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News 2009 August

Stories for August 2009

Monday, August 31

Car GPS helps catch fugitive in Van Buren

posted: 08/31/2009 9:14 a.m.

Van Buren police used a vehicle's anti-theft GPS system to do more than solve a property crime. They arrested a fugitive from Tennessee wanted for attempted murder.

Mined out? City considers limiting red dirt, rock quarry operations

posted: 08/31/2009 5:53 a.m.

The Fayetteville City Council on Tuesday will consider two ordinances to control activity from rock quarry and red dirt mining facilities within a mile of city limits.

Circuit Clerk's copies now 5 cents

posted: 08/31/2009 5:51 a.m.

The Washington County Circuit Clerk's office has dropped its cost for copies in half - from 10 to 5 cents per copy- following a request for copies by Tontitown gadfly Mick Wagner.

Fayetteville producing top quality food-waste compost

posted: 08/31/2009 5:50 a.m.

Fayetteville's two-year-old pilot project to recycle food waste from Sam's Club is producing compost of even higher quality than compost from yard waste.

Ozark Profile : Eldridge finds ideal mix of sports, nonprofit work

posted: 08/31/2009 5:48 a.m.

Sarah Eldridge had big dreams and lofty goals as a University of Arkansas marketing student. As a lifelong golfer and avid sports fan, Eldridge imagined herself working alongside the likes of the Shaquille O'Neals and Peyton Mannings of the world, in one aspect or another.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/31/2009 5:45 a.m.

Events in Washington County For Aug. 31, 2009.

Restaurant Inspections

posted: 08/31/2009 5:43 a.m.

Information is from Arkansas Department of Health records. Restaurants are listed in order of inspection date. All reports are from regular food service/food store inspections unless otherwise noted.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/31/2009 5:40 a.m.

Walter Troy McAlpine, Lyndal Nancy Rhodes Brown

Siloam Springs High School construction to start Tuesday

posted: 08/31/2009 5:37 a.m.

The start of the 2009-2010 school year began without a hitch last week.

Times Editorials: Go, Mike, Go

posted: 08/31/2009 5:36 a.m.

Paul Eells, the "Voice of the Razorbacks," may be the greatest broadcaster to ever call the University of Arkansas home. If that's the case, though, Mike Nail comes in a very close second place.

ROOTS & WINGS: Promoting Christian Values

posted: 08/31/2009 5:35 a.m.

Jesus is a healer. Healing and teaching were Jesus of Nazareth's most characteristic activities. Healer-Evangelist Graham Jones documents that nearly 40 percent of the narrative verses in the New Testament are about healing. Twenty-six of the 35 miracles of Jesus were healings (bible.org).

Editorial: Nice doggie

posted: 08/31/2009 5:33 a.m.

Every once in a while, some city gets the idea of banning pit bulls. Springdale is the latest city - at least in Northwest Arkansas - to ponder the thought.

Guest Commentary: Life and death and child health reform

posted: 08/31/2009 5:31 a.m.

As a child, Devante Johnson's future seemed to be full of promise. He made excellent grades in school and helped around the house. His mother, Tamika Scott, worked hard, managing to raise three boys while pursuing a career, buying a house and completing a college degree. Mrs. Scott had a 401(k) retirement fund and private health insurance and was confident she was prepared for unforeseen emergencies. At 29, she took comfort in the belief that her family was secure.

Seminar offers cash flow advice for regional poultry operations

posted: 08/31/2009 5:28 a.m.

Poultry growers in northeast Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas are invited to attend a special financial seminar Sept. 8 at the Gentry Public Library, 105 East Main St.

Farm Brief

posted: 08/31/2009 5:27 a.m.

Estateplanning series offered by University of Arkansas The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service will host a three-part series, "Estate Planning for Farm & Business," which will teach individuals how to establish an estate plan individualized to each person's unique situation and circumstances.

Elkins PD adding drug dog to force

posted: 08/31/2009 5:25 a.m.

Chief John Williams recently went before the City Council to request funds for a drug dog.

Little Rock redemption: FHS vies to recover from Shiloh meltdown

posted: 08/31/2009 5:22 a.m.

Fayetteville appeared to have the Tigers and the world by the tail after pummeling Little Rock Central in the 2008 season opener.

Stagg's dedication nets gold medal

posted: 08/31/2009 5:21 a.m.

The martial arts demand discipline and sacrifice - two virtues Knight Stagg has demonstrated in spades.

Juco transfer ready to 'step up and play my role'

posted: 08/31/2009 5:20 a.m.

Secondary coaches primarily yearn for safeties who can cover like a corner and corners who tackle like safeties.

Former Fayetteville players Broyles, McFall have solid summer with Midwest Nationals

posted: 08/31/2009 5:19 a.m.

Two former standout baseball players for Fayetteville High School recently completed their summer season with the Midwest Nationals baseball program.

Strength, agility make UA's Bailey an exception to most freshman players

posted: 08/31/2009 5:17 a.m.

With rare exceptions, freshman offensive linemen arrive on campus with their coaches ready to redshirt.

NFL NUGGETS : Fitzgerald will lead Cards, but not to an NFC championship

posted: 08/31/2009 5:15 a.m.

This is the final installment of an eight-part series previewing the division races of the upcoming NFL season.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO? THE HISTORIC SCHOOLHOUSE PRESERVATION PROJECT? Visible progress not expected until 2010

posted: 08/31/2009 5:07 a.m.

Shortly after the city of Bentonville signed contracts to purchase several pieces of downtown property for the purpose of constructing a pair of parking lots, a piece of history quite literally came back to life.

Schools prep for flu : Schools to provide vaccination shots

posted: 08/31/2009 5:04 a.m.

BENTON COUNTY - Thousands of youngsters will have a chance to receive the flu vaccine as Arkansas funds vaccines for all students through their schools.

H1N1 a huge concern

posted: 08/31/2009 5:02 a.m.

It's a subject people usually don't discuss in August, but like it or not, the hot topic right now is the flu.

Assisted-living facility asks for additional year

posted: 08/31/2009 4:59 a.m.

On Sept. 2, 2008, the Rogers Planning Commission approved a large-scale-development plan for the Emeritus Assisted Living Facility, which was planned for the Peaks subdivision near Bellview Avenue and 26th Street.

Fables and Faith : Just what the doctor ordered

posted: 08/31/2009 4:57 a.m.

Proverbs 17:22 says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." It is difficult, in these times of turmoil, to find much to cheer about. I've just about stopped watching the evening news and often just glance at monthly magazines - searching for the "good news" that will lift me up and lighten my day.

Centerton to honor service in armed forces with purchased brick pavers

posted: 08/31/2009 4:55 a.m.

Brick pavers may be purchased by the public to honor any American who has served, or is currently serving, in the U.S.

POLICE REPORTS

posted: 08/31/2009 4:54 a.m.

Police reports in Benton County for August 31, 2009.

Kids Talk : Curiosity: The roots of intelligence

posted: 08/31/2009 4:51 a.m.

Reading an article in the July 2009 issue of the Smithsonian called "Birth of a Robot" got me thinking about human intelligence versus artificial intelligence.

OTHER OPINIONS : The next museum?

posted: 08/31/2009 4:48 a.m.

A history museum? In Fayetteville? Maybe.On Aug. 15 at the Fayetteville Public Library, residents spoke of their desire to create a museum that would document our town's colorful past. At this event there was talk of including historical documents, photographs and relics as a way to create a timeline that connects earlier generations to our own.

LETTERS

posted: 08/31/2009 4:45 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Benton County for August 31, 2009.

Big spenders

posted: 08/31/2009 4:43 a.m.

: Pentagon waste, from big-ticket toilet seats to multibillion-dollar gear that may be out of date by the time it's built, has long been accepted simply as the consequence of doing business in Washington.

Antibiotics and meat

posted: 08/31/2009 4:39 a.m.

The American meat industry is addicted to antibiotics. This dates to the late 1940s, when farmers discovered that antibiotics could do more than just cure disease. Antibiotics regularly mixed into feed could help animals avoid common illnesses - and thus grow faster as well as better withstand the crowded and sometimes unsanitary conditions on factory farms. :

Former Mountie leaving his mark at Missouri State

posted: 08/31/2009 4:37 a.m.

Former Rogers quarterback Cody Kirby admits every football game he plays for Missouri State he's got something to prove.

Quick Hits

posted: 08/31/2009 4:35 a.m.

Stats and notes for Bentonville Gold and Black football teams.

Heritage turns up the heat with pass rush

posted: 08/31/2009 4:32 a.m.

Perry Escalante makes no bones about the importance to his Heritage War Eagles' success this fall of turning up the heat on opposing quarterbacks.

Hog Calls : Petrus' academic ruling a 'blessing in disguise'

posted: 08/31/2009 4:28 a.m.

Sometimes the NCAA will help a kid in spite of itself.

RESTAURANT INSPECTIONS

posted: 08/31/2009 4:26 a.m.

All reports are from regular food service/ food store inspections unless otherwise noted.

LAWSUITS FILED

posted: 08/31/2009 4:23 a.m.

Lawsuits filed in Benton County for August 31, 2009.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

posted: 08/31/2009 4:20 a.m.

Marriage licenses for August 31, 2009.

BENTONVILLE FIRE & SAFETY TIP

posted: 08/31/2009 4:17 a.m.

Bentonville's weekly fire and safety tip.

Community notes

posted: 08/31/2009 4:14 a.m.

Community notes for Benton County for August 31, 2009.

Arkansas' uninsured put big demand on dental aid

posted: 08/31/2009 2:48 a.m.

Charity dental clinics statewide see a high demand for dental services from uninsured Arkansas adults suffering from severe tooth decay or abscessed and broken teeth.

Ruling party takes rare loss in Japan vote

posted: 08/31/2009 2:47 a.m.

Japan's opposition swept to a historic victory in elections Sunday, crushing the ruling conservative party that has run the country for most of the postwar era and assuming the daunting task of pulling the economy out of its worst slump since World War II.

Get out now, firemen warn Californians

posted: 08/31/2009 2:35 a.m.

Wildfire threatened 12,000 suburban homes and rained ash on cars as far away as downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, spreading in all directions in hot, dry conditions. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urged those in the fire's path to listen to authorities and get out.

TEXAS LEAGUE: Naturals extend lead over Drillers

posted: 08/31/2009 2:29 a.m.

August is almost over, and few Naturals are as happy to see it go as Corey Smith.

Californians ready for big victory feast

posted: 08/31/2009 2:28 a.m.

Andy Rios couldn't wait to get home to Southern California to have some french fries.

Nintendo ends trade fight over Wii system

posted: 08/31/2009 2:27 a.m.

Nintendo Co., the maker of the top-selling Wii video-game console, settled a U.S. trade fight that could have resulted in a U.S. import ban of the popular gaming systems.

High school golfer wins U.S.Amateur

posted: 08/31/2009 2:27 a.m.

The best amateur golfers in the U.S. keep getting younger and younger.

At age 40, Internet less loosey-goosey as barriers intrude

posted: 08/31/2009 2:26 a.m.

Goofy videos weren't on the minds of Len Kleinrock and his team when they began tests 40 years ago on what would become the Internet. Neither was social networking, for that matter, nor were most of the other easy-to-use applications that have drawn more than a billion people online.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/31/2009 2:25 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/31/2009 2:23 a.m.

T-shirts promoting the Smith-Cotton High School band's fall program have been recalled because of concerns about the shirt's evolution theme.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/31/2009 2:23 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Science is hands-on - kids have to experience science." Jenny Gammill, director of the Fayetteville School District's 21st Century Learning program, on the advantages of the University of Arkansas Discovery Zone Article, 1B

UAPB expects increase in enrollment up to 10%

posted: 08/31/2009 2:22 a.m.

Enrollment at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is expected to jump as much as 10 percent this fall for the second straight year, an increase Chancellor Lawrence Davis Jr. says is a direct result of increased recruitment efforts.

Middle East beckons to Jacksonville civil servant

posted: 08/31/2009 2:22 a.m.

In spring 2008, civil servant Erik Ryan returned to his trailer to find shrapnel from a recent rocket explosion had punctured three holes into his shower wall and turned a nearby sport utility vehicle into "Swiss cheese." Ryan, a Jacksonville native then on a six-week tour of duty, still decided to return to Baghdad for a year of service starting that August.

FAYETTEVILLE: Exhibits to offer hands-on learning

posted: 08/31/2009 2:20 a.m.

In a tiny museum space at the southern edge of its campus, the University of Arkansas is preparing exhibits for a new children's science center that will offer learning, tactile-style.

Man claims disability in DWI-case appeal

posted: 08/31/2009 2:20 a.m.

How did a 52-year-old man with a 0.00 percent blood-alcohol level end up with a DWI conviction?

EUREKA SPRINGS: Building hazard delays tour of underground

posted: 08/31/2009 2:19 a.m.

A tour of underground attractions that was supposed to start July 4 has been on hold because a wall in a century-old building next door to the tour office is "bulging." It's "a structural hazard that poses a significant danger to the general public," city building inspector Bob Ray wrote in a July 6 letter to John Cross, who owns the building at 12 S. Main St.

TRAVELERS' CHECK Cash-prize trade found questionable

posted: 08/31/2009 2:18 a.m.

It would be hurtful and even mean to point out Allegiant Air got The Guru from Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport to Los Angeles roughly four hours late on a recent Friday night.

Merkel's party slips in German elections

posted: 08/31/2009 2:17 a.m.

Voters inflicted losses on Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives in state elections Sunday, a setback weeks before a national election that she hopes will produce a new center-right government.

Burmese militants drop arms, flee to China

posted: 08/31/2009 2:17 a.m.

Hundreds of ethnic rebels have fled clashes in northeast Burma, surrendering their weapons and uniforms to Chinese border police and crossing to safety after several days of skirmishes with Burmese government troops.

Two states' budgets still up in the air

posted: 08/31/2009 2:16 a.m.

A program that helps thousands of Connecticut welfare recipients find work has been in limbo for two months. Family resource centers, which provide child care, adult education and other services, have shut their doors.

USS Missouri set for repairs

posted: 08/31/2009 2:16 a.m.

The "Mighty Mo," the World War II battleship best known for hosting the formal surrender of Japan in 1945, is heading to the shipyard for repairs.

Health plan uncertain in Kennedy's absence

posted: 08/31/2009 2:14 a.m.

Democratic lawmakers said Sunday that the best way for Congress to honor the late Sen. Edward Kennedy is to set aside the heated rhetoric of the health-care debate and pass a plan that cuts costs and extends coverage.

Former Israeli Premier Olmert indicted

posted: 08/31/2009 2:12 a.m.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was indicted Sunday in a corruption scandal that led to his resignation last year and set the stage for a rightward shift in Israeli politics.

The world in brief

posted: 08/31/2009 2:10 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "This is a bloodless revolution, the first transfer of power from one party to another in postwar Japan." Tomoaki Iwai, a political science professor in Tokyo, after the party that has led Japan for nearly all of the postwar era was swept out of power Article, 1A

The nation in brief

posted: 08/31/2009 2:07 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "There is no other Democrat who could carry the base of the Democratic Party and get them to do what really has to be done in a compromise situation." Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, saying the absence of Sen. Edward Kennedy hurts the chances of Congress passing a health-care plan Article, this page

Names and faces

posted: 08/31/2009 2:06 a.m.

NBC's Today show has hired someone with White House experience as a new correspondent : former first daughter Jenna Bush Hager. A 27-year-old teacher in Baltimore, Hager will contribute stories about once a month on issues such as education to television's top-rated morning news show, said Jim Bell, its executive producer.

Other days

posted: 08/31/2009 2:03 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 31, 1909 A detailed crop report, which allows a decrease in the cotton crop in 49 out of 50 cotton-raising counties of the state, and a decrease in the corn crop in 54 counties, was issued yesterday by State Commissioner of Agriculture Guy B. Tucker. The report shows that the cotton crop in 14 counties will not amount to more than 50 percent of the crop of last year.

Getting it straight

posted: 08/31/2009 2 a.m.

The Democrat-Gazette wants its news reports to be fair and accurate We correct all errors of fact.

Claims of fraud double

posted: 08/31/2009 1:50 a.m.

Major fraud complaints in the Afghan presidential election surged Sunday to nearly 700, raising concern that the volume of cases that must be investigated will delay announcement of a winner and formation of a new government.

Cap and tax

posted: 08/31/2009 1:50 a.m.

IN ORDER to make the Clinton Library by 8:30 in the morning. . . . It'll take 20 minutes to shower and shave. . . shove down breakfast, about 5 minutes. . . distance from door to door should be about. . . divide by three, carry the two. . . .

Electric-car snag: Spot to plug in

posted: 08/31/2009 1:50 a.m.

In the 1985 movie Back to the Future, Christopher Lloyd has trouble fueling his DeLorean car after altering it to run on plutonium. Today, Tomoyasu Fujii has the same problem after converting his DeLorean to electric power.

A late 'sorry' isn't good enough

posted: 08/31/2009 1:50 a.m.

Former Lieutenant Rusty Calley has finally spoken about the My Lai Massacre in terms of his remorse for the deaths of between 300 and 400 unarmed Vietnamese villagers who were slaughtered on one terrible day in March, 1968, 41 years ago, and his remorse for the ruined lives of American soldiers he and others ordered to do the killing.

A dented promise

posted: 08/31/2009 1:49 a.m.

Back in April, the U.S. government snatched Raymond Azar out of Afghanistan.

Others say Iran's fist

posted: 08/31/2009 1:48 a.m.

Incredibly, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran has nominated a suspected international terrorist to become the country's next defense minister. As a gesture of sheer contempt for what the world thinks of Iran and its government, this is hard to beat.

In the news

posted: 08/31/2009 1:47 a.m.

Camilla Meiby, spokesman for Ikea, the Swedish furniture chain, said the firm didn't expect such an Internet backlash after making its first typeface change in 50 years, switching from Futura to Verdana in its latest catalog, adding, "I think it's mainly experts who have expressed their views, people who are interested in fonts.

LETTERS

posted: 08/31/2009 1:46 a.m.

You can't have it both ways At 17, when I first took an oath to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution, I honestly didn't give it much thought. I wanted to be a good citizen, a good patriot. I was proud of my country. It was a no-brainer for me.

Razorbacks Football: Arkansas doing secondary shuffle

posted: 08/31/2009 1:45 a.m.

When Arkansas resumes football practice Tuesday, the secondary will be a focal point for the media.

The death of politics

posted: 08/31/2009 1:45 a.m.

Now that Camelot is really, truly and officially kaput, we shall immediately cancel this year's jousting tournament and begin eating with utensils. The grog was great and maidens most fair, but the times are changing.

Slocum's surprise ending

posted: 08/31/2009 1:44 a.m.

Heath Slocum might have been the one player no one expected to win The Barclays.

Season kicks off with five games

posted: 08/31/2009 1:43 a.m.

Are you ready for some football?

TECH SPOTLIGHT: Incase offers slew of sturdy phone, computer cases, complete with peace of mind

posted: 08/31/2009 1:42 a.m.

I am introduced to new companies and products all the time. Usually, it's just one product that pops up and piques my interest in a company I haven't dealt with before.

Bankruptcy watch

posted: 08/31/2009 1:37 a.m.

ALEXANDER Christopher and Carolyn McCowen, P.O. Box 794, Aug. 24, Chapter 13. Roque Perez, 15702 Ashlee Drive, Aug. 20, Chapter 13. ARKADELPHIA Candra Michelle Bunce, 1647 Welch St., Apt. "I" , Aug. 24, Chapter 13. ASH FLAT George Wayne and Christine Lucille Frye (dba Rainbow Flavored Snowballs), 27 Taylor Road, Aug. 20, Chapter 13.

Lee tops Vinson by stroke

posted: 08/31/2009 1:35 a.m.

Par after par was good enough for Tumbling Shoals' Stan Lee.

Off the wire

posted: 08/31/2009 1:32 a.m.

MOTOR SPORTS Edwards wins Montreal Carl Edwards passed Marcos Ambrose on the final turn to win the crash-filled Nationwide race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, which ended with the cars on rain tires for the second consecutive year.

COMMENTARY: Cowboys' big TV shouldn't be a big deal

posted: 08/31/2009 1:30 a.m.

This just in: Contrary to published pregame fears, the humongous, $40 million, high-definition, U2-adaptable video board at Cowboys Stadium did not eat any vagabond footballs Saturday night.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/31/2009 1:28 a.m.

Records not fast enough for sprinter Fresh from setting two world records at the World Championships in Berlin, Usain Bolt is ready to go faster.

NATIONAL LEAGUE: Renteria's slam lifts Giants; wild-card race even

posted: 08/31/2009 1:25 a.m.

Edgar Renteria hit a go-ahead grand slam in the seventh inning and the San Francisco Giants pulled even in the NL wildcard race with Colorado, beating the Rockies 9-5 Sunday for a three-game sweep.

State sports briefs

posted: 08/31/2009 1:24 a.m.

VOLLEYBALL UA's Anderson all-tournament Arkansas freshman middle blocker Amanda Anderson earned alltournament honors at the TCU Invitational this weekend in Fort Worth. Anderson hit a team-best.436 with 30 kills, averaged 2.73 kills per set and had a team-best 12 blocks as Arkansas went 1-2 for the tournament.

NFL EXIBITION: Cutler shines in return to Denver

posted: 08/31/2009 1:23 a.m.

Jay Cutler got the last laugh.

NFL notes

posted: 08/31/2009 1:23 a.m.

BENGALS Top pick Smith signs Offensive tackle Andre Smith signed a contract Sunday with the Cincinnati Bengals, ending an impasse that dragged on a month into the preseason.

Sunday, August 30

'Better than ever'

posted: 08/30/2009 7:03 a.m.

Moses' long pink tongue hung from his open, panting mouth as he and "his human," Jim Matlock of Rogers, took a break from the festivities in downtown Rogers Saturday afternoon.

IN THE SKIES OF AFGHANISTAN Help coming from above

posted: 08/30/2009 7:02 a.m.

The war in Afghanistan has raged over the past eight years, fought primarily by U.S. Special Forces and foreign allies as Iraq's violence held America's attention.

China, union keep eyes on U.S. tire ruling

posted: 08/30/2009 7 a.m.

Workers at the Cooper Tire plant in Texarkana used to be busy laborers with big paychecks. But these days the plant, where they used to mix rubber, mold treads and put together tires on a continual basis, sits idle at least two days a week.

Fresh ideas: Officials still pondering how to incorporate ninth grade at FHS

posted: 08/30/2009 6:57 a.m.

The Fayetteville School Board has been adamant in sticking to its decision that ninth grade should be added to the high school campus, which is currently a sophomore to senior school.

Police chief says city's false alarm crackdown working

posted: 08/30/2009 6:35 a.m.

Fayetteville's false alarm ordinance is doing what it's supposed to, Fayetteville Police Chief Greg Tabor said.

Outdoor event takes paintings, creators to public environment

posted: 08/30/2009 6:34 a.m.

It's a pretty simple concept, really.

Police investigate another armed home invasion

posted: 08/30/2009 6:33 a.m.

Fayetteville police are seeking two suspects accused of breaking into an apartment and robbing the occupants at gunpoint Saturday morning.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/30/2009 6:32 a.m.

Bobby Frank "Bob" Whitlow, Betty Marie Caudle Carson, Eldon Wayne Davis, C. Blake Wolf

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/30/2009 6:26 a.m.

30 SUNDAY August 2009 Events and Activities The OMNI Center for Peace, Justice and Ecology will host a lecture on Human Trafficking: Modern Day Slavery in the United States and Around the World from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday in the Court Room at the University of Arkansas School of Law. To register, go to comp.uark. edu/~ lampinen/HTConference.htm.

Man accused of baseball bat attack on girlfriend

posted: 08/30/2009 6:25 a.m.

A Springdale man was taken into police custody Saturday morning for allegedly beating his girlfriend with a baseball bat.

Arrest Reports

posted: 08/30/2009 6:23 a.m.

Prescription fraud Darrick Dee Phillips, 22, of 110 Hill St. in Fayetteville was arrested Aug. 26 on a felony charge of obtaining a prescription by fraud. Fourth DWI Kamone R. Scott, 28, of 1764 N. Leverett Ave. No. C97 in Fayetteville was arrested Aug. 26 on a felony charge of drinking while intoxicated - fourth offense.

Court Brief

posted: 08/30/2009 6:22 a.m.

Pawning stolen instrument

Nonprofit expert promotes fundraising strategies at Junior League conference

posted: 08/30/2009 6:21 a.m.

Successful fundraising relies on forming close relationships, Bill Mitchell, Walton Arts Center founding director, said.

Stabbed man accuses child's mother of attack

posted: 08/30/2009 6:20 a.m.

Fayetteville police are seeking a suspect accused of stabbing a man in the stomach Saturday morning.

Court Briefs

posted: 08/30/2009 6:20 a.m.

Bogus money order, Stolen credit card, Beating girlfriend, Stealing credit cards, Stealing at Wal-Mart

A 'brand' new day

posted: 08/30/2009 6:15 a.m.

The University of Arkansas last week announced plans for the "RazorRock Rally Kick-Off " on Sept. 5 in Little Rock in preparation for the season opener against Missouri State University.

Petrino's Hogs improve for 2nd campaign

posted: 08/30/2009 6:15 a.m.

It's a given these Arkansas Razorbacks commencing coach Bobby Petrino's second season are deeper, more talented, more experienced and should be a better football team than last year.

Times Editorial: The battleship

posted: 08/30/2009 6:11 a.m.

We spent years during afternoon strolls and morning drives along Fayetteville's Maple Street Bridge wondering where the colorful rainbow coating its aging arch came from. It has been hidden beneath a slap of "battleship gray" paint for about three years, but we'd bet a lot of local residents spent years pondering the same thing. Now we know.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/30/2009 6:09 a.m.

Letters to the editor.

MOVIE-ING INTO FALL

posted: 08/30/2009 6:09 a.m.

"Nobody knows anything," William Goldman once wrote of Hollywood - not because he thought the people who work there are stupid (few really are), but because the vicissitudes of public taste and the unintended consequences of hype are such that ain't a one of us can guess what's going to happen to a movie once it is released.

THE BROADER VIEW: An eventful political month Obama, Democrats face challenges

posted: 08/30/2009 6:08 a.m.

August has been an eventful month in politics. The last month of summer is a period when things are expected to be relatively quiet in non-election years. However, that does not always prove to be the case and this month has been anything but quiet on the political front. It was also marked by the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy, one of the nation's premiere political figures.

Guest Commentary: What happens in Texas won't stay in Texas

posted: 08/30/2009 6:07 a.m.

Battle lines are being drawn in Texas for a protracted fight over what gets taught in the state's social studies classrooms. And since Texas has an outsized influence on what goes into textbooks nationwide, the winners could end up writing history for us all.

High schools: BEST OF CLASS 7A

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Fayetteville's Brandon Allen, 6-3, 220 pounds, has all the physical and mental tools, and he's a coach's son to boot. He was the starter from Day 1 as a sophomore and threw for more than 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns against top competition.

BENTON PANTHERS: New leader, new hope

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

2008 was not a banner season for the Benton Panthers, as the team managed just two wins.

4-3A CONFERENCE: Warriors' Kinsey, Jones have big plans

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Every football team would like to improve upon its performance of a year ago, and Lamar is no different.

2009 ARKANSAS FORECAST: Give these Hogs Liberty, Memphis

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

OK, we were a little rambunctious a year ago, predicting an 8-5 record, including a bowl victory, for Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino's first edition of the Razorbacks.

Rogers Heritage taking it one step at a time

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

A photo hanging on Perry Escalante's refrigerator is a constant reminder for where Rogers Heritage's football program started and how much it's grown.

2009 preseason magazine rankings

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

LINDY'S 1. Florida 2. Texas 3. Oklahoma

Rebels' defense capable of carrying large load

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

If defense wins championships, as most coaches still claim, then Fort Smith Southside should be in good shape this season.

Best of Class 5A

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

BEST QUARTERBACK Tyler Shook Tyler Shook, 6-0, 175 pounds, won the job at Greenwood as a junior, started 10 games and helped the Bulldogs win the conference championship, passing for 2,865 yards and 33 touchdowns.

4-2A composite schedule

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

4-2A composite schedule

1-3A CONFERENCE: Tigers toughest again in tough league

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

No conference dominated its classification like the 1-3 A did last year.

4-2A CONFERENCE: Rattlers ready to strike in 2009

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Magazine is ready to take the next step.

4-2A CONFERENCE: Reality harsh for small school programs

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

There was little doubt about what Decatur wanted.

BEST OF CLASS 2A

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

BEST QUARTERBACK Michael Corbitt Not many players in the conference are as versatile as Magazine's Michael Corbitt, who is just as comfortable lining up at tailback or fullback as he is taking snaps for the Rattlers.

1-3A/4-3A COMPOSITE SCHEDULE

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

1-3 A schedule SEPT. 4 Union Christian at Cedarville

4-2A CONFERENCE: Wilkerson just happy to play wherever Eagles need him

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Union Christian quarterback/defensive back Aaron Collins had to think about it for a minute since he could benefit from either way he answered.

1-3A CONFERENCE: McDonald answers the call

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Ryan McDonald's coaches don't mind the fact that he made them look a little foolish last season.

4-4A CONFERENCE: Fostering plenty of production

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Defining Wesleigh Foster's role with the Clarksville Panthers is about as difficult as trying to tackle him.

4-4A CONFERENCE: In heaven with the Hillbillies

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

If you want to know how excited people around Ozark are about their new football coach, look no further than the women's football clinic Brooks Coatney held Aug. 8.

4A COMPOSITE SCHEDULES

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

1-4 A schedule SEPT. 3 Gentry at Colcord (Okla.)

1-3A CONFERENCE: Weight regimen readies Tigers

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

It took a lot of strength to turn Mansfield's program into a winner.

1-4A CONFERENCE: Defending champion Saints remain the center of attention

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Shiloh Christian Coach Josh Floyd is ready for all the excitement to die down so he can get to business.

1-4A CONFERENCE: Take the best of both worlds

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Change is a gradual process at Prairie Grove.

BEST OF CLASS 3A

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Kyle Bailey, 5-10, 180, doesn't put up eye-popping numbers at Cedarville, but the three-year starter is a winner. He's led the Pirates to 15 victories in his first two seasons as a starter, as well as a pair of playoff appearances.

4-3A CONFERENCE: No more surprises for Lamar

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Lamar won't take anyone by surprise this year, but then, the Warriors won't need to do that.

5A-West schedule

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

AUG. 31 CAC vs. Pine Bluff Dollarway

Best of Class 4A

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Kiehl Frazier, a 6-2, 210-pound junior, has the ideal combination of arm strength, speed, size and knowledge for a multi-purpose quarterback in the Spread offense. He passed for 17 touchdowns and rushed for 15 more while helping lead Shiloh Christian to a Class 4A state title last year.

Familiar names at Greenwood

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Greenwood Coach Rick Jones likes to hire coaches' sons every chance he gets.

From puppy to pack leader

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Lab work helped turn Alma's Isaac McCoy into a star.

Van Buren eager to see if it's the real deal

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Pretenders or contenders?

Coaches ask Clinard to do it all for Bulldogs

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Chris Clinard will play many roles for Springdale this season, but he has one major responsibility.

Rogers healthy again, ready for another go

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Luck wasn't on Andy Couture's side at the end of last season, and it stalked him into the spring.

Introducing Mr. Mallett

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Ryan Mallett had just driven nearly 900 miles one cold winter day early in 2008 when he pulled into a broad, sloping parking lot in Northwest Arkansas and called his father.

Cleanup man for Har-Ber

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

It seemed like everyone believed Houston Pruitt's future was in football.

All lined up, ready to go

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Former Arkansas offensive lineman Benji Mahan flashes a big smile when asked about his guys at Bentonville.

7A-West schedule

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

AUG. 31 Fayetteville vs. Little Rock Central

Morehart makes move, still man for Grizzlies

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Zach Morehart made quite an impression on Fort Smith Northside Coach Darrell Henry the first time Henry watched him in practice.

7A-Central schedule

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

AUG. 24 Pine Bluff at Bryant

2009 ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS PREVIEW: Bobby building

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Last year was set design and show prep.

2009-2010 SEC bowl schedule

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

GAYLORD HOTELS MUSIC CITY

Arkansas position-by-position analysis

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Quarterback Interceptions were coming with alarming regularity early in fall camp from Ryan Mallett and Tyler Wilson, the contenders for the starting job.

Arkansas depth chart

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Offense WR 85 Greg Childs

Fayetteville can't just give it away

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Quarterback Brandon Allen knows he has to be more careful when he drops back to pass.

1-4A CONFERENCE: Healthy and head-strong

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Mitchell Roberts walked off the field after Shiloh Christian's first day of practice in pads this summer looking as healthy as he has in years.

7A-West predictions

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

1. Springdale Har-ber Wildcats are serious challengers for state title

Goblins tempered by inexperience

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

This year's Harrison team makes Coach Tom Tice feel young again.

Siloam lineman 'a cut above' rest

posted: 08/30/2009 6 a.m.

Deric England thought he was something special when he reported to Siloam Springs practice as a sophomore two years ago.

Aldermen approve noise variance for Polo in the Ozarks

posted: 08/30/2009 5:55 a.m.

The Goshen City Council met for one of its shortest regular meetings on record and approved an annual request from Lifestyles Inc. to permit a noise variance for the event, Polo in the Ozarks, which is held at the farm of Dr. and Mrs.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/30/2009 5:54 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

Officials say citizens not registering their pets

posted: 08/30/2009 5:54 a.m.

An ordinance to register animals within the city limits was passed in March by the Elkins City Council but to date it has largely been ignored by the city's residents.

Court Brief

posted: 08/30/2009 5:53 a.m.

Pointing handgun

PRESEASON ALL-ARKANSAS FOOTBALL TEAM Adventure seeker

posted: 08/30/2009 5:52 a.m.

Adventure is defined as the willingness to participate in things that involve uncertainty and risk.

ASK DR. LOWE: Mow the grass, not the toes

posted: 08/30/2009 5:52 a.m.

Question: My 8-year-old desperately wants to use the riding lawn mower to help us cut the grass. He's big enough to operate the mower, but I think he's better off with a push mower. Which one is safe for him?

SUPER SIX COUNTDOWN Saints begin latest march toward title

posted: 08/30/2009 5:51 a.m.

Shiloh Christian is no stranger to the spotlight, but the beam could be blinding this fall.

Health Calendar

posted: 08/30/2009 5:51 a.m.

Health calendar for week of Aug. 31, 2009.

Murdered man had police file, records indicate

posted: 08/30/2009 5:50 a.m.

The apparent victim of a murder in Benton County had a long criminal record in Oklahoma.

Health Briefs

posted: 08/30/2009 5:50 a.m.

Health briefs

Charged pair OK'd to use Social Security

posted: 08/30/2009 5:50 a.m.

A Pulaski County Circuit judge unfroze the assets of a Sherwood-based company that state regulators claim is a front for a stock scam.

REVIEW Second City's 4th trip to area top-rate

posted: 08/30/2009 5:49 a.m.

The Second City blew into town with forceful storm of comedy.

TEXAS LEAGUE Naturals unload against Drillers

posted: 08/30/2009 5:49 a.m.

Now that's what a playoff team looks like.

UA freshmen not forced into action

posted: 08/30/2009 5:48 a.m.

Sixteen true freshmen earned playing time for the Arkansas Razorbacks in Coach Bobby Petrino's first season, a total that tied for second-most in the nation. Don't look for Arkansas to play that many rookies this season, but expect to see a sizable number of players from one of the most decorated classes in school history get in games.

Flames scorch three Little Rock homes

posted: 08/30/2009 5:48 a.m.

Investigators suspect conflict between neighbors sparked acts of arson, charring three houses on the same Little Rock block since Friday.

Nordqvist fires 69 at Safeway Classic

posted: 08/30/2009 5:47 a.m.

Rookie Anna Nordqvist shot a 3-under 69 Saturday to take a one-shot lead over Seon Hwa Lee and Ai Miyazato going into the final round of the Safeway Classic.

Great expectations ALLEN VIES TO REDUCE INTERCEPTIONS AS JUNIOR

posted: 08/30/2009 5:47 a.m.

Brandon Allen received a battlefield promotion to field general last year.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/30/2009 5:47 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I like to say we're recycling a house." Wendi Jones, executive director of the Washington County affiliate of Habitat of Humanity, on Saturday's demolition of a house in Fayetteville.

Goydos, Marino leading Barclays

posted: 08/30/2009 5:47 a.m.

Paul Goydos figured Liberty National at least would look good on television, with the Statue of Liberty and so many other New York landmarks serving as a spectacular backdrop at The Barclays.

KNOCK ON WOOD Petrino's reputation as QB builder growing

posted: 08/30/2009 5:46 a.m.

When Bobby Petrino's name first surfaced as a candidate for Arkansas' head coaching position, my first reaction was that if nothing else, Hog fans would be in store for improved quarterback play. While I did not closely follow his tenure as Louisville's head football coach, his reputation as a builder of quarterbacks had somehow been implanted in my mind.

Divorces

posted: 08/30/2009 5:46 a.m.

WASHINGTON COUNTY The following divorces were recorded in the circuit clerk's office from Aug. 20-26.

Government meetings

posted: 08/30/2009 5:45 a.m.

Monday Washington County Water Authority, 1 p.m. Washington County Job Evaluation/ Salary Administration Program, 3:30 p.m. Office of Human Concern Energy Efficiency Strategy Session, 4 p.m. Fayetteville City Council Tour, 4:30 p.m. Fayetteville Ward 4, 7 p.m.

Colorful pants help Prairie Grove coach get noticed on golf course

posted: 08/30/2009 5:45 a.m.

With thousands of touring pros competing for a limited, the golfer who sets himself apart has a leg up in the pursuit of lucrative endorsement deals.

Lee, Vinson tied for lead at Senior Stroke

posted: 08/30/2009 5:44 a.m.

Tumbling Shoals' Stan Lee shot a 3-under-par 69 in the second round Saturday and is tied for the lead after two rounds of the Arkansas State Golf Association Senior Stroke Play at Greystone Country Club's Cypress Creek course.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/30/2009 5:44 a.m.

Tulsa school staffer killed in drive-by TULSA - Tulsa police say a 60-year-old woman was shot and killed while she slept when gunmen riddled her north Tulsa home with bullets during a drive-by shooting.

Officers to work 12-hour stretches

posted: 08/30/2009 5:43 a.m.

Fayetteville police officers will feel the effects of the economy next week when those on patrol start working 12-hour shifts.

An, 17, moves into U.S. Amateur final

posted: 08/30/2009 5:42 a.m.

Byeong-Hun An is making his resume look more impressive with each passing day.

State ranks 13th in U.S. for its ratio of black legislators

posted: 08/30/2009 5:42 a.m.

The latest survey of legislative demographic characteristics shows Arkansas has the 13th-highest percentage of black legislators among the 50 states, 11 percent. At 89 percent, Arkansas is tied for 26th for the highest percentage of white legislators.

ASU's Brady 'game' for facing Hogs

posted: 08/30/2009 5:42 a.m.

John Brady stepped into enemy territory Thursday night, but didn't step down from his stance on the prospect of his Arkansas State Red Wolves playing the Arkansas Razorbacks someday.

Chargers' stock up; Broncos falling fast

posted: 08/30/2009 5:41 a.m.

This is the seventh installment of an eight-part series previewing the division races of the upcoming NFL season.

FAYETTEVILLE When Habitat razes, not raises, it 'deconstructs'

posted: 08/30/2009 5:41 a.m.

Mike Wallner said a prayer before Habitat for Humanity of Washington County began its first house "deconstruction." "It was built with loving care," he told the group of 20 helpers at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. "It will be taken apart with loving care - for the most part."

Cottage industry: Rent houses for games, fests

posted: 08/30/2009 5:41 a.m.

For Fayetteville, that means plenty of overnight visitors for large events like Arkansas Razorbacks football games and Bikes, Blues & BBQ.

Begins with p, ends in e: Puzzle day tests competitors' word, number skills

posted: 08/30/2009 5:40 a.m.

Crossword enthusiasts and sudoko puzzle-solvers put their skills to the test Saturday in the third annual Arkansas Puzzle Day at the Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock.

LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES California, Taiwan will play for title

posted: 08/30/2009 5:40 a.m.

California's mini-mashers bashed their way into the Little League World Series championship on Saturday night.

Bomber crossed from Yemeni al-Qaida hub to target Saudi prince

posted: 08/30/2009 5:39 a.m.

The suicide bomber who lightly wounded Saudi Arabia's assistant interior minister set out from an area of neighboring Yemen known to be an al-Qaida sanctuary, Yemen's foreign minister said Saturday.

Dalai Lama visit won't be political, Taiwan says

posted: 08/30/2009 5:38 a.m.

Taiwan's president said he will not meet with the Dalai Lama when the Tibetan spiritual leader visits the island today to comfort victims of the island's worst storm in half a century.

'Never has a bad day'

posted: 08/30/2009 5:38 a.m.

John Lee Rogers can't wait to go back to elementary school.

County clash looms over landfill for ash

posted: 08/30/2009 5:37 a.m.

Almost every day, a train pulls into a rail yard in rural Alabama, hauling 8,500 tons of a disaster that occurred 350 miles away to a final resting place, the Arrowhead Landfill here in Perry County, which is very poor and whose population is almost 70 percent black.

Northwest Arkansas Naturals report

posted: 08/30/2009 5:37 a.m.

If the Northwest Arkansas Naturals' pursuit of the Texas League North Division title comes down to the final day of the regular season, they should be in good hands.

Ex-Razorback Brewer's Fayetteville ties still strong

posted: 08/30/2009 5:36 a.m.

Ronnie Brewer is getting ready for his first trip to Europe, but it's for work, not a vacation.

Karzai closes in on 50% of vote for Afghan presidency

posted: 08/30/2009 5:36 a.m.

President Hamid Karzai widened his lead over his main challenger in election returns released Saturday, creeping toward the 50 percent mark that would enable him to avoid a runoff.

Northwest Arkansas FACES

posted: 08/30/2009 5:35 a.m.

Faces of Washington County

Ethiopian troops seize border town in Somalia

posted: 08/30/2009 5:35 a.m.

Hundreds of Ethiopian troops have crossed the border and seized control of a Somali town from Islamist insurgents, witnesses said Saturday.

Nucor workers feeling the pinch of Chinese imports

posted: 08/30/2009 5:35 a.m.

It's not just Texarkana tire makers who are worried about cheap Chinese imports.

Pollination needed for plant to bear fruit

posted: 08/30/2009 5:34 a.m.

Question: I have a nandina that blooms but doesn't have berries. Can you tell me what is wrong?

Brewer hopes to stay with Jazz

posted: 08/30/2009 5:34 a.m.

The Utah Jazz have until Oct. 31 to sign Ronnie Brewer to a contract extension.

N. Korea frees 4 fishermen in move seen as overture to better ties

posted: 08/30/2009 5:34 a.m.

Four South Korean fishermen, whom Pyongyang detained for a month after they accidentally entered North Korean waters, returned home Saturday.

More can be better with fruits, vegetables

posted: 08/30/2009 5:33 a.m.

That $1.50 candy bar may seem like a deal at the moment, but when it comes to real value, it's hard to beat fruits and vegetables, said Robbie McKinnon, an extension agent for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Patriots coach mum on Brady's condition

posted: 08/30/2009 5:33 a.m.

If there is anything wrong with Tom Brady's throwing shoulder, New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick isn't saying. Belichick said Saturday that Brady came out of Friday night's game after a crushing hit from Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth because it was time for the coaching staff to take a look at the backups.

Fighting sends up to 30,000 Burmese fleeing to China

posted: 08/30/2009 5:33 a.m.

Heavy skirmishes resumed Saturday in northeast Burma after days of fighting between government troops and ethnic rebel militia sent thousands of refugees streaming into nearby China. At least one person was killed and dozens injured in a bomb blast near the border.

Ozark Album Getting ready for the fair

posted: 08/30/2009 5:32 a.m.

Members of the Greathouse Springs 4-H Club study in concentration as they work on a display for the Washington County Fair in 1968. Clockwise from bottom, seated, are Russell Wilson, Joe Reed, Becky Reed, Kathi Reed, Edna Reed, Kay Nickels, Lon Reed, Jim Luper, Ned Parette, and Randy Logue. Photo is courtesy of the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History's Northwest Arkansas Times Collection.

Cubans faced with shortage of toilet paper

posted: 08/30/2009 5:32 a.m.

There's good news and bad news in Cuba.

Colleges deal with attrition in enrollment

posted: 08/30/2009 5:32 a.m.

For the first time since 2006, the University of Maryland and Virginia Tech created lists of applicants who might get spots in this year's freshman class if enough admitted students decide at the last minute not to attend.

Pakistan razes Swat bomber-training camp, kills six

posted: 08/30/2009 5:31 a.m.

Helicopter gunships destroyed a training camp for suicide bombers in Pakistan's northwestern Swat Valley, killing six Taliban fighters in an area the government had already declared clear of militants, an official said Saturday.

Military Briefs

posted: 08/30/2009 5:31 a.m.

Lt. Col. Evan L. Pettus, the son of Lamar and Donna Pettus of Fayetteville, recently became commander of the 389th Fighter Squadron based in Mountain Home, Idaho, and recently deployed with his squadron for a fivemonth overseas deployment.

Biddick-Kaminski

posted: 08/30/2009 5:30 a.m.

Samantha Gail Biddick and Michael Joseph Kaminski, both of Fayetteville, plan to marry at 7 p.m. June 5, 2010, at St. Benedict's Church in Tulsa, Okla.

New planet presents astrophysicists a paradox

posted: 08/30/2009 5:30 a.m.

Scientists have discovered a planet that shouldn't exist. The finding, they say, could alter our understanding of orbital dynamics, a field considered pretty well settled since the time of astronomer Johannes Kepler 400 years ago.

Hughes-Rhyne-Mirabella

posted: 08/30/2009 5:29 a.m.

Tina Hughes-Rhyne and Stephen Mirabella, both of Fort Worth, Texas, plan to marry at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009, at Dallas Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine, Texas.

Blaze billows outward in mountains near L.A.

posted: 08/30/2009 5:29 a.m.

A growing wildfire sending large billows of smoke into the sky north of Los Angeles nearly tripled in size Saturday, injuring three residents, burning a small number of homes, knocking out power to many more and prompting evacuations in a number of mountain communities.

Tide defense looks a lot like '92 squad

posted: 08/30/2009 5:29 a.m.

Lorenzo Washington speaks of that 1992 Alabama defense with a touch of reverence, like many followers of Crimson Tide football.

All-Arkansas team

posted: 08/30/2009 5:29 a.m.

OFFENSE Brandon Allen, QB FAYETTEVILLE 6-2, 210, 4.8, Jr. COMMITTED TO Undecided ATT. COMP. YARDS TDS 432 249 3,270 30 NOTEWORTHY Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Sophomore Offensive Player of the Year.

In tents, Swat valley schools in session after Taliban assaults

posted: 08/30/2009 5:29 a.m.

School is back in session for the children of Swat, the verdant, mountainous valley that this year became the prime battlefield in the Pakistani military's bid to neutralize local Taliban groups. After more than two months of fighting, soldiers regained control of Swat's major towns, and thousands of refugees who fled the conflict have been going back home.

Wedding Teeter-Eaton

posted: 08/30/2009 5:28 a.m.

Meghan Elizabeth Eaton and John Milton Teeter, both of Fayetteville, were married July 11, 2009, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Tontitown. The Rev. Emmanuel Orgu officiated the double-ring ceremony.

Ex-allies seethe over Sanford

posted: 08/30/2009 5:28 a.m.

Republican legislators fumed Saturday over Gov. Mark Sanford's affair and questionable travel, though they stopped short of trying to force his resignation or impeachment before they return to the Statehouse in January.

Library Checkout

posted: 08/30/2009 5:27 a.m.

Fayetteville Public Library The Fayetteville Public Library is located at 401 W. Mountain St. All events are free unless otherwise noted. For details, call 856-7000, or visit www.faylib.org.

Return of stolen art astonishes painter

posted: 08/30/2009 5:27 a.m.

When her oil painting of one of Maryland's six remaining covered bridges was stolen last year, artist Carol Hutson "felt violated," but last week, she said, she got a call that left her "absolutely floored." Her painting of the Roddy Road Covered Bridge had been returned, Frederick, Md., police said.

Danny dampens eastern coast; Pacific storm swells

posted: 08/30/2009 5:27 a.m.

Heavy rain and dangerous rip currents from a weak tropical system emptied East Coast beaches for a second straight late-summer weekend, while a Pacific hurricane grew stronger Saturday and threatened the Mexican coast.

Political elite gathers for Kennedy farewell

posted: 08/30/2009 5:26 a.m.

The nation's political elite gathered at a Roman Catholic basilica in Edward Kennedy's hometown of Boston and bade farewell to the senator from Massachusetts whose legislative career spanned almost a half century.

GOP negotiator blasts health plans

posted: 08/30/2009 5:26 a.m.

A leading GOP negotiator on health care struck a further blow to fading chances of a bipartisan compromise by saying Democratic proposals would restrict medical choices and make the country's "finances sicker without saving you money." The criticism from Sen. Michael Enzi, R-Wyo., echoed that of many opponents of the Democratic plans under consideration in Congress.

Spies keeping track of intelligence online

posted: 08/30/2009 5:25 a.m.

Intellipedia, the U.S. intelligence community's version of Wikipedia, hummed in the aftermath of the Iranian presidential election in June, with personnel at myriad government agencies updating a page dedicated to tracking the disputed results.

TEA Party organizers set course

posted: 08/30/2009 5:23 a.m.

This summer, Benton County enthusiasts for the TEA Party - it stands for "Taxed Enough Already" - held Fourth of July and other rallies in the county.

Siloam Springs Health Department opening soon

posted: 08/30/2009 5:20 a.m.

After more than two years of waiting, the city will soon see the county Health Department return. A satellite office of the Benton County Health Department, at 101 W.

Camp meeting planned for mid-September

posted: 08/30/2009 5:20 a.m.

Three local organizations will hold a cooperative gettogether and try to duplicate the feeling of an old-fashioned camp meeting.

Engagements

posted: 08/30/2009 5:19 a.m.

Crystal Michelle Campbell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Garry Campbell of Maumelle, and Brittney James Newton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Newton of England; Nov. 14.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/30/2009 5:18 a.m.

Anderson, Mo. Steven John Bowers

LIFELONG HEALTH Good physicians discuss end care before the end

posted: 08/30/2009 5:17 a.m.

Despite the talk of so-called "death panels" and "death to grandma," numerous experts in hospice and palliative care maintain that this has actually been a positive discussion about end-of-life decisions.

Bridal policy

posted: 08/30/2009 5:16 a.m.

ENGAGEMENTS - The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes engagement announcements without photographs. The announcement must be submitted at least eight weeks before the wedding and two weeks before you wish it to be in the paper.

Trike Theatre to begin second year

posted: 08/30/2009 5:15 a.m.

When Kassie Misiewicz and her cast of trained teaching artists opened the doors toTrike Theatre last year, they were convinced northwest Arkansas was prime for a professional theater for youth.

WEDDINGS DR. CHRISTINA KAY HARDESTY DUSTIN LOGAN APPLEGATE

posted: 08/30/2009 5:14 a.m.

The Cathedral of Saint Andrew was the setting at 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, for the marriage of Dr. Christina Kay Hardesty and Dustin Logan Applegate. The Rev. Matt Garrison and the Rev. Camille LeBron Powell of Second Presbyterian Church officiated.

Police interviews filed in church day care lawsuit

posted: 08/30/2009 5:14 a.m.

Documents filed in a Washington County civil case on Friday include police interviews with two former day care workers who have been sued over allegations they forced kids to fight.

Upcoming Services

posted: 08/30/2009 5:13 a.m.

Today Nelson Galan, 39, of Rogers,Ark., died Wednesday,Aug. 26, 2009. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday,Aug. 30, at the Benton County Funeral Home in downtown Rogers. Arva Dean Thomas Goodwin, 76, of Rogers,Ark., died Thursday,Aug. 27, 2009.Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday,Aug. 30, at Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers. Tomorrow Betty Marie Caudle Carson, 80, of Greenland,Ark., died Friday,Aug. 28, 2009.

Secchi disk simple but effective tool

posted: 08/30/2009 5:12 a.m.

Community members got the chance to help out with an important project while soaking up the sun on Beaver Lake on Saturday.

High school report

posted: 08/30/2009 5:11 a.m.

Har-Ber looking confident There is still plenty of work for Springdale Har-Ber to do before its season opener against Greenwood, but it was hard for Coach Chris Wood to not be pleased with the team's scrimmage Friday night.

Rogers still feeling effects of split

posted: 08/30/2009 5:11 a.m.

Imagine working for years to construct a tall, sturdy building, only to have a wrecking ball destroy it soon after its completion.

State lawmaker from Rogers preparing for state legislative session

posted: 08/30/2009 5:11 a.m.

State Rep. Debra Hobbs, R-Rogers, and other state lawmakers have begun preparations for the state's first-ever regular state legislative session in an evennumbered year, one to be devoted largely to fiscal issues, she said.

Class 4A Super Six Capsules

posted: 08/30/2009 5:11 a.m.

No. 2 Warren MASCOT Lumberjacks CONFERENCE 8-4 A HEAD COACH Bo Hembree (10th season, 99-17 ) 2008 RECORD 10-2 overall, 7-0 8-4 A (first)

Week 1 games

posted: 08/30/2009 5:10 a.m.

MONDAY CLASS 7A Fayetteville vs. LR Central (at War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock), 5 p.m.

MOTOR SPORTS ROUNDUP Ambrose 'lucky,' gets pole in Montreal despite rainstorm

posted: 08/30/2009 5:10 a.m.

When it rained yet again at Circuit Gilles Villenueve, Marcos Ambrose was in the driver's seat.

Annual NEBCO fundraiser will be Sept. 26

posted: 08/30/2009 5:10 a.m.

The Northeast Benton County Volunteer Fire Department's 16th annual Turkey Shoot and Rib Cook-off fundraiser will be from 9 a.m.

Summer Bird soars at sloppy Saratoga

posted: 08/30/2009 5:09 a.m.

Summer Bird isn't the other Bird anymore.

Physician endocrinology practice for Northwest Health

posted: 08/30/2009 5:09 a.m.

John A. Baldridge, M.D., F.A.C.E., a board-certified internal medicine physician and clinical endocrinologist, has established a new s p e c i a l t y practice for Northwest Health System at the S c h m i e d - ing Center in Springdale and in Bella Vista.

Milbrodt receives Alumni of the Year award

posted: 08/30/2009 5:07 a.m.

Matt Milbrodt of Rogers received the 2009 Distinguished Management Alumni of the Year Award from the University of Nebraska at Omaha at the spring 2009 honors and awards banquet at the Thompson Alumni Center on the UNO campus. In 2002, Milbrodt graduated with honors, Beta Gamma Sigma, from the University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Business with a Master of Business Administration degree. He received a bachelor's degree with a concentration in human resource management from Wayne State College in 1998.

THE TV COLUMN Time to dust off the DVRs for start of new season

posted: 08/30/2009 5:07 a.m.

September arrives Tuesday and that means the new fall TV season can't be far behind.

LISTEN UP Gunbunnies CD unearthed from Warner Bros. discards

posted: 08/30/2009 5:07 a.m.

The Gunbunnies Great Big Diamond Max Recordings BRemember these guys? They were an Arkansas major-label band back in 1990 when Virgin released the acclaimed Paw Paw Patch. Industry politics and indifference would do in the 'Bunnies. And members would go their separate ways a few years later, but not before recording demos for Warner Bros.

LET'S TALK Bill collectors' net can catch innocent

posted: 08/30/2009 5:06 a.m.

As I've stated before in this space, I haven't always made the best decisions as far as finances are concerned.

LIKE IT IS Petrino's appearance adds to frenzy of fans

posted: 08/30/2009 5:05 a.m.

Monday's Little Rock Touchdown Club luncheon featuring Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino was virtually sold out by the end of the work day Thursday.

Julia Child's book is cooking as a best-seller 48 years later

posted: 08/30/2009 5:05 a.m.

Almost 48 years after it was first published, Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child is finally topping The New York Times best-seller list, bringing with it all the butter, salt and goose fat that home chefs had largely abandoned in the age of Lipitor.

TV ON DVD Josh Whedon's 'Actives' live weird existence in Dollhouse

posted: 08/30/2009 5:05 a.m.

What is it? Dollhouse, Season 1, 14 episodes on four discs from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/30/2009 5:04 a.m.

Happy birthday. You have a clear vision of who you want to be, and this year you make the changes necessary to become that person. The process that works best for you is loving, creative and gentle.

Jack of all trades

posted: 08/30/2009 5:04 a.m.

Hayden Boydston first got Barry Lunney's attention as a "tall and gawky" sophomore playing on the scout team at Bentonville.

Bentonville Tigers

posted: 08/30/2009 5:03 a.m.

COLORS: Black and Gold HEAD COACH: Barry Lunney (5th year) RECORD AT SCHOOL: 31-15 LAST YEAR: 12-1, (First, 7A-West ) RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 10/ Defense 1 ASSISTANTS: Robbie Jones (DC), Barry Lunney Jr. (OC), Benji Mahan (OL, Spec.Teams), David Pollard (ILB), Jody Grant (Sec.), Rick Rachel (RB), Kevin York (WR, Spec.Teams), Rob Coleman (OLB, Spec.Teams),Tony Cherico (DL). ALL-STAR CANDIDATES: OL Chase Petersen, 6-4, 275, Sr.; OL Jon-Mark Holden, 6-2, 269, Sr.; RB Courtney Haskell, 5-11, 202, Sr.; RB Shane Boedeker, 5-9, 197, Sr.; LB Arthur Flowers, 6-0, 218, Sr. OTHER TOP RETURNERS:

TELL ME ABOUT IT Avoid husband-bashing choir

posted: 08/30/2009 5:03 a.m.

DEAR CAROLYN: With the economy in the toilet and rampant job loss, a number of my women friends have become the main breadwinner of their households. I am also the main breadwinner of our household, but not because of the economy.

Courtney Haskell Senior running back

posted: 08/30/2009 5:02 a.m.

You're an endless ball of energy, just bouncing around out there.Where do you get it from? I don't know. I guess from the hype of the game. What's the biggest difference so far between Bentonville and Warren? The biggest difference is the people. Do you like being up here? Yeah it's fine. It's good. Where do you get your Warren tomatoes from now that you're up here?

First-time entry takes title at Eliminator 5K

posted: 08/30/2009 5:01 a.m.

In his years at Fayetteville High School, Drew Conner watched the Rogers Mounties flex their muscles in cross country meets.

The buzz

posted: 08/30/2009 5 a.m.

Whitney! Madonna! Barbra! Miranda! Mariah! (Maybe.) September has divas out the wazoo, even if Mariah Carey's new album is delayed for the third time. And frankly, Miranda Lambert probably wouldn't like being called a diva, given her countryrock heck-raising music, such as "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend." But we're thrilled to know Lambert is back with another album.

Sendoff for Brauburger: Next stop Pebble Beach

posted: 08/30/2009 5 a.m.

Brik Brauburger is just days away from the golf trip of a lifetime.

GOLF

posted: 08/30/2009 4:59 a.m.

NWA women's tournament The Northwest Arkansas Women's Golf Association's annual invitational golf tournament will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3rd.This September tradition is celebrating its 40th year.The tournament is being hosted by the Bella Vista Women's 18-hole Golf Club.

SCOREBOARD

posted: 08/30/2009 4:58 a.m.

GOLF Bella Vista Men's Golf Association 18-hole pairings Tuesday,Sept.1 Highlands NOTE: For cancellations call 1-800-860-7103.The first named player is captain of foursome. TWO-MAN BEST BALL IN FLIGHTS 8A.M.SHOTGUN FLIGHT C 1A Melvin Briley and Duane Callahan,Thomas J Prout andThomas Lindley 1B John Huston andArthur Knettle,Francis Heinen and Ben Camp 2A Jim Nordyke and Joe D'Anna,

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

posted: 08/30/2009 4:55 a.m.

Scout obtains Eagle rank Nathan McFarland of Rogers completed his Eagle Board of Review on Aug. 8. He is the son of Ann McFarland of Rogers and Darren McFarland of Mountain Home.

ENTERTAINMENT NOTES Rehm, Gloriana,Pvt. Wars, ASO's Big Band fill week

posted: 08/30/2009 4:55 a.m.

Public radio's Diane Rehm will headline an eponymous fundraiser for Little Rock public stations KUAR-FM, 89.1, and KLRE-FM, 90.5's Tower Campaign at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 11301 Financial Center Parkway, Little Rock.

'Blue Ghost' haunts today's visitors with battle video games

posted: 08/30/2009 4:55 a.m.

The boys and I had reached the engine room of the USS Lexington, the decommissioned aircraft carrier berthed in Corpus Christi Bay.

Around the Farm Earning your keep

posted: 08/30/2009 4:54 a.m.

Dad tried to instill in us that wherever we worked, we should always end the day knowing that we earned our keep. Raised in a row-crop county, I was fortunate to spend my initial Extension years running in tandem with rice and soybean producers.

Off the wire

posted: 08/30/2009 4:54 a.m.

Michigan players allege violations Several Michigan football players claim the program regularly violates NCAA rules limiting how much time they can spend on training and practice sessions, according to a published report.

SPIN CYCLE Back to school for celebrities: Dunce caps fit the lamebrains

posted: 08/30/2009 4:54 a.m.

All the kiddos are back in school.

Dune desire

posted: 08/30/2009 4:53 a.m.

Every few years the urge to experience the rocky, scraped-clean landscape of New Mexico becomes overwhelming.

Room to Grow Mystery moths at the Extension

posted: 08/30/2009 4:53 a.m.

The names in the following article have been changed to protect the innocent, as well as the not so innocent.

CONSUMER TRAVEL Timeshares tricky to dump but renting, donating are options

posted: 08/30/2009 4:53 a.m.

Most timeshare owners appear to be reasonably happy with their program - fortunately, because getting out from under an unwanted timeshare can be a struggle. If you need to dump a timeshare, you'll be lucky to get back a fraction of what you paid, and you may get nothing at all.

TRAVEL IN EUROPE American drivers 'steer'-crazy in Britain, Ireland

posted: 08/30/2009 4:52 a.m.

While most first-time visitors to Europe choo-choose to travel by train, consider the convenience of driving. Behind the wheel you're totally free, going where you want, when you want.

COMMENTARY Kazmir comes cheap, could be priceless

posted: 08/30/2009 4:51 a.m.

This trade might refuel the Los Angeles Angels, or it might fool them.

EPA grant funds development of solar water-heating system

posted: 08/30/2009 4:51 a.m.

With the help of a $10,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, faculty and students at John Brown University are working to improve the water-heating options for people in developing countries, according to a JBU news release.

Retailers sense new thriftiness in aisles

posted: 08/30/2009 4:51 a.m.

When Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported second-quarter earnings this month that exceeded expectations, the company's top officer, Mike Duke, also cited a "new normal" of shoppers spending less and saving more, which trimmed sales.

Poultry seminar planned for Sept. 8

posted: 08/30/2009 4:49 a.m.

Poultry growers in northwest Arkansas and northeast Oklahoma are invited to attend a special financial seminar Sept. 8 at the Gentry Public Library, 105 E. Main St.

Airlines in for bumpy winter in face of diminishing cash

posted: 08/30/2009 4:49 a.m.

Airlines cut fares to get more passengers on planes and salvage the summer travel season, but now their job gets harder heading into the slower fall and winter months.

Fightin' Words Please don't take my Smackdown away

posted: 08/30/2009 4:48 a.m.

So I've been writing this pile of words on Friday night after work. Then I spend the early-morning hours Saturday watching Smackdown on my super sweet HD DVR.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/30/2009 4:48 a.m.

Here's the story behind Penn State Coach Joe Paterno's rolled-up pants.

CARDS

posted: 08/30/2009 4:47 a.m.

Ozark Duplicate Bridge Club Winners for Aug. 18 were: North/South: Kaye Cotton and Jacqueline Davis, first; Jeannette Johnson and Shirley Johanson, second; and Marilynn Rubes and John West, third.

Individual traders taking risks to recoup losses

posted: 08/30/2009 4:47 a.m.

Stung by punishing losses in the bear market, some individual investors are souring on traditional buy-andhold investing in favor of aggressive trading aimed at scoring big gains.

GM's low-cost minivans selling hot in China, dominate market

posted: 08/30/2009 4:46 a.m.

When Beijing deliveryman Han Yanmin replaced his motorcycle with a low-cost minivan, he rejected Chinese automakers and opted for General Motors Co.

Chinese caskets making inroads

posted: 08/30/2009 4:45 a.m.

Kale Phillips toured a casket manufacturer on the outskirts of Shanghai, China, this summer.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Holliday, Rasmus power Cardinals over Nationals

posted: 08/30/2009 4:42 a.m.

As soon as Matt Holliday joined Albert Pujols in the middle of the lineup, the St. Louis Cardinals took off.

OUR VIEW Judging the judge

posted: 08/30/2009 4:39 a.m.

Benton County Judge Dave Bisbee has made no secret of what he thinks of the news stories and opinion pieces this newspaper has published about him.

Remembering the darker side of Teddy Kennedy

posted: 08/30/2009 4:38 a.m.

The death of Sen. Edward Kennedy, we are being told, should strengthen our resolve to act in a bipartisan fashion. Many of the tributes, from former presidents and Republican colleagues, have stressed the late senator's willingness to find "common ground." Well, since ancient Rome, we've been exhorted not to speak ill of the dead. But neither should we completely disfigure the truth.

Another Look A very good year

posted: 08/30/2009 4:37 a.m.

A new school year has begun. For some, not everything is so new this year; a few of my new students came to their first classes wearing the same clothes they had on when they left for the summer. This season, a new start in new classrooms with new teachers was all the new they could afford.

Aftermath Health care fit for animals

posted: 08/30/2009 4:36 a.m.

Opponents suggest that a "government takeover" of health care will be a milestone on the road to "socialized medicine," and when he hears those terms,Wendell Potter cringes. He's embarrassed that opponents are using a playbook that he helped devise.

Right Turn Terrorists win under this AG

posted: 08/30/2009 4:35 a.m.

After pledging during last year's presidential campaign, and as recently as the spring, not to revisit the past, the Obama administration, in the person of Attorney General Eric Holder, has named a special prosecutor to go after CIA interrogators who pried information from terrorist suspects, preventing more deadly assaults on the country.

READER THUMBS LINE

posted: 08/30/2009 4:34 a.m.

Welcome to Reader Thumbs Line, where readers determine the ups and downs. If you have a submission for a future column, send us an e-mail to thumbsline@nwanews.com or write to us at Thumbs Line, The Benton County Daily Record, P.O. Box 929, Bentonville, AR 72712.

We are the Martians

posted: 08/30/2009 4:34 a.m.

It was exactly 10 years ago, 1999, that the heat of a rocket ship on its way to Mars turned the dark Ohio winter into summer. The First Expedition landed men on Mars but it would be three expeditions later before the men of Earth would fully inhabit the red planet and make it their own.

COLUMN ONE The Angel's Dictionary

posted: 08/30/2009 4:33 a.m.

With apologies to Ambrose Bierce, author of The Devil's Dictionary: Advice, the miser's substitute for charity.

MILITARY

posted: 08/30/2009 4:32 a.m.

Ashleigh N. McCartney Navy Seaman Ashleigh N. McCartney, the daughter of Jennifer J. King of Rogers and Timothy M. McCartney of Fayetteville, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill.

Davises celebrate 50th

posted: 08/30/2009 4:31 a.m.

Phil and Jacqueline Davis of Bella Vista will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 30.

Carises mark 65th

posted: 08/30/2009 4:30 a.m.

Bill and Ruth Caris of Bella Vista will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary Sept. 13.

The Rundown Request for urgent business relationship

posted: 08/30/2009 4:30 a.m.

It's been a couple of years since I received an offer to do business with some dude in Africa offering to transfer a huge sum of money into my bank account if only I will wire him some smaller amount of cash in advance.

Fergusons mark 40th

posted: 08/30/2009 4:29 a.m.

Steve and Janie Ferguson of Bentonville will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary with an open house hosted by their children and grandchildren from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at the Emergency Services Building in Pea Ridge, behind the Pea Ridge Fire Station.

Andersons celebrate 50th

posted: 08/30/2009 4:28 a.m.

Alan and Nan Anderson of Bella Vista celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 29.

Sautters celebrate 50th

posted: 08/30/2009 4:28 a.m.

Chester and Shirley Sautter of Bella Vista celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 15.

Trevinos celebrate 30th

posted: 08/30/2009 4:27 a.m.

Jesse and Pauline Trevino of Bella Vista will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary Sept. 1.

Clubs

posted: 08/30/2009 4:26 a.m.

Wal-Mart Retired Women (Headquarters) The group will meet at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Chinese No.

EDITORIALS The mutilated book

posted: 08/30/2009 4:24 a.m.

YALE UNIVERSITY long has been a citadel of political correctness and a prime example of the current academic rage for deconstructing truth. But this time it's reached the bottom (let's hope) of its flight from Lux et Veritas, Light and Truth. It's getting so that the only remaining evidence of either one at Yale may soon be confined to its motto. Talk about honoring qualities in the breach.

A breakdown next door

posted: 08/30/2009 4:23 a.m.

Aweek ago, my husband and I spent the day knocking on doors and apologizing to our neighbors. The night before, I had called 911 for an ambulance to transport our schizophrenic son to the hospital. Again. He didn't want to go. Again.

Focus on the Family Children's behavior may be accidental, not intentional

posted: 08/30/2009 4:23 a.m.

QUESTION: I need more help understanding how to interpret childish behavior.

The Rockwood Files Writer's old brain makes a comeback

posted: 08/30/2009 4:22 a.m.

Yesterday I took my son's hand-held video game away from him. He hadn't misbehaved, and he'd already finished his homework. I made up some excuse about how it was a sunny day and he should get outside and take advantage of it. He relinquished the game and shuffled out to the driveway with a basketball in hand.

NFL EXHIBITION Cowboys display Jones-Barber duo on 94-yard drive

posted: 08/30/2009 4:22 a.m.

Felix Jones got the Dallas Cowboys away from their goal line and, 13 plays later, into the opposing end zone. Marion Barber did most of the hard work in between.

Star Talk Sunspot variations and their effects on Earth

posted: 08/30/2009 4:21 a.m.

A warning: Never, under any circumstances, look at the sun with the naked eye! Doing this has caused many people permanent eye injury, and even blindness. The only way to study the sun is with a proper set of filters and a telescope designed for studying the sun. I say it again - using just your naked eye to look at the sun can blind you permanently.

COLUMNISTS From yarb docs to Pekin

posted: 08/30/2009 4:20 a.m.

Over the weekend as I was planting some comfrey in my garden, my thoughts turned to the role herbs such as comfrey played in the medical treatment of our ancestors. That thought, in turn, caused me to be grateful for living in an age when we do not have to depend on yearly purgatives or bitter slippery elm bark tea to treat our ills.

What? There Are Laws? In the beginning

posted: 08/30/2009 4:20 a.m.

I remember once as a kid in high school walking past a group of kids my own age and a few that were older. I knew a few of them by sight but had never really had the chance to talk to them before.

LETTERS

posted: 08/30/2009 4:19 a.m.

Space exploration is essential The recent letter from Arthur Luck of Maumelle demands response. Luck contends that space exploration "is not research, it is engineering," as if engineering just happens without research. It is obvious that he needs to bone up on the manned space program's contributions to the technology we enjoy.

ARKANSAS STATE Red Wolves possess no shortage of experienced hands

posted: 08/30/2009 4:19 a.m.

If ASU fails to reach expectations this season it won't be because the Red Wolves are too young.

Area

posted: 08/30/2009 4:18 a.m.

Northwest Arkansas World War II Roundtable The club will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Rogers Public Library, 711 S. Dixieland Road.

ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF Coleman retains run-to-win motto

posted: 08/30/2009 4:17 a.m.

Monte Coleman insists he's not stuck in another era, even if his preferred style of offense suggests otherwise.

Children, tell; parents, listen

posted: 08/30/2009 4:17 a.m.

Gather 'round, children. In the event your parents haven't seen fit to do it, I'm going to tell you something you need to know.

Tents and camel noses

posted: 08/30/2009 4:16 a.m.

Opposition to Obama care tends to have little to do with the actual details. Most people, including most members of Congress, don't know them.

The Oath Keepers

posted: 08/30/2009 4:15 a.m.

Ever heard of a former paratrooper and Yale Law School graduate named Stewart Rhodes? How about the non-partisan group he founded in April called the Oath Keepers? Me neither. Not until last week anyway.

CENTRAL ARKANSAS Defense takes up for Bears offense

posted: 08/30/2009 4:15 a.m.

The Central Arkansas Bears have a lot of questions going into their fifth and final year of transition from NCAA Division II to the Football Championship Subdivision of NCAA Division I.

Arkansas' largest state park:

posted: 08/30/2009 4:13 a.m.

Arkansas ' largest state park was largely unknown to most Arkansans until the opening of a new visitors center in May. Prior to that, many of the people who used the 12,000-plusacre Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area thought of it more as a wildlife management area where hunting was allowed. Although it was never a WMA, it is still the only state park where hunting is allowed.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/30/2009 4:09 a.m.

Free safety Matt Harris was riding in a car with Arkansas teammates Mitch Petrus (offensive line) and John Durmon (fullback) earlier this summer when Harris began singing along with a rock song.

RECRUITING Arkansas turns to junior colleges for help with needs

posted: 08/30/2009 4:06 a.m.

Arkansas is trying to fill as much of its football recruiting class with high school prospects as possible, but once again the Razorbacks are looking to the junior colleges for some immediate help.

Bearden QB Lowe runs, passes, wins

posted: 08/30/2009 4:04 a.m.

The most accomplished member of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette preseason Super Sophomore Team is Bearden quarterback DeFonta Lowe.

State sports briefs

posted: 08/30/2009 3:56 a.m.

SOCCER Harding men fall at home Harding's Connor Galloway had two goals, but it wasn't enough for the Bison men as they lost 5-3 to Lynn College on Friday in Searcy.

U.S.: Pakistan altered missiles sent for defense

posted: 08/30/2009 3:47 a.m.

The United States has accused Pakistan of illegally modifying American-made missiles to expand its capability to strike land targets, a potential threat to India, according to senior administration and congressional officials.

Deficit, debt to test Obama tax pledge

posted: 08/30/2009 3:42 a.m.

During last year's presidential campaign, President Barack Obama vowed to enact an agenda without raising taxes on the middle class, a pledge that budget experts viewed with skepticism. Since then, a severe recession, deficits and a national debt that is swelling toward a 50-year high have made his promise harder to keep.

State efforts for gamblers' ills not ready

posted: 08/30/2009 3:40 a.m.

Nearly 10,000 calls have been made to the National Council on Problem Gambling's hot line from Arkansas area codes the past 3 1 /2 years.

Womacks mark 60th

posted: 08/30/2009 3:39 a.m.

James and Helen Womack of Bentonville celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Aug. 21.

Leftovers a real gas for regional utility

posted: 08/30/2009 3:39 a.m.

Leftovers from San Francisco Bay Area restaurants are being served to help power the region.

Godmothers take reins in Italy syndicate

posted: 08/30/2009 3:38 a.m.

They go by such nicknames as "Fat Cat" and "Tomboy." Their simmering power struggles once drove them into the streets, guns blazing. They rule their crime families with steely determination, and also raise the kids and stir the pasta.

Obama marks 4 years since Katrina

posted: 08/30/2009 3:33 a.m.

President Barack Obama marked the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on Saturday by pledging to make sure that turf wars and red tape don't slow the pace of the continuing recovery.

Bomb attacks in Iraq kill at least 18

posted: 08/30/2009 3:30 a.m.

Bombs struck a cafe in Baghdad and remote communities in northern Iraq on Saturday, killing at least 18 people, as the visiting Iranian foreign minister warned that Iraq's instability affected the whole region.

Iran sacks mass-trial prosecutor

posted: 08/30/2009 3:28 a.m.

Iran's new judiciary chief has fired the prosecutor involved in the mass trial of opposition activists charged with seeking to topple the ruling system through a "velvet revolution," state media reported Saturday.

U.S. test to gauge progress of Afghan, Pakistan strategy

posted: 08/30/2009 3:26 a.m.

The White House has assembled a list of about 50 measurements to gauge progress in Afghanistan and Pakistan as it tries to calm rising public and congressional anxiety about its war strategy.

In the news

posted: 08/30/2009 3:25 a.m.

James Murdoch, 36, the son of News Corp. mogul Rupert Murdoch and an executive in charge of the company's businesses in Europe and Asia, criticized the British Broadcasting Corp., a main competitor, in a speech in Scotland, saying, "As Orwell foretold, to let the state enjoy a near-monopoly of information is to guarantee manipulation and distortion."

Names and faces

posted: 08/30/2009 3:24 a.m.

Jamie Foxx took some music and laughte r to New Orleans with his "Blame It" tour. The entertainer joked with the enthusiastic crowd of thousands at the New Orleans Arena on Thursday night.

TV news shows

posted: 08/30/2009 3:24 a.m.

Lineup of guests for today's TV news shows: ABC's This Week - Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and John Kerry, D-Mass.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/30/2009 3:24 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "If you rule out inflating our way out of the problem and defaulting on the debt, there are two ways: Cut spending or raise taxes." William Gale, an expert on fiscal policy at the Brookings Institution, on the growing federal deficit.

The world in brief

posted: 08/30/2009 3:23 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "The lack of stability and security in Iraq will definitely affect the region." Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, speaking at a news conference in Baghdad.

Regional calendar

posted: 08/30/2009 3:11 a.m.

SEPTEMBER 4 Beebe Speedway, Mini-Stock Mania 4-5 Batesville Motor Speedway, Locust Grove, Summer Slam, monster trucks 11 Malden (Mo.) Speedway, Parts Plus USCS sprint cars, Rislone USCS modifieds 12 I-30 Speedway, Little Rock, Ark

LR Zoo's intake up, but so are expenses

posted: 08/30/2009 3:09 a.m.

The Little Rock Zoo is on track to make more money this year than last, but the projected gains won't be much and won't be nearly enough to help out-pace the facility's expenses.

Scott Barton Anderson Big love for little ones

posted: 08/30/2009 3:09 a.m.

SELF PORTRAIT Date and place of birth: July 12, 1966; Oak Ridge, Tenn. Family: wife Teresa, daughters Brooke and Bailey and son Braden My morning routine includes coffee, a protein bar and work. My greatest weakness as a professional is expecting as much out of everyone as I do myself.

SPOTLIGHT TINA BEAULIEU Children's center has Big Dreams

posted: 08/30/2009 3:09 a.m.

Here's a typical case for Tina Beaulieu, a child advocate with the Children's Safety Center, a nonprofit that assists in investigations dealing with sexual abuse of children in Washington County.

NOTABLE NEIGHBOR Church food pantry is personal mission

posted: 08/30/2009 3:08 a.m.

Denise Conyers pulls up to the rear of Village Bible Evangelical Free Church in her full-size pickup, boxes of food heaped in the back: Famous Amos cookies, Oroweat bread, Puritan chili.

And for the main event, our scholarship successes

posted: 08/30/2009 3:07 a.m.

At the height of his fortune, John D. Rockefeller threw his money at worthy causes like it was just pouring out of the ground. It was said he could part with a buck - he just couldn't stand to see one wasted.

NORTHERN LIGHTS Theater patrons turn out for Shakespeare in SHORTS

posted: 08/30/2009 3:07 a.m.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is shortened to begin with - to condense it further seems all but impossible.

Getting it straight

posted: 08/30/2009 3:07 a.m.

The Democrat-Gazette wants its news reports to be fair and accurate.

Anniversary

posted: 08/30/2009 3:05 a.m.

Mr. and Mrs. Phil Davis Jacqueline and Phil Davis of Bella Vista recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a 10-day trip to their daughter's home in Harbeson, Del. The couple were married Aug. 30, 1959.

Castle's view of sunset lights up preview party

posted: 08/30/2009 3:04 a.m.

There wasn't much money raised. Proceeds amounted to $1,000, maybe a little more. But the view from the wraparound deck of Smith Treuer's Castle Rogue's Manor at sunset Aug. 22 was worth a mint.

Wedding

posted: 08/30/2009 3:04 a.m.

Blew-Markham HARRISON - Kimberly Sue Markham and Buckley Denton Blew exchanged wedding vows July 18 at Mary Mother of God Catholic Church with the Rev. Gregory G. Hart officiating.

Other days

posted: 08/30/2009 3:03 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO August 30, 1909 Representing financial interests contemplating the construction of a $1,000,000 waterpower electric plant to furnish light and power to Little Rock, Hot Springs and Pine Bluff, C. E. Hart of Joplin, Mo., an engineer, has been in the city for a week investigating the electrical needs of the three cities and making surveys of the site and lines.

Photo exhibit lifts curtain on Arkansas a century ago

posted: 08/30/2009 3:03 a.m.

Visitors to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art's temporary home at the Massey in downtown Bentonville got a glimpse of the past at the Aug. 20 opening of the Harry Miller photography exhibit.

Governor's appointments

posted: 08/30/2009 3:02 a.m.

Gov. Mike Beebe announced Thursday appointments to six state boards or commissions: To the Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, for terms expiring June 30, 2012: Charlotte Britton, Hope, replacing Lisa Williams ; Jana Hayes, Fort Smith, reappointed; Lynne Raney Hill, Camden.

CAITLIN ELIZABETH HANRAHAN BLAIR BERNARD MADISON

posted: 08/30/2009 3:02 a.m.

Caitlin Elizabeth Hanrahan and Blair Bernard Madison were united in marriage at 6:30 p.m.

Small maracas are big hit at Back-to-School Fiesta

posted: 08/30/2009 3:01 a.m.

A dozen or so carbohydrate-powered youngsters shook small plastic maracas as the opening act - and the finale - to the evening's headliner, Mariachi Amistad, at the University of Arkansas' School of Education and Health Profession's annual Back-to-School Fiesta.

Marriage licenses

posted: 08/30/2009 3 a.m.

WASHINGTON COUNTY Ralph Wayne Evans Jr., 26, and Jennifer Michelle Olmedo, 28, both of Fayetteville. Joshua Lloyd Cunningham, 33, and Jennifer Marie Kyryluk, 32, both of Fayetteville.

MALE CALL There are ways to justify yet another blue sweater

posted: 08/30/2009 2:59 a.m.

Q. Yesterday while I was at the mall I bought myself a new sweater. When I took it out of the bag, my wife said, "Not another blue sweater!" I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I realized I have something that's just about identical. Why would I do something like that, and do you have a good excuse for me to not return it?

DEAR ABBY Neighbors distressed by recluse

posted: 08/30/2009 2:59 a.m.

DEAR ABBY: My neighbors and I are extremely concerned about my next-door neighbor of 38 years, "Anne." She was always somewhat of a narcissist, and her husband has always been an unsociable, passive-aggressive bore who thinks he's always right.

NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT The Grateful Kitchen

posted: 08/30/2009 2:58 a.m.

Jen Mattson is grateful that food can help heal. Since she began cooking without gluten, a protein in wheat, rye and barley, she said her daughter's autism has improved.

Business calendar

posted: 08/30/2009 2:57 a.m.

Bentonville Credit Counseling of Arkansas Inc. will offer two free seminars Tuesday at 1732 S.E. Moberly Lane. Master Your Money is 6-7 p.m. and Financial Freedom is 7:15-8 :15 p.m. Register at www.ccoacares.com or (800) 889-4916.

Saturday, August 29

Northwest Personal Space

posted: 08/29/2009 6 a.m.

Potter Cheryl Buell finds natural inspiration all around her Winslow studio.

Join the family

posted: 08/29/2009 5:54 a.m.

Mike Rush doesn't beat around the bush when asked whether he was nervous opening his business, Rush Running, at 2104 S. Walton Blvd. nearly two years ago.

All about attitude

posted: 08/29/2009 5:51 a.m.

Editor's Note: This is the sixth in a series of stories previewing the high school football teams in Benton County.

Fayetteville-Jeff City game to be nationally televised

posted: 08/29/2009 5:23 a.m.

Fayetteville and Missouri power Jefferson City waged a shootout last year and this time around it will be shot on film by a major network. The Fayetteville-Jefferson City game at Harmon Field Sept. 11 will be televised nationally by CSTV, which is owned by CBS.

School ties

posted: 08/29/2009 5:08 a.m.

The amount of money schools spend on construction does not have a measurable effect on student achievement, according to one study by an education researcher.

LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES Little Leaguers still drawing crowds

posted: 08/29/2009 5:01 a.m.

The small-town charm of the Little League World Series appears to be as popular as ever.

Leader slips in 64 just ahead of wind

posted: 08/29/2009 4:59 a.m.

Beth Bader shot an 8-under-par 64 at the Safeway Classic on Friday to take a one-stroke lead into the second round at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club.

Player's death hits communities hard

posted: 08/29/2009 4:58 a.m.

He was going to go back to Bremerton, Washington.

UA's Lingmerth falls in quarters

posted: 08/29/2009 4:57 a.m.

Arkansas senior David Lingmerth was eliminated in the quarterfinals at the 109th U.S. Amateur at Southern Hills Country Club on Friday.

TEXAS LEAGUE Naturals cash in in sixth

posted: 08/29/2009 4:57 a.m.

The sixth inning was pivotal for Northwest Arkansas on Friday night.

SUPER SIX COUNTDOWN Going on the offensive

posted: 08/29/2009 4:56 a.m.

Barry Lunney Sr. needed three seasons to win his first state championship at Fort Smith Southside in 1991.

Judge revises real-estate scam sentence

posted: 08/29/2009 4:55 a.m.

Little Rock lawyer Alvin Clay and two other men were sentenced Friday in a fraud case that left the presiding judge with questions about the fairness of the proceedings.

Documents added to day-care 'game' suit

posted: 08/29/2009 4:55 a.m.

Documents filed in a Washington County civil case Friday include police interviews with two former day-care workers who have been sued over allegations that they forced children to fight.

Treasurer sends very best, but with the state's money

posted: 08/29/2009 4:54 a.m.

State Treasurer Martha Shoffner has paid more than $850 in state funds for birthday cards for lawmakers and constitutional officers.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/29/2009 4:52 a.m.

Kansas man charged with trafficking girls MUSKOGEE, Okla. - Police have arrested a Kansas man who is accused of helping run a network that brought teenage girls to brothels to perform sex acts.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/29/2009 4:52 a.m.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

Clock ticking on credit for first-time homebuyers

posted: 08/29/2009 4:51 a.m.

First-time homebuyers, beware. Time is running out on a tax credit program specifically designed for you.

Vance team OK'd to test Lee County rape-case evidence

posted: 08/29/2009 4:50 a.m.

A Pulaski County circuit judge approved a defense request Friday for DNA testing on evidence from the Lee County rape case against the Marianna man accused of killing TV news anchor Anne Pressly. But Curtis Lavelle Vance's defenders don't expect their examination to delay the 28-year-old's November capitalmurder trial in Little Rock.

Brazilian citizen admits harboring illegal foreigners

posted: 08/29/2009 4:50 a.m.

A Brazilian national charged with harboring illegal aliens pleaded guilty Friday to two counts of a federal indictment, heading off a three-day trial.

Spending up a little in July; incomes flat

posted: 08/29/2009 4:50 a.m.

Consumer spending in the U.S. rose slightly in July as Americans jammed auto showrooms to take advantage of the "cash for clunkers" program while avoiding other purchases.

New chamber group set up to foster city's creative economy

posted: 08/29/2009 4:50 a.m.

A new Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce group hopes to drive the city's economy by supporting its arts and entertainment industry.

LR policeman charged with DWI, no seat belt

posted: 08/29/2009 4:49 a.m.

Sherwood police charged a Little Rock police officer with driving while intoxicated last Saturday after the officer passed out at a gas station and later claimed he hadn't been driving the car, documents show.

Police interviews filed in church day care lawsuit

posted: 08/29/2009 4:48 a.m.

Documents filed in a Washington County civil case on Friday include police interviews with two former day care workers who have been sued over allegations they forced kids to fight.

GM predicts leap in auto sales for '10

posted: 08/29/2009 4:47 a.m.

An executive with General Motors said Friday that the company sees U.S. auto sales growing by 2 million next year.

Woman who may have stopped heist gets nothing for injury

posted: 08/29/2009 4:47 a.m.

A woman who police say prevented a local bank robbery won't get workers' compensation benefits for injuries she sustained after the suspected would-be robber came to her home.

FORT SMITH Private killed in Korea in '50 is laid to rest

posted: 08/29/2009 4:47 a.m.

Army Pfc. Johnny Mayberry was laid to rest in American soil Friday, nearly 59 years after dying for his country on a frozen battlefield in Korea.

Officials look to tie suspect to heists

posted: 08/29/2009 4:47 a.m.

Police and prosecutors aren't saying much about Anthony Timothy Barnes other than he may have robbed 10 Northwest Arkansas banks while wearing a variety of hats.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/29/2009 4:46 a.m.

Area events for Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009.

Taking the plunge

posted: 08/29/2009 4:45 a.m.

Blue sky with no clouds, Hot afternoons can get you down and make you sweaty, Midsummer sun bake, I know exactly what we should do and I think you're ready, Gonna stay cool, cool, cool at the swimming pool.

Archaelogists find lavish Greek site

posted: 08/29/2009 4:45 a.m.

Archaeologists said Friday that they have unearthed a lavish burial site at the seat of the ancient Macedonian kings in northern Greece, heightening a 2,300-year-old mystery of murder and political intrigue.

Palin's PAC cited for excessive contributions

posted: 08/29/2009 4:45 a.m.

The Federal Elections Commission has found that former Gov. Sarah Palin's political action committee gave excessive contributions to two well-known Republicans.

Portions of Lake Wedington to re-open to public Tuesday

posted: 08/29/2009 4:45 a.m.

Portions of Lake Wedington Recreation Area, located on the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, will reopen to the public on Tuesday.

Two in custody after body found near Monte Ne

posted: 08/29/2009 4:44 a.m.

Two men, including one from Fayetteville, were arrested Friday after a body was found in the Monte Ne area.

Atomic agency: Iran evasive

posted: 08/29/2009 4:44 a.m.

Iran is stonewalling the U.N. nuclear watchdog on "possible military dimensions" to its suspect nuclear program, officials said Friday, urging the regime to clarify the mysterious role of a foreign explosives expert and shed light on other issues.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/29/2009 4:43 a.m.

Raymond John Dismang, Bob Whitlow, Doyle Edward "D.J." Holloway Jr., Celeste Marie Marion, Ines Garcia, Betty Louise Waldrop

Tensions build as Iraqis mourn Shiite

posted: 08/29/2009 4:39 a.m.

Thousands of mourners marched through Baghdad behind the coffin of one of the country's most powerful Shiite leaders Friday, and eulogies from rivals and allies reflected deep worry over the political void left by his death.

Ahmadinejad joins call to punish rival leaders

posted: 08/29/2009 4:38 a.m.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called for the prosecution of Iran's top opposition leaders Friday, backing hard-liners pushing for escalation of the postelection crackdown.

Family, friends celebrate Kennedy's life at service

posted: 08/29/2009 4:37 a.m.

Sen. Edward Kennedy was remembered as a big-hearted man with a passion for public service and helping other people at a memorial service at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.

Florida's Crist chooses senator

posted: 08/29/2009 4:37 a.m.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist on Friday named one of his closest confidants to fill out the term of resigning Republican Sen. Mel Martinez, ensuring that he will have an ally serving as a caretaker senator as Crist seeks election to the seat himself in 2010.

Let's talk

posted: 08/29/2009 4:36 a.m.

Since the United States lost its arch enemy, the Soviet Union, in 1991, Americans have been at a loss to identify a general theme that unifies such diverse global issues as terrorism, poverty, dictatorship, environmental decline and nuclear weapons. I suggest that one such overarching theme is religion. Largely, it's what world and domestic affairs have been about in recent decades.

Month is deadliest of war for U.S.

posted: 08/29/2009 4:35 a.m.

An American service member died Friday when his vehicle struck a bomb in eastern Afghanistan, making August the deadliest month for U.S. forces in the nearly eight-year war.

Wounded Saudi prince vows to fight terrorism

posted: 08/29/2009 4:35 a.m.

Hours after being lightly wounded by a suicide bomber, a senior Saudi prince largely credited with the kingdom's aggressive anti-terrorism efforts said Friday that he was more determined than ever to fight militants in the country.

Times Editorial: The bell tolls

posted: 08/29/2009 4:34 a.m.

Recently, Arkansas highway commissioners agreed to apply for a $145.4 million grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. With about $1.5 billion available, it's possible that our state could get lucky and a key infrastructure project that would benefit the region would come that much closer to finally being realized.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/29/2009 4:33 a.m.

Letters to the editor

Religion Briefs

posted: 08/29/2009 4:31 a.m.

Mount Comfort Church of Christ, 3249 W. Mount Comfort Road, Fayetteville, is offering a divorce recovery class beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The 12-to-13-week class is open to separated and divorced individuals.

Springdale mom battles rare form of breast cancer

posted: 08/29/2009 4:30 a.m.

Beth Stewart, 35, is literally in the fight of her life.

TE spot appeals to Youngblood

posted: 08/29/2009 4:29 a.m.

As a quarterback, Jim Youngblood didn't shy away from contact.

Beth Stewart benefit

posted: 08/29/2009 4:29 a.m.

A benefit dinner, silent auction and poker run for Beth Stewart will be held from 4:30-7 :30 p.m. today at the Elkins Community Center, 162 Doolin Drive.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/29/2009 4:29 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "That meant so much to see so many people show respect for my brother." Alice Baker, of Fort Smith, whose brother Johnny Mayberry was buried Friday nearly 59 years after his death in Korea.

Communities of faith

posted: 08/29/2009 4:28 a.m.

Governor to open fall speaker series ROGERS - Gov. Mike Beebe will be the featured speaker as the fall session of The Summit begins Sept. 10 at The Church at Pinnacle Hills. The weekly luncheons feature regional and national speakers who share practical advice, inspirational messages and their own life stories. The program was started by the Rev. Ronnie Floyd in 2001.

EDITORIALS Lots of lots

posted: 08/29/2009 4:28 a.m.

FINALLY, some good news! The housing glut in Northwest Arkansas is easing, and plunging property values in this corner of the state seem to be bottoming out after a two-year decline.

COMMENTARY Heisman competition about to heat up

posted: 08/29/2009 4:27 a.m.

Together, the trio could stop traffic just as easily as they could a blitzing defense. Whether it's Times Square, the Rose Bowl or Campus Corner in Norman, Okla., Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford cannot walk anywhere without becoming the focus of every father, child and linebacker around.

There outta be a law

posted: 08/29/2009 4:27 a.m.

WHAT KIND of supposedly homo sapiens (intelligent man) would beat a pony to death with a baseball bat? Somebody must've left out the sapiens. Or maybe the soul.

Editorial notebook Movie review

posted: 08/29/2009 4:26 a.m.

WE COULD tell this movie was going to be a stinker from the get-go. Oh, Lord, it was bad. The acting. The plot. The holes in the plot.

MY POINT EXACTLY Har-Ber, Bentonville will fight for 7 A-West

posted: 08/29/2009 4:25 a.m.

The coaches got it right for the most part. While this scribe concurs with the top two picks the Coaches Poll tabbed as the teams that will quarrel for the 7A-West title, the rest is a crap shoot. The conference coaches picked Bentonville as a repeat 7A-West champion with Springdale Har-Ber runner-up and Fayetteville with the state's best quarterback settling for third. Fort Smith Southside (No. 4), Fort Smith Northside (No. 5) and Springdale High (No. 6) were the coaches' picks to make the playoffs with Rogers Heritage (No. 7) usurping crosstown rival Rogers High (No. 8) for the privilege of not finishing last.

Frail widow swindled of $82,000, police say

posted: 08/29/2009 4:25 a.m.

A Texarkana man sat in a Heber Springs jail Friday after police said he spent the summer swindling a 91-year-old widow with dementia out of $82,000.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/29/2009 4:25 a.m.

Tebow plan gets Gators' attention A minor league baseball team put together a promotion around the question "What would Tim Tebow do?" and the University of Florida answered with a cease and desist request.

Off the wire

posted: 08/29/2009 4:25 a.m.

FOOTBALL NCAA must surrender FSU records The NCAA must release documents on Florida State's appeal of an academic cheating penalty, a Florida judge ruled Friday, noting that the NCAA's rationale for keeping the documents secret would "emasculate" the state's broad public access laws.

NFL EXHIBITION Brady leaves with sore shoulder

posted: 08/29/2009 4:24 a.m.

Tom Brady and Jason Campbell put on a regular-season show in preseason, combining for 359 yards, six scoring drives and a sore throwing shoulder that isn't the best of news for New England Patriots fans.

Two sides to Serena as U.S. Open nears

posted: 08/29/2009 4:24 a.m.

In one breath, Serena Williams says she considers herself the favorite at the U.S. Open.

Video board OK for now, Goodell says

posted: 08/29/2009 4:23 a.m.

Jerry Jones can keep his video boards right where they are, at least for this season.

The need for speed

posted: 08/29/2009 4:23 a.m.

ESPN's Lee Corso isn't the only one who says "Not so fast, my friend!" Apparently Arkansas defensive coordinator Willy Robinson and his Razorbacks defensive staff pulled a Corso on Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino after he publicly pondered pulling a fast one on them.

Byrd gets shot to fix Wonder Boys' porous defense

posted: 08/29/2009 4:22 a.m.

The latest in a series profiling Gulf South Conference football teams in Arkansas.

HOG CALLS Petrus savors senior season after odd red-shirt year

posted: 08/29/2009 4:22 a.m.

Sometimes the NCAA will help a kid in spite of itself.

Notes

posted: 08/29/2009 4:21 a.m.

The St. Louis Cardinals and National League saves leader Ryan Franklin are negotiating a two-year contract extension that could allow him to end his career in St. Louis.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Cardinals' Smoltz solid again in first start at home

posted: 08/29/2009 4:21 a.m.

John Smoltz showed his St. Louis Cardinals debut was no fluke Friday night, striking out six and allowing a run in six innings in his first home start.

HEY MAN, NICE SHOT Balky putter sours Woods' mood

posted: 08/29/2009 4:21 a.m.

The two couldn't have been more diametrically opposed. While one petulantly slammed clubs and muttered obscenities, the other's joie de vivre captivated golfdom to a degree that the former was accustomed to commanding.

Owner's bankruptcy shuts down Exit Pinnacle Realty

posted: 08/29/2009 4:20 a.m.

Exit Pinnacle Realty, 3350 Pinnacle Hills Parkway in Rogers, has ceased operations after its owner, Cameron Torabi, filed personal bankruptcy last month.

Rain could dampen Quality Road's track in Travers

posted: 08/29/2009 4:20 a.m.

The Travers Stakes has come down to this: no filly, one Bird and seven colts with a huge opportunity to rise to the head of their 3-year-old class.

Sports Briefs

posted: 08/29/2009 4:19 a.m.

• 50 YEARS OF WOODLAND ATHLETICS Woodland Junior High School in Fayetteville is celebrating its 50th Year Anniversary for the 2009-10 Athletic Season. A 50th Anniversary Special Edition Athletic Program is being created.If you or if you know of someone that has been a part of WJHS Athletics that would like to have your name in the program please contact Michael McCracken at WJHS1959@yahoo. com for more information.

NFL NUGGETS Offensive playmakers lift Falcons to top of division

posted: 08/29/2009 4:18 a.m.

This is the sixth installment of an eight-part series previewing the division races of the upcoming NFL season.

Solheim Cup players well represented at Pinnacle event

posted: 08/29/2009 4:17 a.m.

The upcoming P&G Beauty NW Arkansas Championship presented by John Q. Hammons is batting 11 for 12 in terms of the commitments it has received from U.S. team members who participated in the Solheim Cup Competition. The Solheim Cup is a biennial team competition pitting top American versus European golfers, similar to the Ryder Cup in men's golf.

Sports Briefs

posted: 08/29/2009 4:16 a.m.

FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL The Springdale Chicks are looking for competitive fastpitch softball players to fill spots on our Fall 2009/Spring 2010 rosters. Participation is free for 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U & 16U travel teams. Coaching positions are also open. For tryout appointment with the Chicks or more information, please call 479-283-7266 or email newplayer@springd alechicks.com. You can also check out the Chicks' annual Pitch for the Cure tournament in NWA: www.pitchforthecure.org.

NFL notes

posted: 08/29/2009 4:16 a.m.

Dallas Cowboys receiver Roy Williams has only a bruised shoulder from a hard collision with a teammate, yet still might not play against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night.

Making short work on 'longest' course

posted: 08/29/2009 4:14 a.m.

Webb Simpson looked at the scores and the weather, neither of which indicated an easy time Friday at Liberty National. He quickly settled on a simple game plan Friday and made it pay off in The Barclays.

Murder in Monte Ne

posted: 08/29/2009 4:09 a.m.

Two men were arrested Friday after a body was found in the Monte Ne area.

Womack questions library-foundation finance numbers

posted: 08/29/2009 4:08 a.m.

Mayor Steve Womack and Rogers Public Library Foundation President Hal Savage agreed to disagree Wednesday.

Bella Vista golf courses participate in Patriot Golf Day

posted: 08/29/2009 4:06 a.m.

Bella Vista golfers can participate in Patriot Golf Day 2009 on Sept. 4-7.

Bella Vista to sponsor Sparkles program

posted: 08/29/2009 4:05 a.m.

Bella Vista plans to participate in the Sparkles program, a new litter program that mirrors the Adopt-AHighway Shine program, which is state operated. The Sparkles program will focus on city-maintained roads.

Cherishing Children Challenge on Sept. 12

posted: 08/29/2009 4:04 a.m.

The Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County will host its ninth annual Cherishing Children Challenge 5K run and 1-mile fun walk Sept. 12.

U.S. advice for Scot: Bomber is hero fodder

posted: 08/29/2009 4:04 a.m.

Attorney General Eric Holder warned his Scottish counterpart in June that the man convicted of blowing U.S.-bound Pan Am Flight 103 out of the sky could get a hero's welcome if allowed to return to Libya, according to the head of a group representing the families of victims.

Bella Vista schedules fall white-goods pickup

posted: 08/29/2009 4:02 a.m.

The Bella Vista Property Owners Association has scheduled its fall white-goods pickup.

Upcoming Services

posted: 08/29/2009 4:01 a.m.

Today Nelson Galan, 39, of Rogers,Ark., died Wednesday,Aug. 26, 2009.Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday,Aug. 29, at the Benton County Funeral Home in downtown Rogers. Mary Lou Koeller, 81, of Siloam Springs,Ark., died Tuesday,Aug. 25, 2009. Burial services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday,Aug. 29, at Grace Episcopal Church in Siloam Springs.

2 strapped universities offer tuition breaks

posted: 08/29/2009 4:01 a.m.

Two of Arkansas' public universities raised tuition for in-state students this semester while allowing out-of-state undergraduate students to pay cheaper in-state tuition rates primarily because they live in campus housing.

Highlands Tour starts today

posted: 08/29/2009 4 a.m.

The Highlands Homes Tour in Bella Vista will begin at 10 a.m. today. Five premier homes in the Highlands are open to the public.

State sports briefs

posted: 08/29/2009 3:59 a.m.

GOLF Vinson, Abinante take first-round leads Batesville's John Vinson shot a 3-under-par 67 Friday and leads after the first round of the Arkansas State Golf Association's Senior Stroke Play at Greystone Country Club's Cypress Creek course in Cabot.

NEWS BRIEFS

posted: 08/29/2009 3:59 a.m.

Two smaller, more conservative U.S.-based Lutheran denominations are expressing disappointment in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's decision to open a wider door to gay clergy.

Center to unveil hand-lettered Torah

posted: 08/29/2009 3:58 a.m.

At the Chabad-Lubavitch of Arkansas Center for Jewish Life, it will soon be time to dance.

ALL THUMBS

posted: 08/29/2009 3:58 a.m.

Appearing each Saturday, "All Thumbs" is The Benton County Daily Record's take on the people, events and issues deserving a "thumbs up" for a noteworthy accomplishment or good deed or a "thumbs down" for magnificent failure or just general stupidity. Thumbs up to the Anadarko (Okla.) Daily News for continuing to put out a product despite a fire last weekend that destroyed the newspaper's office, including its printing press and 60 rolls of newsprint. The 4,200-circulation paper managed not to miss a day of printing, thanks to the cooperation of another area paper, which permitted the Daily News to use its press. Resilience is seen in many forms; the folks at the Daily News are one example.

THURSDAY'S STATE COLLEGE FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

posted: 08/29/2009 3:58 a.m.

SE OKLAHOMA STATE 54, HENDERSON STATE 38 DURANT, Okla - Henderson State lost its season opener, giving up 531 yards of total offense to Southeastern Oklahoma State.

OTHER OPINIONS The great debate

posted: 08/29/2009 3:57 a.m.

As Israelis observe Americans debate universal health care, we find ourselves struck by the fact that our little country is actually more advanced than the U.S. in providing all residents with medical coverage. But we take no pleasure in the realization that political discourse in the U.S. has sometimes deteriorated to the crude levels too often seen in Israel.

Calendar

posted: 08/29/2009 3:56 a.m.

MUSIC, ART AND ENTERTAINMENT Wabbaseka will celebrate Scatter Fest at 10 a.m. Sept. 5 in the park off U.S. 79, Wabbaseka. (870) 766-4262.

Interrogators got results

posted: 08/29/2009 3:55 a.m.

"Men sleep peacefully in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." George Orwell's truth comes to mind as one reads that Eric Holder has named a special prosecutor to go after the "rough men" who, to keep us sleeping peacefully at night, went too far in frightening Khalid Sheik Muhammad, the engineer of the September massacres.

Shiite family delays opening seminary for Westerners

posted: 08/29/2009 3:55 a.m.

It took years for a family of prominent American Shiite scholars to build a specialized seminary that would train Americans and Europeans to lead mosques in the West.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/29/2009 3:55 a.m.

Stephens CEO: Frugal fi rms 'well-positioned ' Warren Stephens, chief executive of Little Rock-based investment bank Stephens Inc., was interviewed Friday on CNBC about his thoughts on a variety of economic fronts.

Oil exec criticizes emission proposal

posted: 08/29/2009 3:54 a.m.

Proposed legislation to reduce carbon emissions in the United States would be unlikely to make a difference in the global environment and could harm the nation's economy, Claiborne Deming, former chief executive officer at Murphy Oil Corp., said Friday.

Religion

posted: 08/29/2009 3:53 a.m.

Village Bible Evangelical Free Church, Bella Vista Sunday: Sunday school is at 9:30 a.m., and worship is at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Mark Voll will continue his summer series on "The Bible's Heroes, Heroines and Hucksters." The subject is Solomon.

Comcast wins appeal of FCC's market-share rule

posted: 08/29/2009 3:53 a.m.

Comcast Corp., the biggest U.S. cable-television provider, won a legal victory Friday as a court threw out a rule limiting cable companies to 30 percent of the market.

U.S. goods bear famous Cuba brands

posted: 08/29/2009 3:52 a.m.

Cuban rum maestro Jose Navarro's taste buds sing when he sips Havana Club, the sweet spirit distilled in this farming town south of the capital.

Circle of Life Hospice plans Bentonville location

posted: 08/29/2009 3:52 a.m.

Circle of Life Hospice plans to begin construction on a new 24-bed in-patient hospice facility at the city's Legacy Village community by 2012.

Lawmaker worried about funding from tobacco tax, lottery

posted: 08/29/2009 3:51 a.m.

They depend on voluntary participation, but both the state's tobacco tax and the state lottery, proceeds from which will be like a tax, are problematic as sources of funding, said state Rep. Donna Hutchinson, RBella Vista.

Other days

posted: 08/29/2009 3:51 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO August 29, 1909 The action of the business men of Fort Smith in asking the railroads to establish the same rates for Fort Smith as for Little Rock has caused the merchants and shippers of Little Rock to sit up and take notice.

Foster receives scholarship

posted: 08/29/2009 3:50 a.m.

Leslie Foster of Gravette has received the Imagine America scholarship - $1,000 in tuition assistance from the Imagine America Foundation. Foster, a graduate of Bentonville High School, will attend Tulsa Welding School in Tulsa, Okla.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/29/2009 3:49 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "There are U.S. interests thinking about how they are going to be affected by an influx of Cuban products, and the outlook is not always positive." Jake Colvin, director of Washington-based USA Engage.

COLUMNISTS The only exit strategy

posted: 08/29/2009 3:46 a.m.

Obamacare Version 1.0 is dead. The 1,000-page monstrosity that emerged in various editions from Congress was done in by widespread national revulsion not just at its expense and intrusiveness but at the mendacity with which it is being sold.

Save compassion for the victims

posted: 08/29/2009 3:45 a.m.

"I'm alone. My whole family is gone." That was the cry of anguish from Dr. Sudhakar Dixit in 1988 when he lost his parents, his sister and her two young children in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in Lockerbie, Scotland.

Mountaineers make XC season debut at Frisco Festival

posted: 08/29/2009 3:43 a.m.

Cross country buffs get their first look at the seven-time Class 7A defending state champion Rogers Mountaineers today at the Lake Atalanta Eliminator Run, a mainstay of the annual Frisco Festival.

MARKET REPORT Momentum wanes, tempering gains

posted: 08/29/2009 3:43 a.m.

Stocks mostly fell Friday as investors balked at extending the market's recent rally despite an improved outlook from Intel Corp.

Channing Uber Senior lineman

posted: 08/29/2009 3:42 a.m.

What are your goals for this football season? Just to win basically. Be good try get playoffs. Give me one prediction for the Mounties. I think we'll make it to the playoffs.We're underdogs and everything, but we can do it. How does it feel starting your senior year of high school and football? It feels good. I know I don't have to go through two-a-days ever again. It's awesome. I'm ready. What is your favorite Saturday-afer-agame activity? To eat. I love eating. What are you craving after a game?

LETTERS

posted: 08/29/2009 3:42 a.m.

Yelling foils discourse The Republican state party chairman, Doyle Webb, made a big issue of Blanche Lincoln's remark that they were acting un-American.

Rogers Mountaineers

posted: 08/29/2009 3:41 a.m.

COLORS: Blue and White HEAD COACH: Ronnie Peacock (Ninth year) RECORD AT SCHOOL: 38-44-1 LAST YEAR: 3-7 (Seventh, 7A-West ) ASSISTANT COACHES: Cam Prock (OC, QB), Lafe Caton (DC, DB), Rob Bray (OL), Larry Ben (DL), Kent McCullough (LB), Steven Hampton (RB), Jeb Huckeba (DE),Alan Rettmann (Freshmen ), Johnny Brewer (Freshmen ) RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 5/Defense 5 ALL-STAR CANDIDATES: QB Andy Couture, 5-10, 175, Sr.;

Fort Smith hopes jobs cut in Indiana move to its Whirlpool plant

posted: 08/29/2009 3:41 a.m.

Fort Smith's 1.2-millionsquare-foot Whirlpool Corp. manufacturing plant is in contention for jobs that will come from a soon-to-be-closed plant in Evansville, Ind.

Fish fries and funerals

posted: 08/29/2009 3:41 a.m.

Two events in a recent five-day period have caused me to think a lot about having grown up in Arkansas and why I choose to raise my own family here.

Touchdown with :00 left beats Tigers

posted: 08/29/2009 3:40 a.m.

The final outcome wasn't what Bentonville wanted but head coach Barry Lunney loved the Tigers' competitiveness.

Clearing the decks

posted: 08/29/2009 3:40 a.m.

Alot of ground to cover today, starting with Brandon Barber.

Mounties scrimmage dominated by defense

posted: 08/29/2009 3:38 a.m.

In eight offensive possessions Friday night Rogers crossed midfield only one time in a two-quarter scrimmage at Mountie Stadium against North Little Rock.

Tools & toys

posted: 08/29/2009 3:37 a.m.

Rain Barrels AR, US What's to love: These rain barrels are made in Little Rock and are reasonably priced.

Names and faces

posted: 08/29/2009 3:35 a.m.

A professional arbiter has ruled Jeremy Piven did not breach his contract with the Broadway producers of Speed-the-Plow when the actor abruptly left the revival of the David Mamet play in December. At the time, Piven's doctor said he was suffering from mercury poisoning after eating too much fish.

Ask the expert

posted: 08/29/2009 3:35 a.m.

I am planning to replace the windows and possibly doors in my home for something more energy efficient. I understand I might be able to get a tax credit. Please fill me in.

Personal space

posted: 08/29/2009 3:35 a.m.

Carole J. Smith Where I live: I have lived at Cambridge Place Condominiums in Little Rock for about nine years and I have two cats, Lizzie and Checkers.

Light-pole quality comes into question

posted: 08/29/2009 3:34 a.m.

A monthly inspection from school officials and an annual professional inspection will be conducted on floodlights at the Tiger Athletic Complex, the Bentonville School Board Facilities Committee agreed Friday.

In the garden

posted: 08/29/2009 3:34 a.m.

Janet Carson is an extension horticulturist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Write to her at P.O. Box 391, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or e-mail her at jcarson@arkansason line.com

Auditions to be held for 'Nutcracker'

posted: 08/29/2009 3:34 a.m.

The Classical Ballet Academy will hold open auditions for a number of roles for the CBA's sixth annual presentation of "The Nutcracker." The auditions for children 5 to 10 years old - preferably with prior dance experience - will be held at the CBA studio, 1106 N.W. 10th St. in Bentonville. The dates and times for the auditions are as follows: Sept. 7: Children 5 to 7 years old at 5 p.m.; Children 8 to 10 years old at 6:30 p.m. There is no audition fee, but a short audition form must be completed. Registration will begin 30 minutes prior to audition time.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/29/2009 3:33 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "As you know, we're trying to raise some extra money here, getting rid of the old stuff we don't use anymore." Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, on a garage sale of surplus inventory designed to lessen the state deficit.

Area

posted: 08/29/2009 3:33 a.m.

Men's health seminar is Sept. 9 Your Health Matters will sponsor a Focused on Men's Health seminar from 7:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 9 at Riordan Hall in Bella Vista. The seminar for men will feature the following: A series of 30-minute lectures exploring topics relevant to men's health; Free health-care materials; Consultations with area health-care providers ; Booths offering free health screenings; Door prizes and a free breakfast;

Hendren: Education information should be widely known

posted: 08/29/2009 3:32 a.m.

State Sen. Kim Hendren, R-Gravette, is hoping to see some important information about education be widely distributed to parents and others around the state, he said.

California opens 2-day garage sale

posted: 08/29/2009 3:32 a.m.

Bargain-hunters snatched up watches confiscated from criminals, surplus prison shirts and antique pianos salvaged from parks on the first day of a statewide garage sale to scrape together cash for California.

Sports

posted: 08/29/2009 3:30 a.m.

BASKETBALL Bentonville Basketball Club registration Tryout registration is now taking place for Fall League play.The following groups are now eligible to register: Girls - 5th and 6th graders; and Boys - 5th, 6th and 7th graders. To register,go to www.bentonvillebasketballclub.org or contact Don Pace for more information at don@bentonvillebasketballclub.org.

The world in brief

posted: 08/29/2009 3:26 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "We are still confronting the remnants of a dictatorship and terrorism by those who want to hurt Iraq." Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, on the political void left by the Wednesday death of Shiite leader Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim.

Congressman says Libya's Gadhafi to skip over N.J. town

posted: 08/29/2009 3:19 a.m.

U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman said late Friday that he's been given assurances from a representative of the Libyan government that Moammar Gadhafi won't stay in Englewood, N.J., when he visits the United States next month to address the U.N. General Assembly, a visit that has sparked angry protests.

In the news

posted: 08/29/2009 3:13 a.m.

Ben Bernanke, the Federal Reserve chairman, and his wife, Anna, became victims of identity theft when a thief stole Anna's purse at a Capitol Hill Starbucks in August 2008, a case that prosecutors say is part of a nationwide identity-theft ring.

CLICK & CLACK'S CAR TALK

posted: 08/29/2009 3:12 a.m.

Click & Clack (Tom and Ray Magliozzi) dispense advice about cars in Car Talk every Saturday. E-mail Click & Clack by visiting the Car Talk section of cartalk.com

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/29/2009 3:09 a.m.

Happy birthday. This year brings many unique and gratifying experiences. A change you've long considered will be relatively easy to make in September. Family unrest is settled in time for a joyous Christmas season, largely because of your selfl essness and solution-oriented approach. A loving commitment is sealed in February. Gemini and Scorpio adore you.

Sun shining again on solar companies

posted: 08/29/2009 3:01 a.m.

Ed Murray remembers the dark days of solar energy in the 1980s, when federal rebates and other incentive programs disappeared. So did many solar companies.

Obituaries

posted: 08/29/2009 2:58 a.m.

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

OTUS THE HEAD CAT Free seminars teach owners how to stretch their own cats

posted: 08/29/2009 2:57 a.m.

Dear Otus, I want to thank you for your pet advice column. You are doing the readers of the Democrat-Gazette a great service.

Crickets eat fabric if they get indoors

posted: 08/29/2009 2:53 a.m.

Crickets are cute, as bugs go, but they will eat fabric, including cotton, silk and wool.

Getting it straight

posted: 08/29/2009 2:52 a.m.

The Democrat-Gazette wants its news reports to be fair and accurate.

ON CHRISTIANITY

posted: 08/29/2009 2:52 a.m.

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: How can we forgive someone who's hurt us when they won't admit they've done anything wrong, let alone ask for our forgiveness? I'm facing this situation right now with someone in my family, and I don't know what to do.

HELPFUL HINTS

posted: 08/29/2009 2:51 a.m.

DEAR HELOISE: You mentioned in a past column that you once owned ferrets. I am thinking of getting one (or two) for my children. Can you tell me any ferret facts that I should know?

Check your knowledge

posted: 08/29/2009 2:50 a.m.

1. What is the more common name for sodium chloride? 2. Name the high card in the game of gin rummy. 3. The Yellow Kid was featured in the forerunner of what part of current-day newspapers? 4. What two states border on Chesapeake Bay? 5. The name of the country Costa Rica has what meaning?

A pig in the pool is worth ...

posted: 08/29/2009 2:49 a.m.

Even finding a pig in your pool is not enough to dissuade a homeowner from its enjoyment, central Arkansans recently learned.

Timeless decor helps room grow with girl

posted: 08/29/2009 2:48 a.m.

The Townsends are a young family who live in a Mediterranean-inspired home. Two children, three dogs and an occupied guest room translate into lots of household activity. There is one room on the top floor that is decidedly a departure.

Making a joyful noise

posted: 08/29/2009 2:46 a.m.

Some of the biggest names in Christian music will be performing, for free, at Central Arkansas CityFest with evangelist Luis Palau in North Little Rock in October.

Keep it clean

posted: 08/29/2009 2:43 a.m.

Cleaning mini-blinds Most of us have at least one set of mini-blinds in our home to help keep out hot sun. They also can offer privacy.

Reduce the clutter, increase the peace

posted: 08/29/2009 2:41 a.m.

A bedroom should be a sanctuary, but clutter can make it a source of stress.

Friday, August 28

Taking a wide look: Fayetteville celebrated through panoramic photo exhibit

posted: 08/28/2009 2:49 p.m.

Steve Moore remembers driving by the newly completed Fayetteville Public Library for the first time.

Sampling from inn to inn Bed and breakfasts in Eureka Springs to hand out tasty appetizers, drinks

posted: 08/28/2009 2:45 p.m.

Multiple bed and breakfast inns located in Eureka Springs will open their doors to hungry visitors for a few hours this weekend as part of the first August Taste of the Inns.

Uncommon results: Local funk band combines efforts with hip-hop emcee for debut album

posted: 08/28/2009 2:42 p.m.

This is not what The Commoners originally planned. The band had been playing a blend of jazz and funk on their own, building up a fan base in the process. Then, a friend of the band wanted to use their talents to record some live sounds behind his hiphop lyrics.

Unearthing an education: New university-affiliated museum offers opportunities to dig into new knowledge

posted: 08/28/2009 2:38 p.m.

There was plenty to see. There were plenty of students interested. But until this summer, there was no place to put them together. That will officially change on Monday when the University of Arkansas opens the Discovery Zone, an educationally centered museum space that will feature exhibits both constructed locally and imported from similar science centers throughout the state.

Silver celebration: Festival in Rogers commemorates 25th anniversary with expanded music offerings, events

posted: 08/28/2009 2:37 p.m.

If someone was hungry, it might be worth bringing a few dollars for the tasty treats from the vendors.

25th Frisco Festival schedule

posted: 08/28/2009 2:35 p.m.

All events are in downtown Rogers unless otherwise noted.

New grill in town

posted: 08/28/2009 2:34 p.m.

With dish names like "ribs and more," customers at Brightwood Grill aren't likely to leave the restaurant hungry. Glenn Sibley, manager of the restaurant, said it tries to offer healthy portions of American and Cajun foods. Brightwood Grill has been open since February and is partnered with The Bayou, a bar and grill in Rogers, which are both owned by Wendell Franklin. Sibley said Franklin wanted to open an eatery with the same food as The Bayou but, instead, have it be a family-oriented restaurant.

Entertainment notes

posted: 08/28/2009 2:32 p.m.

Entertainment notes for northwest Arkansas for Aug. 28, 2009.

Live music

posted: 08/28/2009 2:30 p.m.

The following is a list of live performances in Northwest Arkansas. Readers are encouraged to verify times and admission prices. For details, call venues directly. To add listings, e-mail schedules to whatsup@nwarktimes. com, fax them to 442-1714, or call 571-6447.

Upcoming concerts

posted: 08/28/2009 2:27 p.m.

The following is a list of performances within a day's driving distance of Northwest Arkansas.Tickets for all events are currently on sale. Readers are encouraged to verify times and admission prices. For more information, call venues directly.

Road trip

posted: 08/28/2009 2:25 p.m.

Events within driving distance of northwest Arkansas.

Rogers man suspected in numerous bank robberies

posted: 08/28/2009 1:38 p.m.

Police say a Rogers man who's charged with robbing two Rogers banks is also a suspect in eight other bank robberies.

Increased jail fees slated for Jan. 1

posted: 08/28/2009 6:36 a.m.

When Mayor Fred Jacks of Bethel Heights addressed the Benton County Quorum Court on Thursday night, he did so as a mayor and a citizen.

Lawmakers, citizens talk health care

posted: 08/28/2009 6:34 a.m.

Sometimes impassioned, often opinionated, citizens Thursday asked questions and got responses about national health-care plans now being considered in Washington, D.C.

H1N1 101 : Group meets to discuss upcoming flu season

posted: 08/28/2009 6:33 a.m.

If there are no further delays, the vaccine for the H1N1 flu will likely be here next month, Loy Bailey, county health director, said during a meeting of the Benton County Community Coalition on Thursday.

Merchants have high hopes for annual Frisco Festival

posted: 08/28/2009 6:31 a.m.

An estimated 40,000 people will make their way in, through and around downtown Rogers during this weekend's Frisco Festival, which is enough to get merchants ' mouths watering for lots of sales. It's an easy assumption to make, but Main Street Rogers President Kerry Jensen warned it might be ill-advised. The payoff for businesses, he said, could come in the weeks after the festival.

Barnes suspected of 8 other bank robberies

posted: 08/28/2009 6:30 a.m.

Anthony Timothy Barnes is charged with robbing two Rogers banks, but authorities suspect Barnes is a serial bank robber responsible for eight unsolved crimes in northwest Arkansas.

Garfield man sentenced to 4 years in prison for arson

posted: 08/28/2009 6:29 a.m.

He was accused of setting fire to his mother's home at 11536 Gainer St. in Garfield. Kathleen Jack told a Benton County Sheriff's Office deputy her son threatened to burn her house down because he was upset over her throwing his beer away, according to court documents.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/28/2009 6:27 a.m.

Obituaries for August 28, 2009.

Lowell wins Arkansas Shine Award for second straight year

posted: 08/28/2009 6:21 a.m.

The letter the city of Lowell sent to Keep Arkansas Beautiful was five pages of detailed descriptions of the city's efforts to improve its community socially, economically and aesthetically. The letter that came back was one page long, but it started positively.

Wal-Mart to host free financial-literacy workshops

posted: 08/28/2009 6:19 a.m.

Wal-Mart, through a partnership with minority- and disability-focused partner groups, will host nearly 100 financial-literacy workshops across the country aimed at equipping participants with immediate, tangible solutions for smart personal financial management, a company news release states.

Bisbee, Hubbard criticize Daily Record's coverage

posted: 08/28/2009 6:17 a.m.

Two county officials launched a verbal attack on The Benton County Daily Record during Thursday night's Quorum Court meeting.

Ming, Bentonville schools receive honors

posted: 08/28/2009 6:15 a.m.

Two honors involving Bentonville schools were announced in the last week. Sterling Ming, the Bentonville School District's executive director for finance and administration, is receiving the Distinguished Professional Eagle Award from the Association of School Business Officials International. The award is given to school business officials who demonstrate leadership in their profession, according to a press release.

Read 180, ACT successes discussed by school committee

posted: 08/28/2009 6:14 a.m.

Two success stories were shared during the Bentonville School Board Curriculum Committee meeting Thursday morning.

OUR VIEW : Nice doggie

posted: 08/28/2009 6:12 a.m.

Every once in a while, some city gets the idea of banning pit bulls. Springdale is the latest city - at least in northwest Arkansas - to ponder the thought.

LETTERS

posted: 08/28/2009 6:10 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Benton County for August 28, 2009.

OTHER OPINIONS : Restart process of making med isotopes

posted: 08/28/2009 6:08 a.m.

A poor decision made years ago based on the assumption that our neighbors would have our backs has returned to haunt us.

OTHER OPINIONS : Edward M. Kennedy, 1932-2009

posted: 08/28/2009 6:06 a.m.

Ted Kennedy was not a great man. The extraordinary events of his life clashed with his human frailties, and the frailties sometimes won. He had real talent as a legislative politician, but for his first few decades seemed destined mainly to be someone's kid brother.

Abuse should cease : War Eagles in second year are all grown up

posted: 08/28/2009 6:04 a.m.

Editor's Note: This is the fifth in a series of stories previewing the high school football teams in Benton County.

Sounding Off : Sam Clark Senior right guard

posted: 08/28/2009 6:02 a.m.

Sam Clark is sounding off.

Rogers Heritage War Eagles

posted: 08/28/2009 5:59 a.m.

Notes and statistics for Rogers Heritage War Eagles football.

Mounties host Charging Wildcats for scrimmage

posted: 08/28/2009 5:57 a.m.

The Rogers football team will begin a five-week homestand tonight with its Arkansas Activities Association benefit game.

Tigers scrimmage today at Union High in Tulsa

posted: 08/28/2009 5:55 a.m.

Bentonville coaches are hoping the Tigers' participation in today's VYPE Gridiron Classic at Tulsa Union will confirm some things and expose others about the strength of their football team.

War Eagles find rhythm, clip Russellville in benefit

posted: 08/28/2009 5:54 a.m.

No sooner did the Rogers Heritage War Eagles find a rhythm here Thursday night than lightning forced them off the field.

Community Notes

posted: 08/28/2009 5:51 a.m.

Community notes for Benton County for August 28, 2009.

Making it happen

posted: 08/28/2009 5:50 a.m.

Have you been among the thousands to flock to First Friday celebrations on the downtown Bentonville Square over the past couple of years?

Happy Hollow renderings unveiled

posted: 08/28/2009 5:47 a.m.

The new Happy Hollow Elementary School will be designed with a courtyard, three classroom pods and features that pay homage to the old-time farm that once sat on the property.

Fire pension board nixes benefit cuts

posted: 08/28/2009 5:45 a.m.

Two city representatives on the Fayetteville Firemen's Pension Board wanted Thursday to reduce benefits for pensioners by 23 percent, to save the ailing fund, but the other four board members - all pensioners - refused.

Residents help Elkins School District dream up high school

posted: 08/28/2009 5:43 a.m.

Plans for a new Elkins High School are still in the early stages. But not so early that ideas aren't beginning to be thrown around concerning what the community would like to have accomplished if and when the new school is built.

Four held in suspected fraudulent check ring

posted: 08/28/2009 5:41 a.m.

Four out-of-state suspects were taken into police custody Tuesday for their alleged involvement in a fraudulent check ring.

Judge orders mental test for capital murder defendant

posted: 08/28/2009 5:38 a.m.

A circuit judge has ordered a mental evaluation of Ricky Ray Anderson, who is charged with capital murder for the stabbing death of Jill Ulmer, of Fayetteville.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/28/2009 5:36 a.m.

Events in Washington County for Aug. 28, 2009.

School district adopts swine flu prevention measures

posted: 08/28/2009 5:32 a.m.

The Fayetteville School District issued a districtwide letter to parents and staff Thursday to discuss precautions it is taking to combat a potential outbreak of H1N1 influenza, commonly called swine flu.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/28/2009 5:31 a.m.

John Anthony Chinderle, Jessie Leroy Stacy

Police: Recent break-ins, while similar, not linked

posted: 08/28/2009 5:26 a.m.

Fayetteville police say they don't believe there's any relation between two recent home invasions, despite minor similarities.

Group supporting millage for new high school reports almost $12K in donations

posted: 08/28/2009 4:57 a.m.

Members of A Stronger Fayetteville collected $11,750 in cash donations through the end of July to help fund passage of the Sept. 15 millage increase vote for a new high school.

Jury convicts man of selling marijuana twice

posted: 08/28/2009 4:55 a.m.

A Washington County jury deliberated for an hour and 10 minutes Thursday before convicting a Fayetteville man of twice selling marijuana to a confidential informant.

City receives Shine Award

posted: 08/28/2009 4:51 a.m.

The city of Fayetteville received the 2009 Arkansas Shine Award for its effort toward creating a sustainable community.

Times Editorial: Serenity now

posted: 08/28/2009 4:47 a.m.

Our little town may well be the "Athens of the Ozarks" in some respects. But it is also home to plenty of, shall we say, interesting ideas that help make life a lot more entertaining.

ON THE FLY: News or opinion

posted: 08/28/2009 4:44 a.m.

Television news made a change in 1948 when Don Hewitt joined CBS News. He was an innovator, a visionary, a true newsman.

Paydays eliminated

posted: 08/28/2009 4:42 a.m.

It's a new day in Arkansas. Payday lenders are officially out of our sight. Attorney General Dustin McDaniel made surewe noticed. On Aug. 11, he dispatched one of his assistants, Jim DePriest, to the site of what had been a First American Cash Advance store in Little Rock. There, DePriest announced that First American recently had closed its remaining 27 stores in Arkansas, thus closing the book on the paydaylending era in our state, where as many as 275 payday lenders once thrived.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/28/2009 4:41 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Washington County for Aug. 28, 2009.

Business Calendar

posted: 08/28/2009 4:39 a.m.

Business events, meetings

Movers & Shakers

posted: 08/28/2009 4:36 a.m.

Local attorneys included in Best Lawyers list Five lawyers from the Fayetteville firm of Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers andTaylor PLC were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2010 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Back to his roots: Brewer accepts prestigious Silas Hunt award at UA

posted: 08/28/2009 4:34 a.m.

Ronnie Brewer remembers walking past Silas H. Hunt Hall nearly everyday as a sophomore at the University of Arkansas.

Hogs ready for win, but take nothing for granted

posted: 08/28/2009 4:32 a.m.

A mock game tonight and then game week before the real deal is all that's left of preseason for these Razorbacks.

Tigers show promise in scrimmages

posted: 08/28/2009 4:30 a.m.

Danny Abshier's Prairie Grove Tigers sampled a diverse array of strategy in a preseason, roundrobin scrimmage at Atkins Tuesday night. The Tigers squared off against Clarksville's Spread and clashed with the Red Devils' Multiple I.

Siloam spikes Lady Bulldogs in season opener

posted: 08/28/2009 4:28 a.m.

The Fayetteville Lady Bulldog volleyball team faced a withering hail of spikes and high-velocity serves in Thursday night's season opener at Siloam Springs.

Young UA volleyball team ready for season opener

posted: 08/28/2009 4:25 a.m.

The University of Arkansas volleyball season officially gets underway this weekend when the Razorbacks travel to the Texas Christian Invitational today and Saturday.

Cox, Eibner among top prospects in Cape Cod

posted: 08/28/2009 4:22 a.m.

Razorback baseball players Zack Cox and Brett Eibner were named two of the top prospects in the prestigious Cape Cod League by PGcrosschecker.com, it was announced on Thursday.

Sports Briefs

posted: 08/28/2009 4:20 a.m.

Sports briefs for Washington County for August 28, 2009.

GRIDLOCK GURU: Fayetteville traffic circle will be busy

posted: 08/28/2009 4:19 a.m.

Two roundabouts already exist in Bentonville and Rogers, but neither carries the amount of traffic expected to spin around one planned in Fayetteville.

Schools prepare for flu season

posted: 08/28/2009 4:19 a.m.

Northwest Arkansas' largest school districts are gearing up for battle with two major kinds of flu this academic year, arming themselves with extra caches of antibacterial gel and common sense advice.

Poultry case will be heard by jury

posted: 08/28/2009 4:18 a.m.

A jury will decide whether Arkansas poultry companies violated Oklahoma's public nuisance law, but the judge will rule on five other claims in the federal lawsuit.

Israeli leader given Auschwitz camp architectural plans

posted: 08/28/2009 4:18 a.m.

Architectural plans for the Auschwitz death camp that were discovered in Berlin last year were handed over to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday for display at Israel's Holocaust memorial.

FRANKLIN COUNTY: Residents weigh in on dumping permit

posted: 08/28/2009 4:17 a.m.

The site where an Oklahoma company wants to dump waste gas well drilling fluids will endanger the environment because it is too close to Lake Dardanelle and other bodies of water, Franklin County residents told state officials.

Lawsuit seeks to allow Green Party on ballots

posted: 08/28/2009 4:16 a.m.

In a federal lawsuit filed Thursday, the Green Party of Arkansas says its opportunity to be included as a political party on Arkansas ballots is unconstitutionally thwarted by state law.

Choir leader admits abuse, gets prison

posted: 08/28/2009 4:15 a.m.

A former music minister at a large Baptist church pleaded guilty to sex charges Thursday, ending what authorities say was years of abuse of teenage boys in the church's youth choir.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/28/2009 4:13 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

Shiites in two countries mourn loss of Iraqi leader

posted: 08/28/2009 4:11 a.m.

Thousands of Iranians prayed and wept Thursday during a memorial for Iraqi Shiite Muslim leader Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, the start of a two-day tour of mourning that will take his body through his country's Shiite heartland, apparently in hopes of rallying large crowds of supporters.

N.M. governor inquiry wrapping up; charges unlikely

posted: 08/28/2009 4:11 a.m.

Federal authorities are wrapping up a pay-to-play investigation in New Mexico that prompted Gov. Bill Richardson to back away this year from serving as commerce secretary in President Barack Obama's Cabinet, with criminal charges against the Democrat and his top aides now appearing unlikely, according to three sources familiar with the case.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/28/2009 4:10 a.m.

Consideration of permits to sell beer and small-farm wine at three Wal-Mart Stores Inc. locations in Fayetteville will likely be delayed because the company submitted incomplete applications, a representative of Alcoholic Beverage Control said Thursday.

NOTEWORTHY DEATH

posted: 08/28/2009 4:10 a.m.

Sergei Mikhalkov, an author favored by Stalin who wrote the lyrics for the Soviet and Russian national anthems, persecuted dissident writers as part of the Soviet propaganda machine and fathered two noted film directors, has died at age 96.

Russia charges 8 in odd-voyage case

posted: 08/28/2009 4:10 a.m.

Russia has formally filed criminal charges against eight reported hijackers of the freighter Arctic Sea, whose voyage is still heavily shrouded in mystery.

Blue Dogs' health-care changes irk House Democrats

posted: 08/28/2009 4:10 a.m.

A key House Democrat suggested Thursday that party moderates who've pushed for changes in health-care legislation are "brain dead" and out for insurance company campaign donations.

Radio network owner will challenge Berry in 1st District

posted: 08/28/2009 4:09 a.m.

With grain bins and a New Holland farm combine serving as a backdrop, Rick Crawford formally kicked off his candidacy for the 1st District of Arkansas at a farm near Jonesboro on Thursday evening.

Volunteer fire chief faces bigamy count

posted: 08/28/2009 4:09 a.m.

Police in Eureka Springs said a Faulkner County volunteer fire department chief who was arrested on forgery and fraud charges also is wanted for bigamy.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/28/2009 4:06 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "We have hand sanitizers everywhere in the schools." Gary Compton, Bentonville school superintendent, on one of the preventive measures the district is taking to prepare for flu season Article, 1B

Teacher system to bid $11 million for timberland

posted: 08/28/2009 4:06 a.m.

The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System's trustees on Thursday authorized system officials to submit an initial bid of $11.315 million for 10,000-plus contiguous acres of timberland in south Arkansas.

State agrees retarded killer of 2 can live

posted: 08/28/2009 4:05 a.m.

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said he will concede that a man sentenced to death in the 1997 shotgun slayings of two convenience store clerks should be spared from execution after a state-commissioned evaluation indicated the man is mentally retarded.

U.S. AMATEUR: Arkansas senior in quarterfinals

posted: 08/28/2009 4:04 a.m.

Arkansas senior David Lingmerth moved into the quarterfinals of the 109th U.S. Amateur with two victories Thursday at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa.

LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES California team moves into U.S. final

posted: 08/28/2009 4:01 a.m.

Nick Conlin had barely touched home plate with the winning run when he was surrounded by his teammates from Chula Vista, Calif.

GI death adds to bloody August

posted: 08/28/2009 4 a.m.

A roadside bomb and gunfire attack killed a U.S. serviceman in southern Afghanistan on Thursday, a death that pushed August into a tie with July as the deadliest months of the eight-year war.

Rain postpones Naturals' game

posted: 08/28/2009 4 a.m.

With ground to make up and time running out, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals will tune up for a critical series against Tulsa with a doubleheader today.

NFL EXHIBITION: Vick gets six plays in his return to field

posted: 08/28/2009 3:59 a.m.

All eyes were on Michael Vick - for all of six plays.

Kennedy mourners pay respects

posted: 08/28/2009 3:59 a.m.

A motorcade carrying the body of Sen. Edward Kennedy passed miles of mourners Thursday as it proceeded from the Cape Cod home where he spent his final days to the presidential library in Boston bearing the name of one of his slain brothers.

SEC eases its rules on how news outlets cover athletic events

posted: 08/28/2009 3:58 a.m.

The Southeastern Conference bent to a storm of complaints from news outlets and organizations Thursday by softening rules affecting how media and fans write about, film and photograph SEC athletic events.

Racing pulse sends Stanford to hospital

posted: 08/28/2009 3:57 a.m.

Texas financier R. Allen Stanford, jailed on charges of bilking investors of $7 billion, was hospitalized Thursday with an irregular heartbeat and high pulse, just hours before his ex-finance chief became the first person to plead guilty in the case.

Rising bank failures drain FDIC fund

posted: 08/28/2009 3:56 a.m.

The agency that guarantees bank deposits said Thursday that there are no immediate plans to borrow money from the government to bolster its insurance fund, which has shrunk under the weight of collapsing banks.

Poland honors Jews, their rescuers

posted: 08/28/2009 3:54 a.m.

Aging Holocaust survivors gathered Thursday to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the last deportations from the Lodz ghetto to Nazi death camps, while Poland's president recalled their suffering and praised the heroism of Poles who risked their lives to save Jews.

Analyst sees little change in realty

posted: 08/28/2009 3:52 a.m.

Steady and unchanged is how a local economist Thursday described the commercial and multifamily real-estate markets of Northwest Arkansas during the second quarter of 2009, according to a survey conducted by the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

REVIEW: (500) Days of Summer

posted: 08/28/2009 3:52 a.m.

"This is not a love story," intones a voiceover at the beginning of Marc Webb's smart, funny (500) Days of Summer, and we learn in the course of the film that this nameless voice is right and wrong.

Pakistan suicide bomber kills 19 at key crossing into Afghanistan

posted: 08/28/2009 3:37 a.m.

A suicide bomber attacked the main border crossing for convoys ferrying supplies to U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan on Thursday, killing at least 19 security officers, officials said.

Dutch taking bogus moon rock in stride

posted: 08/28/2009 3:34 a.m.

It's not green cheese, but it might as well be.

Taiwan irks China over Dalai Lama

posted: 08/28/2009 3:34 a.m.

China on Thursday denounced Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou's decision to allow the Dalai Lama to visit the self-ruled island, casting a shadow over rapidly improving relations between Taipei and Beijing.

In the news

posted: 08/28/2009 3:27 a.m.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, speaking to a group of students, said claims that opposition leaders had links to Western powers have not been proved despite other hard-liners' allegations after the disputed June 12 elections.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/28/2009 3:26 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "When a member of the Kennedy family passes, it's like family. It feels like family." Jeanne Pagano, a mourner along the motorcade route that carried Sen. Edward Kennedy's body to Boston for a two-day public viewing. Article, 3A

Names and faces

posted: 08/28/2009 3:26 a.m.

At first, fans politely applauded the Gypsy performers sharing a stage in Romania with Madonna. Then the pop star condemned widespread discrimination against Gypsies, and the cheers gave way to jeers. The sharp mood change swept the crowd of 60,000, who had packed a park for Wednesday night's concert in Bucharest.

The world in brief

posted: 08/28/2009 3:25 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "We rushed out and saw destruction all around." Ali Raza, an official in the Peshawar, Pakistan, administration office near where a suicide bombing killed at least 19 security officers Article, 5A Authenticity of art seized in Iraq doubted BAGHDAD - Authorities in the art world cast doubt Thursday on the authenticity of a purported Picasso painting that was seized by Iraqi police south of Baghdad.

Small fall for GDP stirs hope

posted: 08/28/2009 3:23 a.m.

Further evidence the recession is ending came in a report Thursday confirming that the economy shrank at an annual rate of just 1 percent in the spring.

Boeing set to test 787 by end of '09

posted: 08/28/2009 3:22 a.m.

Boeing Co. said Thursday that its long-delayed 787 jetliner will be ready for its maiden test flight by year's end and its first delivery in the fourth quarter next year.

New FTC ban targets automated sales calls

posted: 08/28/2009 3:18 a.m.

Americans tired of having their dinners interrupted by phone calls touting car warranties or vacation packages will soon get some relief.

Other days

posted: 08/28/2009 3:16 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 28, 1909 PINE BLUFF - To prevent the issuance of a writ of mandamus, applied for by City Attorney Sorrells under orders from the City Council

Music did a number on me

posted: 08/28/2009 3:14 a.m.

In a recent interview in Harper's Magazine, Dr. Oliver Sacks, the respected Columbia University neurologist, argued that intensive musical training had a profound effect on young brains. He noted a study that showed children with a single year of violin training demonstrated striking positive change in their left hemispheres.

The Chosin few

posted: 08/28/2009 3:13 a.m.

WELCOME BACK, soldier. Finally.

A chat with the Robot Husband

posted: 08/28/2009 3:12 a.m.

"Impressed and alarmed by advances in artificial intelligence, a group of computer scientists is debating whether there should be limits on research that might lead to loss of human control over computer-based systems. . . . How would it be, for example, to relate to a machine that is as intelligent as your spouse?" -New York Times, July 25 Hello, Human Wife.

The hidden rainbow

posted: 08/28/2009 3:11 a.m.

SOMEWHERE-way up high on the arch of Fayetteville's historic Maple Street bridge-lies a hidden rainbow. It was painted there by a group of artists whose dream really did come true more than 30 years ago.

Where's George?

posted: 08/28/2009 3:07 a.m.

It was on the commute home. Our friend was punching the buttons on his car radio, looking for something other than commercials.

Ford to add shifts at plants in 2 states

posted: 08/28/2009 3:06 a.m.

Ford Motor Co. said Thursday that it would add a third shift to production plants in Michigan and Missouri to meet increased demand for its F-150 trucks and Escape crossover vehicles.

LETTERS

posted: 08/28/2009 3:05 a.m.

The screaming voices and the mobs playing to the cameras at the meetings with members of Congress tell one important fact: The enemies of health care reform are spending millions and using scare tactics to halt reforming our health care system.

Schools of opportunity

posted: 08/28/2009 3:05 a.m.

In addition to all the normal back-to-school preparatory rituals prior to last week, I also participated on a small advisory panel for a few classes at Jonesboro High School.

Papa and the paper moon

posted: 08/28/2009 3:04 a.m.

If someday you pass me by and hear the slightly off-key strains of "It's Only a Paper Moon" rising from my throat, you'll know I'm thinking of Papa.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/28/2009 3:03 a.m.

St. Louis Fed leader: 'Cautiously optimistic' James Bullard, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, is "cautiously optimistic" that the worst of the country's economic crisis is over, he said Thursday at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/28/2009 3:02 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "No matter how challenging the environment, the FDIC has ample resources to continue protecting insured depositors as we have for the last 75 years." Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chairman Sheila Bair Article, 1D Up a bit, mortgage rates still near lows WASHINGTON - Rates for 30-year home loans edged up this week but remain close to record lows reached over the spring.

MARKET REPORT: Stocks reverse losses, move higher

posted: 08/28/2009 3:02 a.m.

The stock market's rally plodded along Thursday, sustained by sharp gains in financial and industrial shares.

Super Six Countdown: Bolding has Pine Bluff on move

posted: 08/28/2009 3:01 a.m.

As expected, the second year of the Bobby Bolding era at Pine Bluff produced marked improvement.

Arkansas Football: Looking for a quick fix

posted: 08/28/2009 3 a.m.

There are no comprehensive statistics ranking the overall performance of special teams in the NCAA's database.

Marketing blows up Basterds' audience

posted: 08/28/2009 3 a.m.

During a season when studios have become all but convinced audiences are losing interest in big-name movie stars and R-rated adult fare, perhaps it's appropriate that the end of summer brings a surprise hit embodying both qualities.

Stingier defense key for Harding

posted: 08/28/2009 2:58 a.m.

For a while, it was fun to watch. With an All-America quarterback, a loaded receiving corps and a veteran offensive line, the 2008 Harding Bisons were potent even by the standards of the rapidfire Gulf South Conference.

ON FILM: Tarantino's a transparent genius

posted: 08/28/2009 2:56 a.m.

Sometimes it is a relief for me to go to an "important" movie like Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds knowing I won't be required to write a word about it unless I choose. Going to the movies for me is a busman's holiday, but a holiday nevertheless - it's great to feel released into a film without the expectation of having to develop a theory of it.

Re-Taking Woodstock

posted: 08/28/2009 2:55 a.m.

A light comedy that feels like a make-work scheme between more ambitious projects, Ang Lee's Taking Woodstock is at once a fluent display of technical precision and an under-realized reiteration of '60s cliches.

Garcia good to go even with change

posted: 08/28/2009 2:55 a.m.

Seven days ago, Sergio Garcia wasn't even sure if he would be eligible to play in The Barclays for the start of the PGA Tour playoffs for the FedEx Cup.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

posted: 08/28/2009 2:55 a.m.

(opening dates are tentative) All About Steve, PG-13 A crossword puzzle constructor (Sandra Bullock) thinks she's found the love of her life in a news cameraman (Bradley Cooper), although she doesn't seem to notice that he doesn't feel the same way.

Off the wire

posted: 08/28/2009 2:54 a.m.

BASKETBALL Ex-Razorback to play in Greece Former Arkansas Razorbacks guard Patrick Beverley, the second-round NBA Draft pick the Miami Heat acquired in June from the Los Angeles Lakers at the cost of a $1.5 million payment and a future secondround pick, has signed to spend the 2009-2010 season in Greece.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/28/2009 2:53 a.m.

Harper gives TD bad twist Rod Harper couldn't contain himself.

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/28/2009 2:53 a.m.

Happy birthday. It's a year of favorable partnerships.You'll follow shared interests to wondrous places. As you study and take in many experiences, you have the sense that you don't yet know how to apply what you've learned. Hold tight. Your purpose is more obvious in the spring. A door opens to your life's work in April. Taurus and Sagittarius adore you.

Home movies

posted: 08/28/2009 2:51 a.m.

Recent DVD releases: American Son (R, 90 minutes) This solid, sad story concerns a young Marine (Nick Cannon) who, while spending four days at home over Thanksgiving before deploying to Iraq, struggles to make sense of the complicated relationships he has with his family and others.

NATIONAL LEAGUE: Astros rally, keep Moehler's mark vs. Cards clean

posted: 08/28/2009 2:51 a.m.

Jeff Keppinger hit a tiebreaking home run with two out in the ninth inning and the Houston Astros rallied to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3 on Thursday, avoiding a three-game sweep.

Film clips

posted: 08/28/2009 2:51 a.m.

At area theaters 82 BANDSLAM, PG A singer-songwriter and her rock group take on her smug ex-boyfriend in a battle of the bands. (111 minutes) 88 DISTRICT 9, R Abandoned aliens take refuge in South Africa.

Screen gems

posted: 08/28/2009 2:49 a.m.

A special screening of Lee Isaac Chung's Munyurangabo, a 2007 movie Chicago Sun-Times critic Roger Ebert has declared "a beautiful and powerful film - a masterpiece," will be held at the director's high school alma mater in the Northwest Arkansas town of Lincoln, on Sept. 19.

Box office

posted: 08/28/2009 2:48 a.m.

Inglourious Basterds scalped the competition at the box office last weekend, opening at No. 1 with more than $38 million. It was by far director Quentin Tarantino's best opening.

ON CHRISTIANITY

posted: 08/28/2009 2:47 a.m.

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Is being a preacher the only way to serve God? I'll be a senior in high school this year and I'm really starting to think about what I'll do with the rest of my life. - S.T.

Check your knowledge

posted: 08/28/2009 2:45 a.m.

1. In what Canadian city is the Hockey Hall of Fame? 2. Is it true or false that the U.S. flag should be raised and lowered briskly? 3. Name the river that runs through Des Moines, Iowa. 4. What is the capital of Indonesia?

HELPFUL HINTS

posted: 08/28/2009 2:45 a.m.

DEAR HELOISE: We have small throw rugs with rubber backing on two bathroom linoleum floors, which have yellowed from the imprint of the rubber backing. We have tried every known cleaner without success. Any hints on how we can get these ugly stains out?

THE RECRUITING GUY: Calls to pick up as summer sets

posted: 08/28/2009 2:42 a.m.

Football season starts next week for most of college football.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/28/2009 2:38 a.m.

Four months ago in his spring wrapup news conference, Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino said that if the Razorbacks were playing that Saturday, Ryan Mallett would start at quarterback and backup Tyler Wilson would come into the game on the first series of the second quarter.

Burns settles into new role at Auburn

posted: 08/28/2009 2:35 a.m.

Kodi Burns made two big moves during Auburn's fall camp.

Red Wolves coach Brady visits Razorbacks country

posted: 08/28/2009 1:58 a.m.

Arkansas State Coach John Brady feels more comfortable in Razorback territory and much more comfortable with his Red Wolves basketball team.

Thursday, August 27

2 contractors question bid process

posted: 08/27/2009 11:34 a.m.

The county's effort to bid the Siloam Springs Health Department remodeling project has two contractors complaining about how the county government awarded the bid.

Siloam Springs VFW Post faces possible end

posted: 08/27/2009 11:32 a.m.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1674 here will cease to exist if its current members fail to hold officer elections during a meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday.

Milestone no reason to keep status quo

posted: 08/27/2009 11:28 a.m.

There will be crowds in downtown Rogers this weekend with or without publicity. It's Frisco Festival weekend, an event burned into the community's subconscious. Main Street Rogers President Kerry Jensen estimates 40,000 people will stop by at some point during the two-day event, almost like clockwork. But 25 years of anything will make it a tradition. Yes, it has really been that long. It all comes back this weekend: the food, the shops, the music, the trains. A quarter century has done little to change the character of the event.

UA will open student-run exhibit space in Bentonville

posted: 08/27/2009 11:27 a.m.

The University of Arkansas is in the process of transforming a storefront in downtown Bentonville into an interdepartmental art exhibition space.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/27/2009 11:25 a.m.

Obituaries for August 27, 2009.

BCSO warns of Canadian scam, eh

posted: 08/27/2009 11:22 a.m.

A warning about an Internet auction scam was issued Wednesday by the Benton County Sheriff's Office.

Election commissioners get ready for school-board contests

posted: 08/27/2009 11:17 a.m.

Benton County election commissioners met Wednesday and approved an order appointing election officials for upcoming school-board elections.

OUR VIEW : A sick scam

posted: 08/27/2009 11:14 a.m.

In general, Americans are a generous, compassionate bunch. We also have a tendency to trust those we know - even those we don't know very well at all.

LETTERS

posted: 08/27/2009 11:12 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Benton County for August 27, 2009.

OTHER OPINIONS : Jail is right place for a terrorist

posted: 08/27/2009 11:09 a.m.

Scottish officials cited reasons of "compassion" in freeing the Libyan bomber of Pan Am Flight 103, Abdel Basset al-Megrahi, last week.

Arkansas' ambiguous biotech destiny

posted: 08/27/2009 11:07 a.m.

In June, Arkansas' unemployment rate rose to 7.2 percent, the highest it's been in 17 years. Of the 26,600 jobs the state has lost since June 2008, more than 20,000 were in manufacturing - most of which aren't likely to return anytime soon.

Get it in his hands : Villasenor takes role of playmaker for Panthers

posted: 08/27/2009 11:05 a.m.

Editor's Note: This is the fourth in a series of stories previewing the high school football teams in Benton County.

Siloam Springs Panthers

posted: 08/27/2009 11:03 a.m.

Notes and statistics for Siloam Springs football.

Sounding Off : Jose Polanco Senior linebacker

posted: 08/27/2009 11:01 a.m.

Jose Polanco sounds off.

Gatling's View : A novel concept: Naming a football stadium after someone

posted: 08/27/2009 10:56 a.m.

Here's what I know. ◊I know members of the Fort Smith School Board solidified a novel idea Monday night by agreeing unanimously that the football stadium at Southside High School should be renamed from Southside Stadium to Jim Rowland Stadium. Rowland, a former FSS head coach, is the athletics director for Fort Smith schools and is only four years away from serving the district in one capacity or another for 50 years.

Lady Tigers eager to regain top tennis spot in Arkansas

posted: 08/27/2009 10:44 a.m.

Bentonville's string of three state championships in girls' tennis ended last season with a second-place finish to Mount St. Mary in the Class 7A State Tournament.

Quorum Court meets tonight

posted: 08/27/2009 10:42 a.m.

When the Benton County Quorum Court meets tonight, it will vote on whether to create a unified county dive team.

Watch out for orange and yellow

posted: 08/27/2009 10:39 a.m.

Because you can't have a street-fair atmosphere while the roads are still open, orange cones and yellow police tape are going up around downtown Rogers in preparation for this weekend's Frisco Festival.

Townzen's annual coat drive brings winter warmth

posted: 08/27/2009 10:37 a.m.

In Gary Townzen's closet, the one in his downtown Rogers barbershop, there's a plastic shopping bag riddled with holes. It's in there with calendars for Townzen's Feed the Children campaign and a file cabinet full of pictures from past and future calendars.

Community Notes

posted: 08/27/2009 10:34 a.m.

Community notes in Benton County for August 27, 2009.

Senators set for town-hall meeting

posted: 08/27/2009 10:30 a.m.

BENTONVILLE - Today, U.S. Rep. John Boozman. RArk., will join the U.S. Senate's only two medical doctors - Tom Coburn of Oklahoma and John Barrasso of Wyoming - serving as co-hosts for a discussion on health care in American communities at Northwest Arkansas Community College.

Two found not guilty of murder

posted: 08/27/2009 6:27 a.m.

A Washington County jury deliberated for more than two hours Wednesday before finding two men not guilty as accomplices to second-degree murder in the death of Kent Thomas Crigler.

Library to roll out Fan Card program

posted: 08/27/2009 6:24 a.m.

Would you pay money for a library card, if you could get it free? What if it made your library more green?

Three added to school district's Hall of Honor

posted: 08/27/2009 6:23 a.m.

The Fayetteville Public Education Foundation announced at a Wednesday luncheon that two Fayetteville High School graduates and one of the foundation's founding members are its newest Hall of Honor inductees.

Long-planned Jewish synagogue nearing completion

posted: 08/27/2009 6:20 a.m.

The dream is finally nearing reality for Temple Shalom. Since 1981, members of this Jewish congregation have been moving from place to place, from rent building to rent building, in search of a permanent home. Next month, though, the moving will stop for good when the Temple Shalom enters a place they can finally call their own.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/27/2009 6:19 a.m.

Events in Washington County for Aug. 27, 2009.

Hopes, data at odds on post-Katrina city

posted: 08/27/2009 6:18 a.m.

Shelia Phillips doesn't see the New Orleans that Mayor Ray Nagin talks about, the one on its way to having just as many people and a more diverse economy than it did before Hurricane Katrina.

Lieutenant governor's call to quit gets Sanford rebuff

posted: 08/27/2009 6:17 a.m.

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford rebuffed his lieutenant governor's call to resign Wednesday, two months after he admitted an affair, saying he will not be "railroaded" out of office and plans to finish his term.

Kentuckian gets life for couple's killing

posted: 08/27/2009 6:15 a.m.

The first of four defendants to be tried in the carjacking, sexual assault and slayings of a young Tennessee couple was sentenced to life in prison without parole Wednesday by the same jury that convicted him of murder.

Karzai's lead widens in Afghan vote count

posted: 08/27/2009 6:12 a.m.

President Hamid Karzai extended his lead over his top challenger in Afghanistan's presidential election, new vote results showed Wednesday, but he remains short of the 50 percent threshold to avoid a two man runoff.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/27/2009 6:11 a.m.

Dr. Tom Miller, Genevieve Ellen Hartman, Doyle Edward "D.J." Holloway Jr., Hazel Linda Carpenter, Jay Leroy Wyman, Mary Lou Koeller, Leah J. Gower

Iraq's premier pressures Syria

posted: 08/27/2009 6:09 a.m.

Iraq's prime minister on Wednesday stepped up pressure on Syria to hand over two suspects wanted in recent suicide attacks on government ministries in Baghdad.

Husband, woman accused of kidnapping wife

posted: 08/27/2009 6:08 a.m.

Lincoln police are seeking a woman accused of helping a man beat and kidnap his wife Tuesday.

Couple says armed men broke in, stole electronics

posted: 08/27/2009 6:06 a.m.

Fayetteville police are seeking a group of suspects accused of breaking into a local couple's home and robbing them at gunpoint.

Times Editorial : The shell game

posted: 08/27/2009 6:05 a.m.

Sunday's editorial lamented at length city government's decision to dummy up about the recent firing of two Fayetteville Fire Department employees. Information from Mayor Lioneld Jordan's administration regarding Fire Chief Tony Johnson's pending retirement has also been close to nonexistent.

SPRINGDALE: Alcohol agency sued by retailers

posted: 08/27/2009 6:04 a.m.

A liquor store owners association has asked a Pulaski County circuit judge to overturn an Alcoholic Beverage Control Board decision to transfer a liquor permit to Tyler Austin, who wants to open a Macadoodles franchise in Springdale.

GUEST COLUMN : No more mandates

posted: 08/27/2009 6:03 a.m.

It has occurred to me during the health care town hall meetings taking place across America that the political classis missing something, and in particular, the White House and Congress are making a huge electoral misstep. Democratic Party leaders actually believe they received a mandate to do whatever they want merely because they won an election.

Directors study wage freeze for Fort Smith employees

posted: 08/27/2009 6:03 a.m.

City directors are considering freezing wages for Fort Smith's approximately 900 municipal employees next year because of an anticipated drop in tax revenue.

FAYETTEVILLE: Jury clears pair in death of worker at apartment

posted: 08/27/2009 6:01 a.m.

A Washington County jury deliberated for more than two hours Wednesday before finding two men innocent as accomplices to second-degree murder in the death of Kent Thomas Crigler.

Ted Kennedy is mourned on both sides of the aisle

posted: 08/27/2009 5:59 a.m.

Friends and colleagues of the late Edward Kennedy on Wednesday mourned the loss of the Senate's "patriarch," whose legislative and political skills continued to affect official Washington until his dying days.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/27/2009 5:59 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Washington County for August 27, 2009.

Post-law regs stymie officials seeking bypass

posted: 08/27/2009 5:59 a.m.

Arkansas authorities were surprised by two things when the criteria came out for federal economic stimulus grants that could help pay for construction of the Bella Vista bypass of U.S. 71

State pupils score cash on tests, too

posted: 08/27/2009 5:57 a.m.

A total of 556 students in 10 Arkansas high schools will pocket $75,400 next month after earning scores of 3s, 4s and 5s on the Advanced Placement tests that they took last spring in math, science and English.

Mixing it up : Robinson shakes up defense, promotes backups

posted: 08/27/2009 5:56 a.m.

As a high school safety moving to inside linebacker at college, Terrell Williams seemed a good bet to redshirt in this University of Arkansas freshman class.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/27/2009 5:55 a.m.

Kids with lighter start apartment fire SPRINGDALE - Firefighters determined an apartment fire in Springdale on Tuesday was started by a group of children playing with a lighter.

Tigers confident in new QB

posted: 08/27/2009 5:55 a.m.

Rodney Selph believes his West Fork Tigers will be just fine at quarterback this season, even with the graduation of the team's three-year starter.

FAC to host Liberty Bank Charity Tennis Challenge

posted: 08/27/2009 5:53 a.m.

Event officials expect to more than double their turnout for the second annual Liberty Bank Charity Tennis Challenge.

UA VOLLEYBALL: Freshmen figure prominently for Razorbacks

posted: 08/27/2009 5:53 a.m.

A steep learning curve is a must for Arkansas' seven freshmen, all of whom are expected to play in the Razorback volleyball team's 2009 debut Friday in Fort Worth, Texas.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/27/2009 5:52 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes. For more information, call (479) 770-8400.

Murphy Oil 1st lottery retailer

posted: 08/27/2009 5:52 a.m.

With the state's lottery to begin in about one month, a Murphy USA gas station in Magnolia on Wednesday became the first lottery retailer to be licensed by the Arkansas Lottery Commission.

State police lost most among pension plans

posted: 08/27/2009 5:51 a.m.

The Arkansas State Police Retirement System posted a return of minus 23.5 percent in the fiscal year that ended June 30, the worst among five Arkansas state retirement systems in its last year as a stand-alone plan.

Wolves hope improved attitude turns into wins

posted: 08/27/2009 5:51 a.m.

The Lincoln Wolves emerged from fall camp a markedly different team than the one that embarked on the 2008 season.

Fayetteville golf squads split at Prairie Creek

posted: 08/27/2009 5:50 a.m.

The Fayetteville girls defeated the field with ease, but the boys' golf squad was just short of a first-place showing against a couple of 7A-West rivals Wednesday at Prairie Creek Golf Course in Rogers.

Getting it straight

posted: 08/27/2009 5:48 a.m.

The Democrat-Gazette wants its news reports to be fair and accurate. We correct all errors of fact. If you know of an error, write: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette SUSAN SCANTLIN Editor, Northwest Arkansas 515 Enterprise Drive, Suite 106 Lowell, Ark. 72745 or call (479) 770-8460 during business hours Monday through Friday.

Sports Briefs

posted: 08/27/2009 5:47 a.m.

Sports briefs for Washington County for August 27, 2009.

NOTEWORTHY DEATH

posted: 08/27/2009 5:47 a.m.

Best-selling author of crime stories NEW YORK - Author Dominick Dunne, who told stories of shocking crimes among the rich and famous through his magazine articles and best-selling novels such as The Two Mrs. Grenvilles, died Wednesday at his home in Manhattan. He was 83.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/27/2009 5:46 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "We won't be intimidated." Roger Gildehaus, owner of Macadoodles, on a lawsuit filed by a liquor owners associations to stop the transfer of a liquor permit Article, 1B

Alzheimer's effects on state examined

posted: 08/27/2009 5:45 a.m.

State Rep. Butch Wilkins, co-chairman of a task force on Alzheimer's disease, opened the first meeting with a personal story Wednesday.

Teen's arrest led to offer to resign

posted: 08/27/2009 5:44 a.m.

Youth Services Division Director Ron Angel told legislators Wednesday that he offered to resign after a delinquent youth released over employees' objections was later arrested on a capital-murder charge.

Groups urge state to stop power plant

posted: 08/27/2009 5:43 a.m.

The Sierra Club and the National Audubon Society on Wednesday asked the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission to force construction to end on a $2.1 billion coal fired power plant project near Texarkana.

'Ox' pulling his weight

posted: 08/27/2009 5:42 a.m.

There is an Ox running in the middle of the Hogs. Seth Oxner, a red-shirt sophomore from Monticello, has been working as Arkansas' starting center throughout preseason practice.

WEDNESDAY'S TEXAS LEAGUE: Hartsock delivers a much-needed lift

posted: 08/27/2009 5:42 a.m.

Aaron Hartsock picked a good time to return for Northwest Arkansas. 2 Hartsock pitched 3 /3 innings in relief and Jeff Howell hit a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the ninth inning Wednesday to give the Naturals an 8-7 victory over Springfield before 3,526 fans at Arvest Ballpark.

Super Six Countdown: Greenwood expects success

posted: 08/27/2009 5:39 a.m.

Greenwood failed to reach the state championship game for the first time since 2003 last fall, but Coach Rick Jones still gave his ultra-successful program high marks.

Louisville coach: Scandal 'pure hell'

posted: 08/27/2009 5:39 a.m.

Louisville basketball Coach Rick Pitino said Wednesday a sex scandal involving a woman accused of trying to extort millions from him has been "pure hell" for his family, fuming that newly released video of her police interview revived her "total fabrication."

NFL NOTES

posted: 08/27/2009 5:36 a.m.

JETS Sanchez gets nod FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - The future is now for the new face of the New York Jets, Mark Sanchez. Sanchez was selected as the team's starting quarterback by Coach Rex Ryan on Wednesday, making him the first rookie scheduled to open a season under center for the Jets.

Golf report

posted: 08/27/2009 5:35 a.m.

Arkansans chosen for U.S. event Three Arkansans will represent Arkansas at the United States Golf Association's Women's State Team Championship next week in Fort Wayne, Ind.

UA Sports roundup

posted: 08/27/2009 5:34 a.m.

UA will count on everyone The Erin Aubry Era started Friday with a 2-0 victory against Michigan.

AROUND THE STATE: ASU linebackers fighting for time

posted: 08/27/2009 5:32 a.m.

It's a big plus for Arkansas State to have eight returning starters on defense, but there is concern with only one linebacker among that bunch.

New-home sales, orders for durable goods jump

posted: 08/27/2009 5:29 a.m.

Sales of new homes jumped more than forecast in July, and demand for long-lasting goods such as autos and computers climbed, adding to signs the economy is recovering from recession.

Boeing studies bigger S.C. plant

posted: 08/27/2009 5:13 a.m.

Boeing Co. is seeking permits to expand its South Carolina plant, one of several being considered for an assembly line for its new 787 wide-body jetliners, a company spokesman said Wednesday.

NORTHWEST TERRITORY: Louisiana's long-thriving Delta fading

posted: 08/27/2009 5:12 a.m.

The recent visit to the Louisiana Delta south of New Orleans provided the opportunity to reconnect with the dark marshland waters that have been in my blood ever since I was a newborn brought home to the banks of Vermilion Bayou near Abbeville, La.

Beat of a different DRUM

posted: 08/27/2009 5:11 a.m.

Second of two parts HAPPY JACK, La. - An introduction to marsh-style fishing for redfish the first evening of a recent visit to the Louisiana Delta established the pattern for the rest of the four-day trip.

New tropical storm forecast to clip coast

posted: 08/27/2009 5:10 a.m.

Forecasters say people in the Bahamas and the southeastern United States should keep an eye on Tropical Storm Danny, which could slowly get stronger as it moves toward land.

OUTDOOR BRIEFS

posted: 08/27/2009 5:09 a.m.

Delta Waterfowl to hold dinner today The Hanging Duck chapter of Delta Waterfowl will hold a fundraising dinner today at Knights of Columbus Hall in Fort Smith.

Getting it straight

posted: 08/27/2009 5:07 a.m.

The Democrat-Gazette wants its news reports to be fair and accurate. We correct all errors of fact. If you know of an error, write: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette SUSAN SCANTLIN Editor, Northwest Arkansas 515 Enterprise Drive, Suite 106 Lowell, Ark. 72745 or call (479) 770-8460 during business hours Monday through Friday.

Fishing report

posted: 08/27/2009 5:06 a.m.

Northwest & North-Central Arkansas BEAVER As of Wednesday, the lake was at 1,120.0 feet, more than a foot below normal level.

'Clunkers' sales near 700,000

posted: 08/27/2009 4:57 a.m.

"Cash for clunkers" generated nearly 700,000 new-car sales and ended under its $3 billion budget, the Transportation Department said Wednesday.

New-car filings in state saw 23% skid

posted: 08/27/2009 4:52 a.m.

New-vehicle registrations dropped 23 percent in Arkansas in July from a year earlier as the government's "cash for clunkers" program had just gotten under way by the end of the month, according to a research firm.

Bank insurer FDIC near bottom

posted: 08/27/2009 4:49 a.m.

The government agency that guarantees bank customers won't lose their money in a bank failure may need a lifeline of its own.

Lincoln posited as next to helm agriculture panel

posted: 08/27/2009 4:48 a.m.

With the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy, the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Arkansas' Sen. Blanche Lincoln has emerged as a contender to wield the gavel of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

S&Ls earn $4 million in quarter, but 40 now on problem list

posted: 08/27/2009 4:46 a.m.

U.S. savings and loan institutions eked out a $4 million profit in the second quarter, but the number of troubled S&Ls continued to rise, the government said Wednesday.

Airline's parts use probed by FAA

posted: 08/27/2009 4:39 a.m.

Southwest Airlines Co. is being investigated by U.S. safety officials over the use of unauthorized parts on at least 42 of its Boeing Co. 737 jets.

Railroad pushes for easing of brake rule

posted: 08/27/2009 4:38 a.m.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp., the largest U.S. railroad, is pushing Congress to scale back a requirement for carriers to install automatic-braking systems on most of their tracks.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/27/2009 4:37 a.m.

Nature groups seek halt to power-plant project The Sierra Club and the National Audubon Society on Wednesday asked the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission to halt construction of a $2.1 billion coal-fired power-plant project near Texarkana.

In the news

posted: 08/27/2009 4:21 a.m.

Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico said on a trade mission to Cuba that all U.S. citizens should be able to visit cultural gems such as Ernest Hemingway's former home outside Havana, adding, "I think enhancing cultural and artistic and educational ties is a prelude to diplomatic and commercial ties."

Business news in brief

posted: 08/27/2009 4:20 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "The public was not at risk at all and the parts on our planes were not faulty." Ashley Rogers, a spokesman for Southwest Airlines.

Names and faces

posted: 08/27/2009 4:20 a.m.

Singer Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy has been arrested on a 2-year-old warrant of driving without a valid license. Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore says the 25-year-old was arrested late Tuesday during a traffic stop by Los Angeles police.

MARKET REPORT: Stocks hold back a bit, end higher

posted: 08/27/2009 4:19 a.m.

Stocks finished a choppy day of trading Wednesday mostly higher after positive reports on home sales and factory orders.

Oil falls 62 cents on news of rise in supply

posted: 08/27/2009 4:19 a.m.

The price of oil fell again Wednesday with new government data showing that U.S. crude supplies increased last week, a sign that demand remains weak.

The world in brief

posted: 08/27/2009 4:18 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "We must declare war against those who are carrying out a political agenda and affiliated with foreign countries, despite the fact that we do not want to suspend our ties with these countries." Nouri al-Maliki, the Iraqi prime minister.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/27/2009 4:18 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I'm not going to be railroaded out of this office by political opponents or folks who were never fans of mine in the first place." Mark Sanford, the governor of South Carolina Article, 2A 6th admits to peeking at passport data WASHINGTON - A sixth person who worked at the State Department has pleaded guilty to sneaking a peek at celebrity passport files.

Merkel: Opel talks still focus on Magna

posted: 08/27/2009 4:18 a.m.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday that Germany's talks with General Motors Co. over the future of its Opel unit remained focused on Berlin's preferred bid, by Canadian auto-parts maker Magna.

Walgreen Co. sets drug plan for Caterpillar

posted: 08/27/2009 4:16 a.m.

Walgreen Co., the second largest U.S. drugstore chain, formed a partnership to sell prescription drugs to Caterpillar Inc. employees, supplementing a similar program with Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Other days

posted: 08/27/2009 4:10 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 27, 1909 Rushing the work on the new Union station, preparations for putting a night force on the construction of the overhead midway are being made.

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/27/2009 4:07 a.m.

Happy birthday. Love and friendship will inspire you to hone your talents. In September, you will learn the best way to move your career forward.You'll be vital to another person's success in November, and in February, you'll be the recipient of similar mentorship. Travel is best in May and June. Scorpio and Gemini adore you.

EDITORIALS The Hon.Ted Kennedy

posted: 08/27/2009 4:06 a.m.

NOW THE florid obsequies can begin, as full of bombast as one of the senator's own speeches. In the spirit of nil nisi bonum-speak only good of the dead-let us begin by recalling Senator Kennedy's work with George W. Bush on the No Child Left Behind law.

A lion is silenced

posted: 08/27/2009 4:05 a.m.

Ted Kennedy once said that his own legislative record was one he'd love to run against. A number of people tried, of course, and lost. But then, they weren't Ted Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy spent 46 years in the Senate hewing pretty steadily to his course while others trimmed or just plain bailed out.

COLUMNISTS His own man

posted: 08/27/2009 4:05 a.m.

Nearly a half-century ago, as a young Associated Press reporter in New Orleans, I attended a Democratic Party dinner to observe the featured speaker, a young man whose brother had just been elected president.

And overboard we go . . .

posted: 08/27/2009 4:05 a.m.

YOU COULD forgive friends and family for getting a little carried away when a politician dies. (A wise rabbi once told us that people shouldn't be held responsible for what they say at weddings and funerals.) You could even forgive the Boston Globe for gushing when a favorite son proves mortal. But one obituary after Ted Kennedy's death caught our eye like a cinder.

THE TV COLUMN: Monty Python reunites; Guiding Light hits off-switch

posted: 08/27/2009 4:03 a.m.

The e-mail and news release "IN" basket is overflowing. Time to clear it out.

TELL ME ABOUT IT: Brother built bomb, wife lit fuse

posted: 08/27/2009 4:02 a.m.

DEAR CAROLYN: My wife and my sister-in-law have a strained relationship. The issues between them escalated when, a year and a half ago, my brother admitted to an affair.

LETTERS

posted: 08/27/2009 4:02 a.m.

'Retirees' should stay retired I have been waiting for the three Garland County employees who have been exposed for double-dipping to retire and stay retired. Anyone who helped them conceal their scheme should do the same. Their greed shocks and angers me. How can they be trusted in anything they do after what they have done?

Bloggers trounce pros

posted: 08/27/2009 4:01 a.m.

So yet another Bush administration cabinet official has petitioned to get his conscience and reputation back.

ON CHRISTIANITY

posted: 08/27/2009 4:01 a.m.

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: My baby sister died when she was only a few months old, so I barely remember her (I was 6 at the time). Do you think I'll recognize her when I get to heaven? It may sound strange, but I've always felt lonely without her, since I didn't have any other brothers or sisters. - J.D.

Check your knowledge

posted: 08/27/2009 3:57 a.m.

1. What aircraft maker built the Constellation? 2. The Rams of the National Football League represent what city? 3. In measurement, what percentage of a meter is a micrometer? 4. What is the meaning of the word "ombre" from the French/Latin "umbrare" ?

Weevils go after top teams

posted: 08/27/2009 3:57 a.m.

The latest in a series profiling Gulf South Conference football teams in Arkansas.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/27/2009 3:56 a.m.

Promotion falling flat with some A U.S. official and some colleges are telling the brewer of Bud Light to can it.

Off the wire

posted: 08/27/2009 3:56 a.m.

TENNIS Top seed survives upset bid Top-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova needed a third-set tiebreaker to advance to the Pilot Pen quarterfinals in New Haven, Conn., with a 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (2) victory Wednesday over Belgian Yanina Wickmayer.

HELPFUL HINTS

posted: 08/27/2009 3:56 a.m.

DEAR HELOISE: My frequently asking "Are we there yet?" on a vacation trip when I was 8 years old made my father pull off the road to show me his map. He said: "We are in this town, and this is the direction we are going.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Pineiro wins 7th consecutive decision for Cardinals

posted: 08/27/2009 3:54 a.m.

When Joel Pineiro's sinker is working, St. Louis Cardinals infielders get plenty of ground balls. The pitcher, too, with Pineiro's glove-work triggering two double plays that helped him win his seventh consecutive decision.

State briefs

posted: 08/27/2009 3:48 a.m.

Arkansas receives DE's commitment An Arkansas private oral commitment went public Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY'S LITTLE LEAGUE Double plays save day for Texas

posted: 08/27/2009 3:47 a.m.

Steven Cardone smiled as he jogged off the field after San Antonio, Texas escaped with another victory at the Little League World Series.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/27/2009 3:39 a.m.

The defensive shuffling on the first team earlier in Arkansas' camp was just a taste of the major moves that have taken place since Saturday's scrimmage.

SEC ROUNDUP

posted: 08/27/2009 3:37 a.m.

Tennessee freshman tailback Bryce Brown will not be punished as the result of an NCAA investigation into his eligibility, Coach Lane Kiffin said Wednesday.

Wednesday, August 26

Jury finds pair not guilty in Fayetteville man's death

posted: 08/26/2009 1:25 p.m.

A Washington County jury ruled that Cheyenne Shinault and Terry Lankford were not responsible for the death of 49-year-old Kent Crigler.

Community extends its reach

posted: 08/26/2009 6:39 a.m.

There are those who dread waking up in the morning because, well, they have to go to work.

Barbs of affection

posted: 08/26/2009 6:39 a.m.

It's never a surprise to see John Sampier at any event at Rogers, and it's even less surprising to learn he's on the board of the event's hosts. The former mayor is now the head of the Northwest Arkansas Conservation Authority, but he was at Embassy Suites by at least 8:30 a.m. Tuesday because he was on the board of the Illinois River Watershed Partnership.

Beyond the photos : A professor plans to shed light on the economic conditions and health challenges that existed when the photos in Crystal Bridges' current exhibit were taken.

posted: 08/26/2009 6:38 a.m.

The opening of "Harry Miller's Vision of Arkansas: 1900-1910," a photographic exhibition on view through Oct. 25 at Crystal Bridges at the Massey, elicited quite a bit of positive feedback for what visitors perceived as an honest look at a period of significant change.

Money to soak up : Feds, state and private donors offer up $30 million in watershed incentives

posted: 08/26/2009 6:38 a.m.

Local conservationists celebrated Tuesday morning at the promise of $30 million to support the Illinois River watershed.

Which is it?: Fire marshal no longer fired but resigned

posted: 08/26/2009 6:24 a.m.

A twice-fired firefighter was given an opportunity last week to resign from the city of Fayetteville instead.

Suspect testifies he did not start brawl

posted: 08/26/2009 6:23 a.m.

A Washington County jury heard Cheyenne Cody Shinault testify on Tuesday that 49-year-old Kent Thomas Crigler assaulted him with a crescent wrench on Jan. 5.

County prepares for swine flu with second shot clinic

posted: 08/26/2009 6:22 a.m.

A growing concern with the H1N1 virus and the need to test the county's abilities in certain situations led the Washington County Local Emergency Planning Committee to add an additional mass flu clinic this year.

Washington County Courthouse parking deck: Keeping public abreast 'big hurdle'

posted: 08/26/2009 6:21 a.m.

Work on the Washington County Courthouse parking deck has officially begun. And county officials say now the biggest task - besides the demolition of the deck - is keeping the public informed on what exactly is going on.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/26/2009 6:19 a.m.

Events in Washington County for Aug. 26, 2009.

Two accused of torching pickup truck after fight

posted: 08/26/2009 6:17 a.m.

A Stilwell, Okla., woman was arrested early Tuesday in western Washington County after being accused of setting a truck on fire.

Lecture on school buildings' effects on achievement Friday

posted: 08/26/2009 6:16 a.m.

The fall's first speaker in an education reform lecture series at the University of Arkansas will address whether money spent on school buildings tends to affect student achievement.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/26/2009 6:14 a.m.

James Frank Fox, Nellie E. Twiggs, Steven Dwan Treat, Tommie Lou Turner, Penny Vaughn

County sales tax collections sustain downward trend

posted: 08/26/2009 6:11 a.m.

Sales tax revenue in June for Washington County dropped slightly from the previous month, while at the same time continuing an even bigger slide compared to one year ago.

Area Diversity Conference to take place Sept. 10

posted: 08/26/2009 6:10 a.m.

The Northwest Arkansas Human Resources Association will kick off its third Diversity Conference with an opening general session at 8 a.m. Sept. 10.

Court Briefs

posted: 08/26/2009 6:09 a.m.

Court briefs for Washington County for August 26, 2009.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College has solid first day

posted: 08/26/2009 6:07 a.m.

It's another record-breaking semester for NorthWest Arkansas Community College as enrollment increased by more than 12 percent on the first day of class.

Times Editorials : Tough but fair

posted: 08/26/2009 6:05 a.m.

We aren't without pity for Kenny Napier, a 42-year-old man who faces an eight-year prison sentence and more than $5,500 in fines.

TABLE FOR ONE: My lucky day

posted: 08/26/2009 6:04 a.m.

I couldn't sleep the other night due to worrying about my appointment with the dermatologist for minor surgery the following morning. I tossed and turned. But it was my lucky day. The Arkansas and Missouri train that rumbles in and out of Fayetteville was on a night run to Fort Smith. I listened to the engine whistle as it moved through the night, crossing North Street and Dickson Street as it rumbled on south towards Greenland.

Guest Commentary : A rapper, a blogger and 'true threats'

posted: 08/26/2009 5:59 a.m.

Saying that someone deserves to be killed certainly gets anyone's attention.

More business as usual

posted: 08/26/2009 5:57 a.m.

As Wall Street returns to profitability, it is eagerly returning to business as usual. Most notably, it is preparing to pay enormous bonuses, like those that encouraged the sort of risk taking that set off the financial crisis. ...

Obama keeps Bernanke at Fed

posted: 08/26/2009 5:56 a.m.

President Barack Obama announced Tuesday that he wants to keep Ben Bernanke on as Fed chairman, saying he shepherded America through the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

Democratic women hear from millage supporters

posted: 08/26/2009 5:55 a.m.

New Fayetteville High School supporter Janine Parry spoke before the Washington County Democratic Women on Tuesday evening to promote the upcoming millage vote to build a new school on the current site.

Leg work: Breeding, Forester battle back on unlikely roads to Arkansas

posted: 08/26/2009 5:54 a.m.

Dylan Breeding knew what was coming his junior year of high school. His grasp on a possible job at quarterback at the talent-laden Hoover (Ala.) High was anything but strong. As a fourth- or fifth teamer under center, the idea of entering another year as a backup was not too enticing, he said. Breeding was close to quitting football.

HOG CALLS: 'Different game,' same result

posted: 08/26/2009 5:52 a.m.

It's nice to see Bobby Petrino utilizing college athletics' master motivator. Frank Broyles - whose football coaching, motivational abilities and especially athletics director vision is what has made the Razorbacks THE Razorbacks - is the best resource for the second-year football coach.

Fayetteville sent back to school

posted: 08/26/2009 5:51 a.m.

Fayetteville received an early wake-up call. The call came so early that someone hit the snooze button in a disheartening performance against Class 4A Shiloh Christian last Monday in a preseason scrimmage.

Shutout boosts UA's confidence ahead of home debut

posted: 08/26/2009 5:49 a.m.

It was an auspicious beginning to a new era for Arkansas' women's soccer program. The Razorbacks won their first match under new head coach Erin Aubrey last Friday at Michigan, shutting out the Wolverines 2-0. Aubrey said the victory stoked the team's confidence ahead of its home opener Friday against Air Force, one of four teams competing in this weekend's Razorback Adidas Classic at Razorback Field.

UA's Pelphrey joins Twitter

posted: 08/26/2009 5:46 a.m.

Arkansas basketball coach John Pelphrey joined Twitter on Tuesday, becoming the first Razorbacks coach of a major program to join the social networking Web site. Pelphrey sent his first "tweet" on the micro-blogging site at 3:17 p.m. Tuesday and became the third Arkansas coach to begin using the service which allows users to share messages 140 characters at a time.

Farmington overcomes slow start with new '3-3' defense

posted: 08/26/2009 5:45 a.m.

Mike Adams couldn't have imagined a worse beginning. Adams' Farmington Cardinals had given up 13 points in less than three minutes and his defense hadn't even stepped on the field against Greenland in a scrimmage last Monday night at home.

Scrimmage identifies Pirates' weaknesses

posted: 08/26/2009 5:44 a.m.

No position group escaped scrutiny after head coach Tracy Sutton watched the video of Greenland's 42-20 loss to Farmington in Monday night's scrimmage.

No player running away with punt return position yet

posted: 08/26/2009 5:42 a.m.

Most coaches will tell you that a single play during one scrimmage isn't going to put somebody ahead of the rest.

Alleged computer chats end in arrest

posted: 08/26/2009 5:32 a.m.

A Bella Vista man was arrested Monday as a result of his alleged computer chats with an Oklahoma detective, who was pretending to be a 14-year-old girl.

Suspected meth cook turns himself in

posted: 08/26/2009 5:29 a.m.

A man surrendered Friday at the Bella Vista Police Department after a warrant was issued charging him with using a portable lab to make methamphetamine.

41 civilians killed by Afghan vehicle-bomb cluster

posted: 08/26/2009 5:27 a.m.

A cluster of vehicle bombs detonated simultaneously Tuesday in the Taliban's spiritual homeland near a foreign-owned construction company that had recently taken over a contract to build a road through an insurgent-held area. At least 41 people were killed, all civilians, officials said.

POLICE REPORTS

posted: 08/26/2009 5:26 a.m.

Police reports for Benton County for August 26, 2009.

U.S. aims to keep smugglers from stashing drugs on trains

posted: 08/26/2009 5:26 a.m.

When rail cars idle on side tracks in Mexico to be loaded with legitimate cargo and shipped to the United States, drug smugglers scan for places to hide their own loot - and if no good place is apparent, they make one.

June's home prices up 1.4%, index says

posted: 08/26/2009 5:25 a.m.

Home prices across most of the country have started to rise from the depths of the housing slump, according to new figures released Tuesday.

VA to apologize for false notice of ill

posted: 08/26/2009 5:24 a.m.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will personally apologize to veterans who received erroneous letters saying they had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, agency spokesman Katie Roberts said Tuesday.

Federal deficit in '09 heading for $1.6 trillion

posted: 08/26/2009 5:24 a.m.

The federal deficit will soar to almost $1.6 trillion this year, miring the nation in the deepest pool of red ink since the end of World War II, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and the White House reported Tuesday.

Family feud flares into swarming riot

posted: 08/26/2009 5:23 a.m.

Members of two feuding families were in jail Tuesday after years of quarreling broke into a riot in which 150 screaming people hurled rocks and tools - and even struck the police chief.

Slinkard doubts repeal of lottery law will be approved

posted: 08/26/2009 5:23 a.m.

She doesn't support a proposal that would repeal the law that set up the state lottery, said state Rep. Mary Lou Slinkard, R-Gravette.

ARRA provides fire management funds

posted: 08/26/2009 5:22 a.m.

Some 30 Arkansas counties, including Benton and Washington, will share in $3.6 million for wildland-fire management, some members of the state's federal legislative delegation said.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/26/2009 5:21 a.m.

Obituaries for August 26, 2009.

County worker fired after $14,600 disappears from her desk drawer

posted: 08/26/2009 5:21 a.m.

A Pulaski County employee lost her job over not properly securing $14,600 that disappeared from a locked desk drawer in a county administration building earlier this month.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/26/2009 5:20 a.m.

Study: Ozark aquifer stretched to limits The Ozark aquifer, a primary source of water in southwest Missouri, could go dry in places even with slight growth over the next 50 years, according to a report from the U.S. Geological Survey.

Council finalizes recycling center funding

posted: 08/26/2009 5:16 a.m.

Four weeks after the city's new recycling center opened, the City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve about $50,000 to pay leftover costs and buy new items for the center.

Election Commission to appoint officials for school elections

posted: 08/26/2009 5:15 a.m.

The Benton County Election Commission is set to meet today to approve an order appointing election officials for upcoming school-board elections.

Kentuckian raped, killed woman, jury finds

posted: 08/26/2009 5:15 a.m.

A Kentucky man was convicted Tuesday of murder in the brutal carjacking, rape and murder of a young Tennessee couple who were snatched while they were on a date in 2007.

Arkansans beat U.S. SAT scores

posted: 08/26/2009 5:15 a.m.

Members of the Arkansas high school Class of 2009 who took the SAT college entrance exam scored above the national average, but the state scores dropped in reading and writing when compared with 2007 and 2008 results. The math score improved.

OUR VIEW : Prairie Grove's day off

posted: 08/26/2009 5:14 a.m.

Few would argue that students do not deserve some kind of recognition or reward for earning high marks, but that doesn't mean that all kinds of rewards are good ideas.

Court says no jail time for Robinson

posted: 08/26/2009 5:14 a.m.

Tommy Robinson does not have to serve a 60-day jail term for criminal contempt of court, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis ruled Tuesday.

Guilty of fomenting unrest, Iranian admits

posted: 08/26/2009 5:14 a.m.

One of Iran's most prominent pro-reform figures admitted fomenting unrest and asked for the country's forgiveness Tuesday during the mass trial of activists detained in the post election crackdown. The defendant's party, meanwhile, claimed the confession was coerced.

Iran's enrichment process stagnates

posted: 08/26/2009 5:13 a.m.

Diplomats say Iran's output of enriched uranium has stagnated for months, even though Tehran has continued to install machines that carry out the process.

Open records in abuse case, Ginsburg says

posted: 08/26/2009 5:11 a.m.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday against a Roman Catholic diocese in Connecticut, saying that thousands of documents generated by lawsuits against six priests accused of sexual abuse cannot remain sealed.

LETTERS

posted: 08/26/2009 5:11 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Benton County for August 26, 2009.

Proposal to phase out desegregation money fair, says 1 panel chief

posted: 08/26/2009 5:11 a.m.

A co-chairman of a task force on the Pulaski County desegregation lawsuit came out Tuesday in support of Attorney General Dustin McDaniel's latest proposal to phase out the state's payments to the school districts.

Venezuelan: Ties to Colombia to end

posted: 08/26/2009 5:10 a.m.

President Hugo Chavez said Tuesday that Venezuela is preparing to break off diplomatic relations with Colombia over the neighboring country's plan to give American troops greater access to its military bases.

Iraq recalls its ambassador from Syria over bombings

posted: 08/26/2009 5:09 a.m.

An al-Qaida front group claimed responsibility on Tuesday for last week's suicide truck bombings that tore through government ministries in Baghdad, and Iraq recalled its ambassador from Syria and demanded that Damascus hand over two suspected Saddam Hussein loyalists it has linked to the attacks.

FAYETTEVILLE: 2 leaders resist alcohol sales for Wal-Mart

posted: 08/26/2009 5:08 a.m.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has applied for permits to sell beer and wine at all three of its Fayetteville locations, and at least two public officials plan to oppose them.

Pica Pole : If only I felt like the weather

posted: 08/26/2009 5:08 a.m.

The weather is beautiful, so why am I suffering miserable allergies, or a cold, or whatever in the heck has my sinus passages plugged as tight as a corked wine bottle?

OTHER OPINIONS : Airline passengers need more protections

posted: 08/26/2009 5:06 a.m.

Can you imagine this? Your flight touches down and taxis to a stop. But your airline crew doesn't prepare for passengers to deplane. Instead, they inform you and dozens of other people on the aircraft that you must stay put until it is safe to leave.

Woman gets 8 years after pleading guilty to child pornography

posted: 08/26/2009 5:06 a.m.

A Clay County woman who has struggled all her life with a rare medical condition that causes her to fluctuate between the extremes of masculinity and femininity may finally get some much needed help in prison, her attorney said Tuesday.

BENTONVILLE: Truck combed for clues to missing pair

posted: 08/26/2009 5:05 a.m.

Police hope forensic examination of a pickup that sat for weeks outside a Missouri strip club offers clues to the whereabouts of two Bentonville women.

Ramsey rubber match : 'Hawks senior eyes game vs. Gentry cousins

posted: 08/26/2009 5:04 a.m.

Editor's Note: This is the third in a series of stories previewing the high school football teams in Benton County.

Illinois watershed program begins

posted: 08/26/2009 5:04 a.m.

Tuesday was the first day that farmers and ranchers could enroll land in a program that will help protect the Illinois River watershed, providing 150 percent of the lease price annually and other incentives for easements along waterways.

On a 'Roll 'em'

posted: 08/26/2009 5:04 a.m.

15-year-old identical twin sisters have their own movie company, Doubletroublet Productions, in Little Rock. They make award-winning documentaries.

Palatable in pink

posted: 08/26/2009 5:04 a.m.

It's a bold new concept in cooking. Instead of salting your food - you "food" your salt.

Super Six Countdown: Tradition for Tigers

posted: 08/26/2009 5:03 a.m.

Doug Loughridge was a freshman lineman at Charleston in 1988 when the Tigers broke a three-year playoff drought.

FORT SMITH: New city task force to benefit homeless

posted: 08/26/2009 5:02 a.m.

City directors Tuesday established a task force to study and recommend solutions to the long-standing homeless problem in Fort Smith.

Sounding Off : Brandon Easterling Senior outside linebacker

posted: 08/26/2009 5:02 a.m.

Brandon Easterling is Sounding Off!

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/26/2009 4:58 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

Pea Ridge Blackhawks

posted: 08/26/2009 4:57 a.m.

COLORS: Red and Black HEAD COACH: Tony Travis (First year) RECORD AT SCHOOL: 0-0 LAST YEAR: 1-9 (T-fifth, 1-4 A) ASSISTANT COACHES: John King (DC, QB, LB); Matt Easterling (Sec., WR); James Ortiz (RB, DL) RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 7/Defense 7 ALL-STAR CANDIDATES: RB/DBTyler Ramsey,6-1, 185,Sr.; QB/LB Ethan Rhine, 6-1,180,Sr.; LB Brandon Easterling,5-11,165,Sr. OTHER TOP RETURNERS: OL/DL Devon Pollock, 5-11, 190, Sr.; WR/DB Kory Gann, 5-11, 155, Sr.; TB/DB Andrew Woollard, 5-9, 155, Jr.; C Daniel Baker, 5-11, 203, Jr.; WR Scott Fisher, 6-2, 175, Jr.; FB/LB Javier Torres, 5-11, 185, Sr.; WR Kyle Westerdale, 6-0, 165, Sr. NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: RT Drew Norris, 5-10, 200, Soph.; TE/DB Bo Rylee, 5-11, 170, Soph.; TE/DL Ricardo Schneider, 6-2, 220, Soph.; WR/DB Austin Wichert, 6-0, 170, Soph. STRENGTH OF THE TEAM: Half of the 28 players are seniors."These guys didn't have a very good season last year. It left a bad taste in their mouths," Travis said."I wasn't here in the spring but you can listen to the coaches.The

Southside Stadium renaming one for ages

posted: 08/26/2009 4:56 a.m.

As athletics director for the Fort Smith School District since 1991, Jim Rowland has had a lasting impact on sports in that city.

Gubernatorial appointments

posted: 08/26/2009 4:55 a.m.

Gov. Mike Beebe announced 31 appointments last week: Ronnie Baldwin, Wynne, to the Professional Bail Bondsman Licensing Board for a term expiring Sept. 30, 2015.

Lady Panthers regroup, clip BHS

posted: 08/26/2009 4:54 a.m.

Five-time defending state champions don't get rattled much but Siloam Springs coach Rose Cheek could see it in her girls Tuesday night in the Lady Panthers' season opener at Bentonville.

Little sees good, bad in benefit vs. West Fork

posted: 08/26/2009 4:52 a.m.

Brian Little and Rodney Selph saw both good and bad in Tuesday night's scrimmage in Gentry.

Alma drops Lady Mounties in five

posted: 08/26/2009 4:51 a.m.

Volleyball coach Jeana Breedlove saw two completely different sides of her Rogers Lady Mounties on Tuesday. The second was certainly the better. The Lady Mounties nearly rallied from a two-game deficit in their season opener, falling in five games to scrappy Alma.

Recreation center, park moving forward

posted: 08/26/2009 4:50 a.m.

Bentonville Mayor Bob McCaslin got the goahead to enter into a purchase agreement with Clayton and Sheila Eversol for property to facilitate a community recreation center and additional park space and the realignment of Southwest I Street with Arkansas Highway 112. The Eversol property, at the southwest corner of Arkansas highways 12 and 112, covers 99.96 acres, of which the city intends to buy a significant chunk for $5,015,366.

Prescription meds new high for teens

posted: 08/26/2009 4:49 a.m.

Drug prevention programs have pulled young people away from what they consider street drugs, but unfortunately, teens are now seeking what some may see as a safer high - prescription medication, according to Isabel Burk.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/26/2009 4:49 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I'll probably be writing another letter." Sen. Sue Madison, D.-Fayetteville, on her opposition to Wal-Mart Stores Inc. applying for beer and wine permits for its Fayetteville locations.

WASHINGTON COUNTY: Man tried in fatal assault says victim attacked him

posted: 08/26/2009 4:49 a.m.

A Washington County jury heard Cheyenne Cody Shinault testify on Tuesday that 49-year old Kent Thomas Crigler assaulted him with a crescent wrench Jan. 5.

It's time to celebrate - Harley-Davidson style

posted: 08/26/2009 4:47 a.m.

Pig Trail Harley-Davidson is turning three, and to celebrate, the company is preparing to throw a party.

Christian motorcycle rally planned for Labor Day weekend

posted: 08/26/2009 4:46 a.m.

The local chapter of the national Chariots of Light Christian Bikers Club will hold the Keepin' the Faith Rally on Sept. 5 at the Pig Trail Harley Davidson dealership, 2409 Hudson Road in Rogers.

3 judges reject suit on merger of schools

posted: 08/26/2009 4:46 a.m.

Residents of the former Lake View School District - the school system that successfully challenged Arkansas' school funding system but later had to consolidate with a neighboring school district - lost a federal challenge to undo that 2004 merger.

Highlands Homes Tour this weekend

posted: 08/26/2009 4:45 a.m.

The 19th annual Highlands Homes Tour will be held Saturday and Sunday in Bella Vista.

Springdale adds mixed-drink tax

posted: 08/26/2009 4:45 a.m.

The City Council on Tuesday approved a pair of 5 percent sales taxes, one on mixed drinks served at hotels and restaurants, and another on mixed drinks and wine sold at private clubs.

LIKE IT IS Calipari left mess for someone else to clean up

posted: 08/26/2009 4:44 a.m.

Clearing the desk and cleaning out notebooks before taking a couple of days off: Last week when the story broke that the University of Memphis would have to vacate 38 basketball victories and its Final Four appearance, the first thing that popped into my mind was that John Calipari had cheated.

Frisco spike found : The Frisco Festival starts Friday night in Rogers.

posted: 08/26/2009 4:44 a.m.

Sarah Parker and Allen Taylor were in Rogers last Friday for the Third Friday Twilight Walk. Both were helping with a booth setup for the walk. Parker lives in Bentonville, and Taylor was visiting from Joplin, Mo.

Community notes

posted: 08/26/2009 4:43 a.m.

Events in Benton County for August 26, 2009.

Hogs' RB derby a crowded field

posted: 08/26/2009 4:43 a.m.

Remember last season when Arkansas' offensive coaches were reluctant to give any tailback other than Michael Smith many touches for weeks on end?

GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE PREVIEW Reddies relying on Charpentier

posted: 08/26/2009 4:42 a.m.

The latest in a series profiling Gulf South Conference football teams in Arkansas.

Official: Big year for event

posted: 08/26/2009 4:42 a.m.

Tournament chairman Jay Allen believes the future of the LPGA P&G Beauty Northwest Arkansas Championship is in good shape but acknowledges this is a crucial year.

COMMENTARY FedEx Cup coming into own in 3rd year

posted: 08/26/2009 4:41 a.m.

For those who don't buy into the FedEx Cup, consider the alternative.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/26/2009 4:41 a.m.

Ochocinco better keep his gloves up Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco should know better than to trade oral jabs with a boxer.

Off the wire

posted: 08/26/2009 4:41 a.m.

TENNIS Serena seeded No. 2 for Open Defending champion Serena Williams was seeded No. 2 for the U.S. Open on Tuesday, behind Dinara Safina, because the tournament stuck to its policy of strictly following the rankings.

TEXAS LEAGUE: Naturals' struggles continue at Arvest

posted: 08/26/2009 4:40 a.m.

Fresh off a winless road trip, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals were eager to put a miserable week in Texas behind them.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/26/2009 4:39 a.m.

Arkansas sophomore tailback Broderick Green returned Tuesday after missing the previous five practices with pneumonia.

HIGH SCHOOL SCRIMMAGE: Springdale shows off its toughness

posted: 08/26/2009 4:35 a.m.

Springdale fumbled on its first play during a scrimmage Tuesday night against Siloam Springs, but that was about all the Bulldogs did wrong.

No. 1 Charleston at a glance

posted: 08/26/2009 4:33 a.m.

ENROLLMENT 209 (based on 2008-2010 classification cycle; 32nd among 48 Class 3A football-playing schools) MASCOT Tigers CONFERENCE 1-3 A HEAD COACH Doug Loughridge (third season, 26-1 )

3 Naturals to play in Arizona Fall League

posted: 08/26/2009 4:33 a.m.

Naturals outfielder David Lough's breakout season has earned him a chance to play more baseball. Lough was one of three Northwest Arkansas players selected Tuesday to play in the prestigious Arizona Fall League, which begins play Oct. 13.

ARKANSAS STATE: Stallings addresses team

posted: 08/26/2009 4:29 a.m.

Arkansas State had what Coach Steve Roberts called "a very motivating experience" Tuesday afternoon, but the Red Wolves followed with mixed results in practice.

GM to strip vehicles of 'excellence' mark

posted: 08/26/2009 4:28 a.m.

General Motors Co. will begin removing its "Mark of Excellence" logo from vehicles as the company places greater emphasis on its individual brands.

College prep classes fuller

posted: 08/26/2009 4:25 a.m.

The number of Arkansas high school students taking rigorous Advanced Placement courses and earning scores of "qualified" or better continued to climb in 2008-09, fueled by supporting state laws.

SEC notes

posted: 08/26/2009 4:24 a.m.

GEORGIA Tight end's career over Georgia tight end Bryce Ros is ending his football career because of a chronic foot condition.

NATIONAL LEAGUE: Wainwright gets 15th victory to take lead in NL

posted: 08/26/2009 4:19 a.m.

Adam Wainwright worked eight innings of three-hit ball to become the National League's first 15-game winner and Albert Pujols' rare hit off Wandy Rodriguez drove in the lone run in the St. Louis Cardinals' 1-0 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night.

State sports briefs

posted: 08/26/2009 4:17 a.m.

HORSE RACING It's a Bird handlers contest ruling Attorneys representing the owner and trainer of disqualified Oaklawn Handicap winner It's a Bird petitioned the Pulaski County Circuit Court on Tuesday to reverse the Arkansas Racing Commission's July 29 decision.

LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES: San Antonio still undefeated

posted: 08/26/2009 4:13 a.m.

Travis Daves and Wyatt Willis each hit a two-run home run to lead San Antonio past Chula Vista, Calif., 6-3 on Tuesday night at the Little League World Series.

Retailer adding bill-pay service

posted: 08/26/2009 4:09 a.m.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Tuesday that it has introduced a new bill-paying service at its Money Centers in stores across the nation aimed at customers who pay bills in person and do not have or use traditional checking accounts.

GM says it still wants to sell Opel

posted: 08/26/2009 4:07 a.m.

General Motors Co. made clear during a meeting with German government representatives Tuesday that it is still interested in selling the automaker's European Opel unit, a German official said.

'Clunkers' ends after deadline extended

posted: 08/26/2009 4:02 a.m.

Car dealers were given a few more hours to get reimbursed for their "cash for clunkers" deals after the government extended the deadline for filing applications for the $3 billion government incentives into Tuesday evening.

In recession, hotels relax focus on stars

posted: 08/26/2009 3:59 a.m.

Luxury-hotel chains, the biggest losers in the lodging industry's decline, are cutting back on amenities and losing some of their hard-won rating stars.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/26/2009 3:57 a.m.

Watts back on board of directors at Dillard's Little Rock-based Dillard's Inc. on Tuesday said that J.C. Watts has returned to its board of directors.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/26/2009 3:54 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "It's not uncommon that hotels make the decision that it doesn't make financial sense to keep the fifth star and to instead reposition the hotel." Mark Woodworth, president of PKF Hospitality Research, talking about hotel ratings.

In the news

posted: 08/26/2009 3:54 a.m.

Sheryl Weinstein, a New York investor who says she had an affair 16 years ago with jailed financier Bernard Madoff, said she plans to forward him a copy of her book about their relationship, Madoff's Other Secret : Love, Money, Bernie and Me.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/26/2009 3:53 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "The alarm bells on our nation's fiscal condition have now become a siren." Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on reports the national deficit will rise to nearly $1.6 trillion this year.

Names and faces

posted: 08/26/2009 3:53 a.m.

The founder of the Papa John's pizza chain has finally reunited with the muscle car he sold years ago to help keep his family's business afloat. John Schnatter sold the gold-and-black 1971 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 for $2,800 in 1983.

The world in brief

posted: 08/26/2009 3:52 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "There was big smoke in the sky, and there were many dead bodies." Mohammad Ismail, a vegetable seller injured in one of several blasts Tuesday that killed dozens in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

MARKET REPORT: Stocks regain their upward course

posted: 08/26/2009 3:51 a.m.

A rebound in consumer confidence and more healing in the housing industry have put stocks back on an upward path.

Earnings report

posted: 08/26/2009 3:49 a.m.

Companies reporting quarterly earnings Tuesday included: Staples Inc., the nation's largest office-supply retailer, a profit of $92.4 million, or 13 cents a share, down from $150.2 million, or 21 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue rose 9 percent to $5.53. Shares fell 40 cents to close at $27.91.

HEART & SOUL: First day of school leads a list of starts

posted: 08/26/2009 3:48 a.m.

And so it begins! Last week I celebrated my 15th first day of school. Amazing to think my kids and I have done this so many times.

FORCES OF NURTURE: No room for his ex's castoff possessions

posted: 08/26/2009 3:45 a.m.

One night last year, Hubs was doing the usual flipping-between baseball-games-and-cruising-other-channels thing when we stumbled across a sitcom we'd never seen.

Obituaries

posted: 08/26/2009 3:45 a.m.

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

Other days

posted: 08/26/2009 3:42 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 26, 1909 An order that all gambling houses in Little Rock be closed and that they be kept closed from now on, was made yesterday morning by Mayor W. R. Duley, and will be enforced today by the Police Department.

Getting it straight

posted: 08/26/2009 3:41 a.m.

The Democrat-Gazette wants its news reports to be fair and accurate.

Creature feature

posted: 08/26/2009 3:39 a.m.

Do dogs and cats have emotions? Scientists believe that animals feel emotions like fear, anger, jealousy and happiness, although there is some debate about whether animals are aware of their emotions.

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/26/2009 3:37 a.m.

Happy birthday. Your instincts grow stronger this year and when you follow them, you'll find and claim treasure upon treasure.Your personal life unclutters through September as you redefine yourself. A bold career move in October will require you to invest. You'll reap the reward in March. December and May are highly romantic. Cancer and Gemini adore you.

Frugal parents skip Pull-Ups, find kids toilet-train quicker

posted: 08/26/2009 3:36 a.m.

The recession is making life a little messier for some toddlers and their parents.

PARENTING: If teen is cursing at home, he should stay at home

posted: 08/26/2009 3:35 a.m.

Q: My 16-year-old son has started using curse words in our home. What's the best way to deal with this?

ON CHRISTIANITY

posted: 08/26/2009 3:32 a.m.

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I'm very disillusioned, because one of the most prominent leaders in one of our local churches just got caught in adultery. Apparently he'd been involved in this for years. Why should I bother with church, if this is what Christians are like? I don't have any use for hypocrites. - D.R.

FRONT BURNER: Steak Tacos are reward for a deprived husband

posted: 08/26/2009 3:28 a.m.

I recently took a solo vacation, leaving husband Joe home alone for a five-day "weekend." It wasn't the original plan. We were supposed to spend a week on the beach in Florida - first to attend a friend's wedding.

READING NOOK

posted: 08/26/2009 3:27 a.m.

If the release of the movie Julie & Julia has you wanting to know more about Julia Child's cooking, especially the basics, the recently re-released paperback edition of Julia's Kitchen Wisdom by Julia Child ($14.95, Knopf) is worth checking out.

GADGETS & GIZMOS

posted: 08/26/2009 3:25 a.m.

The Trudeau Fuel collection is ideal for brown bag lunches. The collection includes 10- and 16-ounce thermoses (the 10-ounce is pictured here). Each thermos has a two-part lid, ideal for storing crackers for soup or other dry snacks. The widemouthed thermoses will keep hot food hot for up to 3 hours and cold food cold for up to 7 hours.

IDEA ALLEY: An oatmeal cookie by any other name ...

posted: 08/26/2009 3:24 a.m.

Recipes that appear in Idea Alley have not been tested by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Fisherman finds body in lake; cause of man's death unknown

posted: 08/26/2009 3:24 a.m.

Authorities on Tuesday were investigating the death of a man whose body was found floating in a lake near North Little Rock but had not determined whether his death was a homicide, an accident or by natural causes.

SUPERMARKET SLEUTH: Lunch on the go grows and so do sweet choices

posted: 08/26/2009 3:23 a.m.

Oscar Mayer recently added six varieties to its Lunchables line. The packaged combos can be found in your grocer's refrigerated section near the lunch meats, and should sell for about $3.50 each.

EDITORIALS Long and winding road

posted: 08/26/2009 3:22 a.m.

THE GRAVEL PATH winding its way around the graves isn't trod enough to keep the grass from growing among the rocks. But you can tell visitors still walk among the spirits here, for there are colorful flowers adorning the graves.

Slim pickings

posted: 08/26/2009 3:20 a.m.

WHAT: Yoplait Delights Parfaits STATS: Each contains 100 calories and 1.5 fat grams.

Thriving on paranoia

posted: 08/26/2009 3:20 a.m.

I have a second cousin who in his bachelor days became an amateur scholar of the assassination of John F. Kennedy. He had read all the foundational texts of the field, and could discuss everything from the possibility of a second shooter on the grassy knoll to the relative likelihood that Sam Giancana, Carlos the Jackal, Lyndon Johnson or all three were involved.

COLUMNISTS Dept. of Correspondence

posted: 08/26/2009 3:20 a.m.

Dear Irate, It was wholly a pleasure to hear from you, but I'm not sure whether (a) you really believe that the unions' card-check proposal doesn't threaten workers' rights to a secret ballot, or (b) you think I'm dumb enough to believe it.

Check your knowledge

posted: 08/26/2009 3:19 a.m.

1. A majority of the solid matter in ocean water is... 2. Did John Adams, our nation's second president, serve one or two terms in that office? 3. Who wrote the poem "Barbara Fritchie" ?

HELPFUL HINTS

posted: 08/26/2009 3:17 a.m.

DEAR HELOISE: I am unsuccessful in hard-boiling eggs. Please tell me the solution.

LETTERS

posted: 08/26/2009 3:16 a.m.

New freedom surfaces at town halls Freedom of screech has been added to the First Amendment. People screeching in public meetings all over the nation are on TV daily. It's tragic that these screechers do not understand the basis of reason on which this nation was founded.

EX-ETIQUETTE

posted: 08/26/2009 3:16 a.m.

Q. A DNA test has shown I'm the proud biological father of a 3-year-old from a short-term relationship. At our first family court session she asked me to give up my rights. She had started to date a guy, whom she married a year later, who wanted to adopt him.

Non-opinion sanctions abuse

posted: 08/26/2009 3:15 a.m.

The university that used to get my paltry little check hasn't missed it, but I sorta miss sending it. Actually, what I miss is the good feeling I got from knowing that my modest sum combined with other modest sums would make a difference to students who have the same interests I had when I went there.

Family shopper

posted: 08/26/2009 3:14 a.m.

WORK OF ART CLIPS What do they do? The art clips come with a 72-inch-long string with keyholes for easy hanging and eight clothespin holders to hold pieces in place. They come in flower, bird, heart and star motifs.

BOOKSHELF

posted: 08/26/2009 3:07 a.m.

Night-Night, Baby! Text by A.J. Wood and Emily Hawkins graphics by Mike Jolley and Emma Dodd (Silver Dolphin Books, $12.95, ages 6-18 months) This hefty board book from the Amazing Baby series will appeal to parents who like to read to their babies, and to the babies, too.

Tuesday, August 25

Sales taxes decline as expected

posted: 08/25/2009 6:18 a.m.

Sales tax collections continue to decline but are still within expectations of emergency measures in place for the city of Fayetteville.

Researcher deems library one of 'greenest' in North America

posted: 08/25/2009 6:18 a.m.

A town like Fayetteville might not have San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, Chicago's Sears Tower or Seattle's famous Space Needle. When it comes to libraries, though, Fayetteville apparently has every bit the equal of some of the these major metropolises.

Ex-Fayetteville athletics chief eyes Prairie Grove schools job

posted: 08/25/2009 6:17 a.m.

In response to a question after the school board's meeting Monday, Superintendent Randy Willison said he had a conversation with Dick Johnson about taking a position in Prairie Grove.

Green Accountability

posted: 08/25/2009 6:04 a.m.

"Green" has become a fashionable word. Green Plus, however, isn't interested in being fashionable, but rather in setting off a chain reaction intended to have a permanent impact in the sustainability arena.

Bella Vista jump-start : The POA Board of Directors voted to spend almost $620,000 across Bella Vista.

posted: 08/25/2009 6:02 a.m.

By a nearly unanimous vote Monday, the Bella Vista Property Owners Association Board of Directors elected to spend almost $620,000 on projects across Bella Vista, getting what some called a jump-start on the 2010 budget.

New trial date set for Barrett

posted: 08/25/2009 6:01 a.m.

Jury selection is now set to begin at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 12 in Roger Dale Barrett's capital-murder case.

New home for the Health Department?

posted: 08/25/2009 6 a.m.

Benton County could soon be moving its health department from Arkansas Highway 102 to the Center for Nonprofits at St. Mary's in Rogers if the numbers come back right.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/25/2009 5:58 a.m.

Obituaries for August 25, 2009.

Beaver Shores man suspected of other fires

posted: 08/25/2009 5:53 a.m.

A man accused of setting fire to a home in the Beaver Shores area on Friday is a suspect in three other suspicious fires.

Baehler pleads not guilty

posted: 08/25/2009 5:52 a.m.

A Rogers man has pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl and making her smoke methamphetamine.

VOUR IEW : Paydays eliminated

posted: 08/25/2009 5:51 a.m.

It's a new day in Arkansas. Payday lenders are officially out of our sight. Attorney General Dustin McDaniel made sure we noticed. On Aug. 11, he dispatched one of his assistants, Jim DePriest, to the site of what had been a First American Cash Advance store in Little Rock. There, DePriest announced that First American recently had closed its remaining 27 stores in Arkansas, thus closing the book on the payday-lending era in our state, where as many as 275 payday lenders once thrived.

LETTERS

posted: 08/25/2009 5:49 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Benton County for August 25, 2009.

OTHER OPINIONS : More business as usual

posted: 08/25/2009 5:46 a.m.

As Wall Street returns to profitability, it is eagerly returning to business as usual. Most notably, it is preparing to pay enormous bonuses, like those that encouraged the sort of risk taking that set off the financial crisis. : Ideally, banks would be free to compensate employees as they saw fit. But that must be accompanied by reforms that ensure that banks can no longer profit from primarily speculative activities or other excessively risky transactions, including regulating the opaque derivatives markets and imposing limits on the use of borrowed money to increase profits.

Liberties : Lust, American style

posted: 08/25/2009 5:44 a.m.

Sadly, there's no such thing as a private affair anymore.

Get the motor runnin' : Hard-charging Eden returns from knee injury

posted: 08/25/2009 5:43 a.m.

Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of stories previewing the high school football teams in Benton County.

Sounding Off : Colt Moorman Senior QB/defensive back

posted: 08/25/2009 5:42 a.m.

Colt Moorman is sounding off.

Gravette Lions

posted: 08/25/2009 5:34 a.m.

Profiling the Gravette Lions.

Volleyball heavyweights square off tonight at Bentonville

posted: 08/25/2009 5:32 a.m.

Volleyball fans in northwest Arkansas couldn't ask for a better matchup than the one tonight at Bentonville's Tiger Arena.

Hames fires 33, leads Mounties to easy win

posted: 08/25/2009 5:31 a.m.

Rogers golfer Slade Hames ended his round with a hiccup Monday afternoon but it was still good enough to win medalist honors in a dual golf match against Springdale Har-Ber at Lost Springs.

Suspects target Dollar General stores

posted: 08/25/2009 5:30 a.m.

Three Dollar General stores in Benton County have been robbed in recent months, and the crimes may be connected to similar acts in different cities and states.

Sales-taxes down in Bentonville, Rogers

posted: 08/25/2009 5:29 a.m.

City of Rogers officials were hoping for a limited decline in sales-tax revenue this month - nothing more than 3 percent. Reality hit twice as hard, with sales-tax revenue in August dipping 6.9 percent over 2008's totals, and the economic slowdown in retailheavy Rogers continues.

Council OKs resurfacing

posted: 08/25/2009 5:27 a.m.

Road resurfacing at an expense of $1.03 million was unanimously approved by Bella Vista City Council members Monday night.

NWACC has solid first day

posted: 08/25/2009 5:26 a.m.

It's another record-breaking semester for Northwest Arkansas Community College, as enrollment had increased by more than 12 percent on the first day of class.

Committee discusses growth

posted: 08/25/2009 5:25 a.m.

The number of students enrolled in the Bentonville School District and providing raises to teachers were discussed during Monday's Personnel Committee meeting.

WJHS open house on Thursday

posted: 08/25/2009 5:24 a.m.

Washington Junior High School's open house will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Festival of Trees planning to start

posted: 08/25/2009 5:23 a.m.

The Festival ofTrees Planning Committee will meet at 3 p.m. Sept. 17 at Riordan Hall in Bella Vista.

Fickle witness: Eyewitness tries to explain why she lied to prosecutors

posted: 08/25/2009 5:20 a.m.

A prosecution witness with felony convictions - who claimed to have witnessed a beating that authorities believe caused a death - struggled on Monday to explain why she had lied to prosecutors.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/25/2009 5:15 a.m.

Events in Washington County for Aug. 25, 2009.

Arrest Reports

posted: 08/25/2009 5:12 a.m.

Breaking into E-Z Mart; Assault with possibly stolen gun

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/25/2009 5:11 a.m.

James Edgar Lacy, Imogene "Jean" Ruth Tackett, Steven Dwan Treat, Virginia Ann Bennett Reed, Shaun Jeremy Sisemore

One man killed in weekend accident

posted: 08/25/2009 5:06 a.m.

A Stilwell, Okla., man died Sunday evening following a one-vehicle accident in southwest Washington County.

UA lecture to focus on buildings' effects on student achievement

posted: 08/25/2009 5:05 a.m.

The fall's first speaker in an education reform lecture series at the University of Arkansas will address whether money spent on school buildings tends to affect student achievement.

UA announces second class of Silas Hunt Legacy recipients

posted: 08/25/2009 5:04 a.m.

The University of Arkansas announces four recipients of the Silas Hunt Legacy Award, which recognizes African-Americans for their significant contributions to the community, state and nation. Throughout the 2009-10 academic year, the recipients will visit with students and the community on the University of Arkansas campus.

Deadline announced for U.S. Senate Youth Program

posted: 08/25/2009 5:01 a.m.

U.S. Sens. Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor recently announced that the United States Senate Youth Program is accepting applications for 2010. The deadline for applications is Oct. 5. Two Arkansas students will be selected to join 102 other delegates March 6-13, 2010, for the program's 48th Annual Washington Week.

Times Editorial: Nickels and dimes

posted: 08/25/2009 5 a.m.

We're told that there's no story to the fact that a county office has been overcharging those wanting copies for years.

JUST A THOUGHT: Maybe? Maybe not

posted: 08/25/2009 4:59 a.m.

A few years ago the notion of Oklahoma's second-biggest city playing host to one of the world's best-known restaurant chains would have been laughable. But as my family and I drove home from a concert last Monday night, I shook my head in wonder as we crisscrossed Interstate 44. There, outside my window and plain as day, hung a bright sign alerting drivers to the opening of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/25/2009 4:57 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Washington County for Aug. 25, 2009.

Board to get briefed on Happy Hollow, budget

posted: 08/25/2009 4:54 a.m.

The Fayetteville School Board is scheduled to hear an update on the budget and the pending Happy Hollow Elementary School construction project at its regular meeting Thursday.

FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: FAQ on new Fayetteville High School answered

posted: 08/25/2009 4:53 a.m.

Every once in a while, it's beneficial to climb down from our collective tree, go up on a hill, and take in the broader view of exactly where we are and how we got there. When you work with an issue day in and day out, it's easy to think that everyone has the same information, background and experiences, but that is rarely the case.

University announces tenure, publishes promotion of faculty

posted: 08/25/2009 4:52 a.m.

The University of Arkansas recently announced faculty promotions and faculty members who received tenure during the 2009-10 school year.

Fayetteville School Calendar

posted: 08/25/2009 4:48 a.m.

Fayetteville school calendar.

District receives $68K to help out homeless

posted: 08/25/2009 4:47 a.m.

Federal stimulus dollars will provide the Fayetteville School District with a $68,000 McKinney-Vento subgrant to aid homeless students.

Policy group gives Fayetteville schools an A

posted: 08/25/2009 4:45 a.m.

The Arkansas Policy Foundation gave the Fayetteville School District an A grade during its recent evaluation of Arkansas school districts, making it one of nine schools in the state to receive the ranking.

New meth formula can leap pill law

posted: 08/25/2009 4:45 a.m.

This is the new formula for methamphetamine: a 2-liter soda bottle, a few handfuls of cold pills and some noxious chemicals. Shake the bottle and the volatile reaction produces one of the world's most addictive drugs.

Higher Education Briefs

posted: 08/25/2009 4:44 a.m.

Higher education briefs

Swine flu projected to hit U.S. hard

posted: 08/25/2009 4:44 a.m.

White House advisers project that swine flu will sicken up to half the U.S. population, hospitalize up to 1.8 million patients and potentially cause as many as 90,000 deaths this year, more than twice the number killed in a typical seasonal flu.

Athens fires recede; others rage

posted: 08/25/2009 4:43 a.m.

A huge wildfire that destroyed homes and forests receded Monday as a multinational airborne effort beat back flames that at one point threatened Athens' northern suburbs and raged near the ancient battleground at Marathon.

Bids awarded for highway projects funded by stimulus

posted: 08/25/2009 4:42 a.m.

The Arkansas State Highway Commission opened bids for a handful of projects in Washington and Benton counties.

Afghans move toward Taliban reconciliation

posted: 08/25/2009 4:42 a.m.

Once the national elections are behind them, local Afghan leaders will step up efforts to reconcile with midlevel Taliban in the extremists' southern Helmand province stronghold, a key provincial official said Monday.

Afghan: Karzai re-elected

posted: 08/25/2009 4:42 a.m.

An Afghan Cabinet minister said Monday that President Hamid Karzai won Thursday's presidential election with an overwhelming majority of 68 percent. If confirmed, such a result would eliminate the need for a runoff election in October between Karzai and his top challenger, Abdullah Abdullah, but could raise questions about the vote's credibility.

Health overhaul focus of meeting

posted: 08/25/2009 4:41 a.m.

Other aspects of America's healthcare system should be fixed before lawmakers try to put a new and expensive system in place, panelists told residents attending a town hall meeting on health care Monday.

Resident at Alamo site sentenced to two years

posted: 08/25/2009 4:40 a.m.

A man who lived on property owned by Tony Alamo Christian Ministries was sentenced in federal court Monday to two years in prison for failing to register as a sex offender.

Cities in region report lower sales tax revenue

posted: 08/25/2009 4:39 a.m.

Sales tax revenue dropped in June for the four largest cities in Northwest Arkansas and by a larger percentage than in May.

Shiloh stomp: Saints' offense, defense rough up Fayetteville in preseason scrimmage

posted: 08/25/2009 4:39 a.m.

While the scoreboard registered goose eggs for both squads, it wasn't hard to discern the winner.

FAYETTEVILLE: Defense questions examiner

posted: 08/25/2009 4:38 a.m.

Defense attorneys for two men on trial for accomplice to seconddegree murder argued Monday that their culpability is no greater than the victim's.

Fright tactics by CIA spur criminal probe

posted: 08/25/2009 4:38 a.m.

The Obama administration disclosed new cases of purported abuse in the CIA's interrogation program, issuing a report Monday that describes prisoners being choked to the point of passing out and threatened with harm to their immediate families.

HOG CALLS: UA offense becoming deeper, more skilled

posted: 08/25/2009 4:37 a.m.

The line is not just getting better, but deeper, too. Junior Wade Grayson of Harrison now also works at guard, where he started all 12 games of 2008, while continuing to challenge third-year sophomore center Seth Oxner of Monticello.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/25/2009 4:37 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes. For more information, call (479) 770-8400.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/25/2009 4:37 a.m.

An Oklahoma man was killed in a crash after the driver of a truck lost control in southwest Washington County, according to the sheriff's office.

New Shiite bloc dumps al-Maliki politically

posted: 08/25/2009 4:36 a.m.

The Iranian-backed Shiite parties that helped propel Iraq's prime minister into power three years ago dumped him Monday as their candidate for re-election, forming a new alliance to contest the January vote.

N.J. town to Gadhafi: Stay away

posted: 08/25/2009 4:35 a.m.

When Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi comes to the United Nations next month, he wants to pitch his special air-conditioned tent on a lawn in New Jersey, a proposal that has angered neighbors and added insult to injury in a state that lost 33 residents in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.

Court upholds twice-overturned death sentence

posted: 08/25/2009 4:34 a.m.

Bruce Earl Ward, who is on death row for the Aug. 11, 1989, rape and murder of a clerk at a Little Rock gas station and convenience store, got no relief from his death sentence Monday from a federal appeals court.

Cardinals overcome turnovers in scrimmage with Pirates

posted: 08/25/2009 4:34 a.m.

Plundering Farmington for three first-quarter turnovers, the Greenland Pirates led 13-0 before their offense had ran a play in Monday night's scrimmage at Allen Holland Field.

TALKING HOG BALL: Q&A with Mike Nail 'The Voice of the Basketball Razorbacks'

posted: 08/25/2009 4:32 a.m.

For the past 28 years, Mike Nail served as the eyes and ears of Razorbacks fans who could not be in the arena when their beloved Hogs played.

Pryor, Lincoln announce youth program

posted: 08/25/2009 4:32 a.m.

U.S. Sens. Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor, D-Ark., are accepting applications for the 2010 Senate Youth Program, set to run March 6-13.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/25/2009 4:30 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I see hearts like this in people all the time that don't do meth but eat at McDonalds." Stephen A. Erickson, state Crime Laboratory deputy chief medical examiner, in trial testimony Monday Article, 1B

Naturals end trip 0 for 6

posted: 08/25/2009 4:29 a.m.

Sliding another game back in the Texas League's North Division second-half race, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals can hope their recent road trip results in a repeat of last year.

Fayetteville golf teams sweep at FCC

posted: 08/25/2009 4:27 a.m.

Fayetteville's boys and girls' golf teams took home team wins against a couple of 7A-West foes Monday at the Fayetteville Country Club.

Tigers ready to hit someone else

posted: 08/25/2009 4:26 a.m.

Danny Abshier is satisfied with the timing of the offense and the progression of the defense. Now he's ready to see how his Tigers do against a team not wearing Prairie Grove's black and gold.

UA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Razorbacks' schedule introduces new SEC lineup

posted: 08/25/2009 4:24 a.m.

A new 16-game Southeastern Conference line-up becomes the highlight of the full 2009-10 Arkansas women's basketball schedule.

Saints roll in matchup of top QBs

posted: 08/25/2009 4:24 a.m.

If Monday's scrimmage against Fayetteville was any indication, Shiloh Christian is prepared to defend its Class 4A state title.

French divorce law: Text messages proof

posted: 08/25/2009 4:20 a.m.

Unfaithful spouses in France beware: Passionate text messages sent to mistresses and lovers can now be used as evidence against you in a divorce.

In the news

posted: 08/25/2009 4:19 a.m.

President Barack Obama started his first vacation in office by playing tennis with first lady Michelle Obama and golf with his buddies on Martha's Vineyard, also vacation spot for former Presidents Bill Clinton and Ulysses S. Grant.

Names and faces

posted: 08/25/2009 4:18 a.m.

A spokesman for Alec Baldwin said the actor has no plans to challenge Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman in the 2012 election. Matthew Hiltzik said Monday that Baldwin does not plan to move to Connecticut or to run against the independent senator.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/25/2009 4:18 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Gadhafi is a dangerous dictator whose hands are covered with the blood of Americans and our allies." Rep. Steve Rothman, objecting to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi pitching a tent on a Libyan-owned estate in New Jersey Article, 1A

AROUND THE STATE: Carrington anchors ASU line

posted: 08/25/2009 4:17 a.m.

Arkansas State's defensive line came into fall practice as one of the Red Wolves' strengths.

The world in brief

posted: 08/25/2009 4:16 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "The danger of the fires flaring up again is not yet over." Greek Fire Brigade spokesman Yiannis Kappakis on blazes that threatened Athens' suburbs but receded Monday Article, this page

High-altitude disease is focus of cattle study

posted: 08/25/2009 4:16 a.m.

More than 100 young Angus and Hereford bulls are on a working vacation at 8,700 feet above sea level in northern New Mexico, chomping on lush, high-meadow grass, helping researchers and ranchers get a handle on a disease that causes 75,000 cattle deaths each year across the West.

Reader's Digest Chapter 11 filed

posted: 08/25/2009 4:16 a.m.

Reader's Digest Association Inc., publisher of the iconic general interest magazine that began gracing American homes in 1922, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday as it faces debt payments and falling circulation.

LR airport's passenger traffic falls 9.62% in '09; some relief at Highfill

posted: 08/25/2009 4:14 a.m.

The number of passengers departing and arriving from the state's largest airport has declined nearly 10 percent this year through July, but airport revenue hasn't dropped at the same pace because of increased fees for parking and landings and a leaner budget.

Lottery hires 13 new workers, most marketers

posted: 08/25/2009 4:12 a.m.

The Arkansas lottery has hired 13 more employees, including a former head football coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a son of a former state lawmaker.

LR districts aim to keep past design elements

posted: 08/25/2009 4:06 a.m.

Developers will be blocked from replacing older buildings in the River Market District with taller structures under proposed changes to the downtown district's design guidelines.

Explosion injures 2 at Forrest City plant

posted: 08/25/2009 3:59 a.m.

A butane tank exploded Monday morning at a recycling center, sending two employees to a Memphis hospital with burns, officials said.

Other days

posted: 08/25/2009 3:53 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 25, 1909 The demand of the city that the Iron Mountain railroad take over and keep in repair its portion of the West Third street viaduct has been conveyed to the attorneys and officers of the railroad by City Attorney W.B. Brooks, following an order from Mayor Duley that the railroad be notified to repair the viaduct.

Obituaries

posted: 08/25/2009 3:53 a.m.

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

Cool weekend sets record NLR lows

posted: 08/25/2009 3:47 a.m.

Thanks to cold air blowing in from the north, the temperature in North Little Rock fell to record lows on Sunday and Monday, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in North Little Rock said Monday.

Board grants parole early to 599 inmates

posted: 08/25/2009 3:46 a.m.

The Arkansas Board of Corrections invoked a law Monday allowing 599 inmates to be released from prison up to 90 days early.

All the president's zombies

posted: 08/25/2009 3:44 a.m.

The debate over the "public option" in health care has been dismaying in many ways. Perhaps the most depressing aspect for progressives, however, has been the extent to which opponents of greater choice in health care have gained traction-in Congress, if not with the broader public-simply by repeating, over and over again, that the public option would be, horrors, a government program.

Invitation to abuse

posted: 08/25/2009 3:44 a.m.

". . . tell truth and shame the devil." -Hotspur to the boastful Glendower in Henry IV, Part 1 AS ANY LAW student knows, or will soon find out, the way a legal question is asked can determine the answer.

Food for the soul

posted: 08/25/2009 3:43 a.m.

On a summer visit back to the farm here where I grew up, I think I figured out the central problem with modern industrial agriculture. It's not just that it produces unhealthy food, mishandles waste, and overuses antibiotics in ways that harm us all.

LETTERS

posted: 08/25/2009 3:37 a.m.

Or should that be clinicking?

A champion comes home

posted: 08/25/2009 3:36 a.m.

Stacy Lewis says she's happiest as a player on the LPGA tour when she's either giving to others or thinking her way around a blur of fairways and greens.

Super Six Countdown: Year of the Dragons

posted: 08/25/2009 3:31 a.m.

Junction City's program has reached the point that levels of success aren't measured by winning seasons or playoff appearances.

Keopple's ride at SAU might include bumps

posted: 08/25/2009 3:29 a.m.

First in a series profiling Gulf South Conference football teams in Arkansas. Bill Keopple appears to be a nice man in a tough situation.

Arkansas Football: Petrino bothered by red zone woes

posted: 08/25/2009 3:26 a.m.

Ryan Mallett, Tyler Wilson and the rest of Arkansas' quarterbacks might be in for extra running between now and the start of the season.

Off the wire

posted: 08/25/2009 3:24 a.m.

GOLF Woods wins skins game Tiger Woods won the second annual Notah Begay III Foundation Challenge on Monday, surging past inaugural winner Camilo Villegas in the closing holes at Turning Stone Resort's Atunyote Golf Club in Verona, N.Y.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/25/2009 3:23 a.m.

Young's arm is no match for old man Jean-Jacques Taylor, a columnist with The Dallas Morning News, says it's difficult watching former University of Texas star Vince Young as a quarterback these days.

September could get boxing off canvas

posted: 08/25/2009 3:21 a.m.

If the American prizefighting industry is to shed its doldrums anytime soon, September looks fairly promising.

LIKE IT IS: Full-time dad fine role for Tuberville for now

posted: 08/25/2009 3:20 a.m.

Monday was the kickoff for the Little Rock Touchdown Club, and Tommy Tuberville returned it for a touchdown.

NFL notes

posted: 08/25/2009 3:20 a.m.

DOLPHINS-CHIEFS Two linemen traded DAVIE, Fla. - The Miami Dolphins traded offensive linemen Andy Alleman and Ikechuku Ndukwe to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday for an undisclosed 2010 draft choice. Ndukwe started 15 games at right guard for Miami last season after an injury to Donald Thomas.

NFL EXHIBITION: Tough start for Jets' QB

posted: 08/25/2009 3:19 a.m.

Rookie Mark Sanchez, vying to become the New York Jets' starting quarterback, got off to a wretched start and finished with a flourish in a 24-23 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night.

NATIONAL LEAGUE: Ex-Hog Lee wins eighth consecutive, fifth with Phillies

posted: 08/25/2009 3:17 a.m.

Cliff Lee's pitching. Ryan Howard's power. The Philadelphia Phillies appear to have the pieces in place for another World Series run.

Notes

posted: 08/25/2009 3:16 a.m.

ROYALS Pitching change made The Kansas City Royals have cut left-handed pitcher Ron Mahay and promoted right-hander Yasuhiko Yabuta from the minors. The Royals designated Mahay for assignment Monday. He was 1-1 with a 4.79 ERA in 41 games.

LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES: Georgia team remains unbeaten

posted: 08/25/2009 3:13 a.m.

Warner Robins, Ga., scored the tying and go-ahead runs Monday on a passed ball and a wild pitch to stay unbeaten and edge Mercer Island, Wash., 3-2 at the Little League World Series.

State sports briefs

posted: 08/25/2009 3:11 a.m.

QB Stegall walks on at Mississippi State Former Greenwood High School quarterback Daniel Stegall, who spent four years in the New York Mets organization before being released this summer, will walk on as a quarterback at Mississippi State, according to The Clarion-Ledger of Jackson, Miss.

THE RECRUITING GUY: Germantown shooting guard wowed by Walton Arena

posted: 08/25/2009 3:10 a.m.

Germantown, Tenn., shooting guard Austin Hollins is high on Arkansas' wish list, and he is also high on the Hogs after an unofficial visit to Fayetteville a few weeks ago.

SEC notes

posted: 08/25/2009 3:09 a.m.

South Carolina Coach Steve Spurrier suspended starting defensive end Clifton Geathers on Monday following his Sunday morning arrest by Columbia police for fighting outside a nightclub. Geathers was charged with public drunkenness, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, police spokesman Brick Lewis said.

Hogs' offensive line fine in 2nd scrimmage

posted: 08/25/2009 3:08 a.m.

Arkansas' offensive line didn't open big holes for the running game in the second scrimmage of camp, but that wasn't the case in scrimmage No. 3 on Saturday. "I think our offensive line is getting better," Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino said.

U.S. extends deadline for clunkers' paperwork

posted: 08/25/2009 3:01 a.m.

The Transportation Department extended the deadline Monday for auto dealers to submit their "cash for clunkers" deals, giving them more time to make sure they get repaid under the popular $3 billion government rebate program.

China premier says recovery tenuous

posted: 08/25/2009 3 a.m.

China's top economic official warned that the country faces new problems and said Beijing will stick to its stimulus because the recovery lacks a solid foundation, according to comments reported Monday.

Irish firm buying P&G drug business

posted: 08/25/2009 2:59 a.m.

Shares of Ireland's Warner Chilcott Plc skyrocketed Monday on news of its bid to morph from a small, specialty pharmaceutical company to a global player by buying Procter & Gamble Co.'s prescription drug business for $3.1 billion.

Theme-park complex stalls in Dubai

posted: 08/25/2009 2:58 a.m.

Walk through the grand arched entrance of Universal Studios' Dubai theme park, and you step into... wind-swept desert.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/25/2009 2:50 a.m.

Acxiom announces 2 new board members Little Rock-based Acxiom Corp. on Monday announced it has selected two new board members, Jerry D. Gramaglia and Clark Kokich.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/25/2009 2:49 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "What Dubai thought they'd done was create this everlasting growth market. ... The world was booming.Whatever crazy idea you came up with, people said 'Yeah, I'll buy it.'" David Camp, director at ERA Aecom, a consulting firm Article, 1D

Remove Street View images, Swiss government tells Google

posted: 08/25/2009 2:49 a.m.

A Swiss government official is demanding that Google Inc. immediately take off the Internet any "Street View" images of Switzerland, and the company said Monday that it would work to resolve problems with the privacy-rights regulator.

MARKET REPORT Stocks pull back from earlier highs

posted: 08/25/2009 2:48 a.m.

Investors slowed their hectic buying of stocks Monday, leaving the major indexes little changed after a four-day advance.

Monday, August 24

Decision nears on Wal-Mart near Va. battlefield

posted: 08/24/2009 7:14 a.m.

Wal-Mart should know this week if it can build a Supercenter near a Civil War battlefield in Virginia.

Long Range Planning to tour Nonprofit Center today

posted: 08/24/2009 5:58 a.m.

A county government committee plans to tour the Northwest Arkansas Nonprofit Center at St. Mary's in Rogers to see if it can house the county Health Department, now located in Bentonville.

A fair deal : Organizers say fair all about youth

posted: 08/24/2009 5:51 a.m.

At the end of the day, the county fair - no matter where or when - comes down to being all about the kids. But it's one part of the fair that is particularly for the children that might surprise some folks the most. Sure, the festival rides and carnival food usually leave the youngsters begging for more. But it's a different form of the fair altogether, some say, that really gets the youth of today involved.

UA welcomes new students

posted: 08/24/2009 5:50 a.m.

A carefully orchestrated welcome for new University of Arkansas students included a convocation Sunday in Bud Walton Arena, followed by an outdoor cookout in the most perfect of weather.

Korean War vets host 59th anniversary

posted: 08/24/2009 5:49 a.m.

Ninety five of the 444 men who served in the U.S. Army 936th Field Artillery Battalion during the Korean War are alive today.

Circuit Clerk's office seeking to promote electronic filing

posted: 08/24/2009 5:43 a.m.

The Washington County Circuit Clerk's office is hosting an open house beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday to promote more electronic filing of real estate records.

Ozark Profile : Teacher has the write stuff

posted: 08/24/2009 5:41 a.m.

The sign on fourthgrade teacher Helen Eaton's classroom door says, "Come write in." A different take on the expression "come right in," the sign tells students they are entering a learning environment and one where there will be some writing going on.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/24/2009 5:39 a.m.

Events for Aug. 24, 2009.

Restaurant Inspections

posted: 08/24/2009 5:33 a.m.

Information is from Arkansas Department of Health records. Restaurants are listed in order of inspection date. All reports are from regular food service/food store inspections unless otherwise noted.

Man killed after motorcycle strikes deer; wife injured too

posted: 08/24/2009 5:26 a.m.

A Huntsville man died Saturday evening after his motorcycle struck a deer on Arkansas 127.

Times Editorial Little big things

posted: 08/24/2009 5:25 a.m.

Way back in the spring when city leaders held the Fayetteville Forward economic summit, countless ideas were put forward in the hopes of affecting a positive change on many fronts. The pleasant surprise of the event is that so many of those ideas weren't just interesting, but also mighty practical. Among them was a suggestion that Fayetteville consider funding more public art throughout our parks, trails and public spaces.

CROSS CURRENTS : The external question

posted: 08/24/2009 5:24 a.m.

An external cost, also known as an externality, arises when the social or economic activities of one group of persons have an impact on another group and when that impact is not fully accounted, or compensated for, by the first group.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/24/2009 5:22 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Washington County for Aug. 17.

Farmers invited for hay storage project

posted: 08/24/2009 5:19 a.m.

"Make hay while the sun shines." That's the old saying. Hopefully we will get some more hay put up this season before we get into fall. Hay harvests have been short for several producers.

Farm Briefs

posted: 08/24/2009 5:18 a.m.

Local dairy farmers attend national conference Scott and Cassie Davis,local dairy farmers from Prairie Grove, recently attended the Dairy Farmers of America Inc. (DFA) 2009 Southeast Area Young Cooperator (YC) Conference in Nashville, Tenn. The Davises were among approximately 70 DFA YCs who attended the conference, which provided the young producers with information about the industry and the cooperative among other topics.

Dress rehearsal : FHS, Shiloh Christian vie for last word before both squads begin regular season

posted: 08/24/2009 5:16 a.m.

Fayetteville had its way with Class 4A Shiloh Christian in a preseason scrimmage in 2008. The Purple Dogs forced six turnovers (five in the first half ) and the first-teamers entered the break up 34-13. The second half featured a blend of reserves and then starters playing alternate positions en route to a 37-16 final.

Allen, Frazier wage a friendly QB rivalry

posted: 08/24/2009 5:13 a.m.

While Fayetteville and Shiloh Christian may have an evolving feud in 7-on-7, there also exists a quarterback rivalry between Fayetteville junior Brandon Allen and this year's Top Gun Quarterback Challenge winner, Shiloh junior Kiehl Frazier.

Hays, Bearden go low on final day of FCC member-member

posted: 08/24/2009 5:06 a.m.

Greg Hays is one of Fayetteville Country Club's most prolific champions, but it's been three years since his name has gone up on the championship boards that reside in the club's lounge.

Sera wins playoff for SCC title

posted: 08/24/2009 5:05 a.m.

For Dana Sera the shot of the weekend couldn't have come at a more opportune time.

Paradise Valley tops Lost Springs for Lindsey Cup

posted: 08/24/2009 5:03 a.m.

Golfers from Paradise Valley Athletic Club traded in their favored beer for champagne late Sunday afternoon on the 18th green at Lost Springs.

A day on the lake in the name of science

posted: 08/24/2009 4:59 a.m.

Those looking for an excuse to spend at least one more day on Beaver Lake before the end of summer will have that opportunity when the Beaver Water District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers host the fourth annual Secchi Day on Saturday.

Big land deal : The Bentonville City Council will discuss the purchase of property that would both facilitate the realignment of Southwest I Street and make way for the construction of a community rec

posted: 08/24/2009 4:58 a.m.

On Wednesday, the city of Bentonville will kick off a major construction project, as Orchards Park, a 16-acre passive recreation area near the southeast corner of Northeast J Street and John DeShields Boulevard, celebrates its groundbreaking. But one day earlier, the city will discuss important information concerning another parks and recreation project of significant proportions.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO? DIAL-UP INTERNET ACCESS: 'Iconic' sound and slow speed things of the past

posted: 08/24/2009 4:57 a.m.

When Carly Dyas lived in Mexico with her family more than a decade ago, they used standard dial-up access to the Internet.

Fables and Faith : 'What's it all about, Alfie ?'

posted: 08/24/2009 4:53 a.m.

OK. I admit it. I really do like listening to elevator music. Not only that, but Burt Bacharach is one of my favorite elevator-music artists. He has recorded more songs that I like than almost any other musician.

Bella Vista Men's Chorus in concert

posted: 08/24/2009 4:51 a.m.

The BellaVista Men's Chorus will present their fall concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 5 and 3 p.m. Sept.

Alzheimer's Memory Walk

posted: 08/24/2009 4:50 a.m.

The Northwest Arkansas Memory Walk to benefit the Alzheimer's Association will be held at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale on Sept. 12.

Osage Terrace to host event

posted: 08/24/2009 4:48 a.m.

The Gardens at Osage Terrace Assisted Living Facility, the first of its kind in the state, is recognizing National Assisted Living Week Sept. 13-19.

POLICE REPORTS

posted: 08/24/2009 4:46 a.m.

Incidents reported in Benton County for August 14, 2009.

Actress honored at memorial service in Siloam Springs

posted: 08/24/2009 4:45 a.m.

A torrential thunderstorm wasn't enough to stop friends from gathering to remember a former resident of Siloam Springs who went on to become a Hollywood celebrity.

Kids Talk : Raise a kid who loves the Earth

posted: 08/24/2009 4:42 a.m.

Close your eyes and think back to a happy time and place in your childhood.

Library needs players for tournament success

posted: 08/24/2009 4:40 a.m.

Attention, tennis players and golfers: The Bella Vista Library needs you to play in the"Tourney for Titles" fundraiser.

OTHER OPINIONS : A new day

posted: 08/24/2009 4:38 a.m.

The Aug. 13 announcement that Michael Vick has signed a two-year contract with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles says something about where American society is today.

LETTERS

posted: 08/24/2009 4:36 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Benton County for August 24, 2009.

Can't miss this Pioneer : Gentry follows mohawked senior's lead

posted: 08/24/2009 4:33 a.m.

Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of stories previewing the high school football teams in Benton County.

Sounding Off : Eathen Ramsey Junior linebacker

posted: 08/24/2009 4:31 a.m.

Q & A with Gentry's Eathen Ramsey.

Gentry Pioneers

posted: 08/24/2009 4:30 a.m.

Profile of the Gentry Pioneers.

Hog Calls : Razorback wideouts shine despite missing key veterans

posted: 08/24/2009 4:28 a.m.

You know you've got a deep bench if you can substitute to the tune of "Send in the Clones" instead of "Send in the Clowns." In Arkansas' scrimmage last Saturday, it seemed the Petrino brothers cloned receivers instead of substituting them.

Oxendine's par string pushes her to victory

posted: 08/24/2009 4:26 a.m.

Julie Oxendine was still at a loss to explain some putting issues Sunday at the Bella Vista Country Club but the Russellville golfer wasn't too bothered by the overall results.

Paradise Valley beats Lost Springs in Lindsey Cup

posted: 08/24/2009 4:24 a.m.

Golfers from Paradise Valley Athletic Club traded in their favored beer for champagne late Sunday afternoon on the 18th green at Lost Springs.

LAWSUITS FILED

posted: 08/24/2009 4:23 a.m.

Lawsuits filed in Benton County for August 24, 2009.

RESTAURANT INSPECTIONS

posted: 08/24/2009 4:21 a.m.

Restaurant inspections for Benton County for August 24, 2009.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

posted: 08/24/2009 4:17 a.m.

Marriage licenses issued in Benton County for August 24, 2009.

BENTONVILLE FIRE & SAFETY TIP

posted: 08/24/2009 4:15 a.m.

The weekly Bentonville fire and safety tip.

POA collecting school supplies

posted: 08/24/2009 4:12 a.m.

The Bella Vista Village Property Owners Association is helpingThe Weekly Vista newspaper collect supplies for students of Cooper Elementary School, a POA news release said.

Cole in concert Sept. 11

posted: 08/24/2009 4:09 a.m.

Deborah Lynn Cole, soprano, with Linda Beckman on piano, will be in concert at at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at Bella Vista First United Methodist Church.

Lawsuit topic of tonight's Bella Vista meeting

posted: 08/24/2009 4:08 a.m.

City Attorney Jason Kelley will give an update on a lawsuit between Bella Vista and Benton County during tonight's City Council meeting.

Siren to be placed near Decatur school

posted: 08/24/2009 4:06 a.m.

Work to install one of three donated tornado sirens near Northside Elementary School here is underway.

Ride for the Red on Sept. 12

posted: 08/24/2009 4:05 a.m.

On Sept. 12, the American Red Cross will host Ride for the Red, a poker run, at Pig Trail Harley Davidson in Rogers.

Artists sought for Benton County Fair

posted: 08/24/2009 4:03 a.m.

The Fine Arts Department of the Benton County Fair will accept artwork from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 14 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 15. Judging will be held Sept. 16.

'Figures in Flux' exhibit at JBU Art Gallery

posted: 08/24/2009 4:02 a.m.

John Brown University in Siloam Springs will welcome the works of nationally recognized artist Mike Nichols to the JBU Art Gallery. The first display of the academic year will open with a reception and gallery talk from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1. The gallery talk with Nichols will begin at 6:45 p.m.

Bella Vista Fun Run is Sept. 5

posted: 08/24/2009 4:01 a.m.

The first Bella Vista Fun Run and Breakfast will take place Sept. 5 at the Metfield Park Pavilion in Bella Vista. This free event will feature 1K and 5K races beginning at 7:30 a.m. A pancake breakfast, games and swimming begin at 9 a.m.

Cobb-Vantress plans golf event

posted: 08/24/2009 4 a.m.

The 11th annual Cobb-Vantress Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament will be held Oct. 2, with a noon shotgun start. The three-person scramble will be held at Dawn Hill in Siloam Springs.

2 French teens die in California crash

posted: 08/24/2009 2:44 a.m.

Two French teenagers were killed and five other French nationals were injured when the driver of their van fell asleep, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and roll over, the California Highway Patrol said Sunday.

Bill sweeps onlookers away

posted: 08/24/2009 2:43 a.m.

A large wave fueled by Hurricane Bill swept a group of surf-watchers into the sea at a Maine park Sunday, including a 7-year-old girl who died after the Coast Guard pulled her from the churning waters.

Many to face smaller Social Security checks

posted: 08/24/2009 2:39 a.m.

Millions of older people face shrinking Social Security checks next year, the first time in a generation that payments would not rise.

Thousands flee 90 wildfires across Greece

posted: 08/24/2009 2:38 a.m.

A partial drop in gale-force winds early today offered hard-pressed Greek firefighters a brief respite after wildfires raged for two days north of Athens, burning houses and parts of forests while forcing thousands to evacuate their homes.

Iraqi suspect: $10,000 got bombs past security

posted: 08/24/2009 2:37 a.m.

Attackers paid $10,000 to get a bomb-laden truck past checkpoints and next to the Iraqi Finance Ministry in last week's attacks, one of the suspected masterminds said in a confession broadcast Sunday.

Pakistan Taliban vow Afghan attacks

posted: 08/24/2009 2:32 a.m.

Pakistani Taliban fighters are committed to helping the fight in Afghanistan and consider President Barack Obama their "No. 1 enemy," a top commander said amid uncertainty Sunday about whether a new leader has been appointed to head the movement.

Warner sees tough fight on climate bill

posted: 08/24/2009 2:32 a.m.

U.S. lawmakers under attack from opponents of health-care overhaul proposals will face similar rancor over legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, former Sen. John Warner said.

TRAVELERS' CHECK : Gawking at accidents wastes time

posted: 08/24/2009 2:31 a.m.

Curiosity killed the traffic flow Wednesday when drivers on Interstate 540 started to slow and clog up at Lowell.

LR airport seeks deal for direct D.C. flights

posted: 08/24/2009 2:30 a.m.

The deal is in the works to land the state's largest airport a nonstop flight to and from the heart of the nation's capital.

Part D's gap is surprise to some

posted: 08/24/2009 2:29 a.m.

An estimated 98,000 older Arkansans reach a gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage each year during which they must pay the full cost of their medications out of pocket.

EUREKA SPRINGS: Nobody stuck on 1951 school

posted: 08/24/2009 2:27 a.m.

It's historic by Eureka Springs standards, but nobody is raising a ruckus about the possible demolition of the city's 58-year-old high school.

State looks at late appeal of permit for land farm

posted: 08/24/2009 2:26 a.m.

A state commission will consider Friday whether to hear a late appeal of a permit issued earlier this year to Prairie County Land Farm LLC, a facility that stores water discarded during natural gas drilling.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/24/2009 2:25 a.m.

Motorcyclist dies after hitting deer A Huntsville man was killed late Saturday when his motorcycle struck a deer on Arkansas 127 in Madison County, police said.

Recommended reading offers students insights

posted: 08/24/2009 2:24 a.m.

From Reading Lolita in Tehran to Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, the list of recommended books from new students at the Clinton School of Public Service illustrates how different the outlooks can be among students pursuing the same goal.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/24/2009 2:21 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "There's not as much attraction to this building because it's ugly." Rusty Windle, president of the Eureka Springs School Board, on the lack of resistance to the idea of tearing down the town's old high school Article, 1B

Senate committee to review Madison's plan to kill lottery

posted: 08/24/2009 2:20 a.m.

A proposal to abolish the lottery was referred Friday to a committee over objections from the Senate sponsor of the lottery law.

TEXAS LEAGUE Naturals in grip of Texas slump

posted: 08/24/2009 2:19 a.m.

Northwest Arkansas' frustrations in Texas continued Sunday.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Bruntlett's triple play secures Philly victory

posted: 08/24/2009 2:18 a.m.

It happened so fast, Eric Bruntlett needed a few moments before he realized he had just ended a game with an unassisted triple play.

Clean finish good for Martin, Busch

posted: 08/24/2009 2:17 a.m.

Mark Martin has never been a dirty racer.

Cutler gives boost to Bears

posted: 08/24/2009 2:17 a.m.

Jay Cutler gave a glimpse of why he was a Pro Bowl quarterback last season and how he can help transform the Chicago Bears' offense.

Lawyer told to retrieve all copies of e-mails in Mustain flap

posted: 08/24/2009 2:16 a.m.

The Houston Nutt-Mitch Mustain flap hasn't gone away yet. In the latest turn of events, Fort Smith attorney Eddie Christian Jr., has been ordered to retrieve e-mails he obtained and then sent to others in connection with a lawsuit filed in 2007 against John White, who at the time was the University of Arkansas chancellor.

Arkadelphia to try hybrid police fleet

posted: 08/24/2009 2:15 a.m.

When a thief in a stolen hybrid car smoked lawmen in Crown Victorias during a highspeed chase through Clark County earlier this year, Arkadelphia Police Chief Al Harris was impressed.

Victim identified in fatal shooting

posted: 08/24/2009 2:11 a.m.

A man shot to death early Saturday morning was identified as a 37-year-old resident of the Cabot area, Faulkner County Coroner Patrick Moore said Sunday.

Afghan vote outcome up in air

posted: 08/24/2009 2:10 a.m.

Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah said fraud in the nation's Aug. 20 election has been widespread enough to alter its outcome.

LETTERS

posted: 08/24/2009 2:09 a.m.

As a registered dietitian, I want to point out inaccuracies of Susan Levin's commentary, "Reform starts in the lunchroom." Cheese is a nutritious part of healthy school lunches that provides growing children a great source of calcium and high-quality protein.

Vic Snyder on the ropes

posted: 08/24/2009 2:09 a.m.

The notion that Congressman Vic Snyder might need to be replaced is tinged with poignancy, although also a bit liberating.

SOLHEIM CUP: Seismic shift for stars, stripes

posted: 08/24/2009 2:09 a.m.

The scoreboards around Rich Harvest Farms were awash in European blue, and the holes were beginning to dwindle.

Battery-aided bikes finding niche

posted: 08/24/2009 2:09 a.m.

Chie Igawa is part of a trend that's transforming Japan's roads. The 36-year-old Tokyo housewife zips her kids around on a battery-boosted bicycle without breaking a sweat or having to worry about traffic rules.

And this not so little piggy . . .

posted: 08/24/2009 2:07 a.m.

Everybody knows about Wilburette, the suave 800-pounder who managed to escape the slaughter house when a tractor-trailer rig carrying 90 porcine beauties overturned off an interstate, leaving hogs scattered everywhere. Miss Wilburette was found sometime later cooling off in at a swimming pool.

Sony aims for boost with system price cut

posted: 08/24/2009 2:07 a.m.

Sony Corp. slashed the price of the Play-Station 3 around the world in a move that analysts said is likely to increase sales of the game console while not adding much to its money-losing earnings.

Others say The other Clinton's trip

posted: 08/24/2009 2:06 a.m.

If the only headlines you've heard out of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's trip to Africa were that she was overshadowed by her husband's North Korean trip and that she snapped at a reporter who seemed to be asking her about the former president, then you missed the real story.

More than miles separating us

posted: 08/24/2009 2:05 a.m.

Our story so far: Last year, Barack Obama was elected president, the first American of African heritage ever to reach that office. If this was regarded as a new beginning by most Americans, it was regarded apocalyptically by others who promptly proceeded to lose both their minds and any pretense of enlightenment.

A crying shame

posted: 08/24/2009 2:05 a.m.

THERE'S A reason the media have approval ratings just below congressmen and just above jailed congressmen. But where to put officials with the outfit known as the International Amateur Athletic Federation? Somewhere in the General Embarrassment range?

Hide the First Amendment!

posted: 08/24/2009 2:04 a.m.

I'm still trying to get my head around the idea that a public school can ban a student from wearing a T-shirt with the First Amendment printed on the back.

Obituaries

posted: 08/24/2009 2:04 a.m.

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

Other days

posted: 08/24/2009 2:02 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO August 24, 1909 LUXORA - The public school term at Luxora, Mississippi county, will begin Monday. Mississippi county being one of the 30 counties to which the compulsory education law enacted by the recent legislature applies, the directors of the district have announced their intention to have the law enforced to the letter.

Hogs break camp full of confidence

posted: 08/24/2009 2:01 a.m.

There is no empirical evidence to say Arkansas will be a vastly improved football team in 2009.

Off the wire

posted: 08/24/2009 1:55 a.m.

ATHLETICS U.S. earns 3 more gold Americans LaShawn Merritt, Kerron Clement, Allyson Felix and Sanya Richards each won a second title at the world championships in the 1,600-meter relays Sunday in Berlin.

The world in brief

posted: 08/24/2009 1:54 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "The key is whether this is an indicator of future sectarian violence." Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S.

End of 'clunkers' program drives car sales

posted: 08/24/2009 1:52 a.m.

From Vermont to California, exhausted but appreciative car dealers watched their lots grow empty as crowds rushed to trade in gas guzzlers during the final weekend of the popular "cash for clunkers" program.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/24/2009 1:51 a.m.

Vandy coach pays to play Down Under Vanderbilt men's basketball Coach Kevin Stallings was a little shy when asked about his latest trip with the Commodores - at least about how it was funded.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/24/2009 1:51 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "There's no reason we have to do it all now, but we do have to get started." Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., on overhauling the U.S. health-care system Article, 1A

COMMENTARY: World should be in awe of more than Bolt

posted: 08/24/2009 1:51 a.m.

The mayor of Berlin gave Usain Bolt a piece of political history Sunday for the Jamaican sprinter's contribution to sports history at the 12th World Track & Field Championships.

Names and faces

posted: 08/24/2009 1:50 a.m.

Jack Ingram better be in a chatty mood come Tuesday.

NFL notes

posted: 08/24/2009 1:48 a.m.

EAGLES Coordinator: Vick looks good Michael Vick showed no signs of rust during the Philadelphia Eagles' practice Sunday, throwing tight spirals with plenty of velocity.

Hopes fade for 2-party care bill

posted: 08/24/2009 1:47 a.m.

Sen. Charles Schumer said Sunday that President Barack Obama and Democratic congressional leaders are considering "alternatives" to a bipartisan healthcare bill amid continuing opposition from Republicans.

Commanders seek more troops for war

posted: 08/24/2009 1:46 a.m.

Allied military commanders in Afghanistan have told a senior U.S. envoy that they need more troops to deal with an intensifying insurgency in the country's east, raising the possibility that the Obama administration may refocus the war on the lawless border with Pakistan.

In the news

posted: 08/24/2009 1:45 a.m.

Pope Benedict XVI made his first public appearance since having the cast removed from his broken right wrist at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy

Flu vaccine campaign has challenges, snags

posted: 08/24/2009 1:44 a.m.

Government health officials are mobilizing to launch a swine-flu vaccination campaign this fall that is unprecedented in its scope - and in the potential for complications.

NATIONAL LEAGUE: Smoltz strikes out 9, allows 3 hits in Cardinals debut

posted: 08/24/2009 1:43 a.m.

John Smoltz cleared his mind of all the bad things that happened to him in Boston, fixed his delivery and had a brilliant debut with the St. Louis Cardinals.

State sports briefs

posted: 08/24/2009 1:42 a.m.

Former Auburn and Ole Miss Coach Tommy Tuberville will be the guest speaker at today's Little Rock Touchdown Club kickoff luncheon at the Embassy Suites hotel in west Little Rock.

Antitrust audit is next hurdle for Web pact

posted: 08/24/2009 1:41 a.m.

Yahoo Inc. and Microsoft Corp. hope that by joining forces, they can tilt the balance of power in Internet search away from Google Inc. First, however, Yahoo and Microsoft have to convince regulators that their plan won't hurt online advertisers and consumers.

GOLF ROUNDUP: Moore wins Wyndham in playoff

posted: 08/24/2009 1:41 a.m.

Ryan Moore won for the first time on the PGA Tour with a birdie on the third hole of a sudden death playoff to beat Kevin Stadler on Sunday at the Wyndham Championship.

Bankruptcy watch

posted: 08/24/2009 1:33 a.m.

ALEXANDER Anita C. Singleton, 8013 Greenland Drive, Aug. 13, Chapter 13. Jennifer Caroline Boccarossa, 13716 Carrington Place, Aug. 13, Chapter 7. Mary A. Denton, P.O. Box 182, Aug. 19, Chapter 13.

Sunday, August 23

Going long

posted: 08/23/2009 7:18 a.m.

Surveying Saturday's scrimmage, Bobby Petrino saw Arkansas' offense and special teams improving considerably over last year and a defense reminiscent of last year.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/23/2009 7 a.m.

David Edmond Garner David Edmond Garner, 86, of Watts, Okla., died Aug. 20, 2009, at Siloam Springs Nursing & Rehab. He was born Nov. 28, 1922, in Mc-Cloud, Okla., to James and Susie Carr Garner. He had been a miner, a chicken farmer and had worked for Peterson's for seven years as a groundskeeper. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marines and served during World War II.

Intimidation, fraud said rife in Afghan vote

posted: 08/23/2009 6:16 a.m.

Reports of fraud and intimidation in Afghanistan's presidential election continued to mount Saturday, with anecdotal but widespread accounts of ballot box stuffing, a lack of impartiality among election workers and voters casting ballots for others.

Prospectors seek the payoff winds in Arkansas hills

posted: 08/23/2009 6:16 a.m.

Bristie Cure is a wind prospector, one of a handful of explorers who visit Arkansas with wind maps in hand searching for profitable ridgelines and abundant open space.

Insurers exploring savings of overseas health care

posted: 08/23/2009 6:16 a.m.

Elizabeth Kunz left her dentist's office this spring with a mouth full of problems and no way to pay for them.

ARKANSAS FOOTBALL: Plays aplenty on sunny Saturday

posted: 08/23/2009 6:16 a.m.

Coach Bobby Petrino ambled to the podium after Arkansas' 190-play, nearly three-hour scrimmage Saturday and turned amateur comedian.

A lot of lots: Latest Skyline Report shows continued glut of vacant lots

posted: 08/23/2009 6:06 a.m.

Arvest Bank's latest Skyline Report shows that the number of new, vacant houses continues to fall in Northwest Arkansas but the huge number of vacant lots reveals a trouble spot.

Nurse-to-student ratio ailing in state's schools

posted: 08/23/2009 6:05 a.m.

Though state statistics indicate a shortage in school nurses, schools in Northwest Arkansas appear to be adequately staffed.

Rainbow painted on bridge hidden beneath gray paint

posted: 08/23/2009 6:04 a.m.

A rainbow painted on the arch of Maple Street Bridge in Fayetteville is now buried under a layer of gray paint.

Bikers ride in poker run to benefit Meals on Wheels

posted: 08/23/2009 6:03 a.m.

More than 200 bikers took a ride through the Ozarks on Saturday during the Senior Activity Center's first Wheels for Meals Poker Run.

Students could get flu shots

posted: 08/23/2009 6:02 a.m.

Flu shots could be made available to all area public school students as part of a new initiative from the governor.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/23/2009 6:01 a.m.

James Frank Fox, Carl Lee Stinnett

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/23/2009 5:59 a.m.

Events for Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009

Arrest Reports

posted: 08/23/2009 5:58 a.m.

False report; Possession, intent to deliver; Domestic battery; Attempted theft

Health Calendar

posted: 08/23/2009 5:57 a.m.

Events for the week of Aug. 24, 2009

Council of neighborhoods accepting nominations

posted: 08/23/2009 5:56 a.m.

The Fayetteville Council of Neighborhoods will accept nominations for its annual Beauty Mark Award, designed to recognize a business that has gone above the norm to create beautiful spaces, until Oct. 14.

WHAT GIVES: A shocking discovery

posted: 08/23/2009 5:54 a.m.

Have you seen through the years the commercials for Arkansas One Call?

Times Editorial Hello, goodbye

posted: 08/23/2009 5:52 a.m.

As the victor among 46 candidates for the position, Tony Johnson was excited to become Fayetteville's top firefighter in October 2005. He was, we thought at the time, an excellent choice.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/23/2009 5:51 a.m.

Dissent is not an evil thing Concerning the Sunday, Aug. 16 article, "Locals lock lips publicly to protest homosexual discrimination," I found the quote of Jonathan Cox to be inconsistent and insincere. He states, "It is important for people to be able to express themselves without fear of judgment.

THE BROADER VIEW Global economic warming? A change in the financial climate

posted: 08/23/2009 5:50 a.m.

Have we entered into a period of economic recovery?

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/23/2009 5:47 a.m.

Everything is not all right Recently I had an opportunity to see firsthand the debacle we call health care in this country. Contrary to an assertion by letter writer Audrey Drake, [Times, Aug. 9] our system is broken.

Profits from electronics donations benefit Meals on Wheels

posted: 08/23/2009 5:42 a.m.

Meals on Wheels is collecting cell phones, laptops and gaming systems to raise money for its services.

KNOCK ON WOOD Offensive depth should pay dividends for Hogs

posted: 08/23/2009 5:39 a.m.

Originally, the Arkansas Razorbacks 192-play scrimmage was to be, but in light of it being Fan Appreciation Day, head coach Bobby Petrino allowed all those who were interested to have a final look at the Hogs before their Sept.

Johnson makes case for playing time in deep backfield

posted: 08/23/2009 5:34 a.m.

Bobby Petrino wasn't about to say the running back rotation was solidified after the second full-scale scrimmage of the preseason.

Three teams share lead entering final round at FCC

posted: 08/23/2009 5:33 a.m.

Heavy traffic atop the leaderboard at the annual Fayetteville Country Club Member-Member Tournament will make for a hotly contested final round today.

Indians ready to meet challenge despite speed, strength issues

posted: 08/23/2009 5:31 a.m.

Ramay isn't looking like its previous incarnations with the 2009 season looming on the horizon.

Hurricane Bill weakens as it nears East Coast

posted: 08/23/2009 5:31 a.m.

A weakening Hurricane Bill spun northward Saturday, churning up rough seas, creating dangerous riptides and closing beaches to swimmers up and down the eastern seaboard, including President Barack Obama's planned vacation spot, Martha's Vineyard.

Tough 'Ombres march into history at ceremony

posted: 08/23/2009 5:31 a.m.

Sgt. 1st Class Andy Knote took the flag tucked tightly in its canvas casing from his sergeant major Saturday and slowly walked through a cloud of smoke toward Camp Pike's historic gate in North Little Rock.

PVAC takes early lead in Lindsey Cup

posted: 08/23/2009 5:30 a.m.

The Lindsey Cup has been played at Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club in Bentonville the last four years, but Saturday morning's results prefigured well for the Paradise Valley Athletic Club team's hopes of returning the Cup to Fayetteville.

Iraq fears security forces involved in attacks

posted: 08/23/2009 5:30 a.m.

The suicide bombers who blew up explosives-laden trucks outside government buildings in Baghdad may have been aided by members of Iraq's security forces, the foreign minister said Saturday, even as the government insisted Iraqi forces could still protect the nation.

Central Kentucky prison set afire

posted: 08/23/2009 5:29 a.m.

Rioting inmates set fire to trash cans and other items inside a central Kentucky prison, and damage to some buildings was so extensive that officials were busing many of the facility's 1,200 prisoners elsewhere, police said Saturday.

Aging plus heavy drinking is recipe for ills, says study

posted: 08/23/2009 5:29 a.m.

The early baby boomers are known as the generation of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. But it turns out, they're hitting the bottle pretty hard as they age, as well. And that portends significant alcohol-related health problems ahead as those midlifers become senior citizens.

Sports Briefs

posted: 08/23/2009 5:29 a.m.

FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL The Springdale Chicks are looking for competitive fastpitch softball players to fill spots on our Fall 2009/Spring 2010 rosters. Participation is free for 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U & 16U travel teams. Coaching positions are also open.

Pakistani Taliban pick new chief, say past leader fell ill

posted: 08/23/2009 5:28 a.m.

The Pakistani Taliban have appointed a new chief, militants said Saturday, selecting a top commander known for his ruthless efficiency in staging attacks, including a major hotel bombing and a deadly assault against the Sri Lankan cricket team.

Noose spurs queries for 2 execs at agency

posted: 08/23/2009 5:28 a.m.

Two top managers at the National Transportation Safety Board are under investigation after they left a noose behind when a senior staff meeting ended at the agency's Washington headquarters two weeks ago, an agency spokesman said Friday.

North Korean officials to meet South's leaders

posted: 08/23/2009 5:27 a.m.

A high-level delegation from North Korea will meet President Lee Myung-bak of South Korea today, South Korean leaders said, in the first major political meeting between the two Koreas in nearly two years.

Woodland 'cautiously optimistic' about upcoming football season

posted: 08/23/2009 5:27 a.m.

Expectations couldn't be much higher for Woodland heading into this season.

100 professors target in Ph.D. bribery probe across Germany

posted: 08/23/2009 5:27 a.m.

Prosecutors are investigating about 100 professors across Germany on suspicion they took bribes to help students get their doctoral degrees, authorities said Saturday.

Haiti's disabled kids ditched

posted: 08/23/2009 5:26 a.m.

Her frail body lies almost motionless inside a rusted metal crib. Her diaper is soiled, but she doesn't cry. At 9 months old, she weighs just 5 pounds.

Campbell-Brown earns silver medal at world meet

posted: 08/23/2009 5:25 a.m.

Former Razorback and school-record holder Veronica Campbell-Brown won her fourth World Championships medal (in an individual race) on Friday at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin.

New face brings smile, Spain hospital says

posted: 08/23/2009 5:24 a.m.

Spain's first face transplant patient - the first anywhere to get a new tongue and jaw - has been so pleased by his new appearance that he smiled, hospital officials said Saturday.

Military Briefs

posted: 08/23/2009 5:24 a.m.

Military briefs

Brutal camps aim to curb Chinese youths' Internet use

posted: 08/23/2009 5:23 a.m.

Like many mothers, Li Shubing despaired over her inability to control her teenage son.

Colombian held in American's death

posted: 08/23/2009 5:23 a.m.

Colombian police have captured a guerrilla suspected of killing a U.S. military contractor and a Colombian soldier after their surveillance plane crashed in the jungle in 2003, authorities said Saturday.

Outdoor opportunities: Fayetteville Farmers' Market blossoming as a place for performing arts

posted: 08/23/2009 5:22 a.m.

As often as he's playing to a person, Solomon Simpson is playing for the petunias. They don't mind that he's repeating the same songs over and over, serving as a one-CD jukebox that doesn't take requests.

Hit by recession, scammers work harder on cons in Nigeria

posted: 08/23/2009 5:22 a.m.

Online swindling takes dedication even in the best of times, the scammer said earnestly.

SPRINGDALE Near-bites pit city against dog

posted: 08/23/2009 5:21 a.m.

Fayetteville Animal Shelter staff considered Rudy one of the shelter's most well-behaved dogs before he was adopted by a Springdale family now fighting to keep him.

Swine flu motivates colleges to prepare

posted: 08/23/2009 5:20 a.m.

Arkansas' largest universities are among schools across the country preparing for the possibility of significant numbers of swine flu cases as students return to campus.

Military honored by run in state

posted: 08/23/2009 5:19 a.m.

Lee Ann Seideman footed a mile with her family Saturday morning and planted a small photo of her son attached to an American flag.

Study gives an F to 9 schools in state, advocates overhaul

posted: 08/23/2009 5:19 a.m.

Seventeen Arkansas school districts received an A while nine others scored F's in a new study by the Arkansas Policy Foundation.

THE ROCKWOOD FILES Dead car battery threatens 'Mommy Nirvana' moment

posted: 08/23/2009 5:19 a.m.

Today started out great. It's the last day of summer vacation, so the kids and I slept late this morning. I didn't wake up until Jack, my soon-tobe kindergartner, climbed into bed and snuggled up next to me. I put my arm around him, and we talked about how exciting the first day of school would be. We stayed there doing nothing for a while, and I soaked up the feeling of how nice it is to lounge around lazily with your little ones. One last day of "no fuss, no rush." Tomorrow morning would be much different.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/23/2009 5:18 a.m.

Game and Fish to back pay for 161 The state of Arkansas has agreed to pay more than $130,000 in back overtime wages for 161 wildlife officers.

Northwest Arkansas FACES

posted: 08/23/2009 5:18 a.m.

Volunteers help students with dorm move-in; Fayetteville senior receives grant; Elkins Senior Center reopens in new location; Restaurant to donate all profits to St. Jude; Fayetteville EMT receives MDA Award

Cleanup campaign celebrates 40 years

posted: 08/23/2009 5:17 a.m.

In 1969, Carl Garner decided he couldn't take the massive amount of litter on the shore of Greers Ferry Lake anymore. So the resident engineer for the Army Corps of Engineer organized a group of residents to pick up trash.

State donations rule not clear, GOP says

posted: 08/23/2009 5:17 a.m.

State GOP Chairman Doyle Webb of Benton and Pulaski County Republican Committee Treasurer Russell Reddoch of Little Rock on Friday asked the state Ethics Commission about the meaning of a commission rule governing covering reporting by political action committees. They said the rule is ambiguous because "aggregate" isn't defined.

POETRY Matt and Katy Henriksen to be featured at OPWC

posted: 08/23/2009 5:17 a.m.

"Don't write if you think you are going to make any money at it." - Katy Henriksen "Find a way to pay the bills." - Matt Henriksen The story of Matt Henriksen, a native of Appleton, Wis., and Katy Widder of Fayetteville should be the beginning of a really good chick flick or chick lit novel, or both. After receiving his B.A. in writing from Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Matt entered the MFA program in poetry at the University of Arkansas.

Now is an OK time to transplant daffodils

posted: 08/23/2009 5:16 a.m.

Question: Can daffodil bulbs be transplanted to a new location now during their dormant season?

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/23/2009 5:16 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "The right circumstances can cause any animal or person to lash out." Brett Harris, Springdale animal service director, on a recent dog attack in the city.

Postal service sees no victor in dog war

posted: 08/23/2009 5:15 a.m.

For about $5 one can purchase a wide-eyed mailman chew toy with a high pitch squeak that thrills some dogs.

Ozark Album Back to school

posted: 08/23/2009 5:15 a.m.

Students at Trace Valley School southeast of Greenland pose for a photo outside the schoolhouse in this circa 1897 photo. George Wilson, standing behind the back row and holding a school bell, was the teacher. Trace Valley School District 147 was created in 1886.

Flu more widespread than data shows

posted: 08/23/2009 5:14 a.m.

The first U.S. case of swine flu was confirmed on April 15, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Government meetings

posted: 08/23/2009 5:14 a.m.

Monday Washington County Election Commission, 8:30 a.m. Benton County Long-Range Planning, Real Estate and Buildings Committee, 5:30 p.m., former St. Mary's Hospital, Rogers Fayetteville Planning Commission, 5:30 p.m. Farmington Planning Commission, 6 p.m. Farmington School Board, 6 p.m. Bella Vista City Council, 6:30 p.m. Elkins Fire Department, 7 p.m.

Busch stays alive in race for the Chase

posted: 08/23/2009 5:13 a.m.

Kyle Busch saved his season Saturday night by winning a side-by-side sprint to the finish against Mark Martin at Bristol Motor Speedway.

ENGAGEMENTS: Bercher-Appleby

posted: 08/23/2009 5:13 a.m.

Lauren Bercher of Fort Smith and Matthew Appleby of San Antonio plan to marry at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5, 2009, at First United Methodist Church in Dallas.

Divorces

posted: 08/23/2009 5:13 a.m.

WASHINGTON COUNTY The following divorces were recorded in the circuit clerk's office from Aug. 13-19.

All tied up going into final round

posted: 08/23/2009 5:13 a.m.

The sun went down over Rich Harvest Farms, and everybody's nerves seemed to go with it.

Oaklawn report

posted: 08/23/2009 5:12 a.m.

Retiring reality for horse The 1988 Arkansas Derby winner has a new home.

ENGAGEMENTS: Grace-Rhodes

posted: 08/23/2009 5:12 a.m.

LeeAnne Grace of Springdale and Bill Rhodes of Goshen plan to marry at 2 p.m.

Broken back, foot result from collision

posted: 08/23/2009 5:11 a.m.

Team Penske No. 3 driver Will Power broke two vertebrae in his lower back and sustained a concussion Saturday after crashing into Nelson Philippe of Conquest Racing during a practice session for the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma.

ENGAGEMENTS: Wood-Weinkauf

posted: 08/23/2009 5:11 a.m.

Megan Ashley Wood and Derek Kirk Weinkauf, both of Tulsa, Okla., plan to marry at 7 p.m. Sept. 12, 2009, at Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa, Okla.

TEXAS LEAGUE Naturals lose again, fall out of first place

posted: 08/23/2009 5:10 a.m.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals' trip through Texas is turning nightmarish.

WEDDINGS: Hedegard-Obana

posted: 08/23/2009 5:09 a.m.

Michelle Obana and Jay Hedegard II, both of Fayetteville, were married July 23, 2009, at Dickson Theater in Fayetteville. Christay Davies officiated the ceremony.

Pudge happy to be home

posted: 08/23/2009 5:09 a.m.

He's no longer the fresh-faced 19-year-old who threw out runners from his knees. The megawatt smile, when it does come, creases on the corners a little bit.

Postseason would be nice, but it's not a top priority

posted: 08/23/2009 5:08 a.m.

The Kansas City Royals' front office is pleased that their Class AA affiliate, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, is in a pennant race.

Health-care battle thrusts Ross into leadership role

posted: 08/23/2009 5:07 a.m.

Mike Ross, the self-described conservative Democrat who represents south Arkansas' vast 4th District, has emerged as a national leader on the health-care debate that roils Congress' summer recess.

WEDDINGS: Pierce-McReynolds

posted: 08/23/2009 5:07 a.m.

Christina Jordan McReynolds and Tyler John Pierce, both of Little Rock, were married June 27, 2009, at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock.

Bryant's 67 keeps him in lead

posted: 08/23/2009 5:06 a.m.

Brad Bryant came off the course Saturday at the Jeld-Wen Tradition with a huge grin.

WEDDING: Story-Long

posted: 08/23/2009 5:06 a.m.

Cassy Danielle Long and Rusty Story, both of Fort Smith, were married June 6, 2009, at the Chi Omega Greek Theatre in Fayetteville. Rev. Jack Bedford officiated the double ring ceremony.

Pair of Coffeyville prospects interested in Arkansas

posted: 08/23/2009 5:05 a.m.

Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College defeated Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Junior College 19-0 on Saturday in a preseason scrimmage at Robertson Field.

The Watsons 50th

posted: 08/23/2009 5:05 a.m.

Bonnie and Jim Watson of Bella Vista celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 22, 2009. Bonnie Hayes and Jim Watson were married Aug. 22, 1959, in Fayetteville. The Rev. Ray Hassell officiated.

The Smiths 50th

posted: 08/23/2009 5:05 a.m.

Patricia and Billy G. Smith of Springdale will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a special trip.

The Mullikins 50th

posted: 08/23/2009 5:04 a.m.

Jan and Don Mullikin of Siloam Springs celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July with family.

Births

posted: 08/23/2009 5:03 a.m.

Washington Regional Medical Center

NFL EXHIBITION Bell fills in for Bush; leads Saints to victory

posted: 08/23/2009 5:03 a.m.

Mike Bell made the most of Reggie Bush's absence.

Punters target Cowboys' video board

posted: 08/23/2009 5:02 a.m.

The video boards at the new Cowboys Stadium were the center of attention at the building's first football game, and that wasn't always a good thing.

Library Checkout

posted: 08/23/2009 5:02 a.m.

Fayetteville Public Library The Fayetteville Public Library is located at 401 W.

State's fund to help soldiers untapped

posted: 08/23/2009 5:02 a.m.

Act 1028 became law in 2005 with little fanfare, just words on paper carrying good intentions in the wake of the largest wartime deployment of state troops since World War II.

Favre understands there is work to do

posted: 08/23/2009 5:01 a.m.

On Brett Favre's last of eight plays in his preseason debut with Minnesota, the blitz came hard.

'Outraged' by bomber's release, says FBI chief

posted: 08/23/2009 5 a.m.

FBI Director Robert Mueller sharply criticized Scotland's justice minister for releasing the Lockerbie bomber, an act that "gives comfort to terrorists" all over the world.

Northwest football report

posted: 08/23/2009 4:59 a.m.

Bulldogs good test for Saints One of the area's most anticipated scrimmages will take place at 7 p.m. Monday night when Shiloh Christian hosts Fayetteville at Champions Stadium in Springdale.

NFL NOTES Eagles' Andrews optimistic of return

posted: 08/23/2009 4:59 a.m.

Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy Reid is preparing to open the regular season without injured twotime Pro Bowl offensive lineman Shawn Andrews.

E.T.'s or hoax, crop circles draw visitors

posted: 08/23/2009 4:57 a.m.

The Chamber of Commerce paused last year to give special thanks to an uncommon type of visitor who doesn't come around much but makes each visit count.

James Larry Yale An artist's perspective

posted: 08/23/2009 4:55 a.m.

SELF PORTRAIT Date and place of birth: Jan. 31, 1947, outside Jasper, Mo. Children: son Ely and daughter Allison A gadget I can't live without is my mahl stick. Always in my refrigerator: peanut butter

NOTABLE NEIGHBOR Dude's got an arm and heart to match

posted: 08/23/2009 4:54 a.m.

Mike Swisher met with a bit of public exposure and some adulation recently, so when he was told he would be interviewed for the newspaper, he felt pretty comfortable turning to his mom, Gail, and saying, "I'll be more famous than Carrie Underwood."

War re-enactors begin taking on Vietnam

posted: 08/23/2009 4:54 a.m.

The dirt paths that lead to Alpha Company's field headquarters are lined with overgrown grass and weeds. A canvas tent is protected by machine guns, sandbags and Army-green storage boxes. And lurking somewhere outside is the enemy: the Viet Cong.

Jackson inquiry leads to raid of pharmacy

posted: 08/23/2009 4:53 a.m.

Federal drug agents raided a Beverly Hills pharmacy Friday as part of the investigation into Michael Jackson's death.

Partners in Education pairs chamber, schools

posted: 08/23/2009 4:53 a.m.

Students in Bentonville took their seats last week to, hopefully, engage in a year of earnest study. The Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce is adding a real-life aspect to their curriculum with the Partners in Education program.

SPOTLIGHT Women with a Mission Giving circle casts its net for donors

posted: 08/23/2009 4:53 a.m.

Nancy Trammel has no intention of rivaling her husband's involvement in the community. It's his way, not hers. At least, not hers yet.

The Orchards Park effect

posted: 08/23/2009 4:52 a.m.

Bentonville Parks and Recreation manager David Wright's office is at 305 S.W. A St., inside the Community Development Building, but it's not uncommon for him to take a detour on his way in or out of work.

NORTHERN LIGHTS Party had quite a spread: 3 homes

posted: 08/23/2009 4:52 a.m.

A van normally used for ferrying young orthodontic patients to their appointments was employed to cart partygoers to stops along a progressive dinner party route in the Har-Ber Meadows development the night of Aug. 15.

Preserve's rare find fires up flower fans

posted: 08/23/2009 4:52 a.m.

Joe Fehrer, manager of Nassawango Nature Preserve on Maryland's Eastern Shore, has set the rules: No photos of the horizon or any landscape feature that might identify this place. No naming the back road that leads to this site.

DEAR ABBY Cell phone photograph a good ID

posted: 08/23/2009 4:51 a.m.

DEAR ABBY: I have an idea that may prove useful to parents. I have worked in law enforcement for more than 18 years, including as a state police dispatcher. There are often stories in the media of children lost or abducted in the blink of an eye.

Recycling grows up in Rogers

posted: 08/23/2009 4:51 a.m.

The city's new recycling center is going through an awkward phase. Phrases like "working out the kinks" are being thrown about, and it's not unusual to hear about hiccups or glitches.

'Distortions' dominate health-care debate, Obama says

posted: 08/23/2009 4:51 a.m.

President Barack Obama said debate over revamping the U.S. health-care system is being dominated by "willful misrepresentations and outright distortions." Obama, after leaving Washington to start a week-long vacation, used his weekly address on the radio and Internet to urge Americans to "rise above our differences" to fix a costly and ineffective health-insurance system.

Daschle has ear of White House, health industry in overhaul

posted: 08/23/2009 4:51 a.m.

Six months have passed since the morning when Tom Daschle, the former Senate Democratic leader, under fire for not paying certain taxes, called President Barack Obama in his study off the Oval Office to withdraw his nomination as health secretary and czar of the health system's overhaul.

A 'chance of a lifetime'

posted: 08/23/2009 4:50 a.m.

It took a combination of stimulus funds, state money and federal and private grants to keep 16 pre-kindergarten classrooms open in Rogers this year, but administrators believe the grant writing and fund juggling is definitely worthwhile.

Mountie moms get game plan

posted: 08/23/2009 4:49 a.m.

With a sharp blow of the whistle, football camp for the moms of the Rogers High School football players got started Saturday.

Anniversary

posted: 08/23/2009 4:49 a.m.

Mr. and Mrs. Emerson Finn Connie and Emerson Finn of Springdale celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 22 with an open house at their home. The couple were married Aug. 25, 1959.

Hornors help to put face on REASON for Hope gala

posted: 08/23/2009 4:49 a.m.

Charlene Hornor's husband, Tully, gently patted her bare shoulder from behind, but there was little else he could do to comfort her.

NORTHERN LIGHTS They ate bird, but dish was all Hog

posted: 08/23/2009 4:48 a.m.

Strike up the band! Run out the players!

Detainee's attorneys get OK to quiz 9/11 plotter

posted: 08/23/2009 4:47 a.m.

A federal judge has ordered the government to allow attorneys for a detainee challenging his confinement at Guantanamo Bay to submit questions about his case to Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the self-proclaimed mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

2 die in plane crash near football field

posted: 08/23/2009 4:47 a.m.

Officials say two people were killed when a biplane crashed near a football scrimmage at an Ohio high school.

History, a scoop at a time

posted: 08/23/2009 4:47 a.m.

Sundrenched couples, friends and families rendezvoused Aug. 15 at Washington County Historical Society's Headquarters House for the 39th annual Ice Cream Social.

Kane achieves Eagle Scout rank

posted: 08/23/2009 4:46 a.m.

Kristopher "Kit" Kane, 17, of Gravette recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Kane, the son of Kelly and Marie Kane, is a member of Boy Scout Troop 117 of Gravette.

Marriage licenses

posted: 08/23/2009 4:46 a.m.

WASHINGTON COUNTY Samuel Shane Allgood, 21, and Talahna Jene Whisenhunt, 19, both of Stilwell, Okla.

Surviving Inglourious Basterds

posted: 08/23/2009 4:44 a.m.

The scene takes place toward the end of Quentin Tarantino's rollicking World War II action-drama Inglourious Basterds.

ENTERTAINMENT NOTES Second City troupe improvises its way to Walton Arts Center

posted: 08/23/2009 4:44 a.m.

Chicago-based improvisational troupe The Second City, on its 50th anniversary tour, will put on two performances, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Walton Arts Center, 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville.

Holy cow,Archie proposes to Veronica, devastates Betty

posted: 08/23/2009 4:43 a.m.

Nothing like a storybook wedding, especially when it unfolds in a comic book.

Around the Farm Calculating the going rate

posted: 08/23/2009 4:42 a.m.

When asked, "What's the going rate for renting land?" I decide that it may well be one of the Top 10 most difficult questions to answer.

Room to Grow Registration for 2010 Master Gardener course

posted: 08/23/2009 4:41 a.m.

The Benton County Cooperative Extension Service and the Benton County Master Gardeners want to help you become Masters of your gardening hobby. What does it mean to be a Master Gardener ?

Wildfires imperil towns, villages in Greece

posted: 08/23/2009 4:40 a.m.

Dozens of wildfires broke out across Greece, torching olive groves, cutting off villages and sending residents fleeing Saturday as one of the largest blazes swept perilously close to the capital's northern suburbs.

Landscape sleuths cast new doubts on Capa's famous photo

posted: 08/23/2009 4:40 a.m.

After nearly three-quarters of a century Robert Capa's Falling Soldier picture from the Spanish Civil War remains one of the most famous images of combat ever.

Summers wants study of state employees' retirement system

posted: 08/23/2009 4:39 a.m.

State Rep. Tim Summers wants some state lawmakers, now between state legislative sessions, to make a study of the retirement system for state employees to check on the system's long-term sustainability, he said.

Proceeds from Centerton Day will go for firefighter gear

posted: 08/23/2009 4:39 a.m.

Some Centerton firefighters will be receiving bunker gear, thanks to money raised by residents during last month's Centerton Day celebration.

Militants surrender weapons in Nigerian oil region

posted: 08/23/2009 4:39 a.m.

A top militant leader and 1,000 fighters surrendered to the Nigerian government Saturday, turning in their weapons in the biggest hand-over since an amnesty began three weeks ago, but other fighters said attacks in the oil-rich Delta region will resume next month regardless.

Arkansas senators announce deadline for U.S. Senate Youth Program

posted: 08/23/2009 4:38 a.m.

U.S. Sens. Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor announced Thursday that the U.S. Senate Youth Program is accepting applications for 2010.

Upcoming Services

posted: 08/23/2009 4:37 a.m.

Today Carl Angel, 100, of Bentonville,Ark., died Sunday,Aug. 9, 2009.A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday,Aug. 23, at Central United Methodist Church in Rogers,Ark.

Koonce, Leachman in race for Bentonville School Board

posted: 08/23/2009 4:36 a.m.

Two Bentonville residents are vying for position 4 on the Bentonville School Board.

Hendren still mulling U.S. Senate race

posted: 08/23/2009 4:35 a.m.

State Sen. Kim Hendren, RGravette, said he is still mulling over the p r o s p e c t of running for the U.S. Senate next year.

State has unsolved budget problem, state senator said

posted: 08/23/2009 4:34 a.m.

Federal stimulus money coming to the state apparently can't be used to pay off a state debt to the federal government, and that's too bad. But the debt still will have to be paid back, said state Sen. Kim Hendren, R-Gravette.

In the news

posted: 08/23/2009 4:34 a.m.

President Barack Obama will visit China for the first time in November, said the new American ambassador in that country, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman.

Singer reports threat over concert in Cuba

posted: 08/23/2009 4:34 a.m.

Cuba is condemning threats made against Colombian pop singer Juanes, who plans to stage a "Peace Without Borders" concert next month in Havana's Plaza of the Revolution.

Names and faces

posted: 08/23/2009 4:33 a.m.

The latest act in a nine-year battle involving Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, and a high-end contractor played out before the Idaho Supreme Court on Friday. The case revolves around the couple's sprawling Sun Valley-area home, built by Storey Construction starting in 2000. Hanks and Wilson say the company's shoddy workmanship left them out more than $2 million.

TV news shows

posted: 08/23/2009 4:32 a.m.

Lineup of guests for today's TV news shows: ABC's This Week - Sen. John Mc-Cain, R-Ariz. 9 a.m., KATV, Channel 7, Little Rock. NBC's Meet the Press - Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.; Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Karl Eikenberry, U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan. 9 a.m., KARK-TV, Channel 4, Little Rock.

War Eagles welcome Game Week

posted: 08/23/2009 4:32 a.m.

Three weeks into a preseason grind, the Heritage War Eagles welcome "Game Week" mode, beginning Monday.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/23/2009 4:32 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Where, I ask, is the justice?" FBI Director Robert Mueller, ending a letter sharply criticizing Scotland's decision to release the Lockerbie bomber on grounds of compassion.

The world in brief

posted: 08/23/2009 4:32 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "We don't fight for money, we fight for development." Ebikabowei Victor Ben, a top militant leader in Nigeria, who along with 1,000 fighters surrendered to the government.

Michelle Coens Bentonville volleyball coach

posted: 08/23/2009 4:31 a.m.

When and where were you born? I was born in Canada - Belleville,Ontario,on June 2,1980.

Quick Hits

posted: 08/23/2009 4:30 a.m.

Editor's Note: This is the final in a series of previews for the football teams outside of Benton County in the 7A-West, 5A-West and 1-4 A Conferences.

Engagements

posted: 08/23/2009 4:27 a.m.

Katherine Elizabeth Carlisle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joplin Riley Carlisle of Harrison, and Bradford Russell Spain, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Scott Spain of Fort Smith; Oct. 17.

Oxendine, Carr share lead in Bella Vista

posted: 08/23/2009 4:27 a.m.

The co-leaders of the Arkansas Women's Golf Association Bella Vista Designated held an emergency practice session on the putting green within minutes of completing their first round Saturday.

AREA SPORTS/ RECREATION CALENDAR

posted: 08/23/2009 4:26 a.m.

The Benton County Daily Record invites area sports clubs, teams and organizations to submit news about activities and events. Fax information to 271-3744 or e-mail to sports@nwanews.com. League managers may report recreational sports scores and standings to The Daily Record. Scores may be e-mailed to sports@nwanews.com or faxed to 271-3744. Type scores directly on e-mail document. For more information, contact sports editor Paul Gatling at 271-3792.

Education notebook

posted: 08/23/2009 4:26 a.m.

Ouachita Baptist University dedicated its new $26 million housing complex last week.

Bridal policy

posted: 08/23/2009 4:25 a.m.

ENGAGEMENTS - The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes engagement announcements without photographs. The announcement must be submitted at least eight weeks before the wedding and two weeks before you wish it to be in the paper.

SCOREBOARD

posted: 08/23/2009 4:25 a.m.

GOLF Bella Vista Men's Golf Association 18-hole pairings Tuesday,Aug.25 Scotsdale GC NOTE: For cancellations call 1-800-860-7103.The first named player is captain of foursome.

Fightin' Words It's Summerfest and the living is easy

posted: 08/23/2009 4:23 a.m.

For me, when everything is right in the world of sports entertainment there's no better television than professional wrestling.

Obituaries

posted: 08/23/2009 4:23 a.m.

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

RLT set to open 24th season

posted: 08/23/2009 4:22 a.m.

The Rogers Little Theater will open its 24th season with the comedy "Over the River and Through the Woods" at the Victory Theater, 116 S.

NWA Latino professional organization hosts meeting

posted: 08/23/2009 4:21 a.m.

The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of ALPFA, the Association of Latino Professionals, will host its first membership meeting since the launch of the chapter in April. The meeting, at 6 p.m. Thursday, will serve as an opportunity to introduce the organization's mission and purpose to local area professionals while focusing on the importance of creating organizational champions.

Diamond Chapter of Arkansas

posted: 08/23/2009 4:20 a.m.

The USS Snook Base of U.S. Submarine Veterans in northwest Arkansas will host the formal decommissioning ceremony of the Diamond Chapter of Arkansas' World War II submarine veterans at 6 p.m. Oct. 10, at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center in Bentonville.

Other days

posted: 08/23/2009 4:19 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 23, 1909 As the date set by the Railroad Commission for the opening of the new Union station of the Iron Mountain comes closer and closer, the contractors and railroad men increase the speed of the work on the depot and its approaches in order to have them in shape to throw open to the traveling public by the specified date.

POA: Egg-oiling efforts successful

posted: 08/23/2009 4:18 a.m.

Lake Ecologist and Fisheries Manager Darrell Bowman believes the recent egg-oiling efforts were successful in reducing Bella Vista's Canada goose population.

Area

posted: 08/23/2009 4:17 a.m.

POA offices closed Sept. 7 Bella Vista Village's Membership Services Department and administrative offices will be closed Sept. 7 for Labor Day.

MALE CALL TravelerCrease treatment keeps pants looking sharp

posted: 08/23/2009 4:17 a.m.

Q. A friend told me just last week an unusual thing about a purchase he made at Jos. A. Bank. On closing the sale of a pair of trousers, the salesman asked if the customer would like a permanent crease made into the pants. Have you ever heard of this? And would you recommend it?

SPIN CYCLE DeLay has new floor to spin on

posted: 08/23/2009 4:16 a.m.

Spin Cycle presents another installment of "All the News That's Fit to Razz" ... Joining entertainers like Donny Osmond and athletes like Michael Irvin and Chuck Liddell for next season's Dancing With the Stars (premiering Sept. 21 on ABC) will be former House of Representatives Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

Can we succeed in Afghanistan?

posted: 08/23/2009 4:15 a.m.

He was certainly brave, but was he crazy?

Prairie health-care companion

posted: 08/23/2009 4:15 a.m.

Finding Democrats in the north of Idaho can be like panning for gold in the East River of New York. The area is white, rural and extremely conservative.

The Rundown In line and out of patience

posted: 08/23/2009 4:14 a.m.

They say nothing is certain but death and taxes. I'd add one more thing: lines.

Reckonings Obama's trust problem

posted: 08/23/2009 4:13 a.m.

According to news reports, the Obama administration - which seemed, over the weekend, to be backing away from the "public option" for health insurance - is shocked and surprised at the furious reaction from progressives.

TV ON DVD Six DVDs of 1980s' ache and angst, titled thirtysomething

posted: 08/23/2009 4:13 a.m.

What is it? thirtysomething Season 1, 21 episodes on six discs from Shout! Factory.

LISTEN UP: From the aurally photographic to the occasionally hummable

posted: 08/23/2009 4:13 a.m.

Bill Frisell Disfarmer Nonesuch B+ Electric jazz guitarist Bill Frisell presents us with 26 aural snapshots meant to supplement and complement the silver stark midcentury portraits shot by mysterious Heber Springs photographer Mike Disfarmer, whose willing, paying customers invariably registered as quarry with vain expectations in his prints.

Aftermath Priority test: Health care or prisons?

posted: 08/23/2009 4:10 a.m.

At a time when we Americans may abandon health-care reform because it supposedly is "too expensive," how is it that we can afford to imprison people like Curtis Wilkerson?

THE TV COLUMN: Summer substitutes are striking out with audiences

posted: 08/23/2009 4:10 a.m.

It's hard to teach an old viewer new tricks.

Right Turn Obama's star power is fading fast

posted: 08/23/2009 4:09 a.m.

Seven months after taking office amidst a religious-like faith that he was the one (or even The One) we had been waiting for, President Barack Obama is beginning to resemble a shooting star.

The buzz

posted: 08/23/2009 4:08 a.m.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has received many donations over the years from the musicians and industry the institution preserves and celebrates.

READER THUMBS LINE

posted: 08/23/2009 4:08 a.m.

Welcome to Reader Thumbs Line, where readers determine the ups and downs. If you have a submission for a future column, send us an e-mail to thumbsline@nwanews.com or write to us at Thumbs Line, The Benton County Daily Record, P.O. Box 929, Bentonville, AR 72712.

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/23/2009 4:07 a.m.

Happy birthday. You're not afraid to be yourself in a bigger way. Your mind works differently than the minds of others, and you'll set up your work and domestic flow in a way that supports your unique thought process. Creative brilliance brings in big bucks this fall.

TELL ME ABOUT IT Friend's secrets, lies bewilder

posted: 08/23/2009 4:07 a.m.

DEAR CAROLYN: "Mary" and I have been friends for 28 years. To say we are best friends is an understatement. There is nothing we haven't been through: marriages, divorces, births, deaths, good times, bad times. Over the years there have been a few bumps, sometimes more than a bump - but I have rolled with it, and we continue to be the best of friends.

POP NOTES Multi-stringed Swedish band Vasen is finger-pickin' good

posted: 08/23/2009 4:06 a.m.

The world may be shrinking, but world music is getting bigger.

Bevy of Bauhaus

posted: 08/23/2009 4:05 a.m.

Yes, there's an I.M. Pei office building, a Richard Meier glass residential tower and Philippe Starck-designed apartments in Tel Aviv.

The Rockwood Files What a mom will do for a haircut

posted: 08/23/2009 4:05 a.m.

Today started out great. It's the last day of summer vacation, so the kids and I slept late this morning. I didn't wake up until Jack, my soon-to-be kindergartner, climbed into bed and snuggled up next to me. I put my arm around him, and we talked about how exciting the first day of school would be. We stayed there doing nothing for a while, and I soaked up the feeling of how nice it is to lounge around lazily with your little ones. One last day of "no fuss, no rush." Tomorrow morning would be much different.

Mullikins celebrate 50th

posted: 08/23/2009 4:04 a.m.

Don and Jan Mullikin of Siloam Springs will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 24.

Gwinns mark 50th

posted: 08/23/2009 4:04 a.m.

Richard and Judy Gwinn of Bella Vista celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 22.

At 80,Arthur Frommer continues his travel quest

posted: 08/23/2009 4:04 a.m.

He is America's premier authority on travel. From the self-published Europe on $5 a Day in 1957, he grew an empire that has included travel guides, a magazine, newspaper columns, a radio show and a blog.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

posted: 08/23/2009 4:03 a.m.

NARFE, Bella Vista Chapter 1547 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees will meet at 5 p.m. Friday at the Tanyard Creek Pavilion in Bella Vista for the group's annual potluck picnic. Chapter 1547 will provide the meat. Members are asked to bring a dish to share and their own table service and beverage.

Tour deals entice, but check math

posted: 08/23/2009 4:03 a.m.

Though some people wince at the thought of taking a tour vacation, others like the idea of a no-worry trip on which all you have to do is show up because almost everything is provided. What could be a game-changer for the naysayers during these difficult times are tour savings of 10 percent to 35 percent over a year ago.

CONSUMER TRAVEL: Pricing each component tells a lot about cruise deal's value

posted: 08/23/2009 4:03 a.m.

When you receive a cruise promotion by mail or e-mail, you may have a tough time figuring out if it's a good deal. A couple I know recently received such a promotion: They were interested, but weren't sure whether to jump on it or wait for something else. I thought that answering their question would raise a broader interest in looking at cruises.

CARDS

posted: 08/23/2009 4:02 a.m.

Pat's Bridge Club Winners for Aug. 19 were Wilma Wehmeyer, first; Dale Mixon, second; Nadine Miller, third; and Dorothy Larson and Martha Biddinger, tied for fourth.

TRAVEL IN EUROPE Not all business, Brussels is also a mecca for culture

posted: 08/23/2009 4:02 a.m.

Six hundred years ago, Brussels was just a nice place to stop and buy a waffle on the way to France.

Questions linger in Affiliated Foods postmortem

posted: 08/23/2009 4 a.m.

There are theories about how Affiliated Foods Southwest Inc. could go from a vibrant regional distributor to bankruptcy in just a few years.

Focus on the Family Violent shows, toys should be a concern to parents

posted: 08/23/2009 4 a.m.

QUESTION: I'm concerned about the violent content of some children's cartoon shows and the toys and other products connected with them. My husband thinks they're harmless.What's your point of view?

Highlands Homes Tour more than brick and mortar

posted: 08/23/2009 3:59 a.m.

Home is where the heart is, as personified in the 19th annual Highlands Homes Tour in Bella Vista, scheduled Saturday and Sunday.

MILITARY

posted: 08/23/2009 3:58 a.m.

Ryan E. Adams Air Force Cadet Ryan E. Adams has entered Basic Cadet Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., in preparation for entering the first academic year at the academy.

Whether at work or play, Morgan's pups are ready for action

posted: 08/23/2009 3:57 a.m.

Each morning as police officer Guary Morgan of Bentonville wakes up and prepares for work, his dog, Merlin, does the same.

Wal-Mart fighting union battles in U.S., Canada

posted: 08/23/2009 3:55 a.m.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and its chief labor-union critic, the United Food and Commercial Workers, have escalated their sparring on both sides of the border that separates the United States and Canada.

Brazil takes bigger role in oil fields extractions

posted: 08/23/2009 3:52 a.m.

Faced with the world's most important oil discovery in years, the Brazilian government is seeking to step back from more than a decade of close cooperation with foreign oil companies and more directly control the extraction.

COLUMN ONE The healer

posted: 08/23/2009 3:50 a.m.

God bless you, John B. Coburn, Churchman super-plus, Even when you're Bishop, you'll be one of us!

LIKE IT IS Gators earn crown in made-for-Disney moment

posted: 08/23/2009 3:47 a.m.

After searching and researching from top to bottom in hopes of finding someway to beat the heavy favorite, Florida still ends up the No. 1 pick, and the prediction here is the Gators will travel across country to play Southern Cal for the BCS championship.

Moonshine

posted: 08/23/2009 3:47 a.m.

As my pickup rolls along a rural East Tennessee two-lane at sunset-the surrounding forests already dark-a friend I'll call D. explains why, over the past few years, homemade corn liquor, otherwise known as moonshine, has found its renaissance.

Poll shows road rough for UA

posted: 08/23/2009 3:44 a.m.

Five SEC teams are in The Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll, and Arkansas plays every one of them.

Off the wire

posted: 08/23/2009 3:42 a.m.

TENNIS Russians in Rogers Cup final Maria Sharapova advanced to the final of the Rogers Cup with a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Russian compatriot Alisa Kleybanova on Saturday night. Sharapova will face fourth-seeded Elena Dementieva in the tournament's first all-Russian women's final.

COLUMNISTS Banking the wild old way

posted: 08/23/2009 3:41 a.m.

The recent spate of bank failures reminds me that for much of its early existence Arkansas was plagued by debt due to the failure of its early banking system. Much of this debt involved out-ofstate investors, perhaps the strangest case involving the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.

COMMENTARY Ex-Hog turns little pass into big play

posted: 08/23/2009 3:41 a.m.

It was just a little dump-off pass, the kind that quarterbacks throw when they have no place else to go with the ball.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/23/2009 3:41 a.m.

Bowden: Gators QB is no Ward Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden has heaped praise on Florida quarterback Tim Tebow over the past two seasons.

EDITORIALS Losing touch

posted: 08/23/2009 3:40 a.m.

SOMETHING remarkable is happening in American politics and in the American psyche it reflects. Which is nothing new. Something remarkable always seems to be happening in this ever swaying yet miraculously stable system bequeathed to Americans by the founding generation.

Where are our priorities?

posted: 08/23/2009 3:39 a.m.

At a time when we Americans may abandon health-care reform because it supposedly is "too expensive," how is it that we can afford to imprison people like Curtis Wilkerson?

LETTERS

posted: 08/23/2009 3:39 a.m.

Car license law needs work Recently, Meredith Oakley wrote about making veterans aware of special car tags available to them. I am a veteran and retired from the military and I am a strong advocate for veterans' rights, although I have never served in a war or conflict. There is additional information regarding availability of the special car tags.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/23/2009 3:38 a.m.

Asked to grade Arkansas' defense after Saturday's scrimmage, linebacker Jerry Franklin said he'd give it a B-minus.

Liberals old and new

posted: 08/23/2009 3:38 a.m.

Acontinuing source of frustration for anyone who visits America from a foreign country is the unique way in which the words "liberal" and "conservative" are used here.

Choice is a no-brainer

posted: 08/23/2009 3:37 a.m.

As decision-making goes, it looks like a pretty easy choice to me.

Gifts from Brian

posted: 08/23/2009 3:36 a.m.

Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, out of the gray dust of profound grief can come enlightenment for those of us still making our way in this troubled world.

RECRUITING Pair of Coffeyville prospects interested in Arkansas

posted: 08/23/2009 3:35 a.m.

Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College defeated Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Junior College 19-0 on Saturday in a preseason scrimmage at Robertson Field.

AROUND THE STATE ASU's Roberts says camp as good as any

posted: 08/23/2009 3:34 a.m.

Arkansas State completed its fall camp Saturday with a full-pads workout inside ASU Stadium.

AMERICAN LEAGUE Santana shows Blue Jays consistency, breaking ball

posted: 08/23/2009 3:24 a.m.

Slowed by injuries at the start of the season, Los Angeles Angels right-hander Ervin Santana is finishing strong.

Smaller guns, big bang

posted: 08/23/2009 3:15 a.m.

When you think of sporting firearms, you usually think of shotguns and rifles, but handguns are an exciting option that most of us overlook.

ARKANSAS SPORTSMAN: Mayflower angler takes skills national as top rookie

posted: 08/23/2009 3:13 a.m.

For years, Billy McCaghren of Mayflower was one of the best bass fishermen in Arkansas, and now he's one of the best in the country.

Saturday, August 22

Northwest Personal Space

posted: 08/22/2009 6 a.m.

Northwest Arkansas Food Bank's Marge Wolf tells us why the "chair-and-a-half" in her bedroom is her favorite space.

'Safe Routes' near completion

posted: 08/22/2009 5:16 a.m.

New trails leading to several of Bentonville's schools are nearing completion, city of Bentonville officials said recently.

High schools relax rules on cell phone use

posted: 08/22/2009 5:08 a.m.

Using a cell phone at school is usually against the rules, and for some high school principals, it is an all-too-common rules violation.

Arkansas' Norton happy with switch to safety

posted: 08/22/2009 5:05 a.m.

From injuries to position shifts, Jerell Norton is just ready to find his fit and some playing time on the football field.

Efforts rewarded

posted: 08/22/2009 4:58 a.m.

Rachel Mauldin wasn't surprised at all to find out she had been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. After all, the disease had been in her family for years when the news finally came.

Files on fired employees to remain private

posted: 08/22/2009 4:56 a.m.

The city of Fayetteville will not release documents about the investigation or firing of two Fire Department employees.

City uses deep breathing in brainstorming session

posted: 08/22/2009 4:55 a.m.

Representatives from 12 Fayetteville Forward groups envisioned the city's future through a series of deep-breathing exercises on Friday.

Judge's daughter running for circuit judge position

posted: 08/22/2009 4:54 a.m.

The daughter of a longtime 4th Judicial District circuit judge announced plans Friday to seek the judicial seat vacated by recently retired Circuit Judge Michael Mashburn.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/22/2009 4:54 a.m.

Events for Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009

Former teacher warned about texting students

posted: 08/22/2009 4:53 a.m.

Months before Melissa Gayle Monroe's arrest, a school administrator warned the former Bentonville High School math teacher that she could be crossing the line by exchanging text messages with her students.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/22/2009 4:51 a.m.

Judy Ann Hill

Property owner files suit seeking to leave Johnson

posted: 08/22/2009 4:50 a.m.

A property owner filed a lawsuit on Friday against the city of Johnson seeking to deannex because it hasn't been provided requested water and sewer services.

PAST AND PRESENT An American mob Hardworking citizens are tired of being ignored

posted: 08/22/2009 4:45 a.m.

Town hall meetings are increasing in number, and politicians are being grilled more than has happened for many years. And they should be. Unfortunately, some of them will not be pleasant to watch. Many politicians would rather take a whipping than answer an honest question that does not fit into their personal political philosophy.

Times Editorials The next museum?

posted: 08/22/2009 4:44 a.m.

Ahistory museum? In Fayetteville? Maybe. Last Saturday at the Fayetteville Public Library residents spoke of their desire to create a museum that would document our town's colorful past. At this event there was talk of including historical documents, photographs and relics as a way to create a timeline that connects earlier generations to our own.

Meet the new boss

posted: 08/22/2009 4:43 a.m.

Bob Workman announced in January that he planned to step down from his job as director of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Knowing the great blend of energy, intelligence and leadership ability that Workman possessed, we posed the question in this space: How do you replace a guy like that?

Guest Commentary Congress endangers clean air act

posted: 08/22/2009 4:42 a.m.

In June, the House of Representatives made history, passing the first-ever bill on climate change to succeed in either chamber of Congress. For this, the nation should offer its praise because such action is long overdue. However, time is quickly running out for us to reform our country's energy use dramatically enough to avoid the catastrophic results of our many years of hyperactive production of greenhouse-gas pollution. That's why we must demand a strengthened bill this fall when the Senate returns from recess to consider its own version of climate change legislation.

Religion Briefs

posted: 08/22/2009 4:41 a.m.

Church briefs

Court Brief

posted: 08/22/2009 4:40 a.m.

Assault by auto

Fayetteville starting 'It's Your Duty' campaign

posted: 08/22/2009 4:39 a.m.

The city of Fayetteville is kicking off the new "It's Your Duty" campaign today at the farmers market on the downtown Fayetteville Square.

Karzai, main Afghan rival both claim lead in election

posted: 08/22/2009 4:38 a.m.

Both main candidates for Afghan president claimed to be ahead Friday after an election marked by violence, spotty turnout and fraud allegations.

Libya's welcome home to Lockerbie bomber angers U.S., Britain

posted: 08/22/2009 4:37 a.m.

Libya kept the Lockerbie bomber out of sight Friday, apparently wary of hurting its improving ties with the West, as Britain's foreign secretary denounced the bomber's warm homecoming and warned that the world's view of Tripoli will be damaged if it trumpets his release.

MY POINT EXACTLY Questions will linger for FHS until season begins

posted: 08/22/2009 4:35 a.m.

Will the best quarterback in the state be enough to carry Fayetteville to a championship? That might win a state title in Class 3A. But in 7A- West - where even the best can get pummeled by the worst if they're not focused - the most apt signal caller might get you a Sonic Team of the Week award but no conference title and certainly no state championship.

Defense looking for opportunity to shine in scrimmage

posted: 08/22/2009 4:33 a.m.

Apparently better late than never realizing more fans might come to this afternoon's Razorbacks Fan Appreciation Day if they could watch this morning's scrimmage, the University of Arkansas now encourages fans to come to the scrimmage previously announced closed to the public.

Cardinals set to unveil new-look '3-3' defense

posted: 08/22/2009 4:30 a.m.

The 4-3 alignment informed Mike Adams' defensive philosophy for three decades, but the Farmington head coach has adopted a new doctrine.

Sports Briefs

posted: 08/22/2009 4:28 a.m.

FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL The Springdale Chicks are looking for competitive fastpitch softball players to fill spots on our Fall 2009/Spring 2010 rosters. Participation is free for 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U & 16U travel teams. Coaching positions are also open. For tryout appointment with the Chicks or more information, please call 479-283-7266 or email newplayer@springd alechicks.com.

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS FOOTBALL: Transfers of power

posted: 08/22/2009 4:28 a.m.

When Arkansas struggled to put quality depth on the field in its secondary last season, it had nowhere to turn for help.

Arkansas sees slight uptick in jobless rate

posted: 08/22/2009 4:26 a.m.

Arkansas' unemployment rate changed little in July, rising to 7.4 percent from 7.2 percent in June, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said Friday.

Fed chief's forecast cheers investors

posted: 08/22/2009 4:26 a.m.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Friday what investors wanted to hear - that the economy is on the verge of recovery - and they responded with a rally that sent the major indexes to new highs for the year.

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SHARPIE 500 Martin takes fifth pole of season

posted: 08/22/2009 4:26 a.m.

Alan Gustafson gambled at Michigan and it cost driver Mark Martin of Batesville dearly in his chances to make the Chase for the championship.

Bricks or mortar?

posted: 08/22/2009 4:15 a.m.

Concrete walkways, patios and driveways can be beautiful and inexpensive - but for those worried about the environmental impact of their hard-scaping, there are paver options that retain much of the utility and beauty of traditional poured concrete.

Pirates hope to learn more from upcoming scrimmage

posted: 08/22/2009 4:11 a.m.

The Aug. 24 scrimmage at Farmington figures to give Greenland head coach Tracy Sutton a better assessment of an inexperienced Pirate team that returns seven starters, but the dress rehearsal promises to present more questions than answers.

Ugly fixer-upper is object of real estate developer's desire

posted: 08/22/2009 4:10 a.m.

People used to drive by a little battleship-gray bungalow with nary a glimpse. Inside, the home's warren of small, dark rooms with popcorn ceilings were equally unimpressive. Craig Ferree recalls other problems.

Bank failures rising; 77 gone in '09

posted: 08/22/2009 4:09 a.m.

The toll of failed banks is mounting, with 77 institutions closed by regulators so far this year - the most since 1992 at the height of the savings-and-loan crisis.

AROUND THE STATE Roberts likes special teams

posted: 08/22/2009 4:08 a.m.

Arkansas State Coach Steve Roberts got a kick out of the Red Wolves' special teams play in Thursday's scrimmage and Friday's twohour practice.

High school football report

posted: 08/22/2009 4:08 a.m.

Pointers work in progress Van Buren will get a break from the drudgery of preseason drills when the Pointers host Greenwood in a scrimmage Monday night at Blakemore Field.

TEXAS LEAGUE RockHounds go deep to complete sweep

posted: 08/22/2009 4:08 a.m.

Midland relied on the long ball to complete a three-game sweep of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Friday night, hitting four home runs in a come-from-behind 7-5 victory in front of 5,387 fans at Citibank Ballpark.

ALL THUMBS

posted: 08/22/2009 4:08 a.m.

Appearing each Saturday, "All Thumbs" is The Benton County Daily Record's take on the people, events and issues deserving a "thumbs up" for a noteworthy accomplishment or good deed or a "thumbs down" for magnificent failure or just general stupidity. Thumbs up to evidence that the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport is recovering from the recession. Through the first five months of 2009, the number of people boarding or disembarking flights at XNA was down 16 percent from the same period one year earlier; most other airports nationwide suffered similar drops in business. But for the Highfill airport, the months of June and July were actually busier than they were in 2008. That's an encouraging sign not just for the airport, but for our entire region.

Populist right rising

posted: 08/22/2009 4:07 a.m.

What happened to the Age of Obama?

Ragan earns victory; Edwards trims lead

posted: 08/22/2009 4:06 a.m.

David Ragan held off teammate Carl Edwards on a two-lap sprint to the finish Friday night to win the Nationwide Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Vickers says Busch 'out of strikes'

posted: 08/22/2009 4:06 a.m.

Brian Vickers expected to discuss his recent Sprint Cup victory, a contract extension with Red Bull Racing and his chances at making the Chase for the championship when he arrived at Bristol Motor Speedway.

OTHER OPINIONS 'Pacifist' label doesn't fit Obama

posted: 08/22/2009 4:06 a.m.

Among the many criticisms hurled at President Barack Obama is that he is a pacifist.

NFL EXHIBITION New stadium stars while Cowboys roll

posted: 08/22/2009 4:04 a.m.

Nearly two hours before kickoff of the Dallas Cowboys' first game in their new nearly $1.2 billion stadium, Jon Thompson and his wife stood along the rail with an unobstructed view of the field.

Religion

posted: 08/22/2009 4:04 a.m.

Highlands Christian Church (DOC), Bella Vista Sunday: Worship is at 10:30 a.m.

Weather warnings a call away for some rural residents

posted: 08/22/2009 4:03 a.m.

Two months ago, Izard County Judge Rayburn Finley could hear tornado sirens at his home a few miles east of Melbourne only when it was still and the wind was blowing in the right direction.

Springdale priest to aid church in Fayetteville

posted: 08/22/2009 4:03 a.m.

The Rev. John Antony, pastor of St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springdale, has been appointed temporary administrator of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayetteville.

Smokescreen in Fayetteville

posted: 08/22/2009 4:02 a.m.

WHAT'S THAT they say about where there's smoke, there's fire?

Share your views, Northwest Arkansas

posted: 08/22/2009 4:02 a.m.

The Democrat-Gazette welcomes your opinions, Northwest Arkansas.

Leaders in the treetops

posted: 08/22/2009 4:01 a.m.

"Are you ready?" a teammate on the ground shouted to Angie Albright, whose feet were dangling from a small wooden platform above the treetops at the high ropes course at John Brown University on Friday.

Communities of faith

posted: 08/22/2009 4 a.m.

Fall classes at the Servant Leadership School of Northwest Arkansas will begin next month at locations in Fayetteville and Fort Smith.

Former teacher warned about texting before sex incident

posted: 08/22/2009 3:59 a.m.

Months before Melissa Monroe's arrest, a school administrator warned the former Bentonville High School math teacher that she could be crossing the line by exchanging text messages with her students.

Truck found in missing-women case

posted: 08/22/2009 3:58 a.m.

Bentonville police have located the truck belonging to a mother and daughter who disappeared more than two months ago.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/22/2009 3:57 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "It's not in the spirit of promoting learning." Julie Johnson Thompson, of the Arkansas Department of Education, on Prairie Grove School District allowing some students to skip school.

First Friday recruiting for September event

posted: 08/22/2009 3:57 a.m.

Downtown Bentonville Inc. is looking for Bentonville School District schools, as well as college and university alumni groups, to participate in the September First Friday.

Beaver Shores man arrested for arson

posted: 08/22/2009 3:56 a.m.

The man who reported an early Friday morning house fire may be the person responsible for starting the fire.

Truck of missing mother, daughter found

posted: 08/22/2009 3:56 a.m.

Police have located the truck believed to belong to a mother and daughter who disappeared more than two months ago.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/22/2009 3:56 a.m.

Springdale man held on drug counts A Springdale man is in the Washington County jail after being arrested on drug-related charges by the Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/22/2009 3:55 a.m.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

FORT SMITH Soldier in Korea returned at last

posted: 08/22/2009 3:54 a.m.

An Arkansas soldier who died in the Korean War will be buried in Fort Smith next week, nearly 60 years after he disappeared on the frozen battlefield at the Chosin Reservoir.

Upcoming Services

posted: 08/22/2009 3:54 a.m.

Today Donald Lee Ball, 93, of Bella Vista,Ark., died Tuesday,Aug. 4, 2009.A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday,Aug. 22, at the Bella Vista Community Church. Michael Wayne Cook, 46, of Pineville, Mo., died Monday,Aug. 17, 2009.A memorial service and celebration of life will be held Saturday,Aug. 22, and Sunday,Aug. 23, at the Cowskin Campground on Highway 43, west of Anderson, Mo., beginning at noon Saturday. Bring a covered dish to share. Monica Fellers, 85, of Harrison,Ark., formerly of Rogers,Ark., died Monday,Aug. 17, 2009.

Trial over boy's death ends in jury deadlock

posted: 08/22/2009 3:54 a.m.

The capital-murder trial of a Little Rock man over the death of a toddler ended with a hung jury Thursday after defense experts testified that authorities relied on outdated and obsolete medical theory to accuse him of killing his girlfriend's son.

PRAIRIE GROVE: Hooky as test reward sullied by state, others

posted: 08/22/2009 3:53 a.m.

The Arkansas Department of Education on Friday criticized the Prairie Grove School District's program that allows middle and high school students to skip school as a reward for doing well on standardized tests.

POLICE REPORTS

posted: 08/22/2009 3:53 a.m.

Bella Vista incidents Among incidents reported to the Bella Vista Police Department according to records, were the following: At 6:59 a.m. Thursday, a Morganshire Drive resident reported that a Jack Russell dog had been on her front porch since 5:30 a.m. and would not leave. The dog is a repeat offender, and a report was requested on damage to the front door.

Board to review budget-surplus spending options

posted: 08/22/2009 3:52 a.m.

The Bella Vista Property Owners Association Board of Directors will have a special meeting at 8 a.m. Monday to review options for using the 2009 budget surplus.

Iraqis air security concerns

posted: 08/22/2009 3:52 a.m.

Senior Iraqi officials and lawmakers recommended a review of security leadership, better coordination on intelligence and firmer treatment of detainees Friday as anger mounted over truck bombings against key government institutions that killed nearly 100 people.

Pakistan abductors free French tourist

posted: 08/22/2009 3:51 a.m.

A French tourist was freed Friday three months after being kidnapped in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province, authorities said.

CORRECTION

posted: 08/22/2009 3:51 a.m.

The audition date for Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" was incorrect in a press release sent to The Daily Record. The auditions will take place Sept. 26.

First but not first

posted: 08/22/2009 3:51 a.m.

A sign in the front of the Rogers Police Department training room celebrated the first promotions to the rank of corporal.That wasn't technically true, but it also wasn't a lie.

To sound the alarm : or not?

posted: 08/22/2009 3:50 a.m.

Plenty of Benton County residents listened to thunder and hail and watched rain and lightning flashes pummel the area during the wee hours of the morning Thursday. As conditions got worse, the National Weather Service office in Tulsa issued a tornado warning.

U.S. strike in Pakistan targets top Afghan militant

posted: 08/22/2009 3:50 a.m.

A U.S. missile strike Friday targeted a Taliban commander blamed for masterminding ambushes on American troops in Afghanistan, the latest assault by unmanned aircraft in northwestern Pakistan, intelligence officials said.

South Carolina's Mark Sanford fails to list 35 flights

posted: 08/22/2009 3:49 a.m.

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford took dozens of undisclosed flights on private planes since taking office in 2003 despite a state law requiring him to report who paid for the travel, an Associated Press investigation has found.

White House: Decade's deficit up by $2 billion

posted: 08/22/2009 3:48 a.m.

The Obama administration expects the federal deficit over the next decade to be $2 trillion bigger than previously estimated, White House officials said Friday.

Ministry: Russia plant called unsafe in 1998

posted: 08/22/2009 3:47 a.m.

Russian authorities were reportedly warned back in 1998 that Siberia's big Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric power plant had fallen into serious neglect and was unsafe.

Lutheran group eases policy on gay clergy

posted: 08/22/2009 3:46 a.m.

Homosexual ministers will be allowed to lead parishes, representatives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted Friday in Minneapolis.

Bill's rains pummeling Bermuda

posted: 08/22/2009 3:45 a.m.

Hurricane Bill slammed punishing waves into Bermuda's coastal seawalls as it spun Friday over the open Atlantic, spreading big swells across the Bahamas and the southeast coast of the U.S.

Take U.S. guidance on data, UCA told

posted: 08/22/2009 3:44 a.m.

The University of Central Arkansas would be wise to follow the advice of the U.S. Department of Education and withhold the identities of students who received no-criteria presidential discretionary scholarships, the Arkansas attorney general's office said Friday.

Photos of CIA agents spur Cuba-base probe

posted: 08/22/2009 3:44 a.m.

The Justice Department recently questioned military defense attorneys at Guantanamo Bay about whether photographs of CIA personnel, including covert officers, were unlawfully provided to detainees charged with organizing the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

Focused on final touches

posted: 08/22/2009 3:43 a.m.

With another week of fall practice under their belts and another week to go before playing someone else, the Rogers Mounties will look to fine tune things today during a team scrimmage.

Quick Hits

posted: 08/22/2009 3:42 a.m.

Editor's Note: The Daily Record continues its look at the football teams outside of Benton County in the 7AWest, 5A-West and 1-4 A Conferences.

PV beefs up team for annual Matches

posted: 08/22/2009 3:41 a.m.

The top men's golfers at Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club will be looking for a fifth consecutive victory this weekend in the annual Lindsey Cup Matches.

Oxendine headlines field at Bella Vista CC

posted: 08/22/2009 3:39 a.m.

A new champion will be crowned this weekend at the AWGA Bella Vista Designated golf tournament at Bella Vista Country Club. The 36-hole, stroke play event begins with the first round today at 8 a.m.

Trusty resigning from state Senate

posted: 08/22/2009 3:39 a.m.

Sharon Trusty on Friday submitted her resignation from the state Senate, effective Sept. 1. She cited family needs.

AREA SPORTS/ RECREATION CALENDAR

posted: 08/22/2009 3:38 a.m.

The Benton County Daily Record invites area sports clubs, teams and organizations to submit news about activities and events. Fax information to 271-3744 or e-mail to sports@nwanews.com. League managers may report recreational sports scores and standings to The Daily Record. Scores may be e-mailed to sports@nwanews.com or faxed to 271-3744.Type scores directly on e-mail document. For more information, contact sports editor Paul Gatling at 271-3792.

Obituaries

posted: 08/22/2009 3:37 a.m.

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

Sports

posted: 08/22/2009 3:36 a.m.

MARTIAL ARTS Classes enrolling Malmo Martial Arts is now enrolling for adult classes in Bentonville. Offered instruction includes Muay Thai, Jujitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Kombatan Arnis, and Pencak Silat. For more information visit the Web site malmomartialarts.com or call (479) 640-4455.

Stream-bed restoration a must

posted: 08/22/2009 3:34 a.m.

Phosphorus and sediments entering area streams dominated the discussion during the August meeting of the Multi-Basin Regional Water Council on Friday.

Economy guru in Bentonville on Monday

posted: 08/22/2009 3:33 a.m.

Jim Gilmore, the man who literally wrote the book that spawned worldwide interest in experience design, customer-experience management and experiential marketing, will spend a day with Bentonville business and community leaders on Monday, a Downtown Bentonville Inc. news release states.

Gifts With Purpose

posted: 08/22/2009 3:31 a.m.

The Auxiliary of Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville will present Gifts With Purpose from 7 a.m. to midnight Sept. 2 and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 3 in classrooms A & B. Purses, sheets (at bargain prices) and surprises will be available.

Humble Angel

posted: 08/22/2009 3:31 a.m.

Thirty-fouryear old Torii Hunter is an All Star now, a Golden Glove winner, a Los Angeles Angels fan favorite, a future Hall of Famer, a multimillionaire.

NEWS BRIEFS

posted: 08/22/2009 3:30 a.m.

Singapore's leader sees religious threat SINGAPORE - Singapore's prime minister said in his National Day speech that "aggressive preaching" by religious groups and evangelization threaten the small city-state's stability.

Church village a haven for missionaries

posted: 08/22/2009 3:29 a.m.

Cradling drowsy 3-month-old Logan in his arms, Nick Carter smiled as he talked about life in the missionary village.

Calendar

posted: 08/22/2009 3:28 a.m.

MUSIC, ART AND ENTERTAINMENT Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, U.S. 65 South, Noble Lake, will have a gospel festival 2-8 p.m. today at Lake Saracen Pavilion in Pine Bluff. Adult tickets are $3. (870) 267-0800.

Rabbis debate kosher diet law

posted: 08/22/2009 3:27 a.m.

Rabbi Mark Zimmerman is the 12th in a line of rabbis that dates back centuries. He has led a suburban Atlanta synagogue for 21 years. He considers himself well versed in the intricacies of Judaism's dietary laws.

Other days

posted: 08/22/2009 3:24 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 22, 1909 The State Capitol Commission yesterday instructed Governor Donaghey, chairman of that body, to confer with the attorney general relative to the advisability of the commission filing a suit against Caldwell & Drake for the recovery of money alleged to be due the state for alleged defective work and noncompliance with the contract on the state capitol.

The world in brief

posted: 08/22/2009 3:22 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I think the images that we saw in Libya yesterday were outrageous and disgusting." White House spokesman Robert Gibbs, on the footage of a crowd greeting convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdel Baset al-Megrahi after his release from a Scottish prison.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/22/2009 3:22 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Although we have avoided the worst, difficult challenges still lie ahead.We must work together to build on the gains already made to secure a sustained economic recovery." Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, who said the U.S. economy is on the verge of a recovery.

Names and faces

posted: 08/22/2009 3:21 a.m.

Eager moviegoers were getting their first look Friday at extended scenes from James Cameron's much-anticipated 3-D science fiction epic Avatar. Screenings of about 16 minutes of the film were being held worldwide Friday for fans who scored free tickets online.

SOLHEIM CUP Creamer's putt puts U.S., Inkster in lead

posted: 08/22/2009 3:21 a.m.

Instead of dancing, Juli Inkster dropped to her knees.

In the news

posted: 08/22/2009 3:21 a.m.

President Barack Obama, who since taking office has visited and given speeches in Turkey and Cairo, Egypt, as he worked to repair U.S. relations with the Muslim world, marked the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in a video message highlighting "Islam's role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance and the dignity of all human beings."

Off the wire

posted: 08/22/2009 3:19 a.m.

TRACK & FIELD Ex-Razorback places second Veronica Campbell-Brown (Arkansas Razorbacks) finished second in the 200 meters at the World Championships in Berlin on Friday.

COMMENTARY Burress got too much time for crime

posted: 08/22/2009 3:18 a.m.

The NFL turns out to be the wrong place if you're looking for justice.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/22/2009 3:17 a.m.

Rice: MLB out of good role models Jim Rice's advice to Little Leaguers: Don't use today's major leaguers as role models.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Astros' Oswalt shuts down struggling Diamondbacks

posted: 08/22/2009 3:16 a.m.

Roy Oswalt allowed three hits in seven innings as the Houston Astros got their fourth victory in five games, handing the Arizona Diamondbacks their sixth consecutive loss with a 1-0 victory Friday night.

Officials of 2 Koreas hold talks in Seoul

posted: 08/22/2009 3:15 a.m.

Top South and North Korean officials in charge of inter-Korean relations opened talks today for the first time in nearly two years amid a series of conciliatory moves by North Korea after months of tensions on the divided peninsula.

State sports briefs

posted: 08/22/2009 3:15 a.m.

SOCCER UALR starts with victory UALR opened its season with a 2-0 victory over Murray State at the Burns Park Soccer Complex in North Little Rock on Friday. Christian Veasley scored both goals, in the 29th and 37th minutes.

Ricketts family purchases Cubs in $845 million deal

posted: 08/22/2009 3:15 a.m.

Media conglomerate Tribune Co. announced a definitive agreement Friday to sell all but a 5 percent stake in the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field to the billionaire Ricketts family, ending a drawn-out process that began nearly 2 1 /2 years ago.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/22/2009 3:14 a.m.

Fans get one more chance to see Arkansas practice during today's scrimmage at Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

SEC notes

posted: 08/22/2009 3:12 a.m.

Auburn running back Eric Smith was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after an incident at an Auburn hotel. Auburn police Capt. Tom Stofer told The Press-Register of Mobile that the 19-year-old sophomore was arrested at 1:42 a.m. Friday and taken to the Lee County Detention Center.

N.J. plane crash spares but burns 2

posted: 08/22/2009 3:12 a.m.

Two men walked away from a fiery small-plane crash Friday morning and were found by emergency responders at a bus stop minutes later, alert and conscious but badly burned.

CIA said to threaten detainees

posted: 08/22/2009 3:11 a.m.

The CIA's internal investigator found that agency interrogators conducted mock executions of terror suspects and in one case threatened a detainee suspected in the USS Cole bombing with a gun and power drill, congressional officials said late Friday.

Getting it straight

posted: 08/22/2009 3:09 a.m.

The Democrat-Gazette wants its news reports to be fair and accurate.

U.S. warns against some Mexico travel

posted: 08/22/2009 3:09 a.m.

Citing rising violence, the U.S. State Department's latest Mexico alert urges travelers to delay trips to parts of Michoacan and Chihuahua states.

UA players: Brawl doesn't divide team

posted: 08/22/2009 3:08 a.m.

Some of the Arkansas Razorbacks were stressing team unity one day after a fracas between offensive and defensive players inside Walker Pavilion.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/22/2009 3:08 a.m.

Agency finds issues at Ash Flat bank The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has found unsafe and unsound banking practices at First National Banking Co. in Ash Flat, the federal agency said Friday.

EDITORIALS A quick tour

posted: 08/22/2009 3:06 a.m.

"Well, read 'em a clippin' , News." -Butch Cassidy (played by Paul Newman ) to News Carver when Harvey tried to take over the Hole In The Wall Gang.

Recovery at hand, Fed chief declares

posted: 08/22/2009 3:06 a.m.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke declared Friday that the U.S. economy is on the verge of a long-awaited recovery.

COLUMNISTS About 'death counseling'. . .

posted: 08/22/2009 3:05 a.m.

Let's see if we can have a reasoned discussion about end-of-life counseling.

Time to get real

posted: 08/22/2009 3:05 a.m.

The recurring images of rabid opponents to health care reform screaming at legislators and hurling insults at those who disagree with them is the new reality TV. Just as scripted and just as insipid.

LETTERS

posted: 08/22/2009 3:02 a.m.

Bill intensifies problem Realtors in areas with a high occurrence of natural disasters like tornadoes and flooding in Arkansas are affected when the affordability and availability of property insurance are threatened. A bill introduced in Congress by U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, called the Neal bill, could worsen this threat and most likely lead to higher insurance premiums for property owners nationwide.

Where does the South end?

posted: 08/22/2009 3:02 a.m.

Does the South end before you leave Arkansas? It's a question that has always fascinated me. If you want to stir up a hornet's nest, do as I recently did in a blog post at www.rexnelsonsouthernfried.com and contend that Fayetteville is actually in the Midwest.

What happens next?

posted: 08/22/2009 3:01 a.m.

Dust from the multi-million-dollar Washington County courthouse remodeling confabulation is steadily clearing.

Home sales in July surge 7.2%

posted: 08/22/2009 2:58 a.m.

The U.S. housing market is rebounding faster than expected.

AT&T, Verizon face FCC inquiry over wireless policies

posted: 08/22/2009 2:58 a.m.

The Federal Communications Commission is examining whether AT&T Inc. and Verizon Wireless stymie wireless competitors by denying them connections and making it hard for subscribers to switch providers.

Ex-UBS banker's sentence is 3 years

posted: 08/22/2009 2:55 a.m.

A former banker described by prosecutors as the man most responsible for sparking a broad U.S. investigation into rich Americans' use of secret Swiss bank accounts to evade taxes was sentenced Friday to more than three years in federal prison.

Experts pan tax holidays popular with consumers

posted: 08/22/2009 2:54 a.m.

Brad Borofsky hopes a sales tax holiday this weekend will draw more buyers to his outfitters shop in search of kayaks, canoes and other high-end outdoor items.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/22/2009 2:50 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "We've got tens of thousands of homes perfect for the first-time homebuyer and we've taken advantage of that." George Hackett, president of Coldwell Banker Real Estate in Pittsburgh Article, 1D U.S. rigs exploring for gas, oil up by 17 HOUSTON - The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the United States rose by 17 this week to 985.

Tools & toys

posted: 08/22/2009 2:47 a.m.

In2ition Shower Head What's to love: It's a shower head and hand shower all in one.

Ask the expert

posted: 08/22/2009 2:46 a.m.

I'm about to start putting up drywall and know I'll have to tape and then sand the joint compound. I know I'll create a lot of dust. I'm hoping you can tell me how to protect my lungs and cut down on household dust.

Personal space

posted: 08/22/2009 2:45 a.m.

Miles Hogan Where I live: I live in the Sherrill Heights neighborhood of Little Rock and my two children are Miles (18) and Allie (15). I also have two Jack Russell terriers, Sadie and Rocket.

In the garden

posted: 08/22/2009 2:44 a.m.

Janet Carson is an extension horticulturist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Write to her at P.O. Box 391, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or e-mail her at jcarson@arkansasonline.com QCould you please recommend two or three varieties of small pickling cucumbers? Also, is it too late in the year to try to grow these now?

Plastic furniture in resurgence for its style, durability and cost

posted: 08/22/2009 2:43 a.m.

Are we experiencing '60s flashbacks? Plastic furniture is the shining star at the latest design trade shows. Certainly, plastic furniture comes in a kaleidoscope of colors. The forms, too, can be groovy. The sculptural Panton chair (1960) with its wavy lines resembles a long squirt of toothpaste. But plastic furniture has evolved - and arrived - in recent years.

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/22/2009 2:43 a.m.

Happy birthday. You are so committed to making things happen for yourself that you don't even see the moves you make as risky or diffi cult. Your attitude goes from good to fantastic in September - you meet people who inspire you to do and be more. Your new look attracts favorable attention in October. Wedding bells ring in November. Libra and Taurus adore you.

CLICK & CLACK'S CAR TALK

posted: 08/22/2009 2:41 a.m.

Click & Clack (Tom and Ray Magliozzi) dispense advice about cars in Car Talk every Saturday. E-mail Click & Clack by visiting the Car Talk section of www.cartalk.com

Check your knowledge

posted: 08/22/2009 2:40 a.m.

1. On the television show McHale's Navy, name the skipper of PT Boat No. 73 and his rank. 2. Identify the writer who created the Cisco Kid. 3. Many couples have eloped to be married in Gretna Green. Where is it?

OTUS THE HEAD CAT Lottery needs spiffy chicken, so $86,500 stylist is essential

posted: 08/22/2009 2:40 a.m.

Dear Otus, I can understand hiring an accountant or a marketing sales representative, but why does the lottery need an information technology systems analyst graphic specialist?

ON CHRISTIANITY

posted: 08/22/2009 2:39 a.m.

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Does the Bible say anything about how a Christian should dress for church? I'm a new Christian and I can't afford to buy a lot of fancy new clothes to wear to church, which is what I was brought up to do.

Pervious paving sticky to use, but rain soaks in

posted: 08/22/2009 2:39 a.m.

For large projects - long driveways or parking areas, for instance - another environment-friendly alternative to traditional concrete slabs is permeable pavement. Unlike pavers, permeable pavement is mixed and poured much like typical concrete but is far more difficult to install and requires professional expertise, the experts said.

HELPFUL HINTS

posted: 08/22/2009 2:38 a.m.

DEAR HELOISE: My first pet was a Siamese fighting fish (also known as a betta). I got a turquoise one and named it "Blue." I took good care of him, always washing and changing the rocks and feeding him. I just wanted to tell you that anyone who gets a betta might think it can just live in a small bowl without oxygen or a bubble machine. If you want your betta to live longer, you should treat it like a regular fish in an aquarium. - Amy M.

Keep it clean

posted: 08/22/2009 2:37 a.m.

Electrolux UltraSilencer Green What is it? It's Electrolux's first vacuum partially made of recycled materials.

Friday, August 21

EUREKA SPRINGS: Filings explain plans to kill wife

posted: 08/21/2009 9:50 a.m.

Bail was set at $2 million for a Eureka Springs firefighter who is accused of seeking to hire a man to kill his estranged wife.

Frozen in time

posted: 08/21/2009 8:47 a.m.

A new Crystal Bridges photography exhibit sheds light on Arkansas at the turn of the 20th century

Tontitown mayor at odds with city officials

posted: 08/21/2009 8:42 a.m.

City officials in Tontitown say Mayor Joe Edgmon isn't doing his job and his holding up projects that include funding to pay for cleaning up after an ice storm.

The return of Elmo: Elmo and friends plan a trip to Fort Smith for Sesame Street Live

posted: 08/21/2009 8:38 a.m.

Elmo's coming back to Fort Smith, this time with a show never before staged in the area.

Golden guffaws: Famed comedy troupe revisits old laughs for 50th anniversary tour

posted: 08/21/2009 8:37 a.m.

There have been a lot of jokes told at Second City. The comedy company that formed in 1959 has expanded from its Chicago home to Detroit, to Toronto, Canada, to television and as a touring company that takes funnies around the country.

The reality of Hurt: Rock band slated for performance at Gypsy assesses life lessons on newest release

posted: 08/21/2009 8:35 a.m.

Good thing he made the band. He was going to have to arrange for a way home if he didn't.

Tea time in Siloam: English couple brings taste from 'across the pond'

posted: 08/21/2009 8:33 a.m.

Rob and Dawn Cork were only visiting America, mind you. Early last year, they had come to visit friends in southwest Arkansas - their first visit to the country. When they ventured up to Benton County, the Corks were lost. But they did stumble on what they found to be a charming little town: Siloam Springs.

Entertainment notes

posted: 08/21/2009 8:31 a.m.

Entertainment notes for Washington County for Aug. 21, 2009.

Live music

posted: 08/21/2009 8:28 a.m.

The following is a list of live performances in Northwest Arkansas. Readers are encouraged to verify times and admission prices. For details, call venues directly.To add listings, e-mail schedules to whatsup@nwarktimes.com, fax them to 442-1714, or call 571-6447.

Road trip

posted: 08/21/2009 8:25 a.m.

Bonner Springs, Mo. JUGGLE THE FUN The Kansas City Renaissance Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 5 to Oct. 18. A 16th-century village will be created at the festival and offer attractions such as dancing gypsies, jugglers, archery, high tea with the queen, arts and crafts, full combat jousting and storytelling in the "Enchanted Children's Realm." The opening weekend features a pirate theme. Admission is $17.95 for adults and $8.95 for children.The festival is located at 628 N. 126th St. For information, call (913) 721-2110 or visit www.kcrenfest.com.

Upcoming concerts

posted: 08/21/2009 8:23 a.m.

The following is a list of performances within a day's driving distance of Northwest Arkansas.Tickets for all events are currently on sale. Readers are encouraged to verify times and admission prices. For more information, call venues directly.

Weapon recovered in Barrett murder case

posted: 08/21/2009 7:54 a.m.

After nine years, divers recently recovered the.22-caliber revolver that prosecutors believe Roger Dale Barrett used to kill a former girlfriend.

Waiting and wondering : Some local school districts are unsure whether they'll actually receive recently discovered county tax collections or if the money will instead be forwarded to the state.

posted: 08/21/2009 7:53 a.m.

When the Benton County Tax Collector's Office announced earlier this week it discovered $1.4 million in tax collections from 2006 and 2007 that have still not been paid out to cities, school districts and other entities, a few questions immediately surfaced. First, how is it possible to lose $1.4 million in the shuffle of everyday business? And second, what do school districts, cities and others plan to do when they finally receive their money? Because, with a decision expected in coming weeks by the Benton County Court, these funds will almost assuredly be coming their way.

Tiger Pride has long history, tradition

posted: 08/21/2009 7:51 a.m.

Tiger Stadium will be filled with excitement from athletes in all of Bentonville's fall sports teams on Saturday. The annual Tiger Pride event will be held from 1 p.m. to 8:40 p.m.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/21/2009 7:48 a.m.

Obituaries for August 21, 2009.

Rogers school numbers decline slightly

posted: 08/21/2009 7:46 a.m.

After years of rapid growth, the Rogers School District has seen a decline in the number of students this year.

Small fire leads to evacuation

posted: 08/21/2009 7:45 a.m.

The Rogers School District's special-services building was evacuated briefly because of a small fire Thursday morning.

Food drive set for weekend

posted: 08/21/2009 7:44 a.m.

Area churches, businesses and neighborhoods will team up Saturday and Sunday for a food drive.

POLICE REPORTS

posted: 08/21/2009 7:42 a.m.

Incidents in Benton County for August 21, 2009.

CORRECTION

posted: 08/21/2009 7:41 a.m.

The caption for the main photograph with the "Window to the past" story published in the Thursday edition was incorrect. It should have read, "Harry Miller, Untitled (Stout white man and dog sitting on bluff overlooking White River, possibly Soldier's Rock), ca. 1900-1910, photographic print. Photograph courtesy of Old Independence Regional Museum, Batesville." The Daily Record apologizes for the error.

Dogwood Hills hole closed

posted: 08/21/2009 7:39 a.m.

Hole No. 16 on the Dog wood Hills Golf Course will be closed Aug. 31 for green surface and drainage re pairs, the Bella Vista Village Golf Division announced Thursday.

Band concert is Tuesday

posted: 08/21/2009 7:38 a.m.

The Bella Vista Community Concert Band will present a concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Blowing Springs Park in Bella Vista.

Water council will meet today

posted: 08/21/2009 7:37 a.m.

The Multi-Basin Regional Water Council will tackle many topics during a meeting today, according to council president James Gately.

Scholarship goes silver

posted: 08/21/2009 7:36 a.m.

The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County marks the beginning of each school year with a banquet to announce the fund's most important people, the scholarship recipients.

TEA Party, Bella Vista Patriots and Ambassadors for Christ to meet

posted: 08/21/2009 7:34 a.m.

Three local organizations will hold a cooperative get-together and try to duplicate the feeling of an old-fashioned camp meeting.

Auditions open for 'Nutcracker'

posted: 08/21/2009 7:33 a.m.

The Moscow Ballet will hold open auditions for the "Great Russian Nutcracker " at noon Wednesday at Ballet Westside, 101 E. Chestnut St. in Rogers. Anna Tyutyunnyk, a soloist with the Moscow Ballet, will conduct the auditions.

Bella Vista Fun Run is Sept. 5

posted: 08/21/2009 7:33 a.m.

The first Bella Vista Fun Run and Breakfast will take place Sept. 5 at the Metfield Park Pavilion in Bella Vista.

Book fair and bake sale Aug. 28

posted: 08/21/2009 7:31 a.m.

Concordia Catered Living, 11 Professional Drive in Bella Vista, will sponsor a book fair and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 28 to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association. Books, magazines and a variety of baked goods will be available. Call 855-6464.

Sniffing out funding : Bark park, library needs addressed at Bella Vista POA meeting

posted: 08/21/2009 7:30 a.m.

Dog lovers and readers swarmed the Bella Vista Property Owners Association Board meeting looking for money on Thursday night at the Country Club.

'Figures in Flux' exhibit to open at JBU Art Gallery

posted: 08/21/2009 7:29 a.m.

John Brown University will welcome the works of nationally recognized artist Mike Nichols to the JBU Art Gallery. The display will open with a reception and gallery talk from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1.

Cobb-Vantress plans golf event

posted: 08/21/2009 7:28 a.m.

The 11th annual Cobb-Vantress Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament will be held Oct. 2, with a noon shotgun start. The three-person scramble will be held at Dawn Hill in Siloam Springs.

OTHER OPINIONS : Weighing chance

posted: 08/21/2009 7:26 a.m.

It seems when Ernie Passailaigue speaks to any group of Arkansans about his new job, he's missing an opportunity if he doesn't use all the tools available to him to promote the Arkansas Lottery he's been hired to operate.

LETTERS

posted: 08/21/2009 7:24 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Benton County for August 21, 2009.

Liberally Biased : Dunces on health care

posted: 08/21/2009 7:22 a.m.

"Hain't we got all the fools in town on our side? And hain't that a big enough majority in any town?" - Mark Twain in "Huckleberry Finn" At some point, I think we all need to just face the fact that the American public is riddled with ignorance. This is nothing new. While Adlai Stevenson was running for president in the 1950s, a supporter told him that thinking Americans were on his side. "That is not enough. I need a majority," Stevenson quipped. Stevenson was on to something true, then and now.

No football riles some Decatur parents

posted: 08/21/2009 7:19 a.m.

DECATUR - The decision not to field a high school football team here in 2009 is final, superintendent LeRoy Ortman and athletics director Bobby King told a crowd of parents and students at a town hall meeting on Monday.

Quick Hits

posted: 08/21/2009 7:15 a.m.

Editor's Note: During the next several days, The Daily Record will take a look at the football teams outside of Benton County in the 7A-West, 5AWest and 1-4 A Conferences.

Bentonville tunes up for regular season

posted: 08/21/2009 7:13 a.m.

The Lady Tigers responded with two knockout wins against the Lady War Eagles. "We talked about it," Coens said of her disappointment against Huntsville. "Even though it was two wins it wasn't where I wanted it to be, physically and technically at the net. We fixed it and we came out and I'm glad because it shows they listened to what I was saying and they applied it on the court."

Lady Mounties show different style in benefit

posted: 08/21/2009 7:10 a.m.

It's a different look, but Rogers volleyball coach Jeana Breedlove expects similar results.

Southwest (Mo.) trap team wins national competition

posted: 08/21/2009 7:09 a.m.

The Southwest High School trap team in Washburn, Mo., joined approximately 900 other shooters from across the nation to compete in the National Trapshooting Championships on Aug. 8-9 in Sparta, Ill.

Preparing for the lottery

posted: 08/21/2009 7:08 a.m.

Two convenience stores in Bella Vista already have applied for licenses to sell lottery tickets.

Highlands Homes Tour Aug. 29-30

posted: 08/21/2009 7:06 a.m.

The 19th annual Highlands Homes Tour in Bella Vista, sponsored by Highlands Church, will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 29 and from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 30.

Schrantz appointed to commission

posted: 08/21/2009 7:04 a.m.

Gov. Mike Beebe has appointed Sharon Schrantz of Rogers to the Arkansas Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence Commission.

Stuff A Sack event today, Saturday

posted: 08/21/2009 7:03 a.m.

The Mother to Mother Ministry Stuff A Sack event will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Saturday. Items include clothing, shoes, baby items, books, dishes and toys.The cost is $5.The Mother to Mother Ministry is at 2104 S. Walton Blvd., Suite 4, in Bentonville. Call 426-1143.

Matter of funding : Highway officials say Bella Vista bypass closer than ever to becoming a reality

posted: 08/21/2009 6:56 a.m.

The message delivered over and over again Thursday was that for those wondering if the Bella Vista bypass will ever be built, be patient - it is coming.

Governor appoints Martin to bench

posted: 08/21/2009 6:54 a.m.

Gov. Mike Beebe announced Thursday the appointment of Fayetteville attorney W. Douglas Martin as the 4th Judicial District circuit judge for Division 5. Martin, 40, a partner at the Kutak Rock law firm, fills the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Circuit Judge Michael Mashburn, who cited medical reasons for leaving early.

Schedule shake up means more police on patrol

posted: 08/21/2009 6:53 a.m.

A change in shift scheduling will increase the number of Fayetteville police officers patrolling city streets, without increasing the cost.

Neighborhood group tours FHS

posted: 08/21/2009 6:52 a.m.

More than a dozen representatives of various neighborhoods toured Fayetteville High School on Thursday evening, offering both support and challenges for building a new facility.

Four seek city's economic development contract

posted: 08/21/2009 6:51 a.m.

Four companies submitted proposals to head economic development efforts for the city of Fayetteville, which has gone without such services since April.

Tontitown officials say mayor sitting on projects

posted: 08/21/2009 6:50 a.m.

Tontitown officials claim Mayor Joe Edgmon is causing city projects to be delayed by failing to sign off on certain contracts. But Edgmon said no such delays exist and indicated this was just the latest ploy in an attempt to make him look bad.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/21/2009 6:48 a.m.

Events in Washington County for Aug. 21, 2009.

Hospital scrubs request for gag order

posted: 08/21/2009 6:46 a.m.

A hospital has dropped its request for a gag order to stop newspapers from publishing an advertisement it claimed last month was "misleading, highly prejudicial and poisonous to the jury pool." The ad, placed by the Bentonville-based Bailey and Oliver Law Firm, seeks contact with patients of Dr. Cyril Anthony "Tony" Raben and accuses Northwest Medical Center of "negligent credentialing."

Former coach's lawyer asks judge to reconsider ruling

posted: 08/21/2009 6:45 a.m.

The attorney for a former Springdale Har-Ber High School coach accused of sexual abuse and rape wants the jury to know about prior sexual acts by an accuser.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/21/2009 6:43 a.m.

Obituaries & Death Notices for Aug. 21, 2009.

School attendance currently down

posted: 08/21/2009 6:41 a.m.

While numbers could change as weeks pass, second-day attendance in the Fayetteville School District indicates enrollment could be down in the district for 2009-2010.

Court Briefs

posted: 08/21/2009 6:39 a.m.

Court briefs for Washington County for Aug. 21, 2009.

Library now checking out bike locks to customers

posted: 08/21/2009 6:38 a.m.

Patrons of the Fayetteville Public Library can now check out locks to secure their bicycles.

Times Editorial : Wash up

posted: 08/21/2009 6:36 a.m.

Alittle less than two weeks ago, a 46-year-old woman died at a Little Rock hospital. With that, she became the first person to die of so-A little less than two weeks ago, a 46-year-old woman died at a Little Rock hospital. With that, she became the first person to die of so- called swine flu in the Natural State. .

GUEST COLUMN : The silent government

posted: 08/21/2009 6:33 a.m.

The biggest threat to our democracy isn't from the outside. What could topple our democratic way of life is secret government. When those we elect to represent us do the people's business behind closed doors - whether it be at the White House, in the halls of Congress, at the state Capitol in Little Rock or at city hall, without explanation or full disclosure - our democracy is threatened.

GUEST COLUMN : The great British push back

posted: 08/21/2009 6:32 a.m.

The world-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking would be dead if left in the hands of Britain's National Health Service (NHS). So declared Investor's Business Daily in its Aug. 3 editorial. The NHS would have allowed Hawking, a recent recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work on cosmology and quantum gravity, to die long ago due to his disabling motor neuron disease because, so the argument goes, "the National Health Service would say the quality of life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless."

Business Calendar

posted: 08/21/2009 6:30 a.m.

Business calendar for Washington County for Aug. 21, 2009.

Movers & Shakers

posted: 08/21/2009 6:28 a.m.

Business news about area people.

Last call: Nail's 'dream' broadcasting career coming to a close

posted: 08/21/2009 6:26 a.m.

Mike Nail famously labeled 1994 as a "Dream Season" for the Razorbacks moments after Scotty Thurman's basket clinched Arkansas' lone national championship in a 76-72 victory over Duke. Now he has all but called it a "Dream Career" Thursday as the Razorbacks' basketball play-by-play announcer.

Fayetteville netters gauge progress in scrimmage

posted: 08/21/2009 6:25 a.m.

It was an early gauge of fortitude for the Fayetteville volleyball squad Thursday night. The Lady Bulldog netters tested their aptitudes amid a game-like pace and structure at the annual Purple-White intrasquad scrimmage at Bulldog Gym.

Friendly competition keeps Hog linemen sharp as season nears

posted: 08/21/2009 6:23 a.m.

From Hugo Bezdek to Bobby Petrino, the Razorbacks' foundation was and is built on bedrocks like Seth Oxner and Wade Grayson. Big, old Arkansas offensive linemen that grew up never wanting to be anything but Razorbacks and would take all the bad that goes with the good without complaint.

News media protest SEC sports rules

posted: 08/21/2009 6:20 a.m.

News outlets and organizations are rallying to fight new Southeastern Conference rules affecting how media and fans write about, film and photograph SEC athletic events.

Bones break and tempers flair at Hogs' practice

posted: 08/21/2009 6:20 a.m.

Arkansas fifth-year senior wide receiver Lucas Miller suffered a broken collarbone Thursday and will miss the Razorbacks' opener against Missouri State, Sept. 5 in Little Rock.

BENTONVILLE: Early photos document Arkansas

posted: 08/21/2009 6:19 a.m.

The work of an Arkansas pioneer in documentary photography will serve to both illuminate the state's cultural potential and detail its rich history, say organizers with the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

UA volleyball picked fifth in preseason SEC West poll

posted: 08/21/2009 6:18 a.m.

The University of Arkansas volleyball team was voted to finish fifth in the Southeastern Conference's Western Division it was announced this week.

Arkansas' 2009-10 hoops schedule set

posted: 08/21/2009 6:17 a.m.

The SEC released the upcoming basketball season's conference schedule on Thursday, including times and where they'll be televised.

Former Razorback Bradley arrested for alleged DWI

posted: 08/21/2009 6:15 a.m.

A former Arkansas Razorback basketball player was taken into police custody Thursday morning for allegedly driving while intoxicated.

Attacks mar Afghan election

posted: 08/21/2009 6:12 a.m.

Taliban threats scared voters and dampened turnout in the militant south Thursday as Afghans voted for president for the second time ever. Insurgents killed 26 Afghans in scattered attacks, but officials said militants failed to disrupt the vote.

Rogers' LPGA stop has Solheim flavor

posted: 08/21/2009 6:05 a.m.

The Solheim Cup isn't coming to Rogers in September, but most of its participants will be there for the P&G Beauty Northwest Arkansas Championship.

Arkansas Football: Childs' play matures

posted: 08/21/2009 6:03 a.m.

Greg Childs is becoming a man for the Arkansas football team.

High school football report

posted: 08/21/2009 6:02 a.m.

Mounties are finally on mend Rogers is beginning to get some players healthy again, which is especially good news for a team that was decimated last season by injuries.

TEXAS LEAGUE: RockHounds' pitchers hurt Naturals this time

posted: 08/21/2009 6:01 a.m.

Midland may be the Texas League's best hitting team, but the Rock-Hounds used solid pitching to take another game from Northwest Arkansas.

State briefs

posted: 08/21/2009 5:58 a.m.

Ex-Razorback Bradley arrested in Fayetteville Former Arkansas basketball standout Pat Bradley was arrested early Thursday in Fayetteville and charged with driving while intoxicated.

THURSDAY'S NFL EXHIBITION Ochocinco gets his kicks with Bengals

posted: 08/21/2009 5:57 a.m.

Chad Ochocinco showed he can kick as well as catch, and Tom Brady showed he can take a hit.

Nail, 64, voice of Hogs hoops, to turn off mic

posted: 08/21/2009 5:57 a.m.

Mike Nail's 29th season as Arkansas basketball's play-by-play radio announcer will be his last.

Clunker deals at end of road Monday night

posted: 08/21/2009 5:53 a.m.

The Obama administration will end the popular $3 billion "cash for clunkers" program Monday, giving car shoppers a few more days to take advantage of government incentives.

GOP chief urges majority to put health bill to vote

posted: 08/21/2009 5:49 a.m.

The Republican National Committee chairman dared President Barack Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress on Thursday to put their healthcare plan to a vote.

1st-time jobless claims hit 576,000

posted: 08/21/2009 5:48 a.m.

The number of first-time claims for unemployment benefits rose unexpectedly for the second straight week, a sign that jobs remain scarce even as other data show the economy is stabilizing.

Suit settled; Tyson will pay $2 million

posted: 08/21/2009 5:48 a.m.

Tyson Foods Inc., the world's largest meat producer, agreed to pay a $2 million civil penalty to settle pollution violations at a beef processing plant in Nebraska, the Justice Department said Thursday.

Beaver Water District adjusts budget to meet 2.5% drop-off in sales

posted: 08/21/2009 5:47 a.m.

The 2010 budget approved Thursday by the Beaver Water District board anticipates less water will be sold, allowing the district to cut its expenses.

Tire prank puts buses off schedule in Searcy

posted: 08/21/2009 5:47 a.m.

An anonymous prankster succeeded in briefly delaying the start of school in Searcy this week. If caught, the vandal won't have much to laugh about, however.

BELLA VISTA: Arkansas funding key to bypass construction

posted: 08/21/2009 5:45 a.m.

If Arkansas doesn't get a federal economic stimulus grant to help fund construction of the Bella Vista bypass, Missouri will move $80 million earmarked for that project to another part of the state.

GRIDLOCK GURU: Yes, move vehicles in minor crash

posted: 08/21/2009 5:42 a.m.

Rubberneckers would have less to see if drivers would scoot wrecked cars off the road after they crash.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/21/2009 5:41 a.m.

An attorney with deep roots in Fayetteville will take over as circuit judge in Washington and Madison counties.

Iran allows U.N. to visit reactor, expands uranium-site monitoring

posted: 08/21/2009 5:40 a.m.

Iran has lifted a year-long ban and allowed U.N. inspectors to visit a nearly completed nuclear reactor as well as granting greater monitoring rights at another atomic site, diplomats said Thursday.

Practical advice

posted: 08/21/2009 5:40 a.m.

History buffs come in various stripes. A friend of mine likes to visit Civil War battlefields, designing entire family vacations around the pursuit. Another collects what I'd call military minutiae from various American wars; you know, insignias, buttons and the like.

Libya embraces ill Lockerbie bomber freed by Scots

posted: 08/21/2009 5:39 a.m.

The only man convicted in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 returned home to Libya to die after he was released from a Scottish prison Thursday. The decision angered some relatives of the 270 people killed when the jetliner blew up over Lockerbie, Scotland, more than two decades ago.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/21/2009 5:37 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "We want the world to know that the Ozarks has a rich cultural history in and of itself." Chris Crosman, chief curator of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Article, 1B

UAMS receives $10.3 million grant

posted: 08/21/2009 5:36 a.m.

A $10.3 million National Institutes of Health grant is allowing University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences doctors and scientists to continue research aimed at making new discoveries in the laboratory quickly available to patients through clinical trials and new treatments.

Ratings groups give UA mixed marks

posted: 08/21/2009 5:35 a.m.

The University of Arkansas was in a sixway tie for 128th on U.S. News & World Report's annual list of "best national universities" but fared better on an upstart rankings list that focuses on core curriculum.

Bomb kills 2 in Iraq as Wednesday's toll from blasts hits 101

posted: 08/21/2009 5:35 a.m.

A bicycle bomb exploded near a restaurant in Baghdad on Thursday, killing two people. Meanwhile, the death toll rose to at least 101 from a string of blasts the day before that mainly targeted heavily guarded government buildings.

It's the pits in Springdale

posted: 08/21/2009 5:34 a.m.

IT'S A SIMPLE enough question even it does seem to rouse lots of emotions : Do you think Springdale should join other cities in restricting or even banning American Pit Bull Terriers and related breeds?

Gates decides 600 in elite unit will remain in the Philippines

posted: 08/21/2009 5:34 a.m.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has decided to keep an elite 600-soldier counterinsurgency operation deployed in the Philippines despite pressure to reassign its members to fulfill needs elsewhere such as in Afghanistan or Iraq, according to Pentagon officials.

China's military unveils Web site

posted: 08/21/2009 5:33 a.m.

China's military launched a long-promised strategic assault Thursday on its skeptics and detractors, a globe-spanning offensive powered not by arms, but entirely by charm.

Drug cartel suspects face new charges

posted: 08/21/2009 5:32 a.m.

Federal prosecutors Thursday announced new indictments against 10 suspected Mexican drug cartel leaders accused of using everything from a cargo plane to makeshift submarines to funnel huge quantities of drugs to U.S. cities that generated nearly $6 billion in profits.

Obama goes on talk radio to pitch health plan

posted: 08/21/2009 5:30 a.m.

President Barack Obama guaranteed Thursday that his health-care overhaul will win approval and said any bill he signs will have to reduce rapidly rising costs, protect consumers from insurance abuses and provide affordable choices to the uninsured - while not adding to the federal deficit.

Bermuda issues storm warning for Bill

posted: 08/21/2009 5:27 a.m.

Bermuda issued a tropical storm warning Thursday as Hurricane Bill regained some of its muscle, while dangerous waves and riptides were likely along most of the eastern U.S. coast over the weekend.

Straight story - people walk in circles, researchers report

posted: 08/21/2009 5:26 a.m.

Ever feel that no matter how hard you try, you're walking in circles? A preliminary study by European scientists says you are.

Memphis loses season, record

posted: 08/21/2009 5:25 a.m.

Memphis has lost every one of the 38 victories it piled up in a basketball season that ended with John Calipari's Tigers just missing out on a national title.

The world in brief

posted: 08/21/2009 5:24 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "This is just one little thing that says this is not going to hurt any of us for him to be released and go die with his family." Caroline Stevens of Little Rock, whose son, Sandy Phillips, died in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, on the decision to release the only man convicted in the attack, Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, on compassionate grounds.

Elephant damages its artificial limb

posted: 08/21/2009 5:22 a.m.

An elephant fitted with an artificial limb 10 years after stepping on a land mine has had a minor setback, damaging the device attached to her left front leg.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/21/2009 5:22 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Our position hasn't changed." President Barack Obama, on his administration's stance that a government option for health-insurance coverage should be considered as part of an overhaul bill.

Egyptians restoring ancient synagogue

posted: 08/21/2009 5:18 a.m.

The head of antiquities Thursday unveiled restoration work under way at one of Egypt's most famous synagogues, a project he denied was meant to assuage Jewish anger at the country's culture minister.

Names and faces

posted: 08/21/2009 5:18 a.m.

Mickey Rourke blames himself for being out of spotlight for more than a decade but said his early interest in sports gave him a spirit that allowed him to pick himself up.

Detainee resettlement makes progress

posted: 08/21/2009 5:17 a.m.

The Obama administration has secured commitments from nearly a dozen countries willing to accept detainees from Guantanamo Bay and is increasingly confident about its ability to transfer a large majority of the prisoners who have been cleared for release, according to U.S. and foreign officials.

Mallards 'off charts,' bring 60-day season

posted: 08/21/2009 5:17 a.m.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission apparently had mallards in mind Thursday when approving a 60-day duck season for 2009-2010 at its monthly meeting in Little Rock.

Kennedy seeks succession-law shift

posted: 08/21/2009 5:16 a.m.

A cancerstricken Sen. Edward Kennedy has asked Massachusetts leaders to change state law to allow a speedy replacement if it becomes necessary for him to surrender his seat, fearing a months-long vacancy would deny Democrats a crucial vote on President Barack Obama's health-care overhaul.

Mortgages in arrears up; state ranks 26th

posted: 08/21/2009 5:15 a.m.

Americans fell behind on their mortgage payments at a record pace in the second quarter, the Mortgage Bankers Association said Thursday.

Crews search for Russia blast survivors

posted: 08/21/2009 5:15 a.m.

Harrowing details are emerging of the explosion and flood that devastated Russia's largest hydroelectric plant, killing at least 17 people and leaving 57 missing.

Teachers' retirement pot emptier by $2 billion

posted: 08/21/2009 5:14 a.m.

The state's largest retirement system took a drubbing in investment markets last fiscal year.

THE RECRUITING GUY: Off-the-field details sway Hill's mother

posted: 08/21/2009 5:14 a.m.

Arkansas' expressed commitment to helping its football players earn a diploma made a big impression on Rosemary McGee during her July 23 visit to Fayetteville.

Off the wire

posted: 08/21/2009 5:13 a.m.

TRACK & FIELD Bolt sets record in 200

In the news

posted: 08/21/2009 5:13 a.m.

Tom Ridge, the former homeland security secretary, says in a book due to be published next month that he objected to raising the nation's terror alert level just before the 2004 presidential election, despite the urgings of former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and then-Attorney General John Ashcroft, and says the episode persuaded him to follow through with his plans to leave the Bush administration.

Sam's Club aims deals at Plus members

posted: 08/21/2009 5:12 a.m.

Sam's Club has begun a paperless coupon program called eValues to offer targeted discounts to business and nonbusiness Plus members based on their shopping preferences.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/21/2009 5:12 a.m.

Tiger, like other guy, can choke Did Tiger Woods choke away the PGA?

Schedule quirks dot Hogs' slate

posted: 08/21/2009 5:11 a.m.

Arkansas' men's basketball team will have eight days to get ready for its SEC opener.

No pipelines, so N.D. burns off natural gas

posted: 08/21/2009 5:11 a.m.

Enough natural gas to heat every home in North Dakota through at least two winters was burned off as an unmarketable byproduct in the state's oil patch in 2008, records obtained by The Associated Press show.

Pinnacle Bank's president resigns

posted: 08/21/2009 5:10 a.m.

Scott Franklin resigned this week after two years as president of Pinnacle Bank of Rogers, saying Thursday that "it just wasn't a good fit any longer." His resignation was effective Monday.

Marlins flop in effort to extend run of 10-hit games

posted: 08/21/2009 5:09 a.m.

Wandy Rodriguez limited the Florida Marlins' surging lineup to just four hits while pitching into the ninth inning, leading the Houston Astros to a 4-1 victory Thursday night.

Sears loss in quarter a surprise; stock falls

posted: 08/21/2009 5:09 a.m.

Sears Holdings Corp. said Thursday that it lost money in its second quarter - missing expectations - as its results were dragged down by lower sales and one-time costs, causing shares to plunge.

Study: Credit-card users with top scores had limits cut

posted: 08/21/2009 5:08 a.m.

Creditcard companies cut limits for an estimated 58 million cardholders in the 12 months ended in April, even though a high percentage had good credit scores when their limits were cut.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/21/2009 5:08 a.m.

The grind of Arkansas' rigorous camp spilled out Thursday morning inside the Walker Pavilion as one minor altercation and one fullscale fracas punctuated the Razorbacks' first indoor practice of the fall.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/21/2009 5:05 a.m.

Tyson fined $2 million for pollution violations Tyson Foods Inc., the world's largest meat producer, agreed to pay a $2 million civil penalty to settle pollution violations at a beef-processing plant in Nebraska, the Justice Department said Thursday.

NFL NOTES: Guilty plea gets Burress 2 years

posted: 08/21/2009 5:05 a.m.

Facing the prospect of spending at least 3 1 /2 years behind bars, one-time Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress on Thursday accepted a plea bargain with a two-year prison sentence for accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a Manhattan nightclub.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/21/2009 5:04 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Consumer spending is going to have a very difficult time recovering with the labor market as weak as it is." Joshua Shapiro, chief U.S. economist at MFR Inc.

MARKET REPORT: Upbeat data trickle in, lift stocks

posted: 08/21/2009 5:04 a.m.

More signs that the economy is creeping toward recovery encouraged investors Thursday to move further into stocks - but at a cautious pace.

Earnings report

posted: 08/21/2009 5:03 a.m.

Companies reporting quarterly earnings Thursday included: Barnes & Noble Inc., the nation's largest bookstore chain, a profit of $12.3 million, or 21 cents a share, down from $16.8 million, or 27 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue fell 5 percent to $1.16 billion. Shares fell 69 cents to close at $20.26.

Obituaries

posted: 08/21/2009 5 a.m.

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

Around the state: Leonard shines in rainy ASU scrimmage

posted: 08/21/2009 4:57 a.m.

Senior quarterback Corey Leonard drew praise from Coach Steve Roberts after Arkansas State scrimmaged for 111 plays in a light rain Thursday night.

Other days

posted: 08/21/2009 4:49 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 21, 1909

COLUMNISTS America the delusional

posted: 08/21/2009 4:48 a.m.

Several weeks in rural Ireland may have softened the emotional carapace required for any extended immersion in American politics these days, but it's hard not to be taken aback by the televised images of people opposed to health-care reform carrying guns to rallies at which President Barack Obama is speaking.

EDITORIALS Don't quit now

posted: 08/21/2009 4:48 a.m.

OKAY, OKAY. So you might be a little disappointed in all those numbers in Cynthia Howell's story on Wednesday's front page.

Robert Novak's last days

posted: 08/21/2009 4:47 a.m.

As Robert Novak's last reporter, I remember the fateful day that we received his order to close up the office. Before his first stroke, Novak had just returned from a speaking engagement late one Friday afternoon. Instead of finishing his column on the plane as was his custom, he had given up due to computer issues and was tired and cantankerous.

Old news

posted: 08/21/2009 4:46 a.m.

And here's the latest bulletin from Caracas, Venezuela, the next Havana: As the Castro-like dictatorship of President Hugo Chavez imposes still more controls on the country's economy, it's reported that "prices for kitchen appliances have skyrocketed, pharmacies are reporting shortages of drugs and General Motors is planning to stop car production here."

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/21/2009 4:45 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

LETTERS

posted: 08/21/2009 4:24 a.m.

Turn down the volume The congressional recess with health care reform waiting on the table for our legislators' return would be a fine time for reasoned discussion that we can all learn from.

Justice for nobody

posted: 08/21/2009 4:22 a.m.

To hear the supporters of Georgia Death Row inmate Troy Davis tell it, the convicted cop killer has been failed by the criminal justice system.

Thursday, August 20

Good times

posted: 08/20/2009 8:44 a.m.

The tireless Cajun spirit lives on in the maze of marshes, bays and bayous of the Louisiana Delta southwest of New Orleans.

Outdoor calendar

posted: 08/20/2009 8:40 a.m.

22 "Reptiles of Northwest Arkansas" free presentation by herpetologist Devin Hummel, noon and 2 p.m., Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area visitor center. (479) 789-5006

NORTHWEST TERRITORY: Collector: Stay alert for bargains

posted: 08/20/2009 8:38 a.m.

A nondescript letter in a plain, black frame is hardly noticeable among the collectible treasures hanging on the walls of Michael Pierce's home in Eureka Springs. However, a closer look reveals a single, terse sentence of historical significance.

Hunting seasons

posted: 08/20/2009 8:37 a.m.

SPRING/SUMMER 2009 FURBEARERS (STATEWIDE) Raccoon night hunting: Through Aug. 31

Fishing report

posted: 08/20/2009 8:35 a.m.

BEAVER As of Wednesday, the lake was at 1,120.6 feet, nearly a foot below normal level.

Parents react to BHS size

posted: 08/20/2009 7:29 a.m.

With more than 3,300 students in a school designed for up to 3,600 students, it would be hard to argue with the fact that Bentonville High School is getting pretty full.

Tigers fill halls at Bentonville High School

posted: 08/20/2009 7:29 a.m.

The first year that Daphne Smith joined her son, Connor, for his first day of school at Bentonville High School two years ago, the pair wore T-shirts with each other's photos on them.

Bentonville City Hall sporting new look after summer facelift

posted: 08/20/2009 7:29 a.m.

Ever tried to find the Bentonville City Hall? The physical address is 117 W. Central Ave., less than a block from the downtown Square. But many a resident and visitor have driven or walked in circles around downtown, frustrated over not being able to find City Hall. The exterior looked like anything but the headquarters for city government. And until a few shortyears ago, the only place a motorist or pedestrian could find the address posted was on a sheet of paper taped to the inside of the front glass doors.

Committee meets to prevent Mount Sequoyah graffiti

posted: 08/20/2009 7:27 a.m.

Graffiti incidents in Fayetteville have slowed to one or two per month, police told a new committee formed to prevent vandalism in the city's Mount Sequoyah Woods.

Local high school students beat state average on ACT exam

posted: 08/20/2009 7:24 a.m.

Average composite scores on the ACT college readiness exam for students in the Prairie Grove and Elkins school districts exceeded the state average by more than a point.

CEMS earning less with fewer calls, VA contract loss

posted: 08/20/2009 7:23 a.m.

July revenue for the Central Emergency Medical Service suffered a dip from June.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/20/2009 7:22 a.m.

Events in Washington County for Aug. 20, 2009.

Benefit Saturday for boy with broken neck

posted: 08/20/2009 7:20 a.m.

A benefit spaghetti supper for a 16-year-old boy who broke his neck in a boating accident begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion Hall in Lincoln. An auction of pie, cakes and other items will begin at 7 p.m.

Springdale man gets 6 years for molesting girl

posted: 08/20/2009 7:19 a.m.

A Springdale man faces six years in prison after admitting that he had sexual contact with a preteenage girl.

Court Briefs

posted: 08/20/2009 7:18 a.m.

Court briefs for Washington County for Aug. 20, 2009.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/20/2009 7:16 a.m.

Obituaries & Death Notices for Aug. 20, 2009.

2 men accused in beating death may get more time

posted: 08/20/2009 7:14 a.m.

Prosecutors have amended charges against two men accused in the beating death of a Fayetteville man in order to increase their time in prison if they are convicted.

First day sees 1,151 students in Elkins

posted: 08/20/2009 7:13 a.m.

The Elkins School District had an attendance of 1,151 students on the first day of school, Superintendent Mike Harris told the school board during a special meeting Wednesday evening.

UA waives tuition for senior citizens

posted: 08/20/2009 7:11 a.m.

The University of Arkansas is offering senior citizens the opportunity to attend courses and earn degrees tuition free.

Event today in Rogers to benefit nonprofit center

posted: 08/20/2009 7:10 a.m.

Mike Thompson, author of "The Organizational Champion," will speak tonight at a fundraiser for the Center for Nonprofits at the former St. Mary's Hospital in Rogers.

Times Editorial : A new day

posted: 08/20/2009 7:09 a.m.

Last Thursday's announcement that Michael Vick has signed a two-year contract with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles says something about where American society is today.

Guest Commentary : What Jefferson meant

posted: 08/20/2009 7:08 a.m.

Why was Thomas Jefferson a faithful attendant at the Sunday church at the U.S. Capitol? He once explained it this way to a friend while they were walking together: "No nation has ever existed or been governed without religion. Nor can be. The Christian religion is the best religion that has been given to man and I, as Chief Magistrate of this nation, am bound to give it the sanction of my example."

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/20/2009 7:06 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Washington County for August 20, 2009.

Manpower 'mystery shopper' check scam popping up in area

posted: 08/20/2009 7:03 a.m.

A national check scam targeting "mystery shoppers " has made its way to Northwest Arkansas.

Summer facelift complete at Bentonville City Hall

posted: 08/20/2009 7:02 a.m.

Ever tried to find the Bentonville City Hall? he physical address is 117 W. Central Ave., less than a block from the downtown Square. But many a resident and visitor have driven or walked in circles around downtown, frustrated over not being able to find City Hall. The exterior looked like anything but the headquarters for city government. And until a few short years ago, the only place a motorist or pedestrian could find the address posted was on a sheet of paper taped to the inside of the front glass doors. That's changed - and in a big way.

Former Gentry teacher's sexual assault trial reset

posted: 08/20/2009 7 a.m.

The jury trial for a former teacher accused of having sexual contact with a student has been rescheduled.

New year, fresh school : Butterfield students start new year in revamped facility

posted: 08/20/2009 6:58 a.m.

The first day of school meant a fully opened facility for Butterfield Trail Elementary School students on Wednesday.

Opening volley : Lady Bulldogs square off in Purple-White scrimmage

posted: 08/20/2009 6:56 a.m.

With Fayetteville's volleyball season opener with traditionally strong Siloam Springs just a week away, the Lady Bulldogs will take a step away from the practice floor today to hold a dress rehearsal.

KNOCK ON WOOD : This season, Hogs will play marathon football

posted: 08/20/2009 6:55 a.m.

I can empathize with members of the Arkansas Razorbacks defense. They looked a step slow and a bit lethargic in Wednesday's practice.

Miller bouncing back from injury faster than expected

posted: 08/20/2009 6:53 a.m.

Even with Arkansas' abundance of receivers, Lucas Miller sometimes beats them all with one hand tied behind his back.

Shakeup has Wolves' offense positioned for success

posted: 08/20/2009 6:51 a.m.

A lack of continuity at the most consequential position on the field is one of the factors that's kept Lincoln out of the win column since 2005.

Larabee adjusting as UA's softball coach

posted: 08/20/2009 6:50 a.m.

Mike Larabee has been on the go since he received a phone call June 18 from Arkansas associate athletic director Bev Lewis.

Sports Briefs

posted: 08/20/2009 6:49 a.m.

Washington County sports briefs for August 20, 2009.

IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS : Former Razorbacks win 200-meter heats to advance in Berlin

posted: 08/20/2009 6:48 a.m.

Former Razorback NCAA champions Veronica Campbell-Brown and Wallace Spearmon, Jr. fared well in their respective rounds of the 200 meters at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin on Wednesday.

Fines cost company more than $500,000

posted: 08/20/2009 6:45 a.m.

Cooper Land Development Inc. has settled with the U.S. Justice Department and the Environmental Protection Agency after charges of Clean Water Act violations in three states.

Hundreds of gallons of diesel stolen

posted: 08/20/2009 6:40 a.m.

Bentonville police are investigating an unusual gas drive-off.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/20/2009 6:38 a.m.

Obituaries for August 20, 2009.

U.S. News likes JBU

posted: 08/20/2009 6:35 a.m.

John Brown University moved up to the No. 2 spot in its category in the 2010 U.S. News & World Report America's Best Colleges list, published Thursday, a university news release states.

POLICE REPORTS

posted: 08/20/2009 6:34 a.m.

Police incidents reported in Benton County for August 20, 2009.

Hobbs to host hunter-safety training

posted: 08/20/2009 6:33 a.m.

A hunter-education course will be taught at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area's visitor center on Aug. 29.

CORRECTION

posted: 08/20/2009 6:32 a.m.

Nelson Medina calls his U-13 girls soccer team the flagship of Vengeance Futebol, the two-month-old club in Lowell. A Daily Record story Wednesday said the team was U-11.

Thefts in numbers : After 10 cars were burglarized in one subdivision, police are reminding residents to lock up and remove valuables from the site.

posted: 08/20/2009 6:31 a.m.

When a thief breaks into one car in Rogers, its neighbors are usually vulnerable as well. Early Wednesday morning, police officers responded to more than 10 vehicle burglaries in the Champions Estates subdivision in southwest Rogers, according to Cpl. Angel Murphy-Pearce of the Rogers Police Department.

Planning Board to seek attorney general's opinion

posted: 08/20/2009 6:30 a.m.

The Benton County Planning Board will request the opinion of the state's attorney general regarding planning jurisdictions.

Arkansas, Missouri to talk bypass today

posted: 08/20/2009 6:27 a.m.

Highway commissions from Missouri and Arkansas will meet today in Bella Vista to show support for the proposed Bella Vista bypass.

OUR VIEW : Meet the new boss

posted: 08/20/2009 6:26 a.m.

Bob Workman announced in January that he planned to step down from his job as director of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Knowing the great blend of energy, intelligence and leadership ability thatWorkman possessed, we posed the question in this space: How do you replace a guy like that?

LETTERS

posted: 08/20/2009 6:24 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Benton County for August 20, 2009.

Foreign affairs The land of 'No Service'

posted: 08/20/2009 6:23 a.m.

CHIEF'S ISLAND, Botswana - If you travel long enough and far enough - like by jet to Johannesburg, by prop plane to northern Botswana and then by bush plane deep into the Okavango Delta - you can still find it. It is that special place that on medieval maps would have been shaded black and labeled: "Here there be Dragons!" But in the postmodern age, it is the place where my BlackBerry, my wireless laptop and even my satellite phone all gave me the same message: "No Service."

OTHER OPINIONS : Signing statements should be shelved

posted: 08/20/2009 6:20 a.m.

Signing statements are back in the news. So far, the president has used them on a bill that tied funding for theWorld Bank with agreement that the administration would press the bank to comply with certain policies. Signing statements also have been used by Obama to declare that he does not have to agree to limits on who he may appoint to a commission, or to comply with restrictions limiting the number of U.S. troops placed under U.N. command.

Quick Hits

posted: 08/20/2009 6:19 a.m.

Editor's Note: During the next several days, The Daily Record will take a look at the football teams outside of Benton County in the 7A-West, 5AWest and 1-4 A Conferences.

Sharing time is just fine

posted: 08/20/2009 6:18 a.m.

The good news: Bentonville has two outstanding senior running backs in Courtney Haskell and Shane Boedeker.

Leeward Islands on alert as Bill swells

posted: 08/20/2009 6:15 a.m.

Hurricane Bill howled over the open Atlantic as a dangerous Category 4 storm Wednesday that forecasters say could be energized by warmer waters as it moves north.

Timeout : Tigers vs. Saints a good idea for 2010

posted: 08/20/2009 6:13 a.m.

Bring on Shiloh Christian. If I was making Bentonville's or any other Class 7A team's 2010 football schedule, this would be a game I would try and get on it.

Stimulus cash for bypass as tollway sought

posted: 08/20/2009 6:13 a.m.

The Arkansas Highway Commission voted Wednesday to pursue an application for a $145.4 million federal economic stimulus grant to build the Bella Vista bypass as a toll road.

Will lead Taliban in Pakistan, leader's deputy says

posted: 08/20/2009 6:12 a.m.

The deputy head of the Pakistani Taliban announced Wednesday that he was temporarily assuming leadership of the militant group because its chief, whom Washington and Islamabad have said was almost certainly killed by a recent missile strike, was unwell.

Panthers building defense around returning linemen

posted: 08/20/2009 6:12 a.m.

Siloam Springs has a strong foundation to build its defense on.

In Iran, Syrian leader expected to ask release of accused Frenchman

posted: 08/20/2009 6:10 a.m.

Syrian President Bashar Assad opened talks with Iranian officials Wednesday in a visit expected to include an appeal to free a French academic accused of plotting to overthrow the Islamic regime.

BHS girls top Rogers

posted: 08/20/2009 6:10 a.m.

The Bentonville Lady Tigers shot a 184 on Wednesday and beat Rogers in a nine-hole golf match at Lost Springs.

Library, dog park before POA

posted: 08/20/2009 6:09 a.m.

Providing money for the Bella Vista Library and the first dog park here will be considered tonight during the monthly meeting of the Property Owners Association Board of Directors.

Therapists at lockup: Warned teen a risk

posted: 08/20/2009 6:09 a.m.

A Department of Human Services employee fired for releasing a delinquent youth over objections and then lying about it had been warned that the boy was a "risk to the community," statements from therapists at his lockup show.

2009 Benton County Fair events

posted: 08/20/2009 6:08 a.m.

2009 events for the Benton County Fair.

SPRINGDALE: High school redo at midway point

posted: 08/20/2009 6:08 a.m.

Springdale High School senior Lance Sipes read books and completed story problems while tuning out the repetitive beeping of construction equipment backing up outside his classroom.

Corrected bills by UCA note transfer to athletics of some nonsports fees

posted: 08/20/2009 6:07 a.m.

The University of Central Arkansas failed to notify some students in their tuition and fee bills again this term that part of certain nonsports fees were being transferred to athletics, but has since corrected the problem to comply with state law.

Window to the past

posted: 08/20/2009 6:07 a.m.

Northwest Arkansas has been booming with development and activity for the past couple of decades. The face of the region has changed - from buildings and roads to ethnicity and opportunity. A large segment of the population living here today would probably not recognize the area as it existed before the boom.

'Discover Art' beyond the gallery walls

posted: 08/20/2009 6:06 a.m.

With every new exhibit at Crystal Bridges at the Massey comes new experiences, but those experiences extend well beyond the gallery walls. When visitors flock to the latest exhibit,"Harry Miller's Vision of Arkansas: 1900-1910," scheduled to open Friday and continue through Oct. 25, they will find a wide range of books, children's activities and other materials related to the exhibit.

System changes its rule for retirement

posted: 08/20/2009 6:04 a.m.

Elected officials who want to collect retirement benefits must certify they've first vacated their offices under a policy approved Wednesday by the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System's board.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/20/2009 6:03 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes. For more information, call (479) 770-8400.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/20/2009 6:02 a.m.

Ex-foster dad wants conviction tossed A former foster parent is asking a judge to vacate his conviction and 70-year prison sentence, claiming his attorney was ineffectual in defending him against federal child pornography charges.

Agency probing death of State Hospital patient

posted: 08/20/2009 5:59 a.m.

The Arkansas Department of Human Services is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 19-year-old male patient at the State Hospital earlier this month.

NOTEWORTHY DEATH

posted: 08/20/2009 5:57 a.m.

Creator, producer of 60 Minutes NEW YORK - Don Hewitt, the CBS newsman who created 60 Minutes and produced the popular newsmagazine for 36 years, died Wednesday. He was 86.

Bryant police add to patrols after robberies

posted: 08/20/2009 5:56 a.m.

After an armed man robbed two businesses and ordered the female employees to undress, police in Bryant are stepping up patrols and asking workers to be more careful.

Truck bombs kill 95 in Iraq

posted: 08/20/2009 5:54 a.m.

Nearly simultaneous truck bombs struck Iraq's Foreign and Finance ministries Wednesday as a wave of explosions killed at least 95 people less than two months after U.S. forces withdrew from urban areas.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/20/2009 5:53 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "It looks awesome. I'm excited to come back someday and say 'That's the school I went to.'" Lance Sipes, a Springdale High School senior, as he returned to school Wednesday amid construction work Article, 1B

Reserve cop jailed in reported hit job

posted: 08/20/2009 5:52 a.m.

An apparent murder-for-hire plot ended with a reserve Eureka Springs police officer in the Carroll County jail, police say.

Critic of Obama talks with Pryor on care initiative

posted: 08/20/2009 5:51 a.m.

A conservative group opposing President Barack Obama's health care initiative told a small audience at the state Capitol on Wednesday that states like Massachusetts and Oregon that have tried to cover the uninsured have failed dismally.

Afghans go to polls amid threats

posted: 08/20/2009 5:51 a.m.

Thousands of polling centers across Afghanistan opened for voting today, and millions of Afghans were expected to choose a president to lead a nation plagued by armed insurgency, drugs, corruption and a feeble government.

Alcohol board chief rejects bid by Wal-Mart to sell beer, wine

posted: 08/20/2009 5:50 a.m.

The director of the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board said letters of opposition led him to reject Wal-Mart's application to sell beer and wine at its Mountain Home superstore.

State panel considers road needs, how to pay

posted: 08/20/2009 5:49 a.m.

The federal government finds itself in the same pickle as Arkansas and other states in regard to highway funding: declining revenue weighed against rising transportation needs, U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder, D-Ark., told a panel formed to find more cash for state, county and city roads.

Cardinals add Smoltz to bolster pitching staff

posted: 08/20/2009 5:48 a.m.

John Smoltz agreed to a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, giving the 42-year-old former ace a chance to rejuvenate his career in the middle of a pennant race.

TEXAS LEAGUE: 'Hounds rough up Naturals

posted: 08/20/2009 5:47 a.m.

Northwest Arkansas was overwhelmed Wednesday night by the top-hitting team in the Texas League.

Lottery picks spot for money

posted: 08/20/2009 5:46 a.m.

The Arkansas Lottery Commission on Wednesday signaled its intent to award its banking contract to Little Rock-based Bank of the Ozarks, which was the only bidding bank to propose charging the lottery no monthly fee.

COMMENTARY: Favre was for, not against, quitting first

posted: 08/20/2009 5:46 a.m.

It's worth remembering one more time that Brett Favre was for retirement before he was against it.

State briefs

posted: 08/20/2009 5:45 a.m.

BASKETBALL Sooners on UA women's schedule twice The Arkansas Razorbacks women's team released its nonconference schedule Wednesday, and it features a home-and-home series with Oklahoma and an appearance in the Duel in the Desert.

High school football report report

posted: 08/20/2009 5:43 a.m.

Har-Ber is coping with grind High school coaches are trying to keep their players focused three weeks into fall camp.

Arkansas Football: A new kicker's mentality

posted: 08/20/2009 5:40 a.m.

Alex Tejada wants to find a happy place mentally, forget about past performances and just kick the ball through the uprights this season.

SEC restricting real-time access

posted: 08/20/2009 5:38 a.m.

Camera phones, hand-held video cameras and text-messaging services like Twitter have turned sports fans with Web sites into instant reporters and broadcasters, but now one of America's leading college leagues is drawing a line in the turf.

New Razorbacks coach wants soccer team to stay on attack

posted: 08/20/2009 5:37 a.m.

Arkansas will have a whole new soccer mind-set when it opens the season against Michigan on Friday.

At some lots clunkers out till cash is in

posted: 08/20/2009 5:36 a.m.

The federal government is so far behind in reimbursing auto dealers in the "cash for clunkers" program that some dealers are quitting the plan.

Metropolitan's parent gets sanctioned by Fed

posted: 08/20/2009 5:34 a.m.

The Federal Reserve has sanctioned the parent company of Metropolitan National Bank of Little Rock, a move that was expected after another federal agency penalized the bank last year.

Loss big, so pension fund taps governments for more

posted: 08/20/2009 5:34 a.m.

The value of the investments of the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System plummeted about $1.3 billion last fiscal year amid a recession and a stock market downturn, the system's investment consultant reported Wednesday.

Rogers homebuilder is fined $513,740

posted: 08/20/2009 5:31 a.m.

A penalty of more than $500,000 assessed against Cooper Land Development Inc. is the largest of its kind in Arkansas and part of a national crackdown on storm-water containment violations in the home construction industry and other construction related businesses, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

UBS agrees to turn over to IRS names on 4,450 accounts

posted: 08/20/2009 5:27 a.m.

Swiss banking giant UBS AG agreed Wednesday to turn over to the IRS the details of 4,450 accounts suspected of holding undeclared assets by American customers, piercing Switzerland's longstanding tradition of banking secrecy.

Fort Smith's economy grade slips to D minus

posted: 08/20/2009 5:26 a.m.

Fort Smith's regional economy is showing signs of bottoming out, according to a secondquarter, regional economic report called The Compass.

GM unit in South Korea debuts gas-stingy minicar

posted: 08/20/2009 5:20 a.m.

General Motors Corp.'s South Korean unit introduced the Spark minicar Wednesday, the first step in a 150-plus country rollout, as the automaker seeks a revival by focusing more on small vehicles and Asian operations.

Gas bids sparse at offshore-lease auction

posted: 08/20/2009 5:14 a.m.

A glut of natural gas, a recession and an uncertain economic picture led to a largely quiet auction for government offshore leases Wednesday.

Inventory dip raises oil prices

posted: 08/20/2009 5:12 a.m.

Oil prices spiked Wednesday after the government reported a huge draw of crude oil from U.S. stockpiles.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/20/2009 5:06 a.m.

Aircraft firm details cuts in job benefits Hawker Beechcraft on Wednesday specified the cuts it will make to benefits for nonunion workers.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/20/2009 5:02 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I believe this agreement gives us what we wanted - access to information about those UBS account holders most likely to have been involved in offshore tax evasion."

MARKET REPORT: Drop in oil stockpiles buoys stocks

posted: 08/20/2009 5:01 a.m.

The stock market extended a streak of erratic trading Wednesday, rebounding from early losses and rising moderately after a drop in oil inventories lifted hopes for an economic recovery.

LIKE IT IS 8-5 is within reach, yet fans grasp for more

posted: 08/20/2009 4:59 a.m.

As usual, enthusiasm and optimism could reach epidemic proportions before the Arkansas Razorbacks open SEC play Sept. 19 against Georgia.

Rebsamen closes to revamp greens

posted: 08/20/2009 4:54 a.m.

Little Rock's Rebsamen Park Golf Course is getting a makeover.

Off the wire

posted: 08/20/2009 4:38 a.m.

FOOTBALL Venus, Serena join Dolphins Tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams have found a new sport: pro football. Serena, who has won 11 Grand Slam titles, and Venus, who has won seven, will become the latest celebrities to own a stake in the Miami Dolphins, a person familiar with the deal said Wednesday.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/20/2009 4:37 a.m.

Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson had the gas to get to the White House on Wednesday, where President Barack Obama honored the 2008 winner as well as auto racing.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Phillies' Lee strikes out career-high 11 in two-hitter

posted: 08/20/2009 4:34 a.m.

Cliff Lee keeps finding ways to outdo his previous performance.

Razorbacks Report

posted: 08/20/2009 4:30 a.m.

Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett is known for having a powerful right arm, but when preseason practice opened two weeks ago he often was misfiring his passes.

AROUND THE STATE ASU stays afloat, wraps up 2-a-days

posted: 08/20/2009 4:29 a.m.

Arkansas State Coach Steve Roberts had a surprise for his players Wednesday morning, letting the team skip its final morning session of two-a-days to go swimming at the Jonesboro Country Club.

SEC ROUNDUP

posted: 08/20/2009 4:27 a.m.

Steve Stone, Vanderbilt's starting defensive end from Conway, will miss at least six weeks because of a broken right foot.

Judge tosses weapons-disposal suit

posted: 08/20/2009 4:20 a.m.

The U.S. Army on Wednesday emerged the winner in facing a court challenge to its plan to incinerate chemical weapons at storage sites around the country, including Arkansas, over objections from an advocacy group that says the practice releases toxic pollution.

Health compromise jelling, senator says

posted: 08/20/2009 4:19 a.m.

A key Democratic committee chairman involved in talks on a compromise health-care plan said Wednesday that they are on track to reach agreement.

History-altering picnic

posted: 08/20/2009 4:18 a.m.

It was a picnic that changed the course of history.

Coloradans face prospect of falling minimum wage

posted: 08/20/2009 4:14 a.m.

Colorado's lowest-paid workers could make even less money next year. That's because the state has an adjustable minimum wage that may become the first in the nation to drop slightly along with the cost of living.

In records, Cho not a ticking bomb

posted: 08/20/2009 4:11 a.m.

Recently discovered mental-health records released Wednesday contain no obvious indications that the Virginia Tech gunman was a year and a half away from committing the worst mass shootings in modern U.S. history.

Ransom sought for ship, Russia insists

posted: 08/20/2009 3:59 a.m.

A Russian Defense Ministry official insisted Wednesday that the hijackers of the Arctic Sea had demanded a ransom and threatened to blow up the Russian-crewed freighter if their demands were not met, state news agencies reported.

In the news

posted: 08/20/2009 3:41 a.m.

Tom Barrett, 55, the Milwaukee mayor, who suffered a shattered hand and got two of his teeth knocked out by a thief as he tried to help a woman and her 1-year-old granddaughter, said from his front yard, "We're on the mend, everything's heading in the right direction, and I just wanted to let you know I'm still standing."

The nation in brief

posted: 08/20/2009 3:40 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I'm just scratching by now." Raul Ramirez, 42, of Denver, as Colorado's lowest-paid workers face the prospect of making even less money next year.

The world in brief

posted: 08/20/2009 3:32 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Hungarians gave wings to the East Germans' desire for freedom." German Chancellor Angela Merkel, marking the 20th anniversary of the "Pan-European Picnic" Article, 1A 2 arrested dumping sewage in sea cave ROME - Police say they have arrested two people for dumping raw cesspool sewage into the waters of Capri's Blue Grotto.

Names and faces

posted: 08/20/2009 3:31 a.m.

President Barack Obama will appear in a back-to-school television special with singer Kelly Clarkson and basketball star LeBron James next month.

Other days

posted: 08/20/2009 3:24 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 20, 1909 A deficit in the general revenue fund of the state treasury by November is expected by Governor Donaghey and others who are worried over the outlook for the finances of the state for the next year. It is believed by the governor that the general revenue fund will be entirely depleted by November.

EDITORIALS Power corrupts

posted: 08/20/2009 3:22 a.m.

'This whole thing just stinks to high heaven.''-U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf speaking of the Obama administration's dropping charges of voter intimidation against the Black Panthers.

The atheist fundamentalists

posted: 08/20/2009 3:21 a.m.

And how did you spend your summer? Having more fun, I hope, than the English kids marched off to Camp Quest, a five-day atheist camp supported in part by Oxford scientist Richard Dawkins. The idea, Dawkins said, is "to encourage children to think for themselves." Yes, well, as long as they don't think well of religion, tykes are welcome to join his herd of independent minds.

COLUMNISTS Whose medical decisions?

posted: 08/20/2009 3:21 a.m.

There was a time when rushing a thousand-page bill through Congress so fast that no one has time to read it would have provoked public outrage. But now this has been attempted twice in the first six months of a new administration.

Confidence issue

posted: 08/20/2009 3:15 a.m.

As a beginning rider, I once asked a race horse trainer for advice about my quarter horse, Rusty. When he'd freak out over, say, a windblown plastic bag, was he really afraid? The trainer said the horse was simply testing me and needed very firm handling.

LETTERS

posted: 08/20/2009 3:15 a.m.

Is it the economy or is it us?

Wednesday, August 19

Man sues Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital

posted: 08/19/2009 8:34 a.m.

A man who took part in a sleep study at Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital is suing the hospital for malpractice.

Chamber draws attention, appreciation to local farmers

posted: 08/19/2009 8:03 a.m.

The life of a farmer and the business industries he or she helps keep alive are sometimes underappreciated on a daily basis. Tuesday, however, that all changed for a few hours thanks to the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.

Library releases names of three director finalists

posted: 08/19/2009 8:02 a.m.

The names of the three remaining candidates for executive director of the Fayetteville Public Library were released Tuesday, and one is the library's own.

WEST FORK PUBLIC SCHOOLS : District looks to drop stimulus dollars on tech

posted: 08/19/2009 8:02 a.m.

Federal stimulus dollars will be used to make a variety of purchases at the West Fork School District this year.

Man who stole generator gets eight-year prison sentence

posted: 08/19/2009 8:01 a.m.

A west Washington County man who admitted to stealing a generator used to keep 911 calls working during ice storm in January had hoped a jury on Tuesday would recommend probation.

Area residents arrested in stolen-cigarettes case

posted: 08/19/2009 8 a.m.

Two Benton County residents were arrested Monday on felony charges of selling stolen cigarettes.

Lincoln scheduled to hold 3 town-hall meetings in state

posted: 08/19/2009 7:58 a.m.

Sen. Blanche Lincoln will hold three town-hall meetings in September, her office said Tuesday.

Building partnerships : New program provides business and education mentors, tutors for children

posted: 08/19/2009 7:56 a.m.

The saying goes that time is money, but for a young student, time can be even more valuable than money.

Rogers School Board reviews policies

posted: 08/19/2009 7:55 a.m.

The evening before the first day of school in Rogers, the school board spent its regular meeting on a project started over the summer: a review of school policies. This year, there are no schools opening, moving or undergoing major renovations in the district. Teachers finished four days of professional development and are ready for opening day, according to Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Curriculum Virginia Abernathy and Executive Director for Secondary Curriculum Phil Eickstaedt.

RHS principal excited about new role

posted: 08/19/2009 7:54 a.m.

For the new principal at Rogers High School, this is not the first time he's been in charge of a school. But at the high school in Augusta, where Robert Moore was principal for nine years, there were only about 275 students; RHS has a student population of approximately 2,000.

Law enforcement prepares to get message out

posted: 08/19/2009 7:53 a.m.

Local law-enforcement officers will join with thousands of others across the country to take part in a national effort to crack down on drunk drivers.

Morning standoff ends in arrest

posted: 08/19/2009 7:52 a.m.

A gunshot got the attention of two Bella Vista police officers when they answered a call early Tuesday morning about a man with a weapon who was threatening suicide.

Two accused of possessing untaxed tobacco

posted: 08/19/2009 7:51 a.m.

Two Benton County residents were arrested Monday on suspicion of possessing untaxed tobacco.

Benton County Conservation District

posted: 08/19/2009 7:50 a.m.

The district's regular meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Sept. 3 at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center in Bentonville.

Springdale woman pleads not guilty to rape

posted: 08/19/2009 7:49 a.m.

A Springdale woman pleaded not guilty Monday to a criminal charge accusing her of raping a 14-year-old boy.

This instead of that : The Bentonville Planning Commission approved a "fee in lieu of" plan with the developer of The Links at Rainbow Curve to help extend Southwest 28th Street.

posted: 08/19/2009 7:48 a.m.

The original concept for The Links at Rainbow Curve, a 79-acre luxury apartment and ninehole golf course project along the north side of Arkansas Highway 12 here, surfaced more than two years ago. The golf course component was actually constructed more than a year ago but had been waiting for the apartments ever since.

Between the lines : Rogers staff pushes shrinkage of planning boundaries

posted: 08/19/2009 7:47 a.m.

The city's planning boundaries are a matter of semantics at this point. The city's borders aren't changing, and neither is the five-mile limit in which Rogers can extend its authority on planning matters.

Soccer club plans indoor field in Lowell

posted: 08/19/2009 7:45 a.m.

There are younger teams and one older, but Nelson Medina calls his U-11 girls soccer team the flagship of Vengeance Futebol, the two-month-old club in Lowell.

Avalon and Selah in concert Oct. 8

posted: 08/19/2009 7:44 a.m.

World Vision will present Avalon and Selah in concert at 6 p.m. Oct. 8 at the First Baptist Church, 200 S.W. A St. in Bentonville.

POA collecting school supplies

posted: 08/19/2009 7:42 a.m.

The Bella Vista Property Owners Association is helping The Weekly Vista newspaper collect supplies for students of Cooper Elementary School, a POA news release states.

Bella Vista Men's Chorus in concert

posted: 08/19/2009 7:42 a.m.

The Bella Vista Men's Chorus will present its fall concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 5 and at 3 p.m. Sept. 6 at Central United Methodist Church, 26th Street and New Hope Road in Rogers. The program is titled "The Best of the Bella Vista Men's Chorus" and "The Old-Time Religion." The program will feature Don Wright directing, Marilyn Lee as accompanist and Jack Mitchell on drums. Tickets are $10 and are available by calling Bob Rainesat876-1017 oratanyBella Vista Arvest bank or at Arvest on the Square in Bentonville.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/19/2009 7:40 a.m.

Obituaries for August 19, 2009.

POLICE REPORTS

posted: 08/19/2009 7:37 a.m.

Police reports for Benton County for August 19, 2009.

Library fundraiser will be Sept. 19

posted: 08/19/2009 7:35 a.m.

The Bella Vista Library's fundraiser - a golf and tennis tournament with a silent auction - will be held Sept. 19. All proceeds will go to the library. On the golf side, sign-ins and a continental breakfast at the Berksdale Golf Course will be at 7 a.m., with a two-person scramble shotgun start at 8 a.m. The registration fee for a golfer with a personal or lease cart is $50; to rent a cart, registration is $60.

County Democrats enjoy rally results

posted: 08/19/2009 7:34 a.m.

Even if a misunderstanding contributed to the results, county Democrats' summer rally Saturday attracted more people than expected and allowed the county party to reap unexpected fundraising benefits.

Community service as well as politics

posted: 08/19/2009 7:32 a.m.

Benton County Democrats' summer rally Saturday wasn't just about politics. By design, like many other activities of the county party, the rally included community service, county Democratic Party Chairman Leroy Roberts said Monday. The annual rally fundraiser was held Saturday at Blowing Springs Park in Bella Vista.

'Public option' in health-care reform may not be dead

posted: 08/19/2009 7:30 a.m.

Opponents of current federal health-care legislation being considered in Congress should not take it for a certainty that the so-called "public option" in the plan is dead, said state Sen. Cecile Bledsoe, R-Rogers.

Scholarship Fund helped turn woman's life around

posted: 08/19/2009 7:28 a.m.

Xue Lee, a Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County recipient, described her good fortune that the organization helped her pursue her dream of education in her adopted country. She was a speaker at Tuesday's meeting of the Benton County Republican Women in Bentonville. SPSF/BC is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary. "Do you believe in miracles? Well, I do. It is an amazing miracle, standing here today, alive and well," Lee said.

OUR VIEW : Lost and found

posted: 08/19/2009 7:26 a.m.

The news would have come as a shock - if we hadn't heard it before, that is.

LETTERS

posted: 08/19/2009 7:25 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Benton County for August 19, 2009.

Pica Pole : Don't be fooled by Mars hoax

posted: 08/19/2009 7:22 a.m.

Until the end of my time on Earth, I'll face the same question each August. The question is known in astronomy circles as The Great Mars Hoax.

OTHER OPINIONS : Kudos to APA for stand vs. 'converting' gays

posted: 08/19/2009 7:21 a.m.

There's nothing like a dry research paper to help clear up the sexiest and most controversial of topics.

Quick Hits

posted: 08/19/2009 7:19 a.m.

Editor's Note: During the next several days, The Daily Record will take a look at the football teams outside of Benton County in the 7A-West, 5AWest and 1-4 A Conferences.

Harrelson seeing progress

posted: 08/19/2009 7:18 a.m.

In the third week of preseason football practice here, there are still close to 50 players reporting for the Gravette Lions.

Pioneers glad to welcome back top receiver

posted: 08/19/2009 7:16 a.m.

Even though he was gone for a semester, it's almost like Robert Henderson never left. Henderson was Gentry's top wide receiver as a junior in 2008, catching 35 passes for 576 yards and three touchdowns. After the season, though, Henderson moved to Rogers Heritage, where he joined the wrestling team and the War Eagles' offseason football program.

JBU unveils new logo

posted: 08/19/2009 7:14 a.m.

A new logo for John Brown University announced Monday combines imagery depicting JBU's heritage with a contemporary design reflecting the university's status as a top-tier educational institution, said Jim Krall, vice president for advancement at JBU.

JBU professor wins $75,000 grant

posted: 08/19/2009 7:12 a.m.

John Brown University assistant physics professor Dr. Daniel Main has been awarded a National Science Foundation grant for his upcoming study of the structure of the northern and southern lights (aurora borealis and aurora australis).

Bank sues Bayarri over Mansfield property sale

posted: 08/19/2009 7:11 a.m.

The bank is not claiming that Bayarri is past due on any debt, and it is not seeking to recover any funds from him. Instead, the bank claims the purchase of property by Bayarri's living trust is subject to foreclosure because the liens were not fully satisfied.

Artists sought for Benton County Fair

posted: 08/19/2009 7:10 a.m.

The Fine Arts Department of the Benton County Fair will accept artwork from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 14 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 15. Judging will be held Sept. 16.

McGarrah to perform at Frisco Festival

posted: 08/19/2009 7:09 a.m.

Phil McGarrah and Runnin' On Empty will perform at the Frisco Festival in Rogers from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29.

Siloam Springs subdivisions slowly take shape

posted: 08/19/2009 7:08 a.m.

Vacancy isn't an issue when it comes to residential lots here. More than 100 vacant lots remain in platted subdivisions, especially in north Siloam Springs.

County saves money on new lease

posted: 08/19/2009 7:06 a.m.

The Benton County assessor will move the appraisal office from 110 W. Central Ave. to 306 N.E. Blake St. on Dec. 31.

Seligman truck and tractor pull

posted: 08/19/2009 7:05 a.m.

The Seligman (Mo.) Chamber of Commerce will have its first truck and tractor pull starting at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Cole in concert Sept. 11

posted: 08/19/2009 7:04 a.m.

Deborah Lynn Cole, soprano, with Linda Beckman on piano, will be in concert at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Bella Vista First United Methodist Church.

Volunteer training for Horses for Healing

posted: 08/19/2009 7:03 a.m.

Horses for Healing needs volunteers. Duties include sidewalking with the children while they ride; classroom volunteers for horse-related arts-and-craft projects; and stable management volunteers.

'Major destination event

posted: 08/19/2009 7:02 a.m.

Several months ago, the Bentonville Convention and Visitors Bureau put out its feelers for a new annual event that would not only draw big but would showcase the community. That's when Dean Reinke, president of Orlandobased Reinke Sports Group, entered the picture.

Candidate sets town-hall meeting

posted: 08/19/2009 7:01 a.m.

Candidate Bernie Skoch, a retired Air Force brigadier general, has set a town-hallstyle meeting for Saturday in Springdale.

Ride for the Red on Sept. 12

posted: 08/19/2009 6:59 a.m.

On Sept. 12, the American Red Cross will host Ride for the Red, a poker run, at Pig Trail Harley Davidson in Rogers. Participants will ride to Eureka Springs and back with a DJ, lunch, raffle and 50/50 drawing.

Assisted living facility to hold event

posted: 08/19/2009 6:58 a.m.

The Gardens at Osage Terrace Assisted Living Facility, the first of its kind in the state, will recognize National Assisted Living Week Sept. 13-19.

Tour de Cure coming Oct. 3

posted: 08/19/2009 6:57 a.m.

The American Diabetes Association will host its sixth annual Northwest Arkansas Tour de Cure at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale on Oct. 3.

County fair under construction

posted: 08/19/2009 6:56 a.m.

The Benton County Fair Board is working to make sure this year's fair is a memorable one.

Volunteers needed for festival planning

posted: 08/19/2009 6:55 a.m.

The Bella Vista Property Owners Association is partnering with the Bella Vista Arts and Crafts Festival this year, a POA news release states.

Seligman Chamber train ride

posted: 08/19/2009 6:54 a.m.

The Seligman (Mo.) Chamber of Commerce train ride to Van Buren will be Oct. 10.

Fire chief retiring: Announcement comes weeks after firing of two employees

posted: 08/19/2009 6:52 a.m.

Fayetteville Fire Chief Tony Johnson announced plans to retire during a meeting of the Fayetteville City Council on Tuesday.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/19/2009 6:42 a.m.

Events in Washington County for Aug. 19, 2009.

Half marathon to land in Benton County

posted: 08/19/2009 6:40 a.m.

Several months ago, the Bentonville Convention and Visitors Bureau put out its feelers for a new annual event that would not only draw big but would showcase the community. That's when Dean Reinke, president of Orlando-based Reinke Sports Group, entered the picture.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/19/2009 6:39 a.m.

Obituaries & Death Notices for Aug. 19, 2009.

Arkansas, Missouri leaders focus on Bella Vista bypass

posted: 08/19/2009 6:36 a.m.

History will be made on Thursday. For the first time, the Arkansas State Highway Commission and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission will sit down in the same room. And that collaboration is a big reason Northwest Arkansas ASHC Representative Dick Trammell and others believe the stars have aligned to get the long-awaited Bella Vista bypass done this time around.

Former Har-Ber coach's rape trial reset again

posted: 08/19/2009 6:35 a.m.

The trial of a former Springdale Har-Ber High School coach charged with the rape and sexual assault of two boys has been reset from Tuesday until Sept. 1.

Sheriff's Office makes first arrest from Web site tip

posted: 08/19/2009 6:34 a.m.

A new feature on the Washington County Sheriff's Office Web site - www.co.washington.ar.us/sheriff - led to the arrest of Seng Vorady, 47, of Springdale, who was wanted for nonsupport.

Court Brief

posted: 08/19/2009 6:32 a.m.

Court brief for Washington County for August 19, 2009.

Owl Creek adds second assistant principal

posted: 08/19/2009 6:30 a.m.

The Fayetteville School District is adding a second assistant principal to the Owl Creek School staff for the 2009-2010 year.

Times Editorial : Weighing chance

posted: 08/19/2009 6:29 a.m.

It seems when Ernie Passailaigue speaks to any group of Arkansans about his new job, he's missing an opportunity if he doesn't use all the tools available to him to promote the Arkansas Lottery he's been hired to operate.

TABLE FOR ONE : Are you ready?

posted: 08/19/2009 6:28 a.m.

I can hear the thump-thump of big drums from the Razorback band this morning from my bedroom. They're getting ready for the upcoming football season. Finally! Football is here. When I hear the rattle of the huge drum section on the practice field I can only smile, turn the pillow and wait.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/19/2009 6:26 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Washington County for August 19, 2009.

Arrest Reports

posted: 08/19/2009 6:24 a.m.

Arrest reports for Washington County for Aug. 19, 2009.

Owl Creek principal wins 1,000 tickets to WAC performance

posted: 08/19/2009 6:23 a.m.

New Owl Creek School Principal Kristen Scanlon will start the school year off with something most new principals do not have.

RazALERT informs campus of emergency situations

posted: 08/19/2009 6:22 a.m.

A single, integrated system now provides University of Arkansas students, faculty and staff with all the emergency information they need, both immediate and long-term.

Group to kick off meth awareness month in Agri Park

posted: 08/19/2009 6:19 a.m.

Project Right Choice members have secured the University of Arkansas' Agri Park to host the methamphetamine awareness month kickoff, which takes place in October.

MY POINT EXACTLY : FHS must fix turnover quandary

posted: 08/19/2009 6:18 a.m.

Dead last. That's where Fayetteville finished the 2008 season in the 7A- West turnover margin. Saying a team needs to limit its turnovers to have a successful season is almost as smart an assessment as saying the team that scores the most points is going to win. Well, duh.

UA FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK : Razorbacks showing confidence in sophomore Gatson

posted: 08/19/2009 6:15 a.m.

When Isaac Madison went down with a season-ending injury Saturday, his teammates didn't need their coaches to tell them to step up.

West Fork works to build on success of last year

posted: 08/19/2009 6:13 a.m.

A school record 11 wins and a trip to the semifinals of the 2006 state playoffs ushered in a golden anniversary for West Fork football.

UA volleyball team facing 'a good test' in 2009 season

posted: 08/19/2009 6:11 a.m.

The University of Arkansas ' 2009 volleyball schedule features a strong Southeastern Conference lineup and four NCAA Tournament participants from a year ago.

Tiger Pride expands to full day of activity

posted: 08/19/2009 6:05 a.m.

The original intention for this year's Tiger Pride was to have almost a carnival-like atmosphere at Tiger Stadium.

State trails nation on ACT score

posted: 08/19/2009 6 a.m.

A record number of Arkansas high school graduates in 2009 took a college preparatory curriculum, but the class earned an average ACT college entrance test score of 20.6 that remained unchanged from 2008 and below the national average.

Judge retains block of state asking millions

posted: 08/19/2009 5:54 a.m.

A federal judge stuck to his guns Tuesday and blocked Oklahoma from pursuing $611 million to pay for natural resource damages that the state attorney general says is caused by poultry companies.

Positioning for bypass

posted: 08/19/2009 5:53 a.m.

History will be made on Thursday. For the first time, members of the Arkansas State Highway Commission and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission will sit down in the same room. And that collaboration is a big reason northwest Arkansas ASHC representative Dick Trammell and others believe the stars have aligned to get the long-awaited Bella Vista bypass done this time around.

Innocent, physician in guns case says

posted: 08/19/2009 5:49 a.m.

Randeep Mann, a Pope County physician who has been identified as the "prime suspect" in a February bombing that severely injured the chairman of the state Medical Board, pleaded innocent Tuesday to a new six-count federal indictment handed up Aug. 6.

Inmate labor helps food banks survive as state aid dwindles

posted: 08/19/2009 5:46 a.m.

The nation's food banks are turning to prison inmates for free labor to help feed the hungry as the banks struggle to meet demand in hard times.

Former S. Korea leader dies, sought accord with North

posted: 08/19/2009 5:42 a.m.

Former South Korean president Kim Dae-jung, winner of the Nobel Prize, has died.

Mubarak in U.S.; Obama sees shot at Mideast peace

posted: 08/19/2009 5:41 a.m.

President Barack Obama won praise from his Egyptian counterpart Tuesday and spoke of an "extraordinary opportunity" for making peace in the Middle East, saying he was encouraged by U.S. efforts to restart talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

Knew where ship was all along, officials say

posted: 08/19/2009 5:36 a.m.

For more than two weeks, the freighter Arctic Sea seemed to have vanished in the Atlantic Ocean's vastness, but officials said Tuesday that they knew where it was all along and were staying mum to ensure a bloodless end to a dangerous hijacking drama.

Snyder: Not wed to public option

posted: 08/19/2009 5:35 a.m.

The presence or absence of a government-run insurance option in proposed health-care legislation is not a personal "deal breaker," U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder told a crowd of more than 1,100 people Tuesday at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.

Husband's N. Korea trip 'helpful,' Clinton states

posted: 08/19/2009 5:30 a.m.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Tuesday that information her husband brought back from North Korea has been "extremely helpful" by providing a window into what's happening in the reclusive country.

Prosecutor Dalrymple decides against re-election bid

posted: 08/19/2009 5:17 a.m.

In the lobby of Prosecuting Attorney Stevan Dalrymple's office hang 24 portraits and photos of former district prosecutors dating back to Ambrose Sevier, who served from 1824-1825.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/19/2009 5:13 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/19/2009 5:11 a.m.

Conservation funds in store for region A formal announcement of $30 million in federal, state and private funds to benefit the Illinois River watershed will be made next week by Gov. Mike Beebe.

Drunken drivers target of Labor Day crackdown

posted: 08/19/2009 5:08 a.m.

Law enforcement agencies all over Arkansas will hunt for intoxicated drivers during special missions beginning Friday and continuing until Sept. 7.

Attacks shake Kabul 2 days before elections

posted: 08/19/2009 5:05 a.m.

Insurgents struck the Afghan capital two days before national elections, firing rockets or mortar shells at the presidential palace and unleashing a suicide car bomber on a NATO convoy.

NOTEWORTHY DEATH

posted: 08/19/2009 5:05 a.m.

Longtime political columnist Novak dies Political columnist Robert Novak, a die-hard conservative, aggressive debater and proud owner of the "Prince of Darkness" moniker, died Tuesday after battling brain cancer that was diagnosed in July 2008. He was 78.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/19/2009 5:02 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "When you compare the worth of the beauty of the Illinois River, it's priceless." Kurt Robinson, president of Save the Illinois River group, on Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson's lawsuit against poultry companies.

Man charged with additional slayings

posted: 08/19/2009 5:02 a.m.

An Oklahoma City man already facing a first-degree murder charge in a suspected gang-related killing has been charged with two more slayings on the city's south side in 2006.

Razorbacks Football: Freeman goes to front

posted: 08/19/2009 4:58 a.m.

Ray Dominguez wants to get back to his starting job at offensive tackle for the Arkansas Razorbacks as passionately as Coach Bobby Petrino wants to win.

Organization plans fundraiser Aug. 29

posted: 08/19/2009 4:58 a.m.

The Northwest Arkansas Great Strides Event, a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, will be 10 a.m. Aug. 29 at Bentonville Plaza.

Earning his keep : Franklin returns to first team after shaky early practice, demotion

posted: 08/19/2009 4:57 a.m.

Even leaders have to follow. This is especially true if you are supposed to be among the leaders of a Bobby-Petrino-coached football team. Jerry Franklin learned that the hard way.

Lineman finds fit with UA

posted: 08/19/2009 4:57 a.m.

The latest in a series profiling new additions to the Arkansas Razorbacks football team for 2009.

NFL notes

posted: 08/19/2009 4:56 a.m.

NFL Safety suspended The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will open the season without safety Tanard Jackson, who apologized Tuesday for his four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substances of abuse policy.

Gerber's $900,000 to settle bias suit

posted: 08/19/2009 4:56 a.m.

Gerber Products Co. in Fort Smith, a division of Swiss-owned Nestle SA, agreed to pay $900,000 to about 2,000 rejected minority-group and female job applicants from 2005 as part of a hiring discrimination settlement.

High school report

posted: 08/19/2009 4:54 a.m.

Grizzlies short on linemen With only 55 players on its varsity roster, Fort Smith Northside will need some players to contribute on both sides of the ball this season.

Target, Home Depot post profits dip

posted: 08/19/2009 4:53 a.m.

Target Corp. and Home Depot Inc. on Tuesday posted lower profits that still topped Wall Street expectations, but economic worries are likely to keep shoppers tightfisted in the months ahead, executives predicted.

ASU defense tough in rain

posted: 08/19/2009 4:52 a.m.

Arkansas State finished strong Tuesday in the drizzling rain after a slow start to practice.

7 kids, 4 days

posted: 08/19/2009 4:50 a.m.

On a recent afternoon at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center, on the banks of the diamond-shaped lake that contributes to the camp's serenity, a few boys kicked around a soccer ball as they yelped and taunted in carefree voices that bounced around the greenery. Nearby, a lawnmower roared.

Grape expectations

posted: 08/19/2009 4:47 a.m.

For some chefs, especially those in California's grape-growing region, the season means inspiration: a tart filled with Bavarian cream and grapes, or a grilled cheese with caramelized shallots and raisins.

LIKE IT IS: Touchdown Club keeps getting bigger, better

posted: 08/19/2009 4:45 a.m.

When David Bazzel was a linebacker for the University of Arkansas, he was known for his hard hitting and anticipation.

Watermelon salad blends sweet, tart

posted: 08/19/2009 4:43 a.m.

When it's too hot to cook an entire meal - or you don't have the urge - opt for something that takes just a little time to prepare and only a few seconds to heat.

Fried green tomatoes, BLT a great combo

posted: 08/19/2009 4:42 a.m.

This recipe combines the best of a BLT with the crunchy, oily goodness of fried green tomatoes. When frying green tomatoes, you're aiming for a light crunchy breading, not deep fried.

What retirement? Favre back again

posted: 08/19/2009 4:41 a.m.

Brett Favre un-retired again and will be wearing purple this time.

CIT Group posts loss of $1.68 billion, says its survival uncertain

posted: 08/19/2009 4:41 a.m.

Commercial lender CIT Group Inc. said Monday in a regulatory filing that it lost $1.68 billion in the second quarter, and again warned it might have to file for bankruptcy protection if it fails to restructure its business.

COMMENTARY Bolt devours bananas; cynics smell juice

posted: 08/19/2009 4:40 a.m.

The news keeps getting worse for anyone who lists their occupation as "world-class sprinter." It's a lonely profession, like going to an office filled with cramped cubicles, while the boss smokes Coronas in the penthouse suite and orders Dom Perignon for lunch.

Strasburg signs for rookie record

posted: 08/19/2009 4:40 a.m.

Stephen Strasburg set a standard even before setting foot on a professional baseball field.

Off the wire

posted: 08/19/2009 4:39 a.m.

TENNIS Venus Williams loses Venus Williams' tuneup for the U.S. Open hit a surprising roadblock Tuesday with a 1-6, 7-5, 6-4 loss to Ukraine's Kateryna Bondarenko in the second round of the Rogers Cup in Toronto. Williams, seeded third, lost to an opponent ranked No. 64.

GM output up as 'clunkers' spurs sales

posted: 08/19/2009 4:39 a.m.

Higher sales, in part from the government's Cash for Clunkers program, are spurring General Motors Co. to increase production at several of its factories.

Single-family home building up again

posted: 08/19/2009 4:38 a.m.

Construction of single-family homes rose 1.7 percent in July, the fifth straight monthly increase as builders poured foundations at the fastest pace since last October, the Commerce Department said Tuesday.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/19/2009 4:38 a.m.

NY attitude comes easily to Jets coach New York Jets Coach Rex Ryan might have ramped up the rivalry with the New England Patriots by saying he's "not intimidated" by Coach Bill Belichick.

State sports briefs

posted: 08/19/2009 4:37 a.m.

FOOTBALL Wright, Adams All-Americans Arkansas Tech senior center Torrence Wright and Harding senior receiver Kurt Adams have been named D2Football.com All-Americans.

Pulte Homes acquires Centex

posted: 08/19/2009 4:37 a.m.

Pulte Homes Inc. completed its $1.3 billion purchase of Centex Corp. on Tuesday, creating the biggest U.S. homebuilder amid signs the worst housing slump since the Great Depression may be nearing a bottom.

AMERICAN LEAGUE Angels' Bell solid in taking 1st major league victory

posted: 08/19/2009 4:37 a.m.

Trevor Bell got his first major league victory in his second career start, helping the Los Angeles Angels beat the Cleveland Indians 5-4 Tuesday night for their fourth consecutive victory.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/19/2009 4:36 a.m.

It's not the way Arkansas cornerback Greg Gatson wanted to get a starting job.

SEC notes

posted: 08/19/2009 4:33 a.m.

Tennessee Coach Lane Kiffin says the NCAA is investigating an eligibility problem involving freshman tailback Bryce Brown. At issue is Brown's amateur status as a high school athlete, a person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/19/2009 4:29 a.m.

Wal-Mart expanding delivery of medicines Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is expanding a free mail-delivery program for 90-day supplies of about 300 generic prescription drugs after a successful pilot program in Michigan, the company said Tuesday.

AROUND THE STATE Bears find motivation in predictions

posted: 08/19/2009 4:29 a.m.

For better or worse, the Central Arkansas Bears have built their reputation on throwing the football.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/19/2009 4:28 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "It's the general trend that matters, and with housing, the direction is up." Joel Naroff, president of Naroff Economic Advisors, in a note to investors.

Banks won't make lottery payouts

posted: 08/19/2009 4:28 a.m.

The Arkansas Lottery Commission's experimental plan to get banks to be the lottery's prize centers in three regions in the state fell flat - no bank submitted a bid by the deadline Tuesday.

MARKET REPORT: Stocks rebound on better retail data

posted: 08/19/2009 4:27 a.m.

Some better than-expected retail earnings reports and the latest reading on housing Tuesday drew investors back into the stock market after Monday's big sell-off.

State has new plan to wean 3 districts

posted: 08/19/2009 4:27 a.m.

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel issued another settlement offer Tuesday in a quest to end the long-running desegregation payments to the Pulaski County school districts.

HEART & SOUL: A picture not taken has story to tell, too

posted: 08/19/2009 4:25 a.m.

Last week, all hands were on deck. For the first time this summer, my two kids were home and so was Hanna, who has called our house home for the past three years.

Drop in wholesale prices sets record

posted: 08/19/2009 4:24 a.m.

Wholesale prices in the U.S. fell more than forecast in July as energy costs receded, capping the biggest 12-month drop on record.

Getting it straight

posted: 08/19/2009 4:18 a.m.

The Democrat-Gazette wants its news reports to be fair and accurate.

'Pot' growers sought in California wildfire

posted: 08/19/2009 4:16 a.m.

California investigators are looking for up to six marijuana growers suspected of starting a large wildfire north of Santa Barbara with cooking gear.

FORCES OF NURTURE: Pain of having kids transcends delivery

posted: 08/19/2009 4:12 a.m.

So I knew having a baby would be painful. You know, the actual birthing process. That was well covered territory.

Creature feature

posted: 08/19/2009 4:08 a.m.

I bought an anti-flea product for my dog and I figured I could use it on the cat too. But my wife said they need different kinds of flea stuff. Why can't you use one thing on both animals? Although both species are furry and cute, they aren't the same.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/19/2009 4:07 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

BOOKSHELF

posted: 08/19/2009 4:06 a.m.

ABC U Later and 1234 U David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim (Random House Children's Books, $6.99 each, ages 0-4 ) These new board books star the Uglydolls, a zany cast of characters usually incarnated as plush dolls.

In the news

posted: 08/19/2009 4:05 a.m.

Jenny Sanford, first lady of South Carolina, said in a Vogue magazine interview that she feels sorry for her husband's Argentine lover and equates his affair to an addiction but that reconciling with Gov.

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/19/2009 4:04 a.m.

Happy birthday. You handle what was getting in the way of your success.Worrying matters disappear over the next five weeks - you find fantastic solutions and pursue bigger, more important challenges. Your finances perk up with a savvy deal in October. December brings harmony in your family and old grudges get buried. Scorpio and Pisces adore you.

Names and faces

posted: 08/19/2009 4:04 a.m.

Michael Jackson will be buried on what would have been his 51st birthday, a spokesman for the King of Pop's family said Tuesday. Jackson will be buried in a private ceremony at Forest Lawn-Glendale, Calif., on Aug. 29, spokesman Ken Sunshine said in a statement.

The world in brief

posted: 08/19/2009 4:04 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "The whole thing has been sniffy from start to finish." David Osler, a maritime journalist at Lloyd's List in London, on the saga of the missing freighter Arctic Sea Article, 2A

PARENTING: Grandchildren easily turn grandpa into a hypocrite

posted: 08/19/2009 4:02 a.m.

Two of our grandchildren spent the night at our house recently. At some point in the evening, I suddenly realized that an alien had taken over my brain. Either that, or I'd developed late-onset multiple personality disorder.

Choosing euthanasia for pets a difficult farewell for owners

posted: 08/19/2009 4:01 a.m.

When the time came for Gayle Vassar's beloved yellow lab, Tyrone, to die, it was at home, in his special spot, nestled between his two favorite people in the world.

EX-ETIQUETTE

posted: 08/19/2009 3:58 a.m.

Q.My wife and I have separated after 15 years of marriage. We have two daughters, ages 9 and 10. She keeps stressing that she wants an amicable divorce, yet I just can't do that.

Accidents kill 2 on state roads

posted: 08/19/2009 3:56 a.m.

Two people were killed in automobile accidents Monday and Tuesday in Lawrence and Prairie counties, the Arkansas State Police reported.

ON CHRISTIANITY

posted: 08/19/2009 3:54 a.m.

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: When do we stop sinning as Christians? I don't do bad things as often as I used to, but I'm still far from perfect, and as a Christian I find this discouraging. I guess I thought I'd quit doing wrong once I reached a certain level of spiritual maturity, but it hasn't happened. - P.F.

Coroner goes to court on marijuana charge

posted: 08/19/2009 3:53 a.m.

The Independence County coroner pleaded innocent Tuesday to a felony charge accusing him of conspiring with four other people to sell more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana over the past 12 years.

FRONT BURNER: A recipe from scratch meets the need to bake

posted: 08/19/2009 3:51 a.m.

While it doesn't happen very often during the hot summer months, there are days when I need to bake.

TIDBITS

posted: 08/19/2009 3:50 a.m.

STATE FAIR CONTESTS Arkansas State Fair recipe contests are accepting registrations through Oct. 5.

GADGETS & GIZMOS

posted: 08/19/2009 3:49 a.m.

This miniature bundt pan from the Martha Stewart Collection is made of nonstick-coated cast aluminum and features 30 heartstar- and flower-shaped tea cake molds. The pan produces bite-size cakes with fine detail. Handwash only. Limited warranty.

IDEA ALLEY: Pineapple stand-in for still-sought pie

posted: 08/19/2009 3:48 a.m.

Recipes that appear in Idea Alley have not been tested by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

UNCORKED: Wines easy on the palate and wallet

posted: 08/19/2009 3:46 a.m.

You may wonder whether quality wines can be found that cost less than $10 a bottle. They can indeed. Many well-made wines priced in the single digits offer great taste along with great value.

SUPERMARKET SLEUTH: Wanchai Ferry meals adds 5 frozen entrees

posted: 08/19/2009 3:40 a.m.

General Mills markets a line of Chinese dinner kits under the name Wanchai Ferry, and it recently added frozen entrees to the line. The entrees are made to serve two, go from skillet to table in less than 15 minutes, have no MSG, and include ingredients like chicken or shrimp, jasmine rice or lo mein noodles, vegetables and sauce.

Any berry will do swell in this summertime pie

posted: 08/19/2009 3:39 a.m.

Summer brings an abundance of berries that scream out to be turned into pie. But unless you're looking to quash your lazy days mojo, you need a pie recipe that gets you out of the kitchen fast.

Other days

posted: 08/19/2009 3:39 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 19, 1909 PINE BLUFF - Having raised the $100,000 bonus and assured the promoters that they would give free right of way through the city and county, with free terminals and a depot site, the people of Pine Bluff are rejoicing today over the official announcement that their proposition has been accepted by the Arkansas, Louisiana and Gulf Railroad

Slim pickings

posted: 08/19/2009 3:38 a.m.

WHAT: Oroweat Sandwich Thins STATS: Each contains 100 calories and 1 fat gram. We've spotted them at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores.

A day off for the dogs, too?

posted: 08/19/2009 3:37 a.m.

If you get too smart with her, she'd probably give you a really good kick in the shin-not that it'd hurt much anymore. Or maybe she'd just give you a playful swat. But if our very much loved loved one even thought you were making fun of her, you might have to dodge a book or a bookend-or whatever was handy. All in good fun, of course. We think.

COLUMNISTS A look at the record

posted: 08/19/2009 3:37 a.m.

Dear Critic, It was wholly a pleasure to get your letter wanting to know why we didn't run an antilottery editorial before the issue was decided last November. The answer is that we did-a number of them over the years. And their tone was much the same as that of the editorial that you praised in your note.

She's off and running

posted: 08/19/2009 3:36 a.m.

The first time he said it, you weren't sure you had heard what you thought you heard. The second time, there was no doubt. The disembodied announcer voice at Kay Bailey Hutchison's gubernatorial campaign kickoff event was mispronouncing the name of her high school.

EDITORIALS A complete unknown

posted: 08/19/2009 3:36 a.m.

IN WHAT may have been the talker of the week, some cops in New Jersey stopped Bob Dylan the other day and. . . asked for his ID.

Check your knowledge

posted: 08/19/2009 3:36 a.m.

1.Who was the first prime minister of Israel? 2. Into what body of water does the Columbia River empty? 3. What was the relationship between the poet Oliver Wendell Holmes and the jurist of the same name? 4. Two cities in Spain have populations over a million people each. One is Madrid, the capital, with a population of about 3.2 million. Identify the other city.

HELPFUL HINTS

posted: 08/19/2009 3:34 a.m.

DEAR HELOISE: I lost the recipe for Heloise's pancakes using tonic water or some carbonated drink. I went to your Web site, but I couldn't find it. I really miss this recipe!

Getting the message

posted: 08/19/2009 3:32 a.m.

"Free speech in America is pretty well dead."-David Moore, Library of Congress employee and Vietnam War veteran, 2009.

LETTERS

posted: 08/19/2009 3:32 a.m.

Put an end to turtle harvests The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, Aug. 20, and will consider possible changes to aquatic turtle regulations.

Family shopper

posted: 08/19/2009 3:31 a.m.

BUILT NY DIAPER BAG & CUSHY TUSHY CHANGING PAD Who are they for? Babies, parents, grandparents, anyone else who's on the move with a little one. It's impossible to pack lightly. You need diapers and wipes, sippy cups, snacks, bottles, pacifiers, baby blanket, changing pad.

Tuesday, August 18

Arkansas to get $5.2M in forest-work stimulus money

posted: 08/18/2009 1:17 p.m.

Nearly $5.2 million in federal stimulus money will pay for six projects to be carried out in Arkansas' national forests, officials announced Tuesday.

FAYETTEVILLE: Government employees back Obama health plan

posted: 08/18/2009 11:56 a.m.

Supporters of President Obama's ideas for health-care reform arrived in Northwest Arkansas aboard a bright green bus Monday.

Monroe County fire kills two in sleep

posted: 08/18/2009 11:56 a.m.

A mother and son, both volunteer firefighters, died early Monday after their east Monroe County home caught fire while they were sleeping, officials said.

BENTONVILLE: Crystal Bridges enlists veteran museum chief

posted: 08/18/2009 11:55 a.m.

The planned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has hired a museum executive and art educator as its director, officials announced Monday.

LINCOLN PUBLIC SCHOOLS : District fired up against tobacco

posted: 08/18/2009 11:53 a.m.

The school district will put additional emphasis on anti-tobacco education as part of Lincoln's new Coordinated School Health Program.

Technology increasing in Siloam Springs schools

posted: 08/18/2009 11:52 a.m.

When students return to class in Siloam Springs on Wednesday, many will have new access to technology, thanks to federal stimulus funds. Rick Jones, the Siloam Springs School District's technology coordinator, said new computers of various kinds have been placed throughout the district. There are new computer labs at the high school, middle school and Southside Elementary School. Several laptops have been purchased for several schools as well.

Pro-health care reform bus makes stop downtown on Square

posted: 08/18/2009 11:52 a.m.

Certain health care reform activists are asking their supporters to get on the bus.

Crystal Bridges lands new director

posted: 08/18/2009 11:51 a.m.

People tend not to forget a name like Don Bacigalupi. But it was obvious Monday during Alice Walton's introduction of him as the new director of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art that she's confident he'll soon be recognized for more than his unique name.

New programs at Gravette this year

posted: 08/18/2009 11:49 a.m.

One revamped program and one new program in the Gravette School District are both designed to help students not fall through the proverbial cracks. School will start in Gravette on Wednesday.

Pepsi contract chosen for sports drinks

posted: 08/18/2009 11:47 a.m.

Both PepsiCo and Coca-Cola products will be sold in the Bentonville School District after the Bentonville School Board approved a contract with PepsiCo for isotonic drinks.

Former Seventh-day Adventist Academy teacher's jury trial reset

posted: 08/18/2009 11:45 a.m.

The jury trial for a former teacher accused of having sexual contact with a student has been rescheduled.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/18/2009 11:44 a.m.

Obituaries and death notices for Benton County for August 18, 2009.

Rogers man faces rape charge

posted: 08/18/2009 11:40 a.m.

A Rogers man was arrested after a woman allegedly witnessed him sexually abusing an 8- year-old girl.

Local man sentenced to 50 years in prison

posted: 08/18/2009 11:35 a.m.

Damon Harding will be at least in his late 50s the next time he's in the free world.

OUR VIEW : By avoiding town halls, Sen. Lincoln hurts re-election chances

posted: 08/18/2009 11:33 a.m.

Let's just say that this hasn't been the greatest month for Arkansas' senior U.S. senator, Blanche Lincoln.

LETTERS

posted: 08/18/2009 11:30 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Benton County for August 18, 2009.

OTHER OPINIONS : Don't overreact to 'sexting'

posted: 08/18/2009 11:29 a.m.

"Sexting" - sending sexually provocative photos via cell phone or e-mail - is hardly an innocent pastime. Yet teens who engage in this risky behavior often have no harmful intent, no clue to the potential consequences and no idea that they may be committing a crime.

Liberties Sarah's ghoulish carousel

posted: 08/18/2009 11:27 a.m.

I'm not sure the man who popped off and tweeted that Sonia Sotomayor was a "Latina woman racist" is the best Henry Higgins for the Eliza Doolittle of Alaska.

Novel event draws 273 to Heritage

posted: 08/18/2009 11:25 a.m.

Drew Conner had never seen anything like it before, coming down the hill alongside Blackie Bond Fieldhouse to the track at David Gates Stadium here Monday night.

Quick Hits

posted: 08/18/2009 11:24 a.m.

Editor's Note: During the next several days, The Daily Record will take a look at the football teams outside of Benton County in the 7A-West, 5AWest and 1-4A Conferences.

Sponsor's exemptions include ex-Razorback

posted: 08/18/2009 11:19 a.m.

Former University of Arkansas golfer Lucy Nunn and Ladies European Tour member Maria Verchenova have been named sponsor's exemptions to the P&G Beauty NW Arkansas Championship presented by John Q. Hammons.

Gatling's View A day for four-letter words at Pinnacle CC

posted: 08/18/2009 11:17 a.m.

Here's what I know. I know Pinnacle Country Club opened its golf course to us media types Monday for a golf outing, drumming up interest for the P&G Beauty NW Arkansas Championship next month.

Two arrested in Rogers drug bust

posted: 08/18/2009 11:15 a.m.

Two Rogers residents were arrested Monday after the execution of a search warrant, which resulted in the recovery of marijuana, cash and other items, according to a press release from the Rogers Police Department.

Freshmen hit halls of BHS

posted: 08/18/2009 11:13 a.m.

A group of more than 900 students attended high school for the first time Monday at Bentonville High School.

Commissioners sign order fixing school-election polling sites

posted: 08/18/2009 11:12 a.m.

Meeting briefly on Monday, members of the Benton County Election Commission signed an order to set polling places for upcoming school-district elections.

State Sen. Cecile Bledsoe to speak on health care

posted: 08/18/2009 11:11 a.m.

State Sen. Cecile Bledsoe of Rogers will talk about the national debate on health care at the meeting of the Benton County Republican Women at noon today at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center in Bentonville.

Bringing it all together : Lowell mayor plans for an update on city projects tonight.

posted: 08/18/2009 11:09 a.m.

When the City Council sits down at City Hall tonight, one of its first actions will be to approve an ordinance dictating rules for city parks.

In a Rush to help

posted: 08/18/2009 11:08 a.m.

For the last month, Rush Running here has been collecting old sneakers, pumps, flip-flops, sandals and any other type of shoe, all in the name of charity.

Chamber PIE event is tonight

posted: 08/18/2009 11:06 a.m.

The Bentonville-Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce's Partners in Education kickoff event will be from 5:30 to 7 tonight at the Peel House in Bentonville.

Herpetologist to speak on Saturday

posted: 08/18/2009 11:04 a.m.

Devin Hummel, a herpetologist, will be at the new Hobbs State ParkConservation Area's visitors center Saturday to present two 30-minute family-orientated programs - one at noon and one at 2 p.m.

British Brass Band in concert

posted: 08/18/2009 11:02 a.m.

The Ozark Mountains British Brass Band will present a concert at 2 p.m. Sept. 13 at The Auditorium, 36 S. Main St. in Eureka Springs, to celebrate the first concert presented in The Auditorium, which featured the Sousa Band. The Ozark Mountains British Brass Band concert will be held on the anniversary date of the Sousa Band concert. Admission is free, and the public is invited.

Fewer books on the shelf : List of library director candidates shortened to 3

posted: 08/18/2009 5:46 a.m.

The list of people being considered for executive director of the Fayetteville Public Library was whittled to three on Monday, but the library's board of trustees wouldn't release those names because the individuals hadn't been contacted.

Bill, 1st hurricane of Atlantic season

posted: 08/18/2009 5:46 a.m.

The first hurricane of this year's Atlantic season was gaining strength far off in the ocean Monday, and weaker storms threatened the Dominican Republic and Haiti with heavy rains and drenched the Florida Panhandle.

Ex-informant indicted in data grab on 130 million credit accounts

posted: 08/18/2009 5:46 a.m.

Federal prosecutors Monday charged a Miami man with the largest case of credit- and debit-card data theft ever in the United States, accusing the one-time government informant of swiping 130 million accounts on top of 40 million he stole previously.

Firefighters gaining on California blazes

posted: 08/18/2009 5:45 a.m.

Firefighters are gaining an advantage over two large Northern California wildfires, but hundreds of residents remain under evacuation orders in coastal mountain communities and the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Ex-Zambian leader beats graft charges

posted: 08/18/2009 5:44 a.m.

A magistrate acquitted former Zambian President Frederick Chiluba of corruption charges Monday after a six-year trial in a ruling that overjoyed his supporters but frustrated clean-government campaigners in Africa.

U.N. report highlights effects on Gaza of 2-year Israeli blockade

posted: 08/18/2009 5:44 a.m.

Israel's two-year blockade of the Gaza Strip has forced 95 percent of its industrial companies out of business and driven unemployment to 41.5 percent, creating a "protracted human-dignity crisis," the United Nations said.

Suicide bomb kills 20 in North Caucus region

posted: 08/18/2009 5:43 a.m.

A suicide bomber rammed a truck into a police station in the Russian region of Ingushetia on Monday, killing at least 20 police in the worst attack to ravage the poor North Caucasus republic in years.

Barber allowed more time to list all debts in court

posted: 08/18/2009 5:43 a.m.

Former Springdale developer Brandon Barber was granted an extension Friday to file a list of his debts in U.S. Federal Bankruptcy Court, while a Harrison bank wants the court to ensure $1.55 million he owns them on a Fayetteville subdivision remains collectible.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/18/2009 5:42 a.m.

Events in Washington County for August 18, 2009.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/18/2009 5:40 a.m.

Obituaries & Death Notices for August 18, 2009.

Attacks in Afghanistan kill U.S. civilian, service member

posted: 08/18/2009 5:37 a.m.

A roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan killed a U.S. service member Monday, and an American civilian working for the military died after insurgents attacked a patrol in the east, officials said.

AG opinion on firings incomplete

posted: 08/18/2009 5:35 a.m.

An opinion released Monday by the Arkansas attorney general couldn't determine whether Fayetteville officials properly applied state law when withholding information about the firing of two Fire Department employees because not enough information was provided.

Home invasion suspects still sought

posted: 08/18/2009 5:33 a.m.

Two suspects are still at large after police say they broke into a local couple's residence early Sunday morning, tied up the couple and left with more than $5,000 in cash and other valuables.

Obama scolds Congress over weapons 'pork'

posted: 08/18/2009 5:33 a.m.

President Barack Obama chastised the defense industry and Congress on Monday for wasting tax dollars "with doctrine and weapons better suited to fight the Soviets on the plains of Europe than insurgents in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan."

Bank sues Bayarri over Mansfield property sale

posted: 08/18/2009 5:32 a.m.

Danville-based Chambers Bank filed a lawsuit against Springdale developer Fadil Bayarri on Friday seeking to foreclose his interest in property that his trust purchased from Mansfield Property Management.

Deputies hope Fort Smith woman has answers in burning incident

posted: 08/18/2009 5:32 a.m.

Sebastian County sheriff 's deputies are trying to determine the circumstances that led to a Fort Smith woman being doused with gasoline and set on fire Aug. 9, possibly by her boyfriend. Petrina Mendez remains in the burn unit at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, where her condition has improved from critical to serious.

Southern Poverty Law Center founder to speak at UA

posted: 08/18/2009 5:31 a.m.

Morris Dees, pioneering civil rights attorney and founder and chief trial counsel of the Southern Poverty Law Center, will give a presentation at the University of Arkansas School of Law at 9 a.m. today. The talk is open to the public and will take place in Leflar Law Center in the E.J. Ball Courtroom.

General says disputed turf needs GI-Arab-Kurd force

posted: 08/18/2009 5:30 a.m.

America's top commander in Iraq said Monday that he wants to deploy U.S. soldiers alongside Iraqi and Kurdish troops in a disputed swath of northern territory after a series of horrific bombings by insurgents hoping to stoke an Arab-Kurdish conflict.

Times Editorial : The mechanics of delay

posted: 08/18/2009 5:29 a.m.

It was great to learn that U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, DArk., wants to secure the future of Fayetteville National Cemetery. The cemetery is a cherished and important part of this community's fabric and an outstanding tribute to those who served this nation in times of war and in times of peace, which their service afforded everyone.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/18/2009 5:28 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

JUST A THOUGHT : Sheep and goats

posted: 08/18/2009 5:28 a.m.

An infant's baptism brought my wife and me to a Dickson Street church early Sunday morning. Despite passing by Central United Methodist a million times in my life, I'd never actually stepped through its tall, white doors even once. When I finally did, this Catholic found the experience wholly pleasurable. The simple reason, as even little Emilie Catherine McNair could probably tell you, has to do with the most obvious of truths.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/18/2009 5:26 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Washington County for August 18, 2009.

Girl, 16, to stand trial as an adult

posted: 08/18/2009 5:26 a.m.

A Little Rock girl was ordered Monday to stand trial as an adult in the beating of a 14-year-old boy during a robbery attempt after a Pulaski County circuit judge saw a photograph of the teen throwing gang signs with several others, including a boy accused of capital murder.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/18/2009 5:26 a.m.

Civil-rights attorney to speak at UA Morris Dees, a civil-rights attorney and co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center, will speak at 9 a.m. today at the Leflar Law Center on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/18/2009 5:25 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I don't have the solution, but I know our health-care system is broken." Steve Smith of Fayetteville, representative of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees local chapter Article, 1B

Obama's comments irk option's backers

posted: 08/18/2009 5:25 a.m.

President Barack Obama's weekend remarks on a health-care "government option" drew complaints from liberals and scarce interest from Republicans and other critics Monday.

Highway agency to add to LR green space

posted: 08/18/2009 5:24 a.m.

The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department has finally figured out what to do with a nondescript duplex along Interstate 630 that the agency has owned for more than 35 years.

FHS architect selection committee announced

posted: 08/18/2009 5:22 a.m.

Fayetteville School District Superintendent Vicki Thomas announced the names of the members of the preliminary selection committee for the architects on the proposed Fayetteville High School project on Monday.

Pulaski County appraisals spark about 2,000 appeals

posted: 08/18/2009 5:22 a.m.

About half as many property owners as projected will appeal reappraisals of their real estate parcels in Pulaski County that resulted in higher valuations on their properties, a county official said Monday.

At home on the Hill

posted: 08/18/2009 5:21 a.m.

Bobby Allen is the ultimate survivor in the cutthroat SEC.

FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS A new 'feel' to this school year

posted: 08/18/2009 5:21 a.m.

School years are remembered for the occurrences during that particular year, both good and bad. School openings, favorite teachers, performances, championships, last-minute losses, trips and tragedies are some of the memory makers that help us remember a certain school year, and they are standard fare at class reunions when classmates reminisce about "way back when." This school year has a different feel to it so far.

High school football report

posted: 08/18/2009 5:20 a.m.

Tigers get tested by teammates Bentonville's rebuilt defense doesn't have to wait until the season-opener against Conway on Sept. 4 to be tested.

Fayetteville School Calendar

posted: 08/18/2009 5:20 a.m.

Fayetteville School calendar for August 18, 2009.

NFL notes

posted: 08/18/2009 5:20 a.m.

COWBOYS Williams, Newman return SAN ANTONIO - Dallas Cowboys receiver Roy Williams was back on the field Monday with his sprained left wrist protectively taped, opting to practice instead of working on the side with a trainer.

Missouri State University dean's list

posted: 08/18/2009 5:20 a.m.

Missouri State University Spring 2009 dean's list Each semester, students at Missouri State University who attain academic excellence are named to the dean's list. For undergraduate students, criteria include enrollment in at least 12 credit hours during the spring semester and at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Local UA students inducted into honor society

posted: 08/18/2009 5:19 a.m.

The following University of Arkansas J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences students from Washington County were recently welcomed into the academic honorary society, Phi Beta Kappa: Ryan Billingsley, Fayetteville, a senior English and German major.

TEXAS LEAGUE Wilson's shot in 9th lifts Naturals over RoughRiders

posted: 08/18/2009 5:19 a.m.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals made sure their long bus ride to Midland, Texas, would be a happier one.

AROUND THE STATE QB Leonard recognized

posted: 08/18/2009 5:18 a.m.

Arkansas State quarterback Corey Leonard had a good Monday.

Higher Education Brief

posted: 08/18/2009 5:18 a.m.

Fay Jones School of Architecture honors local UA students Five University of Arkansas students from Washington County were among 55 outstanding students recognized this year with scholarships and awards made by the Fay Jones School of Architecture.

Sheriff: Georgia pair likely killed by dogs

posted: 08/18/2009 5:18 a.m.

A former college professor and his wife were apparently attacked and killed by nearly a dozen dogs along a rural northeast Georgia road where their bodies were found mutilated, authorities said Monday.

Hollywood star comes home to Siloam Springs

posted: 08/18/2009 5:17 a.m.

A Hollywood star of film, stage and television will be laid to rest in the Oak Hill Cemetery this week - almost two years after her death.

Public input sought for Campus Climate Plan

posted: 08/18/2009 5:16 a.m.

The public is invited to join Nick Brown, the executive assistant for sustainability on the University of Arkansas campus, and members of the University of Arkansas Sustainability Council for a public input session regarding the Campus Climate Action Plan.

First National of Rogers seeks judgment against Inner Circle

posted: 08/18/2009 5:15 a.m.

First National Bank of Rogers filed a motion for summary judgment on Friday against a limited liability company that borrowed money secured by property in Tontitown.

Looking for a lane : Fayetteville vies to solve backfield conundrum

posted: 08/18/2009 5:13 a.m.

Fayetteville's inability to run the ball last season placed the onus on a sophomore quarterback, who was protected by an injury depleted offensive line. That recipe cooked up a disastrous result for the Purple Dogs, who finished 5-6.

KNOCK ON WOOD : RazorRock Rally set to fire up fans for season

posted: 08/18/2009 5:11 a.m.

Since 1948 War Memorial Stadium and Little Rock have been the home away from home for the Arkansas Razorbacks, and as much as I love Northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville and Razorback Stadium, there is no denying there is something special going on when the Hogs play in the state's capital.

Hamilton, Childs making most of opportunities

posted: 08/18/2009 5:10 a.m.

Freshman wide receiver Cobi Hamilton has been all over the field during Arkansas' fall camp.

Russians find missing ship, say all crew members alive

posted: 08/18/2009 5:08 a.m.

The Russian crewed freighter that sparked a high-seas mystery when it disappeared nearly three weeks ago has been found by a Russian naval frigate off the West African coast, the country's defense minister said Monday.

UA Football Notebook: Madison out for season with ACL tear

posted: 08/18/2009 5:07 a.m.

Arkansas junior cornerback Isaac Madison suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee Saturday in the Razorbacks' extended scrimmage and will miss the season, Arkansas officials confirmed Monday.

White House blames groups for e-mails

posted: 08/18/2009 5:06 a.m.

After insisting no one was receiving unsolicited e-mails from the White House, officials reversed their story Monday night and blamed outside political groups for the unwanted messages from the tech-savvy operation.

Elks battling through summer heat

posted: 08/18/2009 5:05 a.m.

The dog days of summer have hit the football practices of every high school in Northwest Arkansas, but Aaron Clark said his Elkins Elks can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Arena for marriage act in Congress, not court, Obama says

posted: 08/18/2009 5:05 a.m.

President Barack Obama insisted Monday he still wants to scrap what he calls a discriminatory federal marriage law, even as his administration angered homosexual-rights activists by defending it in court.

Names and faces

posted: 08/18/2009 5:03 a.m.

Tom De-Lay, 62, who represented Texas in Congress until he was forced out in 2006, will join 15 celebrities from the worlds of entertainment and sports on the new season of Dancing With the Stars.

In the news

posted: 08/18/2009 5:03 a.m.

U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, announced her run for Texas governor with a sharp blast at Republican Gov. Rick Perry, who has been in office since 2000, saying he has overstayed his welcome.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/18/2009 5:02 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Leaving private insurance companies the job of controlling the costs of health care is like making a pyromaniac the fire chief." Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., a supporter of a government takeover of the health-care system.

The world in brief

posted: 08/18/2009 5:01 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "We are all incredibly happy. Now the big work starts to find out what happened." Viktor Matveyev, director of Solchart, the operator of the Russian crewed freighter that went missing for three weeks Article, this page

Federal money surge marks new school year

posted: 08/18/2009 4:57 a.m.

The 2009-10 school year that starts Wednesday will be distinguished by an influx of federal stimulus dollars, tougher graduation standards and the introduction of a high school exit exam.

Defense loses delay bid in cross-burning trial

posted: 08/18/2009 4:56 a.m.

The circumstances surrounding a house fire that followed a cross burning in Donaldson last year has become fodder for attorneys defending four men accused in federal court of conspiring to run a white woman and her three biracial children out of town.

Obituaries

posted: 08/18/2009 4:42 a.m.

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

Other days

posted: 08/18/2009 4:39 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 18, 1909 Ollie Wallace, son of Mr. and Mrs. T.L. Wallace of this city, found one of the best preserved relics of prehistoric mammalia of the carnivore class ever reported in Arkansas.

Getting it straight

posted: 08/18/2009 4:34 a.m.

The Democrat-Gazette wants its news reports to be fair and accurate.

Democrat-Gazette wins 24 awards for '08 work

posted: 08/18/2009 4:33 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won nine first place awards Monday in the Arkansas Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists' 2008 contest - including prizes for storm coverage, editorials and photography.

Obama's War

posted: 08/18/2009 4:30 a.m.

THE WAR in Afghanistan has been going on, and off, for almost a decade now, or at least the American part of it has.

In defense of Britain's system

posted: 08/18/2009 4:29 a.m.

LONDON When Britain's National Health Service was created in 1948, its founder, the charismatic politician Aneurin Bevan, observed that it was "in place of fear." More than 60 years later, it is fear that dominates the discussion of the NHS in the U.S. debate about health-care reform.

How bad does bad have to get?

posted: 08/18/2009 4:28 a.m.

I could tell you stories.

LETTERS

posted: 08/18/2009 4:25 a.m.

Discontinue 'archaic' practice Congratulations to Gov. Ted Strickland for making Ohio the 30th state to ban school corporal punishment. Arkansas' governors have always cited the "local control" argument.

Who is the terrorist?

posted: 08/18/2009 4:23 a.m.

A fire line exists between a uniformed agent exercising governmental authority and crossing over into willful intimidation and abuse.

LIKE IT IS: Turning 4 quarters of football into 6 days of fun

posted: 08/18/2009 4:19 a.m.

It is called RazorRock, and it is a celebration of all things Razorback and central Arkansas.

Farmer's son Yang praised by Koreans

posted: 08/18/2009 4:13 a.m.

Baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball. Y.E. Yang played them all as a child.

Major makeover at Rogers course

posted: 08/18/2009 4:10 a.m.

LPGA Tour players will find a virtually new golf course when they play next month's P&G Beauty Northwest Arkansas Championship at Pinnacle Country Club.

Heat rises, tempers go up, too

posted: 08/18/2009 4:10 a.m.

Check the baseball highlights lately and it's hard to tell whether you're watching MLB or WWE.

Off the wire

posted: 08/18/2009 3:56 a.m.

BASKETBALL Bucks trade Weems, Johnson The Toronto Raptors have agreed to send swingman Carlos Delfino to Milwaukee in exchange for guard Sonny Weems (Arkansas Razorbacks, West Memphis ) power forward Amir Johnson as part of a four-player trade, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Monday.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/18/2009 3:54 a.m.

Homeless given taste of good life Premium seats to New York Yankees home games still cost as much as $1,250 after the team agreed to lower prices, but there is a way to enjoy luxury box fare gratis.

Central's run after Matthews remarkable

posted: 08/18/2009 3:53 a.m.

Few coaches - anywhere, anytime - had a tougher act to follow than Gene Hall at Little Rock Central High School 51 years ago.

NFL EXHIBITION Fumble return leads Giants past Panthers

posted: 08/18/2009 3:50 a.m.

Defensive end Tommie Hill scored on an unusual 18-yard fumble return as time ran out and the New York Giants won 24-17 over the Carolina Panthers on Monday night.

Exemptions go to Razorback, model

posted: 08/18/2009 3:49 a.m.

Former Arkansas Razorback Lucy Nunn and model/ golfer Maria Verchenova were given sponsor's exemptions for the 2009 P&G Beauty Northwest Arkansas Championship.

Notes

posted: 08/18/2009 3:47 a.m.

TIGERS/ORIOLES Detroit acquires Huff The Detroit Tigers bolstered their offense for a pennant drive by obtaining first baseman Aubrey Huff from the Baltimore Orioles for a minor leaguer.

NATIONAL LEAGUE: Shots by Ankiel, Pujols make winner of Carpenter

posted: 08/18/2009 3:47 a.m.

Rick Ankiel put St. Louis ahead with a two-run home run in the seventh inning, and Chris Carpenter pitched eight innings of five-hit ball in the Cardinals' ninth victory in 10 games, 3-2 over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night.

Top pick agrees to contract late

posted: 08/18/2009 3:46 a.m.

Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals agreed to a contract just before Monday's midnight Eastern deadline.

State sports briefs

posted: 08/18/2009 3:44 a.m.

FOOTBALL Linebackers shine in Bears' scrimmage Central Arkansas was missing 10 players for Sunday night's scrimmage in Conway for various reasons, but Coach Clint Conque said he still liked what he saw after a reviewing tape, especially the performances of junior linebackers Tok Opeloye and Frank Newsome.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/18/2009 3:39 a.m.

ACL tear ends year for corner Arkansas junior cornerback Isaac Madison tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on Saturday and will need surgery that will end his season, the Razorbacks announced Monday.

THE RECRUITING GUY: Oklahoma's top prospect says he will visit Arkansas

posted: 08/18/2009 3:35 a.m.

One of Arkansas' top recruiting targets, athlete Demarco Cobbs, is the top prospect in Oklahoma and one of the top recruits in the nation.

Pickens checks out overhauled stadium

posted: 08/18/2009 3:34 a.m.

As T. Boone Pickens walked past a series of four new hydrotherapy pools and rounded a corner to see a series of tables in Oklahoma State's upgraded rehab area

Oil prices drop again, bring 2-day fall to 5%

posted: 08/18/2009 3:26 a.m.

Oil prices fell again Monday, bringing the drop to more than 5 percent in the past two trading sessions.

Dillard's beats analysts' outlook

posted: 08/18/2009 3:25 a.m.

Trimming costs again helped Little Rock-based Dillard's Inc., as the retailer beat analysts' expectations Monday by reporting a loss of $26.7 million for its fiscal second quarter.

Japan's GDP up 3.7% as exports rise

posted: 08/18/2009 3:24 a.m.

Japan's government said Monday that the economy climbed out of a year-long recession in the second quarter, expanding at an annual pace of 3.7 percent and joining Germany, France and other regions that appear to be emerging from the global financial crisis.

Fed set to extend lending program

posted: 08/18/2009 3:23 a.m.

The Federal Reserve has extended the length of a program intended to spur lending to consumers and small businesses at lower rates, but the central bank said it had no plans to expand the types of loans being made.

Lowe's profit drops 19% in quarter

posted: 08/18/2009 3:22 a.m.

No. 2 home improvement retailer Lowe's Cos. on Monday said second quarter earnings fell 19 percent on weaker-than-expected sales, adding fresh fuel to doubts about the ability and willingness of consumers to lead the U.S. economy out of recession.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/18/2009 3:20 a.m.

Wal-Mart to settle lawsuit for $5 million Wal-Mart Stores Inc. agreed to pay $5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by hourly wage employees accusing the world's largest retailer of failing to make profit-sharing and retirement-plan contributions.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/18/2009 3:19 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Where did all the economic optimism go?

MARKET REPORT: Stocks dive after weeks of fast gains

posted: 08/18/2009 3:18 a.m.

Major U.S. stocks indexes tumbled by the biggest amount in six weeks Monday as investors grew worried that they have been too quick to bet on an economic rebound during the market's five month rally. Overseas markets plunged and investors' demand for safe-haven investments sent the dollar and Treasury prices shooting higher.

China to fight ruling on imports of media

posted: 08/18/2009 3:17 a.m.

China will appeal a World Trade Organization ruling that ordered it to ease restrictions on imports of movies, music and books in a case brought by Washington, a Commerce Ministry spokesman said Monday.

Homebuilder confidence in U.S. hits one-year high

posted: 08/18/2009 3:16 a.m.

Confidence among U.S. homebuilders rose to a one-year high, another sign that the worst of the housing decline that began in 2006 has passed.

Monday, August 17

Crystal Bridges names new director

posted: 08/17/2009 11:45 a.m.

The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art named a new director today to lead the construction and opening of the Bentonville museum.

Civil rights activist to speak at UA

posted: 08/17/2009 9:11 a.m.

The founder of a civil rights organization that targets hate groups is scheduled to speak at the University of Arkansas School of Law.

MADISON COUNTY: Honesty powers produce stands

posted: 08/17/2009 6:46 a.m.

For 30 years, a five-gallon bucket served as the till at a produce stand operated by Jay Moffett and George Thomas about 3 miles east of Wesley on Arkansas 74.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO? RICHARD PAUL PASTOR AND CHARLES REESE CONNER : Both men are behind bars

posted: 08/17/2009 6:40 a.m.

Richard Paul Pastor is currently serving a 15-year sentence in a Texas prison.

Rogers plans discussions before planning meeting

posted: 08/17/2009 6:39 a.m.

Tuesday's Rogers Planning Commission meeting promises once again to be devoid of excitement as the board members are slated only to discuss a simple zoning change. Prior to that meeting, however, the city will host public discussions on its trails and its planning boundaries.

Investor eyeing subdivision near Central Park Elementary

posted: 08/17/2009 6:38 a.m.

Liberty Bank of Arkansas has submitted a preliminary plat to the Bentonville Planning Commission that calls for a 66-lot single-family home subdivision near Central Park Elementary School at Morning Star.

Mother of five comes clean, starts new life

posted: 08/17/2009 6:38 a.m.

Spring wasn't quite here yet. But like a frozen daffodil, Deborah Stark wanted to start a new life. First, she had to leave behind her old one.

Activist turns self in at jail days early

posted: 08/17/2009 6:37 a.m.

A few days earlier than originally expected, prisoner rights activist and former gubernatorial chief of staff Betsey Wright turned herself in at the Lincoln County jail on Saturday and was booked on 51 counts of attempting to furnish prohibited articles in a correctional institution.

Adding on? : Lincoln seeks more funding, population with annexation

posted: 08/17/2009 6:30 a.m.

The city of Lincoln is asking local voters on Oct. 13 to annex into the city limits several areas on the edges of this west Washington County community.

Woolsey wetlands recognized by state

posted: 08/17/2009 6:28 a.m.

Sanctuary wetlands that the city of Fayetteville created near the new West Side Wastewater Treatment Facility were recognized by the Arkansas Wildlife Federation for protecting wildlife and natural resources.

Ozark Profile Engineer, then lawyer, Clark finds success on several paths

posted: 08/17/2009 6:27 a.m.

Suzanne Greichen and Steve Clark sat across the table from each other for lunch at Z'Tejas. It was February 1998, their first date.

What is new? : Board member prefers 'new construction, same site' to describe FHS plan

posted: 08/17/2009 6:25 a.m.

Announce plans to build a new high school, and a logical enough follow-up question is, "Where will the new one be located?" For Fayetteville, the district is asking voters to keep the school where it is and build a new facility on the current site.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/17/2009 6:21 a.m.

Events in Washington County for August 17, 2009.

Arrest Reports

posted: 08/17/2009 6:19 a.m.

Arrest reports for Washington County for August 17, 2009.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/17/2009 6:17 a.m.

Obituaries & Death Notices for August 17, 2009.

Times Editorials : A brief note

posted: 08/17/2009 6:14 a.m.

For those who don't know, the local organization Life Styles Inc. - which offers friendships and life skills to clients with developmental disabilities - is a wonderful organization, one always deserving of this community's assistance.

ROOTS & WINGS : Can we talk about health care?

posted: 08/17/2009 6:13 a.m.

My mom had cancer last year. After surgery, radiation and chemo, she's doing great. Her energy's back, her color is good and her hair grew back with some attractive extra curl.

Problem identified

posted: 08/17/2009 6:12 a.m.

A news release that reached our office last month alerted us to the following poll result: 92 percent of Arkansans consider drug addiction to be a problem for the state.

We do need to study the obvious

posted: 08/17/2009 6:11 a.m.

Thank God for studies; what would we do without them? A fascinating one came out just the other day.

Restaurant Inspections

posted: 08/17/2009 6:09 a.m.

Information is from Arkansas Department of Health records. Restaurants are listed in order of inspection date. All reports are from regular food service/food store inspections unless otherwise noted.

Dog catchers : FHS boasts stable of thoroughbred receivers

posted: 08/17/2009 6:08 a.m.

Spreading the wealth this season at receiver won't be much of a challenge for Fayetteville. The Purple Dogs' surplus of resources in the pass-catching category will make distributing the football to a treasure trove of capable hands an easy task.

HOG CALLS UA offense shows its diversity in scrimmage

posted: 08/17/2009 6:06 a.m.

A 160-plus play scrimmage should amply allow a team's various position groups to show what they can do.

Frosh receiver making impact despite status as underclassman

posted: 08/17/2009 6:04 a.m.

Receivers, receivers everywhere, but Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino will likely make room for one more.

NFL NUGGETS : Colts, Titans seek playoff redemption

posted: 08/17/2009 6:01 a.m.

This is the fifth installment of an eight-part series previewing the division races of the upcoming NFL season.

UA drops two OT exhibition battle

posted: 08/17/2009 6 a.m.

After a scramble in front of the Arkansas goal, Oklahoma's Sage Coralli found the back of the net at the 102:08 mark to end a double-overtime exhibition with the Razorbacks, 1-0, at John Crain Field at the OU Soccer Complex. The two regional foes battled to a scoreless tie through regulation before the gamewinning goal in the 103rd minute.

Technology increasing in Siloam Springs

posted: 08/17/2009 5:58 a.m.

When students return to class in Siloam Springs on Wednesday, many will have new access to technology, thanks to federal stimulus funds.

Fables and Faith : Let it be

posted: 08/17/2009 5:52 a.m.

"Let It Be" - how I love playing that song by the Beatles on my keyboard. The words and music by John Lennon and Paul McCartney remain in our memories for years after we first hear them.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/17/2009 5:51 a.m.

Obituaries for August 17, 2009.

Local man arrested on burglary charges

posted: 08/17/2009 5:46 a.m.

A 20-year-old Centerton man was arrested on felony charges related to a homeowner interrupting a burglary of his home.

The Rockwood Files End of the summer inquisition

posted: 08/17/2009 5:45 a.m.

Seven days are all that's left of summer break. The back-to-school countdown has begun, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. It's bittersweet, really. Part of me is glad for the return of a normal routine, and part of me is sad to see my two boys go off to spend the majority of their day and week away from me.

Kids Talk : Slaying the green scary monsters

posted: 08/17/2009 5:44 a.m.

Green. Everything today is green. Cars are green. Food is green. Sports equipment is green. Kermit the Frog should be happy because he crooned, "It's not easy being green." Kermit was right, though.

Bentonville to discuss drink contracts again

posted: 08/17/2009 5:42 a.m.

The issue of drink contracts comes before the Bentonville School Board once again during the board's August meeting. This time, the decision could result in competing companies selling side-by-side.

OTHER OPINIONS It's a felony now

posted: 08/17/2009 5:41 a.m.

Arkansas is officially the 46th state to make animal cruelty a felony.

That's sportsmanship

posted: 08/17/2009 5:39 a.m.

An act of sportsmanship and decency occurred on a baseball field in Green Brook last week that we couldn't let pass without notice.

Quick Hits

posted: 08/17/2009 5:38 a.m.

Editor's Note: Over the next several days, The Daily Record will take a look at the football teams outside of Benton County in the 7A-West, 5AWest and 1-4 A Conferences.

Big East school offers Petersen

posted: 08/17/2009 5:35 a.m.

Bentonville senior offensive lineman Chase Petersen took an unofficial visit Saturday to the University of Louisville and walked away with another Division I scholarship offer. Louisville head football coach Steve Kragthorpe offered Petersen a scholarship giving the 6-foot-4, 275-pound senior three offers. North Texas and Tulane had previously offered.

Hog Calls : Hog QBs spread the wealth to receivers

posted: 08/17/2009 5:34 a.m.

A 160-plus play scrimmage should amply allow a team's various position groups to show what they can do.

Basketball tryouts at Bentonville

posted: 08/17/2009 5:32 a.m.

Bentonville boys basketball coach Jason McMahan and the BHS basketball staff will host tryouts this week and next week for the 2009-10 varsity basketball team.

Heritage to try race again

posted: 08/17/2009 5:31 a.m.

A week after being postponed because of lightning, Rogers Heritage will try once again to hold the inaugural War Eagle Twilight Run tonight.

RESTAURANT INSPECTIONS

posted: 08/17/2009 5:29 a.m.

Restaurant inspections for Benton County for August 17, 2009.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/17/2009 5:28 a.m.

Mother, children hide from thieves TULSA - A woman and her two small children hid in a closet early Sunday as thieves broke down the family's front door and took a television set and a game console, police said.

LAWSUITS FILED

posted: 08/17/2009 5:27 a.m.

Lawsuits filed in Benton County for August 17, 2009.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

posted: 08/17/2009 5:26 a.m.

Marriage licenses issued in Benton County for August 17, 2009.

BENTONVILLE FIRE & SAFETY TIP

posted: 08/17/2009 5:24 a.m.

Your weekly Bentonville fire and saftey tip.

Hollywood star comes home for good

posted: 08/17/2009 5:22 a.m.

A Hollywood star of film, stage and television will be laid to rest in the Oak Hill Cemetery here this week - almost two years after her death.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/17/2009 5:22 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

Wiener Dog Races on Oct. 3

posted: 08/17/2009 5:21 a.m.

The Bella Vista Animal Shelter needs vendors and sponsors for the third annual Wiener Dog Races that will take place Oct. 3 at the Glasgow Road softball field near the Loch Lomond Dam in Bella Vista. The rain date is Oct. 10.

Taliban threaten to attack Afghan balloting stations

posted: 08/17/2009 5:21 a.m.

The Taliban are threatening to attack polling centers in the key southern province of Kandahar, a warning likely to have a chilling effect on potential voters in this week's presidential election.

Bella Vista Men's Chorus in concert

posted: 08/17/2009 5:20 a.m.

The Bella Vista Men's Chorus will present their fall concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 5 and 3 p.m. Sept. 6 at Central United Methodist Church, 26th and New Hope Road in Rogers. The program is entitled "The Best of the Bella Vista Men's Chorus" and "The Old-Time Religion." The program will feature Don Wright directing, Marilyn Lee as accompanist and Jack Mitchell on drums.

High-end homes tough to sell in depressed PB

posted: 08/17/2009 5:20 a.m.

Dr. Tony Jones' former home at 4400 S. Cherry St. stands out like a castle in a city where castle dwellers are hard to find.

Library fundraiser will be Sept. 19

posted: 08/17/2009 5:19 a.m.

The Bella Vista Library's fundraiser - a golf and tennis tournament with a silent auction - will be held Sept.

Walk to Defeat ALS coming in September

posted: 08/17/2009 5:18 a.m.

The ALS Association of Northwest Arkansas will hold its annual Walk to Defeat ALS at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale on Sept. 26.

Grime of the century dissolved at Capitol

posted: 08/17/2009 5:12 a.m.

The brown grime came off the columns in clumps to reveal delicate white and ocher patterns underneath. As workers applied gold leaf to the column crowns of the centuryold chamber of the Arkansas House of Representatives this summer, it began to resemble a much younger version of itself, one from early days of the past century.

Plans afoot to revive LR cemetery where top black leaders rest

posted: 08/17/2009 5:02 a.m.

At one of the state's largest and most historic black cemeteries, candy bar wrappers and grass clippings lie among the resting places of leaders filling the pages of Arkansas history textbooks.

Burma frees ailing American

posted: 08/17/2009 5:01 a.m.

Burma freed an ailing American whom it had sentenced to seven years of hard labor and handed him to an influential U.S senator on Sunday, a move that could help persuade Washington to soften its hardline policy against the military regime.

TRAVELERS' CHECK: Travel site's agreement proves false

posted: 08/17/2009 5:01 a.m.

John Duncan fretted about his difficulty in getting a promised refund.

U.S. to shift focus in Pakistan, envoy says

posted: 08/17/2009 4:57 a.m.

Pakistan's wresting control of key areas from the Taliban has given enough "breathing room" that, though security remains a vital concern, the U.S. can shift focus to energy and economic development, Washington's special envoy to the region said Sunday.

Legislation doesn't assure keeping current coverage

posted: 08/17/2009 4:56 a.m.

President Obama keeps promising that, if a health-care overhaul is enacted, people will be able to keep their current coverage.

Schools gearing up to give swine-flu shots to millions

posted: 08/17/2009 4:55 a.m.

Hundreds of schools are heeding the government's call to set up flu-shot clinics this fall, preparing for what could be the most widespread school vaccinations since the days of polio.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/17/2009 4:37 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I think it's the way kids are raised.To me, they don't have the sense of responsibility." George Thomas, part owner of an honor system-run produce stand in Madison County, on why some people steal the produce Article, 1B

A thank you note

posted: 08/17/2009 2:34 a.m.

MAMA ALWAYS said to write a letter of thanks when appropriate. And whenever an editorialist is given grist for comment, thanks is certainly appropriate. So today let us thank Robert Bayne of Mountain Home. His letter, published on the opposite page last Wednesday, may have been the most read item in that day's paper. It was certainly the most discussed around this outfit.

Republican death trip

posted: 08/17/2009 2:33 a.m.

"I am in this race because I don't want to see us spend the next year re-fighting the Washington battles of the 1990s. I don't want to pit Blue America against Red America; I want to lead a United States of America."

Others say The Notorious Mr. Bout

posted: 08/17/2009 2:32 a.m.

The wife of Viktor Bout, the international arms merchant nabbed last year by undercover American drug agents posing as weapons-hungry Colombian rebels, insists that her husband's interest in South America extends only to "tango lessons."

John Hughes made weird normal

posted: 08/17/2009 2:32 a.m.

When I heard director John Hughes had died last week, I found myself feeling preemptively protective of his legacy. He directed only eight movies, although he wrote and produced dozens more (including the iconically Hughesian Molly Ringwald picture Pretty in Pink), and just four of them were about adolescents.

Obituaries

posted: 08/17/2009 2:30 a.m.

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

LETTERS

posted: 08/17/2009 2:29 a.m.

Essay was a cheap shot The recent commentary by Dr. Walter Kimbrough, president of Philander Smith College, was the cheapest of cheap shots.

Government accountability

posted: 08/17/2009 2:27 a.m.

Angry mobs burned George Washington in effigy. Every president since has faced some tough opposition. At least, the good ones have.

Other days

posted: 08/17/2009 2:27 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO August 17, 1909 G.H. Wells, one of the assistants of Cass Gilbert, the architect for the new state capitol, is expected to arrive here today with the plans and specifications for the building, which will be submitted to the commission at a meeting which has been called for Thursday by Governor Donaghey.

Guest writer Taking the initiative

posted: 08/17/2009 2:27 a.m.

President Obama's recently announced American Graduation Initiative is an investment in the American people and in two-year colleges.

N. Korea to allow family visits from South

posted: 08/17/2009 2:26 a.m.

North Korea announced today that it would resume reunions of families separated by the border with South Korea and restart stalled tourism ventures in its latest gesture of conciliation after nearly 18 months of rising tensions.

The world in brief

posted: 08/17/2009 2:24 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Afghanistan is fiendishly complex.We are going to have to decide how hard, how big to go in, or to come back a little bit." Former U.S. Rep. Lee Hamilton, a Democrat from Indiana Article, 1A

The nation in brief

posted: 08/17/2009 2:21 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "What's important is choice and competition." Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, on the overhaul of the health-care system that Congress and the Obama administration are working on Article, 1A

Mousavi duped us, Iran witnesses say

posted: 08/17/2009 2:20 a.m.

Iranian authorities put on trial Sunday a group of demonstrators who said they were directed by campaign officials of defeated presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi to destroy public property in the chaotic aftermath of the June 12 elections.

Names and faces

posted: 08/17/2009 2:20 a.m.

Singer-actress Hilary Duff took her Blessings in a Backpack program to Colombia on Friday to distribute 3,000 knapsacks of food to poor children in a school district south of the capital city, Bogota.

Mexican drug cartels mimicking Italian mafia's business model

posted: 08/17/2009 2:17 a.m.

Shopkeepers in this pinecovered mountain region easily recite the list of "protection" fees they pay to La Familia drug cartel to stay in business: 100 pesos a month for a stall in a street market, 30,000 pesos for an auto dealership or construction-supply firm.

Public coverage not essential, Sebelius says

posted: 08/17/2009 2:16 a.m.

Providing citizens with the option of government-run insurance isn't essential to the Obama administration's proposed overhaul of U.S. health care, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Sunday.

91st PGA Championship: Tiger tamer emerges

posted: 08/17/2009 2:16 a.m.

In a year of spoilers at the majors, Y.E. Yang was the biggest of all.

Owens conquers Batesville, at last

posted: 08/17/2009 2:15 a.m.

Jimmy Owens first worked his way onto the national scene as a modified driver at Batesville Motor Speedway less than a decade ago. On Saturday night at the track, he cemented himself as one of the best in the dirt late models.

In the news

posted: 08/17/2009 2:15 a.m.

President Shimon Peres of Israel celebrated his 86th birthday by attending a celebrity concert in Tel Aviv featuring songs adapted from poetry he has written through his more than 60-year political career.

Bolt's 9.58 dash pares 100 mark

posted: 08/17/2009 2:14 a.m.

Usain Bolt crossed the finish line, saw his record setting time on the clock and spread his arms as if he were soaring like a bird.

PGA Championship report

posted: 08/17/2009 2:13 a.m.

Lefty's lone highlight is early eagle Phil Mickelson's second shot Sunday in the PGA Championship carried about 199 yards, bounced 6 feet in front of the hole and found the cup for an eagle.

Cell phones, PCs prod popularity of e-book sales

posted: 08/17/2009 2:12 a.m.

A few weeks ago, Pasquale Castaldo was waiting at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport for a delayed flight, when a man sitting across from him pulled out an Amazon Kindle book-reading device.

Vickers wins fuel duel at Michigan

posted: 08/17/2009 2:12 a.m.

Closing in on the checkered flag with mostly fumes in his gas tank, there were only two possibilities for Brian Vickers.

FCC chief studying cell-phone-handset rules

posted: 08/17/2009 2:11 a.m.

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, appointed by President Barack Obama and encouraged by some members of Congress, is weighing whether new rules are needed to govern cell-phone handsets.

Startup foresees microchips on paper

posted: 08/17/2009 2:11 a.m.

Until now, creating the microchips that power electronic gadgets has been a laborious, complex and time-consuming process costing billions of dollars.

Arkansas' Askew adjusting attitude

posted: 08/17/2009 2:09 a.m.

Lavunce Askew is grateful for a second chance. Three months after being accused of stealing a laptop computer and getting suspended from the Arkansas Razorbacks football team, the 20-year old sophomore defensive lineman from Camden is trying to pull his football career, and his life, on course.

Who is Y.E. Yang?

posted: 08/17/2009 2:08 a.m.

BIRTHPLACE Jejo-do, South Korea RESIDES Dallas AGE 37 HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5-9, 195 TURNED PRO 1996 STARTS IN PGA TOUR SANCTIONED EVENTS 62 (starting in 2004)

Off the wire

posted: 08/17/2009 2:05 a.m.

BASEBALL Wright, Kuroda, Kinsler OK New York Mets third baseman David Wright and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda were released from the hospital Sunday and Texas second baseman Ian Kinsler was back in the lineup after all three took balls off their heads Saturday.

Video-game sales plunge 29% in July

posted: 08/17/2009 2:05 a.m.

The video-game industry experienced a stomach-churning 29 percent drop in U.S. sales in July, its third-worst year-over-year slide since January 1995, when the NPD Group first began tracking sales data.

Bankruptcy watch

posted: 08/17/2009 2:03 a.m.

ALEXANDER Moses Aaron and Jessica Ann Trotter Sr. (aka Jessica Ann Courtright ), 13623 Carrington Place Drive, Aug. 6, Chapter 7. Warren Glenn and Tina Ann McDaniel (formerly aka Tina Ann Roebuck), 12825 Robin Circle, Aug. 12, Chapter 13.

Run fun

posted: 08/17/2009 2:02 a.m.

If you could have measured all the precious darling cuteness in linear feet, it would have stretched around the Cabot High School track, twice.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/17/2009 2:01 a.m.

Jenkins, 79, becomes hit on Twitter Veteran golf writer Dan Jenkins has covered 201 major championships in a career that spans Ben Hogan to Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods.

NFL Notes

posted: 08/17/2009 2 a.m.

EAGLES Vick says he cried in prison Michael Vick says he cried in prison because of the guilt he felt about being involved in dogfighting, and was disgusted with himself for allowing it to happen.

COMMENTARY: Yang stares down Tiger, pumps up golf

posted: 08/17/2009 2 a.m.

When Rich Beem won the PGA Championship in 2002 at Hazeltine, he offered hope to every struggling assistant club pro who made more money hustling members than teaching hackers.

Gamecocks' offense shows some progress

posted: 08/17/2009 1:54 a.m.

Steve Spurrier thought his South Carolina offense showed progress in a scrimmage in which it overcame several early mistakes to score touchdowns on its final five full possessions.

AMERICAN LEAGUE: Hunter's RBI single in return ignites Angels in 13th

posted: 08/17/2009 1:53 a.m.

Torii Hunter (Pine Bluff) celebrated his return from the disabled list by driving in the go-ahead run in a nine-run 13th inning, and the Los Angeles Angels outlasted the Baltimore Orioles 17-8 on Sunday.

Crazy 8 on No. 8 dooms Harrington

posted: 08/17/2009 1:50 a.m.

Padraig Harrington started the final round at the PGA Championship determined to atone for last week's meltdown against Tiger Woods in the final round at Firestone.

Naturals own worst enemy in another setback to Frisco

posted: 08/17/2009 1:38 a.m.

Northwest Arkansas rallied to tie the Frisco RoughRiders after falling behind because of defensive and baserunning gaffes. But the Naturals couldn't sustain the momentum Sunday, losing 7-4 before an announced crowd of 4,269 at Arvest Ballpark.

Sunday, August 16

Decatur changing up its grade configuration

posted: 08/16/2009 9:30 a.m.

The fifth graders in the Decatur School District will have a new home this school year, as the district reconfigured its grades as a money-saving procedure.

Breaking ground on Gilmore Park

posted: 08/16/2009 9:30 a.m.

The residents helped design it. The city will start to build it.

Driver beware

posted: 08/16/2009 9:29 a.m.

Starting Wednesday, it will be time once again for drivers in northwest Arkansas to share the road with hundreds of school buses.

County access to beer widened

posted: 08/16/2009 9:11 a.m.

Beer is big business in Washington County. And for decades, consumers had to go to a liquor store for a six-pack or a case.

Vendor brings a chill to beat summer heat

posted: 08/16/2009 9:11 a.m.

Ashleigh Price looked out from the service window and asked a customer what flavor he wanted.

Dealers not yet reimbursed for clunkers they took in

posted: 08/16/2009 8:33 a.m.

Arkansas car dealers are fed up with the federal government's poky reimbursements in the "cash for clunkers" program.

Drawbacks seen on clunker craze

posted: 08/16/2009 8:21 a.m.

Nonprofit organizations are concerned that used vehicles that once would have been given to low-income families needing transportation or sold at auction to help pay for programs are now sitting in salvage yards, waiting to be crushed.

History in the making

posted: 08/16/2009 6:13 a.m.

Area residents expressed their desire to create a new museum Saturday during an information and input session at the Fayetteville Public Library.

Health-care ads swirling as sides state their cases

posted: 08/16/2009 6:09 a.m.

By the time President Barack Obama left Montana on Saturday, the Bozeman media market had been saturated with an advertisement opposing his health-care plan - hard for anyone to miss because it ran 115 times in 36 hours on network and cable television channels.

Afghan bombing kills 7 near NATO complex

posted: 08/16/2009 6:07 a.m.

A suicide car bomber struck near the front gate of NATO headquarters in Kabul on Saturday, killing seven people and wounding nearly 100 in a daylight attack less than a week before Afghanistan's landmark presidential election.

State employees' salaries that grew

posted: 08/16/2009 6 a.m.

A handful of the Legislature's employees got $10,000-plus pay raises this fiscal year, among the largest for state employees.

Roadless rule takes new turn

posted: 08/16/2009 5:38 a.m.

With a big court victory and a sympathetic administration, a decade-long environmental fight is swinging in favor of groups who want to ban road-building and logging in vast swaths of U.S. forestland.

Media firms cope in weak economy

posted: 08/16/2009 5:34 a.m.

The worst recession in advertising since World War II will bottom out this year, but a full recovery isn't expected in the United States until late 2010 at the earliest, media forecasters say.

Polling sites abound for millage vote

posted: 08/16/2009 5:34 a.m.

There will be more places to vote at in the Sept. 15 Fayetteville School District millage election than any other school election in recent history.

Advocates cite need for Alateen

posted: 08/16/2009 5:33 a.m.

What exactly is Alateen?

Locals lock lips publicly to protest homosexual discrimination

posted: 08/16/2009 5:32 a.m.

Area residents took a stand against homosexual discrimination Saturday by expressing their affection on the Fayetteville Square.

Area author's play gets transposed to foreign stages

posted: 08/16/2009 5:31 a.m.

Watching a group of actors he'd barely met performing in a language he barely understands, Bob Ford could still recognize the story.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/16/2009 5:29 a.m.

Fayetteville DONALD ELKINS Donald Billy Elkins died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, at Washington Regional Hospital.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/16/2009 5:28 a.m.

16 SUNDAY August 2009 Events and Activities Wheels for Meals Poker Run will take place Saturday, Aug. 22. Pre-registration is $25. Registration on the day of the event will be from 8-10 a.m. at Bill Eddy's Motorsports in Fayetteville. Cost is $30. First bike out at 9 a.m. Last bike in at 1 p.m. All net proceeds will go to the Meals on Wheels Programs in Fayetteville and Springdale. For more information, call 751-1521 or 571-2920.

ARKANSAS FOOTBALL: UA feeling better about its progress

posted: 08/16/2009 5:28 a.m.

Ryan Mallett passed for 308 yards and five touchdowns in Arkansas' first full-scale scrimmage of fall camp Saturday, but the day wasn't exactly a rout for the first-team offense.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS BUSINESS DATA

posted: 08/16/2009 5:27 a.m.

WARRANTY DEEDS Benton County Recorded July 27-31 MLAKE 50 LLC to Addison Place Property Investors LLC (46.43 percent interest) and Southwind Place Property Investors LLC (53.57 percent interest), part of the W. 1/2 of the N.W. 1/4, Section 1, T-19-N, R-30-W, Rogers, $5,500,000, filed July 30.

Arkansas, Missouri officials to discuss Bella Vista bypass on Thursday

posted: 08/16/2009 5:26 a.m.

Highway commissions from Missouri and Arkansas will meet in Bella Vista to show support for the proposed Bella Vista bypass.

Frisco Festival celebrates 25th year

posted: 08/16/2009 5:26 a.m.

Frisco Festival will celebrate 25 years Aug. 28 and 29 in historic downtown Rogers with old favorites and new events.

Honda keeps hydrogen plan rolling

posted: 08/16/2009 5:24 a.m.

Honda Motor Co. is backing hydrogen power for the cars of the future, waving aside a decision by the Obama administration to drop support for the so-called fuel-cell technology in favor of battery-run vehicles.

WEDDING ANNA KRISTEN ROBLEE CARL EUGENE GEORGE

posted: 08/16/2009 5:24 a.m.

Anna Kristen Roblee and Carl Eugene George were united in marriage at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Central United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tony Holifi eld offi ciating.

MALE CALL Body slimmers for men are gaining in popularity

posted: 08/16/2009 5:23 a.m.

Q. I have a couple of Tshirts made with a small percentage of Lycra. They feel good on and I thought the way they fit created a good look for me. Recently I made the mistake (or probably the lucky action) of seeing myself in the mirror with one of these shirts before I pulled on my dress shirt.

Show us the money, say hesitant-to-hire bosses

posted: 08/16/2009 5:23 a.m.

Employers who have cut jobs over the past year are in no hurry to start hiring again just because the recession is tapering off.

WHAT GIVES To the rescue, or Petty theft?

posted: 08/16/2009 5:22 a.m.

One Sunday afternoon in March, a University of Arkansas student who works at KXUA-FM, the student-run radio station on campus, noticed her threewheeled, steel-frame tricycle, which had been chained and padlocked to a bike rack at the Arkansas Union, was gone.

Star Trek's babies

posted: 08/16/2009 5:22 a.m.

"I've never had a bad experience with a Trekkie." - Gene Roddenberry Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry was right. Trekkies are, on the whole, harmless folk. Unless, of course, you suggest that Babylon 5 is the superior science fiction.

Wedding: Stewart-Coffee

posted: 08/16/2009 5:22 a.m.

Susan Dawn Coffee and Mark Patrick Stewart exchanged nuptial vows on July 18 at St. Raphael Catholic Church with the Rev. John Antony officiating.

SPOTLIGHT Pathfinder Inc. Pathfinder leader helps guide others

posted: 08/16/2009 5:21 a.m.

As Debbie Stripling passed through the workroom at Pathfinder Inc., one woman jumped up and rushed to her for a "Miss Debbie hug." Later, Stripling used sign language to converse with a man who was working with the woman and a dozen others on a job for Outdoor Cap.

Times Editorial Save world, save us

posted: 08/16/2009 5:21 a.m.

No fewer than four members of the Northwest Arkansas Times staff were among the 30 to 40 people gathered at the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Tuesday afternoon for an event that had been billed as the announcement of a major sustainability initiative of Fayetteville schools, the city of Fayetteville and the chamber. Always interested in learning more about our local steps to care for the environment, we were eager to hear the announcement.

THE OTHER EIGHT Moved by another, more primal beat

posted: 08/16/2009 5:20 a.m.

The feet are mallets pounding the ground like a bass drum. The sun, the sweat, the fatigue is no different for a marching trombonist or a triathlete. Each tiny movement proceeds from the last, rehearsed endlessly, sculpted.

NORTHERN LIGHTS Volunteers find helping is a beach party

posted: 08/16/2009 5:19 a.m.

It was a beach party with a distinct Caribbean feel.

Marriage licenses

posted: 08/16/2009 5:19 a.m.

Marriage Licenses

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/16/2009 5:19 a.m.

Vote FOR a stronger Fayetteville The citizens of Fayetteville have a long history of supporting education, even during difficult economic times. During Reconstruction, citizens of Fayetteville and Washington County outbid other areas in the state to secure what would become the University of Arkansas. During the Great Depression, Fayetteville citizens supported the building of both Washington and Jefferson Elementary Schools.

Robert Alan McCaslin Another term for work

posted: 08/16/2009 5:18 a.m.

SELF PORTRAIT Date and place of birth: March 10, 1946, Hot Springs Growing up, I wanted to be a schoolteacher. Anyone running for public office in Bentonville should be strong and committed. If I could change one thing about myself it would be early on, work to be a bit more compassionate.

DEAR ABBY Daughter's sales party vexes mom

posted: 08/16/2009 5:17 a.m.

DEAR ABBY: My daughter, "Amelia," recently joined the ranks of a "direct sales force." She has asked me to make arrangements so she can present her products to my circle of friends. I love Amelia beyond words and would do anything to support her, but I told her that in this instance I felt I would be betraying my friends by "using" their friendship.

Cuba on the horizon Ending the embargo?

posted: 08/16/2009 5:17 a.m.

After six months of the Obama administration, long frozen U.S. relations with Cuba have begun to thaw, but only slightly.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/16/2009 5:17 a.m.

Murder trial of man, 86, reset 6 months FORT SMITH - The retrial of an elderly Mansfield man charged in the death of his wife in August 2007 has been delayed until next year because of the man's deteriorating health.

NORTHERN LIGHTS Teachers get more arts smart

posted: 08/16/2009 5:16 a.m.

First, when the prize was announced, there were "oohs." Teachers inched to the edge of their seats. Teacher Ann Ayres dipped her hand into a big bowl of names. She plucked Kristen Scanlon's. It was read aloud. There was a groan, a single shriek from the back (Scanlon's ), followed by applause.

NORTHERN LIGHTS Fundraiser to plant signs

posted: 08/16/2009 5:15 a.m.

Sow a sign, raise money for education.

Guest Commentary Curses! Blasphemy, profanity laws still on the books

posted: 08/16/2009 5:15 a.m.

Can you say that in public? Watch your language out there, because profanity and blasphemy could lead to criminal charges.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/16/2009 5:14 a.m.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

FAYETTEVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT POLLING PLACES

posted: 08/16/2009 5:13 a.m.

Zone 1 Dwelling Place Church (1855 N. Porter Road) - Fay 22 Northeast Southern Baptist Church (2578 N. Oakland Zion Road) - Fay 28, Fay 39*, Prairie TWP 1-A St. John's Lutheran Church (2730 E.Township St.) - Fay 19 Trinity Fellowship (1100 E. Rolling Hills Drive) - Fay 6, Fay 30* Zone 2 Baldwin Church of Christ (4377 E. Huntsville Road)

Government meetings

posted: 08/16/2009 5:13 a.m.

Monday Rogers Board of Adjustments, 9:30 a.m. Fayetteville Public Library Board of Trustees, 4 p.m. Rogers Water Utilities Commission, 4 p.m. Fayetteville City Council tour, 4:30 p.m. Bentonville School Board, 5:30 p.m.

Health Calendar

posted: 08/16/2009 5:12 a.m.

Today The Red Cross will have a blood drive today from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 206 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale.

Hip furniture chief ignores recession

posted: 08/16/2009 5:12 a.m.

It's Monday morning, and Jay Howard, founder and CEO of the eclectic furniture store I.O. Metro, is leaning against a door frame in the company's corporate office, chatting with an employee about her weekend.

Divorces

posted: 08/16/2009 5:11 a.m.

Divorces Filed; Divorces Granted.

Court Brief

posted: 08/16/2009 5:11 a.m.

Forged prescriptions Johnathan Ryan Williams, 25, was charged Aug. 7 with four counts of forgery. He is accused of using forged prescriptions at least four times in an effort to get OxyContin.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/16/2009 5:09 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Before, the only reason a person would donate a car is the tax write-off. Now, the credits are sort of eliminating that." Chris Sargent, owner of Highway 62 Auto Salvage in Fayetteville, on how the Car Allowance Rebate System, known as the "cash for clunkers" program, has hurt charitable giving.

Knock on Wood: UA defense pushing for improvement

posted: 08/16/2009 5:09 a.m.

There is no worse feeling for a defensive coordinator than when his secondary smothers every receiver and his pass rush cracks open the opponent's pocket only to let the quarterback escape a sack by stepping up and then darting up field. The stomach turns, the body temperature rises and if the human body contained a gasket, it surely would blow.

Topless 100 qualifying

posted: 08/16/2009 5:07 a.m.

Friday night's heat race top finishers from the 17th annual Comp Cams Topless 100 at Batesville Motor Speedway.

Back in Action: Despite setbacks Mallett doesn't back down

posted: 08/16/2009 5:07 a.m.

Ryan Mallett prefers quarterbacking on a football field than under the big top. That's why the Arkansas raised (Lincoln) Razorbacks fan said "thanks, but no thanks" when the University of Arkansas recruited him while he was a 2006 senior at Texarkana's Texas High.

Improvements made at Saturday's scrimmage

posted: 08/16/2009 5:06 a.m.

While Arkansas was far from perfect on either side the ball in Saturday's 160-plus play scrimmage, both sides displayed sufficient progress for the Razorbacks to believe they are on the right track heading into their Sept. 5 season opener against Missouri State in Little Rock.

Lead negates rough outing for Vatalaro

posted: 08/16/2009 5:06 a.m.

Vic Vatalaro had a horrible day in the final round of the Wal-Mart / FLW BP Eastern Division bass tournament on Lake Dardanelle on Saturday.

Leaders feud, fume as winner sneaks by

posted: 08/16/2009 5:05 a.m.

Brian Vickers didn't see it coming. Brad Keselowski sure did.

Phillips, Bloomquist grab spots up front

posted: 08/16/2009 5:05 a.m.

Terry Phillips of Springfield, Mo., and Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, Tenn., earned front-row starting positions for the 17th annual Comp Cams Topless 100 at Batesville Motor Speedway during qualifying Friday night.

Competition intense for three remaining spots

posted: 08/16/2009 5:04 a.m.

Fayetteville's offensive line rotation looks more like musical chairs. And 10 big uglies are hoping they still have a seat when the music stops.

Major league notes

posted: 08/16/2009 5:03 a.m.

David Wright sustained a concussion after being hit squarely in the helmet by a 94 mph fastball from San Francisco Giants starter Matt Cain on Saturday, and the New York Mets third baseman was expected to spend the night in the hospital.

Big leaguers bring rehab bonanza

posted: 08/16/2009 5:03 a.m.

Catcher Tim Federowicz was impressed with everything John Smoltz had to offer in his minor league rehab assignment.

Super Bowl champs stay in division driver's seat

posted: 08/16/2009 5:02 a.m.

Editor's note: This is the fifth installment of an eightpart series previewing the division races of the upcoming NFL season. Next time, the NFC South.

State teachers-group leader called solution-seeker in changing times

posted: 08/16/2009 5:02 a.m.

For much of her life, Donna Morey spent her days, evenings and weekends on a volleyball or basketball court, a soccer field, at a track, or at the pool.

Lucas, 27, doing it all for Naturals

posted: 08/16/2009 5:01 a.m.

Ed Lucas is a bright guy.

Iraq sees tragedy in date crop fall

posted: 08/16/2009 5:01 a.m.

Late July and early August is date-harvesting season in Iraq, when within the span of a few weeks the desert sun turns hard green spheres into tender, golden brown fruit prized for its sweetness.

UA's Ulrey advances on day one in Berlin

posted: 08/16/2009 5:01 a.m.

Razorback distance runner Dorian Ulrey clocked a time of 3:38.86 in Saturday's preliminary heat of the men's 1,500 meters at the 2009 IAAF World Championships to advance to the semifinal round. In other action, involving former Razorbacks, Tyson Gay won both of his qualifying heats to advance to the semifinals of the men's 100 meters and Amy Yoder Begley finished sixth in the women's 10,000-meter final.

U.S. to battle Taliban via radio

posted: 08/16/2009 5:01 a.m.

The Obama administration is establishing a new unit within the State Department for countering militant propaganda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, engaging more fully than ever before in a war of words and ideas that it acknowledges the United States has been losing.

3 Iraqis killed at artillery range

posted: 08/16/2009 5 a.m.

Three Iraqi men herding cattle were killed Saturday after wandering into the middle of a U.S.-Iraqi mortar training exercise north of the Iraqi capital, the U.S. military said Saturday.

Revamped Pinnacle ready to host '09 LPGA event

posted: 08/16/2009 5 a.m.

A renovated track and a more lucrative purse await the field this September when the LPGA Tour returns to Northwest Arkansas.

TEXAS LEAGUE RoughRiders get plenty of offense

posted: 08/16/2009 5 a.m.

Frisco recovered nicely after losing its previous game in 12 innings.

N.Y. to collect on bottle, can deposits

posted: 08/16/2009 5 a.m.

New York state can start collecting tens of millions of dollars in unclaimed bottle and can deposits now that a federal judge has allowed some provisions of a new law to take effect.

PGA Championship reports

posted: 08/16/2009 4:59 a.m.

U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover has more birdies than Tiger Woods through the first three rounds of the PGA Championship.

Gaza blast kills radical group's chief

posted: 08/16/2009 4:58 a.m.

Hamas crushed an al-Qaida-inspired group in an hours-long standoff that came to a fiery end when an explosion killed the radical Muslim group's leader inside his Gaza home on Saturday.

Low round puts Yang next to Tiger

posted: 08/16/2009 4:58 a.m.

If Y.E. Yang's hot pink pants and theatrics didn't get Tiger Woods' attention Saturday at the PGA Championship, his ball-striking and shotmaking sure did.

Arkansas soccer schedule announced for 2009 season

posted: 08/16/2009 4:57 a.m.

Nine home dates and the Razorback Adidas Classic highlight the 2009 schedule for the University of Arkansas soccer team. The 19-match slate also features contests against six 2008 NCAA Tournament teams. And of the nine matches to be played at Razorback Field, six will come against Southeastern Conference opponents.

Chiefs counting on veterans to set tone

posted: 08/16/2009 4:57 a.m.

Mike Vrabel lingered on the practice field, trading blows with defensive line coach Tim Krumrie like Rock'em Sock'em robots, pausing every few seconds to get instruction before wailing away again.

SPRINGDALE CAKE STORE OWNER SHINING ON FOOD NETWORK SHOW

posted: 08/16/2009 4:56 a.m.

Jennifer Matsubara took a leap of faith with buying her own bakery, having never made or decorated a cake before.

EXHIBITION Last-second kick gives Lions edge

posted: 08/16/2009 4:55 a.m.

Matthew Stafford threw a touchdown, an interception and had some passes dropped in his debut with the Detroit Lions.

Cowboys see Jones as big-play guy

posted: 08/16/2009 4:55 a.m.

Felix Jones quickly showed the Dallas Cowboys how explosive he could be in an abbreviated debut.

In 25th year of Kurd strife, Turks call for peace

posted: 08/16/2009 4:55 a.m.

Turkey marked 25 years Saturday since the first Kurdish rebel attacks, with political leaders calling for reconciliation, though the government has yet to offer a new plan for ending the conflict.

Obama: No painless health-care cure

posted: 08/16/2009 4:55 a.m.

President Barack Obama held his third and final health-care townhall gathering Saturday, telling a friendly crowd that change will require insurance companies to abide by caps on out-of-pocket expenses and accusing some of the effort's detractors of being "simply dishonest." About halfway through the questioning, Obama encouraged people to have realistic expectations about what could come of health-care changes, his largest domestic initiative.

THE ROCKWOOD FILES Questions and more questions means he's ready for school

posted: 08/16/2009 4:54 a.m.

Seven days are all that's left of summer break. The back-to-school countdown has begun, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. It's bittersweet, really. Part of me is glad for the return of a normal routine, and part of me is sad to see my two boys go off to spend the majority of their day and week away from me.

Flee fires, Californians urged

posted: 08/16/2009 4:54 a.m.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urged residents to heed mandatory evacuation orders Saturday as 6,800 firefighters battled to control nearly a dozen blazes across the parched state.

'Prosperity' preachers face Senate probe into finances

posted: 08/16/2009 4:53 a.m.

Onstage before thousands of believers weighed down by debt and economic insecurity, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland and their all-star lineup of "prosperity gospel" preachers delighted the crowd with anecdotes about the luxurious lives they had attained by following the Word of God.

Northwest Arkansas FACES

posted: 08/16/2009 4:53 a.m.

Long Term Care office needs volunteers The Arkansas Office of Long Term Care's Volunteer Ombudsman Program is looking for people to volunteer two hours of their time each week.

FROM THE GARDEN After a long, hot summer, gardeners long for fresh fall flowers

posted: 08/16/2009 4:52 a.m.

From the middle of August on, I start yearning for my fall flowers. The usual suspects occupy special places in the garden: asters, mums, hardy begonias, Japanese anemones, toad lilies and tea olives. My really special ones seem to make a dash to bloom just before the first frost, sometimes sprinting over the finish line in time, sometimes not.

Utah governor gets heat over travel

posted: 08/16/2009 4:52 a.m.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert is defending the use of his government vehicle to travel to political events and go on personal trips.

Low temps during bloom can cause deformed tomatoes

posted: 08/16/2009 4:51 a.m.

Question: What causes my early tomatoes to be oddly shaped and of poor quality?

Soccer

posted: 08/16/2009 4:51 a.m.

Columbus 2, FC Dallas 0 Real Salt Lake 0, Houston 0, tie Seattle FC at Los Angeles, (n) TODAY'S GAME All times Central Chicago at Kansas City, 2 p.m. WEDNESDAY'S GAME Los Angeles at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Guardsman, family log on to keep up

posted: 08/16/2009 4:51 a.m.

In the predawn darkness, Ashley Calhoun's laptop cast a blue glow over her tiny Army National Guard cubicle as she adjusted her Web camera so she could be seen in her living room back home.

Suspected tax dodgers scramble to meet advisers

posted: 08/16/2009 4:51 a.m.

A deal with Switzerland settling U.S. demands for the names of suspected tax dodgers from a Swiss bank has a lot of wealthy Americans with offshore accounts nervously running to their tax advisers - and the Internal Revenue Service.

HORSE RACING ROUNDUP 'Hillbillies' win big with long shot

posted: 08/16/2009 4:51 a.m.

Telling gave owners Alex and JoAnn Lieblong of Conway and trainer Steve Hobby of Hot Springs their biggest career victory in Saturday's $500,000 Grade I Sword Dancer Invitational at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Eternal rest near Marilyn Monroe: Pricey

posted: 08/16/2009 4:50 a.m.

Richard Poncher's eternal sleep will soon be disrupted.

High school report

posted: 08/16/2009 4:50 a.m.

Heritage looks for big return Rogers Heritage may still be behind the 7A-West's top teams in terms of being a legitimate playoff contender this season, but its special teams could be as good as any in the conference.

Scrimmage games

posted: 08/16/2009 4:50 a.m.

AUG. 24 Brookland Jr., Hoxie Sr. at Paragould Sr.-Jr., 5:30 p.m. Cabot South, LR Christian Jr., Stuttgart Jr., Vilonia Jr., LR Catholic Jr. at Sylvan Hills Jr., 5:30 p.m. Camden Harmony Grove Sr.-Jr. at Junction City Sr.-Jr., 5:30 p.m. CAC at Newport, 6 p.m.

Military Briefs

posted: 08/16/2009 4:50 a.m.

Army Pvt. Corey R.

Ozark Album Roswell revisited?

posted: 08/16/2009 4:49 a.m.

Glenn Estes, chief of operations for Fayetteville's Drake Field FAA station, tries to corral a homemade balloon that floated into Fayetteville in August 1965, coming to rest near the present-day location of Summerhill Athletic Club.

Back to School: Myth of the 'freshman 15'

posted: 08/16/2009 4:48 a.m.

Good news, incoming freshmen: most studies show that the "freshman 15" is a myth. The bad news is that most freshmen will gain some weight, but the "freshman 15" is alliterative hyperbole.

Burma leaders meet senator, free detained American

posted: 08/16/2009 4:47 a.m.

Stung by international anger over the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's ruling generals agreed Saturday to hand over an American prisoner involved in her case to a visiting U.S. senator.

Library Checkout

posted: 08/16/2009 4:47 a.m.

Fayetteville Public Library The Fayetteville Public Library is located at 401 W. Mountain St.

State media battered, not beaten by economy

posted: 08/16/2009 4:46 a.m.

Newspapers and TV stations in Arkansas are faring better than their counterparts in other, more urban, states during this recession. And the situation is improving, say some television station general managers and newspaper executives.

Bomber rams checkpoint, kills 5 in Pakistan's Swat

posted: 08/16/2009 4:45 a.m.

A suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden car into a checkpoint in Pakistan's northwestern Swat Valley, killing at least five people Saturday, police said.

Sri Lanka Catholics urge Tamils' release

posted: 08/16/2009 4:44 a.m.

Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic leaders called for the release of ethnic Tamils held in military-run displacement camps on Saturday, saying they are confined like prisoners behind barbed wire.

Grant missed, but county in good shape

posted: 08/16/2009 4:41 a.m.

On Aug. 7, Benton County Judge Dave Bisbee was visited by Claire Bailey, director of information systems for the state of Arkansas; and David Maxwell, director of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/16/2009 4:37 a.m.

Cave Springs Richard Joseph Heilman Richard Joseph Heilman, 57, of Cave Springs, Ark., died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, at his home. He was born July 25, 1952, in Pennsylvania to Josephine C. Heilman and Richard A. Heilman.

Area

posted: 08/16/2009 4:36 a.m.

School election deadline Monday Benton County residents who are not currently registered to vote and wish to vote in annual school elections must register to vote by Monday.

1626 report on birth of NYC to be shown

posted: 08/16/2009 4:36 a.m.

A report of the birth of New York City arrived Friday from Amsterdam. Dated Nov. 5, 1626, the handwritten document informs the Dutch Parliament of recent events in New Amsterdam as related by the crew of the ship Arms of Amsterdam, which left the New World on Sept. 23, 1626, and arrived in Amsterdam on Nov. 4.

Upcoming Services

posted: 08/16/2009 4:35 a.m.

Sunday, Aug. 16 Donnie Lee Rhea Thompson, 99, of Rogers,Ark., died Saturday,Aug. 15, 2009.Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday,Aug. 15, at Benton County Funeral Home in Rogers. Monday, Aug. 17 Dorothy L. Gilmore, 89, of Eagle Rock, Mo., died Tuesday,Aug. 11, 2009. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday,Aug. 17, at Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers,Ark. Walter "Red" Marshall Girdley, 86, of Rogers,Ark., died Tuesday,Aug. 11, 2009.A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m.

Around the Farm One disagreeable component of livestock production

posted: 08/16/2009 4:33 a.m.

About 70 years, ago my ex-friend Bill, then a lad, happened upon his Grandma's favorite rooster lying dead in the chicken house.

1st White House memoirist started as president's slave

posted: 08/16/2009 4:32 a.m.

In 1809, a young boy from a wealthy Virginia estate stepped into President James Madison's White House and caught the first glimpse of his new home.

Benton County 4-Hers shine

posted: 08/16/2009 4:31 a.m.

Twenty-eight 4-H'ers from Benton County participated in the State 4-H Orama held July 22-24 at the University of Arkansas.

Protesters slam event by party; 19 arrested

posted: 08/16/2009 4:31 a.m.

Hundreds of leftist protesters tried to block people Saturday from attending a festival held by the rightist British National Party, which has been encouraged by recent electoral success.

Room to Grow Get outside and work

posted: 08/16/2009 4:28 a.m.

Do you ever feel like you just can't stay inside for another minute?

'10 raises top $10,000 for some in state jobs

posted: 08/16/2009 4:28 a.m.

A handful of the Legislature's employees got $10,000-plus pay raises this fiscal year, among the largest for state employees.

Of Heaven and Harley's

posted: 08/16/2009 4:27 a.m.

A circle of leather-clad veterans joined hands and lined the interior walls of Bella Vista's veterans monument. An arc of people spilled over into the next row of names. They waited for the prayer to begin.

Travis Entwisle Rogers Heritage senior receiver

posted: 08/16/2009 4:26 a.m.

You scored the first TD in school history, a 98-yard kickoff return. Describe it?Your adrenaline is just going. I saw it coming my way and I called it. I get up there and there's just a big hole. I just hit it and was gone.

New front learning from state's best O-line

posted: 08/16/2009 4:23 a.m.

It seems like a never-ending cycle at Bentonville.

Peacock: Scrimmage good and bad

posted: 08/16/2009 4:22 a.m.

Speckled in with the blue and white jerseys of the Rogers varsity scrimmage Saturday was a new color for an important group of Mounties.

In the news

posted: 08/16/2009 4:21 a.m.

Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., 65, who is playing a leading role as Congress seeks to overhaul the nation's health-care system, was released from a hospital after undergoing surgery for prostate cancer and is at home in East Haddam with his family.

Quick Hits

posted: 08/16/2009 4:21 a.m.

Editor's Note: Over the next several days, The Daily Record will take a look at the football teams outside of Benton County in the 7A-West, 5A-West and 1-4 A Conferences.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/16/2009 4:21 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "God knows where the money is, and he knows how to get the money to you." Gloria Copeland, a preacher in the "prosperity gospel" movement, which says faith in God and the Bible and generous donations will lead to offerings being multiplied hundredfold.

Names and faces

posted: 08/16/2009 4:20 a.m.

Bob Dylan was treated like a complete unknown by police in a New Jersey shore co m m u n i ty when a resident called to report someone wandering around the neighborhood. Dylan, 68, was in Long Branch on July 23 as part of a tour with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp that was to play in nearby Lakewood.

TV news shows

posted: 08/16/2009 4:20 a.m.

Lineup of guests for today's TV news shows.

SCOREBOARD

posted: 08/16/2009 4:20 a.m.

GOLF Bella Vista Men's Golf Association 18-hole pairings Tuesday, Aug.18 Berksdale NOTE: For cancellations call 1-800-860-7103.The first named player is captain. COUNT 3 NET IN FLIGHT 8 A.M.SHOTGUN FLIGHT C 1A Jim Hudson, Fred Ely,Thomas J Prout, Blind Draw 2A Roy Brooks, Ben Camp, Melvin Briley, Rod Alford 2B Lloyd Forsyth, Stan Isaacson, Larry Hoogerhyde, Glenn Stein 3A Bill Dawkins, Bob Felstul, John Huston, Gene McMonigal 4AArthur Knettle, Joe D'Anna, Ron Lieders,

The world in brief

posted: 08/16/2009 4:19 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Having spoken and no one, neither in China nor Russia, have applauded, it seems to be that the soldier rulers have started to backtrack." - Josef Silverstein, a professor emeritus at Rutgers University, after Sen. Jim Webb secured the release of American John Yettaw, who was sentenced to seven years of hard labor in Burma.

Fightin' Words Giving away the goods

posted: 08/16/2009 4:17 a.m.

Why pay for the milk when you can get the cow for free? Or was it a goat? Or was it cheese?

In America A scary reality

posted: 08/16/2009 4:15 a.m.

The first week of August was a pretty good one for President Barack Obama. Bill Clinton helped out big time when he returned from North Korea with the American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee. Sonia Sotomayor was elevated to the Supreme Court. And the Aug. 7 unemployment report registered a tiny downward tick in the jobless rate.

The Rundown Living in a Wikipedia world

posted: 08/16/2009 4:14 a.m.

While writing an editorial about the 40th anniversary of Woodstock last week, I spent a good 15 minutes reading about it on Wikipedia.

A costly cut

posted: 08/16/2009 4:12 a.m.

When Jerri Skaggs entered the downtown Bentonville Arvest Bank on Aug. 8, 2008, and got in line for the next available teller, she probably wasn't aware that she had cut in front of Eric Shawn Baker.

OTHER OPINIONS Hendren gives heartburn

posted: 08/16/2009 4:11 a.m.

Altogether now, let's tell state Sen. Kim Hendren: "Shuddup already." And, "Just go away." Much like sports fans are growing weary of once-great quarterback Brett Favre not being able to retire gracefully, folks in Arkansas should be growing weary of a potential U.S. Senate candidate whose mouth is his most formidable opponent.

Reckonings Republican death trip

posted: 08/16/2009 4:09 a.m.

"I am in this race because I don't want to see us spend the next year re-fighting the Washington battles of the 1990s. I don't want to pit Blue America against Red America; I want to lead a United States of America." So declared Barack Obama in November 2007, making the case that Democrats should nominate him, rather than one of his rivals, because he could free the nation from the bitter partisanship of the past.

Domestic Disturbances Hillary fights trivialization

posted: 08/16/2009 4:08 a.m.

This was supposed to be the trip that would show exactly how Hillary Rodham Clinton would make good on her pledge, at her confirmation hearing for secretary of state, to make women's issues "central" to U.S. foreign policy, not "adjunct or auxiliary or in any way lesser." There could have been no more dramatic setting: Overruling the security fears of her aides, she traveled to eastern Congo, where hundreds of thousands of women have been raped over the past decade.

Right Turn Invasion by immigration

posted: 08/16/2009 4:07 a.m.

PORTSTEWART, NORTHERN IRELAND - The Daily Telegraph's headline is meant to shock, or at least get the attention of Europeans apathetic about the threat they face: "A Fifth of European Union Will Be Muslim by 2050."

READER THUMBS LINE

posted: 08/16/2009 4:06 a.m.

Welcome to Reader Thumbs Line, where readers determine the ups and downs. If you have a submission for a future column, send us an e-mail to thumbsline@nwanews.com or write to us at Thumbs Line, The Benton County Daily Record, P.O. Box 929, Bentonville, AR 72712.

CARDS

posted: 08/16/2009 4:04 a.m.

Pat's Bridge Club Winners for Aug. 12 were Dale Mixon, first; Pat LaRoche, second; Sallyann Brown, third; and Bob Hudgens, fourth.

MILITARY

posted: 08/16/2009 4:03 a.m.

Marcus P. Stokes Lance Cpl. Marcus P. Stokes was home on leave over the July Fourth weekend visiting with friends and relatives.

LIFELONG HEALTH Doctor takes a fall, says, 'Learn from my stupidity'

posted: 08/16/2009 4:03 a.m.

Here's a secret: Doctors can do stupid things. I recently did something very stupid - and very bad for my health.

Myers, Boyer to wed

posted: 08/16/2009 4:02 a.m.

Melissa Myers of Bella Vista and Miles Boyer of Bentonville are pleased to announce their engagement and approaching marriage.

Watsons celebrate 50th

posted: 08/16/2009 4:01 a.m.

Jim and Bonnie Watson of Bella Vista will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 22.

Engagements

posted: 08/16/2009 4:01 a.m.

Brittany Nicole Binns, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Garland Binns of Little Rock, and Joshua Alan Lacy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lacy of Hot Springs; Oct. 24.

BIRTHS

posted: 08/16/2009 4 a.m.

Washington Regional Medical Center July 29 To Mandi Lyn and Steve Turner of Cave Springs, a daughter,Anna Rose Aug. 2 To Alesha and Corbin Stam of Cave Springs, a daughter, Maddyn Elis Aug. 6 To Ashley and Matt Lightner of Bella Vista, a son, Miles Hudson Aug. 8 To Melissa and Donald Heinze of Bentonville, a daughter,Taleaha Ruth

Focus on the Family Parents must guide stubborn kids into making smart choices

posted: 08/16/2009 3:59 a.m.

QUESTION: My son certainly fits your definition of the "strong-willed child." But tell me how to get him through these tough years.

Bridal policy

posted: 08/16/2009 3:58 a.m.

ENGAGEMENTS - The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes engagement announcements without photographs. The announcement must be submitted at least eight weeks before the wedding and two weeks before you wish it to be in the paper.

Anniversaries

posted: 08/16/2009 3:57 a.m.

Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Davis will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple were married Aug. 15, 1959. Mrs. Davis is the former Earlene "Sammie" Wallace. Davis is retired from Farm Bureau Inc.

Babies, babies, babies!

posted: 08/16/2009 3:56 a.m.

Alion cub; several baby kangaroos, zebras and camels; and wildebeest galore now call the Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari in Gentry home after being born at the park earlier this summer. Touring the park's walkthrough area, it is not uncommon to see Gabari, a 4-month-old African lion cub, playing with Max and Marie, a couple of rambunctious 4-month-old baboons.

Community Calendar

posted: 08/16/2009 3:55 a.m.

To submit items to the calendar or to update or change items on the calendar, call 271-3713 or send an e-mail to newsroom@nwanews.com. SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 Woodcarvers of Northwest Arkansas, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Foxfire Bldg., S. 37th St., one block off West Walnut Street, Rogers.

Democratic event misnamed, moved

posted: 08/16/2009 3:50 a.m.

An annual Democratic fund-raiser was moved Saturday because the event was mistakenly represented as a public forum on health care, organizers say.

Other days

posted: 08/16/2009 3:46 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 16, 1909 DARDANELLE - Private Inman of Siloam Springs dropped on the parade ground late this afternoon overcome by the excessive heat during guard mount. Because of the heat all drills were called off for the entire day with the exception of guard mount, which could not be eliminated.

Music producer Jim Dickinson dies at 67

posted: 08/16/2009 3:44 a.m.

Jim Dickinson, a musician and producer who helped shape the Memphis sound in an influential career that spanned more than four decades, died Saturday morning. He was 67.

LET'S TALK Here's my card; let's do lunch in 5 years

posted: 08/16/2009 3:43 a.m.

Do you ever wonder how many people, while cleaning out desk drawers or going through old billfolds or portfolios, come upon a business card you gave them eons ago?

LISTEN UP Poyen native Justin Moore sings what he knows - well

posted: 08/16/2009 3:42 a.m.

Justin Moore Justin Moore Valory Music Co.

Like it is: Building winners isn't anything new for Smith

posted: 08/16/2009 3:42 a.m.

Even if special teams had been close to special, Bobby Petrino still would have hired John L. Smith.

DVDS SEEN DVDs track heavy metal, Iron Maiden around world

posted: 08/16/2009 3:40 a.m.

In Colombia, tears stream down the face of a long-haired young man clutching a wooden drumstick. In India, two men explain they have no problems reconciling the pacifist teachings of Mahatma Gandhi with their passion for hedonistic heavy metal. In Brazil, a middle-aged priest boasts that he has 162 tattoos representing metal's quintessential band, Iron Maiden.

91ST PGA CHAMPIONSHIP Holding on at Hazeltine

posted: 08/16/2009 3:40 a.m.

The coronation of Tiger Woods turned into a contest Saturday at the PGA Championship.

COMMENTARY Golf has Tiger, softball needs Olympics

posted: 08/16/2009 3:39 a.m.

Cat Osterman is having a hard time with this. Her sport, softball, has been voted out of the Olympics, again. Somebody is going to have to express some righteous indignation, and she is merely the 6-2 left-handed pitcher to do it.

TELL ME ABOUT IT It's not just about the house

posted: 08/16/2009 3:39 a.m.

DEAR CAROLYN: My boyfriend of two years and I decided to live together, as he was looking to buy a house. He loves a project and found a foreclosure/ fixer-upper. I said I preferred something ready-to-live-in for a bit more money, but he's paying the mortgage, so I didn't overrule his preference. And I did like the idea of getting to choose the carpet, paint, appliances, etc.

Off the wire

posted: 08/16/2009 3:39 a.m.

TENNIS Safina beats tired Pennetta Dinara Safina needed only 56 minutes to eliminate Italy's Flavia Pennetta 6-2, 6-0 on Saturday. She'll play Serbia's Jelena Jankovic for the championship of the $2 million Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open. Safina reached her eighth final in 14 tournaments this year, ending Pennetta's winning streak at 15.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/16/2009 3:38 a.m.

Gruden's ESPN debut entertaining Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach Jon Gruden made his ESPN debut on a Thursday edition of Monday Night Football between the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals.

TV ON DVD Theft for a good cause keeps Leverage crew on the prowl

posted: 08/16/2009 3:38 a.m.

What is it? Leverage, Season 1, 13 episodes on four discs from Paramount Home Video.

THE TV COLUMN Parallel universe of AMC's Mad Men returns

posted: 08/16/2009 3:38 a.m.

For some of us who lived through them, the 1960s weren't all that much fun.

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/16/2009 3:36 a.m.

Happy birthday. You'll go into this year on an emotional high.With great ease, you continue to ascend the mood of whatever circumstance you find yourself in, even if it is already quite good.

ENTERTAINMENT NOTES Exquisite Corpse creator will address 'ArtLinks 2009'

posted: 08/16/2009 3:36 a.m.

Andrei Codrescu, internationally known poet, novelist, essayist, teacher and lecturer, will be the keynote speaker for "ArtLinks 2009: Creativity for Today's World," the Arkansas Arts Council's annual statewide conference for the arts, Oct. 5-6 at the Hot Springs Convention Center, Convention Center Boulevard at Malvern Street, in Hot Springs.

Play's the thing ... if you wait

posted: 08/16/2009 3:35 a.m.

So, you're planning that theater getaway to New York, maybe for this fall or next year. You've heard that the Public Theater does Shakespeare in Central Park, and that you can get free tickets by standing in line in the park.

It's the memories

posted: 08/16/2009 3:35 a.m.

The Robinson family is traveling the world this summer to France, Germany, Italy, Hawaii and Israel.

Ponying up for a bit less on a Cowboys' weekend

posted: 08/16/2009 3:34 a.m.

The Dallas Cowboys' shiny new home squats on its flying buttresses like a spaceship whose occupants plan to take over Texas. And that's pretty much what it is.

TRAVEL IN EUROPE: Shining city of Stockholm glistens with old and new

posted: 08/16/2009 3:34 a.m.

With its steel-and-glass Modernist buildings and dedication to "green" living, Stockholm has the feel of a gleaming metropolis, but it offers a satisfying mix of old and new, from a well-preserved 17th-century warship to its glittering 20th-century City Hall.

CONSUMER TRAVEL Flying with Fluffy: Unless you have to, it's really best not to

posted: 08/16/2009 3:33 a.m.

All the recent publicity about the start of Pet Airways raises the question of exactly how to transport pets when you're flying. My basic advice - as a dog owner for nearly 40 years - is, "Unless you can't avoid it, don't." But you sometimes can't avoid it, so here are your options.

POP NOTES Single is nice to write about, but much more fun to listen to

posted: 08/16/2009 3:32 a.m.

While I most emphatically do not subscribe to the au courant hipster theory that the Beatles ruined rock 'n' roll by disconnecting it from public performance and moving it behind the foam-trapped walls of the recording studio, we are well to remember what it's all supposed to be about.

NASCAR SPRINT CUP Winless title possible, undesirable

posted: 08/16/2009 3:31 a.m.

Carl Edwards thinks it's possible for a driver to win the Sprint Cup series championship without winning a single race all season.

Toxic assets remain threat to some banks

posted: 08/16/2009 3:29 a.m.

Despite signs that the financial system has stabilized, banks remain threatened by billions of dollars of bad loans on their balance sheets, and more could fail if the economy worsens, a congressional watchdog reports.

The buzz

posted: 08/16/2009 3:28 a.m.

What the Elle?

Coal plant aims to clear the air

posted: 08/16/2009 3:27 a.m.

At a bend in the Ohio River, a bulky new device is being attached to a 30-year-old coal plant near the small town of New Haven, W.Va.

Incinerator smoke seen as harmful worldwide

posted: 08/16/2009 3:26 a.m.

In this sprawling metropolis in southeastern China stand two hulking brown buildings erected by a private company, the Longgang trash incinerators.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Pineiro shows Cardinals' third option still sound one

posted: 08/16/2009 3:25 a.m.

While teammates Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright are getting publicity for the Cy Young Award, Joel Pineiro is proving the Cardinals have something to offer a little deeper in the starting rotation.

GM charged up over Michigan battery plant

posted: 08/16/2009 3:23 a.m.

General Motors Co. chief Fritz Henderson says a new $43 million plant in Michigan will assemble battery packs for the company's forthcoming rechargeable electric cars, as the automaker continues relying on suppliers for key elements of the batteries.

Romanticon

posted: 08/16/2009 3:13 a.m.

It's something of a parlor game among the commentariat to compare one era with another. Every time America's power ebbs, the pundits conjure the fall of the Roman Empire-and every time America's power increases, they fear it's the collapse of the Roman Republic.

COLUMN ONE The answer to everything

posted: 08/16/2009 3:12 a.m.

"For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong." -H. L. Mencken The Great Explainer is at it again. Every era has one, or maybe quite a few if it's as enlightened, liberated and gullible as our own.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/16/2009 3:09 a.m.

Freshman tailback Ronnie Wingo could tell something was different when he walked into the training room Saturday morning.

Recruiting: Hogs determined to bolster recruiting efforts in Texas

posted: 08/16/2009 3:07 a.m.

The football season is nearing, and so is the date (Sept. 1) when college coaches can start calling recruits once a week.

EDITORIALS Happy ending

posted: 08/16/2009 3:07 a.m.

IT WAS a great day when the last of what had been as many as 275 payday lenders, aka Bloodsuckers, Inc., closed its doors here in Arkansas.

COLUMNISTS Arkansas goes to war

posted: 08/16/2009 3:06 a.m.

Arkansas was overwhelmingly rural at the advent of the Civil War. Indeed, 1860 was the first U.S. census in which Arkansas had enough urban population to be recorded. Little Rock, with 3,727 people, was the closest thing Arkansas had to a city. Other larger towns were Camden with 2,219, Helena having 1,551, and Fort Smith with 1,532 hardy souls.

SEC notes Vols' offense struggles in second scrimmage

posted: 08/16/2009 3:06 a.m.

Tennessee's offense seemed to take a step back in time during the Volunteers' second fall scrimmage Saturday.

China, India: Us, too?

posted: 08/16/2009 3:05 a.m.

The Himalayan glaciers are melting. On some of the range's lower elevations, ice fields are now ponds. Those glaciers supply most of the water used in India, China and the Asian nations in between.

Hercule Poirot, call your office . . .

posted: 08/16/2009 3:05 a.m.

According to the always informative, not to say indispensable, In the News column on the front page, the secretarygeneral of the North Atlantic alliance, one Anders Fogh Rasmussen, has met with Moscow's envoy in Brussels, Belgium, capital of all things European, to call for "a closer strategic partnership with Russia to tackle security challenges."

LETTERS

posted: 08/16/2009 3:04 a.m.

Let Jews build in Jerusalem The Obama administration has demanded that Jews stop building in East Jerusalem. In other words, you can't build there because of your race. Adolf Hitler's Nazis made similar demands as some of the first steps of oppression which ultimately resulted in the full-scale genocide of 6 million Jews.

Development and dead ends

posted: 08/16/2009 3:03 a.m.

Though it was more than five years ago, Phil Baldwin remembers the evening quite well. Baldwin, an Arkadelphia resident who's the president and chief executive officer of Southern Bancorp, had just finished a meeting in Phillips County. He had spent the evening advocating better cooperation between Helena and West Helena.

Field day(s) for genealogists

posted: 08/16/2009 3:02 a.m.

As children, my cousins and I used to talk about what we'd grab first if we were turned loose in a toy store for just one day.

A reunion to remember

posted: 08/16/2009 3:02 a.m.

As those in our families who survived the Great Depression and fought in the Great War steadily fade away and the face of American families changes, a tradition I have revered from childhood also seems to be dying.

Don't cook for catfish

posted: 08/16/2009 2:59 a.m.

The bass fishermen competing in the FLW event at Lake Dardanelle were done for the day. Some slept as the sun dipped toward the west. Some went to restaurants for supper, and others prepared their boats and gear for the following day's next round.

ARKANSAS SPORTSMAN Football jokes hijack Houston's fishing interview

posted: 08/16/2009 2:58 a.m.

Jimmy Houston, the famous bass angler from Cookson, Okla., loves University of Oklahoma football, but he's fed up with the Sooners' bowl game miseries.

State sports brief

posted: 08/16/2009 2:53 a.m.

FISHING Mayflower angler Elite Series Rookie of the Year Billy McCaghren of Mayflower was named the Bassmaster Elites Series Rookie of the Year on Saturday after the third round of the regular-season finale at Oneida Lake in Syracuse, N.Y.

Razorbacks volleyball players must grow up quickly

posted: 08/16/2009 2:30 a.m.

Arkansas Coach Robert Pulliza opened his volleyball practice to the Razorbacks' season-ticket holders for a meet-and-greet with the players Saturday.

Saturday, August 15

Man sought after girlfriend set on fire

posted: 08/15/2009 2:21 p.m.

Sebastian County authorities are searching for a man wanted for questioning after his girlfriend was set on fire.

Excess manure ruled as solid waste

posted: 08/15/2009 10:30 a.m.

Poultry manure could be classified as solid waste under federal laws when it is spread on pastures in excess, a federal judge said Friday.

Democrats' summer rally moved to Bella Vista

posted: 08/15/2009 10:24 a.m.

County Democrats' annual summer rally, formerly known as the Little Flock Picnic, will get under way at 4:40 p.m. today as planned, but its location has changed from Rogers to Bella Vista.

'Never been more proud'

posted: 08/15/2009 10:24 a.m.

Bentonville School District teachers got the chance to celebrate the last school year's successes and prepare for this school year's challenges Friday morning.

Normal a good thing in Gentry

posted: 08/15/2009 10:24 a.m.

It's business as usual in the Gentry School District as teachers and students prepare to return to class Wednesday.

Northwest Personal Space

posted: 08/15/2009 9:53 a.m.

Where I live: My husband, Bill, and I live near Kingston on Bradshaw Mountain. We have three dogs and a cat. It has ivy growing up the walls and in our flower garden. Bill also grows a rather large vegetable garden.

Farnsworth working way back

posted: 08/15/2009 7:28 a.m.

One of baseball's most durable pitchers is rehabbing with the Naturals.

Buffaloes player dies after collapse

posted: 08/15/2009 7:27 a.m.

An 18-year-old freshman football player for Arkansas Baptist College died Friday, two days after collapsing following a morning practice.

Bludgeoned wife, man tells officers

posted: 08/15/2009 7:26 a.m.

A Wright man told authorities that he killed his wife by beating her over the head with a hammer after she criticized him for "drinking beer faster than he should," a prosecutor said Friday in Jefferson County Circuit Court.

Grant to counter plunge in milk cost

posted: 08/15/2009 7:26 a.m.

The chairman of the Arkansas Dairy Stabilization board said Friday that he's hopeful that the state's first stabilization grant payment will keep dairy farmers from selling off their herds as has occurred in surrounding states.

Lawsuit on FHS bullying reset to May

posted: 08/15/2009 7:26 a.m.

A federal judge has granted the parents of a former Fayetteville High School student a delay in their lawsuit against the Fayetteville School District.

Ohio angler widens lead fishing drains

posted: 08/15/2009 7:26 a.m.

It will be difficult to catch Vic Vatalaro in today's final round of the Wal-Mart /FLW BP Eastern Division bass tournament at Lake Dardanelle.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/15/2009 7:25 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

Consumer prices level in July

posted: 08/15/2009 7:24 a.m.

Consumer prices were flat in July as energy costs retreated after a surge in June.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/15/2009 7:23 a.m.

Witnesses sought of I-540 collision The Arkansas State Police is looking for witnesses of a two-vehicle accident on Interstate 540 near Wagon Wheel Road about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, a news release said.

Parts of finance plan iffy, FDIC chief says

posted: 08/15/2009 7:23 a.m.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chairman Sheila Bair is pushing back against key pillars of the Obama administration's financial overhaul plan, saying they wouldn't survive in Congress and calling her own alternatives more viable.

Criminal complaint lodged against ex-Swiss bank execs

posted: 08/15/2009 7:22 a.m.

The Swiss Social Democratic Party filed criminal complaints Friday against former UBS AG chairmen Marcel Ospel and Peter Kurer, meaning that they could face charges related to the bank's alleged practice of helping U.S. clients evade taxes.

NFL EXHIBITION SCORES: Sanchez shines, but Rams rally

posted: 08/15/2009 7:18 a.m.

Mark Sanchez needed one play to get his NFL career off to a rousing start.

It sure was fun So long, partner

posted: 08/15/2009 7:17 a.m.

I can still see his massive silhouette strolling confidently down the basement hallway at the Arizona Republic, listening to him softly whistling, "I did it my way." The year 1986 seems like only last month.

Booneville past dogs Blytheville principal

posted: 08/15/2009 7:15 a.m.

Bobby Ashley had hoped to leave his past behind when he left the Ouachita Mountains.

Communities of faith

posted: 08/15/2009 7:15 a.m.

Professor conducts marriage seminar BELLA VISTA - Bella Vista Community Church will host a marriage seminar Friday and Aug. 22. The program will be led by Dick Mohline from John Brown University in Siloam Springs.

Insurance reform foes wow crowd for hours

posted: 08/15/2009 7:14 a.m.

U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Ark., and a woman who lived in Britain under nationalized health care sat 1 patiently for 3 /2 hours Friday while more than 50 people asked questions about health-care reform.

TEXAS LEAGUE: 'Hounds slip past Naturals

posted: 08/15/2009 7:13 a.m.

Midland's Chris Carter reinforced his reputation as the Texas League's best hitter Friday night and, in the process, helped the Rock-Hounds avoid a sweep.

Father of 2 ID'd as Beaver Lake accident victim

posted: 08/15/2009 7:12 a.m.

A body recovered in Beaver Lake on Tuesday has been identified as that of a man missing after a May 8 boating accident.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/15/2009 7:10 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Americans are quite literally paying a Cadillac car note for a Hyundai health system." Sylvester Smith, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, during a health care town meeting Friday.

Hail damage keeps piling up

posted: 08/15/2009 7:05 a.m.

A June 30 hailstorm in North Little Rock and Sherwood lasted only 30 minutes, but its effects are still being felt.

Clinton's 11-day Africa tour winds up

posted: 08/15/2009 7:03 a.m.

Winding up an 11-day African tour, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Friday that she's optimistic about Africa's future and voiced no regrets about "tough love" messages she gave to government leaders there.

Taiwan storm's death toll to top 500

posted: 08/15/2009 7:02 a.m.

Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou sharply raised the expected death toll from Typhoon Morakot on Friday to more than 500, amid mounting criticism of his handling of the worst storm to strike the island in more than 50 years.

Pakistan tribal areas to get voice in parliament

posted: 08/15/2009 7:02 a.m.

Pakistan lifted a ban on political activities in its tribal regions Friday, granting the areas close to Afghan border parliamentary representation for the first time in the hopes it would reduce the Taliban's grip.

Lobbyists jam Capitol to sway lawmakers on health care

posted: 08/15/2009 6:56 a.m.

If there is any doubt that President Barack Obama's plan to overhaul U.S. health care is the hottest topic in Congress, just ask the 3,300 lobbyists who have lined up to work on the issue.

Education goals unite Sharpton, Gingrich

posted: 08/15/2009 6:55 a.m.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan is joining forces with two unlikely allies, the Rev. Al Sharpton and Republican former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, to push cities to fix failing schools.

Hostages kill 2 pirates, retake ships

posted: 08/15/2009 6:52 a.m.

Using machetes and guns, the men fought a desperate battle to take control of two boats off the Somali coast. But this time, it wasn't pirates who launched the attack, it was Egyptian fishermen who had been held hostage for four months and who killed two brigands and took others captive as they regained control of their vessels.

Threats derail lecture by prison-abuse convict

posted: 08/15/2009 6:52 a.m.

A lecture by the woman who became the public face of the Abu Ghraib scandal was canceled Friday at the Library of Congress after threats caused concerns about staff safety.

Reformers urge investigation of Iran's top leader

posted: 08/15/2009 6:51 a.m.

A group of former reformist lawmakers appealed to a powerful clerical body in Iran to investigate Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's qualification to rule in an unprecedented challenge to the country's most powerful man over the postelection crackdown.

Missing ship seen off coast of Africa

posted: 08/15/2009 6:50 a.m.

A Russian-manned cargo ship that vanished last month in the Atlantic was found Friday near Cape Verde off the coast of West Africa, according to French and Russian officials. There was no immediate information about the condition of the crew or whether there was anyone else on board.

Arkansas Football: Hogs relying on quality up front

posted: 08/15/2009 6:48 a.m.

Arkansas has the deepest offensive line Mitch Petrus can recall in his five seasons with the Razorbacks.

Inmates for state hogging newly opened space at jail

posted: 08/15/2009 6:44 a.m.

The 100 beds that Pulaski County Sheriff Doc Holladay reopened at the crowded county jail in June are being used, just not by those he hoped would be there.

Would-be Ford assassin out of prison

posted: 08/15/2009 6:43 a.m.

The Charles Manson follower convicted of trying to assassinate President Gerald Ford was released Friday from a Texas prison hospital after more than three decades behind bars.

Obama plays down 'ruckus' on health care

posted: 08/15/2009 6:06 a.m.

Fighting to stem a groundswell of opposition to plans for revamping the U.S. health-care system, President Barack Obama said Friday that Americans need protection from insurance companies that deny health coverage to sick people.

Health-care opinions fly at Ross from both sides

posted: 08/15/2009 6:01 a.m.

Audience members on all sides of the health-care debate shouted and jeered at U.S. Rep. Mike Ross or others in the crowd during a town-hall meeting Friday at Henderson State University.

91ST PGA CHAMPIONSHIP Up 4, seems like more

posted: 08/15/2009 5:56 a.m.

Tiger Woods watched the last of his three consecutive birdies take one last turn and drop into the cup. Walking toward the 16th hole, he nodded his head and dangled his tongue out of the side of his mouth, a swagger that spoke volumes.

Buggin' out

posted: 08/15/2009 5:46 a.m.

Arkansas summers are notorious for the heat and humidity, thunderstorms and an influx of insects into homes. Wasps, mosquitoes, flies and ants are among common pests that infest and harass households.

Crews fan out to battle wildfires

posted: 08/15/2009 5:45 a.m.

California deployed more fire crews across the state Friday to gain control of growing wildfires that have forced hundreds of people to flee their homes and led to an emergency declaration in Santa Cruz County.

25% of mortgages in state upside down

posted: 08/15/2009 5:45 a.m.

About 25 percent of Arkansans making mortgage payments in the second quarter owed more than the houses were worth, a California real estate research firm says.

Conservation is key, Vilsack tells crowd

posted: 08/15/2009 5:40 a.m.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Friday outlined a vision for managing the nation's forests that placed a high priority on restoration to protect water resources and combat climate change.

Senators visit Libya to discuss defense

posted: 08/15/2009 5:34 a.m.

A delegation of U.S. senators led by John McCain met with Libya's leader Friday to discuss the possible delivery of nonlethal defense equipment.

Names and faces

posted: 08/15/2009 5:24 a.m.

Aerosmith has canceled the remainder of its summer tour. In a statement issued late Thursday, the band's publicist MSO said "it is with great regret" that the band is canceling the rest of its tour because of injuries that frontman Steven Tyler suffered when he fell off the stage during an Aug. 5 performance in South Dakota.

In the news

posted: 08/15/2009 5:24 a.m.

Mark Sanford, the Republican governor of South Carolina whose travel record has been under scrutiny since he admitted in June to having a mistress in Argentina, headed to Florida for a refresher course with the Air Force Reserve while an ethics panel considered whether to investigate his state plane use and his flights on commercial airlines.

The world in brief

posted: 08/15/2009 5:23 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I'll defend the rights of the people as long as I'm alive, and you can't stop my tongue, hand and pen." Mahdi Karroubi, a senior Iranian opposition leader, in claiming that some protesters detained after the June 12 elections were sexually assaulted by their jailers.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/15/2009 5:23 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "TV loves a ruckus.

Witness backs out on stand

posted: 08/15/2009 5:19 a.m.

A West Memphis woman who attorneys said had planned to testify Friday that she lied during a 1994 trial about seeing Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols and Jessie Misskelley conduct satanic rituals changed her mind after learning she could face perjury charges.

Williams returns to field in Hogs' short practice

posted: 08/15/2009 5:19 a.m.

Because the Razorbacks practiced too long Friday morning not to risk arriving late for the Kickoff Luncheon in Springdale, the University of Arkansas media relations staff abruptly announced players and coaches would be unavailable for post-practice interviews.

Borge bringing 'international experience' to Arkansas women's track program

posted: 08/15/2009 5:19 a.m.

Arkansas Razorback women's track and field head coach Lance Harter announced the addition of Martine Borge for the 2009-10 season on Thursday.

Petrino sets goal of national title

posted: 08/15/2009 5:19 a.m.

Arkansas head football coach Bobby Petrino believes a goal must be verbalized to be realized, and Friday he did not mind telling the 920 Razorback partisans gathered for the first Razorback Football Kickoff Luncheon that playing for a national title with the Hogs is one of his goals.

Lottery hires 12; now employs 39

posted: 08/15/2009 5:16 a.m.

The Arkansas lottery has hired 12 more employees at annual salaries ranging from $36,000 to $66,000, a lottery official said Friday.

Lincoln's campaign calls group's e-mail inaccurate

posted: 08/15/2009 5:15 a.m.

A national Democratic group said Friday that a "small misunderstanding" led them to send an e-mail to supporters encouraging them to attend what it billed as a health-care public event headlined by Sen. Blanche Lincoln in Rogers this weekend, irking Lincoln's campaign, which sent out its own release saying the group had "misstated the purpose" of the event.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/15/2009 5:01 a.m.

Goshen RHESE MEARES Rhese Meares, 54, of Goshen died suddenly on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville.

Driver charged with negligence in death

posted: 08/15/2009 4:59 a.m.

The driver who killed a county Road Department worker in June has been charged with negligent homicide.

Wolfes get more time in lawsuit against district

posted: 08/15/2009 4:58 a.m.

A federal judge has allowed the parents of a former Fayetteville High School student a delay in their lawsuit against the school district after they claimed to be short on cash.

Drop in property values squeezing school districts

posted: 08/15/2009 4:57 a.m.

Decreases in personal property tax values for 2009 are offsetting any increases in real estate valuations for Washington County school districts.

Veteran Lawson appointed Fayetteville fire marshal

posted: 08/15/2009 4:56 a.m.

Former training chief Terry Lawson will serve as Fayetteville's new fire marshal.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/15/2009 4:55 a.m.

15 SATURDAY August 2009 Events and Activities Dr. Gerald Klingaman, UA professor emeritus in horticulture and interim director of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, will give a presentation to the Flower, Garden and Nature Society of Northwest Arkansas on "Sustainability in the Home Garden" at 10 a.m. today in the Student Center of Northwest Arkansas Technical Institute, 709 S. Old Missouri Road, Springdale.

Benton County tax collector discovers $1.4M

posted: 08/15/2009 4:53 a.m.

More than $1 million in undistributed taxes has been discovered in five bank accounts, according to Benton County Tax Collector Gloria Peterson.

UA participates in tuition assistance for veterans

posted: 08/15/2009 4:53 a.m.

Those who have served in the U.S. armed forces after Sept. 10, 2001, may be eligible for tuition assistance thanks to the University of Arkansas' participation in the Department of Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program.

Prairie Grove man arrested, suspected of rape

posted: 08/15/2009 4:52 a.m.

A Prairie Grove was taken into police custody Thursday night for allegedly raping a teenage girl who was a guest in his home.

State police looking for accident witnesses

posted: 08/15/2009 4:51 a.m.

The Arkansas State Police is looking for anyone who was traveling southbound on Interstate 540 near Wagon Wheel Road on Tuesday afternoon and witnessed an accident.

Man, 19, gets 20 years for BB gun robberies

posted: 08/15/2009 4:50 a.m.

A Fayetteville man faces a 20-year prison sentence after admitting that he committed several crimes, including using a BB gun to rob people.

Hot rods to heaven

posted: 08/15/2009 4:50 a.m.

Six teens, six days of hard work, dozens and dozens of automobile parts.

Arrest Reports

posted: 08/15/2009 4:49 a.m.

Dealing crack Faith Charity Randolph, 26, of 6428 W. Jeanfay Lane, in Fayetteville was arrested Aug. 11 on a felony charge involving two counts of delivery of crack cocaine. Also arrested was Detrick Antawin Jackson, 21, of 455 S. Anna Strong in Marianna, on felony charges of possession of crack cocaine with intent to deliver and delivery of crack cocaine. Possession of drugs Andrew Patrick Anderson, 23, of 1940 W.

Signs

posted: 08/15/2009 4:47 a.m.

For at least 2,000 years, humankind has speculated on the question, "Are we alone?" In the first century B.C., the Roman poet and philosopher Lucretius suggested that, just as life originated by blind, spontaneous chemical interactions on Earth, "we must acknowledge that such combinations of other atoms happen elsewhere in the universe to make worlds such as this one... with races of different men and different animals."

Times Editorials Get going

posted: 08/15/2009 4:45 a.m.

The Washington County Clerk's Office tells us that 42,620 residents are registered to vote in the Sept. 15 school millage election that will decide whether the school district, and its pupils, will receive permission to build an almost all-new Fayetteville High School.

Making a scene

posted: 08/15/2009 4:44 a.m.

All around the country, Democratic lawmakers are holding town-hall meetings to talk with their constituents about President Barack Obama's health care legislation. The meetings are efforts to sell the health bill, of course, but they also allow citizens the opportunity to hear from their elected representatives about why they support the bill and ask relevant questions.

Guest Commentary Will Obama's support among youth vanish?

posted: 08/15/2009 4:42 a.m.

My usual mind-set in life is typically optimistic, but I see the most recent unemployment data posted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and it gives me pause. The latest unemployment figures show the jobless rate has risen to 9.7 percent - an increase of 4 percent over the 2008 figure for the same month. Further, the jobless rate for the youngest workers is at an all-time high - 27.8 percent.

Religion Briefs

posted: 08/15/2009 4:40 a.m.

Faith Regular Baptist Church in Elm Springs will have an ice cream social at 5 p.m. today. There will be a concert featuring The Brush Creek Boys at 7 p.m. and a Men's Cake Baking Contest.

Final work on College Avenue to begin Sunday

posted: 08/15/2009 4:39 a.m.

Fayetteville's Transportation Division will begin the final process of repaving the College Avenue section between Rock and Maple streets Sunday night.

Tiger turnaround

posted: 08/15/2009 4:38 a.m.

Prairie Grove hasn't missed the playoffs since the 1990s, but venerable Tiger head coach Danny Abshier has noticed a problematic pattern that could jeopardize the streak.

Area Ultimate team reaches quarterfinals of national tourney

posted: 08/15/2009 4:36 a.m.

Ultimate Frisbee had its origins on college campuses in the 1960s and '70s, but the burgeoning game isn't the preserve of youth culture.

Arkansas' Mallett, Smith named to Maxwell watch list

posted: 08/15/2009 4:33 a.m.

Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett and tailback Michael Smith were among the 55 players who were named by Maxwell Football Club president Ron Jaworski to the 2009 Watch List for the 73rd Maxwell Award, which is presented to the Outstanding Player in college football.

A $1.4 million discovery

posted: 08/15/2009 4:26 a.m.

More than $1 million in undistributed taxes have been discovered in five bank accounts, according to Benton County Tax Collector Gloria Peterson.

NEWS BRIEFS

posted: 08/15/2009 4:22 a.m.

Post adds rabbi after Jewish soldier hurt SAVANNAH, Ga. - The beating of a Jewish soldier in Army basic training last fall has prompted Fort Benning to make changes aimed at improving conditions for Jewish troops, from adding a rabbi chaplain to offering kosher meals at dining halls.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/15/2009 4:21 a.m.

Eagle Rock, Mo. Dorothy L. Gilmore Dorothy L. Gilmore, 89, of Eagle Rock, Mo., died Tuesday, Aug.

New dean named at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

posted: 08/15/2009 4:21 a.m.

As a spiritually hungry college student, the Rev. Jonathon Jensen visited many houses of worship - "Roman Catholic, Unitarian, everything in between," he says. But he didn't find a home until he stepped inside Christ Church Cathedral, an Episcopal congregation in Lexington, Ky.

Area

posted: 08/15/2009 4:17 a.m.

School election deadline Monday Benton County residents who are not currently registered to vote and wish to vote in annual school elections must register to vote by Monday.

State Police seek accident witnesses

posted: 08/15/2009 4:16 a.m.

The Arkansas State Police are seeking witnesses who may have seen a two-vehicle accident on Interstate 540 on Tuesday.

Calendar

posted: 08/15/2009 4:15 a.m.

MUSIC, ART AND ENTERTAINMENT Monnie Springs Assembly of God, 18807 Ross Hallow Road, Roland, will have a gospel sing at 6 p.m. today. (501) 868-5291.

POLICE REPORTS

posted: 08/15/2009 4:15 a.m.

Bella Vista incidents Among incidents reported to the Bella Vista Police Department according to records, were the following: At 12:12 a.m.Wednesday, following the report of a physical disturbance on Basore Drive, one person was taken to Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville. At 6:58 p.m.Wednesday, a caller reported that a hunter on Kinloch Lane was setting up a deer camera and stand in the woods when he found a blue container with tubing, cans and other materials.

Religious freedoms panel places India on watch list

posted: 08/15/2009 4:14 a.m.

A U.S. panel on religious freedoms has placed India on its watch list of countries where such freedoms are at risk, noting that there has been a "disturbing increase" in violence against minorities in the South Asian country.

Other days

posted: 08/15/2009 4:14 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO August 15, 1909 The State Capitol Commission has been called to meet Thursday, at which time Cass Gilbert of New York, the architect, or his representatives, will be here, and the commission will arrange the details for active construction work on the building and also elect a successor to Lehman Kay as secretary of the commission.

Upcoming Services

posted: 08/15/2009 4:14 a.m.

Today James "Ivan" Duncan, 89, of Decatur, Ark., died Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009.

Focus on the Family will drop 'Love Won Out' events

posted: 08/15/2009 4:14 a.m.

A "serious budget shortfall" at Focus on the Family has prompted the conservative Christian group to issue a special fundraising plea, and contributed to a decision to cede control of its "Love Won Out" conferences about homosexuality to another religious organization, a spokesman said Tuesday.

ALL THUMBS

posted: 08/15/2009 4:12 a.m.

Appearing each Saturday, "All Thumbs" is The Benton County Daily Record's take on the people, events and issues deserving a "thumbs up" for a noteworthy accomplishment or good deed or a "thumbs down" for magnificent failure or just general stupidity. Thumbs up to the efforts of Benton County firefighters who battled a fire in Avoca on Monday afternoon.

An unwinnable war?

posted: 08/15/2009 4:11 a.m.

"Taliban Are Winning: U.S. Commander in Afghanistan Warns of Rising Casualties." Thus ran the startling headline on the front-page of The Wall Street Journal. The lead paragraph ran thus: "The Taliban have gained the upper hand in Afghanistan, the top American commander there said, forcing the U.S. to change its strategy in the eight-year-old conflict by increasing the number of troops in heavily populated areas like the volatile southern city of Kandahar, the insurgency's spiritual home." Source for the story: Gen. Stanley McChrystal himself.

EDITORIALS What we live with

posted: 08/15/2009 4:10 a.m.

THE MESSAGE slip said one Sean Neary had called from Senator Kent Conrad's office in Washington. Somehow we knew what it was about: our editorial Tuesday about his boss. And about another senator, Chris Dodd.

COLUMNISTS The myth of preventive care

posted: 08/15/2009 4:09 a.m.

In the 48 hours of June 15-16, President Obama lost the health care debate. First, a letter from the Congressional Budget Office to Senator Edward Kennedy reported that his health committee's reform bill would add $1 trillion in debt over the next decade.

Name our baby

posted: 08/15/2009 4:09 a.m.

There's a book out there called "How to Pick the Right Name for Your Baby." If you are pregnant and are stumped as to what to call the little bundle of joy, we suggest you pick up this book or another one like it.

Afghan election a test of wills

posted: 08/15/2009 4:09 a.m.

With less than two weeks to go to Afghanistan's presidential election, the issue of security is uppermost in the minds of both the Afghan government and the international community.

Religion

posted: 08/15/2009 4:08 a.m.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Rogers The Community Blood Center Bloodmobile will be at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1101 W. Hudson Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.

On the road to serfdom

posted: 08/15/2009 4:05 a.m.

As our health care debate becomes increasingly strident and partisan, several ironies stand out. First is the manner in which Democrats are complaining about "town hall mobs" demonstrating against Obamacare.

LETTERS

posted: 08/15/2009 4:05 a.m.

Do we really control our health care?

Arkansas, Missouri officials to talk bypass

posted: 08/15/2009 4:05 a.m.

Highway commissions from Missouri and Arkansas will meet in Bella Vista to show support for the proposed Bella Vista bypass.

Third Friday planned in Rogers Historic District

posted: 08/15/2009 4:04 a.m.

The Dog Days of Summer Third Friday Twilight Walk will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday in the Rogers Historic District.

Area ADs say Shiloh Christian retaliation ill-advised

posted: 08/15/2009 4:02 a.m.

1-4 A Conference athletic directors in Benton County say Shiloh Christian's varsity football team has nothing to gain by retaliating against the public schools because of a vote they took this week to expel the private school's junior high teams from the conference.

McMahan: Tigers will 'amp up' after tryouts

posted: 08/15/2009 4:01 a.m.

Jason McMahan's first month on the job as Bentonville basketball coach has been a busy one.

Rogers, feeders scrimmage today

posted: 08/15/2009 4 a.m.

The public will get its first look of the fall at the Rogers football program today at Mountie Stadium.

LJHS hosting dance clinic

posted: 08/15/2009 3:59 a.m.

The Bentonville Lincoln Junior High dance team will host the Little Leopard Spirit Clinic on Saturday, Aug. 29.

AREA SPORTS/ RECREATION CALENDAR

posted: 08/15/2009 3:58 a.m.

The Benton County Daily Record invites area sports clubs, teams and organizations to submit news about activities and events. Fax information to 271-3744 or e-mail to sports@nwanews.com. League managers may report recreational sports scores and standings to The Daily Record. Scores may be e-mailed to sports@nwanews.com or faxed to 271-3744.Type scores directly on e-mail document. For more information, contact sports editor Paul Gatling at 271-3792.

Sports

posted: 08/15/2009 3:56 a.m.

SWIMMING Razorback Aquatic Club The Razorback Aquatic Club, a year-round swim club, will be holding tryouts for new swimmers on Monday,Aug. 31, and Tuesday, Sept. 1. Tryouts will be held at the Jones Center in Springdale from 6-7 p.m. each evening. RAC is also offering swim lessons through the RAC AquaHawgs Swim School this fall. Lessons will be held at the Jones Center on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.The first session will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 8.Visit www.aquahawgs.org.

Four injured in Rogers accident

posted: 08/15/2009 3:53 a.m.

Four people were injured in a threevehicle collision on South Eighth street on Friday afternoon.

Body found in lake identified

posted: 08/15/2009 3:52 a.m.

The body found in Beaver Lake earlier this week has been identified as Doug Farnsworth, according to Benton County Sheriff's Office Deputy Doug Gay.

Highlands Homes Tour Aug. 29-30

posted: 08/15/2009 3:51 a.m.

The 19th annual Highlands Homes Tour in Bella Vista, sponsored by Highlands Church, will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug.

Murphy to attend ASMSA

posted: 08/15/2009 3:50 a.m.

Caroline Murphy of Rogers has been invited to attend the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts in Hot Springs as part of the class of 2011.

Motorist gets 14 years in drunken hit-and-run

posted: 08/15/2009 3:49 a.m.

A Greenbrier man who killed a motorcyclist last year in a drunken-driving accident and then fled was sentenced Friday to 14 years in prison, two years less than the maximum sentence.

Tax-delinquent land sale Aug. 27

posted: 08/15/2009 3:49 a.m.

A public auction for the sale of tax-delinquent land in Benton County will be held at the Embassy Suites' Razorback Room at 10 a.m. Aug. 27. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Embassy Suites is in Rogers.

Three candidates attend Republican Women meeting

posted: 08/15/2009 3:48 a.m.

Attendees at Thursday's meeting of the Republican Women of Bentonville included two candidates for a Bentonville School Board position and a candidate for a seat on the state Supreme Court.

Highfill Hay Daze on Sept. 12

posted: 08/15/2009 3:47 a.m.

Highfill Hay Daze will be held Sept. 12 in the Highfill City Park at the corner of South Main and Fourth streets.

Vick says 2nd shot is last one he'll get

posted: 08/15/2009 3:47 a.m.

A somber Michael Vick met the Philadelphia media Friday, vowing to crusade for animal welfare and admitting he made "a horrible mistake" for running a dogfighting ring that sent him to jail and out of the NFL three years ago.

Secchi Day on Beaver Lake set for Aug. 29

posted: 08/15/2009 3:45 a.m.

The fourth annual Secchi Day on Beaver Lake will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 29 at the east and west shelters near the boat ramp at Prairie Creek.

Sypher: Aide paid to marry

posted: 08/15/2009 3:44 a.m.

The woman accused of trying to extort as much as $10 million from Rick Pitino over a sexual encounter says the Louisville basketball coach orchestrated a plot to keep her silent, including a claim that her current husband was paid to marry her.

COMMENTARY Vick owes others for his second chance

posted: 08/15/2009 3:43 a.m.

In this attempt to make something decent of his life, Michael Vick has no shortage of people willing to demonstrate two old-fashioned virtues that at times seem to have all but disappeared in big-time sports: leadership and compassion.

Off the wire

posted: 08/15/2009 3:42 a.m.

HORSE RACING Baffert leads hall inductees Three-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., on Friday with trainer Janet Eliot, jockey Eddie Maple and three horses.

'Highway to Health Care' on Monday

posted: 08/15/2009 3:40 a.m.

"Highway to Health Care" - an RV tour bolstering efforts for health-insurance reform - will make a stop in Fayetteville on Monday to provide Arkansans the chance to climb aboard and contact their members of Congress to demand health-insurance reform, an American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees news release said.

Program today will honor American veterans

posted: 08/15/2009 3:34 a.m.

People can circle their heroes and pray for all the men and women serving in the military at 10 a.m. today at the Veterans Wall of Honor.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/15/2009 3:30 a.m.

Vick causes developers to wing it Michael Vick appeared on the cover of the Madden NFL 2004 video game, but fans who bought the latest version of the game released midnight Friday, Madden NFL 10, won't find the quarterback on the Philadelphia Eagles' roster.

Struggling Mickelson makes cut in 19-way tie

posted: 08/15/2009 3:29 a.m.

Phil Mickelson walked off the windblown Hazeltine course, unsure whether he would be back for the weekend.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Wainwright wins 14th as Cards finish with 15 hits

posted: 08/15/2009 3:29 a.m.

The St. Louis Cardinals' Adam Wainwright joined the Boston Red Sox's Josh Beckett as the only 14-game winners in the majors and hit his fifth career home run in a 15-hit attack in a 9-2 victory over the San Diego Padres on Friday night.

State sports briefs

posted: 08/15/2009 3:26 a.m.

VOLLEYBALL Arkansas State starting in Memphis Arkansas State will open the season Aug. 28 at the Memphis Invitational, one of four tournaments the Red Wolves will participate in, and will play 11 home matches.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/15/2009 3:25 a.m.

Friday's dress rehearsal for today's scrimmage left Arkansas' coaches speechless.

SEC notes

posted: 08/15/2009 3:20 a.m.

From Chris Todd to Kodi Burns could have a much different meaning for Auburn this season.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/15/2009 3:16 a.m.

Sparks Health System to sell to Florida fi rm Sparks Health System in Fort Smith said Friday that its board of directors approved a non-binding agreement to sell the business to a Naples, Fla.-based hospital operator, Health Management Associates Inc.

Small loss buoys J.C. Penney's outlook

posted: 08/15/2009 3:15 a.m.

J.C. Penney Co. posted a small loss in the second quarter, just topping Wall Street expectations as the department-store chain benefits from inventory controls and other cost-cutting moves.

Stanford-case receiver butts heads with SEC

posted: 08/15/2009 3:14 a.m.

The attorney assigned to clean up what the government says was Texas businessman R. Allen Stanford's multibillion-dollar Ponzi scheme is managing to anger many people involved in the case.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/15/2009 3:08 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Valuations were beginning to price in a sunnier future, but not all the data is sunny yet." Lawrence Creatura, portfolio manager at Federated Clover Capital Advisors, referring to stock prices.

Flaws halted 787 work, Boeing says

posted: 08/15/2009 3:08 a.m.

Boeing Co. said it stopped work more than a month ago on two sections for the 787 Dreamliner after tiny wrinkles were discovered in the composite-material fuselages supplied by Italian vendor Alenia Aeronautica.

MARKET REPORT Consumer fears send stocks down

posted: 08/15/2009 3:01 a.m.

Stocks fell sharply Friday, taking the major indexes down about 1 percent, after investors were disappointed by reports that the Reuters/ University of Michigan index of consumer sentiment fell significantly short of expectations for the first part of August.

Ask the expert

posted: 08/15/2009 2:56 a.m.

There's a lot out there about how homeowners can save energy, but not much for us renters. Can you help? Many of the same techniques for saving energy will work for you as well as homeowners, says Ken Sheinkopf with the American Solar Energy Society (ases.org).

In the garden

posted: 08/15/2009 2:55 a.m.

Janet Carson is an extension horticulturist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Write to her at P.O. Box 391, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or e-mail her at jcarson@arkansason line.com.

Tools & toys

posted: 08/15/2009 2:55 a.m.

Mouth Watchers Toothbrush What's to love: Its nano-silver bristles kill bacteria that can cause illness, cavities and gum disease.

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/15/2009 2:53 a.m.

Happy birthday. Your sense of timing is stellar this year. When you do things at the optimum moment, you have an easy go of it. A love connection grows stronger through September. Wonders unfold before you through November and December. You'll try a new area of business in January. Travel in May. Gemini and Aries adore you.

OTUS THE HEAD CAT We print, you decide:What's funniest word in the paper?

posted: 08/15/2009 2:51 a.m.

I want to send my personal thanks to all of you who participated in the Head Cat Start Your Day With a Chortle Contest. You are the best and the brightest.

Forgot a hostess gift? Fake it

posted: 08/15/2009 2:50 a.m.

So there you are at six bells, Saturday night, in your salle de bain, maybe brushing your pearly whites for a big night out at someone else's house. And it's there, in the confines of your powder room, perhaps, that you are struck. Egad, you realize. You are empty-handed.

CLICK & CLACK'S CAR TALK

posted: 08/15/2009 2:50 a.m.

Click & Clack (Tom and Ray Magliozzi) dispense advice about cars in Car Talk every Saturday. E-mail Click & Clack by visiting the Car Talk section of cartalk.com DEAR TOM AND RAY: When I was in college during the late 1980s, I remember one of my chemistry professors telling me that he disposed of organic chemical waste by just pouring it in his gas tank and burning it along with the gasoline.

Stone lays foundation for texture in garden

posted: 08/15/2009 2:48 a.m.

When a Houston businessman bought his 1930s bungalow, a lone Pittosporum stood sentinel over the neglected yard. But the artistic gardener welcomed a blank canvas.

HELPFUL HINTS

posted: 08/15/2009 2:47 a.m.

DEAR HELOISE: Cleaning my parakeet's cage was always a time-consuming chore. Then I came up with the idea of cutting several layers of newspaper to cover the bottom of the cage. Now when I need to clean the cage, I can just pull off the top layer and it's done!

ON CHRISTIANITY

posted: 08/15/2009 2:47 a.m.

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Our college-age son says he doesn't believe in God anymore. We talk about it some (mainly when we're trying to get him to go to church), but we always end up arguing. How can we convince him that he's wrong? - A. McC.

Check your knowledge

posted: 08/15/2009 2:47 a.m.

1. What was the name of the New York team in the National Baseball League before the Mets? 2. In Shakespeare, what king says he would like to live the life of a shepherd ? 3. Stone is a British measure of weight for how many pounds? 4. What was the first synthetic fiber? It was produced by DuPont.

For kitchen overhaul, finance priorities first

posted: 08/15/2009 2:45 a.m.

Thinking of remodeling your kitchen? Here's a word of advice from designer Jim Spence: "Don't just put a bunch of cabinets on the wall." Instead, "Take time with the design and spend a little extra to get a kitchen that functions well and looks great, because you are going to spend a lot of time in this space," he says.

Nature crawls inside with decoupage tips

posted: 08/15/2009 2:45 a.m.

Don't grab the insect spray just yet.

Keep it clean

posted: 08/15/2009 2:41 a.m.

Casabella Paw Cleaning Mitt Who is it for? So you have a puppy that thinks mud puddles are personal playgrounds, or a cat that's a reincarnated landscape designer ? This mitt's for you.

Hong Kong sees 3.3% growth in quarter

posted: 08/15/2009 2:39 a.m.

Hong Kong's economy broke out of a year-long recession in the second quarter as the territory benefited from strong growth in mainland China and better conditions in the West, the government said Friday.

Friday, August 14

Beaver Lake body identified

posted: 08/14/2009 9:02 a.m.

The Arkansas State Crime lab has identified the body found Tuesday in Beaver Lake as Doug Farnsworth, the boater who has been missing since a May 8 crash near Horseshoe Bend Park, according to a news release today from the Benton County Sheriff's office.

Committee forwards reverse 911, dive-team merger

posted: 08/14/2009 7:17 a.m.

Two of Benton County's more contentious issues of late are heading to the Quorum Court with little fanfare.

Separate murder trials ordered by Judge Clinger

posted: 08/14/2009 7:17 a.m.

The two men accused of killing 17-year-old Derrick Jefferson will have separate murder trials.

FRANKLIN COUNTY: Firm seeks permit to spread drilling fluids

posted: 08/14/2009 7:16 a.m.

A company that the state found violated regulations in disposing of well-drilling fluids at a site on the Franklin and Logan county line has applied for a permit to dump the fluids on a new site in Franklin County.

Garrett takes charge at BHS

posted: 08/14/2009 7:16 a.m.

Kim Garrett's bright, friendly smile shines among the organized chaos at Bentonville High School, welcoming students, staff and visitors alike.

Drug ring members receive sentences

posted: 08/14/2009 7:13 a.m.

Twelve members of a large Northwest Arkansas methamphetamine ring broken up last year received prison sentences ranging from 12 years, seven months to three years, five months.

Activist not exception, correction official says

posted: 08/14/2009 7:12 a.m.

The Arkansas Department of Correction on Thursday denied that it had singled out activist Betsey Wright when it referred her to law enforcement authorities after she was caught with a box cutter, a knife, tattoo needles and tweezers during a visit to the Varner Supermax Unit in Lincoln County.

Court's bike rack art coming from New York artist

posted: 08/14/2009 7:04 a.m.

A sculptor from New York will create Fayetteville's first public sculptures that double as bike racks, which the city is using to promote art and public sculpture.

Circuit clerk lowers cost of copies to 10•

posted: 08/14/2009 7:02 a.m.

The Washington County Circuit Clerk's Office dropped its copying costs by a third this week after a justice of the peace asked why it charged more than other offices of the county.

'Most wanted,''deadbeats' added to sheriff's Web site

posted: 08/14/2009 7 a.m.

Nearly 16 years ago, Ignacio Espinoza allegedly shot and killed a man at the Shamrock Club in Washington County.

Man posing as FHS coach accused of molesting girl

posted: 08/14/2009 6:59 a.m.

A Fayetteville man was taken into police custody Wednesday for allegedly molesting a 15-year old girl last month after posing as a Fayetteville High School track coach.

Neighbors want quarries farther out of town

posted: 08/14/2009 6:58 a.m.

County residents opposed to rock quarrying and limestone mining - particularly those residing near the Wedington Woods area in west Fayetteville - showed up in large numbers for the monthly Washington County Quorum Court meeting.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/14/2009 6:56 a.m.

Events in Washington County for August 14, 2009.

Volunteers needed for Beaver Lake clarity test

posted: 08/14/2009 6:54 a.m.

Organizers of Secchi Day on Beaver Lake, an event designed to study the lake's water quality, say they still need volunteers with boats to help in the Aug. 29 outing to collect water samples.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/14/2009 6:52 a.m.

Obituaries & Death Notices for August 14, 2009.

Bentonville line-cutting case heads to trial

posted: 08/14/2009 6:48 a.m.

It sounds more like the start of a comedy routine rather than a criminal case.

Man gets 6 years for stealing from libraries

posted: 08/14/2009 6:47 a.m.

A Hindsville man who has pleaded guilty to stealing property from libraries is going to prison for six years for violating the terms of his probation.

Arrest Report

posted: 08/14/2009 6:45 a.m.

Arrest report for August 14, 2009.

Prairie Grove man faces charge of rape of teen

posted: 08/14/2009 6:44 a.m.

A Prairie Grove man faces an arrest warrant on a felony charge of raping a teenage girl who was a guest in his home.

Times Editorial Well done

posted: 08/14/2009 6:43 a.m.

Apparently, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Want proof? On June 22, 2001, the Northwest Arkansas Times published a story about widening Garland Avenue - specifically, the portion that runs between Maple Street and North Street. Here's an excerpt: "The completed plans put an end to a two-year negotiation involving the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, the University of Arkansas and the city of Fayetteville to relieve congestion in the area. ... In the original plan, Garland Avenue from Maple Street to North Street was converted into a four-lane street with one turn lane. At a public hearing in March, which attracted about 70 people, the plans were revised so the turn lane was replaced with a 15-foot median that separates two lanes of traffic on each side of the road. The landscaping of the median will be maintained by the university."

GUEST COLUMN A clear and present danger

posted: 08/14/2009 6:41 a.m.

There is a clear and present danger brewing in this country, and it needs to be taken seriously, investigated and prosecuted when appropriate. I'm talking about attempts to nullify democracy and to incite hatred and violence.

Guest Commentary : Reach of online speech raises new issues

posted: 08/14/2009 6:40 a.m.

When the poetic line "Oh what a tangled web we weave... " was penned a few centuries ago, Sir Walter Scott had no idea what irony those words might have when applied to the 21st century's world of blogs, tweets, Web sites and free expression.

Mia Hamm to speak at NWA Business Women's Conference

posted: 08/14/2009 6:39 a.m.

The 11th annual Northwest Arkansas Business Women's Conference, in partnership with PepsiCo, will be headlined by Olympic Gold medalist, Mia Hamm.

Business Calendar

posted: 08/14/2009 6:37 a.m.

Business Calendar for Aug. 14, 2009.

HMR Delinquents

posted: 08/14/2009 6:36 a.m.

The city of Fayetteville Accounting Department, working with the city Prosecutor's Office, collected $2,281.36 in overdue hotel, motel and restaurant taxes in July. That raises the yearto-date total collected to $58,325.61.

Business Brief

posted: 08/14/2009 6:34 a.m.

Local lawyers appointed to state bar committees Arkansas Bar Association President-elect Donna C. Pettus, of Fayetteville, appointed the following lawyers to various committees during the association's 2009 annual meeting in June.

Movers & Shakers

posted: 08/14/2009 6:33 a.m.

Two bank executives earn 25-year pins Two First Federal Bank senior executives recently received 25-year service awards: Ross Mallioux, president-Western Division and chief lending officer, and Tommy Richardson, president /chief operations officer.

Scholarship surprise : Fayetteville QB Allen, Shiloh's 'Top Gun' offered by Hogs

posted: 08/14/2009 6:31 a.m.

Fayetteville junior quarterback Brandon Allen and Shiloh Christian junior signal caller Kiehl Frazier were both offered scholarships to play football for the University of Arkansas earlier this week.

Talley holds on to top Lavy at Blessings event

posted: 08/14/2009 6:29 a.m.

Starting the final round with a nine-shot lead, Emma Talley felt at ease - perhaps too at ease.

Starting spots still up for grabs at Pirate camp

posted: 08/14/2009 6:28 a.m.

Most of Greenland's depth chart remains fluid after almost two weeks of fall camp with few starting positions secured ahead of its Aug. 24 scrimmage at Farmington.

Defense bounces back from rough Wednesday outing

posted: 08/14/2009 6:26 a.m.

Yesterday, Arkansas first-team outside linebacker Freddy Burton disagreed with his head coach's public assessment of Wednesday's scrimmage.

Sports Briefs

posted: 08/14/2009 6:24 a.m.

• 50 YEARS OF WOODLAND ATHLETICS Woodland Junior High School in Fayetteville is celebrating its 50th Year Anniversary for the 2009-10 Athletic Season. A 50th Anniversary Special Edition Athletic Program is being created. If you or if you know of someone that has been a part of WJHS Athletics that would like to have your name in the program please contact Michael McCracken at WJHS1959@yahoo. com for more information.

Line-cutting case heads to trial

posted: 08/14/2009 6:22 a.m.

It sounds more like the start of a comedy routine than a criminal case. A misdemeanor case concerning line etiquette?

New attendance policies affect K-6

posted: 08/14/2009 6:16 a.m.

Elementary- and middle-school students in the Bentonville School District will have a new attendance policy this school year.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/14/2009 6:14 a.m.

Obituaries for August 14, 2009.

Anonymous tip leads to pot bust

posted: 08/14/2009 6:09 a.m.

Police officers visiting 21424 Deer Run Lane on Thursday morning, after receiving an anonymous tip, found 12 marijuana plants in the backyard.

Gravette staff learn about conflict resolution

posted: 08/14/2009 6:08 a.m.

When Nancy Blackwelder served as assistant principal at a Florida high school, she was shot by an angry student - an incident that not only rocked the educational community but her own personal world.

CLARIFICATION

posted: 08/14/2009 6:07 a.m.

The obituary for Jerry Wayne Cauthren, which was published Wednesday, states the solider received the Congressional Medal of Honor during his tour in Desert Storm. According to a U.S. Army Web site, ww.army. mil/medalofhonor/smith/ medal/index.html, no Medal of Honors were awarded during Desert Storm. Also, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's Web site, www.cmohs. org, does not list Cauthren as a recipient.

47 single parents ready for college

posted: 08/14/2009 6:06 a.m.

This fall, 47 single parents in Benton County will have the opportunity to return to school to complete their education, thanks to the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County.

Painting with perennials

posted: 08/14/2009 6:05 a.m.

Art is subjective. Art is subjective. Talent, however, is a little easier to spot. But it all gets a little murky when the skills turning talent into art overlap.

Local residents among Harding graduates

posted: 08/14/2009 6:04 a.m.

The following area residents were among the nearly 250 graduates who received diplomas in commencement exercises at Harding University on July 25: Fred Ginn of Rogers received a Bachelor of Arts degree in leadership and management; Kathy Reynolds of Rogers received a Master of Science degree in counseling; Sharon Smith of Cave Springs received a Master of Arts in Teaching degree; Elizabeth Thompson of Lowell received a Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies; Lindsay Welsher of Rogers received a Master of Education degree in reading; Matthew Hedstrom of Bentonville received a Master of Arts in Teaching degree; and Jennifer Srader of Bentonville received a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.

Pierre Chastain Family Association reunion

posted: 08/14/2009 6:03 a.m.

The Pierre Chastain Family Association will hold its annual reunion Sept. 24-26 at the Quality Inn in Siloam Springs. All Chastain descendants are welcome. Association records will be available for research.

Democrats to offer flyers

posted: 08/14/2009 6:02 a.m.

The Benton County Democratic Central Committee has approved a new calling card of sorts - a flyer stocked with information for anyone wanting to learn more about the party and its priorities.

OUR VIEW : Peace and music

posted: 08/14/2009 5:59 a.m.

Maybe you remember the summer of 1969, which gave us the Manson murders, the Stonewall riots, the first man on the moon, Hurricane Camille, Ted Kennedy's Chappaquiddick incident - all with the Vietnam War raging in the background.

Innocent online queries lead to sites that offer eye-popping side trips

posted: 08/14/2009 5:59 a.m.

Internet users who do queries on search engines such as Google and Yahoo risk having paid links to adult-oriented sites appear unless individual preferences are set tight enough to block them.

LETTERS

posted: 08/14/2009 5:57 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Benton County for August 14, 2009.

OTHER OPINIONS : Yes, you're gonna pay

posted: 08/14/2009 5:55 a.m.

Your taxes are going up.

A clear and present danger

posted: 08/14/2009 5:53 a.m.

There is a clear and present danger brewing in this country, and it needs to be taken seriously, investigated and prosecuted when appropriate. I'm talk ing about attempts to nullify democracy and to incite hatred and violence.

'Hard day' finally arrives in Decatur

posted: 08/14/2009 5:52 a.m.

As a former high school football standout at Little Rock McClellan, Bobby King has a great understanding of how special high school football is.

Breedlove: Don't count out Rogers

posted: 08/14/2009 5:50 a.m.

After Rogers graduated five seniors - including four off a tough front line - from last year's state runner-up volleyball team, it would be easy to assume the Lady Mounties will be down this year.

Expectations still high for Lady Tigers

posted: 08/14/2009 5:48 a.m.

As easy as the Bentonville volleyball team made things look last season in winning their second consecutive state championship, dealing with the high expectations wasn't always easy for the Lady Tigers.

Senate panel cuts bill's end-of-life guidance

posted: 08/14/2009 5:48 a.m.

A Senate panel has decided to scrap the part of its health-care bill that has given rise to fears of government "death panels" in recent days, with one lawmaker suggesting that the proposal was just too confusing.

Defense will fuel '09 season for Lady War Eagles

posted: 08/14/2009 5:43 a.m.

Rogers Heritage volleyball coach Sarah Miser watched her program take its lumps last year. In their first season of competition the Lady War Eagles won just three times and went 0-14 in the 7A-West.

Officials tour possible detainee site

posted: 08/14/2009 5:40 a.m.

Federal and state officials visited a maximum-security prison in rural Michigan on Thursday to begin assessing its suitability to house Guantanamo Bay detainees.

Arkansas Football: Smith rushing to lead

posted: 08/14/2009 5:39 a.m.

Who's your daddy? For Arkansas' batch of young running backs, it's senior tailback Michael Smith.

188th's service to continue, special commission concluded

posted: 08/14/2009 5:39 a.m.

He's very proud of the people for whom he's responsible, said Chief Master Sgt. Wilburn A. "Asa" Carter, command chief of the 188th Fighter Wing.

Gay-rights groups disagree on timing for California vote

posted: 08/14/2009 5:39 a.m.

One of California's leading homosexual rights groups, Equality California, said this week that it would not seek to overturn the state's voter approved ban on same-sex marriage next year

POA collecting school supplies

posted: 08/14/2009 5:38 a.m.

The Bella Vista Property Owners Association is helping The Weekly Vista newspaper collect supplies for students of Cooper Elementary School, a POA news release states.

'A great tribute' : Bentonville unveils restored 1935 fire engine

posted: 08/14/2009 5:37 a.m.

The Bentonville Fire Department's main station at Southwest A and Eighth streets was finally completed Thursday with the unveiling of a fully restored 1935 fire engine in the main lobby.

Wiener Dog Races on Oct. 3

posted: 08/14/2009 5:36 a.m.

The Bella Vista Animal Shelter needs vendors and sponsors for the third annual Wiener Dog Races that will take place Oct. 3 at the Glasgow Road softball field in Bella Vista. The rain date is Oct. 10.

Kelly to attend Cottey College

posted: 08/14/2009 5:33 a.m.

Kailey Kelly, the daughter of Ann and Pat Kelly of Bentonville, has been accepted for admission to Cottey College in Nevada, Mo., for the fall semester. She is a Bentonville High School graduate.

Bella Vista Men's Chorus in concert

posted: 08/14/2009 5:33 a.m.

The Bella Vista Men's Chorus will present its fall concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 5 and 3 p.m. Sept. 6 at Central United Methodist Church, 26th Street and New Hope Road in Rogers. The program is titled "The Best of the Bella Vista Men's Chorus" and "The Old-Time Religion." The program will feature Don Wright directing, Marilyn Lee as accompanist and Jack Mitchell on drums. Tickets are $10 and are available by calling Bob Raines at 876-1017 or at any Bella Vista Arvest bank or at Arvest on the square in Bentonville.

2009 MULBERRY MOUNTAIN HARVEST MUSIC FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

posted: 08/14/2009 5:29 a.m.

The Mulberry Mountain Harvest Music Festival features four stages of music, sometimes with music on three stages simultaneously. The following list is the complete main stage performers and highlights from some of the auxiliary stages.

Upcoming concerts

posted: 08/14/2009 5:29 a.m.

The following is a list of performances within a day's driving distance of Northwest Arkansas.Tickets for all events are currently on sale. Readers are encouraged to verify times and admission prices. For more information, call venues directly.

Album reviews

posted: 08/14/2009 5:29 a.m.

Anjulie's debut CD is top-notch Listening to Anjulie's selftitled debut CD is like hearing a nice blend of Nelly Furtado and Corinne Bailey Rae, vocally speaking. But what makes this newcomer's From The Associated Press album so impressive is the lyrical content.

Pickin' 'n' grinnin' : Bluegrass celebrated through festivals in Harrison and Eureka Springs

posted: 08/14/2009 5:29 a.m.

It's that time of year when fiddles and banjos echo through the Ozarks as towns in two neighboring counties celebrate bluegrass.

Season opener : SecondStage presents dark comedy about art and death

posted: 08/14/2009 5:29 a.m.

little fright can be fun, especially when tons of laughs ensue. "Art of Murder," a murdermystery play with a large dose of comedy, starts tonight at the Victory Theater in Rogers. It is the first play in the SecondStage season and will run at the theater this weekend.

Personal treasures New photo exhibit at Shiloh Museum captures a love for unlikely possessions

posted: 08/14/2009 5:29 a.m.

It had to mean a lot. There they were, in formal dress, ready for their close-up in front of the camera. But they weren't alone. And those items that they showed off alongside themselves - hunting dogs, dolls, rifles, Bibles and more - are the subject of the newest photo exhibit at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale.

Live music

posted: 08/14/2009 5:29 a.m.

The following is a list of live performances in Northwest Arkansas. Readers are encouraged to verify times and admission prices. For details, call venues directly.To add listings, e-mail schedules to whatsup@nwarktimes.com, fax them to 442-1714, or call 571-6447.

Upward and onward : North Carolina act parlays self-created success into growing national recognition

posted: 08/14/2009 5:29 a.m.

The Avett Brothers were doing quite well on their own. They started slowly as an independent act from North Carolina, touring the country and adding fans along the way. They reached a new peak in 2008 when the group's EP, "The Second Gleam," debuted at No. 82 on the Billboard chart, quite a feat for a band on their own and promoting their music by word of mouth and a rigorous touring schedule.

Entertainment notes

posted: 08/14/2009 5:29 a.m.

Entertainment notes for August 14, 2009.

An expanding appetite : Barbecue chain opens what operator hopes will be first of many Northwest Arkansas locations

posted: 08/14/2009 5:29 a.m.

Customers often tell Randon Arney they were first introduced to Dickey's Barbecue Pit at its location at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Road trip

posted: 08/14/2009 5:29 a.m.

Little Rock HORSES GALORE The 46th annual Arkansas State Horse Show will gallop into town Sept. 4-7 at Barton Coliseum. Times are 5-11 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m Saturday and Sunday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday. The event is one of the world's largest open horse shows, which includes food, vendors and riding. The scheduled riding events include barrels, reining, barrel pick-up and horsemanship. Admission is $7 each day and there is no parking fee The venue is located at 2600 Howard St For more information, call (501) 920-3884 or visit www.arkansasstatefair.com.

California to stop giving creditors IOUs

posted: 08/14/2009 5:28 a.m.

California's top financial officers said Thursday that they will stop issuing IOUs, ending a practice that became the most visible symbol of the state's fiscal crisis.

Jobless claims up; retail sales fall

posted: 08/14/2009 5:28 a.m.

Retail sales disappointed in July and the number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for unemployment benefits rose unexpectedly last week.

Mint releases third of four new pennies

posted: 08/14/2009 5:27 a.m.

The U.S. Mint released a redesigned penny to mark the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The Mint plans to start out by producing 319 million of the new coins.

Trauma center list includes 14 in region

posted: 08/14/2009 5:26 a.m.

Fourteen of the 64 Arkansas hospitals cleared Thursday to begin steps toward becoming official trauma centers are in or near Northwest Arkansas.

Ford to boost production of 2 models

posted: 08/14/2009 5:26 a.m.

Ford Motor Co. said Thursday that it will build more of its popular Focus and Escape models and increase overall production of cars and trucks this year to help dealers restock depleted showrooms.

Gates: No troop request in Afghan war report

posted: 08/14/2009 5:24 a.m.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday that an Afghan assessment due soon from commanding Gen. Stanley McChrystal won't contain any specific recommendations for increases in troops.

North frees detained cross-border South Korean worker

posted: 08/14/2009 5:23 a.m.

A South Korean worker detained for months in North Korea returned home Thursday after the communist nation freed him, brightening prospects for improved relations between the rival nations.

Double blasts kill 21, hurt 32 in Iraq cafe

posted: 08/14/2009 5:22 a.m.

A double suicide bombing devastated a cafe packed with young people in northwestern Iraq on Thursday, killing at least 21, officials said, in the latest attack against an ethnic-minority community.

Release possible for ailing Lockerbie bomber

posted: 08/14/2009 5:21 a.m.

Scottish officials said Thursday that they were considering early release for the Lockerbie bomber, igniting debate among victims' relatives in the United States and Britain over whether he should be allowed to return home to Libya.

GRIDLOCK GURU: Public often beats pros to problems

posted: 08/14/2009 5:20 a.m.

James Surowiecki's book The Wisdom of Crowds suggests independent thinking by many people is more powerful than the thinking of a few experts.

Son busy as 3 killed, mom testifies

posted: 08/14/2009 4:53 a.m.

Jason Baldwin attended school, played games and mowed a yard the day three West Memphis boys were killed in 1993, his mother testified Thursday in a hearing to determine whether Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley received adequate legal counsel at trial.

2 suspended over copter, plane crash

posted: 08/14/2009 4:53 a.m.

Authorities have suspended an air traffic controller who was talking on the phone during last week's deadly midair collision over New York's Hudson River, along with a supervisor who was out of the building at the time.

Agency says worker fired over early release of youths

posted: 08/14/2009 4:51 a.m.

The Department of Human Services confirmed Thursday that employee Jacobia Twiggs was fired earlier this month for releasing delinquent youths over the objections of others and lying about it.

LIKE IT IS Fans clamor for more, but 7-5 would be OK

posted: 08/14/2009 4:50 a.m.

Here are a few observations after a week of Arkansas football practices.

91ST PGA CHAMPIONSHIP Beware of loose Tiger

posted: 08/14/2009 4:49 a.m.

Tiger Woods smiled and gave a thumbs-up sign, although it wasn't for anything he did at the PGA Championship. Standing on the green of the 606-yard 11th hole at Hazeltine, he was shocked to see that a player in the group behind him - Alvaro Quiros - had hit his second shot into the wind and onto the green.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/14/2009 4:48 a.m.

Blytheville couple killed in house fire BLYTHEVILLE - Authorities are investigating a house fire that killed a Blytheville couple.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/14/2009 4:45 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes. For more information, call (479) 770-8400.

NOTEWORTHY DEATH

posted: 08/14/2009 4:42 a.m.

Multitrack recording, guitar innovator Les Paul, who invented the solid-body electric guitar later wielded by a legion of rock 'n' roll greats, died Thursday of complications from pneumonia. He was 94.

New venue sought in harassment trial

posted: 08/14/2009 4:41 a.m.

In the year since it was filed, a misdemeanor harassment charge against a Bella Vista man has involved three Bentonville police detectives, the recusal of district judges and the Bentonville city attorney.

Off the wire

posted: 08/14/2009 4:41 a.m.

Williams sisters upset The Williams sisters have seldom spent such a miserable day together. Venus Williams botched routine shots all the way through a 7-6 (2), 6-4 loss to Italy's Flavia Pennetta on Thursday, the first major upset at the Cincinnati Open in Mason, Ohio. She made 38 unforced errors, repeatedly dumping balls into the net or well beyond the baseline.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/14/2009 4:38 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "There will be carryover money from this round of start-up money - so there will be money in the future." Ed Barham, of the Arkansas Department of Health, referring to start-up grants 68 hospitals were cleared to pursue Article, 3A

THE RECRUITING GUY: Arkansas makes offer to top junior QBs

posted: 08/14/2009 4:38 a.m.

Two of the top quarterbacks from the state received scholarship offers from Arkansas on Tuesday, when the Razorbacks offered juniors Brandon Allen of Fayetteville and Kiehl Frazier of Shiloh Christian.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/14/2009 4:37 a.m.

HR derby sets up shots for O'Neal Shaquille O'Neal says he was a Tball All-Star and a high school first baseman with the "world's biggest strike zone." The 7-1, 325-pound O'Neal is promoting his ABC show that pits him against other superstars. He was joined by St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols to discuss their home run derby on one of the shows.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Lee continues roll, making trade pay off for Phillies

posted: 08/14/2009 4:35 a.m.

Cliff Lee showed again why the World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies may have made the best deal of all before the trade deadline.

System: School retiree observed law

posted: 08/14/2009 4:35 a.m.

The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System on Thursday cleared one school district employee of allegations that she failed to comply with a state law requiring her to "terminate" her employment for at least 30 days before returning to work.

AJGA JUNIOR LR: golfer goes low, wins title

posted: 08/14/2009 4:34 a.m.

Matthew Mabrey saved the best for last Thursday in the Arkansas Classic at Blessings Golf Course.

Eagles sign Vick to one-year deal

posted: 08/14/2009 4:33 a.m.

Michael Vick is back in the NFL, landing a job Thursday with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Texas League: Naturals reliever delivers

posted: 08/14/2009 4:33 a.m.

A majorleaguer took the mound on an injury rehab assignment Thursday, but one of Northwest Arkansas' minor-league relievers picked him up.

Ex-Hog Daly quits after double trouble

posted: 08/14/2009 4:31 a.m.

John Daly withdrew from the PGA Championship after finishing with consecutive double bogeys for a 78. He cited a back injury.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/14/2009 4:30 a.m.

Several Arkansas defensive players didn't mince words when describing their performance in Wednesday's scrimmage work.

Notes

posted: 08/14/2009 4:30 a.m.

PHILLIES-CUBS Man charged after beer shower Chicago police charged a 21-year old man with two misdemeanor counts Thursday in connection with a beer-throwing incident that showered Philadelphia Phillies All-Star center fielder Shane Victorino.

Efficient Ohio angler in lead at FLW event

posted: 08/14/2009 4:27 a.m.

Vic Vatalaro didn't have to spend much time on the water Thursday to take the lead in the Wal-Mart /FLW Series Eastern Division bass tournament on Lake Dardanelle.

State briefs

posted: 08/14/2009 4:26 a.m.

BASKETBALL Central Arkansas to play Kansas, Memphis The Central Arkansas men's basketball team announced its 2009-2010 schedule, highlighted by games at Kansas and Memphis. Central Arkansas will play Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kan., on Nov. 19, and will face Memphis on Nov. 24 at the FedEx Forum.

NFL EXHIBITION Steelers dig deep, beat Cards again

posted: 08/14/2009 4:26 a.m.

Isaac Redman, an undrafted rookie from Bowie State playing long after the starters for both Super Bowl teams left the field, scored twice in the fourth quarter and the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals 20-10 in an exhibition opener Thursday night.

High school football report

posted: 08/14/2009 4:26 a.m.

Decatur pulls plug on season Decatur won't be playing senior high football this season.

SEC Notes

posted: 08/14/2009 4:26 a.m.

Tennessee Coach Lane Kiffin is determined to rely heavily on the Volunteers' tailbacks to open up the offense.

Southwest's bid for Frontier stalls over pilots' seniority

posted: 08/14/2009 4:25 a.m.

Plans by Southwest Airlines to buy Frontier Airlines out of bankruptcy hit a snag Thursday as pilots for the two carriers failed to work out a deal on how they would merge their ranks.

AROUND THE STATE Injury sidelines Butterfield for season

posted: 08/14/2009 4:25 a.m.

Arkansas State got some bad news Thursday as it completed its first week of fall camp.

Stallworth suspended for season

posted: 08/14/2009 4:24 a.m.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell decided Cleveland Browns receiver Donte Stallworth's football punishment should last much longer than his 24 days in jail. Stallworth, who pleaded guilty to killing a pedestrian while driving drunk, was suspended without pay Thursday for the season.

2 nations' economy upswings lift hopes

posted: 08/14/2009 4:24 a.m.

Government programs to support the auto industry helped Germany and France return to economic growth in the second quarter, rebounds that stoked hopes that the recession in the wider 16-country euro area may also end sooner than thought.

Panel awards lottery game, service deals

posted: 08/14/2009 4:22 a.m.

A legislative committee signed off Thursday on the Arkansas Lottery Commission's decisions to award two major gambling contracts and an advertising contract, keeping the lottery on track to start next month.

68 hospitals approved for trauma center list

posted: 08/14/2009 4:21 a.m.

The Arkansas Trauma Advisory Council on Thursday approved 68 hospitals to begin the process of becoming trauma centers under the state's new $25 million trauma system.

Examiners' accreditation lapsed in '08

posted: 08/14/2009 4:21 a.m.

Arkansas Chief Medical Examiner Charles Kokes decided last year to allow his office's long-lauded National Association of Medical Examiners accreditation to lapse.

Getting it straight

posted: 08/14/2009 4:17 a.m.

The Democrat-Gazette wants its news reports to be fair and accurate.

Retail marketing drive takes aim at recession

posted: 08/14/2009 4:17 a.m.

At the King's Bay Shopping Center shoppers can't miss the giant lime green signs and the buttons on store clerks proclaiming "I-am-anti-recession.com" with a smiley face.

Retailer's earnings surpass forecast

posted: 08/14/2009 4:16 a.m.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported second-quarter earnings Thursday that beat Wall Street expectations despite sales that fell short of the company's forecast.

Taiwan typhoon survivors rescued over raging river

posted: 08/14/2009 4:14 a.m.

Terrified survivors of Typhoon Morakot were pulled to safety along cables slung across a raging river as criticism mounted Thursday over Taiwan's response to the flash floods that five days earlier killed dozens of villagers.

In the news

posted: 08/14/2009 4:11 a.m.

Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, declined to comment on a campaign poster by Christian Democrat candidate Vera Lengsfeld that carries the slogan, "We have more to offer," under revealing photos of Lengsfeld and party leader Merkel in evening gowns, and told German radio, "I would rather discuss the issues on our posters."

Names and faces

posted: 08/14/2009 4:10 a.m.

Brooks & Dunn decided to call it quits after they realized they'd begun to run out of ideas after 20 years of making hit country music together. Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn talked about their parting Wednesday during a taping of Country Music Television's Invitation Only show, which will air Oct. 30.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/14/2009 4:10 a.m.

Entergy electric bills to fall 3% next month Declining natural-gas prices will result in Entergy Arkansas Inc. reducing residential electric bills by about 3 percent a month effective Sept. 1.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/14/2009 4:10 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "We have a job now to do to have facts catch up with the myths." Ron Pollack, Families USA executive director, on an ad campaign to counter critics' claims that a health-care overhaul would lead to rationed care.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/14/2009 4:09 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Households are in no position to drive a decent economic recovery." Paul Dales, U.S. economist at Capital Economics, in a note to clients.

The world in brief

posted: 08/14/2009 4:09 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I have a tough time being compassionate for a guy who killed 270 people." Peter Sullivan, whose best friend was killed in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am 103, after hearing that the now-terminally ill man convicted in the attack could be freed early.

MARKET REPORT: Markets rise on financial stock sales

posted: 08/14/2009 4:08 a.m.

Investors sent stocks higher for a second day in a row Thursday, lifting all the major indexes and adding to the gains that followed upbeat comments from the Federal Reserve a day earlier.

Obituaries

posted: 08/14/2009 4:04 a.m.

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

What's not being celebrated

posted: 08/14/2009 3:52 a.m.

If the Americans who fought World War II are the Greatest Generation, their children are the Greatest Erasers. That's why all week long you're going to hear Joni Mitchell singing about bombers turning into butterflies over Woodstock, and not Mick Jagger warning that rape, murder, it's just a shot away at Altamont.

EDITORIALS Dr. Obama's prescription

posted: 08/14/2009 3:52 a.m.

AT HIS town-hall meeting Tuesday in Portsmouth, N.H., the president of the United States assured his listeners, among other things, that under his health-care plan, "we will make sure that no insurance company or government bureaucrat gets between you and the care you need." Do you believe that?

Calling the engineers

posted: 08/14/2009 3:51 a.m.

IT TAKES a special kind of soldier to be a combat engineer. The infantry's mission is pretty clear-cut : Find the bad guys, shoot the bad guys. The field artillery involves more math, but its mission is fairly simple, too: When others encounter the bad guys, you shoot the bad guys, only with bigger bullets.

COLUMNISTS Woodstock at 40

posted: 08/14/2009 3:51 a.m.

Tomorrow, it will be 40 years since 400,000 hippies descended on Max Yasgur's dairy farm for a concert. Jimi Hendrix performed, as did Richie Havens, the Who, Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Joan Baez, Santana, and Sly and the Family Stone, among others. It was billed as three days of "peace and music." It became a generational signpost: Woodstock.

LETTERS

posted: 08/14/2009 3:49 a.m.

Slow the truckers down With fuel costs going up again, and factoring in the pollution, we need to get the 18-wheelers using less fuel. I know of no better way than to slow them down on the interstates.

Keep it simple

posted: 08/14/2009 3:49 a.m.

Around these parts, some of us still chuckle about a notice to employees that was posted on bulletin boards at one time.

Health care's hard truths

posted: 08/14/2009 3:49 a.m.

Issues with the magnitude of health care reform have sunk greater politicians than Barack Obama. It's evident that whatever prevailing political calculations had been made about popular consensus on this issue were wrong. Headline after headline describes lawmakers home for summer recess besieged at public forums by agitated attendees.

Thursday, August 13

Breaking News: Decatur football dead for this year

posted: 08/13/2009 11:47 a.m.

DECATUR - There will be no varsity football team in Decatur this fall.

Stimulus hiring will later expand state obligations

posted: 08/13/2009 6:23 a.m.

The $2.16 billion that Arkansas receives from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will spur hiring in the state, but two years from now, when a majority of the temporary jobs end, it will cost the state more for unemployment benefits, a state representative said Wednesday.

Activist charged in try to smuggle

posted: 08/13/2009 6:22 a.m.

Authorities accused Betsey Wright, at one time a chief of staff to former-Gov. Bill Clinton and now a prisoner-rights advocate, of trying to smuggle contraband into Arkansas' death row - including 48 tattoo needles hidden inside a bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos.

Sept. 28 lottery called 'do-able'

posted: 08/13/2009 6:21 a.m.

Lt. Gov. Bill Halter said Wednesday that he believes Arkansas' lottery can begin selling lottery tickets on Sept. 28, though several lawmakers said they're worried that the lottery is moving too quickly.

Purple Heart winners gather in Rogers

posted: 08/13/2009 6:20 a.m.

Purple Heart recipients from throughout the United States met in Rogers on Tuesday, beginning the annual national convention of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Primary grades all under one roof

posted: 08/13/2009 6:20 a.m.

When students and teachers in Pea Ridge's primary grades head off to lunch or gym class this school year, they will no longer have to be weather-ready.

Exhibit digs up dirt on early Ozarks hygiene

posted: 08/13/2009 6:19 a.m.

Do you take a bath every day? Wear clean clothes every day? Where do you go when you need to use the bathroom? Simple and personal questions, no?

Stimulus race : Local governments competing for pieces of stimulus pie

posted: 08/13/2009 6:18 a.m.

The race for federal stimulus money is still on among Arkansas cities and counties, with a clear message to those wanting to gobble up some of the $2.9 billion set to come the state's way.

Teen convicted of raping store clerk

posted: 08/13/2009 6:17 a.m.

A Washington County jury deliberated for 21 minutes before convicting 19-yearold Kevin Baltz of raping a convenience store clerk in West Fork on Jan. 23.

Stimulus money to improve bus stops

posted: 08/13/2009 6:16 a.m.

Improved sidewalks, sheltered bus stops and new benches are among the upgrades coming to Northwest Arkansas' transit system.

Group rallies millage bump supporters on Square

posted: 08/13/2009 6:15 a.m.

Now is the time for this generation to step forward and build a new high school, supporters of the upcoming Sept. 15 school millage election said at a rally Wednesday evening.

Flights up, fuel sales down at Fayetteville airport

posted: 08/13/2009 6:14 a.m.

Fayetteville Executive Airport had its busiest operations month of the year in July, but unexplainably sold the least fuel, the Airport Board heard Wednesday.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/13/2009 6:13 a.m.

Events in Washington County for August 13, 2009.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/13/2009 6:11 a.m.

Obituaries & Death Notices for August 13, 2009.

City calls talk of firings 'idle gossip'

posted: 08/13/2009 6:08 a.m.

Behavior that led to firings of two employees at the Fayetteville Fire Department was not illegal or related to poor job performance, according to a request for an attorney general's opinion submitted by the city Wednesday.

County man, 22, accused of molesting relative for years

posted: 08/13/2009 6:07 a.m.

A Washington County man was taken into police custody Wednesday for allegedly molesting a 13-year-old relative for several years.

Court Briefs

posted: 08/13/2009 6:06 a.m.

Couth Briefs for Washington County for August 13, 2009.

Times Editorial : The job stays

posted: 08/13/2009 6:05 a.m.

In October 2007, Alderman Lioneld Jordan was approached by several friends who thought it would be neat if he became Fayetteville's next mayor. Whatever was said worked. One month later the populist from Ward 4 was busy putting together a campaign team to unseat two-term incumbent Dan Coody. From the beginning, that grouping of top-tier supporters included former Ward 2 Alderman Don Marr and University of Arkansas communication professor Steve Smith.

Guest Commentary : Beyond AstroTurf

posted: 08/13/2009 6:04 a.m.

"To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker." - Frederick Douglass Why is it if liberals protest it is all about patriotism, free speech and grassroots activism? But when concerned senior citizens, parents, Republicans, Independents and even Democrats concerned about their health care speak up, it's phony baloney AstroTurf without any roots and "un-American" ?

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/13/2009 6:03 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Washington County for August 13, 2009.

Teachers get lesson from national education scholar

posted: 08/13/2009 6:01 a.m.

For Wednesday's professional development session, the faculty of Washington County's smallest school district heard some instruction tips from a nationally known education author.

Center for Equality to participate in National Kiss-In

posted: 08/13/2009 6 a.m.

The Great Nationwide Kiss-In is a demonstration to raise awareness of discrimination against same-sex couples. The Northwest Arkansas Center for Equality will demonstrate locally at the Fayetteville Town Center at 12:45 p.m. Saturday.

Fayetteville Forward group to talk heritage Saturday

posted: 08/13/2009 5:58 a.m.

The Historic and Heritage Resources Action Group of Fayetteville Forward will hold an information and input session from 10 a.m.

Deep and dangerous : Depth, new philosophy has FHS secondary in the zone

posted: 08/13/2009 5:57 a.m.

Fayetteville's secondary has a new coach and a fresh perspective entering the 2009 season. After finishing the season near the bottom of the 7A-West in pass defense, the Purple Dogs secondary is slowly regaining its swagger under newly hired secondary coach Lerinezo Robinson, a former starting safety for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

U.S. starts Afghan push

posted: 08/13/2009 5:47 a.m.

U.S. Marines battled Taliban fighters Wednesday for control of a strategic southern town in a new operation to cut militant supply lines and allow Afghan residents to vote in next week's presidential election.

UA FOOTBALL : Offense makes progress despite injuries

posted: 08/13/2009 5:43 a.m.

Slowed by the defense in a situational scrimmage, Arkansas' offense managed to push down field once the chains were allowed to move during Wednesday's regular portion of the Razorbacks' first preseason scrimmage.

A year later, Gwatney's death still tinges family's days

posted: 08/13/2009 5:43 a.m.

A year after her father was murdered, Christian Gwatney-Baker continues to go through "absolute living hell." At 48, Bill Gwatney was in the prime of his political and professional life, a well-known car dealer and former state senator from Jacksonville. Today, Gwatney's family still struggles to deal with his unexpected death.

Back 9 charge increases Talley's lead at Blessings junior tourney

posted: 08/13/2009 5:42 a.m.

First-round leader Emma Talley dropped four shots on her first five holes Wednesday at the Blessings Golf Club but played the final 10 holes in 3-under par to retain her lead at the American Junior Golf Association's Arkansas Junior.

Lindsey Dodgers see silver lining after falling short in state tourney

posted: 08/13/2009 5:41 a.m.

The Lindsey & Associates Dodgers may not have claimed an American Legion state championship but many of its players reached the next level.

FHS boys finish 2nd in match against Bentonville, Har-Ber

posted: 08/13/2009 5:41 a.m.

Fayetteville was minus the services of its top two scorers but still managed to challenge in a meeting of 7A-West foes Wednesday at Stonebridge Meadows.

Duo nabs three-peat with big comeback

posted: 08/13/2009 5:40 a.m.

With the pressure off, Anita Harsch and Gail Kidd decided to go out and have fun in the final round of the Ladies Classic at the Fayetteville Country Club on Wednesday.

Wolves have 'something to prove

posted: 08/13/2009 5:39 a.m.

For many, the record says it all. Winless the last three years, many don't even bat an eye at the Lincoln Wolves. Yet, there is hope in the small town, where the high school football team hasn't won a game since 2005. A second year under coach Brad Harris helps. So does the return of sophomore quarterback Zach Summers, who showed why he was worthy of being pulled from the junior high ranks to high school starter with more than 1,000 yards passing.

Sports Briefs

posted: 08/13/2009 5:38 a.m.

Sports Briefs for Washington County for August 13, 2009.

On the up again : June and July passenger counts found XNA climbing for the first time since late 2008.

posted: 08/13/2009 5:36 a.m.

Finally, a sense of normalcy. Through its first 10 years of operation, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport posted incredible numbers. Passenger counts were constantly on the up, and the Highfill-based facility appeared invincible.

Democrats set for registration drives

posted: 08/13/2009 5:32 a.m.

Democrats in Benton and Washington counties will soon be helping to register Hispanic voters and others, preparing for 2010 elections.

Democrats urged to help food pantry

posted: 08/13/2009 5:31 a.m.

Benton County Democrats attending their annual rally this week can perform a public service at the same time, said Leroy Roberts, Benton County Democratic Party chairman.

Arkansans can't close on leaders

posted: 08/13/2009 5:31 a.m.

Emma Talley had the type of start that could have easily wrecked a round, if not a whole tournament.

POLICE REPORTS

posted: 08/13/2009 5:30 a.m.

Police reports in Benton County for August 13, 2009.

County Emergency Management hires deputy

posted: 08/13/2009 5:29 a.m.

On Monday, Bonnie Bunting began her new role as deputy coordinator with the Benton County Department of Emergency Management.

Monday is last day to schedule Equalization Board hearing

posted: 08/13/2009 5:29 a.m.

All property owners in Benton County who wish to have their property values reviewed before the Equalization Board have until 4:30 p.m. Monday to schedule an appointment.

Razorbacks find spark on offense

posted: 08/13/2009 5:28 a.m.

After a sluggish start, Arkansas' offense turned in its best day of fall camp during Wednesday's scrimmage work.

Fundraising movie set for Democrats

posted: 08/13/2009 5:28 a.m.

Meeting Monday, Benton County Democratic Central Committee members heard about plans for another in a series of fundraising movies the committee will present.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/13/2009 5:27 a.m.

Obituaries for August 13, 2009.

Aircraft plant faces more layoffs

posted: 08/13/2009 5:25 a.m.

Hawker Beechcraft's chairman and chief executive officer notified employees Wednesday of further layoffs and changes to benefits.

China loses trade case on limiting U.S. media

posted: 08/13/2009 5:25 a.m.

The World Trade Organization backed the United States on Wednesday in a major trade battle with China, saying government regulations violated free trade practices by restricting imports of movies, music and books.

Deadlines near for festival competition

posted: 08/13/2009 5:24 a.m.

The Frisco Festival is just around the corner, and deadlines for festival competitions are near. The festival will be held Aug. 28-29 in downtown Rogers.

Local students named to dean's list

posted: 08/13/2009 5:23 a.m.

Kathryn L. Knipple and Amy C. Taylor, both of Bentonville, and Stephanie A. Miller of Rogers have been named to the dean's list at Missouri State University for the summer semester.

Library plans fundraising event

posted: 08/13/2009 5:23 a.m.

Bella Vista Library is planning a "Tourney for Titles," a golf and tennis tournament, to raise funds for operating expenses.

OUR VIEW : Problem identified

posted: 08/13/2009 5:22 a.m.

A news release that reached our office last month alerted us to the following poll result: 92 percent of Arkansans consider drug addiction to be a problem for the state.

LETTERS

posted: 08/13/2009 5:21 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Benton County for August 13, 2009.

U.S. deficit at $1.27 trillion

posted: 08/13/2009 5:19 a.m.

The federal deficit climbed higher into record territory in July, hitting $1.27 trillion with two months remaining in the budget year.

OTHER OPINIONS : Shouting down health care

posted: 08/13/2009 5:18 a.m.

All around the country, Democratic lawmakers are holding town-hall meetings to talk with their constituents about President Barack Obama's health-care legislation.

OTHER OPINIONS : The high cost of fat

posted: 08/13/2009 5:17 a.m.

Just as the national debate over health-care reform enters a critical stage, along comes a national study pointing out that obesity adds $147 billion every year to the cost of health care in this country.

Gatling's View : Pitino's hot mess derails hum-drum of summer

posted: 08/13/2009 5:16 a.m.

Here's what I know this fine day, while scouring the Internet for images of Karen Sypher.

States' lawmaker health tabs fuel criticism, calls to pay up

posted: 08/13/2009 5:15 a.m.

Waiting in line at the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions, Lawrence Cafero Jr. can't help but feel a bit guilty.

Plan to send Guard to border stalemated

posted: 08/13/2009 5:15 a.m.

A government plan to use National Guard troops to help stem Mexican drug violence along the southern border is stymied by disagreements over who will pay for the soldiers and how they would be used.

BoSox bound for Utah

posted: 08/13/2009 5:15 a.m.

Richard Cothern is pretty sure none of his McComb (Miss.) BoSox have ever been to Utah. That's all going to change next week. McComb - after losing earlier Wednesday 4-3 to Eagle Pass, Texas - responded in the "if necessary"game against Eagle Pass with a 12-2 run-rule in six innings to win the 13-year-old Babe Ruth Southwest Regional at Phillips Park.

Sotomayor honored as new justice

posted: 08/13/2009 5:14 a.m.

President Barack Obama threw a party Wednesday to celebrate Sonia Sotomayor as the Supreme Court's first Hispanic justice.

Escalante: Experience will make team better

posted: 08/13/2009 5:13 a.m.

Add Heritage football coach Perry Escalante to the scores of head coaches who believe you can chalk up a loss for each sophomore you start on defense. Ask Escalante if any sophomores will start on defense this second season and he quickly adds, "Absolutely not, that's the good news.

Opposition decries Iran 'Abu Ghraib' for protesters

posted: 08/13/2009 5:13 a.m.

Iran's top opposition leader said Wednesday that the abuse and death of protesters detained after the disputed presidential elections show the need for "deep change" in the country.

President honors 'agents of change'

posted: 08/13/2009 5:13 a.m.

President Barack Obama awarded the nation's highest civilian honor to 16 "agents of change" Wednesday, highlighting their accomplishments as examples of the heights a person can reach and the difference they can make in the lives of others.

Clinton: Corruption holding Nigeria back

posted: 08/13/2009 5:12 a.m.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Wednesday said corruption has undermined the legitimacy of Nigeria's government and urged the oil-rich nation to embrace broad political change and ease sectarian tensions.

Goines, War Eagles down Mounties

posted: 08/13/2009 5:12 a.m.

The Heritage boys' golf team has already made strides in the young season. The War Eagles took another step Wednesday, beating city rival Rogers in a match-play tournament at Prairie Creek Country Club.

California drought called a top priority

posted: 08/13/2009 5:12 a.m.

California's ongoing water crisis is a major national priority, akin to restoring Florida's Everglades or the Chesapeake Bay on the East Coast, a top Obama administration official said Wednesday.

LR businessman Coleman formally enters Senate race

posted: 08/13/2009 5:11 a.m.

Saying he is ready to devote 100 percent of his energy to running for the U.S. Senate, Little Rock businessman Curtis Coleman formally entered the race Wednesday against Democratic incumbent Blanche Lincoln.

Tigers win at Stonebridge Meadows

posted: 08/13/2009 5:11 a.m.

The Bentonville boys' golf team beat Fayetteville and Springdale Har-Ber in a tri-match Wednesday at Stonebridge Meadows.

Rain bogs rescue of hundreds stranded by Taiwan mudslide

posted: 08/13/2009 5:10 a.m.

Hundreds of survivors from Typhoon Morakot were stranded in mudslide-ravaged villages in southern Taiwan on Wednesday as heavy rains hampered helicopter rescues and the hunt for many more feared buried beneath rubble.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/13/2009 5:09 a.m.

Disciplinary body rebukes 2 lawyers A state lawyer discipline panel has sanctioned two attorneys for failures of professional conduct.

For 3rd day, experts say animals got to 3 boys

posted: 08/13/2009 5:09 a.m.

Medical experts testified for the third day Wednesday that animals, not humans, caused injuries on three West Memphis boys who were killed in 1993.

STATE COLLEGE ROUNDUP: Red Wolves open two-a-day practices

posted: 08/13/2009 5:08 a.m.

Arkansas State held its first two-a-day practices Wednesday, working out in shorts and helmets during the morning session before going to full pads for its late practice.

Beebe: State needs money for education

posted: 08/13/2009 5:08 a.m.

Gov. Mike Beebe said he feared Arkansas would lose out on federal education stimulus money because of the high priority the state places on education.

Another chance to heal : After more than 10 years in the area, Shelly Moran is moving home to care for her ailing mother.

posted: 08/13/2009 5:08 a.m.

Shelly Moran keeps sticky notes on her Bible of memorable sayings she's heard and jotted down. One is, "You're doing it for God." Another is, "If you give Satan an inch, he'll become your ruler." Moran said she moved to SiloamSprings more than 11 years ago to heal. The marketing and public relations coordinator for Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital said God played a part in her move here.

Legion Post at Farmers Market

posted: 08/13/2009 5:07 a.m.

American Legion Post No. 77 will host a "Thank You to Bentonville" event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Bentonville Farmers Market on the downtown Bentonville Square.

Job cuts in works at fridge factory

posted: 08/13/2009 5:07 a.m.

The hourly work force at Whirlpool Corp.'s factory in Fort Smith, will be reduced by a yet-to-be-determined number on Sept. 14, a company spokesman said Wednesday.

Home market sees upswing

posted: 08/13/2009 5:07 a.m.

The residential real estate market in Benton and Washington counties is showing signs of a recovery, with the number of unoccupied new houses down 75 1 percent from the peak 2/2 years ago, according to the latest Skyline Report, a quarterly survey of the real estate markets commissioned by Arvest Bank Group.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/13/2009 5:06 a.m.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

Story in concert on Sunday

posted: 08/13/2009 5:06 a.m.

A concert by classical pianist Jonathan T. Story will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at the United Methodist Church in Bella Vista.

Economy 'leveling,' Fed holds low rate

posted: 08/13/2009 5:06 a.m.

The Federal Reserve delivered a vote of confidence in the economy Wednesday, saying it would slow the pace of an emergency rescue program as the recession appears to be ending.

Supporters rally to back Obama's health-care plan

posted: 08/13/2009 5:05 a.m.

National Democratic activists gathered with state legislators and local small business owners at the state Capitol on Wednesday to urge the state's congressional delegation and Arkansans to support President Barack Obama's health-care plan.

Trade deficit for June up 4% to $27 billion as imports increase

posted: 08/13/2009 5:05 a.m.

The U.S. trade deficit edged up slightly in June as imports rose for the first time in 11 months, another sign that the recession is beginning to loosen its grip on the economy.

LIKE IT IS: Hogs have plenty of good hands at receiver

posted: 08/13/2009 5:05 a.m.

On one side of the over-sized room was Joe Adams, first in line, and all the way on the other side, next to last, was Jarius Wright.

Election Commission cancels meetings

posted: 08/13/2009 5:05 a.m.

Regularly scheduled meetings of the Benton County Election Commission for Monday and Aug. 24 have been canceled.

NORTHWEST TERRITORY: Tallest peak sole habitat of shagreen

posted: 08/13/2009 5:04 a.m.

An obscure critter living near Northwest Arkansas is among 23 endangered and threatened species that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intends to make the focus of lengthy status reviews.

USGA agronomist to answer questions

posted: 08/13/2009 5:04 a.m.

Bella Vista property owners may submit questions to be addressed by U.S. Golf Association Agronomist Charles "Bud" White during a town-hall meeting from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Governor makes appointment

posted: 08/13/2009 5:03 a.m.

Sandra Warmack of Rogers has been appointed to the task force on the effects of Alzheimer's Disease in Arkansas by Gov. Mike Beebe. This is a new board, and the appointment will expire Jan. 15, 2011.

91st PGA Championship: Minnesota monster

posted: 08/13/2009 5:03 a.m.

Paul Azinger pulled the driver from his bag because there really is no other option at the Hazeltine National Golf Club course. The sign post on the opening hole has two words and two sets of numbers that serve as a not-so-subtle welcome to the PGA Championship.

OUTDOOR BRIEFS

posted: 08/13/2009 5:03 a.m.

Spring turkey rules topic of meetings Two public forums will be held Aug. 25 in the area as the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission gathers input before setting regulations for the 2010 spring turkey season.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/13/2009 5:03 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "We don't want to educate our best and brightest just to see them go to L.A., Dallas or Chicago to get a good job." Gov. Mike Beebe, on the importance of economic development in addition to educational spending Article, 1B

The collector

posted: 08/13/2009 5:02 a.m.

If Antiques Roadshow ever comes to Eureka Springs, producers need to go no farther than the home of Michael "Hawkeye" Pierce to film one showstopper after another.

HIgh school football report

posted: 08/13/2009 5:02 a.m.

Springdale Coach Kevin Johnson will take a temporary leave of absence to deal with a health issue.

Rogers man appointed to MLK Jr. Commission

posted: 08/13/2009 5:02 a.m.

Gov. Mike Beebe has appointed Don Bland of Rogers to the restructured Martin Luther King Jr. Commission.

TEXAS LEAGUE: Rested Naturals come out swinging against RockHounds

posted: 08/13/2009 5:01 a.m.

Northwest Arkansas took out some frustration against Midland on Wednesday.

Financial adviser to host seminar

posted: 08/13/2009 5:01 a.m.

Edward Jones financial adviser Chris Donovan of Bella Vista will host an "Outlook and Opportunities: 10 Reasons to Be a Long-term Bull" investment strategies seminar at 11:30 a.m. Aug.

Oklahoman reels in big haul in small spot

posted: 08/13/2009 5:01 a.m.

Jimmy Houston provided a taste of nostalgia by taking a commanding lead in the first round of the Wal-Mart /FLW Series Eastern Division bass tournament Wednesday at Lake Dardanelle.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/13/2009 5 a.m.

The man who made it chic to stomp his feet during games, coach barefoot for charity and turn his shoe drive into a global cause wants to expand his mission.

Off the wire

posted: 08/13/2009 5 a.m.

Pitino apologizes Louisville men's basketball Coach Rick Pitino on Wednesday apologized for his "indiscretion" of having sex with a woman who later was charged with trying to extort $10 million from him and vowed to continue coaching the Cardinals for as long as "they will have me."

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/13/2009 5 a.m.

Happy birthday. You are popular this year for the work you do and the warmth you spread. You'll bond with a fellow happy soul this month. September shows you making money as a direct result of your hospitable attitude. You'll achieve at a high level in November. Family closeness grows through 2010. Libra and Aquarius adore you.

Hunting seasons

posted: 08/13/2009 5 a.m.

SPRING/SUMMER 2009 FURBEARERS (STATEWIDE) Raccoon night hunting: Through Aug. 31 Badger, spotted skunk and weasel hunting: Closed

THE TV COLUMN: Treasure or trash: USA's Psych returns; Unit is gone

posted: 08/13/2009 4:59 a.m.

I'm betting the same thing happens to you.

Fishing report

posted: 08/13/2009 4:59 a.m.

BEAVER As of Wednesday, the lake was at 1,121.5 feet, or about normal level.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/13/2009 4:58 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "It looks like a pretty sharp rise to me to have a lot of sustainability." Dan Cook, senior market analyst at IG Markets in Chicago, talking about the recent rapid rise in stock prices.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/13/2009 4:58 a.m.

CenterPoint gauging interest in gas pipeline CenterPoint Energy Gas Transmission Co. is soliciting interest in expanding a natural gas pipeline system in eastern Arkansas.

MARKET REPORT: Rosier outlook restarts stocks' rally

posted: 08/13/2009 4:57 a.m.

Stocks bounded higher Wednesday after the central bank said the economy appears to be "leveling out" rather than simply shrinking at a slower rate.

TELL ME ABOUT IT Oops: Loose lips sink kinships

posted: 08/13/2009 4:57 a.m.

DEAR CAROLYN: I grew up without much contact with my father's extended family. When I moved near them for law school (about an hour away), I started visiting and kindling new relationships. It felt amazing to have extended family nearby for the first time, and I really opened up to them.

ON CHRISTIANITY

posted: 08/13/2009 4:56 a.m.

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I know I'm drinking too much, but I just can't seem to stop. My family has threatened to throw me out if I don't quit, but even that hasn't done it. I'm at the end of my rope. Why won't God help me? - F.H.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Martinez returns with a victory as Phillies beat Cubs

posted: 08/13/2009 4:53 a.m.

At times, Pedro Martinez looked like his old self. Mixing speeds and pitches and keeping hitters guessing, the three-time Cy Young Award winner made a successful return to the majors Wednesday night.

Check your knowledge

posted: 08/13/2009 4:52 a.m.

1. What are the three stages of a volcano? 2. How does "parade rest" differ from "at ease" ? 3. London's Drury Lane was well known several centuries ago, primarily for what?

HELPFUL HINTS

posted: 08/13/2009 4:52 a.m.

DEAR HELOISE: As the oldest grandchild, I have become the keeper of all the family pictures. There are several hundred newspaper articles among these. Some are more than 90 years old. Of course, they are yellowed and brittle. I hate to throw them away and would like to save them, but when I make copies of them, the yellowing ruins the picture. Is there any way I can remove the yellow? - Jane Goodwin

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/13/2009 4:49 a.m.

Arkansas tight end Chris Gragg's season appears to be over after he suffered an ankle injury in Wednesday's practice.

'They just want to play'

posted: 08/13/2009 4:47 a.m.

Harmony Grove football fans will finally have a team to cheer for when the school's first football team hits the field in Haskell in a few weeks.

Judge clears state office's use of e-mail

posted: 08/13/2009 4:46 a.m.

A judge ruled Wednesday that the Alaska governor's office can use private e-mail accounts to conduct state business, as former Gov. Sarah Palin sometimes did.

Former Cowboy Ellis to see familiar faces

posted: 08/13/2009 4:44 a.m.

When Al Davis was recruiting Greg Ellis to the Oakland Raiders after his release by the Dallas Cowboys in June, he made sure Ellis knew he'd have a chance for revenge against his former team.

Out of office, Cheney opens up on clashes with Bush

posted: 08/13/2009 4:41 a.m.

In his first months after stepping down, former Vice President Dick Cheney threw himself into public combat against the "far left" agenda of the new commander in chief. More private reflections, as his memoirs takes shape, have opened a second front against former President George W. Bush.

'I put him there,' says a reflective governor

posted: 08/13/2009 4:41 a.m.

In a way, Gov. Mike Beebe blames himself for Bill Gwatney's death.

U.S. to expand data kept on air travelers

posted: 08/13/2009 4:40 a.m.

U.S. airlines Saturday will begin asking travelers to provide their birth dates and sexes for the first time under a new federal aviation security requirement, federal officials said Wednesday.

NFL Notes

posted: 08/13/2009 4:40 a.m.

Eric Mangini says his Cleveland Browns quarterbacks are competing, not cheating. The radio transmitter inside Derek Anderson's helmet wasn't working in a Sunday scrimmage, so he used hand signals to relay plays.

In the news

posted: 08/13/2009 4:40 a.m.

Dmitry Medvedev, president of Russia, said alcoholism is a "national disaster" during a meeting on the topic at his residence in Sochi and called for new laws aimed at stricter alcohol sales and production requirements.

SEC ROUNDUP

posted: 08/13/2009 4:29 a.m.

It's hard to think of a more naturally talented safety than Tennessee's Eric Berry, but the All-American simply points to freshmen Janzen Jackson and Darren Myles Jr.

Names and faces

posted: 08/13/2009 4:24 a.m.

James Brolin says he did a little soul-searching before doing The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard, a raunchy new comedy opening Friday from producers Adam McKay and Will Ferrell.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/13/2009 4:22 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I'm stunned. I'm stunned that something as simple as no private e-mails should be used for state business has become such a complicated issue."

The world in brief

posted: 08/13/2009 4:19 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Based on the violence with which they've been fighting back against us, I think it indicates the Taliban are trying to make a stand here." Capt. Zachary Martin, commander of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines

Obituaries

posted: 08/13/2009 3:59 a.m.

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

Governor's appointments

posted: 08/13/2009 3:47 a.m.

Gov. Mike Beebe announced Wednesday 29 appointments: To the Boll Weevil Eradication Committee for terms expiring July 1, 2013: Glenn Brackman, Bradley, reappointed; Kenneth Qualls, Lake City, reappointed.

Other days

posted: 08/13/2009 3:46 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 13, 1909 The work of tearing out the floors and partitions in the new state capitol still goes on, the demolition of the reinforced concrete flooring in the hall of the House of Representatives in the north wing having been completed yesterday.

COLUMNISTS This president needs a Surge, too

posted: 08/13/2009 3:45 a.m.

This is the August of President Obama's discontent. His proposed health-care overhaul is taking a beating in the polls. Town hall meetings have been disrupted by angry voices, only some of whom were put up to it.

EDITORIALS Good for the soul

posted: 08/13/2009 3:45 a.m.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." -First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States

Health care's hearing problem

posted: 08/13/2009 3:44 a.m.

In his debates with Hillary Clinton in the winter of 2008, Barack Obama flatly denied that his approach to reforming health care would require an individual mandate requiring everyone to buy health insurance. Events have proved him wrong.

We miss you

posted: 08/13/2009 3:44 a.m.

"Who wants to deal with the great unwashed when you could be dining at the Capital Grille with a lobbyist?" -David Boaz of the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank WHY AREN'T our two U.S.

LETTERS

posted: 08/13/2009 3:41 a.m.

How to sell the public option I have an idea to simplify the debate on health care reform. Simply put, if the members of our congressional delegation vote to enact a public option for health care, then they go first.

Fear based on falsehoods

posted: 08/13/2009 3:39 a.m.

Somebody's going to have to teach the Republican leadership that bipartisan isn't a synonym for weak. That somebody may have to be Barack Obama.

2 rehired retirees focus of inquiry

posted: 08/13/2009 3:22 a.m.

The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System is investigating whether two employees, including Pine Bluff Superintendent Frank Anthony, complied with a state law requiring them to "terminate" employment for 30 days before receiving pensions and then returning to work, the system's director said Wednesday.

Wednesday, August 12

Pryor urges patience on health-care reform

posted: 08/12/2009 7 a.m.

Nobody in Washington is talking about a government takeover of health care, U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, DArk., told a crowd of about 50 health-care workers Tuesday at the Pat Walker Center for Seniors.

Lake Atalanta Eliminator 5K Run

posted: 08/12/2009 6:59 a.m.

The run will start at 7:50 a.m. Aug. 29, at Lake Atalanta Park in Rogers. The course will start midway around the west side of Lake Atalanta; 5K participants will circle the lake once, then out of the park, up the Eliminator Hill (Walnut ) and finish in historic downtown Rogers.

BEAVER LAKE: Body found near May crash site

posted: 08/12/2009 6:59 a.m.

Fishermen discovered a body in Beaver Lake late Tuesday morning in an area where a Rogers man went missing after a May 8 boating collision, the Benton County sheriff's office said.

Fate of mural in limbo with deck razing looming

posted: 08/12/2009 6:58 a.m.

For the past decade, a "lovely" piece of local artwork has sat cradled on the east side wall of the Washington County Courthouse parking deck. Now the question is what will happen next with that mural as the parking deck is just weeks away from demolition.

City enters third phase of emergency budget response planning

posted: 08/12/2009 6:57 a.m.

The city of Fayetteville entered the third phase of an emergency plan for budget shortfalls that could reach $2.7 million by the end of the year.

Two Fayetteville Fire Department employees fired

posted: 08/12/2009 6:56 a.m.

Fayetteville's fire marshal and a Fire Department financial analyst were fired Aug. 5, following a three-week internal investigation, and the city isn't saying why.

Rogers council passes 6 percent water-rate increase

posted: 08/12/2009 6:55 a.m.

Rogers residents will soon be paying more for water, but not as much as first proposed by the Rogers Water Utilities.

Playing the buddy system

posted: 08/12/2009 6:53 a.m.

Foreheads furl and eyebrows raise when people learn that Benton County has filled the job of facilities and construction manager by hiring a neighbor of county administrator Chris Glass.

Sex offender sentenced to six years

posted: 08/12/2009 6:51 a.m.

A Pea Ridge man was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing a girl.

Body pulled from Beaver Lake

posted: 08/12/2009 6:50 a.m.

At noon Tuesday, the Benton County Sheriff's Office received a phone call from anglers on Beaver Lake who believed they had found a body floating near Horseshoe Bend.

Seligman tractor pull

posted: 08/12/2009 6:49 a.m.

The Seligman (Mo.) Chamber of Commerce will have its first truck and tractor pull at 7 p.m. Aug. 22 between Freedom Bank and Ruby's Convenience Store on Arkansas Highway 37.

Pineville Blackhawk reunion

posted: 08/12/2009 6:48 a.m.

The 10th all-school Blackhawk reunion will be held Oct. 3 at the Pineville School Gymnasium in Pineville, Mo. The reunion is open to anyone who ever attended Pineville High School or was a teacher there.

AARP Driver Safety Class

posted: 08/12/2009 6:47 a.m.

The Community Church of Bella Vista will host an AARP Driver Safety Class from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 27. Designed for drivers age 50 and older, this 4 1/2-hour format qualifies participants for savings on their automobile-insurance premiums. Participants should check with their insurance agents for specifics.

Mashburn Foundation

posted: 08/12/2009 6:46 a.m.

The Mashburn Scholarship Foundation will hold auditions for performing-arts scholarships for college students in the northwest Arkansas area. Auditions will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 1. The deadline for applications is Aug. 31.

School elections

posted: 08/12/2009 6:45 a.m.

All Benton County residents who are not currently registered to vote and wish to vote in the annual school elections must register to vote by Aug. 17.

Parents to attend first day at Bentonville High School

posted: 08/12/2009 6:43 a.m.

parents join their students on the first day of school. The students and parents visit a shortened version of the students' entire class schedule to meet the teachers and to get information about the classes and school.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/12/2009 6:41 a.m.

Obituaries for Benton County for August 12, 2009.

Democrats' rally set for Saturday

posted: 08/12/2009 6:37 a.m.

U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., will be the featured speaker at the Benton County Democrats' annual rally on Saturday.

County not required to fund additional public defender

posted: 08/12/2009 6:35 a.m.

Following a request made by the Public Defender's Office for an additional public defender in June, members of the Benton County Quorum Court began examining how to pay for the additional attorney.

Bella Vista Men's Chorus

posted: 08/12/2009 6:34 a.m.

The Bella Vista Men's Chorus will present its annual fall concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 5 and at 3 p.m. Sept. 6 at Central United Methodist Church, 26th Street and New Hope Road in Rogers. The program is titled "The Best of the Bella Vista Men's Chorus" and "The Old-Time Religion." The program will feature Don Wright directing, Marilyn Lee as accompanist and Hallof-Famer Jack Mitchell on drums. The Soggy Bottom Boys and Elvis will also perform.

Parent informational meetings

posted: 08/12/2009 6:32 a.m.

The Bentonville School District's Elementary Gifted Program, TREC, is taking nominations until Sept. 2 for fall testing. For anyone who is interested in nominating a student, more information about the TREC program may be obtained at the public information meeting at 6 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Thomas Jefferson Elementary School cafeteria or online at portal. bentonville.k12.ar.us/TREC/default.aspx.

OUR VIEW : The government's gift

posted: 08/12/2009 6:29 a.m.

Much has been said and written about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, that $787-billion stimulus package passed in February.

LETTERS

posted: 08/12/2009 6:26 a.m.

Letters to the editor for August 12, 2009.

OTHER OPINIONS

posted: 08/12/2009 6:20 a.m.

If you believe people deserve to get paid for their work, it's hard to argue against a bill in Congress that would require radio stations to pay musicians when they play their songs.

Pica Pole : Farm issues aren't all black and white

posted: 08/12/2009 6:19 a.m.

Having a relaxing conversation (in the shade, blessedly) with a longtime Benton County farmer a few days ago, talk turned to how "city people" don't understand farming.

Experiment over: Holden back at LG

posted: 08/12/2009 6:17 a.m.

The Bentonville Tigers had a lot of success in 2008 with Jon-Mark Holden playing left guard.

Texas team wins twice, tourney wraps up today

posted: 08/12/2009 6:15 a.m.

The championship of the 13-year-old Babe Ruth Southwest Regional will be played today at noon at Phillips Park.

On the road to recovery

posted: 08/12/2009 6:14 a.m.

When they get healthy, the Rogers starting linebackers should be the strongest part of the Mountie defense.

Fall ball registration under way

posted: 08/12/2009 6:11 a.m.

Registration for fall baseball with Bentonville Youth Baseball is under way. Fall baseball is geared to offer a more relaxed game. Standings are not kept.

The candyman can

posted: 08/12/2009 6:09 a.m.

ROGERS - The boiling point of water is 212 degrees at standard pressure. But did you know water tends to boil at around 210 degrees in the Ozarks?

Pryor backs vets : Senator supports cemetery expansion onto sale barn property

posted: 08/12/2009 6:06 a.m.

If the Fayetteville City Council elects to approve a rezoning proposal of the Washington County Livestock Auction property, it will do so against the wishes of U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor.

Clinton demands end to Congo sexual violence

posted: 08/12/2009 6:06 a.m.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton toured an African refugee camp Tuesday crowded with victims of violence and malnutrition, pledging $17 million in American aid to help stem the tide of rampant sexual abuse that has staggered war-ravaged eastern Congo.

Eunice Shriver, advocate for disabled, dies at 88

posted: 08/12/2009 6:05 a.m.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the presidential sister who founded the Special Olympics and helped demonstrate that the mentally disabled can lead productive lives outside institutions, died Tuesday at age 88.

Sanford defends use of state plane

posted: 08/12/2009 6:03 a.m.

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford on Tuesday defended his use of state planes for personal trips in which he often brought along his wife and four sons, saying his taxpayer-funded travel was no different from that of his predecessors.

French employee is released in Iran

posted: 08/12/2009 6:02 a.m.

Iranian authorities have freed a French Embassy employee on trial in Iran from a Tehran prison, President Nicolas Sarkozy's office announced Tuesday, asking that a young French academic also be quickly freed.

Obama assails health-care foes to genial crowd

posted: 08/12/2009 6:02 a.m.

President Barack Obama went on the offensive in support of his health-care plan Tuesday, urging a town-hall audience not to listen to those who seek to "scare and mislead the American people."

Judge won't drop lawsuit against Tontitown mayor

posted: 08/12/2009 6:01 a.m.

A judge on Tuesday denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed against Tontitown Mayor Joe Edgmon by Mick Wagner, a consultant for the city's Water and Sewer Commission.

6 freed in Somalia arrive in Kenya

posted: 08/12/2009 6:01 a.m.

Four European aid workers and two Kenyan pilots released in Somalia after nine months as hostages arrived in Kenya on Tuesday, a relative said.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/12/2009 6 a.m.

Events in Washington County for Aug. 11, 2009.

Documents detail N.M. firing

posted: 08/12/2009 6 a.m.

U.S. Attorney David Iglesias' December 2006 dismissal followed extensive communication among lawyers and White House aides about his work on public corruption cases against Democrats, according to newly released e-mails and transcripts of private House testimony by former Bush counsel Harriet Miers and political chief Karl Rove.

U.S., NATO deaths surge from Afghan bomb blasts

posted: 08/12/2009 5:59 a.m.

U.S. and NATO deaths from roadside and suicide bomb blasts in Afghanistan soared sixfold in July compared with the same month last year, as militants detonated the highest number of bombs of the eight-year war, figures released Tuesday showed.

U.S. investigating fliers' tarmac stay

posted: 08/12/2009 5:59 a.m.

The Obama administration has opened an investigation into whether laws were violated last week when 47 passengers were stranded overnight on an airport tarmac in Rochester, Minn.

Drowned boys' mom: Drove into lake asleep

posted: 08/12/2009 5:58 a.m.

The mother of three little boys who drowned when her car went down an unbarricaded road and plunged into Brewer Lake told police she fell asleep at the wheel, court documents show.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/12/2009 5:58 a.m.

Deanna Raye Thome; John M. Fairhead Jr.; Dana Jay Peterson; Dr. Paul Shaffer

Convicted in Burma, Suu Kyi sentenced to more house arrest

posted: 08/12/2009 5:58 a.m.

A Burma court convicted Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday of violating her house arrest by allowing an uninvited American to stay at her home. The head of the military-ruled country ordered the democracy leader to serve an 18-month sentence under house arrest.

FORT SMITH: Review of levees planned

posted: 08/12/2009 5:56 a.m.

The city will begin the process in the next two months of bringing its five miles of levees into compliance with federal requirements.

Business's goal: 46K reusable shopping bags in Fayetteville

posted: 08/12/2009 5:55 a.m.

Every Fayetteville School District student might receive a reusable shopping bag this fall.

Man, 81, hospitalized following accident

posted: 08/12/2009 5:54 a.m.

A Lowell man was transported to the Northwest Medical Center in Springdale on Tuesday following a rollover accident on Interstate 540.

2 armed thieves get $65 million in gems

posted: 08/12/2009 5:53 a.m.

Two well dressed thieves walked into a Bond Street jewelry store last week and, after brandishing handguns, made off with $65 million worth of gems in one of Britain's biggest jewelry heists, police said Tuesday.

Charter school eyeing NWA reschedules meeting

posted: 08/12/2009 5:53 a.m.

The Oklahoma group that hopes to open a new open-enrollment charter school in the Fayetteville area has dropped a planned public meeting set for Aug. 22 at the Fayetteville Public Library.

Court Brief

posted: 08/12/2009 5:52 a.m.

Punching cop

Guest Editorial : Clunker consequences

posted: 08/12/2009 5:51 a.m.

After the initial $1 billion appropriated for it ran out in only 10 days, the immensely popular "cash for clunkers" just received another $2 billion, thanks to its fans in the U.S. Capitol building and the White House.

Legislators hold off on lottery contract

posted: 08/12/2009 5:51 a.m.

A legislative committee Tuesday delayed action on the Arkansas Lottery Commission's decision to award a major gambling contract to the only bidder, as several lawmakers said the lottery is moving too quickly.

Arkansas Football: 'Freak' injury impels Miller

posted: 08/12/2009 5:49 a.m.

Lucas Miller didn't like watching what was happening from the sideline.

TABLE FOR ONE : Hysteria on the right

posted: 08/12/2009 5:49 a.m.

We assumed the usual political debate would accelerate after an African-American was elected last November, but few could have guessed the level of pure hysteria coming from our friends on the far right. The heat is focused on healthcare reform right now, but something tells me the fervor is about more than health care.

SPRINGDALE: Council to weigh banning pit bulls

posted: 08/12/2009 5:49 a.m.

Now that a federal court challenge to pit bull bans in four central Arkansas cities has been dismissed, aldermen are talking about implementing one in Springdale.

SPRINGDALE: School Board approves request for stimulus loan

posted: 08/12/2009 5:47 a.m.

The Springdale School Board approved Tuesday an application for $3 million in qualified school construction bonds for the completion of renovation projects at Springdale High School.

Guest Commentary Health care players must pay

posted: 08/12/2009 5:47 a.m.

How Congress aims to reform America's health care system can be literally a matter of life and death.

Teen with cystic fibrosis gets wishes granted

posted: 08/12/2009 5:46 a.m.

For Corey Welch, living with cystic fibrosis has meant a lifetime filled with doctors appointments, surgery and needles.

Care Foundation Inc. announces $396,375 in grants

posted: 08/12/2009 5:44 a.m.

Care Foundation Inc. recently awarded nearly $400,000 in grants to programs that match its goal of making strategic investments in the areas of education, health, immigration and capacity building for nonprofits.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/12/2009 5:42 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

Sale barn issue may be delayed until September meeting

posted: 08/12/2009 5:42 a.m.

A company wanting to build apartments on the Washington County Livestock Auction property wants another two weeks to tweak its proposal for rezoning.

Rain barrel workshop set for Sept. 12 at UA extension offices

posted: 08/12/2009 5:41 a.m.

A workshop to build rain barrels will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Washington County offices, 2536 N.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/12/2009 5:40 a.m.

Ex-reporter to head solid waste agency A former employee of a Northwest Arkansas trucking company, newspapers and funeral homes was hired Tuesday to lead the Boston Mountain Solid Waste District.

Arkansas now shed of payday loan stores

posted: 08/12/2009 5:40 a.m.

The last of what had been as many as 275 "payday lending" stores in Arkansas have closed their doors nine months after the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that such loans were illegal.

Enrollment numbers up again at NWACC

posted: 08/12/2009 5:40 a.m.

Enrollment is up again at North-West Arkansas Community College, the NWACC board of trustees learned Monday night.

Home sales dip 4.5% in state

posted: 08/12/2009 5:36 a.m.

Home sales in Arkansas fell 4.5 percent in June compared with a year earlier, extending the state's housing decline for the 42nd consecutive month, the Arkansas Realtors Association said Tuesday.

Siloam Springs man gets 20 years for burglaries

posted: 08/12/2009 5:36 a.m.

A Siloam Springs man responsible for a one-man crime spree was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/12/2009 5:35 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I see it as an end to freedom for us." Suzanne Santiago, a registered nurse with hospice care for Washington Regional Medical Center, on the proposed national health-care plan

Faith and spirituality center to hold lunch and learn

posted: 08/12/2009 5:34 a.m.

The Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace, Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, is holding a lunch and learn session on the emerging role of faith and spirituality in the workplace from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Ex-officer arrested in Wal-Mart theft

posted: 08/12/2009 5:34 a.m.

A former Springdale police officer was arrested on three counts of misdemeanor theft after store employees reported witnessing him not pay for items at a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market in Springdale.

Walton Arts Center announces promotions, new leadership structure

posted: 08/12/2009 5:33 a.m.

Laura Goodwin and Jodi Beznoska were promoted at the Walton Arts Center. Each formerly served as directors, and Goodwin was promoted to vice president of learning and engagement while Beznoska was promoted to vice president of communications.

Buyers beware

posted: 08/12/2009 5:32 a.m.

THOSE WHO purchase a new house in this shaky economic climate can learn a valuable lesson from the Powers family of Fayetteville. Their bad fortune shows us why even home buyers who are pleased with their deal should beware-even after the deal has been closed.

Aldermen discuss drink-tax proposal

posted: 08/12/2009 5:31 a.m.

The City Council on Tuesday considered a pair of 5 percent sales taxes on mixed drinks sold at private clubs and restaurants.

Lake Nixon offering choices for crafty campers

posted: 08/12/2009 5:31 a.m.

The rolling hills, picnic pavilions and sandy beach of the summertime day camp at Lake Nixon once represented the whole of recreational activities for Little Rock youth. Many made that pilgrimage down Colonel Glenn Road to the camp, which hosted dance parties for teenagers twisting their way through the 1960s, before its takeover by Second Baptist Church.

High time for okra in summer heat

posted: 08/12/2009 5:30 a.m.

Whether you like it fried, in stew or as the makings of a Christmas ornament, it is high time for okra.

Set in stone Purple Dogs boast senior trio at linebacker entering fall slate

posted: 08/12/2009 5:30 a.m.

Fayetteville is set at linebacker. The Purple Dogs will deploy a senior trio to meander from the flat to the trenches this fall. Seniors Gareth Booth, Peyton Baker and Bentley Banister will be tasked with the starting linebacker chores in the 4-3 under newly named defensive coordinator Brian Early, hired away from the University of Central Arkansas by Fayetteville head coach Daryl Patton this summer.

High school football report

posted: 08/12/2009 5:30 a.m.

Long road trips await Bulldogs Springdale's longest trips will come in the first two weeks of the season.

LIKE IT IS: Razorbacks win with Wilson pushing Mallett

posted: 08/12/2009 5:27 a.m.

There is no quarterback controversy.

17-year-old Gooch works way into U.S.Amateur golf field

posted: 08/12/2009 5:26 a.m.

Talor Gooch did his future college proud Tuesday.

Several Hogs missing at afternoon practice

posted: 08/12/2009 5:25 a.m.

With football full contact comes injuries. So in the Arkansas Razorbacks' first two-a-days practice Tuesday, some of coach Bobby Petrino's Hogs couldn't go in the afternoon session in shorts after a morning full go in full pads.

Quality pitches key for Naturals

posted: 08/12/2009 5:25 a.m.

As far as the Northwest Naturals are concerned, the less said about Midland's last visit to Arvest Ballpark, the better.

ARKANSAS STATE FOOTBALL: Roberts pleased with Red Wolves' full-contact scrimmage

posted: 08/12/2009 5:24 a.m.

Arkansas State Coach Steve Roberts liked much of what he saw from the Red Wolves in Tuesday's fullcontact scrimmage near the end of practice at ASU Stadium.

91ST PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: No major, no worries

posted: 08/12/2009 5:23 a.m.

Tiger Woods used to say it was only a great year if he won a major. He has one shot left at the PGA Championship, yet he already has rendered his verdict.

Virgin America scouts additional routes

posted: 08/12/2009 5:22 a.m.

Virgin America Inc., the airline partly owned by U.K. billionaire Richard Branson, is studying whether to fly to Atlanta, Dallas and Austin, Texas, as it adds Florida routes, Chief Executive Officer David Cush said Tuesday.

FLW SERIES Big money on the line for anglers

posted: 08/12/2009 5:21 a.m.

Nearly 300 bass fishermen will compete for nearly $900,000 at the Walmart FLW Series BP Eastern Division tournament today through Saturday at Lake Dardanelle.

Newspaper: Pitino had affair, paid for abortion

posted: 08/12/2009 5:20 a.m.

Louisville men's basketball Coach Rick Pitino told police he had sex with a woman accused of trying to extort him of $10 million and later paid for her abortion, a newspaper reported Tuesday.

Off the wire

posted: 08/12/2009 5:18 a.m.

BASKETBALL Rambis Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis was born in Cupertino, Calif., and spent the vast majority of his playing and coaching career in sunny Los Angeles. He doesn't own a winter coat and has deep roots in a Lakers organization that has won 15 NBA titles.

COMMENTARY Wolverines coach's actions questionable

posted: 08/12/2009 5:15 a.m.

Michigan football Coach Rich Rodriguez said he had no idea former Michigan football player Justin Feagin had dealt drugs in high school, as Feagin admitted to police in July. He also said he didn't know Feagin had been arrested twice in high school, as Feagin told police.

Talley cards lone subpar round on first day at Blessings event

posted: 08/12/2009 5:13 a.m.

As expected, the Blessings Golf Club doggedly defended par during the first day of the American Junior Golf Association's Arkansas Junior.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/12/2009 5:12 a.m.

Tiger's trail could lead to Olympics Tiger Woods is interested in adding a gold medal to his collection of green jackets.

Notes

posted: 08/12/2009 5:11 a.m.

Washington Nationals minor league pitcher Stephen Englund has been suspended for 50 games under baseball's minor league drug program after testing positive for an amphetamine. His suspension began Tuesday.

WEST FORK FOOTBALL Linemen expected to play both ways for Tigers this year

posted: 08/12/2009 5:11 a.m.

More numbers hasn't translated into more depth for West Fork. The Tigers opened fall camp last week with six more players than the 2008 roster that won the school's first conference title since 1985. Though they may have been fewer in number, the '08 Tigers benefited from contributions by all 40 players. West Fork's depth was most apparent on the line of scrimmage, where it had no twoway linemen. Ryan Ellis, Stormy Bayliss, Mike Wright and Taylor Shadrick played almost exclusively on the defensive front, one of the strengths for a unit that allowed fewer than 20 points per game.

1-4A votes Saints out for 2010-11 junior high athletics season

posted: 08/12/2009 5:10 a.m.

Athletics directors of the 1-4 A Conference voted Shiloh Christian out of the league on the junior high level for the 2010-11 season Monday and voted to play Huntsville instead.

Size issues force Farmington to overhaul defensive scheme

posted: 08/12/2009 5:07 a.m.

A lack of size has prompted Farmington to downsize its defensive front. The Cardinals will swap out its 4-3 base defensive set in favor of a 3-3 odd stack. Farmington coach Mike Adams and his staff visited Tulsa University in the spring to soak up knowledge from the Golden Hurricane defensive coaches in order to help facilitate the transition.

Mabrey's par 72 best at Blessings

posted: 08/12/2009 5:06 a.m.

Wind and the hilly terrain at Blessings Golf Club made for a rough opening day at the American Junior Golf Association Arkansas Junior tournament Tuesday.

Three tandems atop leaderboard heading into final round at FCC

posted: 08/12/2009 5:06 a.m.

Three twosomes will vie to break a three-way tie atop the leaderboard at the Fayetteville Country Club's annual Ladies Classic entering today's final round.

Firms see gains as labor costs cut

posted: 08/12/2009 5:05 a.m.

Productivity rose in the spring by the largest amount in almost six years while labor costs fell at the fastest pace in nine years, according to a report from the Labor Department released Tuesday.

Fayetteville High junior wins Shark Triathlon

posted: 08/12/2009 5:05 a.m.

Veterans won - and first-timers survived - the Shark Sprint Triathlon on Sunday.

Woods says he won't be fined for remarks

posted: 08/12/2009 5:05 a.m.

Tiger Woods has said he was not fined by the PGA Tour for his critical remarks about a rules official putting the last group on the clock at Firestone.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Reds' Lehr follows shutout with solid day, beats Cards

posted: 08/12/2009 5:05 a.m.

Journeyman fill-in Justin Lehr worked into the seventh inning to win his second consecutive outing and Alex Gonzalez matched his career high with four hits in the Cincinnati Reds' 5-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night.

State sports briefs

posted: 08/12/2009 5:04 a.m.

BASEBALL White Hall falls in regional semifinal White Hall's 12-year-old All-Stars lost 16-1 to San Antonio McAllister Park in the Southwest Little League Baseball Region tournament semifinals Tuesday in Waco, Texas.

Gatling's View : Diplomacy, golf matches and a lunch deal you can't miss

posted: 08/12/2009 5:03 a.m.

Here's what I know. I know as the sports editor of this newspaper, there are many, many e-mails that find their way to my inbox.

GM claims Volt to get 230 mpg, cost 3• a mile on electricity only

posted: 08/12/2009 5:03 a.m.

General Motors Co. said Tuesday that it expects its Volt electric car to earn a fuel-economy rating of at least 230 miles per gallon for city driving, but the Environmental Protection Agency said in a statement that it has not tested a Volt "and therefore cannot confirm the fuel economy values claimed by GM."

Sports Briefs

posted: 08/12/2009 5:03 a.m.

Sports briefs for August 12, 2009.

CORRECTION

posted: 08/12/2009 5:02 a.m.

Fourteen students from McNair Middle School in Fayetteville are among members of the Fayetteville Cardinals 12-and-under USSSA youth baseball team.The team earned the USSSA Global World Series title and the Triple Crown World Series championship, both in Colorado, earlier this summer. A story in Monday's edition misidentified the school those 14 students attended.

Fed meets to assess economy

posted: 08/12/2009 5:02 a.m.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and his Fed colleagues opened a two-day meeting Tuesday afternoon to look at economic data and anecdotal information about how businesses and consumers are faring nationwide.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/12/2009 5:01 a.m.

The Razorbacks appeared to dodge a significant injury to a team captain on Tuesday. Offensive tackle DeMarcus Love went down during a team period in the morning practice in full pads and screamed in pain while clutching at his right knee.

NFL notes

posted: 08/12/2009 4:58 a.m.

Indianapolis left tackle Tony Ugoh is in unfamiliar territory as a reserve. Colts Coach Jim Caldwell has replaced Ugoh (Arkansas Razorbacks) with Charlie Johnson, and Johnson is expected to start Friday's preseason opener at home against Minnesota.

LR SCHOOL CRISIS After year-long gap, classes reopened

posted: 08/12/2009 4:54 a.m.

Fifty years ago today, Little Rock's public high schools reopened with token integration after sitting closed the previous school year to avoid race mixing there.

Plan aims to rein in derivatives

posted: 08/12/2009 4:51 a.m.

The Obama administration on Tuesday sent Congress legislation seeking to impose broad new oversight on derivatives, the complex financial instruments blamed for hastening the global economic crisis.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/12/2009 4:46 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Hopefully, businesses will stop the layoffs and start hiring again so that consumers will have the ability to spend, but that is a tricky transition." Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Economy.com Article, 1D Madoff's ex-CFO pleads guilty in fraud

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/12/2009 4:45 a.m.

Pellet, heat plants set to rise in Camden soon Phoenix Renewable Energy of Hot Springs said Tuesday that construction will start by early September on a wood-pellet plant and accompanying biomass heat and power plant in Camden.

MARKET REPORT: Indexes slip as investors ease back

posted: 08/12/2009 4:43 a.m.

The major stock indexes fell 1 percent Tuesday as investors worried that the market's steep gains in the past month could unravel if the economy doesn't show more signs of strengthening.

In the news

posted: 08/12/2009 4:38 a.m.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO's new secretary general, met with Russia's envoy in Brussels, Belgium, and called for a closer strategic partnership with Russia to tackle security challenges.

Names and faces

posted: 08/12/2009 4:36 a.m.

Jennifer Hudson has a new role - that of a proud mother. The 27-yearold Oscar winner gave birth Monday to her first child, David Daniel Otunga Jr., publicist Lisa Kasteler said Tuesday. The baby is named after her fiance, David Otunga, and weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/12/2009 4:36 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "For all the scare tactics out there, what is truly scary is if we do nothing." President Barack Obama, denouncing critics of his health-care plan.

The world in brief

posted: 08/12/2009 4:35 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "No rational person can look upon this decision with anything but contempt." Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on the 18-month sentence of Burma's Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi

HEART & SOUL: Fathers, Air Force gave them the shove

posted: 08/12/2009 4:26 a.m.

How many remarkable adults were less than remarkable teenagers? Quite a few. Now and then, it might be good for some of our kids to hear that.

875th is given Afghan orders

posted: 08/12/2009 4:21 a.m.

A 200-soldier task force from Arkansas' 875th Engineer Battalion received its much-anticipated mobilization order for Afghanistan, adding to the growing number of Arkansas troops heading to war this winter.

FORCES OF NURTURE: Electronics are stealing childhood imaginations

posted: 08/12/2009 4:18 a.m.

We are, by most people's standards, a very bare-bones household when it comes to electronics.

Animal bites on boys, second expert testifies

posted: 08/12/2009 4:16 a.m.

Attorneys for two men convicted of the 1993 slayings of three West Memphis boys continued Tuesday hammering on forensic evidence presented during the men's trials 15 years ago, arguing in a Craighead County Circuit Court hearing that they deserve new trials.

Creature feature

posted: 08/12/2009 4:13 a.m.

I am a first-time-owner of a Yorkshire terrier. I got her when she was a puppy and she is now 2 years old. I still cannot get her potty trained, which is very frustrating. will admit I have spoiled her rotten, but you have any hints on training the trainer so that I may train the dog? By the way, her name is Wryly and she has been fixed.

Obituaries

posted: 08/12/2009 4:13 a.m.

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

BOOKSHELF

posted: 08/12/2009 4:10 a.m.

Monsters Don't Eat Broccoli Barbara Jean Hicks, illustrated by Sue Hendra (Knopf Books for Young Readers, $16.99, ages 5-8 ) Vibrant with color from cover to cover, this snappily illustrated tale is about an indignant band of fiends and their deep dislike for ingesting anything green.

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/12/2009 4:09 a.m.

Happy birthday. Your influence over your world increases with each day. Now through the end of September brings many exercises that help you to free your creative spirit.

Donating hair empowers the giver and the receiver

posted: 08/12/2009 4:07 a.m.

After three years of letting my hair grow - first to my shoulders, then down my back - I was sitting in a stylist's chair with a sharp pair of scissors at my neck.

PARENTING: It's the 'Good Mother' who causes school-day angst

posted: 08/12/2009 4:06 a.m.

Q: I've been a public school teacher for quite a few years, and with the school year starting soon, I wanted to ask your opinion and advice concerning the problem of kindergarten and even older children throwing complete fits when it's time for them to separate from their mothers in the morning.

EX-ETIQUETTE

posted: 08/12/2009 4:01 a.m.

Q My 13-month-old son never sees his father because his father says he doesn't want to see me. But every six weeks or so he ends up coming over and not visiting with our son, but talking to me the entire time and asking questions, making promises, asking for a reconciliation.

ON CHRISTIANITY

posted: 08/12/2009 3:58 a.m.

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: My cousin won a fair amount of money in the lottery the other day and says he thinks God must have given it to him. Now he's planning to put it all back into the lottery, because he believes God will help him win even more. I have a hard time believing this, but could he be right? - L.K.

FRONT BURNER: Organic or not organic ... ah, just pass the meatloaf

posted: 08/12/2009 3:56 a.m.

Did you hear the news? Organically grown food isn't any better than conventionally grown food.

READING NOOK

posted: 08/12/2009 3:55 a.m.

Cooking From the Heart, The Hmong Kitchen in America by Sami Scripter and Sheng Yang ($29.95, University of Minnesota Press) is part cookbook, part history book and part literature.

GADGETS & GIZMOS

posted: 08/12/2009 3:53 a.m.

The Mighty OJ Chrome juicer from Metrokane, with its sleek, 1950s styling, is the kind of juicer you won't mind leaving out on the counter. For fresh-squeezed juice (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit), just place a glass under the juicer, citrus fruit half on the raised cone and press the handle. Eight hundred pounds of pressure extracts the juice.

IDEA ALLEY: Possum Pie request finally gets fulfilled

posted: 08/12/2009 3:52 a.m.

Recipes that appear in Idea Alley have not been tested by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

UNCORKED: Menu, wines dovetail at top restaurants

posted: 08/12/2009 3:48 a.m.

Ordering wine in a restaurant can be intimidating to even the most seasoned diners. But it may be encouraging to know that at many quality establishments, almost every wine on the list will match well with the food and price scale of the restaurant. It may sound outlandish, but at many restaurants you could close your eyes, throw a dart for your choice and end up with an excellent wine.

SUPERMARKET SLEUTH: New cheeses celebrate National Panini Month

posted: 08/12/2009 3:46 a.m.

August is National Panini Month, and in celebration, Sargento is offering a page-a-day calendar featuring a collection of panini recipes. Just go to sargento.com to download the calendar.

Slim pickings

posted: 08/12/2009 3:42 a.m.

WHAT: Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt STATS: One 4-ounce serving contains 50 calories, no fat and 5 fiber grams.

Other days

posted: 08/12/2009 3:42 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 12, 1909 Acting on the request of Mayor W.B. Duley, in a letter written Saturday, the banks who are members of the Clearing House Association yesterday afternoon at a meeting of the association agreed to take care of the city payrolls until the first of the year at a regular discount of 8 percent.

Check your knowledge

posted: 08/12/2009 3:42 a.m.

1. Is the eel classified as a fish? 2. What kind of footwear is a "geta" ? 3. Can rainbows be seen only during daylight? 4. Which presidential election in the 1900s brought out the greatest percentage of the voting age population?

HELPFUL HINTS

posted: 08/12/2009 3:40 a.m.

DEAR HELOISE: Whenever I have an exotic or unusual ingredient for a recipe, I attach that recipe to the ingredient so I don't have to figure out how it's used.

Family shopper

posted: 08/12/2009 3:39 a.m.

WORLD ALMANAC FOR KIDS What is it? Each of the World Almanac for Kids Puzzler Decks contains 75 puzzles and activities that help children learn facts in an engaging, fun way.

COLUMNISTS It was wholly a pleasure . . .

posted: 08/12/2009 3:37 a.m.

Dear Generous Reader, It was wholly a pleasure-and most impressive-to learn that you have a complete collection of National Geographics.

EDITORIALS Not the way it is

posted: 08/12/2009 3:36 a.m.

"Never let the facts spoil a good story." -Crusty old editor in every B-movie about newspapering you've ever seen.

Beware the snare of e-textbooks

posted: 08/12/2009 3:36 a.m.

Trends in education sometimes have great, longterm benefits, and I applaud them.

LETTERS

posted: 08/12/2009 3:34 a.m.

Include public option in reform I have recently returned to Arkansas after having lived on the West Coast for over 40 years. I am now retired, but I worked for the city of Long Beach, Calif.

Law helps preservation

posted: 08/12/2009 3:29 a.m.

Dear cemetery preservationist: Thanks for a most interesting letter and the challenges it presents. A few of your concerns can be easily addressed.

SEC Notes

posted: 08/12/2009 3:20 a.m.

Kentucky Coach Rich Brooks has suspended center Jorge Gonzalez and wide receiver Aaron Boyd for violating team rules.

Tuesday, August 11

Arkansas GOP says it will hold health care town halls

posted: 08/11/2009 11:42 a.m.

The Arkansas Republican Party says it will hold its own town-hall meetings in each of the state's four congressional districts on health care overhaul bills before Congress.

Arkansas home sales down 4.5 percent in June

posted: 08/11/2009 11:26 a.m.

Home sales in Arkansas fell 4.5 percent in June compared with the that month in 2008, extending a housing decline in the state for the 42d consecutive month, the Arkansas Realtors Association said Tuesday.

Springdale officer resigns amid theft accusation

posted: 08/11/2009 10:38 a.m.

A school resource officer with the Springdale Police Department has resigned after being accused of stealing from a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Springdale.

Testimony of now-dead man allowed in murder trial

posted: 08/11/2009 10:36 a.m.

Benton County prosecutors will be allowed to use the past testimony of a now-dead man in the retrial of a man on a capital murder charge.

Reverse-911 implementation looking good

posted: 08/11/2009 6:59 a.m.

After viewing Monday's demonstration of reverse 911, Benton County officials seemed enthusiastic about the possibilities of adopting the technology.

Commission set for training of sheriffs

posted: 08/11/2009 6:58 a.m.

Benton County's election sheriffs are in line to get some training. Not to be confused with law-enforcement sheriffs, election sheriffs are the officials who head the teams of poll workers that voters see at work in their voting precincts on election days.The county has more than 80 such precincts.

Answering the winds of fortune

posted: 08/11/2009 6:58 a.m.

Frank Sebern has been farming property between Gentry and Decatur, a short distance east of the Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari, for going on three decades. And while there's plenty of open land, it's also posed its share of challenges.

Lottery chief plans low-key publicity

posted: 08/11/2009 6:57 a.m.

Arkansas' lottery won't litter the countryside with billboards or prey on the poor, its director said Monday at a meeting of the Political Animals Club of Northwest Arkansas.

Pallets, tall grass help fuel mill fire

posted: 08/11/2009 6:56 a.m.

A fire destroyed three trailers and a wood mill at a rural Benton County pallet company Monday afternoon.

Colleges will get stimulus dollars

posted: 08/11/2009 6:54 a.m.

Public and private universities and colleges in Arkansas have learned they're getting $42.5 million in federal stimulus money for renovating, expanding and energy upgrades of campus facilities.

Arkansas 16 cost skyrockets

posted: 08/11/2009 6:52 a.m.

Estimates for widening Arkansas 16 between South College Avenue and Stonebridge Road have jumped from $10 million to $15.5 million, the Fayetteville City Council Street Committee learned Monday.

Wolfes seeking delay in lawsuit against school

posted: 08/11/2009 6:51 a.m.

The parents of a former Fayetteville High School student are asking for a delay in their federal lawsuit against the school district because they are running short of money.

Quarry appealing permit denial to Quorum Court

posted: 08/11/2009 6:50 a.m.

The Rogers Group, a company that produces crushed stone headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., will attempt to convince the Washington County Quorum Court it should be allowed to expand its quarry operation near Wedington Woods after failing to convince the county Planning Board last month.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/11/2009 6:48 a.m.

Events for Washington County for Aug. 11, 2009.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/11/2009 6:46 a.m.

Lincoln EDSEL WRIGHT Edsel M. Wright, 87, of Lincoln died Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009, in Prairie Grove.

South Carolina man gets three years for porn picture of Arkansas teenager

posted: 08/11/2009 6:43 a.m.

A 23-year-old South Carolina man faces three years in prison after admitting he received a picture of a teenage girl's breast.

Deadline Monday to register for millage vote

posted: 08/11/2009 6:42 a.m.

Closing time on Monday will be the last chance for Fayetteville School District residents to register to vote in the Sept. 15 millage election, according to the Washington County Clerk's Office.

Fayetteville library to shut off public computers for upgrade

posted: 08/11/2009 6:41 a.m.

The Fayetteville Public Library's public access computers will be unavailable Thursday to allow information technology staff to perform a system upgrade. The upgrade, when complete, will improve patron computer sessions and printing.

Court Briefs

posted: 08/11/2009 6:38 a.m.

Intimidating witness Terry Edward Hayes, 40, was charged on Aug. 7 with intimidating a witness in an existing felony case against him. He also faces a sentencing enhancement because prosecutors allege he qualifies as a habitual offender because he has four convictions.

Times Editorial Ruskin lows

posted: 08/11/2009 6:35 a.m.

Alittle more than 20 months ago, a photograph was published in these pages showing those responsible for the Ruskin Heights development drinking drinks and smiling widely as ground was broken on the much-debated project. An example of "new urbanism," it was hoped that the mixeduse development along Mission Boulevard would bring all the best parts of Fayetteville's City Plan 2025 to life.

JUST A THOUGHT The general speaks

posted: 08/11/2009 6:34 a.m.

On Monday I spoke with Bernard Skoch of Elkins, a retired brigadier general who announced last week that he will be a Republican candidate for Arkansas' 3rd District congressional seat - a post held by U.S. Rep. John Boozman. Skoch's entrance into the May primary makes him the first primary challenger Boozman has faced during his five terms in Congress.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/11/2009 6:28 a.m.

Not a safe work environment After working three years as a nurse at Fayetteville High School, I would like to add my name to the list of supporters for a new state-of-the-art high school.

FHS project attracts firms from near, far

posted: 08/11/2009 6:25 a.m.

Architectural firms from the Fayetteville Square to New York City have submitted their lists of qualifications and resumes for the proposed Fayetteville High School project.

FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS Summer 'break' lacking in down time

posted: 08/11/2009 6:23 a.m.

Was there really a summer this year? Was there really a summer this year? We've certainlyhad some hot days here and there, but it hasn't really felt like summer, has it? Our tomato plants seem hesitant,too, as though they're not really sure if they are supposed to ripen or not or just succumb to the inevitable and become squirrel food, since the squirrels certainly don't seem to care about ripeness.

A+ Stronger Fayetteville campaign supporters to open office Wednesday

posted: 08/11/2009 6:22 a.m.

Organizers and supporters of the Campaign for A+ Stronger Fayetteville will gather Wednesday to mark the opening of the campaign headquarters and to get volunteers organized.

County sales tax sluggish, expected to pick up soon

posted: 08/11/2009 6:21 a.m.

While county sales tax figures are still down from this time one year ago, the numbers are expected to pick up very soon.

Fayetteville School Calendar

posted: 08/11/2009 6:20 a.m.

Today FHS new student/sophomore orientation M-Z, 9 a.m. to noon Woodland schedule pickup, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Greenland to host school meeting Aug. 18

posted: 08/11/2009 6:19 a.m.

The Greenland School District town meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 18 rather than the time previously scheduled for today.

Green measures sprout in county offices

posted: 08/11/2009 6:17 a.m.

Washington County is making a strong effort to stay green. As in energy-efficient green.

MY POINT EXACTLY Hale, Heintzman look to be workhorses in Purple Dog passing game

posted: 08/11/2009 6:16 a.m.

While Division I recruit Demetrius Dean has been receiving the most attention from colleges and the media, senior receivers Josh Hale and Michael Heintzman will likely receive the most consideration from quarterback Brandon Allen.

HOG CALLS : Size matters to Petrino, Hogs

posted: 08/11/2009 6:14 a.m.

Since Bobby Petrino doesn't necessarily equate his team captains with seniors, maybe the Arkansas coach should go whole Hog.

Sports Briefs

posted: 08/11/2009 6:13 a.m.

• HOME SCHOOL BASKETBALL The Ozark Christian Home Educators Association offers competitive basketball for Homeschool Students. Students must be age 11 on Sept. 1, 2009, and no older than 18 on Sept. 1.This is open to all home school students ages 11-18 in the Northwest Arkansas. For more information call: 479-466-5514 SOFTBALL LEAGUE The deadline for sign-up for fall league softball at Mitchusson Park in Huntsville is Friday, Aug. 14. Please call Darrell Jones, league director, at 738-2584 or Huntsville City Hall at 738-6607 for more information.

FAYETTEVILLE: Defrocked priest avoids court

posted: 08/11/2009 6:12 a.m.

A Catholic priest whom a parishioner accused of sexual assault will not face charges, the Washington County prosecutor's office said Monday.

UA hoops signee goes JUCO

posted: 08/11/2009 6:08 a.m.

University of Arkansas basketball recruit Anthony Borden will enroll in a junior college for the upcoming season, Arkansas head coach John Pelphrey announced on Monday.

Junior challenge : Blessings expected to test field's mettle at AJGA Arkansas Junior

posted: 08/11/2009 6:05 a.m.

Fraught with peril on every hole, the Blessings Golf Club's severity can't be overstated.

Jammin' owner named A&P commish

posted: 08/11/2009 6:03 a.m.

Brandon Karnes, owner of Jammin ' Java, was named the newest member of the Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission on Monday.

Takin' it to the streets City gets Garland Avenue median OK

posted: 08/11/2009 6 a.m.

Garland Avenue improvements are a go. Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan received a letter that pleased him Monday from the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department.

Electronic elections : lection commissioners get ready to request electronic voting machines.

posted: 08/11/2009 5:57 a.m.

Two Benton County election commissioners agreed Monday to make a budget request from the commission to the county for some $360,000 for 200 iVotronic voting machines.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/11/2009 5:53 a.m.

Obituaries for August 11, 2009.

Enrollment up again at NWACC

posted: 08/11/2009 5:48 a.m.

Enrollment is up again at Northwest Arkansas Community College, the NWACC Board of Trustees learned Monday night.

Military Order of the Purple Heart convention getting under way

posted: 08/11/2009 5:47 a.m.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart, a congressionally chartered veterans service organization made up of people who have been awarded the Purple Heart, will hold its 77th national convention in Rogers beginning today.

18-year sentence in silver-bar theft

posted: 08/11/2009 5:45 a.m.

One of the men accused of stealing a silver bar from a Bentonville man was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Prior testimony fair game in Barrett trial

posted: 08/11/2009 5:44 a.m.

Prosecutors will be allowed to present the prior testimony of one of Roger Dale Barrett's deceased friends as evidence in Barrett's upcoming capital murder trial.

Accused bank robber faces life

posted: 08/11/2009 5:43 a.m.

A Rogers man faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted of bank robbery. Anthony Timothy Barnes, 31, is charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, a class Y felony, and theft of property, a class B felony. If convicted, Barnes could receive a sentence of 10 to 40 years or life in prison on each of the class Y felonies. The class B felony carries a punishment ranging from five to 20 years.

Siloam Springs man gets 20 years for residential burglaries

posted: 08/11/2009 5:42 a.m.

A Siloam Springs man responsible for a one-man crime spree was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

POLICE REPORTS

posted: 08/11/2009 5:41 a.m.

Police reports for Benton County for August 11, 2009.

OUR VIEW : Clunker consequences

posted: 08/11/2009 5:40 a.m.

After the initial $1 billion appropriated for it ran out in only 10 days, the immensely popular "cash for clunkers" just received another $2 billion, thanks to its fans in the U.S. Capitol Building and the White House.

LETTERS

posted: 08/11/2009 5:38 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Benton County for August 11, 2009.

Liberties : Livin' la vida loca

posted: 08/11/2009 5:31 a.m.

Sometimes the people we write about drive us crazy.

AD sets deadline for 'Dogs

posted: 08/11/2009 5:29 a.m.

Decatur athletics director Bobby King said Monday that a decision regarding the Decatur High School football season will likely be made Thursday morning. King attended football practice Monday morning and said the Bulldogs had seven players participating, up from five who attended last Tuesday's practice.

BoSox on brink after rally

posted: 08/11/2009 5:28 a.m.

After winning their first two games of the 13-yearold Babe Ruth Southwest Regional in blowout fashion, the McComb (Miss.) BoSox found themselves in the heat of battle Monday against Bryant.

Hallmarks : AAA vote resolves nothing

posted: 08/11/2009 5:26 a.m.

An idea floating around the 1-4 A Conference to help Proposal No. 8 along was shot out of a cannon Monday when athletic directors took matters into their own hands. They voted to boot Shiloh Christian's junior high team from their conference beginning in 2010.

Golf match halted by thunderstorms

posted: 08/11/2009 5:25 a.m.

A storm-shortened golf match against Fayetteville wasn't a complete wash for the Rogers Mounties.

Lightning postpones Twilight Run

posted: 08/11/2009 5:23 a.m.

Area lightning here Monday night postponed the inaugural Rogers Heritage War Eagles' Twilight Run at David Gates Stadium.

New water rates still awaiting OK

posted: 08/11/2009 5:22 a.m.

The Bentonville City Council will have to decide whether to enact new rates that may have customers paying more monthly in water and wastewater fees.

Foundation honors new members

posted: 08/11/2009 5:21 a.m.

There are several fresh faces on the Bentonville Public Schools Foundation Board, and a reception was held Monday night in their honor.

Truck bombs in Shiite village, bombings in Baghdad kill 48

posted: 08/11/2009 5:21 a.m.

A double truck bombing tore through the village of a small Shiite ethnic minority near the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, while nine blasts racked Baghdad in a wave of violence Monday that killed at least 48 people and wounded more than 250, Iraqi officials said.

3rd Friday Twilight Walk

posted: 08/11/2009 5:20 a.m.

The Dog Days of Summer 3rd Friday Twilight Walk will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 21 in the Rogers Historic District. Merchants will host local artists and photographers, hold special merchandise sales and fundraisers, and organize entertainment on the Frisco Stage, in pocket parks and on street corners. Shop more than six local shelters for a new-to-you dog. Receive coupons for spay and neutering programs and discounted pet microchipping.

Lunch and Learn program

posted: 08/11/2009 5:19 a.m.

"Has 'Arthur' Got a Hold on You?" a free Lunch and Learn one-hour program, will be presented at noon Aug. 25 in Bella Vista and at noon Aug. 26 in Springdale. The event is co-sponsored by Senior Circle and the Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education.

Sulphur Springs road closing

posted: 08/11/2009 5:18 a.m.

Sibley Road in Sulphur Springs will be closed Wednesday for bridge repair and will reopen Thursday.

Hunter-education class offered

posted: 08/11/2009 5:16 a.m.

On Saturday, the Benton County Chapter of Quail Unlimited will host its annual hunter-education course. The 10-hour class will start at 8 a.m. There is no pre-registration required, but sign-ins are at 7:30 a.m. The class is taught by hunter education professionals and is open for anyone, however it is recommended students be at least 11 years of age, since all training material is based on a fifth-grade understanding level. There is no charge for the class. Lunch and soft drinks will be provided.

Library fundraiser will be Sept. 19

posted: 08/11/2009 5:15 a.m.

The Bella Vista Library's fundraiser - a golf and tennis tournament with a silent auction - will be held Sept. 19. All proceeds will go to the library.

Hogs' defense determined to be better than last year

posted: 08/11/2009 5:07 a.m.

Undersized, thin in numbers, beset by injuries and trying to cope with a new scheme, the Arkansas defense had a season to forget in 2008.

Texas Legue: Trumbo, Contreras aid Kiely

posted: 08/11/2009 5:05 a.m.

The Tim Kiely blueprint worked well for the Arkansas Travelers on Monday night.

GM dealers in California to test new-car selling on eBay today

posted: 08/11/2009 5:03 a.m.

Hundreds of General Motors' California dealers will let consumers haggle over the prices of new cars and trucks through the eBay online marketplace under a trial that begins today.

NYC divers find body inside plane wreckage

posted: 08/11/2009 5:03 a.m.

Hudson River divers on Monday found the wreckage of a small plane and one of two victims missing after a midair collision with a sightseeing helicopter that killed nine people.

California moves 1,000 from riot-torn prison

posted: 08/11/2009 5:02 a.m.

Corrections experts warned two years ago that overcrowding at the California Institute for Men at Chino created "a serious disturbance waiting to happen," foreshadowing the weekend riot that injured 175 prisoners, destroyed or damaged six dormitories and forced relocation of at least 1,000 men.

400 missing as mudslide hits Taiwan village

posted: 08/11/2009 5:02 a.m.

A mudslide touched off by a deadly typhoon buried a remote mountain village, leaving at least 400 people unaccounted for Monday, and military rescue helicopters unable to land because of the slippery ground dropped food to desperate survivors.

Latest genome cost plummets to $50,000

posted: 08/11/2009 5:01 a.m.

Helicos Biosciences Corp.'s gene-sequencing machine mapped the genome of a Stanford University professor, who developed the technology, for less than $50,000 using the labor of just three people, researchers reported.

Cigar shops fume over laws

posted: 08/11/2009 5 a.m.

The owners of shops that sell premium cigars have converged on New Orleans with the same concerns as mass-market cigarette manufacturers - higher taxes and anti-smoking laws.

Rock Hall of Fame honors Austin City Limits

posted: 08/11/2009 5 a.m.

Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Elvis Costello - they're among the legions of music legends who have graced the stage of the famed Austin City Limits television music show.

Health-club gunman questioned, let go

posted: 08/11/2009 4:59 a.m.

The man who carried out a shooting in a women's aerobics class had been questioned a week earlier by police because he matched the description of a man seen pulling what appeared to be a grenade from a computer bag, authorities said Monday.

N. Korean cargo ship held by Indian navy, searched

posted: 08/11/2009 4:58 a.m.

Indian authorities have detained a North Korean vessel and are searching it for radioactive material, the first time a ship has been seized and boarded under sanctions adopted by the U.N. Security Council in June.

Birds of a feather ...

posted: 08/11/2009 4:58 a.m.

Every bird lover needs a pal now and then to show the way.

U.S.: 50 drug barons targets in Afghanistan

posted: 08/11/2009 4:58 a.m.

A U.S. military "kill or capture" list of 367 wanted insurgents in Afghanistan includes 50 major drug traffickers who give money to Taliban militants, U.S. military commanders told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Scholar's arrest hurts rights drive in China

posted: 08/11/2009 4:56 a.m.

China's legalrights movement, already reeling from a crackdown on crusading lawyers, the kidnapping of defense witnesses and the shuttering of a prominent legal clinic, has been shaken by the detention of a widely respected rights defender who hasn't been heard from since the police led him away from his apartment 12 days ago.

Doctor with arsenal suspect in bombing

posted: 08/11/2009 4:55 a.m.

Randeep Mann, a doctor who has been jailed since police unearthed 98 live grenades near his London home in Pope County in March, was identified Monday as the "prime suspect" in a Feb. 4 bombing that seriously injured the head of the Arkansas State Medical Board.

Expert says wounds in '93 West Memphis deaths caused by animal

posted: 08/11/2009 4:54 a.m.

Animals inflicted wounds upon three West Memphis boys killed in 1993, a forensic pathologist testified Monday during a hearing to determine the adequacy of attorneys representing two men convicted in the slayings.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/11/2009 4:51 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes. For more information, call (479) 770-8400.

Lawyer who defended drug traffickers killed

posted: 08/11/2009 4:49 a.m.

A lawyer who represented drug traffickers and who survived four previous attempts on her life was killed Sunday in the northern city of Monterrey, law enforcement officials said.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/11/2009 4:46 a.m.

Officer resigns in shoplifting query A Springdale police officer has resigned after he was identified as a suspect in a shoplifting investigation last week, the department said in a news release.

Board to examine NYC airspace after crash

posted: 08/11/2009 4:45 a.m.

A U.S. safety board will examine whether tighter New York airspace regulations are needed after a small plane collided with a sightseeing helicopter above the Hudson River on Saturday, leaving nine people dead.

Ex-officer faces trial in child sex abuse

posted: 08/11/2009 4:45 a.m.

A former Alexander police officer charged with three counts of rape involving three youths is set to stand trial in October.

Drier-season forecast a washout in Britain

posted: 08/11/2009 4:44 a.m.

It's the phrase that haunts Britain's weather forecasters - "barbecue summer." It was used in April by the country's chief weather forecasting body when it predicted the summer would be warm and sunny.

Border agent portrayer fit for harassment trial

posted: 08/11/2009 4:43 a.m.

A 50-year-old Little Rock man, on probation for impersonating a border patrol agent, will stand trial Oct. 15 on related misdemeanor charges of harassment and criminal mischief after he was found fit to stand trial Monday.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/11/2009 4:43 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "The combustion opportunities out here are unlimited." Benton County Fire Marshal Will Hanna, commenting on a fire at a pallet company near Avoca that destroyed three trailers.

Lawmakers review Cummins escape

posted: 08/11/2009 4:42 a.m.

Lawmakers retraced the steps of two convicted murders who escaped an Arkansas prison in May wearing guard uniforms, questioning corrections officials Monday over a perceived culture of complacency at the state's lockups.

Memphis guard Wade says yes to Arkansas

posted: 08/11/2009 4:42 a.m.

The Arkansas Razorbacks gained their first oral commitment for the 2010 recruiting class when combination guard Mardracus Wade made public his intention to play for the Razorbacks.

High school football report

posted: 08/11/2009 4:42 a.m.

Berryville Coach Bobby Bishop said he was encouraged by the outcome of last week's Arkansas Activities Association meeting in Little Rock, where a proposal intended to dissuade athletes from transferring to private schools passed by an overwhelming margin.

Powerful quake rattles Tokyo again

posted: 08/11/2009 4:41 a.m.

A powerful earthquake hit Tokyo and nearby areas shortly after dawn today, halting trains and forcing two nuclear reactors to shut down for safety checks. More than 30 people suffered minor injuries.

CEO resigns as Nortel liquidates

posted: 08/11/2009 4:41 a.m.

Nortel Networks CEO Mike Zafirovski is stepping down from the troubled telecommunications company, saying "a natural transition point" has been reached as the company continues to liquidate.

In the news

posted: 08/11/2009 4:40 a.m.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, in the middle of a 11-day tour of Africa, was asked by a Congolese university student in Kinshasa what her husband, former President Clinton, thought on an international matter, and she retorted, "My husband is not secretary of state. I am. ... I am not going to be channeling my husband."

Barnes & Noble set to buy unit for college stores from chairman

posted: 08/11/2009 4:40 a.m.

Bookseller Barnes & Noble Inc. said Monday it will buy Barnes & Noble College Booksellers from its chairman in a deal worth $596 million.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/11/2009 4:40 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "They are destroyed by pain." Italian Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta, on relatives of five tourists who died when their sightseeing helicopter collided with an airplane in New York.

Names and faces

posted: 08/11/2009 4:40 a.m.

On paper and on screen, "Julia" is stealing the show from "Julie." Meryl Streep's performance as Julia Child in Julie & Julia, which opened over the weekend, has helped return the late chef's Mastering the Art of French Cooking, published nearly 50 years ago, to the top of best-seller lists.

The world in brief

posted: 08/11/2009 4:39 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Those who do that are not human beings. They do it only to ignite sectarian violence." Sabah Sami, 27, who was wounded in one of a wave of nine bombings that racked Baghdad on Monday.

Other days

posted: 08/11/2009 4:27 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 11, 1909 After paying off $10,000 worth of warrants due the Home Water Company, [Little Rock] had only $1,300 in its general fund yesterday afternoon, according to figures given out by the Bank of Commerce, the city depository.

Obituaries

posted: 08/11/2009 4:26 a.m.

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

Guilty plea gets doctor probation in Lake Village

posted: 08/11/2009 4:26 a.m.

A Lake Village doctor whose medical license is suspended pleaded guilty Monday to felony introduction of a controlled substance into the body of others and misdemeanor practicing medicine without a license.

How ethics disappear

posted: 08/11/2009 4:25 a.m.

WHAT A SURPRISE: A committee of their fellow senators has decided that Chris Dodd and Kent Conrad did nothing unethical when they took out loans from Countrywide Financial on the kind of favorable terms not available to us mere mortals.

LIKE IT IS: Hogs' Fish keeps chin up despite tough times

posted: 08/11/2009 4:25 a.m.

He's 22 and still laughs when people tell him he looks about 14 years old.

Who's a hostage now?

posted: 08/11/2009 4:24 a.m.

Last week Iran's theocracy widened its crackdown from suppressing an opposition movement to putting on trial the very revolutionaries who launched the Islamic republic. This new purge may be more profound politically than the campaign against the followers of Mir Hossein Mousavi: The Iranian revolution is eating its children.

How to recharge your soul

posted: 08/11/2009 4:22 a.m.

Camping in the woods sounds gloriously refreshing ! But I wouldn't know where to begin, and, ugh, what if I get eaten by a bear? That was roughly the reaction I had from some readers after I wrote about Nature Deficit Disorder-the problems that accrue when young people spend their time indoors, deprived of the chance to catch frogs or throw rocks at wasp nests.

LETTERS

posted: 08/11/2009 4:22 a.m.

United we stand, divided we fall. They have us just where they want us.

Escape to Waterscape

posted: 08/11/2009 4:21 a.m.

The dog days of August were howling, and I knew that, like the swallows must return to Capistrano, it was time to motor southward.

Nascar Sprint Cup: Stewart's road to success

posted: 08/11/2009 4:21 a.m.

When the rain held off and The Glen heated up, Tony Stewart was in his element.

Hogs signee Borden going to junior college

posted: 08/11/2009 4:20 a.m.

Anthony Borden will be playing basketball at Holmes (Miss.) Community College as a freshman rather than Arkansas.

Off the wire

posted: 08/11/2009 4:19 a.m.

Davis stays with Celtics All summer, Glen "Big Baby" Davis waited for a new deal from the Boston Celtics. When training camp grew near and he was still unsigned, he figured it might never come.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/11/2009 4:18 a.m.

Legal face-off for Carolina, hip-hop artist The Carolina Hurricanes have sued a Raleigh, N.C., hip-hop artist who produced a song promoting the franchise, saying the man has violated team trademarks.

Fun deserved for tough-luck Riggleman

posted: 08/11/2009 4:17 a.m.

From a distance, it seems safe to assume Jim Riggleman of the Washington Nationals has just been treated to his most enjoyable week as a manager in almost 11 years, or since he led the Chicago Cubs into the 1998 post-season.

Source:Woods to be fined for words

posted: 08/11/2009 4:15 a.m.

Tiger Woods, who was at Hazeltine National at dawn on Monday to get ready for the PGA Championship, will be fined by the PGA Tour for his public criticism of a rules official after winning the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone in Akron, Ohio, on Sunday, a tour official said.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Lohse shuts down Reds, improves to 1-3 since injury

posted: 08/11/2009 4:14 a.m.

Kyle Lohse won for the first time since injuring his forearm more than 2 1 /2 months ago, working six effective innings in the St. Louis Cardinals' 4-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night.

Lavy at home in last junior event

posted: 08/11/2009 4:14 a.m.

One more tournament and the state will be rid of Emma Lavy.

Rolen says hello, goodbye to feud

posted: 08/11/2009 4:13 a.m.

Scott Rolen tried to put an end to his feud with Tony La Russa, stopping by the St. Louis Cardinals manager's office Monday in his first trip back to Busch Stadium since his trade almost two seasons ago.

THE RECRUITING GUY: Texas guard Scott impressed during visit to UA

updated: 08/11/2009 12:02 p.m.

Approximately 54 athletes from several states looked to improve their basketball skills while seeing what the Razorbacks had to offer at Arkansas' Elite Camp on Friday and Saturday.

State sports briefs

posted: 08/11/2009 4:06 a.m.

UA drops season ticket price for men's basketball The same $500 that paid for an Arkansas men's basketball season ticket for 20 games at Walton Arena last season will buy a ticket for 22 games for the 2009-2010 season, the university announced Monday.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/11/2009 3:41 a.m.

Arkansas had its first practice in full pads Monday, and the change in intensity could be seen and heard.

LB Ware works on new moves

posted: 08/11/2009 3:40 a.m.

Twisting and turning, speeding up and slowing down, Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware is spending training camp testing all sorts of new ways of getting to the quarterback.

NFL notes

posted: 08/11/2009 3:39 a.m.

The St. Louis Rams will be without No. 1 wide receiver Donnie Avery for 4 to 6 weeks after the second-year player injured his foot during a scrimmage last week.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/11/2009 3:37 a.m.

Roofing-products firm to lay off 90 in Prescott Firestone Building Products will lay off 90 employees in Prescott on Sept. 1 because of reduced sales related to the recession, the Indianapolis firm said in a news release.

Entergy electrical grid core of talks

posted: 08/11/2009 3:36 a.m.

Utility regulators from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and the city of New Orleans will consider creating a multistate commission to address the future of Entergy Corp.'s electricity grid.

Modern technology navigates American to the 21st century

posted: 08/11/2009 3:36 a.m.

As a traffic controller for American Airlines, Vicki King pushes paper planes all day.

Southwest offers $170 million to buy Frontier

posted: 08/11/2009 3:35 a.m.

Southwest Airlines Co. on Monday offered more than $170 million to buy Frontier Airlines Holdings Inc., a 50 percent increase over its initial proposal, to hold off Republic Airways Holdings Inc. in a bankruptcy court auction.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/11/2009 3:34 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "The cigar continues to have a unique place in the hearts of a lot of men." Norm Sharp, president of the Cigar Association of America Article, 1D Windstream names Whittington new COO Windstream Corp. restored its executive position of chief operating officer Monday, naming Chief Financial Officer Brent Whittington to the post.

U.S. holds backlog of protested drill leases

posted: 08/11/2009 3:34 a.m.

Brian Wixom's company has paid the U.S. government hundreds of thousands of dollars for leases to drill for oil and gas on federal lands over the years, only to never put a rig in the ground.

MARKET REPORT Markets slip ahead of Fed meeting

posted: 08/11/2009 3:33 a.m.

With the stock market in a bit of a news lull, investors decided Monday to lock in some profits.

Asia sector buoys Bank of America profit

posted: 08/11/2009 3:32 a.m.

Bank of America Corp. reported that its better-than-expected secondquarter profit was boosted by the bank's foreign operations.

Little Rock Fashion Week takes to runway

posted: 08/11/2009 3:31 a.m.

Korto Momolu's second-place status in Season 5 of TV's Project Runway in 2008 and the lavish annual Designer's Showcase held each year at The Metroplex are among the signs of the emergence of a thriving fashion industry in Little Rock. This week, that industry will burst forth full-scale.

CRITICAL MASS Films, magazine marry for new vision

posted: 08/11/2009 3:28 a.m.

"There's that of God in everyone." - George Fox, a founder of the Religious Society of Friends, the Quakers Before we go any further, maybe you should just take a minute and fire up your computer and go to the Web site of the Oxford American. We'll make it easy for you. Go here: oxfordamerican.org and click on SoLost.

'Small Town' singer comes home

posted: 08/11/2009 3:26 a.m.

Today is a big day in the life of "Small Town USA" singer/songwriter Justin Moore, 25, who just happens to be from a small town - Poyen, east of Malvern on U.S. 270 in western Grant County.

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/11/2009 3:25 a.m.

Happy birthday. Once you decide what you want to do, you'll astound friends with the speed at which you accomplish it. Deciding is a process, and you're careful to do it the right way. Investigate many options. Push your feelings into each possible choice, sensing where you'll be happiest. Finances improve markedly in November. Pisces and Gemini adore you.

THE TV COLUMN: Angel back for more out-of-this-world magic stunts

posted: 08/11/2009 3:24 a.m.

If you're like me, a little Criss Angel goes a long way.

TELL ME ABOUT IT Reasons to meet him? Zero

posted: 08/11/2009 3:23 a.m.

DEAR CAROLYN: Way back when, I "spent a summer" with a guy at the beach. No physical relationship, more of a deep and emotional fling. We didn't keep in contact.

Check your knowledge

posted: 08/11/2009 3:20 a.m.

1.What is the difference between the legal term "tenancy by the entirety" and "joint tenancy" ? 2. In what year, within five, did India gain its independence from Great Britain? 3. Name the agronomist noted for producing hundreds of by products from peanuts.

ON CHRISTIANITY

posted: 08/11/2009 3:20 a.m.

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: We pray the Lord's Prayer in our church every week, but do you think the time will ever come when God's will actually is going to be done on earth as it is in heaven (as the prayer says)? The world is so full of evil that I honestly wonder how it could ever happen. - D.C.

HELPFUL HINTS

posted: 08/11/2009 3:18 a.m.

DEAR HELOISE: I had the same ideas as a reader who passed a lot of family items to her children. I did the same with my son, including my father's World War I medals, his U.S. Marine Corps discharge and his business awards. These items are of no intrinsic value at all.

DRESSING ROOM Razor packs shaving cream in handy disposable version

posted: 08/11/2009 3:16 a.m.

So how many cans of shaving cream have you knocked down in the shower, scaring yourself half to death or injuring your foot? Spew curses no more.

Monday, August 10

Mayor completes 1 jail term, starts 2nd

posted: 08/10/2009 9:37 a.m.

The mayor of Berryville has completed his 39-day jail term in Carroll County for driving while intoxicated and marijuana possession and is now serving a 15-day term for a DWI in Washington County.

Lions propose to keep flags flying in Gentry

posted: 08/10/2009 6:37 a.m.

The Lions Club brought a proposal to the City Council on Aug. 3 to keep the American flags flying on Main Street year-round.

Rogers City Council to consider water increase

posted: 08/10/2009 6:35 a.m.

A water-rate-increase proposal will come before the Rogers City Council once again on Tuesday night.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO? IN-STREET TRAFFIC SIGNALS : Unidentified signaling object

posted: 08/10/2009 6:35 a.m.

Gary Townzen, at his barbershop but acting as local historian, pulls out a photo. It's grainy, pixelated and unclear. The unidentified object in the center of the intersection of Second and Elm looks like it should be flying. If it's a manhole cover, it doesn't lead past the dirt under the brick roads.

Copter wreckage lifted from river

posted: 08/10/2009 6:34 a.m.

Divers lifted the wreckage of a helicopter from the murky Hudson River on Sunday, and police using sonar located the submerged small plane that had collided with it. Nine people died in the midair crash, and seven bodies have been pulled from the water.

U.S. willing to have direct N. Korea talks

posted: 08/10/2009 6:33 a.m.

The Obama administration said Sunday that it is willing to hold direct talks with North Korea over its nuclear weapons if it first resumes international negotiations.

TRAVELERS' CHECK: Real cost of bypass is in the toll

posted: 08/10/2009 6:32 a.m.

Floyd Rhoades is among many who would like the idea of a toll road for the U.S. 71 bypass of Bella Vista to go kaput.

Job skills program gets grant to open up store

posted: 08/10/2009 6:32 a.m.

The steps to opening and running a store - from picking a name to loading shelves and pricing merchandise - will help chronically unemployed people develop critical job skills, administrators at the Office of Human Concern said.

15-20 warnings issued under new LR cat ordinance

posted: 08/10/2009 6:29 a.m.

Little Rock hasn't seized any cats as a result of an ordinance that requires cats to be spayed or neutered and microchipped if they are going to be allowed outdoors, Animal Services Division manager manger Tracy Roark said.

Institute keys on new animal cruelty law

posted: 08/10/2009 6:28 a.m.

The Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute is working to ensure that police officers, sheriff's deputies and prosecutors are up to speed on the new animal cruelty law.

Driving classes assigned in court

posted: 08/10/2009 6:27 a.m.

Police officers issuing tickets to drivers along the two-lane highways through this Benton County town don't mention that it's possible to pay the fine before going to court.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/10/2009 6:26 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes. For more information, call (479) 770-8400.

Listening to many constituents on health-care plan, Ross says

posted: 08/10/2009 6:25 a.m.

Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark., said Friday that he is still considering whether to support a public health-care option as part of national healthcare changes, and continues to listen to his constituents.

Historic properties nominated

posted: 08/10/2009 6:24 a.m.

The State Review Board of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program has nominated 22 properties across Arkansas to the National Register of Historic Places.

DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC : Islands are done, but trees will wait

posted: 08/10/2009 6:23 a.m.

Construction of islands in the center of College Avenue is largely finished, but trees won't go in the ground until October, Mayor Lioneld Jordan said last week.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/10/2009 6:22 a.m.

Pizza delivery driver beaten, robbed Springdale police said four men beat and robbed a pizza delivery driver about 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Farmers market may take root in Farmington

posted: 08/10/2009 6:22 a.m.

With local farmers markets attracting a rise in demand in recent years, one local town is considering a move to take advantage of the growing popularity.

Ozark Profile Gray shaped by upbringing

posted: 08/10/2009 6:20 a.m.

When it comes to hotel freebies, Karen Gray never misses the chance to stock up on all the miniature shampoo bottles she can.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/10/2009 6:19 a.m.

Events in Washington County for August 10, 2009.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/10/2009 6:18 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "These people have innate skills and knowledge.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/10/2009 6:17 a.m.

Obituaries & Death Notices for Washington County for August 10, 2009.

University Housing seeking volunteers to aid with move-in

posted: 08/10/2009 6:14 a.m.

University Housing is looking for volunteers to assist with move-in this year.

Sex chat spells trouble for ex-officer

posted: 08/10/2009 6:13 a.m.

Former Little Rock police officer Ricky Lee Beckwith made a mistake that could end his career.

Times Editorial : Highs and lows

posted: 08/10/2009 6:13 a.m.

Anyone else out there a tad disappointed to scan the headline "State is 47th in wellbeing of its children," which appeared in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette late last month?

CROSS CURRENTS The privacy of living

posted: 08/10/2009 6:11 a.m.

My best friend never went to visit her father's grave after his burial because, she explained, she knew that nosy Mrs. Smith, whose home bordered on the small cemetery, would be watching to see who was grieving that day.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/10/2009 6:09 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Washington County for August 10, 2009.

DNA sorting gives hope to carbon nanotube researchers

posted: 08/10/2009 6:08 a.m.

In his neatly ordered lab at DuPont, chemist Ming Zheng slides open a glass cabinet and removes a flask of soot that could have been swept from someone's fireplace.

State nominates UA district, two other sites to National Register

posted: 08/10/2009 6:06 a.m.

Three Washington County properties, including a collection of buildings on the University of Arkansas campus, were nominated last week to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Court Brief

posted: 08/10/2009 6:05 a.m.

Court brief for Washington County for August 10, 2009.

Arrest Reports

posted: 08/10/2009 6:03 a.m.

Arrest reports for Washington County for August 10, 2009.

Making the right call : Official recounts hall of fame career

posted: 08/10/2009 6:02 a.m.

Whether it was his first game at West Fork in the 1950s or an NCAA Tournament game, Bob Renner took great care to get the call right.

ARKANSAS FOOTBALL: UA lineman steady hand

posted: 08/10/2009 6:01 a.m.

Mitch Petrus hasn't played in a football game for the Arkansas Razorbacks in 20 months, but he hasn't forgotten what to do.

Fayetteville Cards stack up World Series titles

posted: 08/10/2009 6 a.m.

Youth baseball in Arkansas is gaining momentum on the national stage thanks to 14 students from Fayetteville's McNair Middle School and two others from St. Joseph's, who comprise the Fayetteville Cardinals 12-and-under USSSA squad.

Injuries adding up for Hogs

posted: 08/10/2009 5:59 a.m.

Usually during the dress rehearsal non-scrimmage scrimmage before the season opener some starter is told to feign injury so his backup can experience a battlefield promotion firsthand.

GOLF ROUNDUP: Rollins' final-round 72 good enough

posted: 08/10/2009 5:57 a.m.

John Rollins overcame an early double bogey with a chip-in eagle, then survived a string of bogeys to shoot an even-par 72 and win the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open on Sunday for his third career PGA Tour victory.

Rain postpones Sprint Cup race

posted: 08/10/2009 5:56 a.m.

Andy Lally will have to curb his enthusiasm for another day.

Locke, Verduyn win Springdale Country Club's Swingfest by three strokes

posted: 08/10/2009 5:56 a.m.

There were no tee busters or monster-drive holes Sunday, but Bill Locke and Brian Verduyn went low enough to prevail in this weekend's birdie bonanza at Springdale Country Club.

Rethinking an old space : Bentonville will consider turning the property formerly occupied by Bentonville Fire Station No. 1 into a Parks and Recreation Department facility.

posted: 08/10/2009 5:53 a.m.

The city of Bentonville stands to take a significant step forward in the facilities department over the next couple of years.

Fables and Faith When on board the ship of faith

posted: 08/10/2009 5:50 a.m.

We celebrated the Walk to Emmaus at our church yesterday. Wish I had been there to take part. The Walk to Emmaus has been such a wonderful experience for me, and it completely changed my life. Because of that celebration of Emmaus at my church I want to once again acquaint you with a wonderful story from a Methodist minister in northwest Arkansas, Reverend Carl Palmer.

State, schools to offer flu vaccinations for children

posted: 08/10/2009 5:48 a.m.

With funding provided by the tobacco tax passed during the recent legislative session and federal monies, the Arkansas Department of Health, the Arkansas Department of Education and local school districts statewide will offer the seasonal flu shot to all school children in grades K-12 beginning in mid-October.

Festival of Trees planning to start

posted: 08/10/2009 5:47 a.m.

The Festival of Trees Planning Committee will meet at 3 p.m. Sept. 17 at Riordan Hall in Bella Vista.

Walk to Defeat ALS coming in September

posted: 08/10/2009 5:46 a.m.

The ALS Association of Northwest Arkansas will hold its annual Walk to Defeat ALS at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale on Sept. 26.

Alzheimer's Memory Walk

posted: 08/10/2009 5:44 a.m.

The Northwest Arkansas Memory Walk to benefit the Alzheimer's Association will be held at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale on Sept. 12. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with entertainment by Mid-Life Crisis.

Kids Talk What teachers wish parents knew

posted: 08/10/2009 5:43 a.m.

At a teachers conference a couple of years ago, we broke into groups to answer the following question: What are the most important ideas you'd like to communicate to parents of the children you teach?

The Rockwood Files : From Walden to wireless

posted: 08/10/2009 5:42 a.m.

Yesterday I got up and did the same things I always do - brush my teeth, pop in my contacts, scoop a sleepy 2-year-old out of her bed and amble downstairs to the kitchen where the boys are waiting for breakfast. Once I get breakfast in front of the kids, I sneak over to my computer, and they hardly notice me leave because PBS cartoons are far more interesting than I am at that hour of the morning.

POA collecting school supplies

posted: 08/10/2009 5:41 a.m.

The Bella Vista Village Property Owners Association is helping The Weekly Vista newspaper collect supplies for students of Cooper Elementary School, a POA news release said.

OTHER OPINIONS : Where to go

posted: 08/10/2009 5:39 a.m.

A particularly interesting statistic ran in our newspaper recently. According to the U.S.

Shark Sprint wins go to race veterans

posted: 08/10/2009 5:37 a.m.

Veterans won - and first-timers survived - the Shark Sprint Triathlon on Sunday.

Hog Calls : New Hogs pushing veterans already

posted: 08/10/2009 5:35 a.m.

The answer proved way more understandable than the question.

War Eagle Twilight Run draws heavy field

posted: 08/10/2009 5:34 a.m.

Much to Heritage cross country Coach Jeff Shaw's amazement, close to 150 area runners have registered for tonight's War Eagle Twilight Run, one of the first of its kind of competitions in Benton County.

Groe grinds out victory at Pinnacle

posted: 08/10/2009 5:33 a.m.

As far as first impressions go, Brad Groe is making a good one this summer at Pinnacle Country Club.

Bryant, McComb (Miss.) win at Southwest Regional

posted: 08/10/2009 5:32 a.m.

Five Springdale errors aided Bryant to a 9-4 win Sunday in a winner's bracket semifinal at the 13-year-old Babe Ruth Southwest Regional at Phillips Park.

Rogers golfers earn spots in AJGA event

posted: 08/10/2009 5:31 a.m.

Rogers Mountaineer golfers Slade Hames and Patrick Holt were among the 16 golfers to qualify Sunday for this week's AJGA Arkansas Junior at the Blessings Golf Club in Johnson.

Republican Women to meet Thursday

posted: 08/10/2009 5:29 a.m.

Chief Master Sgt. Wilburn A. "Asa" Carter, command chief of the 188th Fighter Wing, will be the speaker at the next meeting of the Bentonville Republican Women.

Food pantry, Naturals team up

posted: 08/10/2009 5:28 a.m.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, located at 1413 W. Poplar St. in Rogers, is teaming up with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals to strike out hunger.

LAWSUITS FILED

posted: 08/10/2009 5:27 a.m.

Lawsuits filed in Benton County for August 10, 2009.

RESTAURANT INSPECTIONS

posted: 08/10/2009 5:26 a.m.

Restaurant inspections for Benton County for August 10, 2009.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

posted: 08/10/2009 5:25 a.m.

Marriage licenses for Benton County for August 10, 2009.

BENTONVILLE FIRE & SAFETY TIP

posted: 08/10/2009 5:24 a.m.

The Bentonville Fire & Safety Tip.

Local Tea Party 'camp meeting' being planned

posted: 08/10/2009 5:23 a.m.

Plans are being finalized for three organizations in Benton County to jointly sponsor an "old-fashioned camp meeting" in Bentonville.

Pea Ridge Golf Classic is Aug. 22

posted: 08/10/2009 5:21 a.m.

The Pea Ridge Optimist Club will host its 16th annual Pea Ridge Classic at Big Sugar Golf Club on Aug.

Driver-safety class planned

posted: 08/10/2009 5:21 a.m.

A driver-safety class has been scheduled for Aug. 20 at the First Western Bank, 575 Memorial Drive in Bella Vista. This will be a one-day, four-hour class from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m

Arvest moving into Kansas City market

posted: 08/10/2009 5:20 a.m.

Arvest Bank announced it has entered into an agreement with Harrington West Financial Group, Inc., the holding company for Los Padres Bank, FSB (LPB), to purchase its Kansas City banking operations, operating as Harrington Bank.

Police confirm protester abuse in Iran prison

posted: 08/10/2009 5:05 a.m.

Iran's police chief acknowledged Sunday that detained protesters were abused in prison and the country's top prosecutor said those responsible for the mistreatment should be punished, in unusually pointed criticism of security officials.

1 million Chinese flee killer typhoon

updated: 08/10/2009 5:03 a.m.

A powerful typhoon toppled houses, flooded villages and forced nearly 1 million people to flee to safety on China's eastern coast before weakening into a tropical storm today.

Iraqis arrest Brit in killing of two fellow contractors

posted: 08/10/2009 5:02 a.m.

Iraqi authorities arrested a British security contractor Sunday in connection with the shooting deaths of two co-workers in Baghdad's protected Green Zone. The suspect could be the first Westerner to face an Iraqi trial on murder charges since a security pact lifted the immunity that had been enjoyed by foreign contractors for most of the war.

U.S., Pakistan believe Mehsud dead

posted: 08/10/2009 4:43 a.m.

The U.S. and Pakistan are almost certain a U.S. missile strike killed the head of Pakistan's Taliban and that his death led to a fierce power struggle among his deputies, officials said Sunday, despite claims and counterclaims as to the fate of the country's most wanted man.

Clinton presses for Angolan political change

posted: 08/10/2009 4:42 a.m.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Sunday pressed Angola to investigate human-rights abuses, fight corruption and hold free, fair and "timely" presidential elections.

Names and faces

posted: 08/10/2009 4:41 a.m.

Paula Abdul, who last week said she's quitting the popular TV show American Idol, can now count the ABC network as a potential new employer. ABC programming chief Stephen McPherson told the Television Critics Association on Saturday that he was "stunned" to hear she'd decided to leave the top-rated Fox series and that he's contacted Abdul, whom he called an old friend.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/10/2009 4:41 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I wish I could hum the theme song for Mission Impossible because I think his job is mission impossible." Robert Profusek, a lawyer who has advised banks on compensation matters, on President Barack Obama's compensation czar Article, 1A

The world in brief

posted: 08/10/2009 4:39 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "It is a sign of weakness. It demonstrates, I think, better than any of us could ever say, that this Iranian leadership is afraid of their own people, and afraid of the truth and the facts coming out." Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on Iran's mass trial of more than 100 people, including prominent reformist figures and opposition activists Article, 1A

Experts doubt identity of slain terrorist

posted: 08/10/2009 4:38 a.m.

Police scrambled Sunday to identify the body of a suspected terrorist killed in a farmhouse gunbattle after discovering a plot to kill Indonesia's president in a suicide car bombing.

Iraq hopeful for hikers' release

posted: 08/10/2009 4:37 a.m.

The Iraqi foreign minister said Sunday that he was hopeful that three Americans detained in Iran after crossing the border from northern Iraq will be released soon Iranian border guards detained freelance journalist Shane Bauer and his companions Sara Shourd and Josh Fattal on July 31 while they were hiking near a waterfall on a mountain in Iraq's self-ruled Kurdish region.

Madagascar rivals agree on power-sharing plan

posted: 08/10/2009 4:34 a.m.

Madagascar's bitter political rivals signed a power-sharing deal Sunday, agreeing to create an interim government to end months of violence.

PB won't get new officers right away

posted: 08/10/2009 4:31 a.m.

With more than $1 million in stimulus money coming in, the Pine Bluff Police Department expects to have seven new officers on the streets - but it will take about a year.

Other days

posted: 08/10/2009 4:23 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 10, 1909 The discontinuance of traffic on the south track across the West Third Street viaduct by the street car company yesterday afternoon on the grounds that the south side of the structure for some distance over the Rock Island right of way is unsafe

The python and the state

posted: 08/10/2009 4:13 a.m.

WHO ARE the most likely victims when a state decides to go into the numbers racket?

The town hall mob

posted: 08/10/2009 4:11 a.m.

There's a famous Norman Rockwell painting titled "Freedom of Speech," depicting an idealized American town meeting. The painting, part of a series illustrating FDR's "Four Freedoms," shows an ordinary citizen expressing an unpopular opinion. His neighbors obviously don't like what he's saying, but they're letting him speak his mind.

Headed for a VAT of higher taxes

posted: 08/10/2009 4:11 a.m.

No one can say President Obama lacks ambition. The speed with which he has pursued his agenda to radically change the relationship between Americans and their government

LETTERS

posted: 08/10/2009 4:06 a.m.

Some changes not advisable Does the end justify the means? Preventing an economic meltdown that would have led to a deep depression is a desirable end. Does that justify violating the principles of capitalism and free enterprise that made America the richest, most innovative nation in the world during the 20th century?

The arrows of August

posted: 08/10/2009 4:05 a.m.

Confusion and discontent prevail, so the time has come to clear the air. Quick, before another thunderstorm rolls in, let the arrows of fate be launched. As is the long-standing practice, we begin at the top.

Time on Tiger's side

posted: 08/10/2009 3:52 a.m.

The battle was everything Tiger Woods expected. The finish was nothing anyone imagined, except for Woods hoisting another World Golf Championship trophy at Firestone.

TEXAS LEAGUE: Naturals hitting when it counts

posted: 08/10/2009 3:46 a.m.

Statistics told the whole story this time.

UA lineman steady hand

posted: 08/10/2009 3:41 a.m.

Mitch Petrus hasn't played in a football game for the Arkansas Razorbacks in 20 months, but he hasn't forgotten what to do.

Hog Futures - Anthony Oden: Stepping out of big shadow

posted: 08/10/2009 3:36 a.m.

The latest in a series profiling new additions to the Arkansas football team for 2009. Arkansas' football coaches are always willing to give extra looks to athletic prospects whose background includes playing high school basketball and football.

Off the wire

posted: 08/10/2009 3:33 a.m.

MOTOR SPORTS Dixon wins 20th IRL title Scott Dixon became IndyCar's leader in career victories Sunday, pulling away from the field to win the Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio in Lexington, Ohio.

COMMENTARY: Telling truth quick way to end steroid talk

posted: 08/10/2009 3:32 a.m.

OK, everybody who's name is on The List, please stand up.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/10/2009 3:32 a.m.

Fiddle bat becoming hit for fan A violinist for the National Symphony Orchestra made his major league debut Saturday night, playing the national anthem on a baseball bat before the game between the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Exec-pay czar meets with rescued firms

posted: 08/10/2009 3:13 a.m.

President Barack Obama's compensation czar has been meeting for weeks with executives at some of the country's largest and most troubled companies as they face a Thursday deadline to propose how much they will pay their top employees.

NATIONAL LEAGUE: Pujols popped, but Cardinals pound Pirates again

posted: 08/10/2009 3:12 a.m.

Tony La Russa said he did it on purpose. Matt Capps and Albert Pujols said he didn't. Even if the pitch that hit Pujols didn't get away from Capps, the first-place St. Louis Cardinals took yet another game away from the last place Pittsburgh Pirates.

State sports briefs

posted: 08/10/2009 3:11 a.m.

GOLF Two share boys medalist honors at qualifier Eric Coatney of Tulsa and Paul Ganske of Lakeville, Minn., were comedalists in the boys division and Stephanie Hsieh of Alamo, Calif., was the girls medalist Sunday at the AJGA Arkansas Junior at Blessings K12 Qualifier at Stonebridge Meadows Golf Club in Fayetteville.

Razorbacks Report

posted: 08/10/2009 3:08 a.m.

Drop-off frustrates UA staff Arkansas' progress in grasping the schemes and adding length, bulk and depth on both sides of the ball has been evident through the early part of camp.

Cowboys bank on untested receivers

posted: 08/10/2009 2:59 a.m.

Roy Williams won't have to replace Terrell Owens' catches, yards and touchdowns all by himself. The Dallas Cowboys just have to figure out where the rest will come from.

NFL PRESEASON: QB Collins sharp, spoils Bills' party

posted: 08/10/2009 2:58 a.m.

Kerry Collins was sharp and Vince Young was tentative for the Tennessee Titans in overshadowing Terrell Owens' debut for the Buffalo Bills.

A QUICK READ Librarians set scene, let Cupid fill date books

posted: 08/10/2009 2:48 a.m.

Love blooms in the Craighead County-Jonesboro Public Library, and it's not just in the shelves that hold the Avon and Harlequin romance paperbacks.

Free e-books latest offering by publishers

posted: 08/10/2009 2:48 a.m.

James Patterson's latest best-seller, The Angel Experiment, is a little different from his usual hits. The novel isn't new; it came out four years ago. Readers aren't picking it up at bookstores, but mostly on the Kindle site at Amazon.com.

In the news

posted: 08/10/2009 2:47 a.m.

Yefet Ozery, Hebrew University in Jerusalem's director of development and public relations, said the school received a surprise donation of more than $100,000 from an unnamed woman with no known relatives who had survived the Holocaust and had been living on the streets of New York City out of a shopping cart.

TECH SPOTLIGHT: Great looks, zoomy speed, powerful battery make MacBook Pro the Lexus of laptops

posted: 08/10/2009 2:34 a.m.

It's about that time. Kids are groaning, parents are partying.

Giant collider's troubles mount

posted: 08/10/2009 2:34 a.m.

The biggest, most expensive physics machine in the world is riddled with thousands of bad electrical connections.

Bankruptcy watch

posted: 08/10/2009 2:20 a.m.

ALEXANDER Diann R. James, 14531 S. Nash Road, Aug. 5, Chapter 13. Patrick John Beam, 12924 Hummingbird Lane, July 30, Chapter 13. Rusty Lee Green, 9100 Amber Lane, Aug. 4, Chapter 7. ALMA Carlos Goodrich, 7723 Cain Road, Aug. 5, Chapter 7. AMAGON Joseph Vay and Allie Ernestine Wilson, 110 Hurley Street, July 30, Chapter 7.

Sunday, August 9

Regional airline crews rest anxiously in crash pads

posted: 08/09/2009 8:02 a.m.

At first sight, the Sterling Park, Va., house looks like an ordinary split-level, complete with carport, backyard grill and freshly mowed grass. But instead of housing a growing suburban family, it offers accommodations for 30 pilots and flight attendants struggling to string together a few precious hours of sleep.

Wal-Mart program keeps fresh produce in its stores

posted: 08/09/2009 8:01 a.m.

Dave Sargent is one of a few Arkansas farmers who helps Wal-Mart Stores Inc. cut the miles between farms and the supercenters that sell the locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Ambrose charges to victory

posted: 08/09/2009 8 a.m.

A year ago Marcos Ambrose used pit strategy to win at Watkins Glen International. The second time around he used a little aggression.

Johnson optimistic up front, but bumps expected

posted: 08/09/2009 7:59 a.m.

Jimmie Johnson's quest to win a record fourth consecutive Cup title remains intact, but in the back of his mind. Front and center is winning on a road course.

HORSE RACING ROUNDUP Rough start can't stop Gio Ponti

posted: 08/09/2009 7:58 a.m.

Favorite Gio Ponti overcame a stumble at the start, took the lead on the final turn Saturday and won the 27th running 1 of the Arlington Million by 1 /4 lengths.

Recreation calendar

posted: 08/09/2009 7:58 a.m.

For additions to this calendar, fax the Arkan- 22 Northwest Arkansas Horseshoe Pitchsas Democrat-Gazette at (479) 770-8484 ing Association tournament, 10 a.m., or call (479) 770-8451. Events also may be Ozark. Cost $10. Richard Archer (479) e-mailed to swheetley@arkansasonline. 667-3078. com

SEC seeks tighter control with new policy for media

posted: 08/09/2009 7:56 a.m.

The SEC is seeking to put strict guidelines on video and audio of athletic events involving its member schools with the start of football season less than a month away.

SEC roundup

posted: 08/09/2009 7:55 a.m.

GEORGIA Replacing Moreno tough Mark Richt isn't ready to predict the winner of Georgia's tailback competition. He won't even predict that one winner will emerge in the effort to replace first-round NFL Draft pick Knowshon Moreno. Georgia fans, brace for a tailback-bycommittee approach.

NFL HALL OF FAME Bills fans have ball with inductions

posted: 08/09/2009 7:54 a.m.

All that was missing were the chicken wings, because the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony had a distinct Buffalo flavor.

SATURDAY'S TEXAS LEAGUE: Reckling's work buys Travs time

posted: 08/09/2009 7:53 a.m.

When Trevor Reckling is on the mound, chances are the Arkansas Travelers will be in the game at the end.

Cowboys stacked with quality backs

posted: 08/09/2009 7:51 a.m.

Imagine the Dallas Cowboys are playing one of their NFC East rivals.

Northwest Arkansas Naturals report

posted: 08/09/2009 7:50 a.m.

2nd stint big boost for Hardy Since returning to Northwest Arkansas, Rowdy Hardy has bore little resemblance to the pitcher who struggled so badly in 2008 with the Naturals that he wound up being demoted.

Hog Futures: RB Green glad to return, be in mix

posted: 08/09/2009 7:49 a.m.

The latest in a series profiling new additions to the Arkansas football team for 2009.

ARKANSAS MEDIA DAY Building a better Hog

posted: 08/09/2009 7:44 a.m.

The initial building blocks for Arkansas' improvement in 2009 were laid with the toil and sweat of the Razorbacks under the tutelage of strength and conditioning coach Jason Veltkamp.

Government meetings

posted: 08/09/2009 7:41 a.m.

Monday Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission, 2 p.m. Rogers Airport Commission, 4 p.m. Fayetteville Street Committee, 4:30 p.m. Washington County Finance and Energy Committees, 4:45 p.m.

RICKY RAY ANDERSON TIMELINE

posted: 08/09/2009 7:40 a.m.

May 15, 2008 - Anderson is released from an Oklahoma prison, where he had been serving 25 years for armed robbery. He was placed on parole until January 2015.

Divorces

posted: 08/09/2009 7:38 a.m.

WASHINGTON COUNTY The following divorces were recorded in the circuit clerk's office from July 30-Aug. 5.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/09/2009 7:36 a.m.

State group honors El Dorado woman Alice Mahony, a member of the Arkansas Board of Education, will be presented with the Woman of the Year in Philanthropy award from the Women's Foundation of Arkansas at the Wally Allen Ballroom of the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock on Oct. 23.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/09/2009 7:34 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes. For more information, call (479) 770-8400.

Options for victims few, advocates say

posted: 08/09/2009 7:33 a.m.

Claims of ongoing domestic abuse by Jill Ulmer, who died violently June 26 at her Fayetteville apartment, follows a pattern that's all too familiar for those who deal with women in distress, victim advocates say.

Parolee oversight an issue in death

posted: 08/09/2009 7:31 a.m.

Ricky Ray Anderson's 13 months of freedom were marked by four arrests, two orders of protection and a marriage.

JOHNSON With Sonic straddling line, mayor wants tax

posted: 08/09/2009 7:29 a.m.

Neighboring Fayetteville is hogging all of the sales tax revenue from a fastfood restaurant that straddles the city limits, and Johnson Mayor Lonnie Barron wants to know why.

Decline seen in UCA enrollment

posted: 08/09/2009 7:28 a.m.

Enrollment at the University of Central Arkansas has not grown as fast as people think and is projected to decline this fall, UCA President Allen C. Meadors said.

SPRINGDALE: Weekend consulate advises hundreds

posted: 08/09/2009 7:27 a.m.

Donde Viven Los Monstruos was one of more than 300 books the Mexican government donated to the Springdale School District on Saturday to foster education.

Ship pirates released is now safe in Kenya

posted: 08/09/2009 7:26 a.m.

A German freighter released by Somali pirates after nearly four months arrived Saturday in the Kenya port of Mombasa with the 24-member crew "exhausted" but in good condition.

Parents, kids scout deals to whittle college expenses

posted: 08/09/2009 7:25 a.m.

Getting that college tuition and housing bill under control is only the first step. Then comes the comforter and refrigerator and textbooks and - well, the College Board has a list of 118 to-buy items on its off-to-college checklist.

Baghdad coppersmiths' glory days come to an end

posted: 08/09/2009 7:24 a.m.

For hundreds of years, the Safafeer copper market has been considered hallowed ground. Countless generations of fathers and sons have banged copper sheets into pots, plates and lamps in this narrow pedestrian side street, now home to more fabric shops than coppersmiths.

Iraq asks Iran for information about 3 detained Americans

posted: 08/09/2009 7:22 a.m.

Iraq has appealed to Iran for information about the detention of three Americans who crossed the border while hiking in the Kurdish north, the foreign minister said Saturday.

Embassy staff confess at Iran trial

posted: 08/09/2009 7:19 a.m.

A young French academic and local staff of the British and French embassies stood trial Saturday with dozens of Iranian opposition figures and confessed to being involved in the country's postelection unrest.

Russian president hails the defeat of Georgia

posted: 08/09/2009 7:18 a.m.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Saturday hailed the Russian victory in a war with Georgia a year ago, saying it showed the nation's strength and boosted its role in the world.

Indonesian chief alleged target of terrorist plot

posted: 08/09/2009 7:15 a.m.

A leading Southeast Asian terrorist suspect reportedly killed Saturday in a gunbattle with police at a village hide-out was planning a suicide car bomb attack on Indonesia's president, the national police chief said.

Emptier of people, rural Russia villages crumble

posted: 08/09/2009 7:14 a.m.

The government administrator was bursting with optimism: More children are being born, many rubles will be invested in infrastructure, and his region is weathering the global economic storm.

Woman state's first swine-flu fatality

posted: 08/09/2009 7:13 a.m.

A 46-year-old white woman who died at 5:45 a.m. Saturday at a Little Rock hospital is the state's first confirmed swine-flu death, Pulaski County Coroner Garland Camper reported Saturday.

2 want to go it alone in gay-marriage fight

posted: 08/09/2009 7:13 a.m.

The lawyers leading the fight to legalize gay marriage in California on Friday formally told San Francisco officials and three other groups supportive of same-sex marriage "thanks, but no thanks" for trying to join their federal lawsuit.

1st Senate historian steps down

posted: 08/09/2009 7:12 a.m.

Richard A. Baker says he has received some strange inquiries throughout his 34 years as Senate historian.

Climate-change perils said to pose security challenge

posted: 08/09/2009 7:12 a.m.

The changing global climate will pose profound strategic challenges to the United States in coming decades, raising the prospect of military intervention to deal with the effects of violent storms, drought, mass migration and pandemics, military and intelligence analysts say.

Graduates paying thousands to get unpaid internships

posted: 08/09/2009 7:11 a.m.

With paying jobs so hard to get in this weak market, a lot of college graduates would gladly settle for a nonpaying internship. But even then, they are competing with laid-off employees with far more experience.

Digital textbooks tempt schools

posted: 08/09/2009 7:11 a.m.

At Empire High School in Vail, Ariz., students use computers provided by the school to get their lessons, do their homework and hear podcasts of their teachers' science lectures.

Iraq reins in access to Green Zone

posted: 08/09/2009 7:11 a.m.

Baghdad's storied Green Zone, for six years a bunkered refuge for Westerners in beleaguered Iraq, is America's turf no more.

Sigh of relief

posted: 08/09/2009 6:30 a.m.

For most everyday individual taxpayers, hearing the news of a tax rollback means very little. But for local school districts, the decision by county officials to enforce the rollback leaves some on the edge of their seats.

Teachers get dramatic

posted: 08/09/2009 6:28 a.m.

Within the last year, there has been a lot of talk from Fayetteville School District officials about using technology as a tool to keep children engaged at school. During the annual Arts With Education Institute last week at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, area teachers learned how drama and the performing arts could be used as an instructional tool.

Grape Festival swells to a close

posted: 08/09/2009 6:27 a.m.

It's been nearly 40 years since Linda and Joseph Kramer attended their first Tontitown Grape Festival, and despite moving out of state, the Oklahoma couple came back for more on Saturday.

Exhibit digs up dirt on early hygiene in the Ozarks

posted: 08/09/2009 6:25 a.m.

Do you take a bath every day? Wear clean clothes every day? Where do you go when you need to use the bathroom ? Simple and personal questions, no? But they are the ones asked and answered in the textual portion of the display at Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale for the exhibit titled "Squeaky Clean" on hygiene in the Ozarks. The exhibit shows the evolution of hygiene in the Ozarks from 1850 to 1950.

Lawmakers hear opinions aplenty over health care

posted: 08/09/2009 6:23 a.m.

The phones have been ringing so much recently in the Capitol Hill offices of Arkansas' congressional delegation that some have resorted to unusual measures to get the calls answered.

Lawsuit filing fees hiked to fund technology for courts

posted: 08/09/2009 6:22 a.m.

The cost of filing a lawsuit to collect a bad debt or resolve a civil dispute increased statewide on Aug. 1.

Nine presumed dead in plane, copter crash

posted: 08/09/2009 6:21 a.m.

A small plane collided with a sightseeing helicopter over the Hudson River off Hoboken, N.J., on Saturday, scattering debris and sending both aircraft plunging into the murky water. Authorities believe all nine people aboard the two aircraft were killed.

Taliban: Leader alive; what power struggle?

posted: 08/09/2009 6:21 a.m.

Senior Taliban commanders denied that their leader, Baitullah Mehsud, had been killed in a CIA missile strike, while conflicting reports emerged late Saturday of a clash between rival Taliban factions during a meeting to choose a successor.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/09/2009 6:17 a.m.

9 SUNDAY August 2009 Events and Activities The 2009 Arts Live Theatre Awards and Ballot will be held from 7-9 :30 p.m. Friday at the Uark Bowl, 644 W. Dickson St., in Fayetteville. There will be food, entertainment, karaoke and awards. Cost is $10 per person. Reservations must be received by Tuesday. Call 521-4932 for more information.

After pair of oaths, Sotomayor officially joins U.S. high court

posted: 08/09/2009 6:17 a.m.

Sonia Sotomayor took the judicial oath Saturday, becoming the first Hispanic and the third woman on the Supreme Court.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/09/2009 6:15 a.m.

Rogers JOHN MOORE John M. Moore, 89, of Rogers died Aug. 7, 2009, at Springdale Health & Rehab.

Stylist sets up fundraiser for beloved, sick friend

posted: 08/09/2009 6:11 a.m.

When John Ray mentioned in passing his upcoming medical procedures and the massive bills that would follow, he had no idea this would happen.

TV news shows

posted: 08/09/2009 6:10 a.m.

Lineup of guests for today's TV news shows: ABC's This Week - Former Democratic Party chairman Howard Dean; former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga. 9 a.m., KATV, Channel 7, Little Rock.

No back-to-school tax holiday for Arkansans

posted: 08/09/2009 6:10 a.m.

Saturday could have been a day when parents would save sales tax on their children's back-to-school clothes.

Getting it straight

posted: 08/09/2009 6:08 a.m.

The Democrat-Gazette wants its news reports to be fair and accurate.

Obama says health bill key to growth

posted: 08/09/2009 6:06 a.m.

President Barack Obama said that as the worst economic slump since the Great Depression shows signs of nearing an end, an overhaul of the U.S. health-care system is essential to ensure growth.

Police seek alleged knife-wielding assailant

posted: 08/09/2009 6:04 a.m.

Fayetteville police are seeking a suspect accused of threatening a couple with a knife.

Paulson's ties, calls to Goldman an ethical quagmire

posted: 08/09/2009 6 a.m.

Before he became President George W. Bush's Treasury secretary in 2006, Henry Paulson Jr. agreed to hold himself to a higher ethical standard than his predecessors.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/09/2009 6 a.m.

Sarcastic remarks aren't helping Surely the estimable Mrs. Britton realized when she penned her column deriding President Obama in the July 30 Times that she would be on the receiving end of flak resulting from it. The tone she chose did, in no way, reflect a viable conservative attitude; rather, it threw darts at our leader in a somewhat unattractive and school-girlish way.

Health proposal questions

posted: 08/09/2009 6 a.m.

Congress is pursuing three plans in response to President Barack Obama's call for health-care change.

Afghan election security called lax

posted: 08/09/2009 5:59 a.m.

President Hamid Karzai's top challenger charged Saturday that the government was failing to establish safe conditions for the Aug. 20 election, but pledged that his supporters would not protest violently if he lost.

WHAT GIVES Resignation still a mystery

posted: 08/09/2009 5:56 a.m.

"My No. 1 reason for being here today is to gain closure. And try not to let what Dick Johnson did damage our millage campaign." Dick Johnson, Fayetteville athletic director and assistant superintendent, as he explained his resignation last week.

Times Editorial Halo

posted: 08/09/2009 5:54 a.m.

At this point the good folks of Shiloh Christian must be getting sick and tired of all the advice they've likely been receiving since the school's football season came to a close in December - and with yet another state championship to show for it, no less.

THE BROADER VIEW Politics predominates Is bipartisanship possible?

posted: 08/09/2009 5:53 a.m.

Politics permeates policy-making and government.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/09/2009 5:51 a.m.

Blue Dogs are extremists It is apparent that the medical-insurance-drug complex owns our government.

Cheers greet Clinton at S. Africa project

posted: 08/09/2009 5:46 a.m.

At a housing project for the homeless she once visited as first lady, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton basked in the cheers and serenades from the crowd Saturday and pronounced U.S.-South African ties on the mend after years of strain.

Homeless woman accused of arson

posted: 08/09/2009 5:45 a.m.

A homeless woman was taken into police custody Saturday for allegedly driving an antique truck into a barn and setting it on fire.

In the news

posted: 08/09/2009 5:44 a.m.

John Allen Muhammad, convicted of orchestrating the sniper attacks in the Washington area in 2002, lost the appeal of his death sentence before a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, setting the stage for him to be executed in less than three months, barring intervention by the Supreme Court.

State, schools to offer flu vaccinations for children

posted: 08/09/2009 5:44 a.m.

With funding provided by the tobacco tax passed during the recent legislative session and federal monies, the Arkansas Department of Health, the Arkansas Department of Education and local school districts statewide will offer the seasonal flu shot to all school children in grades K-12 beginning in mid-October.

Names and faces

posted: 08/09/2009 5:43 a.m.

A concert promoter's insurance on Michael Jackson's London shows has provisions that may deny a multimilliondollar payout if the pop star was found to have illegally possessed drugs or was involved in the "illicit taking of drugs."

Health Calendar

posted: 08/09/2009 5:42 a.m.

Monday Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will have a blood drive today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Southwestern Energy Co., 1001 Sain St., Fayetteville.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/09/2009 5:42 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "This is not going to have a happy ending." Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York, on the collision of a sightseeing helicopter and a small plane above the Hudson River. Article, 5A

The world in brief

posted: 08/09/2009 5:40 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "We need to see the dead bodies, we need to do some DNA, we need to have something solid." Rehman Malik, interior minister of Pakistan, on reports that Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud had been killed in a CIA missile strike as reports emerged of a clash during a meeting to choose a successor.

KNOCK ON WOOD: Hogs prepping for long season

posted: 08/09/2009 5:35 a.m.

Many Razorbacks fans have scratched their heads about the Hogs' open date on the second week of the playing season.

Weddings

posted: 08/09/2009 5:34 a.m.

Olson-Tounzen Kristen Leigh Tounzen and Johnathan Davis Olson were united in marriage Thursday at Bountiful Temple in Bountiful, Utah.

Making progress

posted: 08/09/2009 5:31 a.m.

If one side looks good that means another side looks bad. It was a little of both Saturday in a preseason intrasquad scrimmage as Fayetteville caught a glimpse of what it hopes will be an aggressive, effective defense during the workout, which culminated the first full week of practices for the upcoming fall slate.

Heating up: Competition keeps UA practices lively

posted: 08/09/2009 5:28 a.m.

The answer proved way more understandable than the question.

Engagements

posted: 08/09/2009 5:28 a.m.

Stacy Elizabeth Boeckmann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Boeckmann of Wynne, and Chad Michael Riley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Riley of Little Rock; Nov. 7.

State lottery a hot ticket for merchants vying for retailer status

posted: 08/09/2009 5:27 a.m.

Coffee shops, hardware stores, hunting and fishing-supply stores, and tobacco shops are among nearly 600 retailers that have applied to sell Arkansas lottery tickets, although most applicants are convenience stores and gas stations.

Last year's struggle steels Tejada for upcoming season

posted: 08/09/2009 5:23 a.m.

Athletes of every stripe are beset by adversity, but Alex Tejada experienced it in spades last season.

Sides go low at SCC Swingfest

posted: 08/09/2009 5:20 a.m.

With mulligans, a tee buster, a monster-drive hole and no 14-club limit, Springdale Country Club was vulnerable to low scores during Saturday's first round of the Hays-Biggs Memorial Swingfest, the club's member-guest championship named after one of its most generous benefactors - the late Hays Biggs.

Former Hog, Shiloh coach wins Run for the Grapes

posted: 08/09/2009 5:17 a.m.

When most of us were thinking about rolling over in bed at 7 a.m. Saturday morning a record number 433 entrants were gearing up for the Annual Run For the Grapes 5K that was part of the 111th Annual Tontitown Grape Festival.

3 die in accidents on state highways

posted: 08/09/2009 5:12 a.m.

Three people died in unrelated accidents on state roadways Thursday and Friday, the Arkansas State Police reported.

Other days

posted: 08/09/2009 5:11 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 9, 1909 The question of whether the street car company, the Iron Mountain and the Rock Island railroads can be forced to build a steel viaduct on West Third street has been referred to City Attorney W.B. Brooks

A cut above

posted: 08/09/2009 5:10 a.m.

Neither Janet Denton Cordell nor Adina Huckins mind the nicks in their hands. Cuts happen. They can tolerate the tendinitis and joint pain, too.

THE ROCKWOOD FILES 'On Walden Pond' provides thoughts while off of Internet

posted: 08/09/2009 5:08 a.m.

Yesterday I got up and did the same things I always do - brush my teeth, pop in my contacts, scoop a sleepy 2-year-old out of her bed and amble downstairs to the kitchen where the boys are waiting for breakfast. Once I get breakfast in front of the kids, I sneak over to my computer and they hardly notice me leave because PBS cartoons are far more interesting than I am at that hour of the morning. I push the power button and it instantly turns blue under my touch as the machine whirs to life.

Northwest Arkansas FACES

posted: 08/09/2009 5:03 a.m.

UA student crowned Miss Arkansas Sarah Slocum, Miss Ouachita River, was crowned Miss Arkansas and awarded a $20,000 scholarship provided by Ted and Shannon Boy Skokos (Miss Arkansas 1992) and $50,000 in wardrobe, transportation, gifts and more.

FOOTNOTES FROM THE '50s Act 10 shook up college campuses in 1959

posted: 08/09/2009 5:01 a.m.

Anyone who was alive during the '50s and '60s must remember the infamous McCarthy hearings.

Jalapenos can be picked at all stages

posted: 08/09/2009 4:59 a.m.

Question: I am growing jalapeno peppers for the first time. How can I tell when they are ready to pick?

LIKE IT IS: Petrino's Razorbacks pass eye test this season

posted: 08/09/2009 4:56 a.m.

It is the one time during the football season the media can count on every player and coach being available for interviews at the same time.

Ortiz says legal pills to blame

posted: 08/09/2009 4:55 a.m.

David Ortiz said he never knowingly used steroids and that over the-counter supplements and vitamins likely caused him to land on a list of alleged drug users circulated by the federal government.

Ozark Album Train gang

posted: 08/09/2009 4:55 a.m.

A section gang performs maintenance on the Muskogee Subdivision of the Frisco Railroad near Prairie Grove in this circa 1920 photo. The only worker identified is William Mattison on the far right. The Muskogee Subdivision, which ran from Fayetteville to Okmulgee, Okla., was built in 1902 as the Ozark Central and Cherokee Railway.

Summer school for football

posted: 08/09/2009 4:52 a.m.

Fayetteville began fall practice last week, but the Bulldogs won't be scrambling to install their passing game before the Aug. 31 opener against Little Rock Central.

Tiger sneaks up on Harrington

posted: 08/09/2009 4:50 a.m.

Padraig Harrington kept hitting birdies as he tried to separate himself from everyone else at the Bridgestone Invitational. He arrived at the 18th green with a three-shot lead, happy with his day's work.

WEDDINGS: Johnson-House

posted: 08/09/2009 4:50 a.m.

Jessica Ann House and Jeffrey Guy Johnson, both of Fayetteville, were married June 27, 2009, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Little Rock. Monsignor Francis Malone officiated the ceremony.

Off the wire

posted: 08/09/2009 4:49 a.m.

FOOTBALL Co-worker challenges accuser The woman suing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for alleged sexual assault has been accused of bragging about having consensual sex with him to a co-worker.

WEDDINGS: King-Sanders

posted: 08/09/2009 4:49 a.m.

Amanda Sanders of Columbus, Kan., and Dusty King of Batesville, were married July 20, 2009, at Sandals Resort and Spa in Negril, Jamaica, in a double ring ceremony.

Cowboys making serious change at camp

posted: 08/09/2009 4:49 a.m.

Even the old ringmaster himself, meaning the guy blamed for the Dallas Cowboys' ongoing circus atmosphere, has strongly embraced what has become a rather drastic change in policy.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/09/2009 4:48 a.m.

T.O. defends cornerback's cafeteria beef Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens says if the food is "nasty" at the San Diego Chargers' training camp, Antonio Cromartie should be allowed to tweet his mind.

WEDDINGS: Parsons-Rogers

posted: 08/09/2009 4:48 a.m.

Amber Nicole Rogers and Michael Lee Parsons, both of Fayetteville, were married June 6, 2009, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Fort Smith. The Rev. Vincent Flusche officiated the ceremony.

WEDDINGS: Poole-Westmoland

posted: 08/09/2009 4:47 a.m.

Wendy Westmoland and Hal Poole, both of Fayetteville, were married June 19, 2009, at Miramar Beach in Destin, Fla. The Rev. Jan Estelle Ragland officiated the ceremony.

WEDDINGS: Woodell-Smith

posted: 08/09/2009 4:46 a.m.

Bridgette Smith and Scott Woodell, both of Rogers, were married July 4, 2009, on the beach side at Magen's Bay in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Bill Arnet officiated the double ring ceremony.

AMERICAN LEAGUE: Sabathia helps Yankees continue roll over Red Sox

posted: 08/09/2009 4:44 a.m.

CC Sabathia shut down the Boston Red Sox just like A.J. Burnett did, putting the New York Yankees in position for a pivotal four-game sweep.

Military Briefs

posted: 08/09/2009 4:44 a.m.

Fundraiser to bring Marines home for a visit Concerned family and friends of the Marines in the 3/24 Tow Gunner Unit are having a fundraiser to help with travel expenses. The Marines are allowed a nine-day leave in September, before they deploy to Iraq. Due to the airline tickets being bought at the last minute, the cost is high for each of them. This fundraiser will help defray the cost for the 30 Marines living in this area.

What truly matters

posted: 08/09/2009 4:39 a.m.

By the time many of us have lived three score years, it becomes common to reflect on this fleeting experience we call consciousness.

ENGAGEMENTS: Carroll-Mounce

posted: 08/09/2009 4:39 a.m.

Stephanie Marie Carroll and Jeremy Allen Mounce, both of Springdale, plan to marry at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12, 2009, at Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville.

ENGAGEMENTS: Dryer-Baker

posted: 08/09/2009 4:38 a.m.

April Dryer and Johnny Baker, both of Fayetteville, plan to marry at 4 p.m. Aug. 15, 2009, at the groom's parents' house in Fayetteville.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/09/2009 4:38 a.m.

Captains' diligence earns nod Arkansas will have six captains this season, as voted on by their teammates.

Pensions and pay for pals

posted: 08/09/2009 4:37 a.m.

Pensions for pals are an Arkansas tradition of long standing, but it's getting ridiculous. Actually, it's already moved from ridiculous to outrageous. I've lost count of the number of elected and other public officials who have "retired," only to return to work as soon as their retirement benefits kicked in.

LETTERS

posted: 08/09/2009 4:36 a.m.

This 'business' going broke The U.S. government has become a for-profit business. I pay either willingly or unwillingly, i.e., by taxes, to be a very minor part of this business through no action of my doing. The people I help select (or don't select) become officials of the business. From what I pay, they take compensation in both salary and perks, which they set for themselves.

COLUMNISTS: On a slow road through Arkansas

posted: 08/09/2009 4:36 a.m.

A movement is afoot in Arkansas to plan the commemoration of the approaching 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, which began in April 1861. The outbreak of the Civil War was a time of great importance for the 22-year-old state of Arkansas on the southwestern fringe of the Confederacy.

Births

posted: 08/09/2009 4:36 a.m.

Washington Regional Medical Center Stephanie Centers and Jeffery Robinson, Watts, Okla., girl, Sibal Krysh, July 21, 2009. Amber Robinson, Fayetteville, boy, Julian Antonio, July 24, 2009.

High school football report

posted: 08/09/2009 4:35 a.m.

Bigelow improves facilities Less than a year after Bigelow's most successful season, the Panthers have been rewarded with a field of dreams.

EDITORIALS Pelosi Airways expands

posted: 08/09/2009 4:35 a.m.

The only difference between death and taxes is death doesn't get worse every time Congress meets.

Rethinking North Korea

posted: 08/09/2009 4:35 a.m.

Now that President Bill Clinton has extricated Laura Ling and Euna Lee from North Korea, the hard work begins. There are new indications that North Korea may be transferring nuclear weapons technology to Myanmar, the dictatorship also known as Burma, and that it earlier supplied a reactor to Syria.

Library Checkout

posted: 08/09/2009 4:35 a.m.

Fayetteville Public Library The Fayetteville Public Library is located at 401 W.

RECRUITING: Pelphrey priming pipeline with Memphis' Crawford

posted: 08/09/2009 4:34 a.m.

Arkansas' Elite Camp had a Memphis presence this weekend, and that could be a good sign for Razorbacks Coach John Pelphrey and his staff.

Shocking success at Millwood

posted: 08/09/2009 4:33 a.m.

As Drew Wilson launched his boat Thursday below the Millwood Lake dam, all eyes turned to another boat across the Little River.

ARKANSAS SPORTSMAN: Small pond produces big thrills for young angler

posted: 08/09/2009 4:32 a.m.

Amazing how such a small body of water could produce so much excitement.

State briefs

posted: 08/09/2009 4:26 a.m.

BASEBALL White Hall All-Stars lose in regional The White Hall All-Stars lost 12-4 to Bridge City, Texas, in the Little League Baseball Southwest Region tournament on Saturday in Waco, Texas. Kirk Baugh hit his second home run of the tournament, a two-run shot in the first, as White Hall, the Arkansas state champion, took a 4-0 lead in the top of the first.

Fayetteville prepares first installment of Crossover Road funds

posted: 08/09/2009 4:24 a.m.

The city of Fayetteville is preparing to hand $5 million from its 2006 voter-approve transportation bond issue over to the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department for acquisition of right of way to widen Crossover Road.

COLUMN ONE Simple gifts

posted: 08/09/2009 4:24 a.m.

They wait for us by the side of the road. But we may not see them. We've got places to go, things to do, people to see.

Going global

posted: 08/09/2009 4:22 a.m.

At first, it seems like every Arkansas sports fan's dream of a basketball player: a homegrown 6-foot-9, 230-pound omnipositional juggernaut. At only 16, Arkansas' very own LeBron James is tearing up hardwood from Texarkana to Jonesboro, Pine Bluff to Bentonville, topping 30 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists a game. He owns the summer circuit.

Bankers ready for takeover 'rodeo'

posted: 08/09/2009 4:21 a.m.

For Dick Evans, a Texas banker for more than three decades, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s seizure of 69 banks this year is seen as opportunity.

Wal-Mart program keeps produce fresh in regional stores

posted: 08/09/2009 4:20 a.m.

Dave Sargent is one of a few Arkansas farmers who helps Wal-Mart Stores Inc. cut the miles between farms and the supercenters that sell the locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Online listings a mixed blessing for job hunters

posted: 08/09/2009 4:12 a.m.

Job seekers in the nation's worst recession since the 1930s frequently turn to the Internet for quick results - yet search engines, networking sites and job boards often leave them mired in information overload, according to experts in the employment field.

State wineries hanging tough

posted: 08/09/2009 4:10 a.m.

Audrey House props herself up against the wine bar in the Chateau Aux Arc tasting room atop a hill on Arkansas 186 and says the economic downturn is just another obstacle to be overcome.

Saturday, August 8

A downside to cash for clunkers

posted: 08/08/2009 7:26 a.m.

It's difficult to get through a radio spot, a television commercial break or a newspaper section without hearing or seeing the words "cash for clunkers" these days.

Lab finds drugs in mother's blood

posted: 08/08/2009 7:25 a.m.

A woman whose three sons drowned when her car plunged into Brewer Lake in April had a blood-alcohol level less than that considered legally intoxicated while driving in Arkansas, but she also had marijuana and another drug in her system, a laboratory report shows.

Rogers man sentenced to 45 years in prison

posted: 08/08/2009 7:19 a.m.

A Rogers man was sentenced to 45 years in prison after admitting to sexually assaulting a teenage girl.

'Early College Experience' set to go at NWACC

posted: 08/08/2009 7:19 a.m.

When school starts in a couple of weeks at Northwest Arkansas Community College, not all of the students hitting the books will be average college students.

Area

posted: 08/08/2009 7:19 a.m.

NWACC Board meets Monday The Northwest Arkansas Community College Board of Trustees will hold its August meeting Monday.

Findings out; watch over kids to change

posted: 08/08/2009 7:16 a.m.

Nearly a year after the governor ordered a top-to-bottom review of the state's child-welfare system after the deaths of several foster children, the Department of Human Services says it is overhauling the agency.

Wife of detained physician charged

posted: 08/08/2009 7:12 a.m.

The wife of a Pope County doctor awaiting trial on a grenade-possession charge joined her husband in jail Friday after federal prosecutors accused both of conspiring to impede an investigation and concealing documents.

Life Styles to rehab law office

posted: 08/08/2009 7:09 a.m.

Jim Blair's office near Northwest Arkansas Mall will become a multiuse center for Life Styles, a local organization that teaches life skills to people with developmental disabilities.

U.S., giant Swiss bank get more time for talks

posted: 08/08/2009 6:18 a.m.

A federal judge has given Switzerland and the United States more time to try to settle a legal case that sought to force the Swiss banking giant UBS to disclose the names of wealthy American clients suspected of tax evasion.

Your house: From drab to fab in just 15 minutes

posted: 08/08/2009 6:18 a.m.

A friend calls and says she's in your 'hood and wants to stop by for a quick visit. You've got 15 minutes. You: A. Waffle between thawing those Italian almond pignoli cookies you baked last week or whipping up a quick batch of fresh strawberry granita.

Freddie Mac reports lower quarterly loss, seeks no federal aid

posted: 08/08/2009 6:17 a.m.

Freddie Mac escaped the second fiscal quarter without asking the government for any extra financial aid, but still expects to need more federal help in the future.

Mortgage buyer closes, puts banks on the hook

posted: 08/08/2009 6:17 a.m.

The closing of a large Florida mortgage company this week has affected several banks in Arkansas.

New authority set up to manage freight

posted: 08/08/2009 6:06 a.m.

Twelve governing spots on the newly formed Western Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority will be filled in time for the authority board's first meeting in mid-September, an official with the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District said Friday.

State sports briefs

posted: 08/08/2009 6:05 a.m.

Pillow leaves UCA for Arkansas Tech Marcus Pillow, the career leader in three-pointers at Central Arkansas, is transferring to Arkansas Tech for his senior year.

Induction turning into Buffalo bash

posted: 08/08/2009 6:04 a.m.

Practically giddy with excitement over his induction this weekend into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Ralph Wilson greeted Bruce Smith in the middle of a hotel ballroom to pose for a picture Friday afternoon.

High school football report

posted: 08/08/2009 6:04 a.m.

Bentonville hopes to develop a reliable passing attack this season to go along with what is expected to be one of the top ground games in the state.

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS FOOTBALL Rolling out receivers

posted: 08/08/2009 6:03 a.m.

Plug Bobby Petrino and Paul Petrino into a football program and a stream of wide receivers is likely to follow.

Hearings to resume Monday from 1993 W. Memphis case

posted: 08/08/2009 6:02 a.m.

Hearings are scheduled to resume Monday in Craighead County Circuit Court to determine whether two men convicted in the 1993 slayings of three West Memphis 8-year-olds received adequate legal counsel during their trials.

Lincoln gets health-care flak from head of the state GOP

posted: 08/08/2009 6 a.m.

The head of the state Republican Party on Friday criticized U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., for not having any health-care meetings scheduled in Arkansas during the Senate's August recess.

Give this man a medal

posted: 08/08/2009 6 a.m.

HOW OFTEN is it that a lawyer, acting as just a concerned citizen, saves the public an estimated $6 million?

Beebe says health-care plan in good hands

posted: 08/08/2009 5:40 a.m.

Gov. Mike Beebe told a caller to his monthly radio show that he trusts the state's congressional delegation to handle national health-care changes and that he can do very little about it.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/08/2009 5:36 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "This is going to be a place filled with hope and opportunity." Woody Bassett, Life Styles board member, on new offices donated to the organization Article, 1B

NOTEWORTHY DEATH

posted: 08/08/2009 5:36 a.m.

Willy DeVille, who founded the punk group Mink DeVille and was known for his blend of R&B, blues, Dixieland and traditional French Cajun ballads, has died, his publicist said Friday. He was 58.

Date nears to replace Styrofoam for docks

posted: 08/08/2009 5:35 a.m.

Dock owners on Beaver Lake and similar U.S. Army Corps of Engineers properties still have years to replace Styrofoam with encapsulated flotation, park ranger Alan Bland said.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/08/2009 5:33 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes. For more information, call (479) 770-8400.

McDaniel weighs in on Hoofman case

posted: 08/08/2009 5:31 a.m.

Attorney General Dustin Mc-Daniel issued an opinion Friday that said there is no law that specifically bans highway commissioners from also working for the governor.

Ex-cabdriver who denied '07 rape gets 20 years in prison

posted: 08/08/2009 5:31 a.m.

A former Little Rock taxicab driver who claimed he couldn't have raped a female customer because he isn't attracted to women pleaded guilty Friday to sexually abusing her.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/08/2009 5:31 a.m.

Police arrest five in Rx drug forgery Lowell police arrested five people they said are part of a prescription drug forgery ring.

Drug court hopes to make church new home

posted: 08/08/2009 5:29 a.m.

Friends of the Washington /Madison County Drug Court aim to meet with city planners in the upcoming week to discuss plans for relocating the drug court program to a church building on Garland Avenue.

Economists warn recovery fragile

posted: 08/08/2009 5:28 a.m.

University of Arkansas economists and banking professors said Friday that in spite of recent reports showing better economic news, the recovery of the nation's economy will be a slow process.

Mom's blood has traces of alcohol, Rx, 'pot,' lab says

posted: 08/08/2009 5:28 a.m.

A woman whose three sons drowned when her car plunged into Brewer Lake in April had a blood-alcohol level less than that considered legally intoxicated while driving in Arkansas, but she also had marijuana and another drug in her system, a laboratory report shows.

Two retired judges to fill Mashburn's seat for now

posted: 08/08/2009 5:27 a.m.

Two retired circuit judges have been appointed to temporarily fill the vacancy created by the resignation of 4th Judicial Circuit Judge Michael Mashburn, who serves both Washington and Madison counties.

Sri Lanka arrests Tamil Tigers head

posted: 08/08/2009 5:27 a.m.

The leader of the remnants of the Sri Lankan separatist group known as the Tamil Tigers was arrested Thursday and taken to the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, for questioning, military officials there confirmed.

Nothing to hide, Berlusconi insists

posted: 08/08/2009 5:27 a.m.

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi made one of his strongest denials yet in a scandal over purported relationships with young women, insisting Friday that he has nothing to hide and nothing to apologize for.

Clinton's N.Y. successor clear of potential rival

posted: 08/08/2009 5:26 a.m.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, whose appointment to succeed Hillary Rodham Clinton angered some New York Democrats, cleared a major hurdle Friday when a potential primary opponent abandoned a promised challenge.

Johnson condemns McClinton property to stop deannexation

posted: 08/08/2009 5:26 a.m.

A judge has granted the city of Johnson, through condemnation, an easement across property so it can eventually provide water and sewer service.

Attacks in Afghanistan kill 1 American, 3 British troops

posted: 08/08/2009 5:26 a.m.

Three British paratroopers and an American service member were killed in attacks in Afghanistan's south and east, officials said Friday, raising the number of international troops slain in the first seven days of August to 19.

3 police, 9 gunmen die in Mexico battle

posted: 08/08/2009 5:25 a.m.

A running battle between police and gunmen has left 12 people dead in the central Mexican city of Pachuca, officials said Friday.

U.S. officials advise keeping flu-hit schools open

posted: 08/08/2009 5:25 a.m.

Bracing for a resurgence of swine flu cases, federal officials Friday advised U.S. schools to send sick children home with masks this fall but otherwise stay open unless they serve many students with certain medical conditions. State and local officials also should plan for temporary home schooling and consider additional steps if the flu dramatically worsens.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/08/2009 5:24 a.m.

Springdale OPAL COTTEN Opal Juanita Cotten, 94, of Springdale died Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009.

Sanford's wife to take kids, leave mansion

posted: 08/08/2009 5:23 a.m.

Jenny Sanford, the wife of Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina, will move from the governor's mansion in Columbia to Charleston with the couple's four sons, she announced Friday, signaling that she intends to keep her distance from her husband.

No charges to be filed over GI's electrocution

posted: 08/08/2009 5:23 a.m.

No criminal charges will be filed against military contractor KBR Inc. in connection with the electrocution of a Green Beret soldier who died while showering in his barracks in Iraq, the Defense Department said Friday.

Georgian condemns Russian 'invaders'

posted: 08/08/2009 5:22 a.m.

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili marked the first anniversary of his country's war with Russia on Friday, denouncing Russian troops who control two Georgian regions as "invaders."

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/08/2009 5:21 a.m.

8 SATURDAY August 2009 Events and Activities There will be a benefit supper and pie auction for Bobby Key, of Lincoln, from 5-7 p.m. today on the Square in Lincoln. Key has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and has a brain tumor. Supper will be $5 a plate starting at 5 p.m. The pie auction will follow. Anyone who wants to donate pies may contact Brian Key at 824-4777.

Man gets 10 years for Valentine's Day robbery

posted: 08/08/2009 5:20 a.m.

A Fayetteville man faces 10 years in prison after admitting that he served as an accomplice to a robbery on Valentine's Day.

Deadline passes for prospective FHS architects

posted: 08/08/2009 5:19 a.m.

Friday was the deadline for architects interested in the planned Fayetteville High School project to turn in their resumes and descriptions of their qualifications to the school district.

Puppy mill story has happy ending

posted: 08/08/2009 5:18 a.m.

Four years ago, many hearts throughout the county went to the dogs after more than 60 beagles were seized from a home near Centerton.

Arrest Reports

posted: 08/08/2009 5:17 a.m.

Hitting relative Clare Starr, 32, of 2738 W. White Oak in Fayetteville was arrested Aug. 6 on a felony charge of second-degree domestic battery. Starr is accused of hitting a relative across the face on June 12 with a flashlight. Fleeing Joshua Howard Callahan, 26, of 2300 Cottonwood in Springdale was arrested Aug. 7 on a felony charge of fleeing. Possession of drugs Regina Suzanne Pichoff, 22, of 6004 S. 36th St. in Rogers was arrested Aug. 6 on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance.

PAST AND PRESENT A total failure

posted: 08/08/2009 5:16 a.m.

There is no proof anywhere in the world, in any era, that socialism works for the good of the people. Rather, it is a form of government designed to be controlled by a few who lust for power over the people.

Times Editorial The divorce

posted: 08/08/2009 5:14 a.m.

In April Fayetteville School District assistant superintendent and athletic director Dick Johnson - who has the ability to rally and inspire a crowd at the drop of a hat - was called out as the top athletic director in this state by the Arkansas High School Athletic Administrators Association. Multiple state championships have been captured by the Purple Dogs across the sports spectrum since the former football coach took over the role of AD in 1992.

Guest Commentary Should schools ban teachers in religious garb?

posted: 08/08/2009 5:13 a.m.

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski breathed new life into an old debate when he signed a law on July 16 protecting religious freedom for all workers - except for teachers in public schools.

Religion Briefs

posted: 08/08/2009 5:11 a.m.

The Dwelling Place Church, 1855 N. Porter Road in Fayetteville, is seeking volunteers for various ministries, including the Faith Factory, Jail and Communications ministries. Visit www.

E-Z Mart robbery suspect still at large

posted: 08/08/2009 5:11 a.m.

Fayetteville police are still seeking a suspect accused of an armed robbery at an E-Z Mart Thursday night.

Fighting for roles

posted: 08/08/2009 5:09 a.m.

The Arkansas coaching staff figures some fresh faces might spice things up on punt returns this season.

Specifics of Johnson's resignation still blurry

posted: 08/08/2009 5:08 a.m.

Fayetteville Public Schools Superintendent Vicki Thomas said she did not ask Dick Johnson to resign, but when asked Friday if the departing assistant superintendent and athletics director had the option of remaining, her answer became more circumspect.

Arkansas newcomers challenging veterans for offensive line spots

posted: 08/08/2009 5:06 a.m.

Normally newcomers don't play right away on the offensive line.

Elkins finds backfield depth early in fall camp

posted: 08/08/2009 5:04 a.m.

What's old is new again for coach Aaron Clark and the Elkins Elks.

Taliban confirm strike killed chief

posted: 08/08/2009 4:46 a.m.

Pakistan's Taliban chief was killed by a CIA missile strike, a militant commander confirmed Friday.

Panel: Loans to Dodd, Conrad broke no rules

posted: 08/08/2009 4:41 a.m.

The Senate ethics panel cleared Sens. Chris Dodd and Kent Conrad on Friday of breaking rules by getting mortgages through a VIP program but scolded them for not being more careful to avoid the appearance of sweetheart deals.

Tagged

posted: 08/08/2009 4:38 a.m.

A Bentonville man has been arrested on suspicion of painting graffiti at dozens of locations in the city, including the Bentonville Public Library.

Keeping docks afloat

posted: 08/08/2009 4:37 a.m.

Dock owners on Beaver Lake still have time to remove old extruded polystyrene - commonly called Styrofoam - flotation and replace it with encapsulated floatation, said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Ranger Alan Bland.

Upcoming Services

posted: 08/08/2009 4:32 a.m.

Today Donald Dean Carns, 82, of Rogers,Ark., formerly of Cave Springs,Ark., died Friday, July 31, 2009.A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday,Aug. 8, at the Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home Chapel in Rogers. Cecilia Neaville, 90, of Rogers,Ark., died Tuesday,Aug. 4, 2009.A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday,Aug. 8, at the First United Methodist Church in Rogers. Andreana Louise Nibbe, 32, of Rogers,Ark., died Sunday,Aug. 2, 2009.

Rolling out receivers

posted: 08/08/2009 4:31 a.m.

Plug Bobby Petrino and Paul Petrino into a football program and a stream of wide receivers is likely to follow.

POLICE REPORTS

posted: 08/08/2009 4:31 a.m.

Among incidents reported to the Bella Vista Police Department according to records, were the following: At 7:12 a.m.Thursday, a prowler was reported on Cumbrian Drive.A woman reported that a man was possibly trying to spy through her window. At 9:34 a.m.Thursday, a black pit bull and a Shih Tzu chased the animalcontrol officer's vehicle on Cardinal Road.

TEXAS LEAGUE First-place Naturals keep pace in North

posted: 08/08/2009 4:30 a.m.

Can't blame the Northwest Arkansas Naturals for thinking cautiously.

ALL THUMBS

posted: 08/08/2009 4:29 a.m.

Appearing each Saturday,"All Thumbs" is The Benton County Daily Record's take on the people, events and issues deserving a "thumbs up" for a noteworthy accomplishment or good deed or a "thumbs down" for magnificent failure or just general stupidity. Thumbs up to the new recycling center in northeast Rogers that opened this week. Bring your plastics, newspapers, Styrofoam and more. Just don't forget to read those newspapers before you drop them off.

A GOP that can say no

posted: 08/08/2009 4:28 a.m.

Reports of the death of the Republican Party appear to have been premature.

The birther rebellion

posted: 08/08/2009 4:27 a.m.

The quote is attributed to a guy named John Tudor: "A rumor without a leg to stand on will get around some other way." Which pretty well explains this whole controversy - sustained by conspiracy theorists, some fervent Barack Obama haters and the occasional talking head - that Obama is not a nativeborn U.S. citizen, and therefore is not qualified to be our commander in chief.

U.S. jobless rate drops as pace of layoffs slows

posted: 08/08/2009 4:25 a.m.

Employers sharply scaled back layoffs in July, and the unemployment rate dipped for the first time in 15 months, taken as a signal by some economists that the recession has bottomed out.

Religion

posted: 08/08/2009 4:25 a.m.

Cornerstone Assembly of God, Rogers The Sunday schedule includes the Connect Cafe at 9 a.m. with donuts and coffee; Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; and a worship service and children's church at 10:30 a.m.

2nd-quarter profit is 1st for insurer AIG since '07

posted: 08/08/2009 4:22 a.m.

American International Group Inc. said Friday that it had its first profitable quarter since 2007 - and warned that it still has plenty of repair work to do.

Religion

posted: 08/08/2009 4:22 a.m.

Word of Life Fellowship, Bentonville The church invites kids in kindergarten through the sixth grade to Studio Go Game Show Vacation Bible School from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week. There is no cost.

One brick at a time

posted: 08/08/2009 4:21 a.m.

As far as antiques go, the simple, rectangular brick wouldn't seem to be more valuable whether it was old or new. A brick is a brick is a brick, yes?

Abundance lacking

posted: 08/08/2009 4:20 a.m.

The Tontitown Grape Festival boasts carnival rides, live entertainment and spaghetti dinners, and one of the snack vendors sells only grape-flavored ice cream.

Frisco Festival celebrates 25th year

posted: 08/08/2009 4:19 a.m.

Frisco Festival will celebrate 25 years Aug. 28 and 29 in historic downtown Rogers with old favorites and new events.

Pinnacle shows its teeth, Rogers dentist leads way

posted: 08/08/2009 4:16 a.m.

Just more than two months after re-opening following a 10-month, major renovation project and prepping to host an LPGA Tour event in September, Pinnacle Country Club showed its teeth Friday in the first round of the men's golf club championship tournament Any surprise, then, that it's a dentist who sits atop the leaderboard?

Life Way Christian set for second year of athletics

posted: 08/08/2009 4:14 a.m.

Athletic teams at most area schools have started preparing for the upcoming school year. Life Way Christian School in Centerton is no exception.

GOLF

posted: 08/08/2009 4:13 a.m.

AWGA Designated Tournament The final Arkansas Women's Golf Association (AWGA) designated tournament of the 2009 season will be held Aug. 22-23 at Bella Vista Country Club. A designated tournament is a pre-flighted tournament based upon each person's USGA handicap.The format is Low Gross/Low Net over the two days of play.

Sports

posted: 08/08/2009 4:12 a.m.

GOLF NWA women's tournament The Northwest Arkansas Women's Golf Association's annual invitational golf tournament will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3rd. This September tradition is celebrating its 40th year. The tournament is being hosted by the Bella Vista Women's 18-hole Golf Club. The playing format will low gross/low net at Berksdale Golf Club in Bella Vista. The playing field will be limited to the first 144 entries. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at 9 a.m.

Summers set for Recovery Rally

posted: 08/08/2009 4:09 a.m.

Selected as Arkansas' "Recovery Delegate," Bentonville resident Tim Summers will soon join thousands of individuals and families in recovery, treatment partners and advocates for a Lower Manhattan rally and symbolic walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Waiver of day fees a success, park ranger said

posted: 08/08/2009 4:08 a.m.

He's seeing more guests come to visit since the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agreed to waive day fees for a few days, through this week, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Ranger Alan Bland said.

Nursing instructor attends military camp

posted: 08/08/2009 4:05 a.m.

Nursing instructor Barbara Mayberry gained military experience of a different sort last month as she participated in a military leadership training camp.

No longer settling for 'good'

posted: 08/08/2009 3:57 a.m.

Fifth-year Bentonville football coach Barry Lunney believes the 2009 Tigers have more depth at each position than any of his previous teams here dating back to 2005.

Hospice training to begin in September

posted: 08/08/2009 3:57 a.m.

Washington Regional Hospice Training will be offered for anyone interested in receiving information about how to care for a loved one at home, as well as for those who wish to become hospice volunteers. The training will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

'Clunker' program empties dealers' lots

posted: 08/08/2009 2:59 a.m.

Auto shoppers will have a harder time finding preferred colors or accessories when they visit U.S. showrooms this weekend as the government's "cash for clunkers" program depletes inventories.

Data: 12 flights' airspeed gear failed

posted: 08/08/2009 2:53 a.m.

On at least a dozen recent flights by U.S. jetliners, malfunctioning equipment made it impossible for pilots to know how fast they were flying, federal investigators have discovered. A similar breakdown is believed to have played a role in the Air France crash into the Atlantic that killed all 228 people aboard in June.

Florida senator to resign, 'move on'

posted: 08/08/2009 2:53 a.m.

Republican U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida said Friday that he will step down from the Senate before his term ends.

Truck bomb levels mosque in Iraq

posted: 08/08/2009 2:43 a.m.

A suicide truck bomber flattened a Shiite mosque Friday in northern Iraq, and roadside bombs struck Shiite pilgrims in Baghdad, as at least 51 people were killed and scores wounded nationwide.

Clinton works to mend South Africa ties

posted: 08/08/2009 2:42 a.m.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sought Friday to improve strained relations with South Africa, the continent's economic powerhouse, with the two sides agreeing to cooperate more closely on issues including climate change and the turmoil in Zimbabwe.

Menace lurks, but Russia's witness protection skimpy

posted: 08/08/2009 2:34 a.m.

Valery Kazakov was almost to the prosecutor's office when the killers caught him. He was shot as he cut through an alleyway, and when he stumbled bleeding into the street, a man bent down to stab the final breaths out of him.

In the news

posted: 08/08/2009 2:33 a.m.

Ronald Tills, 74, a retired New York judge who also served in the state Assembly, was sentenced in federal court in Buffalo to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty last year to transporting prostitutes across state lines while he was a member of the social club the Royal Order of Jesters.

The world in brief

posted: 08/08/2009 2:32 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I can say that every house in this humble, small village was affected, and even the glass of faraway cars was shattered due to the force of the blast." Jaafar Mohammad, an Iraqi whose uncle was killed as a suicide truck bomber struck a Shiite mosque in a northern suburb of Mosul Article, this page

The nation in brief

posted: 08/08/2009 2:32 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "There's no impending reason; it's just my desire to move on." Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., in announcing he will step down from the Senate before his term ends Article, 2A Keep lid on abuse photos, justices urged

Names and faces

posted: 08/08/2009 2:31 a.m.

Since announcing her exit from American Idol, Paula Abdul has been in high demand. "At this point, there are so many wonderful things that are being offered to me," Abdul said.

Monk running through hoops in NFL

posted: 08/08/2009 2:28 a.m.

Former Arkansas receiver Marcus Monk is a free-agent with a basketball story that tantalizes those not familiar with his record-setting college football career.

Lottery hires 4 at pay from $29,573-$50,580

posted: 08/08/2009 2:28 a.m.

Arkansas' lottery has hired four more employees, lottery officials said Friday.

PGA TOUR Harrington 'freed,' keeps Firestone lead

posted: 08/08/2009 2:27 a.m.

Padraig Harrington and Tiger Woods were side-by-side on the practice range, warming up for another round at the Bridgestone Invitational, their routines nothing alike.

Off the wire

posted: 08/08/2009 2:26 a.m.

BASKETBALL Source: Pistons, Wallace agree A person with knowledge of the deal says Ben Wallace is coming back to the Detroit Pistons. Wallace will receive a $1.3 million, one-year deal, said the person who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the contract has not been signed.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/08/2009 2:26 a.m.

Shaq finds a worse fit than Kobe Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal has upped the ante for his beach volleyball match against two-time Olympic gold medalists Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Carpenter shaky, good enough vs. struggling Pirates

posted: 08/08/2009 2:24 a.m.

Chris Carpenter is almost always good for a victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Even on a night when a pitcher who hasn't lost since June looked ready to be beaten.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/08/2009 2:22 a.m.

Bigger Bequette feels fast. Arkansas starting defensive end Jake Bequette has added 12 pounds since last season, but he also has improved his time in the 40-yard dash and decreased his waist size by 2 inches.

SEC roundup

posted: 08/08/2009 2:21 a.m.

REBELS 'New energy' at Ole Miss JACKSON, Miss. - As a player, booster and now athletic director, Pete Boone has watched the Mississippi football team closely for the past four decades. He's never seen anything like this.

Oil prices climb as economy improves

posted: 08/08/2009 2:18 a.m.

Oil prices are surging this month on fresh evidence the economy is pulling itself out of recession.

NEWS BRIEFS

posted: 08/08/2009 2:17 a.m.

Greece's new Acropolis Museum says it will restore references to early Christians vandalizing the ancient Parthenon temple. The references were originally deleted from a film shown to visitors for fear of angering the country's powerful Orthodox Church.

Consumer debt declines for fifth month in a row

posted: 08/08/2009 2:17 a.m.

Consumers paid down their credit cards and cut other debt in June for the fifth straight month as they rebuilt savings battered by the recession.

Delta plans to cut management jobs

posted: 08/08/2009 2:17 a.m.

Delta Air Lines Inc., the world's biggest airline operator, is planning to cut more management and administrative jobs, but isn't saying how many, according to a recorded message and a memo from top executives.

Gimme that old-time RELIGION

posted: 08/08/2009 2:16 a.m.

While the teenagers fuss with their cell phones, video games and MP3 players, the old-timers at Davidson Campground talk about the Methodist camp meeting's glory days.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/08/2009 2:16 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "The guys who bought crude because of the weak dollar, those are the guys who are getting spanked right now." Tom Kloza, publisher and chief oil analyst at Oil Price Information Service Article, 1D Cotton traders in merger negotiations Allenberg Cotton Co., the world's largest cotton merchant, is holding merger talks with rival Dunavant Enterprises Inc.

Worries about swine flu cancel mission trips

posted: 08/08/2009 2:15 a.m.

A Sherwood group planned to leave today to do missionary work in Liberta, Antigua, but swine flu fears derailed their journey.

MARKET REPORT Jobs report propels stocks higher

posted: 08/08/2009 2:15 a.m.

Major stock indexes jumped more than 1 percent Friday after the government said the nation's unemployment rate unexpectedly fell in July for the first time in 15 months and that employers cut fewer jobs.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/08/2009 2:15 a.m.

State farm spending rises by 16 percent Farm production expenditures rose 16 percent for Arkansas to $7.4 billion in 2008, which was double the growth nationally, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data released Friday.

Calendar

posted: 08/08/2009 2:13 a.m.

MUSIC, ART AND ENTERTAINMENT Celebration Church, 51 Shelby Road, Sherwood, will have gospel artists Allan Broussard, Jerry Wright, and Mike Jenkins, performing at 10 a.m. on Sunday. (501) 831-3183.

Vietnam gives monks the boot

posted: 08/08/2009 2:12 a.m.

Monks following a world-famous Buddhist teacher are being evicted from a Vietnamese monastery for failing to clear their activities with the government, an official said Tuesday, but he denied the dispute was about religious freedom.

Ask the expert

posted: 08/08/2009 2:12 a.m.

My husband was laid off at work several months back and it's getting harder and harder to keep up with the bills. I'm starting to worry we won't be able to keep our dog, even though he's been a great pal to our two boys for the last four years. They'd be heartbroken. Any ideas on what we can do?

In the garden

posted: 08/08/2009 2:12 a.m.

QAny idea what the attached pictures are? It is a very unusual seed pod.

Tools & toys

posted: 08/08/2009 2:11 a.m.

Hydro Neckband What's to love: It's really cool. What's it do: Helps prevent heat exhaustion when working outdoors.

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/08/2009 2:10 a.m.

Happy birthday. You will be celebrated for your contributions and talents. Press forward with a special project and it will flourish in September. Your intellect is keen and you'll solve problems, take flights of fancy and earn fantastic grades and/or awards through the fall. December brings family unity. February brings a move. Scorpio and Sagittarius adore you.

Personal space

posted: 08/08/2009 2:10 a.m.

Tobi Fairley Where I live: My husband, Carter, and I live in Pleasant Valley with our 4-year-old daughter Ellison and two dogs, Sydney and Harley.

Obituaries

posted: 08/08/2009 2:10 a.m.

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

OTUS THE HEAD CAT Ray Winder deal paves way for stunning elephant exhibit

posted: 08/08/2009 2:09 a.m.

Dear Otus, I accidentally threw out the photo from the paper showing Mayor Mark Stodola's compromise solution to the Ray Winder Field/UAMS conundrum. Can you run the picture again? And where was it, exactly, that they decided to move the stands?

Thrifty finds focus of Texarkana shop

posted: 08/08/2009 2:08 a.m.

A girl goes to a resale shop. A boy goes to same shop.

CLICK & CLACK'S CAR TALK

posted: 08/08/2009 2:07 a.m.

DEAR TOM AND RAY: I live in England (my wife is from New Jersey and she introduced me to you guys). Recently my wife and I drove our "eBay special" Renault Laguna to Twickenham in Surrey.

Plant baskets need extra summer care

posted: 08/08/2009 2:07 a.m.

Yes, you can keep hanging baskets, window boxes and patio planters looking dapper all summer long.

ON CHRISTIANITY

posted: 08/08/2009 2:06 a.m.

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I used to pray a lot, but I've just about given up praying because it doesn't seem to do any good. Is God testing me or something? - M.C.

Other days

posted: 08/08/2009 2:06 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 8, 1909 An offer to Caldwell & Drake to finish the state capitol building was made yesterday by Governor Donaghey through formal assessment to the effect that he believes "an arrangement could be made with the Capitol Commission for them to do the work."

Check your knowledge

posted: 08/08/2009 2:05 a.m.

1. What is the Roman numeral for 1,000? 2. Does leukemia refer to diseases of the white or red blood cells?

HELPFUL HINTS

posted: 08/08/2009 2:05 a.m.

DEAR READERS: If you travel and use pet sitters while you're gone, you need written instructions, including detailed care, feeding schedule, treat amounts, whether your pet likes to be held, petted, walked, etc.

Keep it clean

posted: 08/08/2009 2:04 a.m.

Keep laminates clean and shining Laminates are the most common type of countertops in the country. While they're generally sturdy and stand up to lots of wear and tear, they're also susceptible to stains and damage, as are other types of countertop materials.

'Net zero' house is designed to break even on energy use

posted: 08/08/2009 2:04 a.m.

Michael Yannell's electricity bill is almost surely less than yours.

EDITORIALS How dare she?

posted: 08/08/2009 2:01 a.m.

SUE MADISON has said the unspeakable.

COLUMNISTS A better plan

posted: 08/08/2009 2 a.m.

In 1986, Ronald Reagan and Bill Bradley created a legislative miracle. They fashioned a tax reform that stripped loopholes, political favors, payoffs, patronage and other corruptions out of the tax system. With the resulting savings, they lowered tax rates across the board. Those reductions, combined with the elimination of the enormous inefficiencies and perverse incentives that go into tax sheltering, helped propel a 20-year economic boom.

A Clinton to the rescue

posted: 08/08/2009 1:59 a.m.

Former President Bill Clinton played an appropriate role in traveling to North Korea to successfully negotiate the release of two American journalists sentenced to 12 years of hard labor for illegally entering that repressive nation.

And they're safe

posted: 08/08/2009 1:59 a.m.

Don't be fooled by that photo of an unsmiling Bill Clinton sitting next to a dour Kim Jong Il. Both men wore grim expressions for the cameras, but they must have been smiling inwardly because both got what they wanted from the former president's visit to North Korea.

LETTERS

posted: 08/08/2009 1:57 a.m.

I've been uninsured for around eight years, my wife for longer. I lost my eye to cancer 10 years ago. My wife has had cancer twice and is facing surgery again in a few months.

Why Honduras matters

posted: 08/08/2009 1:55 a.m.

Great historical significance sometimes can be found in small and unlikely places. In 1983, Ronald Reagan ordered the invasion of Grenada, a tiny pinprick of an island that most Americans probably couldn't place in the right hemisphere on a map.

Settling for a bundle

posted: 08/08/2009 1:54 a.m.

Fayetteville lawyer Jim Rose III swan-dived into the lawsuit he filed against Washington County government this spring.

Friday, August 7

Upcoming concerts

posted: 08/07/2009 2:21 p.m.

The following is a list of performances within a day's driving distance of Northwest Arkansas.Tickets for all events are currently on sale. Readers are encouraged to verify times and admission prices. For more information, call venues directly.

Oklahoma official jailed for patronizing prostitute

posted: 08/07/2009 11:25 a.m.

An Oklahoma county official has been sentenced to 10 days in jail and fined in Fort Smith for patronizing a prostitute and refusing to submit to arrest.

Abundance lacking : Number of grape vendors down to one at festival

posted: 08/07/2009 8:14 a.m.

The Tontitown Grape Festival boasts carnival rides, live entertainment and spaghetti dinners, and one of the snack vendors sells only grape-flavored ice cream.

Armed robbery reported at E-Z Mart off College

posted: 08/07/2009 8:13 a.m.

Fayetteville police are seeking a suspect accused of an armed robbery at a local E-Z Mart store.

Hail makes impact known in Fayetteville area

posted: 08/07/2009 8:13 a.m.

Insurance agents in Fayetteville saw an influx of claims Thursday as a result of hail that moved through parts of the area Wednesday evening.

SPRINGDALE: Elementaries receive free backpacks, gear

posted: 08/07/2009 8:12 a.m.

Volunteers in powder-blue shirts formed an assembly line Thursday morning and loaded backpacks onto a school bus bound for Bayyari Elementary School.

Charges filed against accused bank robber

posted: 08/07/2009 7:43 a.m.

Prosecutors filed formal charges Thursday against a Rogers man accused of robbing two banks.

Reward still offered for Memorial Day vandal

posted: 08/07/2009 7:42 a.m.

With a $12,000 reward and an ongoing investigation, law enforcement and area veterans are determined to catch the culprit who vandalized the Veterans Wall of Honor over Memorial Day weekend.

Last hurrah : Tonight's ArtBuzz program at Crystal Bridges at the Massey will be the last associated with the current exhibit, 'Through the Needle's Eye.'

posted: 08/07/2009 7:41 a.m.

To match the crowds and excitement that followed the PostSecret exhibit through Crystal Bridges at the Massey last year would take some doing. According to museum officials, "Through the Needle's Eye: Embroiderers' Guild of America 19th National Exhibition," which closes Sunday, has raised the bar once again.

Suit filed for property seized in missing person investigation

posted: 08/07/2009 7:40 a.m.

A Rogers woman is seeking the return of property she claims police seized from her in connection with the disappearance of Alicia Minton.

Murder trial rescheduled

posted: 08/07/2009 7:39 a.m.

Two men accused of killing a coworker will not go on trial in September.

Man claims he injured two who attacked him

posted: 08/07/2009 7:38 a.m.

A Siloam Springs man claims he cut and stabbed two people after six individuals entered his home and attacked him.

Bland appointmented to MLK Commission

posted: 08/07/2009 7:37 a.m.

Gov. Mike Beebe recently announced his five appointments to the restructured Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. The 87th General Assembly voted to create a smaller, single-chair commission in hopes of avoiding previous infighting and logistical problems.

Marijuana plants confiscated

posted: 08/07/2009 7:36 a.m.

Acting on a tip from an anonymous person, the Bella Vista Police Department confiscated 29 marijuana plants from the backyard of a residence, the department announced Wednesday.

CORRECTIONS

posted: 08/07/2009 7:35 a.m.

A story in Wednesday's Daily Record incorrectly named Troy Galloway, director of community development for the city of Bentonville, as Troy Gallager. • • In the story "Heavy state-line traffic could start taking its toll" in Thursday's Daily Record, the wrong year was given for high gas prices. The sentence should read: "Last year, when gas prices were the highest, the traffic on U.S. Highway 71 had a healthy increase, said Kim Romano, Highway Department transportation engineer."

POLICE REPORTS

posted: 08/07/2009 7:35 a.m.

Police Reports for August 7, 2009.

CASA training offered this month

posted: 08/07/2009 7:34 a.m.

Court Appointed Special Advocates will host a new prerequisite class, CASA 101, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, and will repeat the class from 9 a.m. to 11 am. Aug. 18. The sessions will be held at the CASA office at 5322 Bleaux Ave., Suite A, in Springdale. While CASA 101 is a prerequisite for CASA training, anyone who wishes to learn more about CASA is welcome to attend. Call Luci Shepherd at 725-2213 or visit www.nwacasa.org.

Boger becomes consultant

posted: 08/07/2009 7:32 a.m.

Candace Boger of Rogers has become an independent consultant with Tastefully Simple Inc., a national direct-sales company featuring easy-toprepare food products. As a consultant, Boger offers the company's gourmet foods and beverages to guests at home taste-testing parties. Guests receive samples, easy meal ideas, recipes and serving suggestions.

LETTERS

posted: 08/07/2009 7:31 a.m.

Letters to the Editor for Benton County for August 7, 2009.

OUR VIEW : Misery in the mail

posted: 08/07/2009 7:29 a.m.

It seems like we've been hearing about the U.S. Postal Service's financial struggles forever.

Breaking China : Goodbye recession - hello depression?

posted: 08/07/2009 7:28 a.m.

The signs are everywhere for those knowing where to look and willing to squint. The stock market has seen its best rally in decades with the Dow breaking 9,000 for the first time since January. The rate of new jobless claims has slowed, as has the contraction in Gross Domestic Product that defines a recession. Things are a long way from looking rosy, but worries concerning a new depression seem to have abated.

OTHER OPINIONS : The amazing 'Race'

posted: 08/07/2009 7:27 a.m.

Earlier secretaries of education can only envy Arne Duncan, the current holder of that post.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/07/2009 7:26 a.m.

Obituaries and Death notices for August 7, 2009.

Energy committee to examine local energy issues in northwest Arkansas

posted: 08/07/2009 7:24 a.m.

Plans are in the works to bring a state Senate committee to Benton or Washington county to talk about the cost of retrofitting a coal plant in Gentry and other energy issues, said state Sen. Kim Hendren, R-Gravette.

Food pantry, Naturals team up

posted: 08/07/2009 7:23 a.m.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, at 1413 W. Poplar St. in Rogers, is teaming up with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals to strike out hunger.

Lions Club event is tonight

posted: 08/07/2009 7:22 a.m.

A fundraising event will be held tonight by the Rogers Lions Club. The Arkansas Masters of Illusion will give a one-time performance at in White Auditorium at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville.

Hospice volunteer training offered

posted: 08/07/2009 7:21 a.m.

Hospice volunteer training will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays starting Sept. 10 and ending Oct. 15 at the First United Methodist Church, 307 W. Elm St. in Rogers. To register for this freeof-charge training, call 463-7394 or (888) 611-1094.

Property-tax alert not issued by county

posted: 08/07/2009 7:20 a.m.

Some residents became alarmed when they received letters informing them that their property taxes were due and that Benton County would sell their houses if the taxes were not paid by Aug. 27.

Boozman accepting internship applications

posted: 08/07/2009 7:20 a.m.

U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Ark., is accepting internship applications for fall 2009 for his Washington, D.C., office and all of his 3rd Congressional District offices, it was announced Thursday.

Career Fair at University of Phoenix

posted: 08/07/2009 7:18 a.m.

University of Phoenix-Northwest Arkansas is hosting a Career Fair on campus. More than a dozen local companies will participate in the event and be on site interviewing potential candidates for current job openings. Companies taking interviews at the Career Fair include Wal-Mart, Arvest, Home Depot, Walgreens, Arkansas National Guard and Arkansas Support Network.

Pads pop for Mountaineers, War Eagles

posted: 08/07/2009 7:17 a.m.

Time flies when you're having fun. That's why the pridedrill during the Rogers Mounties' first practice in full pads went a little longer than coaches had planned Thursday. I was encouraged," Mounties coach Ronnie Peacock said. "And I think the hustle and getafter-it was good in the pride drill. We went probably a little longer than we intended but that's just because you just get excited."

Gum delivers wisdom to chew on

posted: 08/07/2009 7:16 a.m.

As the head coach of one of America's premier NCAA Division II baseball programs looks out over a sea of 13-year-old Babe Ruth All-Stars, he sees talented kids at the crossroads of their lives.

Old, new chase title at Pinnacle

posted: 08/07/2009 7:15 a.m.

The growing interest in Pinnacle Country Club will be evident this weekend when its members compete in the 20th annual men's golf club championship tournament.

Bentonville coach enjoys giving back to the game

posted: 08/07/2009 7:13 a.m.

The game of baseball has given Kyle Blevins a lifetime of memories and lifelong friends.

Sanders' 2-under 70 sets pace in dual win

posted: 08/07/2009 7:11 a.m.

Rogers junior Jes Sanders capped a solid round with birdies on two of the last three holes and finished with a 2-under-par 70 at Lost Springs on Thursday to earn medalist honors in a dual golf match against Rogers Heritage.

Top students named Honors College Fellows

posted: 08/07/2009 7:10 a.m.

From a field of 493 applicants, 75 outstanding high-school seniors have been chosen to join the eighth class of Honors College Fellows at the University of Arkansas. Each student will receive $50,000 over four years to cover tuition, room and board, as well as the cost of books and a computer.

Creative camp connects students

posted: 08/07/2009 7:09 a.m.

Thirty-three students representing 32 high schools across Arkansas spent a week at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute atop Petit Jean Mountain for Envision U 2009, the Rockefeller Institute's third annual summer arts camp.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/07/2009 7:03 a.m.

Events in Washington County for August 7, 2009.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/07/2009 7:02 a.m.

Obituaries & Death Notices for August 7, 2009.

Harps, Price Cutter give $15K for Savor the Flavor

posted: 08/07/2009 6:59 a.m.

A $15,000 sponsorship from Harps and Price Cutter will help Faith in Action continue serving elderly, homebound individuals in Washington and Benton counties.

UA chapter of Pi Beta Phi earns top honor again

posted: 08/07/2009 6:58 a.m.

The Arkansas Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women at the University of Arkansas recently received the fraternity's highest and most prestigious honor, the Balfour Cup, for the third year in a row at the fraternity's 67th biennial convention in Grapevine, Texas.

Springdale man gets 10 years for shooting

posted: 08/07/2009 6:57 a.m.

A Springdale man must serve 10 years in prison after admitting that he shot at a woman sitting in a motor vehicle.

Times Editorial : A big dream

posted: 08/07/2009 6:56 a.m.

We love Fayetteville. Really we do. Despite having everything in Northwest Arkansas that a body could ever possibly need or want, our hometown residents never stop pushing, asking and dreaming of what else our community could have if only today's generation has the courage to think big picture, grasp onto an illuminating vision and then see it through to the end. This lovely idealism runs rampant through the Ozark hills, but it's especially true here in our own backyard.

GUEST COLUMN : Going along to get along

posted: 08/07/2009 6:55 a.m.

So I was talking politics the other day on the patio at Jose's on Dickson Street when the bank bailout, the stimulus plan, cash for clunkers and health care reform were all broached. Someone asked, "Who would you rather see in control of Congress? A Republican or a Democrat?" I thought about that for a while, then answered that I would rather see a pragmatist in charge. Somebody who knows enough when to compromise and when to stand tough.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/07/2009 6:53 a.m.

Letter to the editor for August 7, 2009.

Wesley couple wins $50,000 energy audit

posted: 08/07/2009 6:51 a.m.

One area couple will soon pay to heat and cool only the inside of their home, and not the outside, after winning a $50,000 Energy Efficiency Home Makeover.

Court Briefs

posted: 08/07/2009 6:49 a.m.

Court briefs for Washington County for August 7, 2009.

Fayetteville man gets 20 years in rape case

posted: 08/07/2009 6:49 a.m.

A Fayetteville man faces a 20-year prison sentence after admitting in court that he had sexual contact with a 13-year-old girl.

Terminella sues Coco Mountain Ranch

posted: 08/07/2009 6:47 a.m.

Fayetteville developer Tom Terminella filed a lawsuit in Washington County on Tuesday against Coco Mountain Ranch LLC and Roland investor S. Gene Cauley seeking more than $1.87 million.

Fayetteville lawyer named to Green Valley board

posted: 08/07/2009 6:47 a.m.

Stan Baker, a Fayetteville lawyer, was recently appointed to the executive board of Green Valley Development, a not-for-profit organization focused on developing the region's sustainability-related economy. Baker, a native of Earle, is a University of Arkansas graduate with degrees in chemical engineering and law.

Realtors going 'red' to support troops

posted: 08/07/2009 6:46 a.m.

The Midsouth real estate firm known for its bright red "For Sale" signs is taking the color associated with its brand in a new direction.

Business Calendar

posted: 08/07/2009 6:45 a.m.

Business calendar for Aug. 7, 2009.

Business Briefs

posted: 08/07/2009 6:43 a.m.

Eyemart Express opens in Fayetteville Eyemart Express, a one-hour optical business, opened its new location in Fayetteville in Nelson's Crossing on Joyce Boulevard.

Johnson details reasons for resignation, importance of millage vote

posted: 08/07/2009 6:39 a.m.

Choked-up, sentimental, fiery and passionate. Dick Johnson's emotions ran the spectrum Thursday when he met with the media in the Adams Leadership Center to discuss his impending resignation as Fayetteville Public Schools athletics director and assistant superintendent.

Prairie Grove leans on experience, repetition in first week of practice

posted: 08/07/2009 6:38 a.m.

A young team last year could pay dividends for Prairie Grove this season. With 15 starters returning, a speedy running back, an improved quarterback and a true fullback in tow, head coach Danny Abshier has a quiet confidence about him during the first week of fall practices.

Kiwanis Club suits up kids for football for 56th season

posted: 08/07/2009 6:35 a.m.

No one was playing to gain a lucrative endorsement deal or a multiyear contract extension at the 56th Annual Springdale Kiwanis Kid's Day Football. Everyone was competing for the love of the game.

Ulrey bounces back, earns trip to Berlin

posted: 08/07/2009 6:33 a.m.

Results registered Dorian Ulrey's dismay with his 2009 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships 1,500-meter run.

Siloam Springs retools offensive line in preseason

posted: 08/07/2009 6:31 a.m.

Everything first-year head football coach Bryan Ross and his Siloam Springs Panthers have done this week has pointed to putting on the pads.

Sports Briefs

posted: 08/07/2009 6:30 a.m.

SEND US YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS The Northwest Arkansas Times invites area sports clubs, teams and organizations to submit news about activities and events. E-Mail information to sports@nwarktimes. com. Fax information to 442-1714 or e-mail to sports@nwarktimes.com. For more information contact sports editor Terry Wood at 571-6419.

Driving through : Lineup changes, personal struggles can't stop Southern rock outfit with reputation for live prowess

posted: 08/07/2009 6:29 a.m.

Perhaps it's no coincidence that when two soul legends wanted a good, solid live band to back them, they picked the Drive-By Truckers.

Luck be a lady : Timeless musical staged by Village Players

posted: 08/07/2009 6:28 a.m.

The characters are bigger than life - much like those you see on television. That's how Garry Bruch describes the central figures in the musical "Guys and Dolls," a story that revolves around crap shooting and dames, which The Village Players will stage this weekend at the Arend Arts Center in Bentonville.

A chicken chow down Annual barbecue in Decatur serves up dinners, free live music

posted: 08/07/2009 6:27 a.m.

Those attending the Decatur BBQ, now entering its 56th year, know what to expect.

56th ANNUAL DECATUR BBQ

posted: 08/07/2009 6:26 a.m.

56th ANNUAL DECATUR BBQ SCHEDULE

Harvest season : Festival director hopes new dates for Mulberry music festival reap larger crowds

posted: 08/07/2009 6:24 a.m.

Despite having three stages of music to choose from at any one time, some people never even leave their campsite.

From Java to Stacy's : Stacy's on the Square offers paninis, hot dogs, ice cream on Bentonville square

posted: 08/07/2009 6:23 a.m.

Coney Island hot dogs have found a new home in the Bentonville square. This popular food is served along with cold sandwiches, paninis and pancakes at Stacy's on the Square, a restaurant recently opened in place of Java on the Square.

2009 MULBERRY MOUNTAIN HARVEST MUSIC FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

posted: 08/07/2009 6:23 a.m.

2009 MULBERRY MOUNTAIN HARVEST MUSIC FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

A star is shorn : Elvis Week observed at barbershop where singer received G.I. haircut

posted: 08/07/2009 6:21 a.m.

Starting Saturday, thousands upon thousands of Elvis Presley fans will converge in Memphis, Tenn., to celebrate what has become known as Elvis Week.

BEAVER LAKE: Blaze hits marina at lake's north end

posted: 08/07/2009 6:20 a.m.

Fourteen boats were destroyed in a marina fire late Wednesday on the north end of Beaver Lake.

Entertainment notes

posted: 08/07/2009 6:19 a.m.

Bella Vista DANCE The Bella Vista Country Club, 98 Clubhouse Drive, will have dancing to Debby Horn and the Invisibles every second and fourth Saturday through Oct. 10. To make reservations, call 876-2522.

Live music

posted: 08/07/2009 6:17 a.m.

Check out the new, improved Tuned In, the blog that covers the local music scene, at www2.nwanews.com/blogs/tunedin. The following is a list of live performances in Northwest Arkansas. Readers are encouraged to verify times and admission prices. For details, call venues directly.To add listings, e-mail sched ules to whatsup@nwarktimes.com, fax them to 442-1714, or call 571-6447.

Road trip

posted: 08/07/2009 6:03 a.m.

Road Trip

Fishing report

posted: 08/07/2009 6 a.m.

Fishing Report for Thursday, August 6.

Community center next year?

posted: 08/07/2009 5:55 a.m.

The city of Bentonville has $7.5 million sitting in a voter-approved parks bond earmarked specifically for the construction of a community center. While there's been talk of building such a facility for a couple of years, Mayor Bob McCaslin has indicated it's time to get the ball rolling.

Johnson: Don't let departure affect millage vote

posted: 08/07/2009 5:52 a.m.

Dick Johnson said he doesn't want his resignation to have any negative impact on the upcoming high school millage vote set for Sept. 15.

Democrat denounces health-overhaul critics

posted: 08/07/2009 5:25 a.m.

The Senate's most powerful Democrat on Thursday scolded health-care protesters dogging his party's lawmakers at local meetings, arguing that some critics on the political right have run out of ideas - and ditched their civic manners.

Injured doctor returns to board

posted: 08/07/2009 5:22 a.m.

Dr. Trent Pierce resumed his seat at the head of the Arkansas State Medical Board Thursday, just six months and two days after being injured by a homemade bomb planted in the driveway of his West Memphis home.

Senate vote confirms Sotomayor as justice

posted: 08/07/2009 5:14 a.m.

Sonia Sotomayor won confirmation Thursday as the nation's first Hispanic Supreme Court justice in a history-making Senate vote that capped a summer-long debate. She'll be sworn in Saturday as the court's 111th justice, third woman and first nominee by a Democrat in 15 years.

ARKANSAS FOOTBALL: It's full speed from get-go

posted: 08/07/2009 5:10 a.m.

Even without pads on, the Arkansas Razorbacks looked like a different team Thursday.

The 188th gets into the Warthog groove

posted: 08/07/2009 5:10 a.m.

Tech. Sgt. Adam Ward lay on his belly and watched the two A-10 Warthogs flying 1,000 feet below his KC-135 aerial refueling tanker, circling three miles above the rusty desert floor.

Financial arm called key to terrorism fight

posted: 08/07/2009 5:08 a.m.

The Obama administration has mapped out a dual approach to defeating terrorism, fusing military strikes against insurgents with a commitment to pump economic development, political aid and training into countries that are considered safe havens for militant groups.

Signs seen Taliban chief dead

posted: 08/07/2009 5:07 a.m.

U.S. and Pakistani authorities were investigating whether Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud, who has led a violent campaign of suicide attacks and assassinations against Pakistan's government, was killed in a CIA missile strike.

Edwards' ex-lover at N.C. courthouse

posted: 08/07/2009 5:06 a.m.

John Edwards' former mistress spent much of the day in a federal courthouse in Raleigh where a grand jury was meeting Thursday, at a time when federal investigators are examining the two time presidential candidate's finances.

Ex-NASA official guilty in ethics case

posted: 08/07/2009 5:05 a.m.

A former top NASA official has been found guilty of breaking ethics laws by steering nearly $10 million of the agency's funds to a consulting client.

Ford returns from injury ripped, ready

posted: 08/07/2009 5:04 a.m.

Even during his darkest days, when Elton Ford was wearing a neck brace for more than three months, he could smile when he thought about playing football again.

Pension seekers told to vacate offices first

posted: 08/07/2009 5:03 a.m.

Attorney General Dustin Mc-Daniel said Thursday that elected county officials should resign and vacate their offices before receiving retirement benefits.

Full speed ahead : Ford works through potentially career-ending injury

posted: 08/07/2009 5:01 a.m.

"It was a little fracture," Ford said. Yeah, well, whatever the semantics, Ford did acknowledge the injury was deemed career-threatening.

$2 billion will refuel 'clunker' program

posted: 08/07/2009 4:57 a.m.

Congress sent President Barack Obama legislation Thursday night with an additional $2 billion for "cash for clunkers," the economy-boosting rebate program that caught the fancy of car buyers and instantly increased sales for an auto industry long mired in recession.

2 LR men fake being lawyers, office says

posted: 08/07/2009 4:56 a.m.

The Arkansas Supreme Court's Committee on Unauthorized Practice of Law is seeking court orders to bar two Little Rock men from practicing law without a license, reporting that the men have both been warned about their activities before.

Retailers report listless July sales

posted: 08/07/2009 4:55 a.m.

Shoppers remained unwilling to part with their cash in July, resulting in sluggish sales for many merchants and raising concern about the back-to-school and Christmas shopping seasons and for the broader economic recovery.

Beebe appoints 5 to overhauled Martin Luther King Commission

posted: 08/07/2009 4:54 a.m.

Gov. Mike Beebe on Thursday said he has appointed five members to the reconfigured Martin Luther King Jr. Commission and designated one of them, Little Rock attorney Phil Kaplan, as its chairman.

Recipe(s) for success

posted: 08/07/2009 4:52 a.m.

Fresh and flavorful as a ripe peach, Julie & Julia is a sweet summer surprise. Who would expect to find a bright romantic comedy that's well written, wonderfully cast and charmingly executed in the overboiled pot of cartoon characters, hung-over party boys, noisy animated toys, and busy wizards that dominate theaters from June through August ?

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/07/2009 4:52 a.m.

4 of 6 still sought in attack at house Benton County deputies are searching for four men involved in an attack in Siloam Springs, where the victim sent two others to the hospital Wednesday.

GRIDLOCK GURU: Youth or age can impact driving skills

posted: 08/07/2009 4:41 a.m.

The best drivers are exactly 42 years old.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/07/2009 4:38 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/07/2009 4:33 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "This is fulfilling the mission of Bernice Jones - to serve the community." Tyler Clark, director of youth programs for the Jones Center for Families, on the center teaming with sponsors to provide school supplies to students in need.

Beat-up Ford restored

posted: 08/07/2009 4:32 a.m.

Even during his darkest days, when Elton Ford was wearing a neck brace for more than three months, he could smile when he thought about playing football again.

When life gives you lemons . . .

posted: 08/07/2009 4:32 a.m.

Only in California, folks. We hope.

Hulse storms back with 69 for victory

posted: 08/07/2009 4:31 a.m.

Fordyce's Lane Hulse rallied from four strokes down on the final day and cruised to his first Arkansas State Golf Association state championship.

Harrington jumps out to 2-shot lead

posted: 08/07/2009 4:30 a.m.

Padraig Harrington never allowed himself to get down during the worst of times, whether he was missing five consecutive cuts or finishing toward the bottom of the leaderboard.

TEXAS LEAGUE: Naturals cash in on errors

posted: 08/07/2009 4:28 a.m.

Some historically bad defense gave the Northwest Arkansas Naturals a little breathing room Thursday night at Arvest Ballpark.

NATIONAL LEAGUE: Lee gets his first home victory with Philadelphia

posted: 08/07/2009 4:27 a.m.

Cliff Lee showed his new fans some of his best stuff.

High school football report

posted: 08/07/2009 4:26 a.m.

Grizzlies searching for a QB Junior Tanner Knight leads sophomore Kendrick Burns as they compete to see who will take over the quarterback job at Fort Smith Northside.

COMMENTARY SEC best at self-promotion for being best

posted: 08/07/2009 4:26 a.m.

Recently released results from the Department of Duh (DOD) census, required each decade by Article 1 of the BCS Constitution, confirm there to be five major conferences, five categorized as "non-Automatic Qualifiers" and the sensational, stand alone, Southeastern.

Recreation calendar

posted: 08/07/2009 4:26 a.m.

For additions to this calendar, fax the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette at (479) 770-8484 or call (479) 770-8451. Events also may be e-mailed to swheetley@arkansasonline.com

Off the wire

posted: 08/07/2009 4:25 a.m.

Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis tested positive for an elevated testosterone level and was suspended Thursday for 10 games.

Retailers get hints for tough economy

posted: 08/07/2009 4:25 a.m.

Amanda Johannesen, the new owner of a Beauty World franchise in Rogers, said she found what she was looking for by attending the Northwest Arkansas Business Conference & Expo Thursday at the John Q. Hammons Center.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/07/2009 4:25 a.m.

Superior: Recovery signs prompt recall of workers A spokesman for Superior Industries International in Arkansas said signs of an economic recovery prompted the recall of 148 hourly workers.

Streep's portrayal doesn't fall short

posted: 08/07/2009 4:24 a.m.

For Julie & Julia, Meryl Streep said, she based her portrayal of TV chef Julia Child partly on her mother, who had "an undeniable sense of joie de vivre" - or joy for life, and a tenuous relationship with the kitchen.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/07/2009 4:23 a.m.

Ravens get in the flow with Snoop Rapper Snoop Dogg visited the Baltimore Ravens' training camp in Westminster, Md., and helped the team end practice with their favorite chant - one linebacker Ray Lewis calls "Dogs in the House." Having Snoop Dogg lead the chant drew a whoop from the players.

Gain in per-capita income slows in LR

posted: 08/07/2009 4:18 a.m.

Little Rock's per-capita income slowed dramatically last year, failing to keep pace with inflation, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis said Thursday.

Windstream's profits decline 11% from '08

posted: 08/07/2009 4:16 a.m.

Windstream Corp.'s second-quarter profits slipped 11 percent from last year, with much of the decline blamed on a slumping economy and tax related charges.

New jobless claims lower than forecast

posted: 08/07/2009 4:14 a.m.

The number of newly laid-off workers seeking unemployment benefits fell last week, the government said Thursday, a sign, analysts say, that the job market is making gradual improvement.

GM to launch rechargeable Buick SUV

posted: 08/07/2009 4:11 a.m.

General Motors will introduce a Buick crossover sport utility vehicle powered by a plug-in rechargeable system in 2011, a top GM production executive said Thursday.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/07/2009 4:10 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "The consumer is stressed and depressed.

Free agent signings

posted: 08/07/2009 4:08 a.m.

NEW YORK - The 142 free agents who have signed, with name, position, former club if different, and contract. The contract information was obtained by The Associated Press from player and management sources.

MARKET REPORT: Dow down 25 as jobless fears linger

posted: 08/07/2009 4:07 a.m.

The Dow Jones industrial average lost 25 points and other major indexes suffered moderate losses Thursday as worries about the Labor Department's pending July employment report dominated trading for a third day.

Earnings report

posted: 08/07/2009 4:06 a.m.

Companies reporting quarterly earnings Thursday included: Comcast Corp., the cable-TV systems operator, a profit of $967 million, or 33 cents a share, up from a profit of $632 million, or 21 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue rose by 4.5 percent to $8.94 billion. Shares fell a penny to close at $15.05.

PREVIEWS

posted: 08/07/2009 4:05 a.m.

New this week (500) Days of Summer 88 PG-13 A greeting card copywriter (Joseph Gordon-Levitt ), dumped by his girlfriend (Zooey Deschanel), sorts through their 500 days together in an effort to discover what went wrong.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

posted: 08/07/2009 4:04 a.m.

A translation exercise from a high school French teacher based on a news story about a terrorist bombing causes a student (Devon Bostick) to create a false identity that allows him to probe a dark family secret.

State sports briefs

posted: 08/07/2009 4:03 a.m.

UCA opens camp today Central Arkansas begins preparation for its defense of last year's first-place finish in the Southland Conference today when they open camp at 3:45 p.m. in Conway.

ON FILM: Spinal Tap hits stride as parody masterpiece

posted: 08/07/2009 4:02 a.m.

There are sorts of levels of commitment to individual movies: Some people are willing to camp out to buy advance tickets to the highly anticipated next installment of their favorite serial blockbuster. Others of us can wait for a midweek budget matinee, for the pay-per-view or cable showing.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

posted: 08/07/2009 4 a.m.

It's the biggest movie of the summer that practically no one has seen.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/07/2009 4 a.m.

The progress Arkansas quarterbacks Ryan Mallett and Tyler Wilson showed last spring have been a cause of optimism for the Razorbacks and their fans going into this season.

NFL notes

posted: 08/07/2009 3:59 a.m.

The New England Patriots obtained defensive end Derrick Burgess on Thursday after the two-time Pro Bowl player held out of the Oakland Raiders training camp in hopes of being traded.

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/07/2009 3:59 a.m.

Happy birthday.You've never been a passive person, but this year, you're even more forceful and courageous. Hard work, especially physical, brings about your brilliance. You'll become a showman of sorts this month and will put on a magnificent production.Your confidence attracts romance. Someone invests in you in June. Cancer and Gemini adore you.

Film clips

posted: 08/07/2009 3:58 a.m.

Showing at area theaters...

SEC ROUNDUP: Tebow, Gators eye undefeated season

posted: 08/07/2009 3:58 a.m.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow has a Heisman Trophy, four championship rings and more accolades than most college football players could ever imagine.

Home movies

posted: 08/07/2009 3:57 a.m.

Recent DVD releases...

Mother of 3 charged in sons' lake deaths

posted: 08/07/2009 3:56 a.m.

A woman whose three little boys died when her vehicle plunged into an unbarricaded portion of Brewer Lake amid pre-dawn darkness in April was charged Thursday with three felony counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.

Box office

posted: 08/07/2009 3:56 a.m.

Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen's Funny People had a solid though unremarkable start at the box office, debuting as the No. 1 film with $22.6 million over its first weekend.

Screen gems

posted: 08/07/2009 3:55 a.m.

Half of the movies made for the recent Little Rock 48 Hour Film Project will be screened at the Riverdale 10 at 7 and 8:45 p.m. Monday, with the rest screened at the same times Tuesday and Wednesday. All screenings are at Riverdale and tickets are $10 for individual screenings, with a pass for all the sessions costing $28.

Since escape, prison closing some gaps

posted: 08/07/2009 3:55 a.m.

In response to the escape of two murderers from the Cummins Unit near Grady, the prison has stopped producing guard uniforms there, established an additional checkpoint for officers leaving work and removed inmates' access to color printers, officials with the Arkansas Department of Correction said Thursday.

ON CHRISTIANITY

posted: 08/07/2009 3:51 a.m.

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: How much power does the devil actually have? I know he isn't as powerful as God, but just how far can he go? And how can we resist him, since I know we aren't nearly as strong as he is? - L.F.

Check your knowledge

posted: 08/07/2009 3:49 a.m.

1. Is the balalaika a wind instrument? 2. What is the principal city of the Touraine region of France? 3. Babe Ruth hit his final home run for the New York Yankees. True or false? 4. The African nation of Biafra was formed from and reincorporated into what country?

HELPFUL HINTS

posted: 08/07/2009 3:48 a.m.

DEAR HELOISE: Several years ago, you told us how to clean a monument in the cemetery. Will you reprint the information?

Hillary Clinton vows more help for Somali government

posted: 08/07/2009 3:34 a.m.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton promised more U.S. assistance to bolster Somalia's fragile government Thursday, calling it "the best hope we've had in quite some time for a return to stability" in the volatile Horn of Africa nation.

Attack shuts down Twitter for hours

posted: 08/07/2009 3:29 a.m.

A hacker attack Thursday shut down the fast-growing messaging service Twitter for hours, while Facebook experienced intermittent access problems.

In the news

posted: 08/07/2009 3:26 a.m.

Sens. Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts, both R-Kan., are blocking 10 of President Barack Obama's nominees for senior administration posts at the Pentagon and Justice Department in protest over a proposal to house Guantanamo Bay detainees at the Fort Leavenworth prison in Kansas.

Names and faces

posted: 08/07/2009 3:26 a.m.

Aerosmith's Steven Tyler suffered head, neck and shoulder injuries in a tumble from the stage at a South Dakota concert and joked about the fall as he was loaded into the helicopter to be taken to a hospital, a concert spokesman said Thursday.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/07/2009 3:22 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "When she places her hand on the Bible and takes the oath of office, the new portrait of the justices of the Supreme Court will clearly reflect who we are as a nation, what we stand for as a fair, just and hopeful people." Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J.

The world in brief

posted: 08/07/2009 3:21 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "In terms of promises, there were many. ... When they materialize, it will be very helpful to the people of Somalia." Somali President Sharif Ahmed, whose government was promised increased U.S.

Obituaries

posted: 08/07/2009 3:10 a.m.

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

Other days

posted: 08/07/2009 2:26 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 7, 1909 For the first time since 1898, the city employees will be forced to discount the warrants given them for salaries during the remaining months of the year.

EDITORIALS Orders are easy to give

posted: 08/07/2009 2:25 a.m.

HARRY S. TRUMAN was said to have been in a philosophical mood-he often was-on leaving the White House as the most unpopular president since Herbert Hoover.

COLUMNISTS Green shoots in Palestine

posted: 08/07/2009 2:24 a.m.

In 2002, the UN Development Program released its first ever Arab Human Development Report, which bluntly detailed the deficits of freedom, women's empowerment and knowledge-creation holding back the Arab world.

Fish stocks on the road to recovery

posted: 08/07/2009 2:23 a.m.

In this time of uncertainty in both the commercial and recreational fishing communities, a recent study published in the journal Science brings good news about our efforts to rebuild depleted fish stocks.

LETTERS

posted: 08/07/2009 2:21 a.m.

Advice for lawmakers I sent an e-mail message to Sens. Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and my representative, Vic Snyder. I suggest that similar messages from all Arkansans are in order.

Full speed ahead

posted: 08/07/2009 2:17 a.m.

Life is full of little rituals. Here at the newspaper, most folks of my acquaintance have at least one in common.

Challenging racial fiefdoms

posted: 08/07/2009 2:16 a.m.

All it takes is a promising report that race relations are improving and the next thing you know the old political maxim "Divide et impera" surges back with a vengeance.

Thursday, August 6

Making the rounds: Wal-Mart accused of being cookie copier

posted: 08/06/2009 2:01 p.m.

Wal-Mart takes on the Girl Scouts? A Smackover mom wants you to name her baby. And Hendrix makes the Top 100 in Forbes' list of best American colleges. Here's what is happening across the wires and the web today that you may not have seen yet.

VIDEO: Johnson talks about resignation at FHS

posted: 08/06/2009 12:50 p.m.

Video from a press conference held at the Fayetteville Public Schools on Thursday morning with Dick Johnson, who resigned as athletic director and assistant superintendent July 30. His resignation takes effect Sept. 30.

Bella Vista bypass estimated at $150M, plus tolls

posted: 08/06/2009 8:04 a.m.

A state highway commissioner says incomplete studies indicate a bypass at Bella Vista could be built for $150 million plus tolls.

Grant preferred for highway

posted: 08/06/2009 7:02 a.m.

If Arkansas isn't awarded an economic stimulus grant to build the Bella Vista bypass, the state will not begin the process of financing and building it as a toll road, a spokesman for the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department said Wednesday.

Longtime Fort Smith lawyer charged in theft

posted: 08/06/2009 7:02 a.m.

A local attorney who ran unsuccessfully for circuit judge last year has been charged with theft by deception.

Van Buren collects residential trash bids

posted: 08/06/2009 7:01 a.m.

On its first venture outside the city limits for residential service, the Fort Smith Sanitation Department finished fifth among six bidders Wednesday for Van Buren's residential trash and recycling collections.

Liquor permit open in county

posted: 08/06/2009 6:51 a.m.

An old Washington County liquor store permit that was never issued is back on the table, and those interested in selling wine and spirits have until Sept. 21 to apply.

SouthPass park deed needs fine-tuning to move forward

posted: 08/06/2009 6:41 a.m.

A deed for a 200-acre regional park in the South-Pass development must be fine-tuned before developers and the city can move forward with what is considered the largest, most expensive and most ambitious public-private development in Fayetteville.

BARBER BROKE : Developer files for bankruptcy; debt estimated at $63M

posted: 08/06/2009 6:40 a.m.

Former Springdale-based developer Brandon Barber filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation Friday, July 31, claiming no assets to offset debts estimated at more than $63 million.

Savory secret : Festival cooks keep spaghetti sauce recipe a mystery

posted: 08/06/2009 6:39 a.m.

After all these years, the secret still isn't out.One of the longest-running traditions at the Tontitown Grape Festival is, of course, the famous spaghetti dinners. But another tradition that goes back to the days when the first plate of festival spaghetti was served is still going strong as well. While the noodles are always a hit when it comes to the festival spaghetti, it's the sauce that makes this meal unique. Or should we say, the "secret sauce."Although visitors to the grape festival might view the marinara mix as one of the better tasting dishes around, what makes this meal so special is the factthat the sauce recipe has been kept secret for all these years.

Lincoln High School shuts doors on student lockers

posted: 08/06/2009 6:38 a.m.

Lincoln High School will become the latest high school to do away with hallway lockers for students when school starts Aug. 19.

Students get free backpacks, supplies

posted: 08/06/2009 6:37 a.m.

Volunteers on Wednesday handed out hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies to students who otherwise might have had to start school without them.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/06/2009 6:35 a.m.

6 August THURSDAY 2009 Road Work The city of Fayetteville's Transportation Division will begin the roadway renovation of South School Avenue from 15th Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The span of this project will be approximately two weeks and daily work will be conducted between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Normal traffic flow will be maintained.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/06/2009 6:33 a.m.

Obituaries & Death Notices for August 6, 2009.

Library director search committee meets

posted: 08/06/2009 6:29 a.m.

A search committee considering candidates for the next director of the Fayetteville Public Library met Wednesday, but didn't narrow its list of 15 applicants.

Fayetteville man faces 10 years for burglary, theft

posted: 08/06/2009 6:28 a.m.

A Fayetteville man faces a 10-year prison sentence after admitting that he broke into and damaged two apartment units and stole property, including 6 grams of crack cocaine.

Obama touts grants as tonic for economy

posted: 08/06/2009 6:28 a.m.

President Barack Obama on Wednesday said 48 projects will share in $2.4 billion worth of government grants to spur development of electric vehicles as part of his plan to put America's economy on firmer footing.

Times Editorials : Enjoy the spaghetti

posted: 08/06/2009 6:27 a.m.

Since it's tough encapsulating the wackiness of Tontitown city government in a few short words, we suggest visiting this week's Tontitown Grape Festival to enjoy the spaghetti. Because that's the best result one can expect out of Tontitown these days.

Guest Commentary : A wasted opportunity

posted: 08/06/2009 6:26 a.m.

President Obama ignited a controversy when he took a loaded question from Chicago Sun-Times reporter Lynn Sweet during his recent press conference about health care reform. She asked the president about the arrest of Harvard University professor Henry Louis Gates. After stating that Gates is a friend, Obama went on about the case without knowledge of all facts, saying the police officers involved "acted stupidly." This is outlandish behavior for a president. We actually have the chief executive officer of the United States calling a policeman stupid. What a way to demoralize all law enforcement. (Let us not also forget that Speaker Pelosi claims the CIA lied to Congress.) I agree with Bill Cosby. It is the kind of question to which a president should reply: "That's a local police matter." "When life begins" is above Obama's pay grade, but this police situation is right up his alley? Please!

Still a threat

posted: 08/06/2009 6:25 a.m.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that, from mid-April through late July, 5,011 Americans had been hospitalized and 302 Americans had died because of swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus. That sounds like a lot until you consider that seasonal flu is responsible for 36,000 deaths per year.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/06/2009 6:24 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Washington County for August 6, 2009.

Modern West Fork campus developed from 'Shed' schools

posted: 08/06/2009 6:21 a.m.

Over the years, education in the West Fork School District has evolved from schools named "Shed" to a public school campus in the city that houses three buildings and more than 1,200 students. New West Fork teachers got a local history lesson about the rural area's humble beginnings Wednesday as part of their orientation activities.

Again, release and murder

posted: 08/06/2009 6:20 a.m.

A teenager arrested this week in a Florida murder was released from an Arkansas youth lockup less than two years after police said he shot a Blytheville store clerk in the face.

War Eagle Bridge renovations could begin during October

posted: 08/06/2009 6:19 a.m.

Renovations to the historic War Eagle Bridge could start shortly after this year's arts-and-crafts festivals in October.

Van Buren man gets 10 years for burglary, theft

posted: 08/06/2009 6:18 a.m.

A Van Buren man will serve a 10-year prison sentence after admitting to breaking into a Fayetteville home and stealing property while the homeowners were on vacation.

Johnson: Time was right

posted: 08/06/2009 6:17 a.m.

The timing was right. That was Dick Johnson's short answer Wednesday on his reasoning for tendering his resignation as Fayetteville Public Schools' athletics director and assistant superintendent on July 30.

FAYETTEVILLE GOLF Rogers wins first event of season

posted: 08/06/2009 6:16 a.m.

Two-time reigning 7A-West Conference champion Rogers posted four sub-80 rounds Wednesday to win the Springdale High Bulldog Invitational at Springdale Country Club.

Bulldog defensive front transformed

posted: 08/06/2009 6:15 a.m.

A flimsy front wall provided little resistance last year as Fayetteville allowed more than 31 points per game and finished in a tie for fifth in the 7A-West Conference, a league dominated in recent years by teams that consistently captured the line of scrimmage.

War Eagle on the mend

posted: 08/06/2009 6:04 a.m.

Renovations to the historic War Eagle Bridge could start shortly after this year's arts-and-crafts festivals in October. The bridge is a key attraction during the arts-and-crafts weekend.

Road to success : Harley-Davidson marketing guru will headline the beefed-up NWA Business Conference and Expo today

posted: 08/06/2009 6:02 a.m.

These are tough economic times. The toughest many of us have ever lived through. Companies everywhere are looking for answers - strategies - ways to not only succeed, but thrive.

Reading-ready in Gravette

posted: 08/06/2009 6:01 a.m.

Bryce Romine enjoyed preparing a variety of foods the last two weeks during a program sponsored by the Gravette School District. He especially enjoyed eating the food, he said.

Heavy state-line traffic could start taking its toll

posted: 08/06/2009 6 a.m.

Building the 15-mile Bella Vista bypass as a toll road is better than doing nothing. That was one idea presented at a hearing held by the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department on Wednesday at Riordan Hall.

Local school affected by swine flu

posted: 08/06/2009 5:59 a.m.

A child in the Adventure Club program at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Bentonville has a confirmed case of the H1N1 virus, more commonly known as swine flu.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/06/2009 5:57 a.m.

Obituaries for August 6, 2009.

POLICE REPORTS

posted: 08/06/2009 5:55 a.m.

Police reports for August 6, 2009.

Cell-phone laws gaining support

posted: 08/06/2009 5:53 a.m.

State Sen. Kim Hendren, R-Gravette, has more than eight years' experience pushing for cellphone regulations, and his efforts and those of others appear to be paying off.

What is the matrix? : Benton County Planning Board using a working matrix to gauge project scales and variable data

posted: 08/06/2009 5:52 a.m.

In an attempt to streamline the county's planning projects, the Benton County Planning Board unveiled a working matrix of how to determine which proposed building projects are to be considered largescale developments.

Arkansas Football: Timetable for success

posted: 08/06/2009 5:52 a.m.

Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino won't be bucking any trends if the Razorbacks show marked progress in his second season.

Small-town player thinking big at UA

posted: 08/06/2009 5:51 a.m.

There was a small problem on Ross Rasner's road to the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Skoch: Too many 'walked away' from Constitution

posted: 08/06/2009 5:51 a.m.

Retired Brig. Gen. Bernard Skoch is running for Congress from northwest Arkansas, in large part, to help reverse what he sees as a disturbing trend - a lack of respect for the U.S. Constitution, he said.

Hunter-education class offered

posted: 08/06/2009 5:50 a.m.

On Aug. 15, the Benton County Chapter of Quail Unlimited will host its annual hunter-education course. The 10-hour class with start at 8 a.m.

UA TRACK: Bucknam adds familiar face to staff

posted: 08/06/2009 5:50 a.m.

As anticipated since he fired longtime Arkansas field events coach Dick Booth last month, second-year Arkansas men's head track coach Chris Bucknam hired another of his former Northern Iowa coaches to complete his Razorbacks staff.

Back to School Bash on Saturday

posted: 08/06/2009 5:49 a.m.

The First Baptist Church in Rogers will host a Back to School Bash from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.

POA collecting school supplies

posted: 08/06/2009 5:48 a.m.

The Bella Vista Property Owners Association is helping The Weekly Vista newspaper collect supplies for students of Cooper Elementary School, a POA news release states.

OUR VIEW : Lotto fever

posted: 08/06/2009 5:47 a.m.

Nearly 63 percent of voters agreed last November to authorize the state of Arkansas to set up a lottery to raise money for college scholarships. Less than five months later, the Legislature obliged by passing the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Act, which was approved unanimously by both the House and the Senate before Gov. Mike Beebe signed it.

LETTERS

posted: 08/06/2009 5:46 a.m.

Letters to the editor for August 6, 2009.

Panthers primed for first day in pads

posted: 08/06/2009 5:41 a.m.

Everything first-year head football coach Bryan Ross and his Siloam Springs Panthers have done this week has pointed to today.

Magic 13 needed in Decatur

posted: 08/06/2009 5:39 a.m.

When to pull the plug? That's the question when it comes to Decatur football.

Swim clubs place in top five at long course meet

posted: 08/06/2009 5:37 a.m.

The Razorback Aquatic Club and Northwest Arkansas Aquatic Club finished second and fourth, respectively, at last weekend's Arkansas Swimming, Inc., Long Course Age Group Championships in Little Rock.

Mounties impressive in first tourney of season

posted: 08/06/2009 5:35 a.m.

Two-time reigning 7A-West Conference champion Rogers posted four sub-80 rounds Wednesday to win the Springdale High Bulldog Invitational at Springdale Country Club.

Hogs kick off practices today

posted: 08/06/2009 5:34 a.m.

The University of Arkansas' 105 Razorbacks set to begin football practice today were scheduled to report for Wednesday's team meal and first official meeting of the preseason at the Broyles Center.

Babe Ruth 15s regional starts today

posted: 08/06/2009 5:33 a.m.

Siloam Springs is the host team and plays tonight in the first round of the 15-yearold Babe Ruth Southwest Regional Tournament at the James Butts Complex.

Fun in the sun : This month's First Friday celebration in downtown Bentonville is aimed at beating the Dog Days of Summer.

posted: 08/06/2009 5:32 a.m.

Humid, mid-90-degree days are scorching northwest Arkansas, but Downtown Bentonville Inc., the brains behind the community's monthly First Friday celebrations, is offering a solution. With everything from water-balloon tosses to doggie splash pools on the docket, this month's First Friday festivities, appropriately themed Dog Days of Summer, are scheduled for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday on the downtown Bentonville Square.

Hawg Express preps for football

posted: 08/06/2009 5:31 a.m.

The Hawg Express is gearing up for its second season of transporting Arkansas Razorback fans from Bella Vista to Fayetteville for five home football games.

SpikeQuest starts in Rogers

posted: 08/06/2009 5:30 a.m.

SpikeQuest, an annual hunt for a special railroad spike in Rogers, has started. The Frisco Festival event kicked off Wednesday with the first clue released at First Western Bank branches in Benton County. The clue was posted to the festival Web site at midnight after its release at the bank, according to a festival spokesperson.

OTHER OPINIONS : Sex with prisoners

posted: 08/06/2009 5:26 a.m.

Dostoyevsky said, "A society should be judged not by how it treats its outstanding citizens but by how it treats its criminals." If so, we've got a lot to answer for.

TEXAS LEAGUE: Naturals discover old form

posted: 08/06/2009 5 a.m.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals weren't ready to relinquish their grip on first place that easily.

109TH U.S. WOMEN'S AMATEUR UALR's Fraiche falters after 25 holes

posted: 08/06/2009 4:59 a.m.

UALR's Mallory Fraiche came up just short in the match of the day at the 109th U.S. Women's Amateur on Wednesday.

High school football report

posted: 08/06/2009 4:58 a.m.

Senior quarterback Andy Couture and a deep corps of receivers give Rogers hope of improving on last season's 3-7 record.

NFL TRAINING CAMP ROUNDUP: Romo, Williams starting to click together for Cowboys

posted: 08/06/2009 4:58 a.m.

Tony Romo and Roy Williams are starting to get their timing down.

SEC Report

posted: 08/06/2009 4:57 a.m.

"Eight wins is unacceptable," Miles said at the team's indoor practice field, where banners marking the program's accomplishments line the walls. "We want to play for championships. LSU failed to post a winning record LSU Miles pledges improvement

LIKE IT IS: Get ready for a real taste of Petrino's system

posted: 08/06/2009 4:57 a.m.

When the Arkansas Razorbacks players and coaches meet today, it will be the beginning of a new era.

Oil supply rises; still, a barrel is near $72

posted: 08/06/2009 4:56 a.m.

Oil prices continued to rise Wednesday despite growing crude supplies and more signs of weakness in major sectors such as retail and transportation.

Barber files for clearing of debts

posted: 08/06/2009 4:56 a.m.

Former Springdale-based developer Brandon Barber filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation Friday, claiming no assets to offset debts estimated at more than $63 million.

Giants lock up their resilient QB

posted: 08/06/2009 4:55 a.m.

The Giants don't think being the highest paid player in the NFL will change Eli Manning.

GOP puts brakes on 'clunkers' in Senate

posted: 08/06/2009 4:55 a.m.

A proposal to inject $2 billion into the "cash for clunkers" program was delayed in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday by negotiations over whether to allow changes to the measure the House approved last week.

2 more GOP senators get behind Sotomayor

posted: 08/06/2009 4:55 a.m.

Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor picked up more GOP support Wednesday in her drive toward Senate confirmation this week as the first Hispanic justice, even as a growing chorus of Republicans called her unfit for the bench.

Ire of gym gunman targeted at women

posted: 08/06/2009 4:54 a.m.

A man who sprayed bullets into a fitness class filled with women he didn't know, killing three and then himself, kept a Web page in which he wrote about years of rejection by women and left behind notes describing his inability to get a girlfriend, police said Wednesday.

Lottery officials pick firm to sell scratch-off tickets

posted: 08/06/2009 4:54 a.m.

The Arkansas Lottery Commission voted Wednesday to award a scratch-off ticket contract to Scientific Games International of Alpharetta, Ga.

Appeals court reinstates national forest road ban

posted: 08/06/2009 4:53 a.m.

A federal appeals court Wednesday blocked road construction in more than 50 million acres of national forests.

County drawer pried open; $20,000 gone

posted: 08/06/2009 4:52 a.m.

About $20,000 in cash vanished from a pried-open drawer in the desk of a Pulaski County purchasing-office supervisor some time between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, county officials and Little Rock police said.

Off the wire

posted: 08/06/2009 4:52 a.m.

BASEBALL Todd excited to join Indians Former University of Arkansas pitcher Jess Todd is over the shock of being traded and eager to be part of the Cleveland Indians' bullpen.

COMMENTARY Accept no imitations when it comes to NFL

posted: 08/06/2009 4:52 a.m.

It's easier to find out-of-work supermodels than athletes good enough for the NFL, which is the short answer why the Lingerie Football League will survive for another day and the Arena Football League won't.

Postal Service posts $2.4 billion in losses

posted: 08/06/2009 4:51 a.m.

The Postal Service lost $2.4 billion from April through June, officials said Wednesday, raising the year's losses so far to $4.7 billion.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/06/2009 4:50 a.m.

Equine wine created for vintage filly Thoroughbred racing fans will soon be able to do more than toast Rachel Alexandra in the winner's circle. The super filly is about to get her own line of wines.

Study: Cement acts as placebo for bone repair

posted: 08/06/2009 4:50 a.m.

A common treatment that uses medical cement to fix cracks in spinal bones worked no better than a sham treatment, the first rigorous studies of the popular procedure reveal.

Ross, Snyder take heat over health care

posted: 08/06/2009 4:49 a.m.

A Little Rock crowd heckled and shouted at two Arkansas Democratic congressmen Wednesday, accusing them of supporting a government-backed health plan that would take away Americans' personal choice and freedom.

NATO soldiers will stay, new leader tells Afghans

posted: 08/06/2009 4:49 a.m.

NATO's new secretary-general pledged Wednesday that the alliance would remain in Afghanistan despite flagging support in many nations from voters anxious over rising deaths among civilians and Western forces.

Cockfighting ads target of proposal

posted: 08/06/2009 4:49 a.m.

The United States Postal Service has proposed changing its rules to ban advertisements for cockfights from being sent through the mail.

Man faces charge in killing of small pony

posted: 08/06/2009 4:49 a.m.

Authorities arrested a Drew County man Wednesday morning and accused him of beating a small pony to death with a wooden baseball bat in a wooded area southeast of Monticello.

Russian calls sub patrols near East Coast routine

posted: 08/06/2009 4:48 a.m.

A senior Russian general on Wednesday brushed off American concerns about two Russian submarines spotted off the East Coast of the United States, saying the patrols were routine and suggesting that the U.S. Navy carries out similar missions near Russia.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/06/2009 4:47 a.m.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

Kenya deserves progress, Clinton tells African leaders

posted: 08/06/2009 4:47 a.m.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton criticized Kenya on Wednesday for rampant graft and corruption as she made the case that business and trade across Africa cannot grow without good governance and solid democracy.

Zelaya opponent loses steam in attempt to take presidency

posted: 08/06/2009 4:46 a.m.

A leading candidate for Honduras' presidency on Wednesday distanced himself from the overthrow of Manuel Zelaya and said sending him abroad was a mistake, while clashes broke out between police and supporters of the ousted president.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/06/2009 4:46 a.m.

Delaware Tribe regains recognition BARTLESVILLE, Okla. - The chief of the Bartlesvillebased Delaware Tribe said the tribe has regained federal recognition.

NORTHWEST TERRITORY Strong flow keeps trout anglers idle

posted: 08/06/2009 4:44 a.m.

Good news for bass fishermen on Beaver Lake doesn't help trout anglers trying to wade or fish from the banks of its tailwaters below.

OUTDOOR BRIEFS

posted: 08/06/2009 4:43 a.m.

Hunting festival to be Saturday The second annual Big Game Harvest Fest will be Saturday at the Benton County Fairgrounds near Vaughn.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/06/2009 4:42 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "We had enough people showing interest that we had to do something." Michael Langley, director of the state Alcoholic Beverage Control, on opening the application process of a liquor permit in Washington County

Gem of the Ouachitas

posted: 08/06/2009 4:41 a.m.

Eavesdropping may not be particularly polite, but there's no avoiding overhearing spontaneous exclamations of delight at DeGray Lake Resort State Park.

Service-sector index dips in July

posted: 08/06/2009 4:41 a.m.

Shrinking business activity, fewer new orders and lower employment sapped some modest momentum from the U.S. services sector in July, although economists said the setback likely was a blip and not the start of a troubling trend.

Stimulus funds to help disabled Arkansans

posted: 08/06/2009 4:41 a.m.

People with physical disabilities will be eligible for help getting around, courtesy of federal stimulus dollars, state officials said Wednesday.

McDaniel: Pension chairman may vote to fire money firm

posted: 08/06/2009 4:40 a.m.

The chairman of the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System's board of trustees was eligible to vote on a resolution to fire one of the system's investment managers in May, state Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said Wednesday.

Texas 'crazy' ants seizing hives as beekeepers cry emergency

posted: 08/06/2009 4:39 a.m.

A species of ant that has ruined sewage pumps, fouled computers and made it difficult for homeowners to enjoy their yards has a new target: the honeybee.

Six jailed in McNeil after dead man found

posted: 08/06/2009 4:39 a.m.

A group of men who authorities say have been terrorizing the town of McNeil in gang-related violence appeared before a judge Monday to face charges.

GM board orders faster rollout for some new vehicles

posted: 08/06/2009 4:37 a.m.

At its first meeting, the board overseeing the new General Motors Co. ordered management to bring some new vehicles to market faster, a sign that the new 13-member board will play a far larger role than the old one.

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/06/2009 4:35 a.m.

Quarterly earnings dip for CenterPoint Energy CenterPoint Energy Inc. reported a 14 percent decrease in second-quarter earnings Wednesday, citing a weak economy and changing energy markets.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/06/2009 4:34 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "We've studied this thing about every way you can study it. It can be real tricky. If the gas mileage is one mile per gallon off, it can kick it out." Steve Landers, owner of Landers Toyota Scion of Little Rock, on meeting the government standards of the "Cash for Clunkers" program.

MARKET REPORT Job-loss worries curtail stock rally

posted: 08/06/2009 4:33 a.m.

Stocks slipped Wednesday as investors shied from making big moves ahead of the government's monthly reading on job losses and the unemployment rate, which comes out before the start of trading on Friday.

Defensive lineman won't return to Hogs

posted: 08/06/2009 4:33 a.m.

Arkansas' football players officially reported to campus Wednesday for the start of practice today. Most of the Razorbacks have been on campus this summer, working out and taking classes.

Earnings report

posted: 08/06/2009 4:33 a.m.

Companies reporting quarterly earnings on Wednesday included: Procter & Gamble Co., a profit of $2.5 billion, or 80 cents a share, down from a profit of $3 billion, or 92 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue fell 11 percent, to $18.7 billion. Shares fell $1.55 to close at $53.91.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Mets' injury woes continue, even in shutout victory

posted: 08/06/2009 4:32 a.m.

Jonathon Niese wound up doing the splits while trying to cover first base, went to the mound to throw a practice pitch and collapsed in pain from his hamstring. Another game, another injury for the New York Mets.

State briefs

posted: 08/06/2009 4:31 a.m.

TRACK AND FIELD Arkansas adds men's track assistant Travis Geopfert has resigned as Northern Iowa's head track and field coach to become an Arkansas assistant. He will reunite with Razorbacks Coach Chris Bucknam, for whom Geopfert competed, worked as an assistant and succeeded as Northern Iowa's coach last year.

DEAD SOLID PERFECT Can Molder win at Reno-Tahoe? You bet he can

posted: 08/06/2009 4:28 a.m.

Don't count out Conway's Bryce Molder this week.

Louisiana's Jefferson found guilty

posted: 08/06/2009 4:27 a.m.

Former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson, DLa., was convicted of corruption charges Wednesday in a case that featured $90,000 in bribe money stashed in his freezer and a legal battle over the raid of his Washington office that reached the highest levels of the U.S. government.

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/06/2009 4:21 a.m.

Happy birthday. You have given your attention so generously to fulfill the needs of others. Here's wonderful news: This is your year to tend to the wishes and needs of your own heart. You'll take up an interest that you abandoned long ago and have immediate success. Fall brings abundant love and fun. January brings a windfall. Gemini and Aquarius adore you.

THE TV COLUMN: Dirty Sexy Money: Not filthy, arousing or rich enough?

posted: 08/06/2009 4:19 a.m.

I received an e-mail the other day chastising me for not appropriately lamenting the recent passing of NBC's Kings.

TELL ME ABOUT IT: From the victim to victimizer

posted: 08/06/2009 4:18 a.m.

DEAR CAROLYN: My ex from two years ago and I didn't speak at all after the breakup, but since the beginning of this summer, we have been talking online for hours every day. It is totally innocent and will never turn into anything romantic ever again.

ON CHRISTIANITY

posted: 08/06/2009 4:17 a.m.

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: My husband and I gave some money to a Christian orphanage in another country that sent us a very heartbreaking appeal in the mail.

HELPFUL HINTS

posted: 08/06/2009 4:16 a.m.

DEAR READERS: Recently, I went back to my alma mater, Texas State University (called Southwest Texas State University when I went there in 1969), in San Marcos, Texas.

Check your knowledge

posted: 08/06/2009 4:16 a.m.

1. W. Averell Harriman, a Democrat and presidential aspirant, was governor of what state during the 1950s? 2. In the motion picture business, what does MGM stands for? 3. Name the capital of Florida.

Getting it straight

posted: 08/06/2009 3:56 a.m.

The Democrat-Gazette wants its news reports to be fair and accurate.

Federal insurance in bill would allow abortion coverage

posted: 08/06/2009 3:46 a.m.

Healthcare legislation before Congress would allow a new government-sponsored insurance plan to cover abortions, a decision that would affect millions of women and recast federal policy on the divisive issue.

Names and faces

posted: 08/06/2009 3:43 a.m.

American Idol judge Paula Abdul is quitting the most-watched U.S. television show, the singer, dancer and choreographer said. "With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to IDOL," Abdul, 47, wrote in a post to her Twitter.com social-networking profile.

In the news

posted: 08/06/2009 3:43 a.m.

Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida said in Washington that the key to finding the remains of Navy Capt. Michael "Scott" Speicher, who was missing since his jet went down on the first night of the 1991 Persian Gulf War, turned out to be an Iraqi nomad who as a child witnessed the pilot's desert burial.

The world in brief

posted: 08/06/2009 3:42 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "We must play a key role in the management of the world.We will not remain silent.We will not tolerate disrespect, interference and insults." Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was sworn in to a second presidential term in Iran

The nation in brief

posted: 08/06/2009 3:42 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "If Marion Barry can be convicted of smoking crack cocaine on video and come back, then I think Bill Jefferson can have a second chance." The Rev. Aubrey Wallace, a supporter of former Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., after the lawmaker's conviction on corruption charges

Obituaries

posted: 08/06/2009 3:27 a.m.

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

Other days

posted: 08/06/2009 3:05 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO Aug. 6, 1909 A writ of prohibition stopping Chancellor Martineau from checking or hindering further work on the new capitol building was issued yesterday morning by the three members of the Supreme Court who for the past several days have had before them a petition for the writ from the governor and the State Capitol Commission.

EDITORIALS Welcome home

posted: 08/06/2009 3:04 a.m.

WELCOME home, y'all.

COLUMNISTS Care versus control

posted: 08/06/2009 3:03 a.m.

As someone who was once rushed to a hospital in the middle of the night because of taking a medication that millions of people take every day without the slightest problem, I have a special horror of life-and-death medical decisions being made by bureaucrats in Washington for patients they have never laid eyes on.

On race, Harvard still must learn

posted: 08/06/2009 3:02 a.m.

President Barack Obama's White House beer with Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Cambridge, Mass., police Sgt. James Crowley was good for garnering headlines.

LETTERS

posted: 08/06/2009 3:01 a.m.

Scrap U.S. space program In India, the sacred cows roam the marketplaces devouring badly needed produce and no one dares stop them. We have our own sacred cow-the space exploration program.

Squabble proves costly

posted: 08/06/2009 2:59 a.m.

Only in America: Now that the dust and feathers have settled from the nation's latest interracial pecking party, Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s daughter reveals that she thinks the wicked racist cop Sgt. James Crowley is, like, really hot.

Wednesday, August 5

BREAKING NEWS: Johnson says time was right for resignation

posted: 08/05/2009 5:22 p.m.

Dick Johnson said Wednesday simply that the timing was right for him to tender his resignation as Fayetteville Public Schools' athletics director and assistant superintendent on July 30. Fayetteville Public Schools announced Johnson's resignation Monday after recently hired Fayetteville Superintendent Vicki Thomas met with several FHS coaches and staff members to inform them of the situation. Johnson's resignation is effective Sept. 30. Johnson, who spoke to the Times in an exclusive interview Wednesday, said emotions kept him from talking about his decision earlier. But he said he was interested in talking about it some because "in the last couple of days, I've heard so many rumors about myself, you can't believe." "With the new responsibilities that I took on as an assistant superintendent, I became more and more uncomfortable over the last year. You could see that if you were at any of the school board meetings. In some of the duties, I was out of my level. "I thought this was the time to do this [resign]. Running a school is becoming more and more complicated each day. It's in the best interest of the school system to have the very best persons on the job that we can."

Georgia firm picked for instant tickets in lottery

updated: 08/05/2009 3:13 p.m.

The Arkansas Lottery Commission has picked a Georgia company to supply it with instant tickets.

Searching for gold : Question marks highlight Pirates' preseason camp

posted: 08/05/2009 8:18 a.m.

Uncertainty pervaded the Pirate camp as Greenland opened preseason drills Monday searching for answers.

Revised cancer center plan approved Tuesday

posted: 08/05/2009 8:17 a.m.

A new site design for the proposed Benton County Cancer Center didn't phase the Planning Commission, which spent more time during Tuesday's meeting discussing things outside of the building before unanimously approving the new large-scale-development plan.

Judge Bisbee to the rescue

posted: 08/05/2009 8:17 a.m.

Sunday was just another day on Beaver Lake for Benton County Judge Dave Bisbee, who was visiting with friends at Prairie Creek, until a loud crash pierced the conversation.

Condo buyer sues over switch to apartments

posted: 08/05/2009 8:14 a.m.

A Fayetteville woman who bought a condominium in the Reserve at Steele Crossing filed a lawsuit Monday following the development's conversion to mostly rental units.

Council rejects mayor's offer to settle lawsuit

posted: 08/05/2009 8:12 a.m.

Tontitown aldermen have turned down Mayor Joe Edgmon's offer to settle his lawsuit against the city and the council members.

GREENWOOD: City Council settles on new water source

posted: 08/05/2009 7:47 a.m.

With the passage of a resolution Monday, the Greenwood City Council signaled to a neighboring water district it is ready to sign a contract for a long-term source of water, the city's mayor said.

CAVE SPRINGS: Ticket-writing chief ends driving course

posted: 08/05/2009 7:46 a.m.

The Cave Springs police chief saw nothing wrong with being the instructor for the town's courtassigned, defensive driving class, but he has quit teaching the class nonetheless.

Poultry lawsuit still sound, Edmondson spokesman says

posted: 08/05/2009 7:44 a.m.

Setbacks for Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson in his federal lawsuit against poultry companies operating in Arkansas have done nothing to restart long-stalled settlement negotiations.

Median business : City Council gives OK to Garland Avenue proposal

posted: 08/05/2009 7:34 a.m.

The Fayetteville City Council on Tuesday authorized Mayor Lioneld Jordan to deliver a conceptual plan to the state highway department for widening Garland Avenue to an 83-foot-wide "cross section." The cross section includes a 9-footwide median, two lanes for vehicle travel on each side, bike lanes, 3 feet of greenspace and then sidewalks on both sides.

A fresh squeeze : Grape fest makes change in carnival company

posted: 08/05/2009 7:33 a.m.

Cotton candy, corn dogs and funnel cakes, thrown in with Ferris wheels, ring tosses and the sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd blaring in the background of a Tilt-A-Whirl ride.

City hires Smith as director of communications

posted: 08/05/2009 7:32 a.m.

The city of Fayetteville's new communications director is an attorney and state representative who's been teaching communication on a collegiate level for 20 years.

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/05/2009 7:28 a.m.

Events for Washington County for August 5, 2009.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/05/2009 7:26 a.m.

Obituaries & Death Notices for August 5, 2009.

Locals aim at curbing prescription drug abuse

posted: 08/05/2009 7:22 a.m.

Joel Cunningham, Decision Point medical services director, classified prescription drug abuse as a local epidemic on Tuesday.

Man says woman threatened him with knife

posted: 08/05/2009 7:20 a.m.

A Fayetteville woman was taken into police custody Monday for allegedly threatening a man with a knife.

Times Editorial : Where to go

posted: 08/05/2009 7:18 a.m.

Aparticularly interesting statistic ran in our newspaper recently. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 56 percent of the homeless people in this country live in rural areas.

TABLE FOR ONE Then and now

posted: 08/05/2009 7:17 a.m.

At the Fayetteville Square, circa 1909: "Otis, this town has got to build a new schoolhouse for the kids. That little one-room log cabin is 50 years old and beginning to show signs of rot around the foundation. It ain't got but one chalkboard and it's all scratched up."

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/05/2009 7:11 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Washington County for August 5, 2009.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/05/2009 7:11 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Washington County for August 5, 2009.

Teachers hit by ID theft get tips from AG investigator

posted: 08/05/2009 7:07 a.m.

An investigator specializing in identity theft crimes met with Fayetteville School District employees Tuesday, offering advice to those whose identities had been stolen to open unauthorized cell phone accounts.

City begins renovation to South School Avenue

posted: 08/05/2009 7:06 a.m.

Fayetteville's Transportation Division will begin renovating South School Avenue from 15th Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard today.

FAYETTEVILLE HIGH GOLF : Lady Bulldogs open season with victory

posted: 08/05/2009 7:05 a.m.

A swelter approaching triple digits, a grinding pace of play and opening-match nerves conspired to inflate scores Tuesday during the Springdale High Bulldog Invitational at Springdale Country Club.

SEC PREVIEW : Meyer's philosophy shapes Mullen's first year at MSU

posted: 08/05/2009 7:01 a.m.

Editor's note: This is the sixth in a series previewing SEC teams Arkansas will play in 2009.

Hogs report to campus with national attention

posted: 08/05/2009 7 a.m.

Among the 105 Razorbacks reporting today for preseason football drills, the University of Arkansas now has three players on the preseason watch lists for a national award.

Slipping into place : Rezoning for ice rink/splash park approved by Bentonville planners

posted: 08/05/2009 6:57 a.m.

Plans for a city splash park and ice rink are set to move forward now that the city Planning Commission has voted unanimously to rezone the property where the future park will be located, at 214 N.E. A St., for commercial purposes.

Capital campaign, enrollment discussed

posted: 08/05/2009 6:53 a.m.

A new roof for the elementary-school building and four new classrooms for the middleschool building are needed soon, but the Benton County School of the Arts needs about half a million dollars to pay for those projects.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/05/2009 6:52 a.m.

Obituaries for Benton County for August 5, 2009.

Two developers file suit against bank

posted: 08/05/2009 6:47 a.m.

Two developers filed a lawsuit in Benton County Circuit Court on Monday against the Bank of the Ozarks in connection with a loan to finance the construction of a 27-lot commercial subdivision in Bentonville.

POLICE REPORTS

posted: 08/05/2009 6:46 a.m.

Police reports for Benton County for August 5, 2009.

Burglaries net 25-year sentence

posted: 08/05/2009 6:45 a.m.

A Fort Smith man was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Monday in connection with a string of residential burglaries in Rogers.

Springdale man sentenced to 20 years in prison

posted: 08/05/2009 6:44 a.m.

A Springdale man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Monday after admitting to raping and sexually assaulting a girl.

Ex-water manager pleads not guilty

posted: 08/05/2009 6:43 a.m.

The former manager of Benton County Water District 1 pleaded not guilty to stealing money from the district.

Election Commission welcomes new coordinator

posted: 08/05/2009 6:42 a.m.

Benton County election commissioners met Monday to continuing preparations for school-board elections.

Sales-tax revenues dismal

posted: 08/05/2009 6:41 a.m.

Benton County's salestax revenues for May are in, and for the fifth consecutive month now, the story is not good.

OTHER OPINIONS : Take a stand

posted: 08/05/2009 6:40 a.m.

Politics, indeed, is most often the art of compromise.

Pica Pole Head on out to Hobbs

posted: 08/05/2009 6:38 a.m.

If you have not been to the Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area's visitors center, you need to go.

Bulldogs have five, just barely alive

posted: 08/05/2009 6:37 a.m.

Everything's ready to go for football at Decatur's Bulldog Stadium.

AAA votes not to divide HS playoffs

posted: 08/05/2009 6:36 a.m.

Private schools in Arkansas won't have their own championship brackets but will have a transfer deadline.

Pea Ridge soaking up new system

posted: 08/05/2009 6:34 a.m.

The Pea Ridge Blackhawks are ahead of the curve.

Lions QB competition even for the moment

posted: 08/05/2009 6:33 a.m.

There are two candidates competing to be named the starting quarterback at Gravette and Bill Harrelson has plenty of confidence in both of them.

Lavy's 78 leads FHS to easy win

posted: 08/05/2009 6:31 a.m.

Olivia Lavy shot a 78 and led the Fayetteville Lady Bulldogs to the team title Tuesday in prep girls' golf action at Springdale Country Club.

Learning the dangers of medicine abuse

posted: 08/05/2009 6:30 a.m.

Drug-Free Rogers-Lowell launched its first educational push Tuesday to educate the public on the dangers of medicine abuse.

Bella Vista Village to celebrate international customs

posted: 08/05/2009 6:29 a.m.

Bella Vista Village's first International Fair will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Animal-shelter benefit this weekend

posted: 08/05/2009 6:28 a.m.

A benefit sale for the Lone Pine Ranch Animal Shelter will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Kim's Hair Finesse, 1133 N.W. J St. in Bentonville.

Storm-siren testing in Bentonville

posted: 08/05/2009 6:27 a.m.

Bentonville will test its storm-warning sirens at 1 p.m. Friday, weather permitting. During the test or an actual emergency, the sirens will sound twice.

Festival of Trees planning to start

posted: 08/05/2009 6:25 a.m.

The Festival of Trees Planning Committee will meet at 3 p.m.Sept. 17 at Riordan Hall in Bella Vista.

Benefit concert planned for Friday

posted: 08/05/2009 6:24 a.m.

The Beau Veevilz, a bluegum bubblegrass band, will be in concert Friday at the Pontiac Coffee House in Springdale.

Church to hold rummage sale

posted: 08/05/2009 6:23 a.m.

The First United Methodist Church Methodist Women will hold a rummage sale from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday at the church, 20 Boyce Drive in Bella Vista. All proceeds will go to support local charities.

Handweavers Guild to meet Saturday

posted: 08/05/2009 6:21 a.m.

The guild will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Arts Center of the Ozarks, 213 S. Main St. in Springdale.

State senator still working for school-bus safety

posted: 08/05/2009 6:20 a.m.

He will bring some school-bus-safety ideas to the next meeting of the powerful Legislative Council, state Sen. Kim Hendren, RGravette, said Tuesday.

Hunter-education class offered

posted: 08/05/2009 6:19 a.m.

On Aug. 15, the Benton County Chapter of Quail Unlimited will host its annual hunter-education course. The 10-hour class with start at 8 a.m. No preregistration is required, but sign-in will be at 7:30 a.m. The class, taught by hunter-education professionals, is open to anyone; however, it is recommended that students be at least 11 years old, since all training material is based on a fifth-grade understanding level. There is no charge for the class. Lunch and soft drinks will be provided.

Food pantry, Naturals team up

posted: 08/05/2009 6:18 a.m.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, at 1413 W. Poplar St. in Rogers, is teaming up with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals to strike out hunger.

Library fundraiser will be Sept. 19

posted: 08/05/2009 6:16 a.m.

The Bella Vista Library's fundraiser - a golf and tennis tournament with a silent auction - will be held Sept. 19. All proceeds will go to the library.

Local Dairy Queen to help CMN

posted: 08/05/2009 6:14 a.m.

For the fourth year in a row, the Bella Vista Dairy Queen will participate in a promotion to benefit the Children's Miracle Network.

Driver-safety class planned

posted: 08/05/2009 6:13 a.m.

A driver-safety class has been scheduled for Aug. 20 at First Western Bank, 575 Memorial Drive in Bella Vista. This will be a one-day, four-hour class from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Walk to Defeat ALS coming in September

posted: 08/05/2009 6:12 a.m.

The ALS Association of Northwest Arkansas will hold its annual Walk to Defeat ALS at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale on Sept. 26.

First Baptist prepares for annual clothing giveaway

posted: 08/05/2009 6:07 a.m.

All this week, the First Baptist Church in Bentonville will be busy with activity as church members prepare for Saturday's seventh annual clothing giveaway.

'Guys and Dolls' opens at Arend Arts Center

posted: 08/05/2009 6:05 a.m.

The Village Players will perform "Guys and Dolls" at the Arend Arts Center at Bentonville High School on Friday through Sunday.

LETTERS

posted: 08/05/2009 6:01 a.m.

Letters to the editor for August 5, 2009.

14 spans on state's stimulus funds list

posted: 08/05/2009 5:56 a.m.

At least 13 bridges on Arkansas roads will be replaced or significantly modified with the use of federal stimulus money, according to state highway data.

N. Korea frees U.S. journalists

posted: 08/05/2009 5:44 a.m.

Former President Bill Clinton took two freed U.S. journalists out of North Korea early today after rare talks with reclusive leader Kim Jong Il, who pardoned the women sentenced to hard labor for entering the country illegally.

AAA votes down split playoff plan

posted: 08/05/2009 5:39 a.m.

Public and private schools in Arkansas will continue to compete against each other for high school state championships for at least one more year.

Hog Futures: Darius Winston causing five-star fervor

posted: 08/05/2009 5:35 a.m.

The latest in a series profiling new additions to the Arkansas football team in 2009.

Firms' unemployment tax coming up short, state says

posted: 08/05/2009 5:33 a.m.

Increased state taxes on businesses, approved by the Legislature this year, won't be enough to repay $230 million in loans from the federal government to cover benefits to unemployed Arkansans, the state's top workforce official said Tuesday.

Consumer spending rose in June

posted: 08/05/2009 5:31 a.m.

Consumers opened their wallets and pocketbooks a bit more in June, increasing their spending for the second straight month while saving less, even as incomes fell.

Beat the BELL

posted: 08/05/2009 5:27 a.m.

Attention schoolchildren: The first day of school looms near and, as you probably already know, you may be asked that day to write an essay titled something like "What I Did on My Summer Vacation." If you're in short supply of adventures to write about (watching TV, playing video games, and updating your Facebook page don't qualify), never fear.

Top U.S. general in Iraq can't see an early pullout

posted: 08/05/2009 5:26 a.m.

The top U.S. general in Iraq said Tuesday that he disagrees with a colonel's memo urging an early troop withdrawal, although he said the security situation is better than expected since American forces turned over security in urban centers to the Iraqis more than a month ago.

Clinton to pressure Kenyans on reforms

posted: 08/05/2009 5:26 a.m.

On the first leg of a seven-nation tour of Africa, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will speak to Kenya's leadership about U.S. concerns for the country, the homeland of President Barack Obama's father, in the wake of corruption scandals and disputed 2007 elections that led to violence that left more than 1,000 dead.

Senate OKs $124 billion agriculture bill

posted: 08/05/2009 5:24 a.m.

WASHINGTON - The Senate on Tuesday passed a $124.3 billion agriculture spending bill that pays to add millions of people to the food-stamp rolls as rising numbers of the jobless are forced into the program.

Gunfire at gym near Pittsburgh kills 5

posted: 08/05/2009 5:23 a.m.

A gunman burst into an exercise class at a health club in suburban Pittsburgh on Tuesday night and started spraying bullets. A television station reported at least four people were dead, including the attacker, and a hospital reported another death later.

Layers of flavor

posted: 08/05/2009 5:21 a.m.

While leafing through old food magazines and recipes, inspiration struck.

83 Chinese charged in July's ethnic riots

posted: 08/05/2009 5:21 a.m.

Authorities have arrested 83 people on charges including murder and arson in last month's deadly rioting in the western region of Xinjiang, which saw Muslim Uighurs attack members of China's dominant Han ethnic group, state media reported Tuesday.

Protests urged for Ahmadinejad's inauguration

posted: 08/05/2009 5:20 a.m.

Opposition groups called for protesters to prepare for a new round of street demonstrations today to coincide with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's inauguration ceremony before the Iranian parliament.

Taliban brag after rockets hit Kabul Candidate Karzai makes rare campaign stop in Pashtun east

posted: 08/05/2009 5:19 a.m.

Taliban militants unleashed a wave of rockets at Kabul's international airport and government buildings Tuesday, less than three weeks before presidential elections.

LR schools challenging probation recommendations

posted: 08/05/2009 5:06 a.m.

The Little Rock School District is challenging a recommendation by state officials that Hall and J.A. Fair high schools be placed on probation for failing to teach a physics course last year as required by school accreditation standards.

'02 tap remains hitch in budget

posted: 08/05/2009 5 a.m.

State health officials told legislators Tuesday that it's difficult to budget for tobacco prevention and cessation programs partly because of a plan that Gov. Mike Beebe engineered when in the Legislature seven years ago.

Pending home sales up 3.6%

posted: 08/05/2009 4:56 a.m.

The number of contracts to buy previously owned homes in the U.S. rose in June for a fifth straight month and exceeded economists' forecasts, as lower prices and mortgage rates attracted buyers, the National Association of Realtors said Tuesday in Washington.

State park to be first by the Mississippi

posted: 08/05/2009 4:56 a.m.

The state has begun work on its first-ever state park along the Mississippi River, more than 40 years after Gov. Orval Faubus signed legislation to evaluate the feasibility of a state park near the nation's second longest river.

Senators promise car-cash decision

posted: 08/05/2009 4:56 a.m.

The Senate will vote to extend the popular "cash-forclunkers" program before going home Friday, Majority Leader Harry Reid declared Tuesday in a signal the government won't let the trade-in rebates die under the surging demand that has almost exhausted federal backing.

Men who knit can take the needling

posted: 08/05/2009 4:55 a.m.

Fathers are used to daughters baking cakes or knitting them scarves or socks on holidays like Father's Day.

RadioShack aims to rebrand itself 'The Shack,' focus on wireless products

posted: 08/05/2009 4:55 a.m.

RadioShack is trying to turn up the volume on its image by turning off the "Radio" and calling itself "The Shack." Not to be confused with the Shaq who's famous in basketball circles, The Shack apparently is a nickname that employees, customers and investors have used for RadioShack.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/05/2009 4:53 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

State general revenue fails to meet forecast

posted: 08/05/2009 4:52 a.m.

State general revenue in July dropped $16.4 million compared with July last year, totaling $406.3 million, which was $5.8 million below the state's forecast.

Getting it straight

posted: 08/05/2009 4:52 a.m.

The Democrat-Gazette wants its news reports to be fair and accurate.

Pair from Arkansas suspects in Florida

posted: 08/05/2009 4:52 a.m.

Authorities suspect two teenage brothers from Arkansas in the brutal slaying of a southwest Florida man whose dismembered and charred remains were found stuffed in garbage bags near the Sarasota airport.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/05/2009 4:51 a.m.

Two days after a woman was killed at a deer camp and her husband was found alive but with a bullet in his head, authorities still were trying to determine a motive for the bloodshed.

Smoke and fire

posted: 08/05/2009 4:50 a.m.

THE SMOKE wafting from the hills around Benton County could be coming from the slow burn that hundreds of volunteer firemen are doing over their differences with the county judge and the restrictions he's put on their county fire association.

Williamses focusing on field, not court

posted: 08/05/2009 4:46 a.m.

If the waiting is the hardest part, Kevin Williams and Pat Williams haven't shown it.

High school football report

posted: 08/05/2009 4:45 a.m.

Rogers Heritage senior Casey Wilber was a little hesitant when approached with the idea of shifting from his usual linebacker spot to defensive end.

PepsiCo to purchase top bottlers in deals totaling $7.8 billion

posted: 08/05/2009 4:45 a.m.

PepsiCo Inc. said Tuesday that it is buying its two top bottlers for $7.8 billion in a bid to save money and get new products to market more quickly.

SEC moves to prohibit stock flash orders

posted: 08/05/2009 4:43 a.m.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is moving toward banning a trading practice that gives some brokerages a split-second advantage in buying or selling stocks.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/05/2009 4:43 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "It's ridiculous. I'm tired of the bulls***." Rick Moore, Cave Springs police chief, on why he will no longer teach a defensive driving course

NEWS IN BRIEF

posted: 08/05/2009 4:42 a.m.

Kohler Co.'s stainless-steel sink plant in Searcy laid off 41 employees this week, the company said Tuesday.

Business news in brief

posted: 08/05/2009 4:41 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "The U.S. consumer will not be much of a help during the early stages of the economic recovery." Joshua Shapiro, chief U.S. economist at consulting firm MFR Inc., in a note to clients.

HEART & SOUL: Midlife is a time for renewal, not crisis

posted: 08/05/2009 4:41 a.m.

Who knew, at this age, that we'd be doing so much? Not me. When I graduated from college, I had this crazy notion that when my kids hit high school and started their college years, I'd be taking a break, I'd be easing up.

FORCES OF NURTURE: This 'just girls!' stage, may it last a long time

posted: 08/05/2009 4:40 a.m.

Sophie's at an age right now when everything is divided by sex.

Razorbacks report

posted: 08/05/2009 4:40 a.m.

Arkansas defensive line signee Robert Thomas will not report with the rest of the Razorbacks' incoming class today.

Earnings report

posted: 08/05/2009 4:39 a.m.

Companies reporting quarterly earnings Tuesday included: D.R. Horton Inc., the homebuilder, a loss of $142.3 million, or 45 cents a share, up from a loss of $399.3 million, or $1.26 a share, a year ago. Revenue fell 36 percent to $914.1 million. Shares rose 57 cents to close at $12.32.

MARKET REPORT: Small gains sustain stocks' rally

posted: 08/05/2009 4:39 a.m.

Investors made few big moves Tuesday after stocks rocketed 14 percent in just 16 days.

Field of six cut to two for lottery's ad contract

posted: 08/05/2009 4:37 a.m.

Four of the six bidders for the Arkansas Lottery Commission's advertising contract failed to meet the qualifications of the request for proposal, the commission's procurement director said Tuesday.

Other days

posted: 08/05/2009 4:37 a.m.

100 YEARS AGO August 5, 1909 The Supreme Court is expected to render a decision in the state capitol case today. The argument was finished at 11:30 yesterday morning and the court took the case under advisement.

Creature feature

posted: 08/05/2009 4:37 a.m.

I saw an advertisement for a dog called a "chorkie" in the paper. I've never heard of a chorkie. A friend mentioned that she thinks it is a designer dog. So, what is a designer dog? Really, it sounds like something Paris Hilton would own.

BOOKSHELF: Grahame's Willows rides second wind with reissues

posted: 08/05/2009 4:36 a.m.

The years between 1900 and the outbreak of World War I, it has often been remarked, were a golden age in Britain for the writing of children's books.

Going for the gold in games helps motivate older athletes

posted: 08/05/2009 4:35 a.m.

At 89, Harold Bach is preparing to do battle with the whippersnappers in the low end of his age group - the one that starts at 85.

HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY

posted: 08/05/2009 4:35 a.m.

Happy birthday. Seek wisdom and truth and your other aims will come together beautifully. A commitment to your health will help you make favorable changes in your appearance. There's a shift in your working life and you'll enjoy more freedom and creativity.You'll make a humungous sale in January. June brings a blissful retreat. Love signs are Virgo and Taurus.

Senate debates Sotomayor, all but confirmed for court

posted: 08/05/2009 4:34 a.m.

The Senate opened debate Tuesday on confirming Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic justice, with Republican opponents asserting she would bring bias to the bench and Democratic supporters saying she was a mainstream moderate.

COLUMNISTS Q. and A.

posted: 08/05/2009 4:34 a.m.

Dear Valued Correspondent, It is wholly a pleasure to answer your question about just where you can find a blog I mentioned in a recent column, YourFavoriteIdeology.com.

PARENTING: Restricting 12-year-old's romance is risky business

posted: 08/05/2009 4:34 a.m.

Q: Our 12-year-old son likes a girl in the neighborhood who is in his grade in school. His friend called the girl on his cell phone and dared our son to talk with her, so he did. We found out and told him it's OK to like a girl and have a pleasant conversation with her in a group situation like recess, but he is too young to call her at home or say she is his girlfriend. Do you agree?

EDITORIALS Let's make a deal

posted: 08/05/2009 4:32 a.m.

DEAR PIG-FACED, radical, Zionist crusader goat-faced sons of jackals, In the name of Allah, the beneficent, we send greetings and eventual death.

A spectacle in Teheran

posted: 08/05/2009 4:31 a.m.

Borrowing a page from Stalin's Russia, Iran's increasingly wobbly regime has embarked on a contemptible spectacle of show trials as a means of punishing opponents who dared question the disputed June 12 elections.

EX-ETIQUETTE

posted: 08/05/2009 4:30 a.m.

Q: My husband and I have been separated for nearly three years and have begun the divorce process. I have been dating someone for a little over a year who has become an incredible bonus adult in my daughter's life and has taken an active parenting role.

Names and faces

posted: 08/05/2009 4:29 a.m.

Filmmaker Steven Spielberg will be awarded Philadelphia's 2009 Liberty Medal for his artistic and humanitarian achievements. The National Constitution Center made the announcement Tuesday. Former President Bill Clinton will present the award, which comes with a $100,000 cash prize, to Spielberg on Oct.

In the news

posted: 08/05/2009 4:29 a.m.

Vice President Joe Biden said "without reservation" after meeting at the White House with members of the Obama administration's economic team that the $787 billion stimulus program is meeting its goals in revving up the ailing economy.

The nation in brief

posted: 08/05/2009 4:29 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I mean, this is not even an issue.

The world in brief

posted: 08/05/2009 4:28 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Our goal here given us by the president is a secure, stable, sovereign, self-reliant Iraq.We're not there yet." Gen. Ray Odierno, the top U.S. general in Iraq

ON CHRISTIANITY

posted: 08/05/2009 4:27 a.m.

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Does God care about animals? I'm 9 years old, and my dog is very important to me. But maybe Jesus doesn't want me to have so much fun with her. Thank you for answering my question. - B.K.

Family shopper

posted: 08/05/2009 4:26 a.m.

NO GRAINERS DOG BISCUITS, TREATS What are they? They're dog biscuits in a chicken-bacon flavor in three sizes. They also are offered as a semisoft treat in hickory-smoked pork, barbecued chicken and beef flavors.

LETTERS

posted: 08/05/2009 4:26 a.m.

Congress must share blame Syndicated columnist Paul Krugman has attempted to further the myth that Wall Street is to blame for our recession. He attacked Goldman Sachs in a recent column but ignored the role that Congress played. His column was a well-written piece of misdirection.

LIKE IT IS: Piling up points puts private schools in bad spot

posted: 08/05/2009 4:25 a.m.

Notice was served Tuesday: Private schools better get a grip on athletics or they are going to be playing in a private league.

Second thoughts

posted: 08/05/2009 4:24 a.m.

Brett Favre shouldn't be expecting to get any mail from Peyton Manning any time soon.

Off the wire

posted: 08/05/2009 4:23 a.m.

BASKETBALL Kobe vs. Shaq on Christmas The NBA is bringing Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal together again for Christmas - this time joined by LeBron James. Bryant and the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Dec. 25, one of the highlights of the 2009-2010 NBA schedule released Tuesday.

FRONT BURNER: Market's summer fare has willing participants

posted: 08/05/2009 4:22 a.m.

I hate to admit it, but I don't shop at local farmers markets nearly as often as I'd like (or as frequently as some people assume I do).

COMMENTARY: Hayes showed NFL true meaning of fast

posted: 08/05/2009 4:21 a.m.

Bob Hayes was already Bob Hayes when he introduced himself to Cliff Harris in 1970. Hayes had an Olympic gold medal and the title of "World's Fastest Man." Harris was merely an undrafted rookie from Ouachita Baptist - a long shot trying to make an impression. Harris figured if he could cover Bob Hayes, he could cover anyone. He was right.

IDEA ALLEY: Kat's request yields pie, pudding recipes

posted: 08/05/2009 4:21 a.m.

Recipes that appear in Idea Alley have not been tested by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

TIDBITS

posted: 08/05/2009 4:21 a.m.

CHILI COOK-OFF Arkansas Men's and Women's State Chili Cook-offs, 1 p.m. Saturday at VFW Post 9095, 1121 Gamble Road, Little Rock. Entry fee is $20. Proceeds will benefit Timber Ridge Youth Home. For more information, contact Bo Prewitt, (501) 771-1704.

TEXAS LEAGUE: Naturals do little right, lose again

posted: 08/05/2009 4:18 a.m.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals really would have been kicking themselves about missed opportunities had the Tulsa Drillers not blown open Tuesday's game and won comfortably, 11-3.

GADGETS & GIZMOS

posted: 08/05/2009 4:18 a.m.

These reusable, machine washable nylon produce bags from 3B Bags (Belief Beyond Bags) are ideal for trips to the farmers market.

NATIONAL LEAGUE: Pujols' grand slam in 10th inning ties NL record

posted: 08/05/2009 4:17 a.m.

St. Louis Manager Tony La Russa repeated the same thing over and over again during Albert Pujols' brief slump.

UNCORKED: Serving temperature can affect taste

posted: 08/05/2009 4:16 a.m.

The best serving temperature for wine is an ongoing discussion (some might say debate), but it's safe to say most red wines are served too warm and whites too cold.

State sports briefs

posted: 08/05/2009 4:16 a.m.

FOOTBALL UAM picked 4th, highest of state GSC schools None of the six Arkansas schools in the Gulf South Conference were picked by league coaches to finish any higher than fourth in the coming football season.

SUPERMARKET SLEUTH: Additional icy treats to beat August heat

posted: 08/05/2009 4:16 a.m.

Unilever Ice Cream is the parent company of several popular ice cream brands, including Breyers, Popsicle, Good Humor, Starbucks and Klondike, with products including tub ice cream, ice cream bars and treats on a stick.

Slim pickings

posted: 08/05/2009 4:15 a.m.

WHAT: Weight Watchers Smart Ones Artisan Creation Grilled Flatbreads and Pizza Minis STATS: Vary by flavor. Flatbreads have between 290 and 310 calories (6 points if following the Weight Watchers plan). Pizza Minis have between 270 and 280 calories (5 points). For more information, visit eatyourbest.com.

Infant mortality still too high

posted: 08/05/2009 4:14 a.m.

While surfing the 'Net one night in the never-ending search for kinfolks, I came across the census for an old cemetery in Sevier County.

Check your knowledge

posted: 08/05/2009 4:13 a.m.

1.Who wrote:"What is so rare as a day in June" ? 2. "Making Our Dreams Come True" was the theme of what situation comedy television show? 3. The deepest lake in the nation is in Oregon. Identify it?

HELPFUL HINTS

posted: 08/05/2009 4:12 a.m.

DEAR HELOISE: Can you address the safety of using food from dented cans? I was taught to never use them, but my friend does all the time and says as long as it isn't bulged, it's OK. Who is right?

Tuesday, August 4

Johnson resigns as athletic director, assistant superintendent

posted: 08/04/2009 12:29 p.m.

Fayetteville High lost an energetic and enthusiastic advocate last week when its director of athletics and assistant superintendent for facilities and student life tendered his resignation.

Meetings offer look at bypass funded by tolls

posted: 08/04/2009 7:34 a.m.

In March, state Rep. Jonathan Barnett, R-Siloam Springs, said success of Arkansas' application for an economic stimulus grant depended on Missouri also designating the Bella Vista bypass as the only project for which it was seeking a grant.

Police hone tactical, weapons skills

posted: 08/04/2009 7:33 a.m.

Officers approaching Bud Walton Hall kept blue plastic Glock 17 muzzles trained on their human targets.

Price tag of Capitol walkway in millions

posted: 08/04/2009 7:32 a.m.

An architect told lawmakers Monday it would cost up to $3.5 million to build a pedestrian tunnel-skybridge between the state Capitol and a building west of the Capitol.

Clinic places focus on genetic disorders

posted: 08/04/2009 7:32 a.m.

Arkansas' first genetics clinic for adults opens today in Little Rock with a focus on treating people with genetic disorders and their specific medical needs.

French ambassador urges global cooperation, support for U.N.

posted: 08/04/2009 7:31 a.m.

France's ambassador to the United States said in Little Rock on Monday that globalization has totally reshaped 21st century diplomacy.

Council appears headed toward water-rate hike

posted: 08/04/2009 7:15 a.m.

Although the City Council heard almost as little comment on the proposed water-rate increase during Monday's public hearing as it did during the July 28 council meeting, aldermen left with an apparent consensus that would fall short of the Rogers Water Utilities' request.

Jail fees on the rise

posted: 08/04/2009 7:14 a.m.

Earlier this year, the state Legislature voted to increase fines cities can receive for each citation issued by $15.

Ready for school : Backpack giveaway gets students excited about classes

posted: 08/04/2009 7:13 a.m.

With a line of people snaked around the building and 1,000 backpacks and piles of school supplies to hand out, the Samaritan Community Center opened its doors at 1 p.m. Monday for the center's annual backpack giveaway.

Just a reminder: Web site goes paid on Wednesday

posted: 08/04/2009 7:12 a.m.

The Web site for The Benton County Daily Record and its sister newspapers - www. nwanews.com - will undergo changes Wednesday that will require those with no subscription to the newspapers to pay a fee for online access.

OBITUARIES

posted: 08/04/2009 7:08 a.m.

Obituaries for August 4, 2009.

Bailiff resigns after second DWI arrest

posted: 08/04/2009 7:02 a.m.

Melissa Bates resigned her position as bailiff for Circuit Judge Xollie Duncan on Monday.

Lincoln orientation is Wednesday

posted: 08/04/2009 7:01 a.m.

On Wednesday, Lincoln Junior High School in Bentonville will host an orientation for incoming seventh-graders and new-to-Bentonville eighth-graders.

Pea Ridge Golf Classic is Aug. 22

posted: 08/04/2009 7 a.m.

The Pea Ridge Optimist Club will host its 16th annual Pea Ridge Classic at Big Sugar Golf Club on Aug. 22. The format will be a four-person scramble. The entry fee is $60 per person.

CORRECTION

posted: 08/04/2009 6:59 a.m.

The July 30 edition of The Benton County Daily Record contained an error. The film "Taking Woodstock" is the story of Elliot Tiber. In 1969, Tiber aided efforts to save Woodstock from cancellation, helping it relocate. The Benton County Daily Record apologizes for the error.

OUR VIEW : Still a threat

posted: 08/04/2009 6:58 a.m.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that, from mid-April through late July, 5,011 Americans had been hospitalized and 302 Americans had died because of swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus. That sounds like a lot until you consider that seasonal flu is responsible for 36,000 deaths per year.

LETTERS

posted: 08/04/2009 6:55 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Benton County for August 4, 2009.

Liberties : Is it bad to eat in bed?

posted: 08/04/2009 6:54 a.m.

Nora Ephron has been in the city (Washington) that gave her heartburn twice recently: for a screening of her new movie, "Julie & Julia," at the White House, and for an unveiling of Julia Child's copper pots and cast-iron pans at the Smithsonian.

Foul!

posted: 08/04/2009 6:52 a.m.

We don't typically respond to letters to the editor, but one letter that appeared on this page on Monday deserves a response from us, if only for the fact that we get to dazzle you with our math skills. We're writers, not economists, so we don't get to do this very often.

Tigers need patience until pads

posted: 08/04/2009 6:49 a.m.

Being able to survive the first three days of fall football practice at Bentonville is more about patience than anything else.

New design, content debuts on Hogs site

posted: 08/04/2009 6:47 a.m.

A new look is ready to welcome visitors to Whole-HogSports.com, the Web site providing comprehensive coverage of the Arkansas Razorbacks from the staffs of the Northwest Arkansas Times and Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Peacock sees gap between summer workers, loafers

posted: 08/04/2009 6:46 a.m.

After working with the Rogers freshmen football team before varsity practice began Monday morning, Rogers ninth-year head coach Ronnie Peacock can see an obvious difference between the two levels.

East Coast also called terror-trial site option

posted: 08/04/2009 6:46 a.m.

The Obama administration is looking at two very different kinds of places for putting Guantanamo Bay detainees on trial: big-city courtrooms in the nation's capital, New York and Virginia - or a one-of-a-kind superjail to be fashioned in the Midwest.

Turbulence slams jet, injures 26

posted: 08/04/2009 6:45 a.m.

A Continental Airlines jet carrying 179 people from Brazil to Texas hit severe turbulence over the Atlantic early Monday, injuring at least 26 - including four seriously - and forcing an emergency landing in Miami, officials said.

War Eagles embrace 'senior' leadership

posted: 08/04/2009 6:44 a.m.

No high school football team in Arkansas was as happy to embrace its senior leadership Monday than was Rogers Heritage, which began its second football season.

Obama reasserts middle class won't see tax rise

posted: 08/04/2009 6:43 a.m.

President Barack Obama is standing by his pledge to not raise taxes on middle-income Americans even as the U.S. struggles with budget deficits, his spokesman said.

Health bill vowed, even by 51 votes

posted: 08/04/2009 6:43 a.m.

Frustrated with the pace of bipartisan talks, Democratic leaders Monday promised to push a sweeping health-care bill through the Senate whether they get Republican support or not.

California wildfires prompt evacuations

posted: 08/04/2009 6:42 a.m.

Dozens of residents remained evacuated Monday after a weekend lightning storm sparked multiple wildfires around Northern California.

Pioneers have 36 for first practice

posted: 08/04/2009 6:41 a.m.

Everyone's speaking the same language and Gentry's football practices no longer resemble a "foreign country," says the Pioneers' third-year coach.

Sued in bridge fall, firms still get jobs

posted: 08/04/2009 6:41 a.m.

Two companies the state accuses of negligence that contributed to the Interstate 35W bridge collapse have won a combined $50 million in new highway and bridge contracts since the deadly disaster two years ago.

Board to discuss capital campaign

posted: 08/04/2009 6:40 a.m.

A possible funding campaign to construct four new classrooms for the Benton County School of the Arts' middle school will be discussed tonight.

Northwest Arkansas deaths

posted: 08/04/2009 6:39 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publishes, at no charge, death notices of reasonable length for residents of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties submitted by funeral homes.

French ambassador at Arkansas World Trade Center today

posted: 08/04/2009 6:38 a.m.

A luncheon today at the Arkansas World Trade Center will feature the ambassador of France to the United States.

Coalition of TEA Parties sets rallies

posted: 08/04/2009 6:35 a.m.

Arkansas TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Parties will participate in "recess rallies" across the nation at noon Aug. 22, the Arkansas United Web site states.

Back on the payroll : Lincoln schools boss gets retirement plus full-time pay

posted: 08/04/2009 6:34 a.m.

Frank Holman is back in as Lincoln School District superintendent after a one-month retirement he took to take advantage of an expiring retirement law that allowed him to make more money.

Bank files foreclosure against Ruskin Heights

posted: 08/04/2009 6:32 a.m.

A Mission Boulevard subdivision touted as a prime example of the "new urbanism" advocated in the city of Fayetteville's master plan faces a foreclosure lawsuit filed Monday.

City gets deed for SouthPass park

posted: 08/04/2009 6:31 a.m.

A deed for 200 acres that is designated for a regional park in the SouthPass development was handed over to the city of Fayetteville in late July, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board learned Monday.

The state/region in brief

posted: 08/04/2009 6:31 a.m.

Section of U.S. 71 will reopen today- The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department plans to reopen a section of U.S. 71 today.

CRAWFORD COUNTY: Rudy woman arrested in shooting of husband prompted by quarrel

posted: 08/04/2009 6:30 a.m.

A woman from a rural area of Crawford County was arrested Monday in the shooting of her husband late Sunday, a sheriff's official said.

Lady Bulldogs primed to continue state champ streak

posted: 08/04/2009 6:30 a.m.

The Fayetteville Lady Bulldog golf team will embark on its quest for a fifth-consecutive 7A State Championship today when the 2009 season commences at Springdale Country Club.

Asbell, Happy Hollow students head back to class Thursday

posted: 08/04/2009 6:30 a.m.

While most students get summer vacation until Aug. 19, Thursday will be the first day of school for Asbell and Happy Hollow elementary school students.

NW Arkansas today

posted: 08/04/2009 6:28 a.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Rule No. 1 in a gun fight - have a gun." Lt. Matt Mills, of the University of Arkansas Police Department, suggesting officers carry a weapon when off duty so they can respond to a worst-case scenario Article, 1B

Mark Your Calendar

posted: 08/04/2009 6:28 a.m.

Events in Washington County for August 4, 2009.

Obituaries & Death Notices

posted: 08/04/2009 6:27 a.m.

Obituaries & Death Notices for August 4, 2009.

Newspaper revises access to Web content

posted: 08/04/2009 6:27 a.m.

NWAnews.com, the Web site for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's Northwest edition and its sister papers, will undergo changes Wednesday for readers who do not subscribe to the newspapers.

Editorial notebook Timely study

posted: 08/04/2009 6:26 a.m.

TIMELY FRIERSON sat in a lawn chair near the end of a grassy knoll beside Fayetteville's Malco Theater. She held a clipboard in her lap and a pen in one hand. About 10 yards away, two other notetakers in safety vests sat in similar chairs, spread out to her right in a straight line.

Eggs à la Bisbee

posted: 08/04/2009 6:25 a.m.

DAVE BISBEE isn't a state senator any more, and he's learning the hard way how different an executive office in government can be. Especially on the county level close to the people-the highly opinionated, if not downright rambunctious people. Especially the 13 of them that serve on Benton County's quorum court.

The Wonder State

posted: 08/04/2009 6:24 a.m.

It's hard to know what's stranger about that story that our Debra (Scoop a Day) Hale-Shelton had in Sunday's paper. Was it that a former state trooper, whose duties surely included preserving the chain of evidence, decided to submit his own DNA in place of his brother's in the course of a criminal investigation?

Skoch challenges Boozman in 3rd Congressional District

posted: 08/04/2009 6:23 a.m.

Retired Brig. Gen. Bernard Skoch announced on Monday that he will be a candidate in the Republican primary for Arkansas' 3rd District congressional seat.

TEXAS LEAGUE: Cardinals rough up Teaford

posted: 08/04/2009 6:22 a.m.

Having beaten up Everett Teaford at its home park, Springfield showed Monday that its domination of him extends to road trips as well.

High school football report

posted: 08/04/2009 6:20 a.m.

Jones not bothered by holes Coach Rick Jones isn't worried about how he will fill the holes on his offensive and defensive lines this year.

Times Editorial : Report card

posted: 08/04/2009 6:20 a.m.

Hidden deep in the bowels of the city's Web site are the results of a $110,700 study agreed to by the Fayetteville City Council in April 2008. Compiled by R.W. Beck, the purpose of what was described as a seven-month study approximately 16 months ago was an in-depth examination of the city's recycling program. It's all right there on the city's portion of the Internet, and it's worth reading for anyone interested in the community's efforts to be conscientious stewards of resources.

Asmussen taking time to savor Rachel's easy victory

posted: 08/04/2009 6:20 a.m.

Back in her summer home at Saratoga, superstar filly Rachel Alexandra is set to begin training for her next race.

Quality Road sets mark in winning Amsterdam

posted: 08/04/2009 6:19 a.m.

Quality Road, the early favorite to win the Kentucky Derby before being sidelined by a hoof injury, set a track record in winning the $150,000 Amsterdam Stakes for 3-year-olds by 2 1/4 lengths at Saratoga Race Course on Monday. .

JUST A THOUGHT : Why fold now?

posted: 08/04/2009 6:18 a.m.

Having enjoyed a couple of days to think about it, I'm still not sure whether to sympathize with our state senator's apparently guilt-stricken conscience, or verbally spank her for not speaking up months ago - you know, before Arkansas residents went to the polls and voted overwhelmingly (including here in Washington County) to create a lottery in November.

1990s sack leader set to go into Hall

posted: 08/04/2009 6:18 a.m.

Marty Schottenheimer was walking up the 16th fairway near his Florida home when he noticed a golf cart hurrying toward him. It was someone from the golf shop.

Letters to the editor

posted: 08/04/2009 6:16 a.m.

Letters to the editor for Washington County for August 4, 2009.

Education Briefs

posted: 08/04/2009 6:14 a.m.

Local educators selected for statewide forum Donna Mitchell and Michael Warren are two of 48 Arkansas teachers selected to participate in the 15th Arkansas Leadership Academy Teacher Institute. Both are teachers at Prairie Grove High School.

Hillis big hit as tailback for Denver

posted: 08/04/2009 6:13 a.m.

Peyton Hillis is healthy again and he wants the ball.

Greenland Middle School registration event Monday

posted: 08/04/2009 6:12 a.m.

During registration, lockers will be assigned and locks will be available for rent at $1. The school will also hand out schedules, student handbooks and other forms and information.

New lottery director to speak to Political Animals Club

posted: 08/04/2009 6:11 a.m.

The new executive director of the Arkansas lottery will be the speaker Monday at the Political Animals Club of Northwest Arkansas.

Tyson profits up in quarter 3

posted: 08/04/2009 6:10 a.m.

Tyson Foods Inc. reported a profitable third quarter Monday for every segment of its business and credited the turnaround from the first two quarters to tighter pricing control of commodities and improving operational efficiency.

County committee votes to up sick leave accrual

posted: 08/04/2009 6:09 a.m.

Washington County employees could be seeing an increase in paid sick leave, if a proposed motion brought forth at Monday's personnel committee meeting makes its way through the Quorum Court.

Fayetteville School Calendar

posted: 08/04/2009 6:08 a.m.

Fayetteville School Calender for August 4, 2009.

Metropolitan National seeks foreclosure against Combs

posted: 08/04/2009 6:07 a.m.

Metropolitan National Bank filed a foreclosure lawsuit Monday against developer Gary Combs and Combs' Lovers Lane LLC seeking to collect a $2.9 million loan.

Subscriptions required for access to NWAnews.com starting Wednesday

posted: 08/04/2009 6:03 a.m.

NWAnews.com, the Web site for the Northwest Arkansas Times and its sister newspapers, will undergo changes Wednesday that will require those with no subscription to the newspapers to pay a fee for online access.

Clunkers cash lifts car firms' July sales

posted: 08/04/2009 5:59 a.m.

Lured by the government's "cash for clunkers" campaign, car and truck buyers started returning to showrooms last month, as Ford Motor Co. reported its first U.S. sales increase in nearly two years and other major automakers said sales showed signs of stability.

U.S. tax receipts on track to plunge 18% in '09

posted: 08/04/2009 5:31 a.m.

The recession is depriving the government of tax revenue, just as the president and Congress are gearing up for a major expansion of health care and other programs and struggling to find money to pay for them.

Obama calls GI Bill investment in nation's future

posted: 08/04/2009 5:29 a.m.

President Barack Obama said Monday that a new GI Bill for those who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan is an investment in both a new generation of veterans and the future of America.

Prioritize lottery boon, scholarship panel told

posted: 08/04/2009 5:22 a.m.

Department of Higher Education Director Jim Purcell told a state task force Monday he'd like its recommendations soon on how to prioritize lottery scholarships for nontraditional students.

Coaches retreat to hone methods

posted: 08/04/2009 5:18 a.m.

Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino took his assistants to a resort in Branson last week.

LIKE IT IS: Rachel Alexandra reinforces Oaklawn revival

posted: 08/04/2009 5:17 a.m.

There was a time, not that long ago, when Oaklawn Park would be dark right now.

Ex-Seminoles safety eager to lend hand

posted: 08/04/2009 5:11 a.m.

The latest in a series profiling new additions to the Arkansas football team in 2009.

NASCAR SPRINT CUP: Pocono prowess

posted: 08/04/2009 5:10 a.m.

Denny Hamlin had few bigger fans than his grandmother. She wore her No. 11 socks, held her No. 11 stuffed bear, and watched every race on TV - even as she sat and squinted only inches away from the 30-inch screen.

N.C. terror prosecutors identify 8th man in case

posted: 08/04/2009 5:08 a.m.

A 20-year-old U.S. citizen who traveled to Pakistan in 2008 "to engage in violent jihad" has been named as the eighth suspect in a North Carolina terrorism case, according to co