Police Diffuse Potentially Dangerous Incident

Jeremiah Jennie Johnson, age 19, of Pine Bluff was arrested
Friday.

Officers of the Warren Police Department were able to diffuse a potentially dangerous incident Friday afternoon, November 27th on the parking lot of the Arkansas Superior Federal Credit Union located on South Martin Street. The incident occurred around 4:20 P.M.   The Credit Union was closed at the time.

The events that lead to the encounter between police and a black male subject began with a call to the police from New Beginnings treatment facility on York Street.  Personnel at New Beginnings reported an individual, who was a resident of the facility by court order had walked away.  Warren police immediately began searching for the person.

Hose nozzle the accused was wielding

Police were then notified that a black male was on the Credit Union property, acting unruly and doing damage to a vehicle that belonged to the Credit Union as well as damage to the ATM machine.  Interim Chief Shaun Hildreth was near by and responded quickly. The Chief was shortly joined by Sgt. Thomas Miller.  As the two policemen prepared to approach the man, the suspect charged the officers brandishing  what appeared to be a firearm.  The individual was yelling, "Kill me." Chief Hildreth, who was still in his car,  began backing up the car to remove himself from the potential line of fire.  Sgt. Miller took cover behind his police vehicle.  He drew his firearm and ordered the suspect to stop and drop his weapon.  The suspect complied,  and Sgt. Miller apprehended him.  A private citizen assisted the officers as they took the suspect into custody.

The suspect was arrested and handcuffed without further incident.  No shots were fired, and no one was injured.  The weapon turned out to be a silver water hose nozzle.  The suspect did not have a gun.  However, he held the nozzle in his hands in a manner that made it appear to be a handgun from a distance.  Fortunately both officers kept their cool and were able to secure control of the suspect.

ATM damaged by suspect

To policemen at the scene, it appeared the suspect was attempting suicide by baiting the police to shoot.  Chief Hildreth and Sgt. Miller both used caution in an effort to protect themselves and any person who might have been close by.  Both officers stated they were thankful to be unharmed and to have been able to gain control of the suspect without harming him. Their first priority was to make sure no passersby were in danger.

Arrest report: November 30, 2015

The following are innocent until proven guilty:

Buddy Pierce, 3 1/2 Railroad Ave., Warren, AR., age 36, charged with domestic battery and arrested on a warrant (11-25-15)

Wash Simons, 403 E. Cedar, Warren, AR., age 42, charged with public intoxication (11-25-15)

Kendall York, 313 Parks St., Warren, AR., age 21, charged with theft of electric meter and theft of services (11-26-15)

Paige Curry, 404 Wise St., Warren, AR., age 24, charged with theft of electric meter x2, theft of services x2 (11-26-15)

Jeremiah Johnson, 1405 1/2 W. 20th, Pine Bluff, AR., age 19, charged with criminal mischief (felony) and terroristic threatening (11-27-15)

Anthony Cooper, 713 George St., Warren, AR., age 46, charged with loitering x2, disorderly conduct, and criminal trespassing (11-28-15)

Griffin Wins $100 Gift Card

Congratulations to Jessica Griffin!!! She won the $100 gift card to Walmart!! The community wide food drive was a huge success!!

The library says thank you to all that participated in the food drive!!! Especially Eastside Elementary!!!

First Baptist to Hold Fund Raiser

New Student Orientation Set for Jan. 4

            MONTICELLO, AR — The University of Arkansas at Monticello will host an orientation session Monday, January 4 beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center for all new students planning to attend the Monticello campus in the spring semester.
            Following a campus welcome and general orientation, students will have the opportunity to meet with their academic advisors and receive information about financial aid, housing, and other campus offices and services.
            The UAM Colleges of Technology at Crossett and McGehee will also host orientation sessions on January 4. Students planning to attend the Crossett campus should meet in room 205 of the McGoogan Building at 1 p.m. Students planning to attend the McGehee campus should meet in the main building at 1 p.m.
            For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at (800) 844-1826 or (870) 460-1026.

On Our Other Pages...

December Community Calendar:  Classified Page  (Have something you want to add, email it to salineriverchronicle@gmail.com)

Recap of Warren v. Nashville game:  Sports Page  (Also find updated brackets in 4A State Playoffs)

December Menus for Warren School District:  School's Page

Lighting Safety Tips:  Features Page

Deer Hunting photos keep coming in:  Outdoors Page

Jacks Basketball Schedule: Sports Page

Workforce Alliance For Southeast Arkansas To Hold Workshop For Area Educators December 9

            MONTICELLO, AR — Superintendents, high school principals and counselors, and the directors of career and technical secondary education centers in southeast Arkansas will meet December 9 as part of a collaborative effort by the University of Arkansas at Monticello, area school districts and industries to change the economic outlook of the region.
            The meeting will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative in Monticello. UAM recently received a Regional Workforce Grant for $84,810 and an additional $25,000 from the Delta Regional Authority to create the Workforce Alliance of Southeast Arkansas. The Alliance includes UAM’s main campus in Monticello, its technical campuses in Crossett and McGehee, along with companies ranging from large industries to small family businesses. Its purpose is to provide adults with the necessary skills to fill available jobs and encourage more businesses to move their operations to southeast Arkansas, an area of the state with a declining population.

Link to Warren vs. Nashville Football Game

salineriverchronicle.com will not be carrying the 2015 Warren Lumberjack Football Playoff Run, but we will provide whatever links are available from other websites where you can watch or listen to the games.

This week we are directing you to the Nashville livestream.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NASHVILLE LIVESTREAM OF

WARREN VS. NASHVILLE

If there are any technical issues, please be aware that we in now way control or are affiliated with the stream.  We are simply providing the link for our regular viewers benefit.

Warren Police Urge Residents and Businesses to Lock Up

Warren Interim Police Chief Shawn Hildreth is encouraging every resident and business owner in the city to lock their homes, businesses and storage buildings, especially when not present.  He indicated that a large number of the cases being investigated by the department for theft of property took place when the items stolen were easy to get to in unlocked homes, businesses and storage buildings.  Vehicles should also be kept locked and valuable items should not be left in plain sight.

Stealing becomes more prevalent during the holidays but can happen at any time.  It is important not to make it easy for thieves to just pick items up and run away.  Make your home, business and storage buildings secure and keep them locked.  Good lighting can also help.

Anyone with a question should call the Warren Police Department at 226-3703.

Mayor Martin Provides Information on Payments to Intermodal

Warren Mayor Bryan Martin has provided information to inform the citizens of Warren about the investment the city has made, to date, into the Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority.  Beginning in 2000, Warren has paid $595,134.92  to the project.  Various grants have reimbursed  Warren $284,134.91 to leave the city with a net investment of $311,000.01.  According to state law and the agreement that set up the authority, the City of Warren owns one fourth of the facility.  Warren has three positions on the intermodal board, nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the city council. Currently representing the City of Warren on the authority board is Roger George, Rick Warner and Dr. Robert Smalling.

Over the years the city has utilized sales tax funds, designated for economic development, to pay the city's contribution.  All expenditures have been authorized by the Warren City Council.

While the intermodal park is located solely within Drew County, an agreement among the four entities that own the authority, calls for a sharing of taxes generated by business activity within the intermodal facility.  The primary purpose of the authority is to create jobs in the region.  The estimated worth of the intermodal park is approximately $7,298,865.00.  The park is located just east of Wilmar, Arkansas.

LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS

It is almost Christmas, and once again GFWC Warren Woman's Club is celebrating the holidays by sponsoring the outdoor lighting contest.  This year's event will be held on Friday night,  December 11, beginning at 5:30 p.m.  There is no entry fee and anyone living in a three-mile radius of Warren is eligible to enter.  Deadline for entry is December 8.

Out-of-town judges will visit Warren to select from the first 20 entries.  Categories to be judged are: lighting, originality, visual appeal and tastefulness.  Prizes to be awarded are 1st - $100, 2nd - $75, and 3rd - $50.  First place winner from 2014 will be ineligible to participate.  All 2015 winners will be asked to keep their lights on during the holiday season for public viewing.

Help Warren glow with the spirit of Christmas by joining in the celebration with your neighbors and community by calling and registering your home or encouraging your favorites to enter.

To register or request more information please call:  Jennifer Taylor, 501-993-5876, Diane Parnell, 870-820-2823, Brenda Johnson, 870-226-7308, Sandra Gatling, 870-226-5261, Karen Wisener, 870-226-2008

Send a Letter to Santa

It's that time of year again.  Santa is checking his list and reading letters from children all over the world.  salineriverchronicle.com will once again be helping out the North Pole by posting letters to Santa.  Write your letter or get an adult to type it for you and email it to salineriverchronicle@gmail.com.  You may also include a picture if you want.  We will begin publishing your letters on December 1.

Y Announces Holiday Schedule

The Donald W. Reynolds YMCA will be closed Thursday, November 26, 2015 for Thanksgiving. Our regular hours will resume Friday morning. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

DaVita Bradley County Recognized as a Five-Star Center by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

WARREN, Ark. (Nov. 24, 2015) – DaVita Kidney Care, a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. (NYSE: DVA) and a leading provider of kidney care services, today announced that DaVita Bradley County Dialysis has been recognized as a five-star  center by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
According to the latest government ratings, DaVita Kidney Care owns 15 percent of four- and five-star centers in the area, outperforming all other providers. Nationwide, DaVita Kidney Care has 46 percent of all four- and five-star centers – the highest in the industry – compared to an average of 23 percent for other dialysis providers. CMS’ Five-Star Rating system was created to increase transparency and help empower patients to make informed decisions about their care.

Jones Resigns From Warren Bank To Pursue Other Interests

Warren Bank and Trust Company President Kelly Ashcraft has announced that Jennifer Jones, Vice President and West Warren Bank Manager, has resigned to pursue other interests.

Arrest Report: November 22, 2015

The following are innocent until proven guilty:

Eric Booker, 2046 Hwy 425 S., Monticello, AR., age 34, court (11-15-15)

Kendall York, 313 Park St., Warren, AR., age 21, charged with disorderly conduct and criminal mischief (11-17-15)

Mario Courtney 404 S. Wise St., Warren, AR., age 26, charged with shoplifting (11-19-15)

Savannah Herron, 103 Schallhorn St., Dewitt, AR., age 21, arrested on warrant x2 (11-2-15)

Library Hosts Coat Drive

County Announces Holiday Schedule

The Bradley County Courthouse will be closed on November 26th and 27th for the Thanksgiving Holiday

Bradley County Solid Waste Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule:
Bradley County Solid Waste will not run on Thursday or Friday November 26th and 27th. Thursday’s route will be picked up on Wednesday November 25th and Friday’s route will be picked up on Monday November 30th.

The Bradley County Landfill will be closed Thursday and Friday.

Rutledge Announces Arrest of Warren Woman for Adult Abuse

WARREN – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge announced the arrest of a Bradley County woman by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

Haley Lewis, 29, of Warren was arrested on one count of abuse of an endangered or impaired person, a Class D felony. Lewis turned herself in to the Warren Police Department and was released on a $2,500 bond on Nov. 13. She is accused of pushing a resident to the floor and kicking the patient at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center on Aug. 13.

Get Your Holiday Baked Goods or Bake a Donation

Buck Fever Pageant and Talent Results

The following were winners in the Buck Fever Pageants and Talent Show:

Young Miss
Winner:Haven Brently Harrod
1st Runner up Katie Grace Cravaness
2nd Olivia Rayne Pierce

Junior Miss
Ana Katherine Wardlaw
Halleigh Morgan Harrod
Allie Scott

Miss Buck Fever
Amber Helms
Taily Jackson
Jakrya Miller

Talent
Overall Winner Kristen Best
1st Runner up Emma Grace Beard
2nd Runner Up Amanda McFarland

Community Thanksgiving Service Held in Warren

The Annual Community Thanksgiving Service was held Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m., November 22, 2015 at Union Hill Baptist Church in Warren.  It was sponsored by the Ministerial Alliance.

The welcome was given by Henry Cox, the pastor of Union Hill, followed by a hymn.  Niseforo and Dinora Castillo gave a scripture reading followed by a prayer by Wayman Mann.

After another singing of an hymn, Jim Bales gave a short devotional on the offering and its purpose to help those in need.  The Union Hill choir presented special music.

Reverend Gary Harrison of First United Methodist Church delivered the message.  After the benediction and postlude, a dessert fellowship was held.

Non-perishable food items were collected to be given to the local Food Pantries.

Fire Department Report

On November 17, at 2:30 a.m., a call came in to the Warren Fire Department reporting a fire on Wise Street.  Upon arrival, the firemen discovered smoke at an electrical box.  Fifteen firmen with two engines responded to the call.  There were no injuries and no damage to the structure.

During the rest of the week, the department made several assists for the ambulance, accidents, and alarms.

Genealogy Society Meets, Hears Program from Veterans Museum

The Bradley County Genealogy Society met Sunday, November 22 in the new addition to the Veterans' Museum.  John Little gave the program about the new addition and the progress of the museum.  He noted that 30 Head Start children visited the museum last week and that attendance continues to be good.  He told those gathered about a new display honoring the soldiers from the county who died in Korean, Vietnam, the Middle East, and World Wars I and II.  He thanked Mr. and Mrs. Baker Peebles and Carol Bryant for their work in getting this accomplished.

Mr. Little also issued a call for help finding information about Bobby King who was born in Warren and died in 1966 in Vietnam.  His mother was Ruth Reep King.  He was a career serviceman who had been in the military 17 years and was a veteran of the Korean War.  He moved to Baytown, Texas at the age of 2.  Anyone with information about Mr. King, please contact the Bradley County Veterans Museum.

He further noted that the museum is trying to locate more information about Jessie S. Baker.  He served with the first special service force during WWII.  He and his wife (of three months), Lula Belle Moore Baker were both killed in the 1949 tornado.  He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Baker.  His wife was the daughter of James A. Moore.  He was an employee of the Bradley Lumber Company.  He is buried in Oakland Cemetery.  

Warren 35-34 Pottsville FULL GAME REPORT ON SPORTS PAGE

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL GAME REPORT.

Intermodal Reports It Will Owe Around $300,000

During the monthly meeting of the Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority, members were informed that the organization will owe somewhere just over $300,000.00 to Commercial Bank of Monticello, once all bills are paid and all grants funds are utilized.  In the October meeting, it was reported the figure would run between $600,000-$700,000.  When asked to explain the difference a spokesman for the organization indicated there was more grant money available than realized.  By a vote of the board, the authority approved a series of motions that authorized the payment of current bills in the amount of $314,169.94, pay current interest on the loan due November 22nd, renew the loan for one year and maintain the letter of credit with Commercial Bank at the amount of one million dollars.

There was considerable discussion, as there was in October, concerning how the note would be paid off in the future.  It was clear from the comments made that the intermodal board expects the cities of Warren and Monticello and the counties of Bradley and Drew, or some combination thereof to eventually pay the funds owed.  As has been previously reported, Warren, Monticello and Drew County have been budgeting or appropriating funds each year to contribute to the authority, but none have committed to paying off the loan or accepting legal responsibility for the bank note.  Bradley County has not paid utilizing county general funds in several years and has not budgeted general funds to the authority over the past few years.

Business Ordered Closed

After an investigation by the Warren Police Department, which consulted with the District Prosecuting Attorney's Office, a business described as an "adult arcade" enterprise, has been ordered to cease operations.  According to information provided salineriverchronicle.com, the establishment has complied.

The business was located in what was a tobacco store, originally built as a "Wag a Bag" store  in the 1970's.    

Fun at Craft Night at Warren Branch Library

Warren Library hosted their first craft night! Kaytlin Cruce led a canvas painting class last night and these ladies had a great time!!

We will be having a craft night once a month, so stay tuned for details for next month's craft night!!

Thank you so much to Kaytlin Cruce for taking the time to share her painting expertise!!

City of Warren Offices Closed November 26, 27

In order to observe Thanksgiving, the City of Warren Municipal Building will be closed November 26th and 27th.  There will be no garbage pick up on those dates and the city's recycling center and transfer station will also be closed.

All city emergency services will be staffed and functioning.

Warren Bank Makes Contribution to Y Annual Campaign

During the YMCA November board meeting, Missy Saunders with Warren Bank & Trust presented CEO, David Richey with a $6000 check for the 2016 annual campaign.  Thank you, Warren Bank, for your continued support of the Donald W. Reynolds YMCA of Warren & Bradley County.
Pictured L to R:  Sergio Yepes (YMCA Board Member), Missy Saunders (YMCA Board Member), David Richey (CEO), & Stacey Gorman (YMCA Board President)

Link to Pottsville vs. Warren Livestream

salineriverchronicle.com will not be carrying the 2015 Warren Lumberjack Football Playoff Run, but we will provide whatever links are available from other websites where you can watch or listen to the games.

This week we are directing you to the Pottsville livestream.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE POTTSVILLE LIVESTREAM OF

WARREN VS. POTTSVILLE.

If there are any technical issues, please be aware that we in now way control or are affiliated with the stream.  We are simply providing the link for our regular viewers benefit.

Warren and Hermitage UAM Seniors' Art to be Exhibited

Hand-thrown pottery by Nancy Williams

            MONTICELLO, AR — A pair of senior art exhibitions will be on display in the Glassblock Gallery of the Taylor Library and Technology Center on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Monticello during the months of December and January.
            Nancy Williams of Warren will display examples of hand-thrown pottery while Sydney Kidwell of Hermitage will show a collection of abstract watercolor landscapes as part of their senior thesis art exhibitions, which open with a reception December 2 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Glassblock Gallery.
            Williams’ exhibition will consist of numerous ceramic works completed in the last semester, including hand-thrown pottery using traditional forms of cups and bowls. According to Tom Richard, head of UAM’s art program, Williams work is “glazed in warm earth tones such as greens, blues and siennas to evoke connections and interactions with the earth and individuals.”

Sydney Kidwell's watercolor

            According to Richard, Kidwell’s paintings are “interpretations of landscapes from her immediate environment. Through using the process of layering colors and glazing watercolors, she creates a light and airy movement that reflects the mood and tone of the location,” he explained. “By simplifying a landscape into its most basic elements, she tries to express nature in its most beautiful form.”
            Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, contact Tom Richard at (870) 460-1338.

Tour of Homes to Feature Four Houses

The home of Ms. Diane Purvis

The Christmas season is a special time for the GFWC Warren Woman’s Club members.  Since 1987 the local club has presented the Christmas Tour of Homes in Bradley County to benefit the Bradley County Historical Museum.

The annual tour continues to be an exciting part of the Christmas season.  The success of this event is due to the generosity of local residents who open their homes and share their Christmas traditions each year. More than 100 families have participated in the tour since its beginning.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Trapper Denton

The 2015 tour promises a wonderful variety in homes, showcasing the tastes and talents of each of the homeowners.  The beautiful homes of 4 local families will be included in the 27th annual Tour.   The residences are:  Trapper and Jacqueline Denton’s home at 788 Highway 63N; the home of Diane Purvis located on the corner of South Main and Central Street; the Phyllis Barnes home at 1425 Forrest Road and Drew and Britni Robinson’s home, located at 105 Scotta Street.  The common thread will be the warm and wonderful hospitality of these special families.

The home of Mrs. Phyllis Barners

The Christmas Tour of Homes is held the second weekend in December and is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, December 13th, from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m.  Tickets for the exciting holiday tour are $10.00 and may be purchased from any member of the GFWC Warren Woman’s Club.  For more information, you may call: 870-226-5457, 870-820-1354 or 870-226-2426

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Drew Robinson

Holiday Foods Program Huge Success

Over one hundred people braved the inclement weather Tuesday night to attend the annual Holiday Foods program presented by the Bradley County Extension Homemakers Clubs.  Highlights of the event included the Christmas music presentations of Randall Herring and Ruth Lephiew and a program of interesting and unusual gift wrapping ideas from Fran Vanderzwalm.

At the event held in the Family Life Center of Immanual Baptist Church of Warren, guests received a sampling of many holiday dishes prepared by the homemakers and a recipe book compiled by Robin Hollis of the extension office.
The snowman top hat centerpieces at each table were given to lucky ticket holders at the conclusion of the program.  Proceeds from the holiday foods event and the silent auction will be used by the homemakers for their community service projects throughout the next year.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of this organization may contact the Bradley County Extension Office at 870 226-8410 or any club member.  

Hermitage School Board Meeting

The Hermitage School Board meet November 9th for the regular monthly meeting of the District.  Reports were given by Dr. Tucker, Mistie McGhee, Devin McDiarmid and Tara Hogue.  The 2016 Facilities Master Plan was approve 6-0.  A motion was approved to participation in the ASBA unemployment compensation account.  The board then went into executive session.

After reconvening, the board voted to hire Joel Avance for the 21st CCLC afterschool program.  The members then voted to accept the resignation of Cindy York as school nurse, effective November, 20th.

Board members were informed that no bids were received for property the district had advertised for sale.  A few months previous, the board had been approached by the Southeast Arkansas Community Action Corporation, seeking ownership of the school owned building referred to as the "old health clinic."  The board asked the superintendent and a board member to come up with a price and later decided to put the property up for sale, via public bids.  The property was advertised and no bids were submitted.

Bradley County Hometown Health Coalition Meeting

The Bradley County Hometown Health Coalition meet November, 18th at the Bradley County Library Conference Room.  Those present discussed several upcoming events and spent considerable time talking about ways to help New Beginnings as that organization starts a gardening program for the residents of the treatment facility.

By a vote of the members, the coalition set future meetings for the second Tuesday of each month from 12:00 noon till 1;00 P.M.  There will be no meeting in December.