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Keep Up With The Wilmar Forest Fire At MonticelloLive.com
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Intermodal Authority Investigating the Idea of Borrowing Money
According to available information the Authority has approximately $1.6 million of grant money that can be used. In order to build an elevated water tank, the Authority needs somewhere around another million dollars to complete the project. All costs are estimates at this time.
For the Authority to issue bonds, it will need a revenue source to pay off the debt. The work that has previously been accomplished has been paid for with grants and contributions from the cities of Warren and Monticello and the counties of Bradley and Drew.
The discussion about a meeting of the mayors and judges appears to be an effort to seek revenue to be used in issuing bonds. There was also a suggestion that the mayors and judges meet with bond firms to look at the possibilities.
Neither the mayors nor judges are members of the Authority. They nominate members. Present during the discussion was Judge Akin of Drew County, Judge Neely of Bradley County, and Mayor Maywell of Monticello.
Warren Mayor Martin attended early in the meeting and left to tend to other business. He was not present when the bonded indebtedness was brought up.
Under state law the intermodal authority can legally issue bond but would require a revenue source to pay off the debt. No specifics were discussed.
In other business, Midland Railroad reported progress was well underway on the rail construction for the park.
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A Thank You Letter From Bradley County Judge Keith Neely and Bradley County Sheriff Rick Anders
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| Bradley County Judge Keith Neely |
"Bradley County Judge Keith Neely, Bradley County Sheriff Rick Anders, would like to say “Thank You” to everyone that participated in the forest fire on September 17 and 18, 2013. To the many volunteers, Fire Departments, Arkansas Forestry Commission and the businesses and citizens that brought food, drinks and ice.
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| Bradley County Sheriff Rick Anders |
Thank you to the businesses and citizens that provided drinks, ice, and food to the responders: Hermitage Grocery, Shell, Cash’s Hermitage, Hermitage school, Mad Butcher and to the Union Hill Church. It is great to live in a community where the businesses are so willing to help when needed.
We also would like to thank to anyone that responded but was not on our list. Your services did not go unrecognized.
We are truly blessed to live in a community where there is so much support and willingness to help."
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Friday Rains Bring Much Needed Relief To Wildfire Prone River Region
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| Friday brought long desired heavy rains to the River Region. |
The River Region has been hammered by a massive drought situation that seemed like it might have no immediate end. Locals have been doing their best to keep their grass alive and plants watered to no avail. The heat wave wouldn't budge. Local rivers and creeks have been at well below average levels, some even to extremely dangerous levels.
Finally after weeks of torture, the grass finally found some comfort on Friday as a system moved through, bringing heavy and lengthy rainfalls. One Warren resident even commented that their "garden grape vines just stood up when the rain began Friday."
Bradley County Judge Keith Neely announced via an email press release that as of 4:00 p.m. Friday the burn ban in Bradley County was lifted.
According to arkinfo.org Cleveland County is still under a burn ban as of 1:52 a.m. Saturday morning.
The rain may have made a few high school football games a bit uncomfortable, but it was definitely a welcomed weather system.
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Heather Michelle Hoskins Wins Preteen Miss Southeast Arkansas
Heather Michelle is the granddaughter of Johnny and Emma Cranford of Sumpter, and Ron Hoskins, Sr. of Banks.
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Allison Johnson Wins T-Shirt Design Contest
The design had to meet specific requirements and have all the components for good character.
Allison's theme was "Hermits Batter Up For Good Character".
Pictured at left with Allison is Vicky McDougald, Elementary Principal.
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Ralph Coston Among Farm Bureau Leaders to Participate on Resolutions Committee
The committee refined and consolidated policy proposals into a set of formal recommendations to be considered by voting delegates during the business session of the Arkansas Farm Bureau State Convention, Dec. 4-6 in Little Rock.
Arkansas Farm Bureau is a nonprofit, private farm and rural advocacy organization of more than 195,000 families throughout the state working to improve farm and rural life.
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Grandson of Longtime Warren Educators Pens Children’s Book
J. Theron Elkins, the grandson of the late Noma and Maury Watkins of Warren, has published a children’s book, “You Are The Pea, And I Am The Carrot.”
The book, designed for young readers, was released recently by Abrams Books For Young Readers, an imprint of Abrams Books of New York, N.Y.
Those who knew about the debut of the planned book had pre-ordered the slim volume on Amazon and other websites during the summer.
The books arrived in Arkansas mailboxes this week.
The slim volume is written under the pen name of J. Theron Elkins, (the author is John Elkins, an attorney with the state Public Service Commission in Little Rock). Elkins is the son of Dr. John and Lisa Watkins Elkins of Arkadelphia.
J. Theron or John, is the couple’s eldest child.
He has a sister, Elizabeth (known to the family and friends as Tizzie) who is an oncology nurse at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. Their mother, Lisa Watkins Elkins grew up in Warren, the only child of Maury and Norma Watkins. Lisa has three older half-brothers, Leigh, David and James Hargis, all sons of the late James Vaughn Hargis and raised in the home of their mother, the former Noma Hargis, who later became Mrs. Maury Watkins of Warren.
The words in the book are by J. Theron Elkins with the smart drawings by Pascal LeMaitre.
The book retails for $16.95 in a sturdy hardback. It sells for $18.95 in Canada. It can be found on Amazon or www.abramsbook.com
While this is Elkins’ first book, he has many years of experience in working with an directing programs for middle-school-aged children. The fly-leaf of the book says Elkins “loves spending time with his family – especially over dinner – and believes that each member is an essential “ingredient.”
LeMaitre has been an illustrator of many best-selling picture books, including “Who’s Got Game?” series co-written by Toni Morrison and “A,ways” by Allison McGhee. LeMaitre’s work has also appeared in the New Yorker. LeMaitre lives in Brussels, Belgium.
The brightly illustrated and easy to read book contains a theme of “some things in life are made for each other, peanut butter and jelly, pancakes and syrup, hot dogs and relish…and two best friends who together create the ultimate recipe for friendship!
The book will be available at the Warren Branch Library, once it arrives, as a gift in memory of both Noma and Maury Watkins by their longtime friend and former student Maylon Rice.
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Buck Fever Festival Talent Show Winners Announced
5 - 9 year old Instrumental winner - Robert Gregory (Photo Courtesy of Anthony Hearnsberger)
4 - 9 year old Vocal Solo winner - Zoe Calhoun (Photo Courtesy of Anthony Hearnsberger)
10 - 14 year old Variety winners - Hermitage Pee Wee Cheerleaders (Photo Courtesy of Anthony Hearnsberger)
10 - 14 year old Vocal Solo winner - Heidi Calhounyea (Photo Courtesy of Anthony Hearnsberger)
10 -14 year old Dance Solo winner & Overall Winner - Presley Slaughter (Photo Courtesy of Anthony Hearnsberger)
4-9 Year Old Variety Winners - Hermitage Pee Wee Cheerleaders
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Buck Fever Pageant Winners Announced
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| Left to Right: Miss Buck Fever Kelsey Windham, 1st Runner Up Ashton Outlaw, and 2nd Runner Up Kasey Shores (Photo Courtesy of Anthony Hearnsberger) |
2013 Miss Buck Fever - Kelsey Windham
She is the daughter of Darrell Windham & Teresa Duckworth of Wilmar, AR
1st Runner Up - Ashton Outlaw
She is the daughter of Calvin and Shawnda Outlaw of Warren, AR
2nd Runner Up - Kasey Shores
She is the daughter of Wendy Payne of Hermitage, AR & Randy and Patricia Shores of White Hall, AR
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| Left to Right: Jr. Miss Buck Fever Heather Williams, 1st Runner Up Heidi Calhoun, and 2nd Runner Up Kailey Thornton (Photo Courtesy of Anthony Hearnsberger) |
2013 Jr. Miss Buck Fever - Heather Williams
She is the daughter of Roger and Melanie Williams of Camden, AR
1st Runner Up - Heidi Calhoun
She is the daughter of Justin and Halley Calhoun of Johnsville, AR
2nd Runner Up - Kailey Thornton
She is the daughter of Kevin and Tonya Thornton of Hermitage, AR
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| Left to Right: Young Miss Buck Fever Ashton Gorman, 1st Runner Up Haley McDaniel, and 2nd Runner Up Elizabeth Ross (Photo Courtesy of Anthony Hearnsberger) |
She is the daughter of Mike and Rhonda Gorman of Warren, AR
1st Runner Up - Haley McDaniel
She is the daughter of Rosemary McDaniel of Banks, AR
2nd Runner Up - Elizabeth Ross
She is the daughter of Bill and Randi Ross of Banks, AR
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| Left to Right: Petite Miss Buck Fever Magdalene Hollingsworth and 2nd Runner Up Lauren Watt (Photo Courtesy of Anthony Hearnsberger) |
2013 Petite Miss Buck Fever - Magdalene Hollingsworth
She is the daughter of Wesley and Kaina Hollingsworth
2nd Runner Up - Lauren Watt
She is the daughter of Shannon Terry of Rison, AR
Not pictured
1st Runner Up - Haven Harrod
She is the daughter of Brent and Kristi Harrod
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| Left to Right: Little Miss Buck Fever Sidney Ballard, 1st Runner Up Olivia Harrod, 2nd Runner Up Sarah McDougald (Photo Courtesy of Anthony Hearnsberger) |
She is the daughter of Michael and Tracey Ballard of Wilmar, AR
1st Runner Up - Olivia Harrod
She is the daughter of Brad and Melissa Harrod of Hermitage, AR
2nd Runner Up - Sarah McDougald
She is the daughter of Michael and Maria Whitehead & Jeremy McDougald of Hermitage, AR
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| Left to Right: Buck Fever Toddler Girl Kjloe King, 1st Runner Up Emma Spears, 2nd Runner Up Zoey Cargile (Photo Courtesy of Anthony Hearnsberger) |
2013 Buck Fever Festival Toddler Girl - Khloe King
She is the daughter of Cody and Courtney King of Monticello, AR
1st Runner Up - Emma Spears
She is the daughter of Blake and Amber Spears of New Edinburg, AR
2nd Runner Up - Zoey Cargile
She is the daughter of Blake and Kelcie Cargile of Warren, AR
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| Left to Right: Buck Fever Toddler Boy Evan McDougald, 1st Runner Up Aiken McGilton, and 2nd Runner Up Brynton Houston (Photo Courtesy of Anthony Hearnsberger) |
He is the son of Jonathan and Tera McDougald of New Edinburg, AR
1st Runner Up - Aiken McGilton
He is the son of Adam and April McGilton of Hampton, AR
2nd Runner Up - Brynton Houston
He is the son of Brandon and Samantha Houston of Little Rock, AR
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| Left to Right: Buck Fever Tiny Miss Addison Hays, 1st Runner Up Eva Slaughter, 2nd Runner Up Jacee Hays (Photo Courtesy of Anthony Hearnsberger) |
She is the daughter of Dallas and Alesha Hays of Star City, AR
1st Runner Up - Eva Slaughter
She is the daughter of Ryan and Stephanie Slaughter
2nd Runner Up - Jacee Hays
She is the daughter of Marcus Hays & Brandon and Jessica Carter of Monticello
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| Little Mr. Buck Fever Aidean Castonon, 1st runner up Bryato'n Houston, and 2nd Runner Up Hunter Richardson (Photo Courtesy of Anthony Hearnsberger) 2013 Tiny Mr. Buck Fever - Aidean Castanon |
He is the son of Dee Castanon of Hermitage, AR
1st Runner Up - Brayto'n Houston
He is the son of Brandon and Samantha Houston of Little Rock, AR
2nd Runner Up - Hunter Richardson
He is the son of Kimberly Hampton and Wendy Richardson of Warren, AR
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| Left to Right: Buck Fever Baby Boy Jensen Harrod, 1st Runner Up Easton Breck Reynolds, and 2nd Runner Up Elijah Smith (photo courtesy of Anthony Hearnsberger) |
He is the son of Brad and Melissa Harrod of Hermitage, AR
1st Runner Up - Easton Breck Reynolds
He is the son of Jeremy and Justice Reynolds
2nd Runner Up - Elijah Smith
He is the son of Allison Cherry and Joseph Smith of Warren, AR
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| Buck Fever Baby Girl Maya Ella Reep, 1st runner up Tali Williams, and 2nd Runner Up Norah Asher Weatherly (Photo courtesy of Anthony Hearnsberger) |
2013 Buck Fever Festival Baby Girl winner - Maya Ella Reep
She is the daughter of Jason and Sahra Reep of New Edinburg, AR
1st Runner Up - Tali Williams
She is the daughter of John Daniel and Vanessa Williams of Warren, AR
2nd Runner Up - Norah Asher Weatherly
She is the daughter of Noah Weatherly and Ashley White of Monticello, AR
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Arrest Report: November 11, 2013
The following are innocent until proven guilty:
Michael McGhee: 590 Wright Rd., Rison, AR., 33, arrested on a warrant (11-4-13)
Patricia Miranda: 517 West Central, Warren, AR., 39, charged with no driver's license and no proof of insurance (11-7-13)
Tyrone Butler: 1111 Johnson St., Warren, AR., 49, arrested on a warrant (11-7-13)
Credell Davis: 203 S. Bradley.Warren, AR., arrested on a warrant (11-7-13)
Desstanie Bryant: 46 Kings Sq. West, Warren, AR., charged with possession of a controlled substance (11-10-13)
Casey Jones: 10 Linda Lane, Warren, AR., charged with driving on a suspended license (11-10-13)
Michael McGhee: 590 Wright Rd., Rison, AR., 33, arrested on a warrant (11-4-13)
Patricia Miranda: 517 West Central, Warren, AR., 39, charged with no driver's license and no proof of insurance (11-7-13)
Tyrone Butler: 1111 Johnson St., Warren, AR., 49, arrested on a warrant (11-7-13)
Credell Davis: 203 S. Bradley.Warren, AR., arrested on a warrant (11-7-13)
Desstanie Bryant: 46 Kings Sq. West, Warren, AR., charged with possession of a controlled substance (11-10-13)
Casey Jones: 10 Linda Lane, Warren, AR., charged with driving on a suspended license (11-10-13)
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Radio Auction Brings in Over $11,000 for the Y
The Donald W. Reynolds Y held a radio auction Friday, November 8, to raise funds for the Y. Items for the auction were donated by local merchants and citizens. The auction brought in approximately $11,700.
Executive Director Randall Herring and the Y thanks all who donated items and all those who purchased, as well as the many volunteers.
A special thanks is extended to Jimmy Sledge and the KWRF radio station.
Executive Director Randall Herring and the Y thanks all who donated items and all those who purchased, as well as the many volunteers.
A special thanks is extended to Jimmy Sledge and the KWRF radio station.
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James Lee Witt, Candidate for Democratic Nomination for 4th District Congress Visits Warren
In 1988, Witt was appointed by then-Governor Bill Clinton to be the head of the Arkansas Office of Emergency Services where he reorganized the state's emergency management process.[citation needed]
When Clinton was elected President, he appointed Witt to head FEMA, for which Witt was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 1993. In 1996, he was given cabinet rank.
During his tenure Witt was able to overcome FEMA's previously poor reputation. A 1992 interim report by the Congress (prior to Hurricane Andrew, which led to further criticism of FEMA) had said, "FEMA is widely viewed as a political dumping ground, a turkey farm, if you will, where large numbers of positions exist that can be conveniently and quietly filled by political appointment ...
By 1996, an Atlanta Journal-Constitution editorial said, "FEMA has developed a sterling reputation for delivering disaster-relief services, a far cry from its abysmal standing before James Lee Witt took its helm in 1993. How did Witt turn FEMA around so quickly? Well, he is the first director of the agency to have emergency-management experience. He stopped the staffing of the agency by political patronage. He removed layers of bureaucracy. Most important, he instilled in the agency a spirit of preparedness, of service to the customer, of willingness to listen to ideas of local and state officials to make the system work better."
Witt's term in office saw approximately 348 Presidentially declared disaster areas in more than 6,500 counties and in all 50 states and the U.S. territories. Witt supervised the response to the 1997 Red River Flood— a devastating flood in the Dakotas—the most costly earthquake, and a dozen serious hurricanes.
As of August 2007, Witt serves on the Management Team of Global Options Group LLC, as President of James Lee Witt Associates LLC, which provides consulting on emergency and disaster preparedness to local and state governments. Witt also served as CEO of the International Code Council, which sets international standards for building construction, 2003-06.
On September 3, 2005, he was hired by Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco to oversee reconstruction efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.[4] In December 2005, the University of Texas System hired his firm to prepare, process, and recover claims for damages from FEMA related to natural disasters.
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Warren's Haunted High School 2013 Another Huge Success
Haunted High School has become a tradition at Warren High School. More than 324 people visited the nearly 100 ghosts and listened to their tales of their roles in history. You can see the ghosts by clicking on link below.
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| Photo Credit: Taylor Danley/salineriverchronicle.com |
reminder: you can purchase any of our photos
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Top Honors Earned by Warren Schools
The Warren School Board met Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the administration building for their regular monthly meeting.
After adopting the minutes of the October 14 meeting and approving an out of state trip request, the board watched a presentation by the Warren Middle School about two programs that give students opportunities to learn about the real world beyond the classroom.
Darrel Odom addressed the board about the WHS HVAC Project and Plumbing Project. He told the board that he believed they would be able to meet their goals with less funds than allocated. He answered a number of questions from the board members.
Superintendent Johnson reviewed the planned project list on the facilities/master plan.
After returning from executive session to discuss personnel matters, the board voted to Adult Ed Instructor/Mentor for Special Projects Victoria Jackson. The contract will be for the remainder of the 1013-14 school year.
The board approved the financial report as presented and renewed the district's participation agreement for the unemployment compensation program.
Superintendent Johnson reported that parent/teacher conferences had been held October 28 and 29 with 61% attendance at Warren High and Brunson, 72% at Warren Middle School, 74% at Eastside, and 26% at SEACBEC.
She told the board that during the October flu clinic set a new record of 808 shots given.
269 students signed up for the Warren School District Youth Basketball program and that a number of volunteers have stepped forward. The program is free to the students.
The board was informed that Haunted High School had 324 sign in as they visited the program.
She brought to the board's attention the M.D.Jarous Foundation and the local Sonic had donated $2,500 to be used by WHS to benefit students.
The board was informed that Warren Middle School earned top 3 honors for 7th grade math, that WHS earned top 5 honors for SE in EOC Algebra, and WHS earned top 3 high poverty HS in state for EOC Algebra.
She reported that the Eastside Breakfast in the Classroom program is going well. She told the board that last Wednesday they served 203 breakfasts and 199 lunches. This is an increase from an average of 120 breakfasts a day. There is evidence that this program has positively affected tardies, and trips to the nurse.
It was pointed out that school will be dismissed for the Thanksgiving holidays November 27-29.
Mrs. Johnson reminded the board that an on-side standards audit will take place Nov ember 19.
The Lumberjacks have a bye for the first round of the playoffs and will play at home on November 12.
After adopting the minutes of the October 14 meeting and approving an out of state trip request, the board watched a presentation by the Warren Middle School about two programs that give students opportunities to learn about the real world beyond the classroom.
Darrel Odom addressed the board about the WHS HVAC Project and Plumbing Project. He told the board that he believed they would be able to meet their goals with less funds than allocated. He answered a number of questions from the board members.
Superintendent Johnson reviewed the planned project list on the facilities/master plan.
After returning from executive session to discuss personnel matters, the board voted to Adult Ed Instructor/Mentor for Special Projects Victoria Jackson. The contract will be for the remainder of the 1013-14 school year.
The board approved the financial report as presented and renewed the district's participation agreement for the unemployment compensation program.
Superintendent Johnson reported that parent/teacher conferences had been held October 28 and 29 with 61% attendance at Warren High and Brunson, 72% at Warren Middle School, 74% at Eastside, and 26% at SEACBEC.
She told the board that during the October flu clinic set a new record of 808 shots given.
269 students signed up for the Warren School District Youth Basketball program and that a number of volunteers have stepped forward. The program is free to the students.
The board was informed that Haunted High School had 324 sign in as they visited the program.
She brought to the board's attention the M.D.Jarous Foundation and the local Sonic had donated $2,500 to be used by WHS to benefit students.
The board was informed that Warren Middle School earned top 3 honors for 7th grade math, that WHS earned top 5 honors for SE in EOC Algebra, and WHS earned top 3 high poverty HS in state for EOC Algebra.
She reported that the Eastside Breakfast in the Classroom program is going well. She told the board that last Wednesday they served 203 breakfasts and 199 lunches. This is an increase from an average of 120 breakfasts a day. There is evidence that this program has positively affected tardies, and trips to the nurse.
It was pointed out that school will be dismissed for the Thanksgiving holidays November 27-29.
Mrs. Johnson reminded the board that an on-side standards audit will take place Nov ember 19.
The Lumberjacks have a bye for the first round of the playoffs and will play at home on November 12.
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Rotary Hears Program About Arkansas Waterways
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| Mrs. Linda Barrett and Ben Thesing |
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Christmas Tour of Homes Slated for Sunday, December 15
The 25th Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes is scheduled for Sunday, December 15, from 2-6 p.m. Several local homes filled with holiday decorations, will be included on the Tour. The featured homes will share family traditions and Christmas cheer.
GFWC Warren Woman’s Club sponsors the annual event in Warren to benefit the Bradley County Historical Museum and since the tour began in 1987 has featured over 100 homes. Many thanks from the Woman’s Club to the former Tour families who have opened their homes to the people of Bradley County. The Christmas Tour is one of the major fundraisers for the Historical Museum and the success of this tour is due to the generosity of these families.
Future articles will give more details of the tour and the homes to be included. Mark your calendars and make this special event part of your Christmas celebration.
Tickets may be purchased from Warren Woman’s Club members or at the homes on the day of Tour. Admission is $9.00 pre-sale and $10.00 at the door. For more information or to suggest homes for future tours, contact JeNelle Lipton-870-226-5457, Joy Kitchens-870-226-6184 or any member of the Woman’s Club.
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Update on Amber Alert: 13 Year Old Missing From Camden
Police believe Phillip Nussey, 38, has taken Kimberly Nussey, 13, against her will.
OUACHITA COUNTY, AR -- A Morgan Nick Amber Alert has been issued for a 13-year-old girl missing out of Camden, according to the Ouachita County Sheriff's Office.
Sgt. Vincent Mills with the OCSO said law enforcement officials believe Kimberly Nussey was taken against her will by her uncle Phillip Nussey, 38, and are traveling in a white Crown Victoria.
The family says they have a protection order against Phillip Nussey. According to the Arkansas State Police, there is a custody battle going on and Kimberly is believed to be in immediate danger.
The Alexander Police are working with the Arkansas State Police, U.S. Marshal's and the FBI for this investigation.
According to police, she went missing around 6 p.m. Monday and was last seen near Ouachita County Road 51.
Mills said Kimberly has tried to run away before.
If you have any information, sheriffs encourage you to call the Ouachita County Sheriff's Department at 870-231-5300.
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Holiday Open Houses Held Sunday
The next local holiday event will be the Warren Christmas Stroll which will be held Saturday, November 30.
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EAST Class Hosts Veterans' Day Service
Kennedy Nelson extended a welcome and recognized the many veterans in attendance.
The Warren ABC Preschool presented two songs in honor of the occasion: "We Go Marching and Celebrate".
The key note speaker for the event was veteran John Little.
EAST presented a video tribute to the veterans.
Reverend David Richey, pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church offered a prayer.
Mr. Daniel Williams played taps as the colors were retrieved.
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