D (USPS156-140) Vol. 132, Number 24 DeWitt, AR 72042 • 16 Pages • 2 Sections • 75 cents
ale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge Fishing Derby
Serving Arkansas County, Arkansas Since 1882
Story and Photos on Page B1
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Best Wins Arkansas County Judge
AROUND THE COUNTY
THE MT. CALVARY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH IN GILLETT
Will be serving Free Breakfast at 8am and lunch at 11am Monday through Friday starting June 5, 2014. Children 1-18 are asked to attend. Pastor Gary Russell.
DEWITT YOUTH CENTER SUMMER FUN
DeWitt Youth Center will be held at 423 E. Halliburton Street in DeWitt, AR. The fun continues through August 15, 2014. Monday - Friday breakfast will be at 8:30am - 9:30am and lunch will be at 10:00am - 11:30am.
DEWITT DOG DAYS
The Square is going to the dogs June 14th. The DeWitt Dog Days (coordinated by Caring 4 Canines) will be having a Pet Show and Pet Parade on Saturday, June 14. The pet show will be at 11:30. No entry fee required. The Pet Parade will be held at noon. Tshirts will be available for purchase to benefit Caring 4 Canines projects. For more information, conact Michelle Martin at 870946-6307.
JUNETEENTH
On Saturday, June 14, DeWitt residents will be celebrating Juneteenth at the Key School Gym Grounds (located in the 600 Block of Maxwell Street). The parade will begin at 1pm. Come join in the fun and learn about our heritage and freedom. For more information, contact Sis Delphin Dorsey at 870-8306558.
GILLETT HERITAGE DAYS WINNER CORRECTION
There has been a correction in the Gillett Heritage Days Winners article. Clay Sides won the BBQ Butt competition.
KITTLER/WARD FAMILY REUNION
By Kevin Brown They’re in and it’s over! The tally from the Arkansas County Judge election runoff is final, and there’s a new Crown taking seat. And the winner is: Thomas “Eddie” Best by an unofficial count of 1,298 to 743, over Ryan Eagle, of Stuttgart. The run-off began three weeks ago, May 20, during the primary election when Best led by a count of 1,024 to 708 votes over Eagle. Yet, the people have spoken, the direction has shifted and the
future of Arkansas County now resides in the dedicated hands of Judge Best. After the victory, Best said: “[I see] a bright and better Arkansas County. A new era. I’m looking forward to working with the elected officials of the county. Roads are [a concern] I’ve stressed, one of the things that need to be looked into.” He went on to say, “My plans are to listen to the people, see where their needs are and make an educated decision on what and how things need to be
done, and look, not only today, but into the future. That the decisions made will be good five, ten years down the road.” Eagle, who came up short at 36% of the unofficial votes, said, “First, congratulations to Eddie Best. He ran a great campaign. I have enjoyed getting to know him, and have no doubt in my mind he will work hard for Arkansas County. I would also like to thank everyone who supported me in this election. It is very humbling to realize
so many people chose to cast their ballot for me.” Eagle also said, “While in the end the number of votes weren’t enough for victory, I hope I’ve made my supporters proud.” On behalf of the citizens of Arkansas County, the candidates have made us all proud, and we will see, not only those in the running, but our fellow voters at the polls in November.
The Kittler/Ward Family Reunion will be held at DeWitt City Park’s Community Center on Saturday, June 14th. There will be a potluck lunch at 12 noon.
THANK YOU
First of all, I would like to thank all the citizens of Arkansas County. A very special thanks goes to those who voted for and supported the “Eddie Best for County Judge Campaign.” Without your support and prayers, this opportunity to serve the people of Arkansas County as Arkansas County Judge would not have been possible. Last, but not least, I would like to thank the Lord who blesses and watches over us all. Thank you very much.