senior Citizens Center tomorrow from 10 AM until Noon for anyone who has not already had a seasonal or H1N1 shot this year.

Congressman Mike Ross will host  telephone town this evening starting at 7:30 PM and residents of the fourth congressional district who wish to participate should call 1-877-269-7289 and when prompted enter PIN 14573. The telephone town hall meeting will last about an hour.

On this date in history in 1972 Sandy Kaufax, Yogi Berra and Early Wynn were all elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame and in 1977 President Ford pardoned Tokyo Rose.

Birthdays of note today include country and bluegrass great Lester Flatt born in 1914 and actress Jean Stapleton born this date in 1923.

KWXI News Monday January 18, 2010

A former Murfreesboro police officer has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend. Forty-three-year-old Daniel Gardner pleaded guilty Wednesday in Nashville to the Jan. 10, 2009, death of 34-year-old Marie Cogburn of Nashville. Investigators say Gardner shot Cogburn in the back with a rifle during an argument then went to his mother's home to call police.

Police say he returned to the scene of the shooting to wait for police and was arrested.
Gardner was a police officer in the 1990s for Murfreesboro.

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has modified the language of a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow a Texas man's company to open casinos in seven Arkansas counties. But McDaniel approved the overall popular name and ballot title of the casino proposal by Texas businessman Michael Wasserman, owner of Arkansas Hotels and Entertainment Inc. The amendment would give Wasserman's company exclusive rights to build and operate casinos in Boone, Crittenden, Garland, Jefferson, Miller, Pulaski and Sebastian counties. The approval allows Wasserman to begin collecting signatures on petitions to put the measure on the ballot. To get on the November general election ballot, Wasserman and his supporters must gather 77,468 signatures. Wasserman submitted similar proposals in 2006 and 2009, but they never made it to the ballot.

An online auction of mobile homes and travel trailers is being fought by mobile home and recreational vehicle manufacturers and dealers in Arkansas and other states. The homes and trailers from the Hurricane Katrina era are being auctioned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through Friday. Industry officials say the auction will hurt an already depressed market and Sens. Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln say they working to stop the auctions. In Arkansas - FEMA is auctioning 11,164 travel trailers, 3,719 mobile homes and 30 park models that are larger versions of the travel trailers. Bidders are required to bid on the entire lot. The largest bid submitted through Tuesday is $1.6 million - or $106.84 per mobile home and trailer.

Representative Mike Ross will host another telephone town hall meeting tomorrow starting at 7:30 PM. If you want to participate and live in the fourth congressional district call 1-877-269-7289 and when prompted enter the PIN 14573. Anyone who would like to ask a question will be given specific instructions after calling the toll free number.

Former NFL football player and sports announcer Keith Jackson will be in Umpire this evening. The Umpire PTA is sponsoring the event that starts at 5:30 PM with deserts and then Mr. Jackson will speak. The cost is $5 and will be at the Umpire Auditorium.

On this date in history in 1975 All In The family premiered on CBS TV.

Birthdays of note today include actor Cary Grant born in 1905.

KWXI News January 15, 2010

Garland County authorities are investigating two fights inside the county jail in Hot Springs. Sheriff's Lt. James Martin says the first fight involved two inmates and started just after dinner Tuesday as inmates were let out of their cells into a common area. He says while deputies were breaking up that fight - two other inmates began fighting. No injuries were reported and deputies were able to subdue the fighting inmates. Martin says no charges have been filed as yet.

Former state Rep. Sharon Dobbins, 44, of North Little Rock died late Wednesday afternoon at Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock. Family members said Dobbins had been hospitalized since Monday with double pneumonia, but that her death was sudden.

A Little Rock attorney who recently served as a special associate justice to the Arkansas Supreme Court will become one of the top court's justices, Gov. Mike Beebe announced yesterday. Ron Sheffield, 64, will fill one year of the unexpired term of Justice Annabelle Clinton Imber, who retired at the beginning of this year. William H. Bowen had been sworn into the role, but he resigned days later after suffering a slight stroke.

A University of Arkansas employee has become the 8th candidate for the Republican nomination to the U.S. Senate to challenge Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln. Fifty-eight-year-old Randy Alexander of Springdale announced his campaign Tuesday. He says he wants to see government spending reduced and the federal income tax replaced with a national sales tax.

Some relief organizations working in Haiti have been so overwhelmed with phone calls and emails that they have had to enhance their phone systems and web sites. If you were unable to reach Food For The Poor a second number available is 800-427-9104. The number for Samaritan’s Purse is 800-567-6121.

The Centerpoint Knights travel to Prescott this evening for basketball and the senior girls and boys games will be on 98.9 FM and on www.kwxi.net for those unable to attend.

It was on this date in history in 1967 that the Packers beat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl 35 to 10 and Packers quarterback Bart Star was named the Super Bowl MVP.

Birthdays of note today include actor Llyod Bridges born in 1913 and Martin Luther King was born this date in 1929.

KWXI News January 14, 2010

Police in Van Buren say a murder suspect being extradited to Wisconsin escaped after stabbing a guard and stealing a van. Authorities say 26-year-old Justin Patrick Welch escaped from a private extradition company about 2:45 a.m. yesterday and may be in the Little Rock area. Police Lt. Brent Grill says the van with five inmates stopped to allow them to use the restroom. Grill says while inside Welch stabbed the guard in the hand with a screwdriver-like tool and took the guard's gun. Outside he fought with another guard and fired several shots before taking the van and driving east on Interstate 40. The second guard was not hit and the guard who was stabbed was treated and released. The other inmates did not try to escape. Welch is wanted in a 2009 stabbing death of a Wisconsin woman.

Legislators have advanced a proposed $2.7 billion budget for Arkansas public schools in 2011, a figure identical to Gov. Mike Beebe's budget. The Joint Budget Committee accepted the proposal on a voice vote in advance of the General Assembly's fiscal session that begins on Feb. 8. The proposal would increase per-student funding by about $500 to $6,023 for the state's 450,000 public school students. On Monday, Beebe announced a $100 million state budget cut, but state school funding was left untouched. The cut followed a similar reduction last fall, neither of which resulted in layoffs.

The Arkansas Board of Corrections has decided to repair the state's oldest prison chapel rather than demolish it. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to spend up to $195,000 on the Island of Hope Chapel at the Tucker Unit in Jefferson County. The project includes repairing the roof, removing hallways and classrooms and improving drainage.
Money for the estimated $60,000 in roof repairs will come from a $10 million bond issue for improvements in energy efficiency at prisons. Fees from the inmate telephone system will pay for the rest of the repairs. The chapel was built with private donations and inmate labor in 1969. It was one of the first visible signs of then-Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller's efforts to overhaul the prison system

KWXI listeners who would like to help the people of Haiti have a number of options including donations to the Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse or Feed The Poor but are encouraged to be cautious of phone calls or any type of solicitations from anyone claiming to represent these or other groups. After disasters there is often an increase in scam operations. If you have any doubt check with the Better Business Bureau of Attorney General’s office before you give and never give bank or credit card information to anyone unless you are positive they are legitimate.

The Arkansas Attorney General’s office number is 1-800-482-8982.

Safe online donations may be made to the Red Cross at www.redcross.org.

Safe online donations may be made to Feed The Poor at www.feedthepoor.org or by calling 1-800-714-3663.

On this date in history in 1914 Henry Ford introduced the assembly line for T-models.

Birthdays of note today include actress Faye Dunaway born this date in 1941.

KWXI News January 13, 2010

The state's chief fiscal officer says there will be no raises for state workers next fiscal year. Department of Finance and Administration Director Richard Weiss presented the governor's balanced budget recommendation to legislators Tuesday. Weiss says any salary increases in the pay plan will be suspended under Gov. Mike Beebe's budget. Weiss explained to legislators that economic indicators show the economy will slowly improve, but the state has to hold the line on its budget through fiscal year 2011.

The University of Arkansas has announced it will see its budget cut by another $2.6 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. The cut is the second for UA and brings the total cuts since the start of the fiscal year in July to just more than $5 million. UA Chancellor G. David Gearhart says he understands the economic problems facing the state. But he says the latest cut creates "dire challenges" that threaten the university's mission as an academic and economic engine in the state.

The Arkansas Department of Education says 58 high schools in the state inflated students’ grades during the 2008-09 school year. A 2005 state law requires the department to release a report identifying high schools that inflated students’ grades. A school is considered to have inflated grades if 20 percent or more of its students made an A or B in Algebra I or geometry but failed to score proficient or advanced on the end-of-course exam for that subject. The report is available on the department’s Web site.

More details are coming out in the investigation of three quarters of a million dollars missing from the Upper Southwest Regional Solid Waste Management District. The money was taken over a 10-year period, according to a state investigative audit report. Former waste management district executive director Joe H. Ball II allegedly misappropriated the funds from1999 to 2009, the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee report states. After examining district bank statements and checks clearing the bank account, Division of Legislative Audit staff determined Ball issued 373 unauthorized district checks totaling $756,360 payable to SSR Consulting.

Landowners and farmers in Pike and Howard Counties interested in restoring wildlife habitat on their land are encouraged to attend a workshop January 21^st in Murfreesboro at the Municipal Building across from the post office. The workshop will be from 6 PM until 8:30 PM. For more information contact Mary Lingo at 870-845-4121 before the 18^th. The workshop is being sponsored by the Game and Fish Commission, Pike and Howard County Conservation Districts, farm Service Agencies and the Natural resources Conservation Service.

On this date in history in 1906 the first television set was advertised for sale in Scientific America magazine with a price of $7.50 and a claim of reception of up to a mile.

Birthdays of note today include actor Robert Stack born this day in 1919.

KWXI News January 12, 2010

Due to continued shortfalls in State revenues, Governor Mike Beebe has accepted a recommendation by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration to cut the state budget by an additional $106 million for the current fiscal year. The governor's proposed balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2011, which is being detailed by DF&A officials today, anticipates a return to current budget levels on July 1. Governor Beebe said "Arkansans are being increasingly cautious with their money, and our government must reflect that in our use of tax dollars and also said "While we still foresee a recovery for our State economy, our spending must match the pace of that recovery to keep our budget balanced." The revised forecast means a 2.4% budget reduction across-the-board. Other education funds will be used to protect public education and adequacy requirements. Rainy-day funds and other set-asides will be used to lessen the impact of the cuts for the Departments of Human Services, Correction and Community Corrections.

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel is asking congressional leaders to remove the so-called "Nebraska compromise" from a federal health care bill. The plan would give Nebraska funding for expanded Medicaid obligations that McDaniel says would be paid for by taxpayers in Arkansas and other states. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - McDaniel said he is NOT signing a letter by some attorneys general threatening a lawsuit. He says he doesn't believe such a lawsuit could be won at this time - but that he strongly agrees that the "Nebraska compromise" should be removed. McDaniel says he agrees with Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard's comment that the provision is a "sweetheart deal" for Nebraska and is not good public policy or in the nation's best interest.

A $10.5 million grant will help the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences complete part of a 12-story cancer research tower. The medical school announced Monday it was awarded the money by the National Institutes for Health. University officials say the money will finish two floors, where 87 researchers and support staff will work when the area opens next year. Six floors of the tower are now slated for completion. The school wants to leave some of the space unfinished, so it can quickly add new components when it has the opportunity. The Legislature earlier provided $36 million toward construction, which UAMS matched with donations.

The Centerpoint School Board will meet tonight at 7 PM in the high school library according to school superintendent Lewis Diggs. The meeting is open to the public.

Kirby travels to Trinity Christian for basketball tonight and KWXI will have the senior games on starting at around 6:30 PM for those unable to attend the games. You can hear the games on 98.9 FM or on www.kwxi.net.

On this date in history in 1906 the Football Rules Committee legalized the forward pass and in 1995 OJ Simpson’s murder trial began in Los Angeles.

Birthdays of note today include singer Ray Price born this date in 1926.

KWXI News January 11, 2010

Following the holiday season and as cold, wintry weather settles in, many Arkansans find themselves facing difficult financial situations. Entergy Arkansas, Inc. is offering help to customers whose income may be stretched. Approximately 20 to 25 percent of Entergy’s 2.7 million customers need government assistance to survive. The latest poverty report released by the U. S. Census showed that the number of Americans living in poverty was the highest since 1997. The four states that Entergy serves were in the top nine with the highest statewide poverty rates. Arkansas ranked fifth. Various state and federal programs are available to help customers manage their bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides money to help individuals with energy bills and other energy-related expenses. LIHEAP is funded through the federal government and works with the community action agencies to help customers pay for and keep electric service in their homes. Both homeowner and renter households are eligible to receive LIHEAP assistance. The household's annual income must be at or below 150 percent of federal poverty level. Energy costs must also be documented. For more information contact Entergy at 1-800-ENTERGY or www.entergy-arkansas.com.

Weiner - A school district in northeastern Arkansas and one in southwestern Arkansas about 200 miles apart have talked about possibly annexing with each other. The Weiner district in Poinsett County and the Delight district in Pike County must annex or consolidate with another district for having less than 350 students for two straight years. Weiner Superintendent Chuck Hanson says he's been contacted by officials in Delight about a possible administrative consolidation. He says the idea came from a fall 2008 meeting with Governor Mike Beebe and that the plan could give the combined district 500 students and a chance to keep their campuses. Weiner School Board President Susan Johnson says there are two Arkansas attorney general opinions saying districts do not necessarily have to be contiguous to annex.

 A Republican legislator from Prairie Grove says he's running for secretary of state. Rep. Mark Martin said Thursday that he's seeking his party's nomination for secretary of state. Martin's the only Republican who's announced he's running for the post.

Martin has served in the Legislature since 2005. Three Democrats - Pulaski County Clerk Pat O'Brien, Land Commissioner Mark Wilcox and Sebastian County Clerk Doris Tate - have said they're running for the post. Secretary of State Charlie Daniels, a Democrat who cannot run again because of term limits, is running for state auditor.

The Montgomery County Quorum Court will meet tonight at 7 PM in the court house in Mount Ida. On the agenda, in addition to routine business, is Entergy and the Public Service Commission and the library. The meeting is open to the public and committee meetings will b held prior to the regular meeting starting at 6 PM.

On this date in history in 1913 the first sedan-type car, the Hudson, goes on display in New York City at the auto show and in 1973 the Watergate trials begin.

Birthdays of note today include singer Naomi Judd born in 1946.

KWXI News January 7, 2010

Many areas of Arkansas have travel problems from snow and ice so before attempting to drive anywhere make sure the roads are safe. The state highway department has a toll free number, 800-245-1672, and information on the web site, www.arkansashighways.com, and of course local radio stations like KWXI will have information about travel and weather related closings and cancellations.

A prosecuting attorney says an investigation has found $756,360 missing from the Upper Southwest Solid Waste Management District. Prosecutor Bryan Chesshir says it appears checks were written to a fake company and mailed to a post office box in Bonnderdale. The district's director and the president of its board asked Chesshir to investigate after finding what they called questionable invoices. Chesshir says the FBI, the U.S. attorney and the Arkansas State Police are conducting the investigation. The district was created in 1994 and operates a landfill near Nashville. It disposes of solid waste from Little River, Sevier, Howard, Pike, Hempstead, Nevada, Montgomery, Lafayette and Polk counties.

Arkansas' chief financial officer says state revenue was down in December, and the state needs to cut its revenue forecast this year and will likely need to cut the forecast for the coming budget year. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration announced Tuesday that the state's net available revenues in December were down $20.9 million from forecast and are $22.7 million lower than December 2008. State revenue for the year is below forecast by $54.9 million. Sales, individual income and corporate income taxes were all below last year's figures and below forecast in December. A cut would likely mean more budget cuts for Arkansas, which has already cut state agency budgets by $100 million. 

A former lawmaker who ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2004 says he's running again for the Republican Senate nomination. Former State Sen. Jim Holt's campaign said Tuesday he planned to formally announce his bid for the Senate in a series of events around the state next week. He becomes the eighth Republican to announce he's seeking the party's nomination to challenge Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln. Holt won 44 percent of the vote in his loss to Lincoln in the 2004 campaign.

A restaurant owner from Springdale says he's running for lieutenant governor.

Republican Mark Darr owns The Mad Pizza Co. in Rogers. He announced his decision Tuesday night after forming an exploratory committee last March. Darr says he's met his fundraising goal for the end of the year and has $152,000 cash on hand for his bid. Darr's campaign said $150,000 of that was money Darr loaned his campaign in December.

On this date in history in 1929 two new comic strips appear in news papers: Buck Rogers and Tarzan.

Birthdays of note today include TV host Katie Couric born in 1957.

KWXI News January 6, 2010

A popular Glenwood restaurant was broken into late Monday or early Tuesday. Glenwood Police Chief Randy Reid told KWXI News that his department has good leads in the case of the break in at Little Italy on Hwy 70. The thief or thieves gained entrance through a back door and an undisclosed amount of property was stolen. While this was the only break in reported area businesses are encouraged to take extra precautions and make sure doors are locked and alarms on.

Snow tonight and then bitterly cold weather for Southwest Arkansas. The National Weather Service says there could be snow accumulation tonight and that residents should be prepared for temperatures to drop during the day Thursday and get as low as single digits overnight Thursday and early Friday morning. Fuel, food and water are essentials and care for pets and livestock is important with such low temperatures. If there are closings or cancellation Thursday tune in to KWXI 98.9 FM or kwxi.net for details.

The attorney general has rejected a measure proposed for this year's ballot to legalize marijuana for medical use in Arkansas. Attorney General Dustin McDaniel cited several problems with the proposed constitutional amendment submitted by a Little Rock attorney to legalize marijuana. McDaniel said the proposal doesn't acknowledge that the drug would still remain illegal under federal law. The attorney general must certify any ballot measure before supporters can begin collecting signatures to place it on the November ballot. The proposal by Little Rock attorney John Wesley Hall, Jr. would take effect July 1, 2011, if approved by voters.

A report by a group that provides information for large retailers nationwide says Maumelle was the highest growth area in Arkansas in 2009. The report being released Tuesday says the number of households in the Little Rock suburb grew by 85 percent from 2000 to 2009. It also found the average household income rose by nearly $28,000 to $100,701. Following Maumelle are Bryant, Conway, Centerton (near Bentonville), Lowell, Cabot, Rogers, Bentonville and Fayetteville.

On this date in history in 1838 Samuel Morse demonstrated the telegraph for the first time to the public.

Birthdays of note today include football coach Lou Holtz born in 1937.

KWXI News January 5, 2010

Fourth District Congressman Mike Ross will be taking advantage of the congressional break to visit with his constituents. Ross will visit many communities during January. For a schedule visit the web site http://ross.house.gov or call 1-800-223-2220.

Weather records show that 2009 was a year of extremes in Arkansas. National Weather Service records show that 15 Arkansas cities had more rain in 2009 than in any year since weather records began. The most rainfall was recorded in the small Grant County town of Leola in central Arkansas. The rain gauge that 75-year-old James Riggan keeps for the weather service recorded 100.05 inches of rain for the year. Other cities and towns where rainfall records were set for the year included Little Rock, where 81.79 inches were recorded, Sheridan with 90.91 inches and Camden with 82.11 inches. The year also saw a hugely destructive ice storm in north Arkansas to open the year, and a cool summer, with no temperatures of 100 degrees or higher recorded during the year at Little Rock.

Arkansas State Police were busy during Christmas. Bill Sadler with the State Police told KWXI News that during the period of December 23^rd to December 27^th troopers made contact with 6,133 motorist and issued almost 900 speeding tickets, 96 for drunk driving and 260 for seat belt violations. Saddler said that there were nine alcohol related accidents and three fatalities during the period in Arkansas.

The University of Arkansas is ranked as the 55th best college value by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. The ranking of the 100 Best Values in Public Colleges was released Monday. Kiplinger's ranks 4-year schools based on a combination of education and economic value. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is No. 1 on the list, followed by the University of Florida, University of Virginia, College of William and Mary and Binghamton University.

It was on this date in history in 1836 that Davy Crockett arrived at the Alamo just in time for the battle and in 1956 Elvis Presley recorded Heartbreak Hotel.

Birthdays of note today include actor Robert Duvall born this date in 1931.

KWXI News for Thursday December 31, 2009

The Job market is getting better in Southwest Arkansas; for southwest Arkansas' news leader, KWXI AM-FM and Dot net, I'm Bob DelGiorno.

According to the Arkansas Workforce Center, the job market in southwest Arkansas is getting better. Janette Karaff, business service rep with Arkansas Workforce Center explains.

Janette Karaff told KPYN news that the Accent building is looking to hire 75 to 100 people and in order to find people, they're hosting a job fair today from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. at their location in the old Hobby Lobby Shopping Center on the corner of Albert Pike and Airport Road and they will conduct interviews at the Arkansas Workforce Center office Wednesday from 8 a.m. till noon..

For more information on job openings in the Southwest Arkansas area, call Janette Karaff at 501-525-1631 or log on to their website at www.arjoblink.arkansas.gov.

KWXI News for Wednesday December 30^th, 2009

Regular diamond miners uncovered an early-20^th century wooden water pipe at the Crater of the diamonds state park in Murfreesboro recently. A spokesperson for the state park said that the pipe could be 100 years old and it was buried 4-feet under the ground. The park spokesperson said that the pipe was probably used in the great depression to supply water from the nearby Missouri River. The water was most probably used for high pressure water hoses to break down soil when searching for diamonds including the Uncle Sam Diamond found at the mine in 1924. The Uncle Sam Diamond was 40.23 Carats. The Diamond was the largest ever found in North America. The Park plans on preserving the water pipe that was found, they’re calling it an artifact and they want to display it as an historic treasure.

The Glenwood Area Community Theatre announced their next production; it’s called Ladies Sigh no More and it’s a 90 minute production requiring 8 female and 2 male roles. The comedy features several Shakespeare leading ladies who find themselves in an institution together. The theatre said that they will not need any cast members under 12 but if you would like to audition for one of the adult roles they will hold an audition Sunday January 17^th from 2 p.m. till 5 p.m. and Monday January 18^th from 6:30 p.m. till 8 p.m. at the Nazarene Church in Glenwood. For information, call 870-356-4309.

There will be a so-called blue moon New Year’s Eve. According to the Miami space transit planetarium the blue moon will be visible Thursday night in the United States. A blue moon is the second full moon in a month an extra full moon in a month happens about every 2 ½ years. A New Years Blue Moon occurs about every 19 years and there won’t be another one until 2028.

Americans say their cautiously optimistic about the economy. According to the consumer confidence index which was released yesterday, 52.9% of Americans are optimistic about the economy this month compared to 50.6% last month.

KWXI News for Tuesday December 29^th, 2009

The Job market is getting better in Southwest Arkansas; for southwest Arkansas' news leader, KWXI AM-FM and Dot net, I'm Bob DelGiorno.

According to the Arkansas Workforce Center, the job market in southwest Arkansas is getting better. Janette Karaff, business service rep with Arkansas Workforce Center explains. Janette Karaff told KPYN news that the Accent building is looking to hire 75 to 100 people and in order to find people, they're hosting a job fair today from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. at their location in the old Hobby Lobby Shopping Center on the corner of Albert Pike and Airport Road and they will conduct interviews at the Arkansas Workforce Center office Wednesday from 8 a.m. till noon. For more information on job openings in the Southwest Arkansas area, call Janette Karaff at 501-525-1631 or log on to their website at www.arjoblink.arkansas.gov.

Authorities say they’re offering a $10,000 reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the fatal shooting of a Salvation Army worker Christmas Eve in Little Rock. 40-year old Philip Wise was gunned down in front of his three children by two men who were reportedly dressed in black clothing in the parking lot of the Salvation Army Center in North Little Rock. Police have asked that anyone with information about the killing call 501-758-1234.

In Sevier County, a deputy responding to a camper fire was threatened. Deputy Sergeant Benny Simmons was responding to the fire call on Cross Trails Road near DeQueen Sunday night when he said that 43-year old Lyndell Gentry allegedly got angry and acted like he had a gun, then the deputy used pepper spray on him. The man was handcuffed and officers helped his mother and stepfather put out the fire. Gentry was taken to Sevier County jail and charged with public intoxication and resisting arrest, and he was released from jail yesterday. 

KWXI News for Monday December 28^th, 2009

According to MasterCard Advisors Spending Plus, which tracks retail sales over the holiday; Holiday spending was up this year. According to the report, Retail sales in the US rose 3.6 percent from November 1^st through December 24^th, compared to a 3.2 percent drop over the same time period last year. On line sales were up 15.5% and they accounted for 10 percent of all retail sales.

Cornerstone Assembly of God Church, on the corner of Louise and Main Street in Atlanta is selling fireworks to raise money for youth programs and missions. The fireworks stand is open daily between now and New Years Eve and the organizers say they have the lowest possible prices on a large selection of fireworks.

US Senator Blanche Lincoln from Arkansas supports a program where hunters donate deer meat and other game to the hungry. Arkansas Hunters feeding the Hungry, an organization that feeds the hungry with game says that their idea is biblically based and they provided 2000 meals to Arkansas families in need. Senator Lincoln, who is chairman of the US Senate committee on agriculture said that she likes the idea and she’s introduced a senate resolution recognizing the efforts of hunters, sportsmen’s associations, hunger relief organizations and state agencies that helped make the program a success in Arkansas. Under the Arkansas Hunters Feetdng the Hungry Program, hunters donate game to one of 40 participating meet processors who package the meat and send it to hunger relief organizations. Senator Lincoln is cosponsoring legislation that would provide a tax benefit to hunters who donate processed venison to anti-hunger programs. For more information on the program log on to the website at arkansashunters.org.

An effort to put Arkansas court information on the internet is scheduled to take effect soon, maybe as early as February. The Arkansas Administrative office of the court said that the internet component is also considering adding a module that will allow on line payments of tr4affic tickets along with the docket information from circuit courts in Pulaski and Hot Spring Counties with Garland County circuit court information coming on line in March. Circuit courts in Faulkner and Sebastian Counties are expected to be added in a year. District courts in Carlisle, Conway, Mt. Ida, Batesville and Malvern are also part to the program.

KWXI News December 24, 2009

It is Christmas Eve and tomorrow is the day that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus and have for two thousand years. In addition to the Biblical account of the Virgin Birth many historical documents record the events of this important time in the history of the world. Many documents and artifacts, even complete villages uncovered by archeologists, have given proof, even to skeptics, that there was in fact an event that can only be described as miraculous. In recent days astronomers using modern high powered computer models have even tried to explain the Star of Bethlehem that is well documented by scientists and observers of that day. Christians believe all of these events were clearly foretold in the scripture and that it was in fact God becoming flesh, in the birth of Christ, that happened in that little town so long ago. As Christians the world over celebrate this very Holy event we here at KWXI pray for the peace of God to be your gift this Christmas.

A Texarkana man charged in the beating death of a homeless man denies he killed the victim. Thirty-nine year old Demetris Jordan made his first court appearance earlier this week on a second-degree murder charge in the death of 49-year-old Jessie James Latham.

A 17 year old boy also charged with second-degree murder in Latham's death also made his first court appearance but his name hasn't been released and his hearing was closed because of his age. Latham was found beaten to death Saturday afternoon outside a vacant house in Texarkana.

A sexual assault convict is being granted parole by the Arkansas Parole Board despite his failure to complete a required program for sex offenders. The parole announced Tuesday for 38-year-old Michael Butler comes after the settlement of a lawsuit. The settlement included Department of Correction Director Larry Norris requesting that Butler not be required to complete the sex offender program. The lawsuit said Butler's rights were violated when he was beaten by prison guards. Butler had been charged in Mississippi County with rape but was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2003 after pleading guilty to a reduced charge of sexual assault. He could be paroled as soon as March 25. The parole conditions include that he attend sex-offender counseling outside prison, register as a sex offender and submit to electronic monitoring.

The Barr Memorial Presbyterian Church in Norman will have a Christmas Eve Candlelight and Holy Communion Service at 7 PM this evening and everyone is welcome to attend.

On this date in history in 1818 Silent Night was composed by Franz Joseph Gruber and performed for the first time the next day. In 1893 Henry Ford completed his first successful gas motor. Also on this date in 1943 FDR appointed General Eisenhower as Supreme Commander of Allied Forces.

Birthdays of note today include billionaire inventor Howard Hughes born in 1905.

KWXI News December 23^rd, 2009

As many people take to the air and highways to visit family and friends this Christmas state troopers in Arkansas will be beefing up patrols, setting up sobriety check points and using saturation patrols to keep drinking drivers off the road. Bill Saddler with the state police said that in addition to drinking drivers troopers will also be watching for careless drivers and violators of Arkansas’ seat belt law. Most states in the nation will increase the number of troopers on duty until after January 1^st. If you see a dangerous situation call 911 or a local police department. For Arkansas road condition information anytime of the year call 1-800-245-1672. Most states have similar “road condition” numbers and many are toll free. For road conditions and travel weather around the US visit the web site www.travelforecast.com. For longer trips this Christmas, especially if you are traveling to colder areas, be sure and carry an emergency kit that includes first aid items, water, flash light and radio with extra batteries, non-perishable food items and any medications you may need if stranded and of course warm clothing and blankets.

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission officers are using decoy deer to catch illegal hunters in southwest Arkansas. As the problem of night hunters or hunters shooting from roads into the woods increased the commission developed a way to use decoys to catch illegal hunters. The decoy is set up in the woods and a wildlife officer hides within range to use a remote that moves the deer's head up or down or side to side, flick its tail, move its legs and stomp a foot. Officers can even change the rack from large to small and put velvet on the horns. Game & Fish Sgt. Mark Kennemore says eight arrests were made this year before the start of gun season.

Many government offices will be closing early tomorrow and most will be closed Friday. If you have business at a government office you may want to call ahead and check their holiday hours. Retailers on the other hand will be open Christmas eve and KWXI would like to encourage shoppers to shop local this Christmas as you make last minute purchases.

Pike County trash normally picked up on Thursday will be picked up on Monday December 28^th according to County Judy Don Baker.

On this date in history in 1986 aviation history was made as Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager completed their flight around the world without refueling.

Birthdays of note today include game show host Bob Barker born in 1923 and actress Susan Lucci born in 1949.

December 22, 2009 KWXI News

State officials agree that the growing salary gap between wealthy and poor school districts is a problem. The gap widened by more than $1,000 from seven years ago. For the 2008-2009 school year, the gap between the highest and lowest paying districts was $23,394. Officials say efforts to attract top teachers to impoverished areas has not worked enough to overcome the problems that come with the salary difference.

City officials in Hot Springs have passed a 2010 city budget that includes three unpaid furlough days for all city employees. The employees will include all city firefighters and police officers. Fire Chief Ed Davis says he'll develop a schedule in which one truck and its crew will be shut down for half the normal 24-hour shift. Any station with only one truck would be closed for 12 hours. Police Chief Bobby Southard says the furloughs will probably mean a longer response time to non-emergency calls and reports may not be available as quickly as before.

One of the nation's largest labor unions says it will help Lt. Governor Bill Halter, a Democrat,  retire his campaign debt from his successful 2006 campaign. The Service Employees International Union said Friday it is soliciting contributions to retire the debt along with the help of other labor unions. Halter in October reported that his campaign still owed him more than $444,000 that he had loaned it. The move comes as Halter has been mentioned as a potential rival to Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln in next year's primary. Halter has not said whether he is considering running against Lincoln, who is seeking a third term. Halter has raised $268,682 for his re-election bid for lieutenant governor.

On this date in history in 1882 the first string of Christmas tree lights was created by Thomas Edison. In 1958 the number one song on the radio was the Chipmunks Christmas Song. In 1972 over 12,000 people died when a 6.25 earthquake hit Managua, Nicaragua.

Birthdays of note today include aviation pioneer Wiley Post born in 1882 and former first lady Lady Bird Johnson born in 1912.

KWXI News Monday December 21, 2009

Arkansas' unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a percentage point to 7.4% last month, thanks to a slowdown in the number of layoffs. The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services says the state's civilian labor force increased by 7,900 in November. The national unemployment rate also dropped two-tenths of a percentage point to 10%.
The largest growth in Arkansas jobs last month came in trade, transportation and utilities, which gained 3,000 jobs. The agency says most of the increase is due to retail trade, which added 2,100 jobs for the holiday shopping season.

Twenty-eight Arkansas State Police Trooper Recruits graduated last week at ceremonies at the state capitol. Governor Beebe was the speaker for the graduation and the new troopers were given their oath by the Honorable Judge John R. Lineberger. One of the new troopers is Mason Glasgow from Newhope and he is a  graduate of Dierks High School. Trooper Glasgow will be assigned to Troop G in Little River County.

The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office in conjunction with law enforcement agencies around the state are now on high alert and will be until January 3^rd. Troopers and other officers will be watching the highways closely for drunk drivers and the increased efforts will include saturation patrols and sobriety check points.

The Pike County Quorum Court will meet for their regular monthly meeting tonight at 7 PM in the court house at Murfreesboro. On the agenda  for the meeting is mainly routine business and ordinances. Pike County Hospital employees will also address the Quorum Court at the meeting.

This week on KWXI’s Swap Shop Chris Daniel will ask callers, in addition to their regular Swap Shop call, to tell what their favorite Christmas song is on Monday’s show, and what their favorite Christmas food is on the Tuesday show. Wednesday kids are encouraged to call the Swap Shop and on Thursday Chris would like listeners to tell of a favorite Christmas memory. The Swap Shop can be heard between 8 AM and 11 AM on 670 AM, 98.9 FM and on www.kwxi.net.

Today is the first day of official winter.

On this date in history in 1620 the Mayflower arrived at Plymouth Rock with 103 “pilgrims” and in 1945 General George S. Patton died at the age of 60 after being in a car wreck.

Birthdays of note today include actress and activist Jane Fonda born in 1937 and actor Ray Romano born in 1957.

December 17, 2009 KWXI News

The former director of the Arkansas chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving wants to place an initiated act on the November ballot asking voters to increase the tax on alcohol.  The proposal by Teresa Belew calls for an additional tax of $.10 per standard drink on alcohol wholesalers. The tax would raise an estimated $60 million for substance abuse and treatment programs and for law enforcement. Representatives of the alcohol beverage industry criticized the proposal. Wholesale Beer Distributors of Arkansas director Steve Higginbotham said any tax would be passed on to the consumer. Belew would need 61,974 signatures to place the initiated act on the November 2nd ballot. The deadline to submit the petition is July 2nd.

A mistrial has been declared in the attempted murder trial of a Little Rock man after a juror said she felt threatened by stares from trial spectators. Judge Willard Proctor Jr. dismissed the woman - then declared a mistrial when a second juror said she had become so nervous she couldn't continue. The trial of 29-year-old Kenneth Warren is to restart Wednesday with a new round of jury selection. Warren is charged with attempted murder, battery and retaliation against 21-year-old Carlton Craig Jr. Craig was to testify in the murder trial of Warren's sister. The sister pleaded guilty to the charge and prosecutors say Warren blamed Craig.

A wind turbine manufacturer with plans to employ 600 people at a factory near Little Rock says its plans are on hold. Frank Epps, president of the U.S. subsidiary of a Dutch firm, told Arkansas Business that availability of short-term credit is behind the delay. Epps told the newspaper that the company has put the plant "on ice" but has not decided to cancel its central Arkansas plans. The company is one of several wind energy firms that have either built or announced factory plans in Arkansas.

The Glenwood Christmas parade that was cancelled last week will be held this Saturday at 5 PM. After the parade Santa will be at the Senior Citizens Center and there will be refreshments served.

On this date in history in 1777 George Washington returned to Valley Forge with his Army for the winter and in 1965 the Astrodome opened in Houston-the first event was a Judy Garland and Supremes concert.

Birthdays of note today include former Saints linebacker Don Davis born in 1972 and actress Jaimee Foxworth born in 1979.

December 16, 2009 KWXI News

People living in poverty in southwest Arkansas should be getting more fresh food soon, courtesy of the Ross Foundation. The Arkansas Foodbank Network says its affiliate in Arkadelphia, the Southwest Arkansas Foodbank, is to get an industrial-sized refrigeration and cooling unit donated by the foundation. The Foodbank Network says the cooler will allow for distribution of more fresh vegetables, fruits, milk and meats, providing food of greater nutritional value to the foodbank's clients.

Allied Wireless Communications Corp., a subsidiary of Atlantic Tele-Network Inc., says it will locate its corporate headquarters in Little Rock. Massachusetts-based Atlantic Tele-Network says it will invest more than $200 million through the purchase of existing wireless assets from Verizon Wireless and refurbishment of a new headquarters for Allied Wireless on Technology Drive in west Little Rock. The company plans to create about 250 jobs in Little Rock.

City officials in Garland City have been contacted by a man trying to repossess a missing fire truck and three police cars. City Recorder-Treasurer Ann Wright told the City Council that a man from Little Rock came to claim a 1978 fire truck - but it couldn't be found. The man provided a document saying the city has made no payments on the truck.

Councilors said they don't remember when the purchase was approved. And City Attorney Carolyn Whitefield says an attorney from Cook County, Ill., contacted her about three police cars. She says he claims the city defaulted on payments for the cars.

The Arkansas State Police says the patrol cars were found in September at an auto dealership in Natchitoches, La., where a former Garland City police chief allegedly tried unsuccessfully to trade them for another vehicle.

The state Board of Education is adding three more schools to the state's fiscal distress program. The Forrest City, Wickes and Yellville-Summit districts were added to the program Monday because of spending that is depleting their reserve funds. The districts must now develop and carry out a financial improvement plan and their expenditures are subject to prior approval by the Department of Education. The districts have two years to correct the problems or they face being merged into a neighboring district. The three join the Osceola, Decatur, Greenland and Mansfield districts on the distressed list.

On this date in history in 1953 the first White House press conference was held with President Eisenhower and 161 reporters.

Birthdays of note today include Col. Harlan Sanders, KFC founder, born on this date in 1890.

December 15, 2009 KWXI News

The Pine Bluff Arsenal is preparing to eliminate about 1,100 of its 2,240 jobs during the next three years. The workers will be let go as the arsenal completes its mission of helping destroy the U.S. chemical weapons stockpile by 2012. Officials say about 400 jobs will be cut in 2011, about 600 in 2012 and the remainder in 2013. The Pine Bluff Arsenal is one of seven sites across the country where the nation has stored its chemical weapons. The other 1,140 arsenal workers are employed by the Army to make grenades, mortars and chemical protection equipment. Their jobs will remain.

The new Hewlett-Packard plant is opening in Conway. The 150,000 square foot facility is opening Monday after workers spent nearly the past year in temporary space in Little Rock. HP announced the move to Conway in June 2008 and said nearly 2,000 workers would be hired. The company is still looking to hire about 1,000 employees at salaries starting just above $40,000 a year.

A study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found 28.7% of Arkansans were considered obese in 2008. The study rated 26.1% of adults nationwide as obese. In Arkansas the rates ranged from a low of 25% obese in Washington County to a high of 36.3 in Phillips County in eastern Arkansas. The CDC uses body mass index to define obesity. The formula uses a combination of height and weight to determine the amount of body fat.

The weather this past Saturday caused the Chamber of Commerce to re-schedule the annual Glenwood Christmas Parade to this Saturday at 5 PM. The same route will be used and after the parade refreshments and visits will Santa will be available at the Glenwood Senior Citizens Center.

The Glenwood Country Club’s “Canned Goods Open” also had to be rescheduled to the 19^th with a 10 AM start time.

The Centerpoint School Board meets today at 5 PM. The meeting, which is open to the public, will be in the high school home economics room at Centerpoint. On the agenda is mainly routine business and informational updates.

On this date in history in 1791 the Bill of Rights was ratified and also on this date in 1944 Congress gave General Eisenhower his fifth star. The rank of Five Star General no longer exists.

Birthdays of note today include comic Tim Conway born this date in 1933.

KWXI News December 14^th, 2009

US Congressman Mike Ross will host a telephone town hall meeting this evening at 7PM and anyone who would like to join the meeting may do so. It is expected to last for about an hour and a half. Ross told KWXI news that he would take questions from callers on Afghanistan, health care reform, the economic situation and other critical issues facing Arkansans. To participate dial 877-269-7289 and when asked for a PIN number enter 14573 on your touch tone phone. If you want to ask a question you will be given instructions after dialing in to the conference call. In previous telephone town hall conference calls there have been around 5,000 participants.

The Arkansas Public Service Commission has approved a plan for a new area code within the 870 area. The PSC says its new plan will require 10-digit dialing in the region when it's implemented, though an implementation date hasn't been set.

The new plan will create a second area code within the existing area, so current 870 customers will be able to keep their phone number. The new three-digit code hasn't been determined yet. The 870 area code now covers all of east and south Arkansas, along with some areas in the north and west. The supply of unassigned 870 numbers is projected to run out in 2013.

The mass flu clinic for Montgomery County is today and free flu shots for both the seasonal flu and H1N1 are available, as long as supplies last, at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Mount Ida or until 3 PM today.

The Montgomery County Quorum Court meets tonight for their regular monthly meeting. The meeting will be at the court house and starts at 7 PM. On the agenda is the nursing home lease and the 2010 budget. The meeting is open to the public.

A local family recently lost everything in a house fire and is in need of help. For a list of clothing sizes needed for the six children and their mother send an email to kwxi@windstream.net or for more information call 870-356-8507.

Birthdays of note today include singer Charlie Rich born this date in 1932 in Colt, Arkansas.

On this date in history in 1969 the Jackson Five made their first TV appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and in 1985 the New Orleans Saints ended a 14 game losing streak by defeating the Jets 21-20 and needless to say they are having a better season this year.

The "Canned Goods Open" has been moved to December 19th due to weather. Tee off will be 10 AM. Cost of entry including green fees, carts and prize fund is "A BAG OF GROCERIES AND $20.

Round Two: Lamar vs. AAA

The Lamar School District is seeking to get a permanent injunction against the Arkansas Activities Association. The case is set for a hearing on Monday, December 14, 2009, in front of Judge Gordon “Mack” McCain of the 5^th Judicial Circuit Court at 1:00 p.m. at the Johnson County Courthouse.

KWXI News December 11, 2009

An administrative hearing officer is recommending approval of an air permit for a coal-fired power plant being built by Southwestern Electric Power Co. The recommendation  by hearing officer Michael O'Malley for a final air permit goes to the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission. The 600-megawatt plant is under construction about 15 miles northeast of Texarkana. The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality approved the permit in November 2008, but the Sierra Club and nearby landowners appealed. SWEPCO is also still waiting for several permits for the plant from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Environmental Quality.

Tonight at 7 PM the Shiloh Church of Christ will have their annual Christmas program.

The annual Glenwood Christmas Parade will be tomorrow at 5 PM in downtown Glenwood. After the parade the Glenwood Church of Christ will host Christmas on the Hill for Kids in their Family Life Center on Hwy 70 West. The Glenwood Church of the Nazarene Bethlehem Village will be open from 5 PM until 8 PM and the Ouachita Academy  and College will present For Unto Us..A Son is Given, a musical celebration of Christmas, at Amity City Hall starting at 7 PM. Faith Tabernacle in Mount Ida presents Words of Wisdom From a Wise Old tree Saturday at 6 PM and Sunday morning at 10:30 AM.

The CADC board will meet Saturday at 10 AM in the CADC Smith Building in Malvern. The meeting is open to the public.

The annual Glenwood Christmas Parade will be Saturday at 5 PM in downtown Glenwood. For those unable to attend we invite you to listen to the parade on 98.9 FM or www.kwxi.net.

The championship games of the Kirby Tournament will be Saturday night with the girls game starting at 6:30 PM and the boys game following. KWXI will have the games on 98.9 and on www.kwxi.net for anyone unable to attend.

Birthdays of note today include actress Terri Garr born in 1946.

On this date in history in 1901 Marconi sent the first transatlantic radio signal. 

KWXI News December 10^th, 2009

A Clark County Jail inmate charged with beating up his wife during a Mother's Day visit with their 4-year-old child was sentenced by a jury to the maximum of 11 years in prison.
Charles Lanell Williams, 41, of Arkadelphia was convicted Monday of aggravated assault on a family member. His sentence will be tacked onto 25 years he is already serving for a drug conviction. Authorities say that Williams' wife brought their child to the jail for a visit on May 10. At the end of the visit, Williams ran past a guard and beat up his wife as their young child looked on. The jury gave him six years for the assault and another five years for committing the crime in the presence of a child.

Arkansas' attorney general is asking the governor to set execution dates for three men on death row. A spokesman for Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said Tuesday that letters were being sent to Gov. Mike Beebe asking that dates be set for the executions of convicted killers Don William Davis, Jack Harold Jones and Stacey Eugene Johnson. Arkansas' last execution occurred in 2005.

Georgia-Pacific Corporation says it will permanently close its Fordyce plywood mill, putting about 340 people out of work. Those workers had been laid off earlier this year, but Georgia-Pacific said at the time it may rehire them. The company announced the permanent closure yesterday and said it needs workers at its Crossett mill to restart its plywood line, so about one-third of the affected Fordyce workers could be hired there. Georgia-Pacific says the closure is in part caused by slumps in the construction industry. The company also a mill in Gurdon.

Free flu shots are being given today in Murfreesboro at the Pike County Health Unit. The mass flu clinic will continue until 6PM or as long as supplies of the vaccines for H1N1 and the seasonal flu last. The Montgomery County mass flu clinic that was scheduled for tomorrow has been re-scheduled for Monday from 9AM until 3PM at the Fairgrounds in Mount Ida.

The Kirby basketball tournament is underway and KWXI will have games on the air tonight for those unable to attend and we will also have the championship games on the air Saturday night on 98.9 FM and on www.kwxi.net.

On this date in history in 1927 the Grand Ole Opry was broadcast for the first time on WSM.

Birthdays of note today include newsman Chet Huntley born in 1911 and actor Dan Blocker born this date in 1929.

KWXI News December 9^th, 2009

The FBI has joined the Arkansas State Police investigation into stolen and misappropriated money by employees of the Upper Southwest Regional Waste Management District, an official said. The investigation has revealed numerous transactions which violate criminal laws. However, there is a large number that violate federal law. “These transactions necessitate the assistance of the FBI in the investigation and possibly the U.S. Attorney’s office,”  according to 9th Judicial District Prosecutor Bryan Chesshir of Nashville.

Two men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in the burning of a cross in the yard of a white woman and her three biracial children. A federal judge sentenced 20-year-old Jacob Wingo to two years in prison and 30-year-old Clayton Morrison to 15 months in prison. The two are among five men who pleaded guilty to charges related to the burning of a cross in the yard of Loretta Marie Slaughter-Shirah in Donaldson. Dustin Nix was sentenced last month to a year and a day in prison. 39-year-old Darren McKim and 43-year-old Richard Robins have yet to be sentenced.

The second mass flu clinic will be held tomorrow in Murfreesboro from 9 AM until 6 PM at the Pike County Health Unit and shots for the H1N1 and seasonal flu will be free to anyone as long as the supply holds out.

The annual Kirby Basketball tournament gets started tonight at Kirby and there will be games each night with the championship games Saturday night. KWXI will broadcast games Thursday and the championships Saturday night for those unable to attend.

The Pike County Search & Rescue Chili Supper that was scheduled for Saturday has been postponed due to scheduling conflicts and a new date will be announced later. The drawing for the gift cards will be held and the winners announced on KWXI Monday.

Much colder weather in the forecast for Southwest Arkansas today and tonight. Overnight lows tonight will be near 20 with some areas dropping into the teens around daybreak tomorrow.

On this date in history the first daily newspaper was published in New York by Noah Webster in 1793 and in 1965 on this date A Charlie Brown Christmas premieres.

Birthdays of note today include actor Kirk Douglas born in 1918 and actor and comedian Redd Foxx was born this date in 1922.

KWXI News December 8^th, 2009

Tourism officials in Hot Springs are using an image of 3 baseball greats from nearly a century ago in their latest effort to promote the city. Babe Ruth, Tris Speaker and Honus Wagner appear in a group photo taken around 1915, when Hot Springs was a spring training site for Major League Baseball. The Boston Red Sox, for which Ruth and Speaker played at the time, held spring training in Hot Springs. So did the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team that Wagner was playing out the final years of his career. City tourism director Steve Arrison says the image will be used on a postcard for direct mail advertising that touts the city.

Congressman Mike Ross, in his weekly radio address yesterday, told his fourth district constituents that the US needs to finish the job it has started in Afghanistan where the 9-11 attacks were planned and practiced. President Obama recently announced that 30,000 additional troops would be deployed to Iran and Afghanistan.

Arkansas Nuclear One began operating 35 years ago which changed the way Arkansas gets its electricity. The two operating units at the plant near Russellville generate about a quarter of the state's electricity. The plant has an annual payroll of $93 million and is responsible for about $8 million in tax revenue. The $140 million plant was announced by then-Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller in 1967.

If you plan on attending a state high school football championship game at War Memorial Stadium this weekend, you can help hungry Arkansans by donating a non-perishable food item. On December 11th & 12th members of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance will be taking your donations of food at the championship games. Schools competing in the championship games are also helping collect food and raise awareness on hunger issues in the state.

KWXI Sports will have the Centerpoint senior games on the radio tonight. The Knights will be at Poyen and our coverage will start with the girls game around 6:30 PM and you can hear it on 98.9 FM or at www.kwxi.net.

On this date in history in 1863 President Lincoln announced reconstruction plans for the South and Queen Wilhelmina of Holland was laid to rest.

Birthdays of note today include Sammy Davis, Jr. born in 1925.

KWXI News December 7^th, 2009

Gov. Mike Beebe says that whether warrants for parolees should be entered into a national database used by law enforcement is a focus of talks with Washington state after a man paroled by Arkansas gunned down four Lakewood, Washington police officers.

Beebe said on his monthly radio show Friday that a warrant Arkansas issued for Maurice Clemmons in October was valid. However, it was not entered into the National Crime Information Center, a national law enforcement database. Clemmons who killed the police officers  was killed by Seattle police. Beebe said Arkansas followed standard procedure and the warrant was accessible to Washington authorities. Washington officials have said not entering it made the warrant virtually invisible to law enforcement.

Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire has said her state won't accept any parolees from Arkansas until she's assured of a better system for sending them back.

The annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place today at 3 PM in the second floor rotunda of the State Capitol in Little Rock. There were approximately 169 Arkansans at Pearl Harbor when the attack occurred 68 years ago today and they will be honored including 30 still living.

The First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro will have their annual Toy & Clothing Fair this Friday and Saturday from 8 AM until 5 PM both days. Donations of toys, clothing or cash will be accepted and anyone needing help is encouraged to call 870-285-3809 or 285-3577.

The Razorbacks host Delaware for basketball and tonight’s game will be on FM 98.9 with the pre-game at 6:30 and the tip off at 7 PM.

On this date in history in 1787 Delaware became the first state to ratify the US Constitution, in 1862 the Battle of Prairie Grove  Arkansas occurred during the Civil War and in 1941 Japan attacked Peal Harbor in Hawaii.

Birthdays of note today include catcher Johnny Bench born in 1947 and hoop star Larry Bird born in 1956.

KWXI News December 4, 2009

A man accused of killing former Waldron Mayor Troy Anderson has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and will serve a 30-year prison term. Mario Maurice Dawson, 21, entered the plea on Wednesday in Sebastian County. Anderson, 74, vanished in June, and Dawson and his wife, 20-year-old Jasmine Dawson, were arrested in early July for allegedly using Anderson's debit card. Police say Mario Dawson confessed to the killing and led investigators to Anderson's remains. Mario Dawson told police Anderson pulled a knife when Dawson confronted him for paying Jasmine Dawson for sex. Dawson said he punched Anderson several times, and Dawson stopped breathing. Jasmine Dawson still faces fraud and hindering apprehension charges.

Extremely cold temperatures in Southwest Arkansas are forecast for tonight. The National Weather Service in Little Rock says that overnight lows tonight will be below 20. 19 is the low forecast for Glenwood and some outlying areas could be considerably lower. Exposed pipes should be protected and pets that are outside should have some extra bedding and you may want to check on elderly or shut in neighbors to see that they have heat.

The Amity Area Chamber of Commerce will host the second annual Cowboy Christmas in Amity tomorrow starting with the parade at 2:30 PM. There will be a number of activities including a luminary, mock bank robbery, western costume contest, living nativity and food vendors.

The City of Norman will have their annual Christmas parade tomorrow at 2 PM in Norman and everyone is invited to City Hall after the parade for chili and soup.

There will be a chili and soup fund raiser at the Kirby School between 3:30 and 6 PM today to raise money for the Junior Prom. In addition to chili or coup you will get a desert and the cost is $5 for adults and $4 for ages 12 and under. Carry outs will be available. Kirby will host Van-Cove tonight and KWXI will have the senior games on the radio for those who can’t make it to the gym and our live coverage will start around 6:30 PM on 98.9 FM and on www.kwxi.net.

The Wright Cousins Get Together will be Saturday evening at 6:30 PM at the Mount Tabor Community Center and everyone is encouraged to bring a dish for the pot luck meal.

On this date in history early Americans celebrated the first Thanksgiving in Virginia in the year 1619.

Birthdays of note today include actor Victor French born in 1934 and actress Tyra Banks born in 1973.

KWXI News December 3, 2009

Many in Southwest Arkansas got to see a few snow flakes mixed in with rain yesterday and will get to experience the first very cold temperatures this year the next couple of days. Temperatures will drop well below freezing tonight and be in the low 20s Friday night. John Lewis is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Little Rock had recently predicted an early winter for Arkansas. With temperatures in outlying areas likely to dip into the teens late Friday and early Saturday care should be taken with exposed water lines and shelter provided for outside pets.

Arkansas finance officials say the state's revenues fell $16.2 million below expectations last month, fueled by one-time corporate and sales tax refunds. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration said the state's net available revenues in November totaled $391.6 million, which was $63.6 million below last year. The department said the state saw decreases in individual income, sales and corporate taxes last month. The state's revenues are $34 million below expectations so far this year, but the state's chief fiscal officer says he expects to make up for that loss over the next several months.

Gov. Mike Beebe has named attorney and banker Bill Bowen to the Arkansas Supreme Court. The 86-year-old Bowen replaces Justice Annabelle Clinton Imber, who announced her retirement in September. A special election next year will determine who serves the remainder of Imber's term, which ends in 2014. The appointment is effective Jan. 1.

Beebe says Bowen is an "Arkansas institution." A World War II Navy veteran, Bowen worked as a tax attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, then moved to Arkansas and spent 17 years in private practice. He worked in the banking world for 20 years, and also served as then-Gov. Bill Clinton's chief of staff as well as dean of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's School of Law. The law school is now named in his honor.

One of the many things at this Saturday’s Cowboy Christmas in Amity will be a mock bank robbery at 4:30 and a western costume contest. The parade will kick everything off at 2:30 PM. The annual Norman Christmas parade will also be this Saturday starting at 2 PM .

On this date in history in 1950 Paul Harvey began his national daily broadcast and in 1989 Presidents Bush and Gorbachev announced the official end to the cold war at a conference in Malta.

Birthdays of note today include three time Daytona 500 winner Bobby Allison born in 1937 and actress Daryl Hannah born this date in 1960.

KWXI News November 30, 2009

A search warrant released by authorities indicates that deputies shot and killed a suspect after he initially fired on and wounded one of their colleagues. The account of the shooting in the records released last week marked the first time authorities had confirmed that Garland County sheriff's deputies had fatally shot 22-year-old Marvin Stringer. The shooting occurred as deputies tried to arrest Stringer at a Hot Springs motel on Nov. 19. He was one of three men wanted in connection with the Nov. 12 deaths of five people during a botched robbery in Pearcy. Authorities have cited a gag order in the Pearcy homicide case as a reason for not releasing information about Stringer's shooting. Three Garland County deputies have been placed on routine, temporary leave with pay pending an investigation into the shooting.

A lawsuit over the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's decision to cancel the state's turkey hunting season remains alive. Pulaski County Circuit Judge Willard Proctor Jr. decided not to dismiss the lawsuit and attorneys for both sides are scheduling dispositions in the case. Hunter David Clark sued after the commission canceled the fall turkey hunting season on Sept. 24 because of concerns over the state's dwindling turkey population. The seven-day gun season had been scheduled to open Oct. 26. Clark's attorney has said the commission's decision was more about politics than science.

Mena school officials say things are "semi-normal" after a deadly tornado destroyed a middle school and extensively damaged the community college there in April. Mena Superintendent Diann Gathright said it will be two years before her district completely recovers. An April 9 tornado killed three people and damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and other structures. The destruction of Mena Middle School forced officials to move students to a school that had been closed. Gathright says those students will move into the old high school once a new high school is built. Rich Mountain Community College President Wayne Hatcher says the college faces long-term repairs, but students and staff members have returned. Damage has been estimated at $3.4 million to the college and $9.2 million to the school district.

The Pike County Quorum Court meet tonight at 7 PM in the court house in Murfreesboro. On the agenda is routine business as well as the 2010 budget, the hospital and the jail. Quorum Court meetings are open to the public and anyone may attend.

Mineral Springs will be at Kirby for basketball games this evening. KWXI will have the senior girls and senior boys game live on 98.9 FM and on our web site, www.kwxi.net, tonight starting around 6:30 PM.

On this date in history in 1886 the first successful commercial AC electrical power generating plant began operating and in 1983 Radio Shack announces the release of the Tandy 2000 computer.

Birthdays of note today include Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemmons, born in 1835, Winston Churchill born in 1874 and G. Gordon Liddy born this date in 1930.

KWXI News November 27, 2009

Three Garland County deputies have been placed on temporary leave with pay pending an investigation into the shooting death of a homicide suspect at a Hot Springs hotel last week. Sheriff Larry Sanders says the action is standard procedure while the Nov. 19 shooting death of 22-year-old Marvin Stringer is investigated by the Hot Springs Police Department. All three deputies are members of the Garland County Sheriff's Department Tactical Response Team. One TRT member, Jason Lawrence, was shot and injured during the incident at the National Park Inn. Sanders did not release the names of the deputies who were placed on leave. Stringer was a suspect in the Nov. 12 killings of five people during a botched robbery in Pearcy.

Pike County Judge Don Baker, in a statement Wednesday, said that the Pike County Hospital would be back in full operation after the first of the year and the employees would be reinstated. In a statement from the two senior officers at the hospital, Robert Hicks and Arthur Benson, say that reopening the hospital is a high priority for them and say that they want the hospital to reopen better than it has ever been.

The Pike County Quorum Court will meet Monday the 30^th at 7 PM in the court house in Murfreesboro for their regular monthly meeting. The meeting is open to the public and among the items on the agenda is the 2010 budget and an audit of the hospital.

Monday is the last day to sign up for rural water service from the North Pike County Rural Water Association and receive a discount. To sign up or for information call 870-398-6262.

The Razorback and LSU football game will be on KWXI Saturday with pre game coverage starting at 3 PM and the kick off at 6 PM. Sunday KWXI will have the Razorback basketball game with South Alabama with pre game coverage at 1:30 PM and the tip off at 2 PM.

The Montgomery County solid waste stations are closed today but both will reopen tomorrow.

On this date in history in 1957 the US Army withdrew from Little Rock after the forced integration of Central High School.

Birthdays of note today include Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, the daughter of JFK, born in 1957.

KWXI News November 25, 2009

The Pike County Hospital has officially suspended operations, putting more than 50 people out of work and residents without services after nearly 60 years. Earlier this month, the hospital's lead administrator and chief operating officer were both arrested, and currently face felony hot check charges. Hospital authorities released a statement Monday saying, "The decision was made by the hospital management to suspend operations to allow time to recruit additional medical staff." The statement continued, saying that employees and management of Pike County Hospital will again be serving the medical needs of Pike County and the surrounding area beginning January 8, 2010.
Chief Executive Officer Robert Hicks, 61, of Oklahoma City and Administrator Arthur Clyde Benson, Jr., 63, of Richardson, Texas, were arrested on felony charges of writing hot checks. Both men are out on bond. They will be arraigned Monday, November 30.

Congressman Mike Ross says the deficit and economy have to be addressed and runaway government spending must stop. Ross is part of 16 member bi-partisan commission called the Secure Americans Future Economy Act, also known as the Safe Act. Ross, in his fifth tern as the fourth district congressman, will face Marc Rosson in next year’s general election.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski was in Arkansas yesterday and made appearances in Pine Bluff and Little Rock. The topic at both events was expanding broadband access that provides high-speed Internet service. The FCC chief was invited to the state by business and political leaders to get his help to improve broadband access in the state, especially in rural areas.

On this date in history in 2348 BC, according to some scholars, the Flood occurred and in 1963 John F. Kennedy was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Birthdays of note today include Joe DiMaggio born in 1914, singer Amy Grant born in 1960, and John F. Kennedy, Jr. born this date in 1960.

KWXI News November 24, 2009

Newly released figures show the unemployment rate in Arkansas rose half a percentage point in October to 7.6 percent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is the highest jobless rate in the state since September 1988, when it also was 7.6 percent.

Arkansas has lost 28,700 jobs in the past year, a 2.4 percent decline compared with October 2008. The state added 2,400 jobs in October when compared with September.

According to the state Department of Workforce Services, the trade, transportation and utilities sector lost 1,600 jobs, while the leisure and hospitality sector lost 700 jobs.

The government sector added 2,800 jobs, mostly because public schools reached their anticipated employment level for the year.

U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln says she wants more cost controls in a proposal to overhaul the nation's health care system and won't support a government-run health insurance option. The Democratic senator from Arkansas told reporters Monday that she told Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid that she can't support allowing the government to sell insurance in competition with private companies. Lincoln on Saturday voted to open debate on health care legislation, but has said she can't support Reid's bill in its current form. Lincoln said she thinks there are plenty of opportunities to cover the uninsured through many existing government programs without creating a public option.

Centerpoint School Superintendent  Lewis Diggs will be retiring according to School Board President Kerry Horn. The Centerpoint School Board will have a special meeting to discuss the process to be followed in hiring a new Superintendent in the high school library this evening at 6:30. The meeting is open to the public.

There is more news, local sports and the weather on our webside, www.kwxi.net, as well as obituaries and community and church news.

On this date in history in 1871 the National Rifle Association was formed and in 1963 Jack Ruby shot and killed JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas.

Birthdays of note today include 12^th president Zachary Taylor.

KWXI News Monday November 23, 2009

A state senator says that legalizing or lessening criminal penalties for marijuana may be one way to curb overcrowding in Arkansas' prisons. Sen. Randy Laverty, a Democrat from Jasper, said Thursday he wanted to wait for legislative research and data from the Department of Correction before he decides whether to sponsor legislation to lessen or eliminate criminal penalties for the drug. Laverty said at a legislative hearing this week that there should be debate about legalization after asking prison officials how many inmates are in jail on marijuana offenses. Laverty suggested that those using the drug for medical purposes shouldn't be punished. Laverty said he wouldn't consider sponsoring any proposals on the issue until the 2011 session.

Arkansas State Police and local law enforcement officers are hopeful for a fatality free Thanksgiving holiday and will be increasing patrols and participating  in the Click It or Ticket program. The Click It or Ticket program starts today and continues through the 29^th. Last year 12 people lost their lives in traffic crashes during the  Thanksgiving holiday period. Colonel Winford E. Phillips, the director of the Arkansas State Police, said that “seat belts are the single most important safety device in your vehicle and have been proven in preventing death and serious injuries during highway crashes”.

The Arkansas Health Department says two more state residents have died from the swine flu, bringing the state total to 20. The Health Department said that more vaccine for the swine flu is arriving in the state, so it should be easier to find a provider. The department didn't identify the latest victims of the virus. People in high-risk groups, such as pregnant women, the very young, the elderly and people breathing problems or other health issues are urged to get vaccinated. The department says people with chronic conditions should contact their doctor as soon as possible if they develop flu-like symptoms. Those symptoms include fever over 100 degrees, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea.

Centerpoint and Caddo Hills schools are out this week for their Fall Break. Kirby school will be in session today and tomorrow and be out Wednesday through Friday for Thanksgiving. All schools’ classes will resume Monday the 30^th.

On this date in history in 1963 the nation mourned as the body of slain president John F. Kennedy lay in repose in the East Room of the White House.

Birthdays of note today include 14^th president Franklin Pierce born in 1804 and William H. Bonney, better known as “Billy the Kid”, was born this date in 1859.

KWXI News November 20, 2009

Two sheriff's deputies were shot and a suspect  killed after a shootout in Hot Springs late yesterday. Thursday evening, investigators received information on a suspect from a house fire and homicides in last week in Pearcy. The Garland County Tactical Response Team, as well as officers from the State Police, Hot Springs Police Department and F.B.I. responded to the National Park Inn  on Grand Avenue to take the suspect into custody. Lieutenant James Martin with the Garland County Sheriff's Department says the suspect began firing on officers, so they returned fire, killing him. Two officers were injured in the shooting. One is in serious condition, but the other has been treated and released. The names of the officers have not been officially released nor has the name of the suspect. Memorial services for one of the victims, 19 year old Kristyn Nichole Warneke, of last weeks homicides, will be held in Glenwood Saturday.

The business partners leasing and operating the Pike County Hospital arrested earlier this week are out of jail on bond after writing hot checks to a local doctor totaling over $8800. Robert Hicks and Arthur Benson were arrested by Pike County Sheriff’s deputies and charged with felonies. Pike County owns the hospital that has suffered, like many other rural hospitals, with financial problems.

Former president Bill Clinton says he wants the nation to reform its health-care system and to reduce energy consumption, much of which can be accomplished by reducing waste. About a thousand people gathered in Little Rock to hear Clinton speak in a ceremony marking the fifth anniversary of his presidential library. Clinton joked about the cold rain that fell five years ago on a crowd that attended opening ceremonies and thanked organizers of Wednesday's event for putting up a tent. Clinton said he wants a his library to continue to focus on the idea that elections bring consequences

On this date in history in 1931 commercial teletype service began in the US and in 1974 the US Government filed suit to start the breakup of telecommunications giant AT&T.

Birthdays of note today include Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) born in 1917, Robert F. Kennedy born in 1925, Dick Clark born in 1929, Vice President Joe Biden born in 1942 and actress Bo Derek born this date in 1956.

KWXI News November 19, 2009

Sen. Mark Pryor says he supports moving a proposal to overhaul the nation's health care system to the Senate for debate, but is still undecided on the legislation. The Democrat from Arkansas told reporters Wednesday he supports the procedural motion needed to begin consideration of the health care legislation in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid wants to bring his roughly $900 billion, 10-year health care remake to the floor in the next few days. The Democratic leader has spent weeks melding bills from the Senate health committee and the Finance panel. Pryor says he's undecided on whether he'll support the proposal. Fellow Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas is also undecided on the health care proposal and hasn't said whether she supports proceeding with the bill.

Today is the annual Great American Smokeout and anyone who uses tobacco of any kind is encouraged to quit. Many resources are available including a start up supply of nicotine replacement products and counseling. Ed Barham with the Arkansas State Department of Health told KWXI News that the smoking cessation program in Arkansas has been very effective helping people. For information about resources available to help you stop smoking call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

The Centerpoint Knights will host Jessieville tonight for basketball. Junior games will start at 4:30 followed by the Senior girls and boys. For those unable to attend the senior games will be on KWXI FM 98.9 around 6:30 this evening.

On this date in history in 1863 President Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address and in 1911 New York received the first Marconi wireless message from Italy.

Birthdays of note today include 20^th US President James Garfield born in 1831 and broadcasting mogul Ted Turner born in 1938.

KWXI News November 18, 2009

Tomorrow is the Great American Smokeout and the Arkansas Department of Health’s Stamp Out Smoking program wants to encourage all who use tobacco in any form to quit! Help is available from the Health Department and many partners around the state for those who want to quit using tobacco and there is even help from counselors available on the telephone by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Sarah Palin will be in Fayetteville next month to sign copies of her new book, "Going Rogue: An American Life." The former vice presidential candidate and Alaska governor will be at a Fayetteville Sam's Club on Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Palin's Fayetteville appearance is the only one scheduled for Arkansas during her book tour. Doyle Webb, the chairman of the Republican Party of Arkansas, says Palin has never visited Arkansas. Webb says the party is pleased that Palin is visiting Arkansas because she brought excitement to last year's presidential campaign.

American Airlines is dropping its plans to bring mainline jet service back to Little Rock National Airport. The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline had announced last month it would begin using McDonnell Douglas MD-80s in April on four daily flights between Little Rock and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. American spokeswoman Andrea Huguely said that the airline just didn't have enough jets for the service but some think the decision was based more on the economy. The MD 80 has about 140 seats - which is more than double the number for regional jets. The latest schedule shows American with 10 flights daily between Little Rock and Dallas/Fort Worth using regional jets.

Rumors about campground closings at area Corp of Engineer lakes due to budget cuts are not accurate and Kavanaugh Breazeale with the Corp told KWXI News that area lakes’ campgrounds will be open year-round including Greeson, Ouachita and DeGray.

On this date in history in 1883 railroads established time zones in the US and Canada and in 1928 Mickey Mouse was introduced in NY in “Steamboat Willie”.

Birthdays of note today include pollster George Gallup born in 1901 and the first American in space, Alan Shepard, was born this date in 1923.

KWXI News November 17, 2009

A Jonesboro man has been arrested on suspicion of holding his mother hostage for $500.  Police say 26-year-old Hudson Chronister was arrested Saturday morning for suspicion of kidnapping, robbery, first-degree terroristic threatening and second-degree domestic battery. He was in jail pending a probable cause hearing Monday. It was not clear whether he had an attorney. Police say Chronister is suspected of holding his mother - Aylia Poston - in his home early Saturday until Poston's husband brought the money he demanded.

Authorities say a 13-year-old boy died after he was pinned beneath an all-terrain vehicle that he was riding with friends. Pulaski County Coroner Garland Camper says Alex Hugg was pronounced dead Friday night, three hours after the accident. Authorities say the other two passengers weren't injured when the ATV crashed, overturning on top of Alex.  Alex was a seventh-grade student at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock.

Arkansas State Police officials say they won't fight a $750,000 award to a man who was shot in the back by a trooper, but it'll be up to state lawmakers to pay the bill.
The state Claims Commission ruled that trooper James Kelloms III wrongly shot Wesley Don Yandell of Pearcy, leaving him paralyzed. The head of the state police says he doesn't think the trooper - who is now retired - did anything wrong. But Assistant Attorney General Joe Cordi says there are no grounds to appeal the decision by the claims commission.  On Aug. 13, a three-person panel of the claims commission found negligence by state police in the 2005 shooting. Authorities say Yandell fled after he was stopped for having an expired license plate. A legislative subcommittee recommended last month that the $750,000 be paid to Yandell.

If you want to camp during the off season at area lakes the Corp of Engineers has some good news. Lakes Greeson, Ouachita and DeGray will have campgrounds open year-round.

On this date in history in 1880 Congress held the first session in its new home in Washington, DC. In 1973 on this date President Nixon was quoted by the AP saying he was “not a crook”.

Birthdays of note today include comedian and Hee Haw star Archie Campbell born in 1914 and folk singer Gordon Lightfoot born in 1938.

KWXI News November 16, 2009

Authorities say a Bauxite man has died after testing positive for swine flu. Pulaski County Coroner Garland Camper says 37-year-old Jeffery Rollinson died Wednesday night at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. Camper says he wasn't aware of Rollinson suffering from any pre-existing illnesses before he was diagnosed with swine flu on Nov. 7. The Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed 18 deaths from swine flu, though it hasn't yet confirmed that Rollinson's death was caused by the flu strain.

The University of Arkansas says it's providing free tuition to "senior Razorbacks" who are 60 years or older. The school says senior citizens can attend classes and earn degrees for free, on a space-available basis. The school says college classes can engage older learners intellectually, and that younger students can benefit from the wisdom and experience of their older classmates. Those wishing to enroll in a spring program are encourage to apply as soon as possible by the Jan. 8, 2010, registration period.

The investigation continues into the deaths of four people found dead in a burning mobile home at Pearcy late last week, and another person was found dead in a house on the same property. Garland County officials say a vehicle belonging to one of the victims in the double-wide trailer was found on fire in Hot Springs, 13 miles away, about the same time. The mobile home fire was near Lake Hamilton High School.

Tony Alamo has been sentenced to 175 years in federal prison for child sex convictions. Alamo was sentenced Friday in Texarkana for convictions on a 10-count indictment for taking children across state lines for sex. U.S. District Judge Harry F. Barnes listened to testimony from three of Alamo's child "brides" before giving Alamo the maximum time allowed by federal guidelines. He told Alamo that he will one day face "a greater judge," and said "may (God) have mercy on your soul." Another hearing is set for Jan. 13 to determine whether Alamo's victims will get restitution.

On this date in history in 1907 Oklahoma became the 46^th state.

Birthdays of note today include actor Burgess Meredith.