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hristmas in Gillett

(USPS156-140) Vol. 132, Number 51 DeWitt, AR 72042 • 16 Pages • 2 Sections • 75 cents

Serving Arkansas County, Arkansas Since 1882

Story and Photos on Page B1

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Twentieth Century Knights Play Santa to Local Kids

AROUND THE COUNTY

BARBARA WEST ANNUAL TOY DRIVE

The Barbara West Annual Toy Drive will be held at Young Insurance Agency on December 20th from 9am12pm. This toy drive is for those children who may not otherwise have Christmas gifts. For children ages 11 and under and children must be accompanied by an adult to get their toys.

CHRISTMAS BREAK

The schools of the DeWitt School District will be dismissed December 22-January 2 for Christmas Break. Classes will resume at the regular time on Monday, January 5, 2015.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, everyone!

BERRY PRECOON SUPPER

The Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception to benefit the Marion and Carolyn Berry Scholarship Fund will be held January 10, 2015 from 3:30-6:30pm at the Berry Farm Shop in Gillett. Live music by the Wing Walkers.

Tickets are $30.00 each with checks payable to Marion and Carolyn Berry Scholarship Fund, ASU Foundation, P.O. Box 1990, State University, AR 72467. For more information call Ben Noble at 501-722-9473 or Gabe Holmstrom at 479-409-3329.

Some of the kids with their bikes from Santa

By Shelly Faulkner Santa made a special visit to DeWitt City Park Community Center Sunday, December 14th, and brought lots of gifts to ten kids in our community. On behalf of Jimmy Brown, Keith Whaley, Tim and Terry Jenkins, all natives of DeWitt, along with club members of The Twentieth Century Knights Inc., from Little Rock bought numerous gifts and bikes to 10 kids who had written Santa about why they deserved a gift

from Santa.

The Twentieth Century Knights Inc. is a non-profit social club that was established in the mid-forties in Little Rock, AR. Their motto is “Doing Good in the Neighborhood.” The club every month donates can goods to local shelters around Little Rock, and Sunday they also donated 504 cans of vegetables to Dana’s House after hearing about their fire last year.

DEWITT CEMETERY FUNDRAISER

The DeWitt Cemetery Fundraiser is having a Pork Loin Sale on Thursday, December 18th at Farmers & Merchants, DeWitt parking lot. It will be from 11:00am until sold out.

First come/First served. All proceeds used for maintenance and mowing of DeWitt Cemetery. If you have any questions, please contact Keith Patterson at 946-5832.

Lee Elliot hugs Santa after receiving his bike

Marissa Johnson with her gifts from Santa

Jamal Turner with his gifts

Sariyah Johnson with her gifts from Santa

Josea Johnson with Santa

Karsyn Brown with Santa

2014 Christmas Edition

of the DeWitt Era-Enterprise will be available

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23rd!

Be sure to stop by and pick up your copy!

2A Thursday, December 18, 2014 DeWitt Era-Enterprise • dewitt-ee.com

LOCAL NEWS DeWitt EraEnterprise The 2014 Christmas Edition of the DeWitt Era-Enterprise will be out on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23rd!

Be sure to pick up your copy and check out all of the Letters to Santa!

La T Da Boutique 123 S. Adams, DeWitt

10-6 Monday-Friday • 10-2 Saturday

-Buy 2 Bath & Body Works or >QK\WZQIÂź[ ;MKZM\ WZ >; 8QVS 8ZWL]K\[ /M\ .:-- 5Q` 5I\KP -Bras 50% off 8IV\QM[ WNN 2]QKa +W]\]ZM WNN -ALL our Christmas Toys IZM WNN

We have Bath & Body Works for Men! THE CITY OF DEWITT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED DECEMBER 25TH & 26TH FOR CHRISTMAS AND DECEMBER 31ST & JANUARY 1ST FOR NEW YEARS

CITY GARBAGE The City of DeWitt garbage pickup for the week of DECEMBER 22ND THRU 24TH Tue. Pickup will be Mon.; Wed. and Thur. Pickup will be Tue.; and Fri. Pickup will be on Wed. DECEMBER 31ST AND JANUARY 1ST Tue. and Wed. Pickup will be Tue. and Thur. and Fri. Pickup will be on Fri.

EWITT POLICE REPORT December 9, 2014 – Officer Johnathan Powell was dispatched to Sonic Drive-in for an accident. Dispatch said that one occupant was pinned in the vehicle.

Powell arrived on the scene at the same time as EMS. One vehicle had a passenger that EMS personnel could not get out without having the door removed, so Powell had dispatch send the fire department to assist. The fire department freed the passenger, Annett Duncan from the vehicle. EMS determined that Duncan needed advanced care and had a helicopter dispatched to the location. At approximately 4:55 p.m. the Med Flight Helicopter arrived and took Duncan to Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Pine Bluff.

Powell spoke to the driver of the white Chevrolet Tahoe, Chrystal Pace. Pace told Powell that she was driving south on Whitehead Dr. and saw a semitruck in the center turning lane and the blue Chevrolet Blazer directly behind it. Pace said that the driver of the Blazer, Billy Kirchoff, must have not seen her, because he pulled in front of her as she was driving straight down the road.

Officer Powell then spoke to Kirchoff. He stated that he was driving north on Whitehead Dr. and entered the center turning lane behind a semi-truck that was also turning left. Kirchoff stated that he thought it was clear and did not see Pace’s vehicle around the truck when he tried turning in.

Powell also spoke to witnesses Brandon Maddox and Nate Ross. Both men confirmed Kirchoff was heading north, in the center turn lane, attempting to turn left, and failed to yield to Pace, who was heading south.

Both vehicles ended up in the grass just off the road, and there were no noticeable markings left on the ground. Looking at the vehicles, Powell saw the white Tahoe had extensive damage to the front of the vehicle, including the bumper, grill, hood, and passenger fender. The air bag also deployed. On the Blazer, multiple windows were broken, and much of the passenger’s side of the vehicle was caved in. The passenger door had to be removed by rescue workers. Both vehicles were disabled and taken by KC Towing.

Kirchoff had blood on his face from what he said was the rear mirror hitting him. He went to the hospital to get checked out and was released shortly thereafter.

Pace complained that her wrist hurt and went to the hospital also. She was also released with medication for pain and said that nothing was broken. The extent of Duncan’s injuries is currently unknown.

Both vehicles were photographed for evidence. Kirchoff will be cited for failing to yield on a left turn.

December 9, 2014 – Sgt. Greg Miller was dispatched to 303 West 1st Street for a one vehicle accident.

Upon arrival Miller was met by Chris Stowe. He was standing next to a red Ford pickup, with driver’s side damage, all the way down the driver’s side on the truck.

Stowe said that he was heading back to his job site and was making a left turn off South Jefferson Street on the West 1st Street, when he noticed a black male riding a bicycle into the oncoming lane. Stow said that

he pulled the wheel to the left to keep from hitting the bicycle rider, and hit the stop sign instead. The black male kept on going and the stop sign knocked off the driver’s side mirror and scratched all the way down the driver’s side of the truck.

Stowe said he just needed a report for the insurance company so he could get the truck fixed.

December 12, 2014 – Chief Jim Tucker attended a car accident.

Operator of vehicle 1 said she was traveling west on E. 2nd Street when vehicle 2 began pulling out into her. She said she tried to swerve to avoid a collision but contact was still made.

Operator of vehicle 2 said he was pulling out from S. Washington Street and simply didn’t see vehicle 1 until he was about to collide with it. He said minor contact was made.

December 14, 2014 – Officer Jennifer Crossett was dispatched to Circle N Exxon for a shoplifter. Upon Crossett’s arrival she spoke with the employees who stated that a black female walked into the store, picked up a Bud Light Apple-ahh-rita and walked out the door and told the employees to put it on her tab.

While Crossett was talking to the employees the black female drove back up at the store. At this time Crossett walked outside and the female rolled her window down and tried to hand her money to pay for the item. Crossett told the female that it was Sunday, and even if she had not walked out the store with the item, she still wouldn’t be able to purchase it because alcohol sales are prohibited today. The female then tried to give the officer a lottery scratch off and said will this cover it. Once again Crossett told her no.

Officer Crossett then asked her for her driver’s license and at this time she rolled her window up and locked her car doors.

She then had dispatch to call Unit 9 (Deputy Glenn Pitts), to come to her location. Once Deputy Pitts arrived she rolled her window down and tried to hand him money. At this time the officers were able to get the door open and remove her from her vehicle and placed her under arrest for shoplifting. Crossett asked the female several times what her name was and she stated her name was Obama. Once at the Arkansas County Detention Center she told Crossett that her first name was Sandra and gave her a date of birth of March 12, 1970. At that time Crossett had dispatch run the name Sandra Obama with the date of birth of March 12, 1970 through ACIC and got no return.

At this time Officer Crossett left the female with the jailers and went outside to search though the female’s car to try and find a driver’s license. Deputy Pitts and Crossett searched through the vehicle but were not able to find a driver’s license, but did find several pieces of mail with the name Sandra Williams. Crossett then had dispatch run Sandra Williams with date of birth March 12, 1970 through ACIC and got a return. A picture from the driver’s photo was compared to the female and was a match.

DES Spelling Bee

By Shelly Faulkner DeWitt Elementary held their spelling bee for grades 4th and 5th Friday, December 12th. Tyler Childers won the spelling bee and along with the other top four winners will go to Stuttgart in January to participate in another spelling bee.

DEWITT TRANSFER STATION will be closed December 25th & 27th for CHRISTMAS and January 1, 2015 for NEW YEARS

Above left: Moderator, Darren Caldwell and Judges Haley Smith, Brittany Lison, and Lori Wilson; Above right: Spelling Bee Winner Tyler Childers; Below: Top five: Hunter Peabody, Addison Blackmon, Reece Chambless, Dekyrah Banister, and Winner -Tyler Childers.

DeWITT ERA-ENTERPRISE (USPS 156-140) New Era established 1882 • DeWitt Enterprise established 1916 • Consolidated in 1929 Published Every Thursday by Kingsett, LLC • 109 North 4th, LaGrange, MO 63448 STAFF: Dawn Deane Advertising Sales/Publisher Shelly Faulkner Editor Haley Watkins Advertising Composition Terrye Seamon Reporter Periodicals Postage Paid at DeWitt, Arkansas

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When attention of the Era-Enterprise is called to any mistatement of fact or any error, correction will be made. The EraEnterprise will not knowingly publish a fraudulent or dishonest advertisement.

Thursday, December 18, 2014 DeWitt Era-Enterprise • dewitt-ee.com

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LOCAL NEWS

Obituary

Obituary

Bert Rownd

Ruby Clark

W. E. “Bert” Rownd was born on January 8, 1922 in Ethel, Arkansas to W. E. “Earl” and Carrie Noble Rownd.

He passed away on December 14, 2014 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Louise Rownd Hambrick.

Bert grew up in DeWitt, Arkansas, graduating from high school at the age of 16. He served in both the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy during World War II. He married Ellen Sue Rogers on April 5, 1946 and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1950. Upon graduation, he began his 34 year career with the Arkansas State Highway Department, beginning in Bridge Design and ending his career as State Maintenance Engineer. Bert was an active member of Geyer Springs United Methodist Church and continued to serve as a greeter.

Bert loved sports and was influential in the lives of many young men, first as a baseball coach for teams from Little League through American Legion baseball. He was instrumental in the building of Illing Baseball Field in southwest Little Rock. In his later years, he followed his grandsons’ teams as an avid supporter.

His love of hunting and fishing was passed on to his grandchildren, as he patiently baited hooks and paddled the boat. He spent many hours in the duck blind with his son and grandsons. His hard work ethic and “can-do” attitude will live on in his family.

Surviving him are his wife Sue, son Ed (Bonita) Rownd of Jacksonville, daughter Carolyn (Lee) Francis of Naples, Florida, and daughter Judy (Jeff ) Garner of Little Rock. He is also survived by six grandchildren; Eric (Jennifer) Rownd of Cabot, Jake Rownd of Jacksonville, Katie (Rick) Wood of Benton, Laura Garner of Berkeley, California, Annalea Garner and Kevin Garner of Little Rock. Bert had seven great-grandchildren who brought him much joy; Jordan, Hayden, Makenzie, and Ainsley Wood of Benton, and Madison, William, and Parker Rownd of Cabot.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth from 5:30pm7:30pm.

Funeral services will be Thursday, December 18, 2014 at Geyer Springs United Methodist Church at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Geyer Springs United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Please leave the family your condolences at Bert’s online guestbook at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth. com

Ruby Jean Clark, 73, of DeWitt, died Saturday, December 13, 2014 at her home in DeWitt.

Born March 18, 1941 in Biscoe, Arkansas she was the daughter of the late James Thompson Sr. and Gladys Patterson Thompson.

Ruby accepted Christ at an early age and united with the St. John M.B.C., now Greater St. John M.B.C. where she remained a faithful member.

Ruby received her secondary education at the Holman High School in Stuttgart, Arkansas.

Ruby loved to sew, decorate but must of all, her family. Ruby worked in the laundry department at the Crestpark Nursing Home for over 30 years before retirement.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; James Sr. and Gladys Thompson, her husband; Henry Lee Clark, (1) son; Al Mullins, (1) grandson; Lance Clark, (2) brothers; Donald Thompson and Dale Thompson.

Ruby is survived by her children; (2) sons; Terry Mullins of DeWitt and Kevin (Jennifer) Clark of Virginia; (3) daughters; Peggy (Glynn) Pitts, Deborah Clark and Annette Clark all of DeWitt, (6) grandchildren; Sharrial (Antonio) Dale, DeShawn Cartwright, Kalen Clark, Javen Clark, Kyle Clark, and Autumn Johnson. (4) great grandchildren; Terrell Dale, Anton Dale, Kaleb Dale, and Kanya Rone, (1) brother; James (Charlene) Thompson Jr. of Stuttgart, (4) sisters; Jeanette Allen of Stuttgart, Allene Offord of Chicago, Ill., Linda Neasley of Kansas City, Mo., and Kathy (Roger) Delong of Round Rock, Texas, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends to cherish her memory.

Funeral service will be Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Greater St. John M.B.C. in DeWitt in Van by McKinzie Funeral Home of DeWitt. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at Greater St. John from 6-7 p.m.

Crocketts Bluff, Ethel, and St. Charles News

By Margaret Aycock 870-282-8030, jaymara@hughes.net

GREETINGS: Howdy, Howdy, Howdy! How is everyone doing these busy days? Everybody seems to be in such a mad rush. I don’t understand why, do y’all?

Someone told me the other day that Santa Claus will soon be coming to town. Do you folks believe that?

Yes folks, I do believe in Santa Claus. But we must all remember the real reason for this season. JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! CBCC MEETING: Crocketts Bluff Community Center will have their annual Christmas Potluck Dinner at the club house in Crocketts Bluff on Thursday, December 18th at 6:00 p.m. Anyone that is interested in good, clean fellowship, please come join us. We will treat you so many ways that you will have to like one of them. Ha! Ha! Bring your favorite dish or dishes and one or more “white elephant” gifts for games. Looking forward to seeing you there.

VISIT: Nancy Mooneyham and her grandson, Gunner of DeWitt, visited one afternoon last week with Jay and I. We always enjoy company, you know. I want to say “THANK YOU” TO EVERYONE that has visited me and brought food while my good (and only) hand is healing. As I told everyone last week about my first broken bone, believe it – it still hurts, but on this coming Friday, (19th) off comes this old hard cast. PRAISE THE LORD! And I want to thank Ida Newkirk for all she had done for me, Lorene Harris; Jean Davenport, Betty Lockley, Shirley Fred; Liz Criswell; Pam Eason; my son, Ricky Horton; Peggy Rogers, Jerri Ann; Kim Ward; Sarah Moreland; Ms. McFerrin (my nurses); and last but not least, my loving husband, J.W. Aycock for all I put you through. I love all you people. Y’all eased my pain.

BIRTHDAYS: Jagger O’Dell – Dec. 18 • Tre’ Merritt – Dec. 18 Scott Luebke – Dec. 18 • Alice Horton – Dec. 18 Allie Hill – Dec. 18 • Brian Weatherly – Dec. 18 Emma Kate Mann – Dec. 18 • Gail Lamb – Dec. 18 Barbara Gunnell – Dec. 19 • Carla O’Dell – Dec. 19 Kyleigh Denise Canamore – Dec. 19 Stanley Shadwick – Dec. 19 • Benjamin Ruffin – Dec. 20 Tabatha Rodgers – Dec. 20 Su’Arron Travis – Dec. 20 Shawn Dustin Hudspeth – Dec. 21

Obituary Patricia Goodwin Patricia Goodwin, 91, of DeWitt passed away Monday, December 8, 2014. Mrs. Godwin was the daughter of Athel Fritz Young and Patti Mae McKenzie. She was married to the late Melvin A. Goodwin. Preceding her in death are her sisters, Virginia Hampton and Mary Alice Roberts and a grandson, Daniel Goodwin, Jr. She was a devoted mother and military wife and later provided help and services through the Veteran’s Affair Office. She was a member of the Study Club, American Legion, Grand Prairie Historical Society and an avid bridge player.

Survivors are children: Linda (Max) Cooper of North Little Rock, Syndey (Carol) Goodwin of Brownsville, Texas, Danny (Beth) Goodwin of DeWitt and Cynthia Sommer of Brownsville, Texas; grandchildren: Sonia (Joe) Powers, Kelly (Mike) Castaneda, Trevor Sommer, Alicia (Jackie) Riggs, Jonathan (Sara) Eggerman, Jenna (Dustin) Sexton and Eli Eggerman, 15 great-grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

Visitation was held Wednesday, December 10th, 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral services were Thursday, December 11th, 2:00 PM at Essex Funeral Home.

Burial was held at DeWitt Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to charity of choice.

Ferguson Rural Health Clinic Dr. Ralph Maxwell & Suzette Boyd, APN

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Thursday, December 18, 2014 DeWitt Era-Enterprise • dewitt-ee.com

FAITH & RELIGION WEEKLY SERMON

God Hides Himself in Simplicity

By William Wood

I will not try to explain “why” Our Great Creator, God, chooses to hide Himself from the wise and prudent, I will only declare that He does so!

He hides himself in simplicity, and reveals Himself to babes such as will learn. We know this by His own testimony. Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank Thee O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” The word “prudent” means to be wise, cautious, sensible, and careful! The warning here is that we can become too “sensible” to believe in God’s miracles, while the “babes” mentioned above, will believe God’s Word, as it is written in the Bible. All learning that leaves God’s Word out of it is from the wrong source!

Since this is the time that the world celebrates the Birth of Christ, we will look at God’s plan, as He unfolded it in such a simple way that the wise and prudent looked right at it and didn’t recognize it! God had a plan for the Birth of Jesus, but the religious folks of that day had their own ideas about how Messiah would come! And although God had recorded His plan in their Old Testament scrolls, they ignored God’s Word and failed to see God, in the form of a baby, lying in a stable. It was not that God had kept it a secret about that great event, but rather that He had chosen such a simple couple to carry out His plan, and such a humble place for it to happen.

Why was little Bethlehem chosen, and not the great religious City of Jerusalem? Why was the greatest news the world would ever receive be given to lowly shepherds and not to the High Priest Caiaphas? God knew the hearts of the shepherds, as well as the heart of Caiaphas, and He sent His angels to the ones who could receive the Christ Child in a barn, wrapped in the sweaty cloth (swaddling clothes) taken from under the wooden yoke of oxen! It was the shepherds that took the report to the High Priest!

Luke 2:17 “And when they (the shepherds) had seen it they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”

This writer can picture the scene, and hear the conversation that took place between the shepherds and the high priest! When Caiaphas answered the knock on his door he saw a group of men who were, in his eyes, unkept! Perhaps he could smell sheep manure that still clung to their boots!

But they gave the report that the angels had given them, and reported that they had found the Christ Child! I can imagine that they were asked what church they were with and their fellowship card was requested!

We know that such great news, brought by such lowly people, left that great man full of unbelief! Such simple people and such lowly circumstances could not possibly be the coming of the Messiah he had been waiting for!

But it was! And if he had only searched the scriptures he would have known it. The same is true today. People have not changed, but neither has God! He still hides Himself in simplicity, and the wise and prudent still fail to see what He is doing. Amen

A Thought

By Michael P. Daniel

“Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they will rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs.” Isaiah 61:7 NKJV Not only was this the Promise to Israel in the midst of their exile, it is also the Promise to the people of the Holy Church who will endure this life with faith, with gratitude, and with a sense of holy purpose. As Israel was being reminded of their “chosen” status as a “priestly nation”, so must the Holy Church reconnect to her source of Life so that our purpose may be found, embraced, and lived.

There is no better time to do so than during the season of Advent. Just as the shepherds came to see upon the news of the birth of Messiah – and then went to tell – so must the Church rediscover the real joy of this blessed season; the privilege to “see”, and then the joy to “tell”. Sadly, however, this is the time of year when we go a little overboard in telling our children about Santa Claus, more so than we tell them about the Messiah; and there are few among us who are not guilty to some degree. We need only to look at the trouble many go to so their children can sit on Santa’s knee, but will not go to that much trouble to bring their children to Christ through the Church.

It is not enough to tell our children that Jesus was born; we must teach them how this wondrous story came about … and why. Santa will not bring our children closer to Jesus, so we should probably stop trying to make Santa fit into the story. It’s been fun, I will admit, but it may be that the generations of the past who were raised on a benevolent Santa who fulfills all wishes are those generations that have walked away from the Church, having connected the Santa “myth” with a Christ “myth”. Talk about “confusion”!! We have created a generation (or two) of agnostics!!!

Let us help our neighbors and our children get past the confusion of this life and the conflicting messages. Let us tell them the Truth, the full Truth, the only Truth – because as it is so often said, if we do not teach our children how and why to follow The Lord, the world will fill their heads with “visions of sugar plums” and teach them not to.

Looking at the world we have created for ourselves, maybe it is time for us to grow up ourselves and stop the fantasies. Israel was trying to have its cake and eat it, too; and this “confusion” led to their downfall as subsequent generations were not told The real Story.

Yet those who sought the Truth and worked to reconnect to that Truth were given this Promise of “everlasting joy” rather than seasonal bliss about a magical elf who brings the desires of the heart to good little children – but clearly ignores others with greater needs than a new Xbox.

Hold fast to what is good and true and right. We are not “Santa people”; we are the Church, the Body of Christ. There is no confusion in that.

Blessings, Michael

All I Want for Christmas

By Tom Smith Although little more than wishful thinking, it’s still at the top of my “Wish List.”

“Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

That’s how the angelic host ended their Heavenly benediction to the shepherds that night on the hills outside of Bethlehem (Luke 2:14). As we know, they were announcing Jesus’ Birth in a manger and how He’d come to be the long-awaited “Savior, Christ/ Messiah and Lord” (v.11).

As we know, from the time of His Birth until His Resurrection and Ascension—and even until now—Jesus was/is “despised and rejected among men” (Isaiah 53:3). But, such was predicted, so we shouldn’t be surprised at the current climate of hostility that exists toward Him and His followers.

Even so, I still long in my heart-of-hearts for a fulfillment of the angels’ benediction. How I long to experience “true Peace on earth and goodwill toward men” where those interpersonal qualities are present realities, not utopian desires.

In light of that, here’s a list of things I’d love to see this Christmas and the coming New Year: *A world where God’s Love—which is selfgiving, unconditional and expects nothing in return—governs all that’s said and done. *Peace in the Middle East where centuries of hatred between the descendants of Ishmael and Isaac would cease and they could live together in harmony. *A cessation of racism, bigotry, greed, jealousy, envy, bitterness, etc., where “service before self ” is the norm, not the exception. *Families where true Love exists, making the Home an “outpost of Heaven,” where each member feels

cherished and hurts are buried in the “sea of Forgiveness and Forgottenness.” *Churches that fulfill their purpose by being spiritual hospitals/ICU wards for sinners, not hotels for saints. *A world where the one, true-and-living God is Lord over all and every person would “love Him with all their heart, mind, soul and strength.” *A world in which there’s no hunger, poverty, inhumanity, suffering, etc., and no one feels unloved or unwanted. *A world where each person realizes his/her responsibility for taking care of our world and all that’s within it.

Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?

Most assuredly it does.

In fact, it sounds like Heaven!

But, I realize such will never happen until the true Prince-of-Peace comes again and makes things right.

Until then, I must do my part in helping make those things a reality hereand-now. Even though my efforts and results may be small, hopefully they’ll make a little difference—at least in one or two lives.

Yes, those are just a few of things on my Wish List this Christmas. Here’s hoping you might also add some of them to yours as well.

And, who knows? A few others may join in with us and slowly, but surely, we’ll be able to fulfill Jesus’ request when He taught us how to pray: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done—on earth as it is in Heaven.”

Amen and amen. God bless you.

(NOTE: If you’d like to contact Bro. Tom or receive his daily e-mail devotional, entitled “Morning Manna,” you can write him at P.O. Box 10614, Fort Smith, AR 72917 or e-mail him at pressingon@ hotmail.com).

- DEWITT ERA-ENTERPRISE P.O. Box 678 • 140 Court Square • DeWitt, AR 72042 • 946-3933

DEADLINE is MONDAY at NOON DEE 870-946-3933 The Lutheran Churches of South Arkansas County Invite You To Worship:

St. Luke Lutheran St. Paul Lutheran Church Church 903 E. 2nd St.-DeWitt Corner of 2nd & RoseGillett 548-2554 946-2312 Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Sunday Worship Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m.

10:45 a.m.

Where Jesus Christ Is Always Present In Word and Sacrament Pastor Chad Philipp Bro. Dennis Ingle Pastor Jason Burke Assc. Pastor/ Youth Minister Perry Simpson Music

Schedule of Services Sunday School...................9:45 A.M. Morning Worship..............10:45 A.M. Evening Service..................6:00 P.M. Adult Bible Study Tues.......6:00 P.M. Teen Bible Study Wed........6:00 P.M. AWANA Wed..................6:00 P.M.

Unity Missionary Baptist Church 4th & Harrison, DeWitt, AR (870) 946-1390

Unity Baptist Church

COMMUNITY CLOTHES CLOSET Free clothing for those in need.

Open the 2nd and 4th Tuesday and Thursday of each month, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Location: Unity Baptist Church 823 W. Fourth Street (upstairs) *Now accepting Fall and Winter clothing in good condition (clean, no rips, tears or broken zippers, shoes, coats, and other day-to-day necessities To drop off donated items call the church at 946-1390

Thursday, December 18, 2014 DeWitt Era-Enterprise • dewitt-ee.com

5A

LOCAL NEWS

Rieves and Finley to Wed Mr. Josh Rieves of DeWitt, Mr. Sammy Smith and Ms. Sonya Rieves of Dumas announce the engagement of their daughter, Alyssa Rylee Rieves, to Thomas Reagan Finley, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Finley of Guntersville, Alabama.

Alyssa is the granddaughter of Ms. Cathy Austin of DeWitt, Mr. and Mrs. Kirby Austin of Gillett, Ms. Vicki Williams of DeWitt, Mr. Murry Williams of North Little Rock, Ms. Lana Scroggins of Dumas, Mr. Kenneth Wrinkle of Gillett, and the late John Rieves.

Thomas is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Lamons of Albertville, Alabama and Mr. Keith Finley and the late Jennie Finley of Guntersville, Alabama.

Alyssa is a 2012 graduate of DeWitt High School. She is currently a student at Harding University in Searcy Arkansas.

Thomas is a 2012 graduate of Guntersville High School. He is currently a student at Harding University in Searcy Arkansas.

After the wedding Alyssa and Thomas will attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where they will complete their degrees in accounting.

The wedding ceremony will take place at Cone Chapel of Harding University on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 6:00 in the evening.

A reception will follow the ceremony. All friends and family are invited to attend.

Community Briefs

By Ora London

Greetings and Happy Holidays!!!!

We are quickly approaching one of my favorite holidays-Christmas!

Christmas is the perfect time for family and friends to gather together and express their love and appreciation for each other. Life is very short; please live each day without regret.

Church News: What a time we had at First Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday December 14th! Our pastor elect, Rev Edward Parker, was officially installed. Rev Gerald Parker delivered an awesome Word, Pilgrim Progress choir (NLR), First Missionary Baptist Church Choir (Dewitt), Clayton Chapel Choir (Sherwood), Alma Brown Choir and others ministered to us in song. Oh what a time!! Thanks to all that came out to support.

There will be a baptizing service on Sunday morning, December 21,2014 at First M.B. Church located at 312 N. May Dewitt. Those who have requested baptism are: Urhonda Whaley, daughter of Sis Lois Wilson, Shazieya Johnson,

daughter of Patrick London and Zeranda Johnson, and my little sister (yaaay) Gwendolyn Duncan.

All are welcome to come out.

First Missionary Baptist Church is on the move! If you are looking for a church where you will hear a life changing Word, be able to worship freely and feel at home, this is the place to be. Come one, come all!!

December Birthdays: (birthday artwork) Michael Brasfield---December 19 Kerry Collins---December 24th Funeral Services: Funeral Services for one of my very best friend, Ruby Jean Clark, will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 1pm. The service will be held at Greater St John MB Church, Dewitt AR. Ruby and I was friends for over 40 years and I will miss her greatly. Please keep her children and grandchildren lifted in prayer.

Sick List: Gene Joyner, Jackie Jacobs, Mary Jane Wright, Karen Duncan Rollie, Mrs. Otelia Fitzpatrick, Walter Mason

Best of Dewitt Nominees: These are the people I nominated for “Best of the Year� : Gwendolyn Duncan, Volunteer, TJ Moppins, youth, Delores Nixon, Employee, Ray Butler, Citizen, Cora Joyner, neighbor, Mckenzie Funeral Home, Business. I’m praying for you all!

Our Children: If you have a heart for the children and would like to be a part in seeing them succeed, please stay tuned and watch for opportunities to volunteer. Pastor Odessa Cash and the Concerned Citizens of Dewitt, Evangelist Twana JoynerNuniss, First Lady Debbie Parker and Nikki Bronson-Johnson of First Baptist Church and others are working on individual and collective projects to help our youth.

Please pray for all that have a heart to make a difference.

Scripture for the Week: Psalm 23:1, 2 The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside the still waters.

Diane Greenhill’s 40 Years of Service

By Shelly Faulkner

Arkansas County Bank held their Holiday Open House honoring Diane Geenhill’s 40 years of service Wednesday, December 10, 2014.

â—„

l-r Daniel Danner, Brandi Danner, Cory Danner, Autumn Danner, Jerry White, Diane Greenhill, Brandi Smith, Susan Horton, Vernie Horton, Georgene White, Charlene Horton

Merry Christmas From Pastor Jan Edwards and the entire

Gillett United Methodist Church 2Q 'HFHPEHU SOHDVH MRLQ XV IRU RXU &KULVWPDV (YH &RPPXQLRQ 6HUYLFH EHJLQQLQJ DW SP 'H/XFH 3UDLULH 8QLRQ 0HWKRGLVW &KXUFK &KLOGUHQ¡V &KULVWPDV (YH 6HUYLFH ZLOO EH :HGQHVGD\ 'HFHPEHU WK DW S P “For Unto Us This Day a Child is Born.â€?

Lauren’s Garden

Christmas Poinsettias are in full bloom at Lauren’s Garden!

www.dewitt-ee.com

We will be closed for the Christmas Holiday December 22nd through January 6, 2015 We’ll see you soon at

The

Willows 946-1055

Thank You

7KH IDPLO\ RI -DQH 7KLJSHQ ZRXOG OLNH WR H[WHQG D KHDUWIHOW WKDQN \RX WR &UHVWSDUN 1XUVLQJ +RPH IRU WKHLU FRPSDVVLRQDWH FDUH RI RXU PRWKHU IRU WKH SDVW IRXU \HDUV :H WUXO\ DSSUHFLDWH WKH NLQGQHVV RI WKH VWDII IRU PDNLQJ KHU IHHO VHFXUH KDSS\ DQG FRQWHQW 7KH 'H:LWW FRPPXQLW\ LV YHU\ IRUWXQDWH WR KDYH D FDULQJ SURIHVVLRQDO IDFLOLW\ WKDW XQGHUVWDQGV WKH FKDOOHQJHV RI FDULQJ IRU $O]KHLPHU¡V Sincerely, The Family of Jane Thigpen

NOTICE All Banks of DeWitt and Gillett will Be Closed

Thursday, December 25 for Christmas (Farmers & Merchants will close at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 24) (DeWitt Bank & Trust will be closed Friday, December 26)

Persons desiring to make deposits, cash checks, or transact other business with the banks will please take notice.

DeWITT BANK & TRUST ARKANSAS COUNTY BANK PLANTERS & MERCHANTS BANK FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK

DeWitt School Menu Sponsored by

Monday, December 22nd through Friday, December 26th, there will be no menu due to the Christmas holiday.

DeWitt Senior Center Menu Sponsored by

Order yours today!

(Discounts available for churches) Call: AJ 946-5446 Jackie: 946-6182

Stuttgart Twin Cinema 806 W. 22nd, Stuttgart, AR 72160 For current Movies and Showtimes, visit our website at www.stuttgarttwincinema.com or call us at 870-673-4327

Mon., December 22 Breaded Chicken Patty, Chicken Gravy, Lyonnaise Potatoes, Green Peas, Wheat Bread, Fresh Fruit, Milk Tues., December 23 Taco Beef, Spanish Rice, Fiesta Vegetables, Flour Tortilla, Choco-

late Pudding, Milk Wed., December 24 Christmas Meal Thursday, December 25 and Friday, December 26 we will be closed for the Christmas Holiay.

Merry Christmas!

6A Thursday, December 18, 2014 DeWitt Era-Enterprise • dewitt-ee.com

LOCAL NEWS Happy Birthday ;Q[ 0]L[XM\P¼[ ! \P *QZ\PLIa

By Dawn Teer

Kinder Concert at GES

December 27, 2014 from 2:00 pm until ? at Crestpark Nursing Home Everyone is welcome. No gifts please

All Christmas items NOW 50% off!!

New Shipment

of Designer Lamps has just Arrived!

Tyler Candle of the month 25% off

Christmas Tradition Wedding Registry

Britney Moss & Collin Hornbeck 210 Court Square • DeWitt, AR • 946-1333

We need you!

These animals were picked up by the DeWitt Animal Control Officer this week. If one of these dogs belongs to you or you would like to find out about adopting one, please call the Animal Control Officer at 946-6307.

Brian and Terri Kinder, known as The Kinders, performed at GES on Friday, February 12.

According to Brian Kinder, it all began about 13 years ago, when I was a Public School Music teacher, Kinder began writing songs for plays that the students performed at teacher›s requests. About 7 years ago, they

began doing this full time. They perform approximately 270 times a year for children.

To look at their videos go to youtube.com/kindersongs. If you would like them to perform at your school or church, contact them at kinder@kindersongs.com or 501-374-4542.

Red Cross Blood Drive

By Shelly Faulkner

DeWitt Cemetery Fundraiser

Pork Loin Sale

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18TH at parking lot of

Farmers & Merchants Bank, DeWitt From 11:00am until sold out First Come/First Served All proceeds used for maintenance and mowing of DeWitt Cemetery If any questions, please contact Keith Patterson at 946-5832

Dragon of the Week Name: LeighAnn Haynes Position: RN at DMS & GES Hometown: Woodlawn Family: Husband - Brad, Children - Bradley & Josh Interests and Hobbies: Watching my boys play sports and reading Why did you go in to the education field? I’ve always loved helping people. Even as a little girl, all my baby dolls had band-aids.

How many years have you been a nurse? 15 years (2nd in school nursing)

First United Methodist Church held a Red Cross Blood Drive Monday, December 8th. A total of 23 people came and gave blood.

Above left: Jona Howell gets blood drawn

by Red Cross worker Wyndi Mullins; Above right: Red Cross worker Shane Mathes; Left: Coach Lewis waiting to give blood

Proud sponsor of Dragon of the Week

Beginning Our Second Century of Community Investment

Thursday, December 18, 2014 DeWitt Era-Enterprise • dewitt-ee.com

1B

LOCAL NEWS

Gillett News

Santa and Mrs. Clause with their elves

Christmas tree lighting in Jesswein Park

Gillett children singing after Santa’s arrival

Little Miss Gillett Addison Richter

Miss Arkansas County Riley Knoll

Winning float- Grace Church

By Darla Grantham I look forward to reading the news regarding your family and friends! Contact Darla Grantham, P.O. Box 324, Gillett, AR 72055, call (870) 548-2850, or email dgrantham@pccua.edu.

ANGEL TREE READY AT PLANTERS AND MERCHANTS BANK Santa’s elves have certainly been busy and Santa is very happy to see them helping in the Christmas season. However, there are still 9 angels on the tree with a deadline of December 19th before Santa will need

to deliver packages. Please remember you may be the only elf that will help to provide a Christmas for these angels. Santa has heard of businesses that have helped shop for Angels. Thanks for your help. Maybe your business or church group or organization can assist Santa also giving time to shop and wrapping gifts for these children will bring you such joy at Christmas.

Thanks so much for providing Christmas to these angels. Merry Christmas to all!

CHRISTMAS IN GILLETT Saturday was a great day for Gillett as Christmas was

Christmas Open House

Mayor Jared Holzhauer presenting Willie Slater as Gillett Citizen of the Year

Princess Bluebonnet Gracie Edmondson

2nd place float St. Paul Lutheran Church Preschool

celebrated from morning until evening! Breakfast with Santa kicked off the fun-filled day followed by the annual Christmas Parade and Smoke Chicken Dinner at the Firehouse. Naming Gillett’s Citizen of the Year coincided with the lighting of the Christmas tree, Santa, and Christmas Carols at Jesswein Park and Gazebo. Mayor Jared Holzhauer presented a plaque to Willie Slater in recognition of his love and hard work for the city of Gillett. Community events ended Sunday evening with the annual Community Christmas Cantata at Gillett United Methodist Church.

DMS Students Receive Christmas Classic

By Shelly Faulkner

Join us for Christmas Open House & a special visit from Santa!

Friday, December

19, 2014 2:00 - 4:00 pm in the lobby.

PTA President Lisa Wilson presents the books to DMS Student Council President, Emma Bullock and Principal Clay Ashcraft

1960 Whitehead Drive 870-946-3535

All students grades 6-8th received a copy of the Christmas Classic “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.

The staff of DMS requested the books from the PTA to give as a Christmas gift to their students. The PTA graciously donated the money for this

school wide literacy project. This is an Accelerated Reader and the students can earn points by reading it and completing a computer test. The DMS Staff is most appreciative of this kind gesture and dedication to our students.

MCGahhey Hardware

432 Court Square, DeWitt, AR 72042 • 946-1621

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Farmers & Merchants Bank

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Member FDIC

2B

Thursday, December18, 2014 DeWitt Era-Enterprise • dewitt-ee.com

DEADLINE MONDAY NOON

FOR SALE FOR SALE – 2000 mobile home, 3 bedroom 2 bath, must be moved, very nice. Call 870-9465508.

Adv. 51-1tp

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED – Experienced farm help needed. Call 870-9465230.

Adv.48-tfn

DEE 946-3933 Alex Pike Plumbing

870-946-6565 For all your plumbing needs Insured and Bonded

Watkins Tree Service 33 years experience Take downs, trim limbs, stump grinding Complete tree services call David Watkins

(870)-946-8018 We carry Workmen’s Comp

REAL ESTATE 7UDLOHU (TXLSPHQW :RUOG 0LGVRXWK V /DUJHVW 6HOHFWLRQ $79 FDUJR HTXLSPHQW JRRVHQHFNV /DUJH VHOHFWLRQ SRLQW HTXLSPHQW

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New Building Remodeling Carpet & Tile

DeWayne Fisher Construction 870-946-5853

DeWitt Era Enterprise

Call Tina 946-9398

www.ezmls.com

ry Mesrtmas!

Chri 136 Court Square, DeWitt, AR 870-946-0131

Congratulations to Jose and Martha Gonzalez on the purchase of your new home! Thank you for allowing us to serve you!- Jeremy & Tina

• Start looking for your Dream House Today! • Loans are still available with little to No Money Down! •Don’t let someone else live Your Dream Home! • Call Cox Hometown Realty Today!

946-0131 Jeremy Cox

2IĂ&#x;FH

Tina Cox

501-529-4999

870-946-0131

870-946-9398

140 Court Sq. P.O. Box 678 DeWitt, AR 72042 Come see us TODAY!

Ca$h for Gold We’re paying top dollar for anything GOLD Broken or damaged-it doesn’t matter.

We also buy old pocket watches.

Bill’s Custom Jewelry

307 W. 22nd St., Stuttgart, AR ‡2SHQ 0RQGD\ 6DWXUGD\

"Free Estimates"

HERRING ROOFING

Justin Herring 870-830-4006, or 870-830-3711

CONTACT THISNEWSPAPER NEWSPAPER CONTACT THIS

OR Linda Higgs, Eva Bakalekos or Neil McConnell, or LindaArkansas Higgs, Arkansas Press Services 800.569.8762 Press Services1-800-569-8762

ATeam Staffing Immediate Openings Clerical and Industrial positions Temp to Hire!!

ATeam Staffing will be taking applications every Tuesday at the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce located at 507 S. Main Call to schedule an appointment

870-535-5507

ARKANSAS COUNTY COURTHOUSE CLOSING & RURAL TRASH SCHEDULE The Courthouses in DeWitt & Stuttgart will be CLOSED at Noon on December 23rd, all day on the 24th, 25th, and 26th in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Rural Trash pickup will be as scheduled for Monday, December 22nd thru Wednesday, December 24th NO PICKUP Thursday, December 25th Thursday pickup will be Friday Friday pickup will be Saturday

We appreciate your business!!

Handyman Home Service

JC Construction

Place your business-card-size ad in over 120 statewide newspapers and your message will reach over 1 million readers.

-The Staff at DeWitt Era-Enterprise

For all your trackhoe needs, give Ben a call at 870-830-1373

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Arkansas Display Ad Network

We take tons of pictures at events in DeWitt and around Southeast Arkansas County.

We have so many, they won’t all fit in our newspaper, so we upload them on our Facebook page. Be sure to check us out on Facebook and like our DeWitt Era-Enterprise page!

6

- Repairs - Painting - Installations Mark Michaelis 870-344-3851

Add a touch of green to a white Christmas when you advertise through the

Call DeWitt Era TODAY at 946-3933

Visit us on our website: www.dewitt-ee.com

-HII &DUGLQ 2ZQHU Now doing metal roofs & siding.

'U\ :DOO 3DLQWLQJ 7LOH &XVWRP )LUHSODFHV &DELQHWV 9 Conley Ln. DeWitt, AR 870-456-8059 870-456-8185

Triple L Liquor 507 S. Whitehead Dr.,

DeWitt, AR 72042

870-946-0262 Mon.-Thurs.

9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Lineman Travis West presents Office Manager Rachel Lamb with the capital credit check for Crestpark Retirement Inn in DeWitt.

$4.4 Million — That’s how much First Electric Cooperative is returning to our members this month as capital credit refunds. In 77 years, the co-op has returned more than $71.4 million to those we serve. First Electric will continue working to provide our members with reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity. That’s the cooperative difference!

First Electric Cooperative Your Touchstone EnergyÂŽ Cooperative

800-489-7405 • www.firstelectric.coop

Thursday, December 18, 2014 DeWitt Era-Enterprise • dewitt-ee.com

3B

SCHOOL NEWS

DMS Math and Science Night

By Shelly Faulkner The DeWitt Middle School hosted a Math and Science Night Monday, December 8th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Parents and students were invited to participate in Math and Science activities and then enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. Parents and students also voted on the “best decorated” door done by the teachers.

Maci Hudson and Kyla Wright checking visitors in

Carson Holliman enjoying her hot chocolate

Creed McKewen

Keila Rodriguez, Lillie Thomason, and Brooklyn Rutherford serve hot chocolate and cookies to guests

Winning door by Audra Hulen and Debbie English

Science exhibit

DeWitt Middle School Talent Show

By Shelly Faulkner The DeWitt Middle School held a talent show sponsored by the DMS Student Council Friday, December 12th. The ones who performed are: •Library Workers – Dancing to “Jingle Bell Rock” •Logan Moss and Jo Harris – Demonstrating “Arkansas County Duck Calling” •Molly Anderson and Maddy Beaty – Singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas •Ashley Steele – Singing “Jesus Take the Wheel”

Library Workers

•Zontray Kendall – Playing a song he wrote for the electric guitar •Kinsey Everett, Caitlin Jones, and Monica Box – Dancing to “Eye of the Tiger” •Naturi Harris – Doing the “The Delo Shuffle” •Rachel Mannis – Singing “Titanium” •Gavin Lepine – Playing the fiddle and performing “Eight of January” and “Stone’s Rag” •Devin Morris – Dancing to “Turned Down for What”

Gavin Lepine

Rachel Mannis

Naturi Harris

◄ Far left: Zontray Kendall; Middle: Teachers Clay Dollar and James Guest; Far right: Molly Anderson and Maddy Beaty

216 Court Square DeWitt, AR 870-946-GIFT (870-946-4438)

Now at Tommy’s: All Melissa & Doug Toys

NOW 30% Off! $4+&#. 4')+564; Lisa Black & Rue Buell

$#$; 4')+564; DeMeytres Johnson & Terry Williams, Jr. Christina & Joseph Starks LaDuska & Terry Sells Carole Ann & Joey Dumond Jessica Hudgins & Rustin Ponder Kristina Whiting & David Poston Brandi & Brandyn England Brittany & Colby Russell Star & Kevin Glidewell

220 Court Square

ll

m To

Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. & Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

All Fall Items 75% off Magnolia Lane “South Collection” 50% off!

All Christmas Fragrances 25% off -Blue Spruce -Crimson Festival -Balsam Wreath -Frankincense & Fir -Fig Torte -Sprarkling Pomegranate

All Christmas Items are now 40% off!

Habersham Candle Co. Wickless Candles Now 50% off

Bridal Registry a ex R

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Phone in Prescriptions Free Delivery 946-4221 Digital Photo Developing

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Baby Registry

Chiayko Kennedy & Quintin Hunt DeMetres Johnson & Terry Wiliams, Jr. Stacey & Nolan McEntire • Casey & Kyle Logsdon Lindsey Harris & David Palmer Carole Anne & Joey Dumond Kristina Whiting & David Poston New Christmas Shopping Hours: Star & Kevin Glidewell (M-F) 9:00am-5:30pm (Sat) 9:00am-1:00pm Congrats, Jessica Hudgins & Rustin Ponder!

Alysssa Rieves & Thomas Finley Lisa Black & Rue Buell Laura Jones & Doug Milhoun Britney Moss & Collin Hornbeck Paige Presley & JD Gunnell

4B Thursday, December 6, 2014 DeWitt Era-Enterprise • dewitt-ee.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

DeWitt City Council Approves Budget was not eligible to run again for his position in the recent election. Robert Young will take his seat in January.

Craig Pinson has also moved, so there will be a vacancy declared in January and a new alderman will be appointed to fill his position at that time.

Council members voted unanimously to approve Ordinance 777 adopting the proposed budget for 2015 thereby giving all city employees a two-percent and unformed police officers a threepercent raise effective January 2015.

Mayor Relyea previously held a specialcalled meeting December 1 to present the proposed budget to the Council.

At the regular meeting Monday night though, he presented an amendment to that proposed budget to coincide with a raise for all county employees approved by the Arkansas County Quorum Court. Arkansas County and the city work together to equally fund the salaries of the Southern District Court.

At the second round of budget meetings, the quorum court voted to give a three-percent raise across the board to all county employees. Therefore the city’s preliminary budget had to be reMayor Ralph Relyea presents Alderman Heath Holbert with a figured to align with the raise given by plaque for his years of service on the DeWitt City Council. the Quorum Court. The mayor said that with the bonuses given throughout

By Terrye Seamon the year and the two-percent increase, The DeWitt City Council was busy Monday night the numbers will equal out. “It will be a comparable giving raises to city employees and saying goodbye to raise,” said Mayor Relyea. two aldermen, Heath Holbert and Craig Pinson.

Council members also voted unanimously to approve “My time on the city council has taught me a lot about a request brought before the Planning Commission small town government,” said Holbert. “DeWitt is to replace and extend the existing concrete drainvery fortunate to have such good people working on age flume at Hopewood Townhouses. The extended its behalf, both elected officials and employees. I’m flume will continue drainage into the alley on the glad I had this opportunity to serve, and I encourage northeast side of the property, and the city will still others to get involved as well.” have right of access.

Holbert, who moved outside of DeWitt city limits, In an area of old business, the mayor reported to the

Council that the street paving project is going a little slower than planned due to the recent increase in rain. Despite the hindrance of the weather though, the road crew is still on schedule. “If we get another week of rain, that could delay things. Right now they are not that far behind,” said Relyea. As far as starting on 13th Street however, the mayor said that he thought it might be too wet to attempt those repairs until the summer even though they wanted to get that part of the project completed this year. “I’m losing hope on that part [the time frame],” said the mayor.

“We’ll see how it goes.”

The Council also unanimously approved a motion to adopt Ordinance 776 which amends Ordinance 664 regulating the storage of inoperable motor vehicles within city limits. The ordinance will only allow junk/ derby cars to be stored within city limits 30 days before and 30 days after the demolition derby that is held in conjunction with the annual Arkansas County Fair. Officers of the DeWitt City Police Department and the city’s code enforcement officer are authorized to write citations for violations of the ordinance.

Concerning the proposed leaf burning ban, further discussion has been tabled until the February meeting. “If we do anything else, we need to have a town meeting first, but we cannot have it before the middle of January,” said Relyea. When asked if there has been a noticeable decline in leaf burning since the Council made the public recommendation asking citizens to mulch their leaves and limit their burning to two days a week, Relyea said, “I think there are several people mulching who never tried it before.”

In a matter of new business, the Council approved a motion to adopt recent legislative audit recommendations that the mayor or department heads initial all statements, all checks and currency be placed in the night depository and all deeds and vehicle titles be placed in a fireproof safe. “This is [all] preventative,” said Relyea.

Alderman Heath Holbert reported to the Council that after outgoing bills for the month are paid, the total amount of funds available is $142,937.88.

72nd Annual Coon Supper Time: 6:00 PM Date: Saturday, January 10, 2015 Place: Gillett Elementary Gymnasium Event: Gillett Coon Supper The Gillett Farmers and Businessmen’s Club will host the 72nd Annual Coon Supper on Saturday, January 10, 2015. As in past years, the Coon Supper will be held in the Gillett Elementary Gymnasium (313 S 6th Street, Gillett, AR 72055). The doors will open and the meal will be served at 6pm with the program beginning at 6:30pm. Our menu will stay the same as last year, coon, baby-back ribs, brisket, rice, sweet potatoes, and cake.

The Gillett Farmers and Businessmen’s Club is a nonprofit and non-political club that has grown into an outstanding asset for the community of Gillett. The club helps with efforts such as summer programs, school programs, an educational endowment fund, athletic and scholastic awards, and community service. For the past four years the club has awarded the Gillett Farmers and Businessmen’s Scholarship to two graduating seniors from the Gillett area. Each student received a $1,000 a year scholarship that is renewable for four years. The club continues to use all proceeds from the Coon Supper to fund these scholarships and we will award two more scholarships to seniors graduating in 2015. These scholarships demonstrate the commitment

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432 Court Square, DeWitt, AR 72042 • 946-1621

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that the Gillett Farmers and Businessmen’s Club has for the students in our area.

The Gillett Coon Supper is the first and one of the largest events of its type held at the beginning of each New Year. The event will be attended by many national, state and local politicians, and people from all over Arkansas and surrounding states. There will be recognition of the High School Seniors from Gillett. Coon Supper T-shirts and hats will be available this year.

For ticket information, contact Larry Bauer at (home) 870-548-2859, (mobile) 870-830-4002, or write to PO Box 577, Gillett, AR 72055. For program information contact Chad Philipp at 870-548-2228 (home), 870548-2554 (work), or 870-509-0413 (mobile).

Thursday, December 18, 2014 DeWitt Era-Enterprise • dewitt-ee.com

B5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Grand Prairie Quilt Society

RALPH RELYEA, MAYOR ATTEST: LELIA BELL, CITY CLERK Adv. 51-1tfc

LEGAL NOTICE

Quilt society members prepare to “dig in” to their Xmas goodies and snacks.

The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met December 10 at the Stuttgart Public Library for their annual Christmas potluck with eight members present and one guest, Ann Ruffin. Glenda opened the meeting with the thought for the day...Never underestimate the power of a woman with a sewing machine. Happy Birthday greetings were extended to Shelley and LouAnna, Happy Birthday!! The November minutes and treasurer’s report were read and approved.

Under Old Business: Plans are going ahead for the Quilt Workshop Weekend at Cook’s Lake on February 13-15. Each participant is asked to bring a quilt technique to demonstrate at the workshop. More information will be forthcoming at the January meeting. There are still two openings, to register call Glenda at 241-3803.

Under New Business: The Plantation Museum at Scott will have a quilt workshop on March 14. Contact Lydia at 501-9611409 to register.

They are also having a Xmas open house on December 20 with crafts and refreshments.

Shelley told the members about a quilt workshop she

ORDINANCE NO. 777 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF DEWITT, ARKANSAS, FOR THE YEAR OF 2015, DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, Arkansas Code Annotated Section 1458-201, et seq., requires the City of DeWitt, Arkansas, to approve a proposed budget for the operation of the City from January 1st to December 31st of each and requires the adoption of a budget for the operation of the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council approved such a budget for 2015 by voice vote at a special council meeting on December 1, 2014, but before passage by a written ordinance, the approved budget needed to be changed; and Maeola and her Mickey Mouse quilt.

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of DeWitt is attending on January 18 at the Historic Arkansas desires to adopt a budget for January 1, 2015, through Museum in Little Rock. The Museum is hosting sev- December 31, 2015, repealing the above-referenced, eral workshops in the next year in conjunction with previously-approved budget in order to pass the attheir Great Arkansas Quilt Show. tached budget; During Show and Share, Maeola showed a Mickey NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE Mouse quilt she is making for her grandson.

CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DEWITT, ARDuring the Round Robin game, much merriment en- KANSAS, THAT: sued with members sometimes unsure of their left or SECTION 1: There is hereby adopted for the City of their right with many moans of dismay and squeals DeWitt, Arkansas, the budget for the year extending of excitement as the game progressed. Glenda came from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015, out the winner of the stash of prizes. She graciously let which budget is attached hereto and adopted by refeach member pick something to take home with them. erence thereto, as if set forth herein verbatim.

The group then adjourned for a lunch of festive SECTION 2: Any Ordinance, or part thereof, which Xmas goodies and snacks. The members had fun ex- is in conflict herewith, is hereby repealed. changing recipes and visiting. Audrey and MIchele SECTION 3: It is hereby found and declared that the were the winners of the two door prizes, a heart pin- proper operation and finances of the City of DeWitt, cushion and a secretary/caddy. Each member also Arkansas, is necessary for the proper health, peace picked out a needle keeper made especially for them. and safety of the citizens of the City of DeWitt, ArkanThe next meeting will be a Sit ‘n Sew at 9:00 a.m. on sas. THEREFORE, an emergency is hereby declared January 14 at the Stuttgart Public Library. We will be to exist, and this Ordinance shall be in full force and making pillowcases for Arkansas Children’s’ Hospital. effect from and after its passage and approval.

Glenda will bring the fabric. Come join us and have PASSED and APPROVED in regular session on this some fun!

8th day of DECEMBER, 2014.

APPROVED: RALPH RELYEA, MAYOR ATTEST: LELIA BELL, CITY CLERK Adv. 51-1tfc ing scorers were Kayla West and Tessah West each HELP WANTED had 11 and Libby Cox had 8. The Sr. Dragonettes are 3-5 at this point. They play Monday night at White Hall around 6 against White Hall and Saturday Dec 20 at White Hall at 1:00 against Fordyce.

The Jr. Dragons are still struggling with a 1-6 record on the season. This past week they lost 51-8 against Stuttgart.

The Sr. Dragons met up with Barton and after a hard is now accepting applications for a fought battle lost 62 - 50.

CDL Driver Layne Ballew scored 12 and Jamarious Bradford scored 10.

Apply in person They cam back when they met up with Rison and Pick up an application at won with a score of Dewitt 601503 S Whitehead Dr. in DeWitt, AR Rison 34. The lead scorers were Tyren Robinson who No phone calls please. scored 10, Landon Turner scored 10 and Ty Jones scored 9. Barton beat the Jr high 34-16. Brayton Wright had 8 of our 16 points.

The Sr. Girls and Boys play in White Hall this week in the White Hall Classic and the Sr. Boys will play in the Heber Springs tournament Dec. 29-31. Good luck to both teams!

Dragon Basketball Games

By Dawn Teer The Jr. Dragonettes continue their winning by playing at Barton on Dec 9th. They defeated them 31-18.

Leading scorers were Jomia Harris with 12 and Karli Rieves with 6. The Jr. girls then played at Stuttgart on Dec 11 and defeated them in a thrilling game 4139. Trailing 33-25 going into the 4th Quarter. Adrianna Davis helped tremendously by scoring 8 pts in the quarter while the defense stiffened up. With the game tied with 9 seconds left Karli Rieves received the inbounds pass and raced to the other end and challenged their post player. She was fouled on the play while making the winning basket. Leading scorers were Taylor Mannis with 16, Jomia Harris with 9 and Adrianna Davis finished with 8 all in the 4th Q. They also played Dec 12 at Rison and defeated them 30-9. Leading scorer was Karli Rieves with 8. The JG’s are 7-1 at this point.

The Sr. Dragonettes played Barton on Dec 9th and defeated them 45-26. Leading scorers were Libby Cox with 19 and Kayla West with 11 and Savanna Bisswanger with 9 and Kyla Patterson with 7. They played at Rison on Dec 12th and were defeated 48-32. Lead-

ADAMS FERTILIZER EQUIPMENT

CRESTPARK OF DEWITT

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ARKANSAS COUNTY, ARKANSAS PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF TODD JASON EDWARDS and CASE NO. PR-201429 ND LUCAS WINSLOW EDWARDS HARVEY WINSLOW EDWARDS, JR. and PETITIONERS HELEN ANNETTE EDWARDS VS. MARY ELIZABETH ANNE EDWARDS and RESPONDENTS MICHAEL AUE WARNING ORDER You, Michael Todd Aue, are hereby notified that the Petitioners’, Harvey and Helen Edwards, whose attorney is Christina Boyd, and whose attorney’s address is 308 Court Square, DeWitt, Arkansas, 72042, has filed a petition herein against you. A copy of such petition will be delivered to you or to your attorney upon

request. You are also notified that you must appear and defend by filing your answer or other responsive pleading within thirty (30) days of the date of the first publication of this Warning Order; and in the event of your failure to do so, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint (as amended) as circumscribed by the laws of this State.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal as Clerk of the Court on this 11th day of DECEMBER, 2014.

This Notice first published in the DeWitt Era Enterprise on DECEMBER 4, 2014.

MELISSA WOOD ARKANSAS COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK By: K Fletcher D.C. Adv. 50-2tfc

LEGAL NOTICE ORDINANCE NO. 776 AN ORDINANCE AMNEDING ORDINANCE NO. 664 REGULATING THE STORAGE OF INOPERABLE MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE CITY LIMITS OF DEWITT, ARKANSAS, ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LANDS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, the Arkansas County Demolition Derby is held as part of the annual Arkansas County Fair; and WHEREAS, such Demolition Derby promotes business and the economy in DeWitt, Arkansas; and WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 664, which governs the storage of inoperable motor vehicles in DeWitt, Arkansas, does not except demolition derby automobiles from its prohibitions; and WHEREAS, the City of Council of the City of DeWitt, Arkansas, finds that an exception for keeping derby cars in the DeWitt city limits should be made for certain periods of time coinciding with the Arkansas County Fair; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF DEWITT, ARKANSAS, THAT: SECTION 1: The definition of “Inoperable Motor Vehicle” under Section 1 of Ordinance No. 664 is hereby amended to read as follows, with all other definitions under said Section 1 to remain the same: Inoperable Motor Vehicle: Any motor vehicle placed on blocks or any motor vehicle that does not have a current, valid license plate or has one (1) or more

wheels removed, or is not in proper condition to be legally operated on the streets of the City because of lack of a proper muffler, tires, headlights, or other mechanical defects, or because of lack of an integral part of assemblage, or is not capable of self-locomotion, except that this definition shall not include the following: Automobiles that are specifically designed, redesigned, modified, or reconstructed for the purpose of using them in the Arkansas County Demolition Derby as part of the annual Arkansas County Fair and which are present in the city limits of DeWitt, Arkansas, for such purpose during the period of thirty (30) days before commencement of said Demolition Derby until thirty (30) days immediately following the end of said Demolition Derby.

SECTION 2: Section 2, entitled “Enforcement of Ordinance, “ of Ordinance No. 664 is hereby amended to read as follows: The DeWitt Police Department and its officers, as well as the DeWitt Code Enforcement Officer and his/her authorized agent(s), shall have the authority and responsibility for enforcing this Ordinance.

SECTION 3: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of any such conflict with this Ordinance with such nonconflicting provisions remaining in full force and effect.

PASSED and APPROVED in regular session this 8th day of DECEMBER, 2014.

APPROVED:

is currently accepting applications for:

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES Apply in person. No phone calls please

DeWitt Hospital, Nursing Home & Ferguson Rural Health Clinic are seeking Full-Time & PRN:

RN’s & LPN’s Day & Night Shifts Benefits & Sign-on Bonus Available Contact: Sherry Oldner for Hospital: 870-233-2208 Dana Adams for Nursing Home: 870-233-2253 Ginger Bogy for Clinic: 870-946-3637 1641 S. Whitehead Drive, DeWitt, AR DHNH is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Assistant Property Manager The Assistant Property Manager, under the direction of the Property Manager, is responsible for coordinating all aspects of apartment community operations and to act as main point of contact in the absence of the Property Manager.

The right candidate must be a team player with a positive can-do attitude.

Send Resume to: (brandybhatt@outlook.com) Post available for F/T and P/T. Tel: 907-248-3348

6B Thursday, December 18, 2014 DeWitt Era-Enterprise • dewitt-ee.com

merry

All Kroger stores and Pharmacies close at 6pm on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day. All stores and Pharmacies reopen at regular time on Friday, December 26.

CHRISTMAS! Smithfield or John Morrell Spiral Sliced Ham USDA Inspected, Bone-In, Half Ham, Limit 2

19

2

Smithfield Shank Half Ham

lb

With Card

Boneless Pork Loin

49

2

Moist & Tender, Half Loin

lb

With Card

Full Half Ham, Bone-In, Includes Center Slices, Limit 2

1

59

Bottom Round Roast

lb

USDA Choice, Boneless, Beef Round

With Card

Broccoli Crowns or Green Beans Sold by the Pound

99

Heritage Farm Russet Potatoes

¢

10 lb Bag or Sweet Onions, 5 lb Bag

lb

With Card

2

4

99 lb

Kroger Bacon

9

3 lb

With Card

99

With Card

99 California Halo Clementines

With Card

3 lb Bag or 5 lb Box for $5.99

Pampers Diapers Select Varieties, Sizes NB-6, 18-44 ct, Jumbo Pack

8

Select Varieties & Sizes

With Card

3

25%

2015 Calendar

99

99

off

With Card

Shelf Tag Reflects Savings With Card

celebrate with SAVINGS! Kroger Cheese 8 oz or Natural Slices, 6 oz; Select Varieties

Pepsi or 7UP Select Varieties, 12 pk, 12 fl oz Cans or 8 pk, 12 fl oz Bottles

When You

BUY 3 FINAL COST

10

3$ for

Kroger Large Eggs Grade A, 18 ct

1

199

With Card

With Card

Simply Orange Juice

Lay’s Potato Chips

59 fl oz or Kroger Orange Juice (Made from Concentrate), Gallon; Select Varieties

With Card When you buy 3 or more in the same transaction with Card. Quantities less than 3 will be priced at $4.99 each.

99

2

9.5-10 oz or Cheetos, 8-9.5 oz; Select Varieties

99

2$ for

With Card

4

With Card

Marie Callender’s Pie Kroger Vegetables 10-12 oz or Birds Eye, 8-16 oz; Frozen, Select Varieties

Select Varieties, 28-46 oz

10$ for

10

With Card

Blue Bell Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt, Select Varieties, Half Gallon or Cups, 12 ct

499 With Card

Woo Hoo! W

Sign Up. Sign On. Save More!

Visit Kroger.com

4

99

Starbucks

With Card

When You Buy 3

Del Monte Vegetables

FINAL COST

Select Varieties, 14.5-15.25 oz Can

59 ¢ With Card

When purchased in multiples of 3 with Card.

Quantities not purchased in multiples of 3 will be $6.99 each with Card.

Limit 4 Rewards per transaction.

SALE DATE: 6am Wednesday, December 17 through midnight Wednesday, December 24, 2014 Prices and Items are effective at your Dewitt and Brinkley, AR Kroger stores.

NONE SOLD TO DEALERS. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES AND CORRECT PRINTED ERRORS. COPYRIGHT 2014. KROGER DELTA MARKETING AREA. KROGER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP I. Visit this ad online

10-12 oz, Maxwell House Coffee, 29.3-31 oz, or Starbucks K-Cups, 10 ct; Select Varieties

5

99

With Card

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