Muldrow Football Player Recovering

Freshman running back for the Muldrow football team, Jake Hope, who was injured at a scrimmage Thursday, is at home recovering.  Steve Page, High School Principal, said "He went to make a tackle, dove for the running back and somebody came across and their   knee hit his head, which caused his neck to jar.  He was numb, lost feeling in his left side."

A helicopter landed on the 50-yard line moments later to take him to a Tulsa hospital.  There were indications that Hope was going to be alright even before the helicopter arrived.  How- ever, they transported him so that he could be checked out.  According to doctors, Hope re- ceived a stinger, or a nerve-pinch injury.  He was expected to return to school and football Monday, August 31.

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AR Men Arrested In OK Traffic Stop

19 year-old Ethan Cagle of Hackett and Dylan Thomas Larson, 20 of Springdale, face unlaw- ful possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute and misdemeanor unlawful pos- session of drug paraphernalia.  The two were stopped by Chuck Sutterfield, a McAlester Police Officer, who noticed the passenger in the Honda Civic was not wearing a seat belt.

Sutterfield said in an affidavit that he could smell an odor of raw marijuana coming from inside the car, as he was speaking to both subjects.  Officers were told by Cagle that there was approximately five pounds of marijuana in the car.  Sutterfield discovered a large bundle of cash in a backpack in the trunk, along with packages in a camo bag.

Both suspects were taken to the Pittsburg County Justice Center.  Cagle was booked into jail, Larson was not.  The two cooperated with drug investigators which lead to arrests in Salli- saw and Ft. Smith.

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Long-time Ft. Smith Business Closes

The Hamburger Barn, located downtown Ft. Smith, closed its doors for the last time Saturday night.  The well-known establishment had been in operation for 32 years.  For the last seven years, Shaney Salsman has owned the restaurant.

The reason for the closing is that Salsman was unable to renew the lease.  She has considered looking for other possible locations.

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Commemorative Coins For Sale At Walmarts

It was announced by the U. S. Marshals Museum in Ft. Smith and Walmart that the U. S. Marshals Service 225th silver dollar commemorative coins are now being sold at area Walmarts.  The coins are now available at the Walmart on Zero Street in Ft. Smith and Liberty Drive in Greenwood.  The purchase price is $51.95.

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Multiple Arrests In Scott Co Arson Cases

There have been a string of arson cases recently in Scott County.  It was posted on the Wal- dron Police Facebook page that three incidents occurred within the city limits, along with damage to a local business.  Other fires took place in the county.

Destiny Walker, 26 and a juvenile were the first to be arrested in connection with the arson cases.  24 year-old Sonny Girard and Michael Welch, 18, have since been arrested for their connection in the cases.

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Residents Reaching Out To Humane Society

Upon hearing of the Sebastian County Humane Society's financial crisis, Ft. Smith residents are jumping in to help.  Ella Harmon, 8, along with family and friends, set up a lemonade stand Saturday, raising more than $1200.  They also held a bake sale on Sunday.  Ella said for her birthday, she doesn't want presents.  Instead she wants people to donate to the animals.

A local boutique owner, Amanda Langley, is also wanting to help.  She is organizing a 5K to be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, August 29 at Wells Lake.  There is a registration fee of $30, which includes a T-shirt.  Langley is asking that people bring donations of dog and cat food or other pet items.

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Wildlife Officer To Be Honored

At the annual banquet of the Arkansas Game & Fish Foundation on August 21, Joel Campora will be inducted into the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame, posthumously.  Campora, an AGFC Wildlife Officer First Class, was killed along with the late Cody Carpenter, Scott County Sher- iff and three others, during the May flooding in Scott County in 2013.

Campora, 32 and Carpenter died in the line of duty while trying to rescue Vivian Sue Reimer and Regina Kay Shearn, both of Y City, who also lost their lives.  As a result of the flooding, Cathy Ann Holder of Dallas also lost her life.

Originally from Mena, Campora became a wildlife officer in 2007.  He was a member of the Game & Fish Commission's Dive Team and its Disaster Response Team.  Campora is survived by his wife, Rebecca and their two daughters.

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Organization Hosts Free Food Giveaway

Thousands of families went to the Martin Luther Park on Saturday, August 15 to receive help with groceries.  The food giveaway, called Antioch in the Park, was held by Antioch for Youth & Family.  This was their third and final one for the year.  This is actually the first year for them to hold the event.


More than forty-five pounds of food was given to each family.  An average of 3,000 people came out to each giveaway, according to organizer Charolette Tidwell.  Most of the food given away is purchased by Tidwell.  However, some comes from donations and thru the collaboration with various organizations.  She plans to make this an annual event each summer.  They will be held the third Saturday of June, July and August.

According to their Facebook page, the organization provides supplemental assistance and youth development services in the Greater Ft. Smith area.

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Issues Approved By Ozark Voters

There were three issues approved by voters in Ozark in a special election.  A 1% sales tax was approved in a 213-120 vote.  It will finance two construction projects totaling $10 million.  Authorization to issue bonds for the financing of a $7 million recreational facility was a second issue.  It was passed with a vote of 214-119.  Approved by a vote of 205-127, the third allows bonds to be issued to fund a $3 million emergency services building.  It will have space for offices for the Police and Fire Departments and a place to store equipment.

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Sebastian County To Get Electronic Voting Equipment

Sebastian County is one of four counties in Arkansas to receive funds from the office of Arkansas Secretary of State Mark Mark, with which to purchase new electronic voting machines.  The amount of the funds is $986,815.  The recommendation of purchasing enough backup equipment and other materials so that the county will have 250 machines, was made by the Sebastian County Election Commission in a memo to the quorum court.

On August 11, the court approved the spending of an additional $385,561 in order to purchase more equipment.  According to County Judge David Hudson, the county will attain 250 electronic voting machines, 94 electronic poll books and printers for the use of the County Clerk.  Voters in Sebastian County will be using the new voting equipment for the primary in March 2016, Hudson said.

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New Group Promotes Unity

A new group in Ft. Smith called Together Ft. Smith, held a Back to School Bash Sunday at Creekmore Park.  There were several hundred residents that attended the group's first community event.  The purpose of the festivities was to promote unity.

Sherman O'Neal and Marcus Thompson are the group's founders.  Together Ft. Smith started as a Facebook idea.  They are hoping to incorporate as a nonprofit organization.

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Location For Charter School Being Sought

Trish Flanagan, founder of what would be the first charter school in Ft. Smith, is looking for a location for the school.  Flanagan has shown an interest in the former Girls Inc building at 622 N. 7th Street.  In 2013, the City bought it with plans to turn it into a community center.

Representing the school, Rodney Ghan of  R. H. Ghan & Cooper Commercial Properties, in- formed the Commissioners the City would save $1.5 million by leasing or selling the proper- ty.  The amount is the estimated cost for the building to be renovated.  The internship- based school is to be called Future School of Ft. Smith.

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Rattlesnake Canyon Road Back Open

Rattlesnake Canyon Road at the Ft. Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center is now reopen- ed to local civilian traffic.  It was closed to public access from May 8th to August 11th while summer training was in session.  There were safety concerns due to the high volume of mili- tary traffic, which would cause extremely dusty conditions.

The almost four-mile area that was closed was on the eastern perimeter of the base.  Area residents use that part of the road as a convenient way to get from Arkansas 10 to Arkansas 22.

During most of June and July, there were more than 4,000 active soldiers and Department of Defense contractors training at the Center.

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Interest Shown In Greenwood Lake Project

The City of Greenwood may receive assistance in improving the boat ramp located at Green- wood Lake.  Sebastian County and the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission have shown inter- est in helping, according to Mayor Doug Kinslow, former Greenwood Parks Director.  The City wants to build a gravel parking lot that will enable people to turn around with their boats.  Kinslow said the way it is right now makes it very difficult to get in and out.  The City con- structed a mile-plus walking trail around the lake in the past few years.

The lake itself is not in the city limits.  Mike Hamby, City Attorney, has been authorized by the City Council to file an annexation petition with Sebastian County.  However, Hamby said the City can still do whatever improvements they want even though it is not annexed.

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Suspect In Ft. Smith Home Invasion Captured

Michael Jones of Ft. Smith, who is a suspect in a home invasion, has been captured.  Jones, 36, was apprehended in Millington, TN on August 11 around 9 p.m. without incident.

On July 27, two men, one armed with a handgun, broke into a home in the 1800 block of Red Brown Place near Greenwood.  Waking the residents, the men demanded money supposedly owed to them.

Stephen E. Flynn, 47 of Ft. Smith, identified as one of the suspects, turned himself in on July 29.  31 year-old Eric Hickey of Alma and Justin Hickey, 27 of Van Buren, were also a- rrested in connection with the robbery.

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Ted Cruz Makes Stop In Van Buren

On Wednesday, August 12, Senator Ted Cruz, Republican presidential hopeful made his third stop of the day, which was in Van Buren.  Cruz, R-TX, said as president, he would repeal the Affordable Care Act and abolish the IRS.  He also pledged as president, he would defend the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.

He spoke at the Republican Party of Crawford County Lincoln Day Dinner in Van Buren. Cruz is visiting seven states in seven days.

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Arrests Made In Connection With Arson Cases

There have been multiple arson cases recently in Scott County.  It has been posted on the Waldron Police Facebook page that arrests have been made of an adult and a juvenile in connection with the cases.  It was stated in the post, that the three incidents occurred within city limits, along with damage to a local business.

The Scott County Sheriff's Office also posted to its Facebook page "An investigation into recent fires throughout the county has resulted in arrests for arson, residential burglary, breaking or entering and criminal trespass.  The investigation remains ongoing, with addi- tional suspects being sought and arrests expected.  The names of those involved will not be released until those additional arrests have been made.  The Waldron Police Department, which conducted a parallel investigation into fires that occurred within city limits, will have similar charges on those involved."

The Sheriff's Office does not believe that the string of arson fires is connected with a house fire in July that resulted in the death of a five year-old boy.

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Former Businessman Seeks House Of Rep Seat

The Arkansas House of Representatives District 81 seat will be sought by Bruce Coleman.  Alma, Chester, Elkins, Mountainburg, West Fork and Winslow make up the district.  Accor- ding to a media release, Coleman states he will work to cut red tape on small businesses so they can create more good-paying jobs and will fight for the conservative values the resi- dents of Crawford and Washington counties hold dear.

He is the former co-owner of Coleman Butane Gas Company and C&C Transport Company, Inc.  He is a graduate of Mountainburg High School and also holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Arkansas.  Coleman and his wife of just over fifty years, Mabel, have three daughters and eight grandchildren.  The release stated Coleman is pro- life, pro-gun and supports traditional marriage.

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Humane Society May Be Forced To Close

Due to decreasing finances, the Sebastian County Human Society faces  a real possibility of closing.  According to the Humane Society Board Secretary, Tonya Rogers, the shelter will close within a few months if the cash flow continues to decline.  She said to cover all the expenses, it costs them $60,000 every month.  As of right now, the Society has $3,000 in the bank.

They will have to find a place for all of the animals to go if the facility does close.  Rogers said no animal will be put down to make more room.  There are currently more than 400 animals there.  People are encouraged to go to the Humane Society and look before purchas- ing an expensive designer pet.  Beds, food and other pet items are accepted, as well as monetary donations.

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Eldridge Stepping Down From Office

According to a news release, effective August 21 U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, Conner Eldridge, will step down from his position.  At that time, Eldridge's First Assistant U. S. Attorney, Kenneth Elser, will serve as acting U. S. Attorney.

Crimes that have an effect on children were prioritized during his tenure.  Most recently Eldridge started and announced the "A-Chance" program.  The program directly addresses the goal of mitigating negative impacts on children exposed to violence and trauma by identifying children that have come into contact with law enforcement and ensuring that school personnel are aware of that fact.  "A-Chance" stands for Arkansas Cultivating Healthy Attitudes and Nurturing Children to Excel.  It will begin in thirteen schools in six counties in the Western District of Arkansas, including Crawford and Sebastian.

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Pump Station Project Now Operational

A Ft. Smith pump station project that began in early 2013 is now operational along with storage tanks that have a capacity of 5 million gallons.  The system is located in the southern part of the city at the intersection of Jenny Lind & Zero Street.

The tanks temporarily store peak sewer flows during rains, after which the flows are re- leased back into the wastewater treatment plants.  According to Steve Parke, Utilities Director, it is being used and is performing as designed.

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Ft. Smith Man Receives 70-Year Prison Sentence

On August 5, Adam Eugene Lane of Ft. Smith was given a 70-year prison sentence.  Lane, 28, was classified as a habitual offender by the prosecution. He was convicted of simulta- neous gun and drug possession charges.  Before those charges, he had six prior felonies.

According to Dan Shue, Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney, tough sentences have traditionally been given to habitual criminals by Sebastian County juries.  Among Lane's crimes was the shooting of an Arkoma man in the stomach at D&J Auto Sales on Towson Avenue in December of 2012.

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Ozark Police Apprehend California Parolee

Ozark Police Department Special Response Team apprehended Amit Mahesh, a parolee from Los Angeles, CA at approximately 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 5.  This took place after Mahesh, 32, had broken into a house at Private Road 1682 near Knoxville at 2:17 p.m.  and proceeded in a standoff with Johnson County Sheriff's Deputies.  He was armed with a gun at the time.

The Deputies made several attempts to communicate with Mahesh, but were unsuccessful.  They then contacted the Special Response Team.  He was taken to the Johnson County De- tention Center after the incident, on a parole violation.

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Parrot Island Waterpark Helps In Fundraiser

The Parrot Island Waterpark helped out with a fundraiser for one of the area's nonprofit organizations, Saturday.  The Arc for the River Valley of Ft. Smith received 10% of the daily fee into the facility for the park goers that showed an invitation upon entering.  According to the park's General Manager Bill Miller, invitations had been given out by the Arc for the River Valley at their different events and to people involved with the nonprofit organization.

Miller said Parrot Island will be open reduced hours beginning August 17 until September 20.  Tiny Tot Time will be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  After school swimming is scheduled for Thursdays and Fridays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  On Saturdays and Sundays Parrot Island will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Update: Rudy Men Sentenced In Shooting Death

Tuesday, in two separate hearings, 19 year-old Nicholas Ross Barrows, along with his half- brother Jonathan Dammon Bridgewater 28,pleaded guilty to their connection in the shooting death of Jamison Lee Plum, 19.

The incident took place in June of last year on property owned by the grandmother of the two suspects, both of which were living in separate residences on the property.  Elizabeth Henry, the then-girlfriend of Bridgewater, informed law enforcement that a body was possibly buried on the property.  She said Bridgewater had shown her Plum's body under a tarp.

The body was discovered in a shallow grave on the property.  A preliminary autopsy report showed Plum died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Barrows was sentenced to a total of 55 years in prison.  Bridgewater was sentenced to 30 years.

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Greenwood Woman Found Competent For Trial

A Greenwood woman has been found by officials competent for trial.  Brooke Floyd, who is charged with felony manslaughter in the death of her 10-month old son, Harper, will now go to trial.

In July 2014, after a 4-day search, Floyd's husband, Brian Floyd, and their son were found dead in a rural area of the Ouachita Mountains.  According to officials, the baby died of exposure and abandonment.  The date of Floyd's trail has not yet been released to the public.

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IRS Warns Taxpayers Against Scams

The Internal Revenue Service is issuing yet another scam alert.  The IRS is urging taxpayers to remain on high alert due to scammers are now using new variations of their methods.  They are altering what appears on caller ID, making it look as if they are with the IRS or some other agency. 

Scammers are able to make the call sound official by giving your name and address, as well as other details about your life, they have obtained online.  According to a news release, they even copy official IRS letterhead and use it in regular mail or emails.

One of the most common tactics used by the scammers is fear.  They threaten such things as police arrest and deportation.  If you actually owe taxes and feel you are a target of an IRS scam, call the IRS at 800-829-1040.  If you don't know if you owe or do not believe at this time that you do and feel you are a victim of a scam, call the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.

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New State Maps Available

The Arkansas State Highway & Transportation Department stated in a news release that the 2015-2016 state highway map is now available.  In the new map, updates have been made to city limits, including Ft. Smith's and Van Buren's. 

They are free and may be picked up at Highway Department District Headquarters across the state, including District 4 Headquarters at 808 Frontier Road in Barling.

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UAFS Healthcare Adm Program Approved

The Higher Learning Commission reaffirmed the University of Arkansas-Ft. Smith's accreditation for ten years.  They also approved their Master of Science in Healthcare Administration program.  According to Dean Carolyn Mosely of the College of Health Sciences, students will be prepared for such jobs as running a long-term care facility, president of a hospital or director of nursing.

Chacellor Paul Beran said "I would equate it to the equivalent of building a building, in a sense of the impact it is going to have on what we can do with our curriculum, on how we can expand as an institution, on how we can serve the population here in the River Valley and the greater Ft. Smith region."  This accreditation allows a university to receive federal funds and ensures credits will transfer to other accredited institutions.

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Ft. Smith RR Crossings Need Repairs

During a recent Town Hall meeting, the Ft. Smith Board of Directors were presented with a suggestion from Richard Griffin, Chairman of Ft. Smith's Central Business Improvement District.  The suggestion was for them to come up with a plan to address the problem of the rough railroad crossings in the city, specifically near Riverfront Drive on B Street.  According to Jeff Dingman, Acting City Administrator, B Street is considered a state route.  Griffin stated he has not had any success receiving help from either the railroad or the state.

The City has been given permission by the state to purchase and install concrete railroad crossing panels at an average cost of $40,000 per panel, Mayor Sandy Sanders said.  Ward   2 Director Andre Good said he has been trying to get improvements on a crossing on 6th Street for years.  Good feels that the City can multi-task regarding crossings instead of giv- ing priority to one.

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Children Removed From Boys Shelter

The Ft. Smith Boys Shelter has been empty for two months.  According to the Shelter's Board President, Bryan Merry, in June a child called the Department of Human Services hotline ma- king allegations against the shelter.  The DHS then removed all the children.  He said usually there are four staff and ten children on site.  Merry said "I do not know what the allegations were.  I just know that they were bad enough to have all the children removed." 

One of the main donors for the shelter is the United Way of Ft. Smith.  Their director, Eddie Lee Herndon, said they did not find out until Thursday about the removal of the children.  Herndon stated that it is a serious situation and that they will be reviewing it.  He also said the United Way will have to discuss whether the donations for the past two months will have to be returned by the shelter.

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Rudy Man Injured In One-Vehicle Accident

Maynard R. Brasher of Rudy received a head injury after being involved in a one-vehicle accident.  It happened five miles north of Muldrow on U. S. 64B.  According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol preliminary report, Brasher, 53, left the roadway to the right for an unknown reason, after which he over-corrected causing the 2000 Chevrolet pickup to leave the road- way.  It then proceeded approximately 115 feet down an embankment, rolling three times, coming to rest on its wheels in a ditch.

The reported stated Brasher was not wearing a seat belt.  It also stated there was an odor of alcoholic beverages on his person.  Brasher was admitted to Sparks Regional Medical Center in Ft. Smith in critical condition.

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Board Approved Grant In Connection With Fluoridation

August 4, the final step in the fluoridation of Ft. Smith's water was approved by the Board of Directors.  To pay for engineering services, a $249,000 grant from Delta Dental was approv- ed in a 5-2 vote.  The fluoride feed systems will be at the water plants which are located at Lake Ft. Smith and Lee Creek.

A $2 million grant, also from Delta Dental, was approved by the Board last fall to fund equip- ment for the fluoridation process.  Steve Parke, Utilities Director, wrote in a memo to city officials "The grant condition to complete the work and begin feeding fluoride into the water supply is March 16, 2016."

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New Emergency System Being Promoted

A free service to enhance communication and response, called Smart 911, is being promoted by the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office.  Representatives from their office have been going to local cities in the county telling residents about the service.

A news release from the Sheriff's Office stated "Information contained in the profile could include medical information, address details or photos of you or your family."  This will be able to be viewed by emergency operators when 911 calls are made from phone numbers connected to the account.  Residents may register for free at smart911.com.  An app called ICE also is available for smart phones.

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House Fire Catches Neighboring House On Fire

Ft. Smith fire crews were called to a house at 1206 S. 'P' Street just before midnight Wed- nesday.  According to Battalion Chief Skip Mathews, flames were coming out from the roof when they arrived.  The house next door had also caught on fire.

There was no one home at the time of the fire.  However, the family inside the house next door was able to make it out safely.  The Fire Marshal is looking into several possibilities as the cause, including a lightening strike.

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Armed Robbery At Fort Smith Bank

According to a Ft. Smith Police Department official release, the First National Bank located at 9300 Hwy 71 was robbed just before 3 p.m. Tuesday.  The suspect is described as a white male, close to 6' tall and weighs approximately 200 lbs.  The release stated he was armed with a handgun and carrying a blue pillowcase.

He left with an undisclosed amount if cash, according to Sargent Daniel Grubbs.  The suspect was last seen driving an older model silver Ford Taurus and was possibly heading toward Greenwood.

You are asked to call the Ft. Smith Police Department if you have any information regarding the suspect.

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Ft. Smith Police Dept Awarded

CALEA, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, awarded the Ft. Smith Police Department the Law Enforcement Accreditation for the fifth time.  CALEA con- cluded in a release, "CALEA congratulates the Ft. Smith Police Department for demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence thru accreditation."

The award remains in effect for three years.  The agencies to receive it are chosen by a governing body made up of twenty-one commissioners.  Interview sessions and public feed- back both have an effect in the process.

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Disaster Relief Office In Van Buren Closing

At the end of business on August 7, the disaster recovery center in Van Buren will close, according to a news release.  It is located in the old Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Building at 615 Pointer Trail Drive.  Hours of operation thru the 7th are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The office was opened by officials with FEMA, along with the U. S. Small Business Admini- stration to help aid residents in nine Arkansas counties affected by the May and June flood- ing.  Crawford and Sebastian counties were included.

Anyone that has previously registered for assistance, can go online at www.DisasterAssis- tance.gov to check on their claim or if they have any questions after August 7 or they can call 800-621-3362.  The deadline to register for assistance with FEMA is August 25.

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1st Reading Of Food Truck Regulations In Greenwood Approved

Greenwood City Council has approved the first of three readings regarding mobile food truck regulations.  They are very similar to the ones in Ft. Smith, according to Mike Hamby, City Attorney.  Some of the concerns in regard to the food trucks are to have them in an area of the City that would not hinder the flow of traffic and that the vendors pay taxes.

During next month's meeting, they will have the second reading of the ordinance and discuss it further.

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Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Internet Stalking

According to a Crawford County official, 44 year-old Ricky Don Flynn was arrested after a- ttempting to set up a sexual encounter with a 13 year-old girl via Facebook.  The Crawford County Sheriff's Department was informed of suspicious activity by the parents of the child.  Officials said Flynn has four other Facebook profiles.

Flynn was driving from Ozark to Alma to meet with the girl, according to an official with the Crawford County Sheriff's Department.  When he arrived, the Sheriff's Department and the Van Buren Police Department were waiting for him.  Flynn, at that time, was arrested on suspicion of Internet stalking a child.

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OK Foods, Inc Hiring 100 workers

OK Foods, Inc. of Ft. Smith issued a statement saying the company is seeking to fill 100 po- sitions at its Ft. Smith facility.  It stated that all interested applicants are invited to apply online at www.OKFoods.com, click on the Careers link.

It also said in the release that the company is an equal opportunity employer and that if you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using their website to apply for employment, contact their Human Resources Department at 479-494-6301.

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Director Suggest Animal Control Be Under Sanitation Dept

Ft. Smith Board of Directors are seeking ways to increase money going into the police and firefighters' pension fund.  George Catsavis, Ward 4 Director, wants to discuss the possibi- lity of the Police Department's 5-man Animal Control Unit being placed under the Sanitation Department, which is its own enterprise.

Currently the Animal Control Unit is overseen by the Police Department.  It is at a yearly cost of approximately $600,000 which includes boarding fees paid to the Sebastian County Hu- mane Society.

Catsavis would like to bring the topic to a study session for discussion.

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Update: Police Warns Suspect Is Threat To Public Safety

The public is being warned by the Ft. Smith Police that 36 year-old Michael Lee Jones is armed and a threat to public safety.  Jones is a suspect in a home invasion that took place on July 27 near Greenwood.

A release stated investigators were told by Jones that he will not go back to prison and will have a violent encounter with law enforcement.

Jones is described as a white male, 6'1" tall and weighs approximately 170 lbs.  Anyone who sees Jones is urged by the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office to call 911.

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Prosecutor Sworn In On J P Case

A special prosecutor has been sworn in on the case involving a member of the Sebastian County Quorum Court. Marc McCune, Crawford County Prosecuting Attorney, will serve as  the prosecutor against Justice of the Peace John Kent Spradlin.

On July 6, Spradling, 59, was arrested after a domestic battery report was filed against him by a minor female relative.  She claimed Spradlin physically and verbally threatened her.  He has had no formal charges filed against him.

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Victim Of Apt Fire Identified

The victim of a Ft. Smith apartment fire on July 26 has been identified as Larry Joe Jinks.  The incident took place at 4001 Rogers Ave at the Cambridge House Apartments.  According to Battalion Chief Boyd Waters, when fire crews arrived, neighbors were attempting to put the fire out with fire extinguishers.

Jinks, 62, was transported to Mercy Hospital where he later died.  His dog, who was also in the apartment, survived.  Waters said the furniture inside the apartment was damaged.  However, there was no structural damage to the complex.  The cause of the fire was deter-mined by the Ft. Smith Fire Department to be smoking in bed.

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Driver Of Motorized Scooter Killed

Bobby Anderson of Ft. Smith died following an accident Friday, July 31 involving a motorized scooter and an automobile.  It happened at the intersection of N. 50th St & Midland Blvd.  No charges have been filed at this time, police said.

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EBT Cards Accepted At Farmer's Market

Families that are low-income now will be able to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at the Ft. Smith Farmer's Market with their EBT card.  It has been in the process for three years.  Organizer Joe Carr said "There's not that many places around where they can do this.  And it helps the farmers as well.  You know, helps the local farmers.  So it kind of helps both of us, low-income and the farmers."

The market is located on Garrison Ave and takes place from 7 a.m. until noon every Tuesday and Saturday.

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Stabbing Suspect Turns Himself In

A stabbing took place early Saturday morning around 3 a.m. at the Cottage Apartments located at 303 E. Shawntel Smith Blvd in Muldrow.

According to police, they were told by Joseph Morton that two men broke into his apartment and stabbed him.  Tyler Chapman, 22, who was identified as one of the suspects, was arres- ted later at his home at 402 Southeast 11th Street.

The Muldrow Police were looking for Reeves Gentry, 38, in connection with the incident.  Gentry later turned himself in after seeing a news report on the stabbing.  Dispatchers said he did not confess to the incident.

Chapman and Gentry are both being held in the Sequoyah County Jail on a $20,000 bond each.  The charges are suspicion of first degree burglary, aggravated assault and battery with injuries.

Morton, 36, was taken to Sparks Regional Medical Center and was treated in the intensive care unit.  His condition is unknown at this time.

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Lawsuit Against Ft. Smith School Board Amended

There was a lawsuit filed by Ft. Smith Attorney Joey McCutchen against the Ft. Smith School Board on July 23.  McCutchen filed it on behalf of Curtis Sorrells, a Ft. Smith resident, re- garding a meeting that took place on June 23.  The meeting was that of the Committee of the Whole, which makes recommendations to the full Board.

The lawsuit alleges that when the vote was taken at the meeting on the recommendation to retire Southside's mascot and song, they violated the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act open meetings provision.  Wednesday McCutchen was granted two weeks for additional dis- covery.

Originally the lawsuit was field against five School Board members, then six.  However, Thursday he amended the complaint again and is now targeting the School Board as a whole rather than individual members.  McCutchen said the two weeks will allow him to question the School Board members.

According to Deanie Mehl, School Board President, in light of the litigation, the vote on July 27 to immediately retire the fight song and phase out the mascot, was not treated as a Committee of the Whole recommendation.

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Soldiers Received Firearm Training

Firearm training took place Wednesday and Thursday of last week at Ft. Chaffee for soldiers.  This was done due to an executive order issued on July 20 by Governor Asa Hutchinson.  His order came after four Marines and a sailor were killed in a shooting rampage at a recruiting station and Navy & Marine Reserve center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Lieutenant Colonel Dwight Ikenberry with Ft. Chaffee said "Using a weapon for defensive measures in a civilian community, right here in our home state of Arkansas, is different from what they may experience in Iraq or in Afghanistan."  He also said the military-issued 9mm pistol that they will be armed with is a different weapon that what many of them are used to.

Camp Robinson in Little Rock also held training last week.  Arkansas is one of seven states arming its National Guard.

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