News
City authorizes $1.85 million settlement in cavity-search suit
By Jeff Della Rosa Staff Writer jeffd@nwanews.com
The city will accept a settlement offer from those who claimed police officers illegally strip searched their body cavities. The plaintiffs, in the civil suit, made a $1.85 million offer to settle the case. Siloam Springs Board of Directors approved City Administrator David Cameron to accept a settlement offer. Directors met at City Hall in a specialcalled meeting Tuesday morning. Directors voted 4-0 to accept a settlement, after hearing from their attorneys, Tom Kieklak and Mike Mosley. Director Carol Smiley was absent, and Directors Mark Long and Ken Wiles listened on conference call but were not allowed to vote. Each plaintiff would get $400, if Cameron accepts the offer. It includes the plaintiffs’ attorney fees. “This is a lawsuit by many unnamed people,” Mosley said. “We deny any and all wrongdoing.” Those who believe they are victims of the searches would have 60 days from the date notified to stake their claim. Those who successfully make a claim would receive their share of the settlement offer. The - Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Watts mayor cited for illegal hunting, weapon violations
By Jeff Della Rosa Staff Writer jeffd@nwanews.com
The mayor of Watts, Okla., recently received three tickets for shooting at a deer from a vehicle, about 10 miles west of Watts. Bob Jordan said he’s paid the fine. “We shot at a deer from our vehicle and got caught,” Jordan said. “It doesn’t mean nothing.” Jared Cramer, game warden for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, gave Jordan the tickets Oct. 27. Jordan, of 321 Third St., received three misdemeanor counts: Hunting with the aid of a motorized vehicle Shooting from a public roadway Transporting a loaded firearm Fines for the charges amount to nearly $900 with court costs, Cramer said. He said he wouldn’t comment on the incident until the case is closed. Court records show Jordan is set for a disposition on the case at 2 p.m. today in Adair County District Court. The incident happened along River Road, about 10 miles west of Watts, Jordan said. It occurred at 6:15 p.m. on Oct. 27, according to the ticket. The tickets were filed Oct. 29 in Adair County District Court. Jordan was initially giv - Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Air Force cadet returns home to recruit from alma mater
By Jessica Weekley Staff Writer jessicaw@nwanews.com
Next to a nine-foot tree decorated for Christmas — and directly in front of a sign reading “Siloam Springs High School” — 20-year-old Cadet Third Class Andrew Lamb spent his Monday morning. Cadet Third Class Andrew Lamb, who graduated from Siloam Springs High School in 2007, visited his alma mater this week on behalf of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he attends classes. He stopped by the high school this week for a two-hour stay with civil engineer reservist-recruiter Maj. Brian Jackson. The mens’ mission was to invite students to inquire about the academy and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, hand out informational pamphlets on recruitment — and to discuss eligibility, the application process and the benefits of attending the Air Force Academy. - Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Locals to be honored for service
From Staff Reports
The Chamber of Commerce will host a reception tonight from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., in the City Hall Board Room for local residents Jonathan Barnett and Mike Kenney to show appreciation for their service representing Siloam Springs in state government positions. Barnett served 10 years on the Arkansas State Highway Commission, holding the position of chairman the last two. He recently resigned that position in order to prepare for service as a state representative from District 97, which includes Siloam Springs. Kenney completed three two-year terms as state representative for District 97 and was term-limited. - Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Local artist, wife set to appear in court Dec. 15
By Jeff Della Rosa Staff Writer jeffd@nwanews.com
The Siloam Springs artist who didn’t show for an Ireland art workshop but allegedly charged people to attend will soon return to court with his own charges. Timothy Tyler and his wife, Shandine, are expected back in Benton County Circuit Court on Dec. 15. Timothy Tyler is set for a pretrial hearing and Shandine Tyler is set for a status hearing. - Wednesday, December 3, 2008
SS Writers to host Christmas program
From Staff Reports
The musical string group, “New Harvest,” led by Wally and Peggy Smith, will present a program for the Siloam Springs Writers at the Senior Center, 750 Heritage Court off Tulsa Street, Siloam Springs, on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Writers are requested to bring an unwrapped child’s clothing gift with a tag poem attached to be given to the Manna Center. The writing assignment is to write a Bible-based Christmas story in today’s setting. The group welcomes the public as well as interested writers to attend this meeting and Christmas program. - Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Burn ban in effect for Siloam Springs
By Jeff Della Rosa Staff Writer jeffd@nwanews.com
Leaves have fallen from the trees, or at least, have started too and have piled up in yards throughout the city. One way to dispose of them is to bag them up and have city crews pick them up. - Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Freeze frame: New faces in familiar spot
By Jessica Weekley Staff Writer jessicaw@nwanews.com
Three people traveled from an ocean away to set up shop in Siloam Springs. They’re thrilled to be here, have no plans of leaving and are making friends with each passing day. Six weeks ago, Dawn and Rob Cork, United Kingdom natives, purchased Picture Me Studio from former owners, Libby and John Mathews. They brought with them their 13-year-old son, Luke, a Shih tzu puppy and three Persian cats. “It’s funny how it came to be,” said Dawn. “He had made friends online with some people living in De Queen, we talked on the phone with them for 18 months and then they invited us to come over.” They accepted their friends’ offer and planned a three-week holiday to America to begin on April 1. After visiting New York City and Dallas, Texas, the family made their way to Arkansas. - Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Santa makes stop in Siloam Springs
By Jessica Weekley Staff Writer jessicaw@nwanews.com
With little more than three weeks until Christmas, Santa Claus was able to leave his elf-filled workshop long enough to stop by Signature Plaza in Siloam Springs on Friday afternoon. - Sunday, November 30, 2008
Arvest: Bailout money not needed
By Jeff Della Rosa Staff Writer jeffd@nwanews.com
Arvest Bank needs no bailout. The bank announced Wednesday that it will not apply for the federal bailout money that the government is giving to struggling banks. “We’re fine,” said Lisa Ray, president and chief executive officer of Arvest Bank, Siloam Springs region. “We don’t need that money.” “Arvest Bank is strong and safe.” The bank could’ve applied for money through the Capital Purchase Program. The U.S. Treasury created the program under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. The bank joined the Temporary Account Guaranty Program, but this government program is not part of the bailout money. It allows the bank to offer interest free accounts that are fully backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., regardless of balance. “We had an opportunity being able to offer our customers unlimited FDIC coverage,” Ray said. The government program ends Dec. 31, 2009. Customers are still encouraged to seek loans from the bank. “We are very actively making loans,” Ray said. The bank continues to remodel its Ho - Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tractor Supply store put on hold
By Jeff Della Rosa Staff Writer jeffd@nwanews.com
Tractor Supply Co. on U.S. Highway 412 is expected to open in July. The 19,097-square-foot store was expected to open in January. It’s now expected to open July 25, said Ashley Piekarski of Carmichael Lynch, which represents Tractor Supply. “It looks as though the Siloam Springs opening has been postponed,” she said. Piekarski was unsure why the opening had been postponed. Construction has yet to start on the store that will sit south of Lowe’s. The planning department has yet to issue a building permit for construction, said David Williams, community development director. The city board approved plans for store July 1. Tractor Supply Co., based in Brentwood, Tenn., sells farming and ranch supplies. - Sunday, November 30, 2008
Dayspring offers new Web site
From Staff Reports
Siloam Springs-based DaySpring has launched a new web site for this Christmas season, Studio-DaySpring.com, which provides consumers the tools to personalize their faith. The first phase of the site will offer personalized Christian photo greeting card solutions for online shoppers. “StudioDaySpring.com is a great addition to DaySpring’s extensive and growing line of inspirational Christmas gifts and décor,” said Jesse Lane, business development manager for www.Studio-DaySpring.com. “Our consumers are thrilled that the trusted messages and images of their favorite DaySpring greeting cards are available to help them personalize their own photo cards.” This Christmas, Studio-DaySpring.com will be opening its vault of Christian artwork and messages to enable the online shopper to create their own one-of-a-kind inspirational Christmas greeting cards, by choosing templates, backgrounds, clipart images, and DaySpring Christian messages and artwork. The interactive nature of the program gives users a fun scrapbook-s - Sunday, November 30, 2008
Woman sentenced to 4 months in jail for hit-and-run
By Jeff Della Rosa Staff Writer jeffd@nwanews.com
A Siloam Springs woman will spend 120 days in jail for hitting a girl with a vehicle and driving away. Andrea Marroquin, 36, of 1010 Flynt St., also received five years probation and must do 200 hours of community service within the first two years of probation. Judge David Clinger of Benton County Circuit Court sentenced Marroquin on Monday. She was sentenced to serve the time in Benton County Jail but was granted work release. She pleaded guilty to one count of leaving the scene of a personal injury accident Feb. 19. Conviction of the class D felony could’ve meant up to five years in prison. Marroquin was driving a 1992 Nissan Sentra when she struck the girl, who was riding a bicycle, Sept. 7, 2006. Marroquin, who was southbound on Hico Street, hit the girl when Marroquin crossed Cheri Whitlock Drive. Marroquin continued driving south on Hico Street without stopping. The girl received a broken ankle and bruises on her body because of the crash. She was later taken by helicopter to Washington Regional Medica - Sunday, November 30, 2008
Angel Food goes on sale
From Staff Reports
Angel Food is a bulk grocery program open to everyone. Orders for the months of December may be placed at Siloam Springs Bible Church. Deadline to order is noon, Dec. 7. Pick-up of food will be Dec. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Menus can be picked up at the church or can be seen online at angelfoodministries.org. Call 524-3963 for more information. - Sunday, November 30, 2008
COMMUNITY DIGEST
Historical Society party The Benton County Historical Society Annual Christmas Party and Show and Tell will be held Dec. 14, at 2:30 in the Conference Centre at Compton Gardens, 312 North Main in Bentonville. - Sunday, November 30, 2008
CHURCH NEWS
“A Christmas Prayer” The music and drama ministry of First Baptist Church in Siloam Springs will present the Christmas musical drama, “A Christmas Prayer” in two performances — Dec. 7 at 10:45 a.m. and Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. Worship and Music Pastor Reece Watson directs the music and Jim Evans leads the drama team. - Sunday, November 30, 2008
Directors eye GIS computer system to plot Siloam Springs
By Jeff Della Rosa Staff Writer jeffd@nwanews.com
Computer software could be the most effective and least expensive way to make sense of the city’s amorphous drainage problem. - Sunday, November 30, 2008
Auditions begin for ‘The Lion in Winter’ at Sager Creek
From Staff Reports
The Sager Creek Arts Center in Siloam Springs announces auditions for its 2009 Winter Classic: The Lion in Winter. The cast requires a royal couple (Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitane, age 50+), four young men (ages 17-30 ), and one young woman (age-17-26 ). Auditions will be held on Dec. 1 and 2 at the Sager Creek Arts Center, located at Twin Springs and Maxwell Streets in Siloam Springs, at 7 p.m. Rehearsals will begin after the first of the year, with performances at the end of February. For more information, call 524-4000. - Sunday, November 30, 2008
Students to present ‘Sounds of the Season
From Staff Reports
The second grade students of Allen Elementary will present a Christmas program, “Sounds of the Season,” on Dec. 2, at 7 p.m., at John Brown University Cathedral. These 300 students, led by music teacher, Judy Crenshaw, will share a variety of holiday songs to celebrate the season. Included will be instruments, dancing, and special singing and speaking parts. - Sunday, November 30, 2008
Ames case headed to jury in January
By Jeff Della Rosa Staff Writer jeffd@nwanews.com
The Watts, Okla., woman who claimed she shot and killed her husband in self-defense will take her case to a jury. The trial date for Karon Ames, of Route 2 Box 865 in Watts, is expected to be set in January. Ames appeared in court Nov. 4 for a hearing to determine if the case would go to trial. The prosecuting attorney previously said the trial likely wouldn’t be heard until spring. Ames rejected a plea deal in September. Ames faces charges of second-degree murder and possession of firearms after conviction or during probation. Ames reportedly used a 12-gauge shotgun to kill her husband, Ronnie Dean Ames, in their home near the Adair/Delaware county line, Jan. 18. As of Tuesday, Ames was in custody at Adair County Jail on $25,000 bond. - Sunday, November 30, 2008
Siloam Springs Tour of Homes to begin Dec. 5
From Staff Reports
The annual Christmas Candlelight Home Tour is coming to Siloam Springs Dec. 5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., sponsored by Mothering Matters of Siloam Springs Bible Church. The tour features five unique homes in the Siloam Springs area decorated for the holidays. The Dewey Home — 2405 Heritage Ranch Drive The home of Derek and Kate Dewey includes some really special wood. The front door is mahogany and the beautiful custom kitchen cabinetry is built from locally milled walnut trees. Throughout the Dewey home are many family antiques. Some of the fun pieces of artwork in their daughter’s yellow and pink room were wedding gifts. - Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving through a child’s eyes
By Jessica Weekley Staff Writer jessicaw@nwanews.com
It’s a time of turkey fear, meateater fantasy and vegetarian outrage. Thanksgiving has officially arrived. Pupils at Northside Elementary are gearing up for their three-day holiday vacation from school this week and salivating in anticipation of Thanksgiving Day feasts. For the past month, Northside kindergartners have been decorating pumpkins, learning the holiday’s history, discussing plans for their minivacations and lining the hall walls with autumn crafts. In addition to all of the other activities that keep local five-year-olds busy, as of late, many of them have also been caught wondering aloud about the preparation of a festive staple — the infamous Thanksgiving Day turkey. Though he claimed that a recent injury received while sleeping on a school bus “knocked [his] brain out,” six-year-old Andrew Fleege of Kendra Knoner’s kindergarten class knows how a turkey makes it from the supermarket freezer to his family’s Thanksgiving table. “She just bakes it, puts a lot of salt and pepper in it and that’s it - Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Work to begin on Siloam Springs Lake
By Jeff Della Rosa Staff Writer jeffd@nwanews.com
Siloam Springs City Lake will be under construction soon. The Board of Directors approved $2.46 million in contracts to improve the lake. - Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Historic overlay discussed by Directors
By Jessica Weekley Staff Writer jessicaw@nwanews.com
The topic that spurred the most debate at the Tuesday meeting of the Siloam Springs City Board centered around proposed ordinance number 08-25. The ordinance addressed the H-1 Overlay District and was tabled for a second reading. The next vote on the issue is scheduled for the first meeting in December. David Williams, community development director for Siloam Springs, presented information to the board on behalf of the ordinance Tuesday night. “As you’ve known, we’ve had this H-1 ordinance in the books for years but we’ve never really utilized it,” Williams said. Members of the Siloam Springs Planning Commission approved updating zoning codes and creating a historic overlay district in downtown during a recent meeting. The historic overlay district would give specific standards to the downtown area without rezoning it. Soon after the ordinance was brought up, conversation spiraled in a direction unintended by Williams when board members began worrying that the proposition would detract from citizen’s rights - Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Man receives fine for arrowhead theft
From Staff Reports
A Siloam Springs man was sentenced to three years’ probation for removing arrowheads from the Ozark National Forest. Kenneth Spry was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Jimm L. Hendren. Spry pleaded guilty to stealing artifacts in August. Spry will also have to pay a $500 fine and $3,288 in restitution. He faced up to a year in prison and $10,000 in fines for removing artifacts from the forest. Arrested May 25, 2007, Spry was spotted by a U.S. Forest Service officer who saw him walking out of the woods with dirty hands and bulging pockets. - Wednesday, November 26, 2008
OBITUARIES
Clifford James Florer Clifford James Florer, 71, of Siloam Springs, Ark., died Nov. 24, 2008, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Ark. He was born May 28,1937, in Decatur, Ark., to Aldo and Lula Dill Florer. He was a homebuilder and was formerly the manager of the local Sears store. He was a former member of the Siloam Springs Rotary Club and a deacon at First Baptist Church in Siloam Springs. He married Sally Baker in 1958. He is survived by his wife, of the home; three daughters, Mechell Carroll and husband Reid, Madonna Gee and husband John, and Marla Barron, all of Siloam Springs; eight grandchildren ; one great-grandchild ; two brothers, Ralph Florer and wife Dori of Chandler, Ariz., and Carl Florer and wife Ellen of Decatur; and a sister, Eva Lou Foreman and husband Richard of Decatur. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Nov. 29, 2008, at First Baptist Church in Siloam Springs, with Dr. Steve Abbott officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Siloam Springs. Visitation will be fro - Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Gravette man sentenced in child pornography case
By Tracy M. Neal Staff Writer tracyn@nwanews.com
BENTONVILLE — A Gravette man has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for receiving child pornography by computer, according to a press release from the office of U.S. Attorney Bob Balfe. Randy Forrest, 49, was given the sentence last week in U.S. District Court in Fayetteville by Federal Judge Jimm Hendren. According to a plea agreement filed in the case, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Fayetteville received a lead from an ICE Office in Seattle, Wash., identifying a suspect who downloaded pornographic images of minors. The investigation revealed that the IP address belonged to Forrest. - Wednesday, November 26, 2008
LUNCH MENU
Siloam Springs School Menu PreK-12th grade Dec. 1st-5th Breakfast PreK-5th Monday: Cereal, toast w/jelly, fruit juice, milk. Tuesday: Scrambled eggs, toast, fruit juice, milk. Wednesday: Cereal, cinnamon toast, fruit juice, milk. Thursday: Oatmeal w/brown sugar, ham slice, fruit juice, milk. Friday: Cereal, English muffin w/jelly, fruit juice, milk. Lunch Monday: (PreK-12 th) Soft chicken taco w/lettuce, tomato and onion, chili beans, Spanish rice, applesauce or fruit cocktail, milk. Tuesday: (PreK-12 th)Hot smoked turkey and mozzarella on a bun, fresh veggies w/dip, banana, vanilla pudding cup, milk. - Wednesday, November 26, 2008
BIRTHS
Marley Rae Johnson Donald Johnson Jr. and Stephanie Workman, of Stilwell, Okla., announce the birth of a daughter, Marley Rae Johnson on Nov.19, 2008 at Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital in Siloam Springs, Ark. She weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces and was 19 inches long. She was welcomed by siblings Jordan and Chase. Grandparents are Sampson and the late Sherri Sam of Stilwell, and Donald, Sr. and Lizzie Johnson of Stilwell. Great-grandparents are Betty Lopez, Margaret and the late Woodrow Sam and the late Bernice Wilder, all of Bentonville, Ark., and the late Isaac and Alice Livers and the late Charley and Mary Johnson, all of Stilwell. - Wednesday, November 26, 2008
BRIDGE WINNERS
Nov. 17th Third Monday Bridge First place — Barton Groom Second place — Beth Wibbeler Third place — Gussie Hultz Nov. 19th Third Wed. [Round Robin] Duplicate First place — Gussie Hultz/ Bill St. Clair Second place — Connie Brown/ Bylene Rankin Third place — Aileen Hay/ Dorothy Jones - Wednesday, November 26, 2008
