B (USPS156-140) Vol. 133, Number 6 DeWitt, AR 72042 • 16 Pages • 2 Sections • 75 cents
Story and Photos on Page A8
est of DeWitt Banquet
Serving Arkansas County, Arkansas Since 1882
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Best of DeWitt Citizen of the Year
AROUND THE COUNTY
By Terrye Seamon
41ST ANNUAL OYSTER SUPPER
The DeWitt-St. Charles American Legion is hosting their annual Oyster Supper on Friday, February 20, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Camp Doughboy. Tickets are $25. Contact any Legionnaire or Johnny Purdy at 830-7618 or Perry Simpson at 509-3262.
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY TO MEET
The American Legion Auxiliary will meet at the Willows Restaurant on Thursday, February 5, at5:30 pm. Please bring what raffle tickets you have not sold and the money for the ones you sold, along with the items or item for the raffle basket that will be given away February 20, at the Oyster Supper. See you there!
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Best of DeWitt Citizen of the Year Jean Prange
First Christian Church of DeWitt will celebrate their 100th Anniversary on Sunday, March 1, 2015. Fellowship begins at 9:00 a.m. and Worship Service begins at 10:15 a.m.
In the words of religious leader Gordon B. Hinckley, “Every good citizen adds to the strength of a nation.” And as Sandra Day O’Connor described it, citizenship involves more than just voting. “As
a citizen, you need to know how to be a part of it, how to express yourself - and not just by voting.” These two quotes definitely encompass the spirit of Jean Prange, DeWitt’s Citizen of the Year.
Barbara Rodgers, who was one of two people who nominated Prange for this honor, said that Prange has been actively involved in several organizations and worthwhile causes in the community since she retired from her nursing career. “All of this is done with a smile on her face and love and concern for others in her heart,” Rodgers said. Prange was instrumental in creating the Caring and Sharing Food Pantry in DeWitt. The food pantry assists families who are in need of food, and by organizing volunteers from various churches in the community, Prange and fellow co-founder, Betty Cotner, keep the pantry open four days a month for families who need assistance. Prange has also help organized mission projects for First Methodist Church, where she is a member. Not only has she helped organize mission trips, but Rodgers said that Prange actually travelled to Costa Rica on one of those mission trips and assisted with the construction of a church. In addition to volunteering at the Grand Prairie Charitable Christian Medical Clinic and being a fifteenyear member of the DeWitt Arkansas County Master Gardeners, Prange was also an integral part of the Arkansas County Courthouse landscaping project at the DeWitt courthouse, of which she served as co-chairman. Prange was honored at the DeWitt Chamber of Commerce’s banquet January 26 where she received a plaque commemorating her service to DeWitt. “[She is] a person you would want on your team,” co-nominator Winnie Cotton said.
DeWitt Dragon Basketball Games
DELIVERANCE PRAISE CENTER BAKE SALE
The Deliverance Praise Center is hosting a Bake Sale at 122 N. Madison in DeWitt on February 7th starting at 7:30am. The sale will be inside the church, behind the old telephone building. There will be an assortment of cakes, pies, peanut butter chewies, and more.
FULL GOSPEL CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE
The Full Gospel Apostolic Church will be having a rummage sale Saturday, February 7th starting at 7:00 a.m. german burgers, pork bbq sandwiches, cole slaw, buttermilk pies, all kinds of cakes. Please everyone come out and support our bake sale in Jesus name.
Connor Blevins, Jamari Gamble, and Quan Body attempts the rebound
Dragonette defense pressing hard
By Dawn Teer The week at home for the Dragons and Dragonettes started with some hard fought games against Warren. The Jr. Girls just couldn’t catch a break against Warren. Kari Rieves scored 8 and Adriana Davis scored 7 but it wasn’t enough and they lost 26-34. The Jr. Boys game practically mirrored the Jr. Girls losing 27-35. Gage Lane led the Jr. Dragons with 11 points. DHS Student Lexie Brown opened the Sr. games with the national anthem. The Sr. girls fell behind early and were unable to catch up throughout the game. The Warren team had too many players who were better at the three- point line and they pressed the Dragonettes to a point they couldn’t get any good shots. Libby Cox led with 14 points and Tessah West had 10. Unfortunately, they still lost 3858. The Sr. Boys came out and played hard and fast basketball and were only down 22-25 at the half. Little mistakes and bad passes didn’t help against Warren and the boys fell 4151 when the final buzzer went off. Connor Blevins led the Dragons with 11 points with Tyran Robinson right behind him with 10. Thursday night found the Dragons hosting Drew Central. The Jr,. Dragonettes were determined to redeem themselves after Tuesday nights loss
to Warren. They came out making good passes and good shots. Jomia Harris led the girls with 18 points. They pressed hard on defense and held the Drew Central team to 27 points overall while they kept racking them up. The Dragonnettes won 40-27. The Jr. Boys did not have it so well. They were down 12-26 at the half and were unable to get anything going their way, and lost 23-54. J. Davis scored 8. The last game of the week found them hosting the Monticello Billies. The Jr. girls were no match for the Billies who defeated the Dragonettes 48-8. The Sr. Dragonettes didn’t fare much better losing 62-36. Libby Cox led with 14, Tessah West had 10 and Kayla West had 8. The Sr. Boys were down 40-10 at the half and while they came to score 15 in the second half while holding the Sr. Billies to only 19 in the second half they still lost 59-25. It has to be sad that even with many losses on the season, one has to be proud of these players. They obviously don’t give up or quit! That is such a great character trait that will help them long after their basketball games are over. Regardless of the outcome these kids keep coming out and giving their all and I, for one, am extremely proud to call them Dragons!!
ACRES OF HELP, INC. “Making a Difference Everyday”
Third Annual Fundraiser Banquet to Benefit the Needs of South Arkansas County February 7th, 2015 at the DeWitt High School Cafeteria Doors Open at 6:00 p.m. • Dinner Served at 7:00 p.m. $25.00 per person For tickets, contact Brad Chambless at (870) 509-3323 Acres of Help, Inc. is a non-profit corporation formed pursuant to Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to Acres of Hope, Inc. are deemed charitable under Section 501(A) of the Internal Revenue Code.