The Leader

December 15, 2004

Base impact at $502M >>> IN SHORT>>>New construction worth about $100 million at LRAFB boosts spending to record levels, as well as the arrival of the C-130Js and other new improvements at the Jacksonville facility. [STORY]	Chili's seeking private club license By RICK KRON-Staff Writer >> IN SHORT>>> Chili's Bar and Grill has filed an application with the ABC to allow the sale of acoholic beverages in its restaurant to be built in Jacksonville. [STORY]
Several are voted on utility in Cabot By JOAN MCCOY - Leader Staff Writer >>> IN SHORT>>> The choices have been tallied for seven positions on a new public utilities commission for Cabot and some familiar names are among the top picks. [STORY]	Falcons repeat as Pioneer champs By RAY BENTON - Leader sports writer >>> IN SHORT>>>The North Pulaski Falcons successfully defended their title as Batesville tournament champions Saturday. [SPORTS]
Lonoke is facing budget cutbacks By JOAN HOFHEIMER - Leader Staff Writer >>> IN SHORT>>> Reductions in law enforcement, at the health department, the library and the council on aging would help balance the budget, city officials say, although a tax increase may also be needed. [STORY]	Christmas around the world By DAVID SCOLLI >>> IN SHORT>>> Students at Magness Creek Elemetary School discover how other cultures celebrate the Holidays. [FEATURE]

December 14, 2004

New formula would add to congestion rating in area
By JOHN HOFHEIMER- Leader Staff Writer
>>> IN SHORT>>>Crowded parts of Hwy. 67/167 would increase designations under proposed formula change. [STORY]

Dozens attend road hearing
By JOHN HOFHEIMER- Leader Staff Writer
>> IN SHORT>>> Sherwood area residents turned out to see the state Highway Department's latest plans for the highway and frontage roads. [STORY]

December 8, 2004

Beebe questions numbers Superintendent says data incorrect By JOAN MCCOY - Leader Staff Writer >>> IN SHORT>>>Beebe School Superintendent Kieth Williams told the school board Monday night that the state facilities study for Beebe was inaccurate [STORY]	Camp Robinson will get $33M helicopter facility >> IN SHORT>>> A groundbreaking cermony was held Saturday for a new Army aviation support facility at Camp Robinson. [STORY]
Schools still scrambling over costs for repairs By JOHN HOFHEIMER- Leader Staff Writer >>> IN SHORT>>> For now the Arkansas School Facilities Report may raise as many questions as it has answers while officials grapple with the details on how to fix infrastructure. [STORY]	Lions win Bank Classic By RICK BUTLER - Special to the Leader >>> IN SHORT>>>A team dominated by youth relied on an old hand as the Searcy Lions knocked off Camden Fairview. [SPORTS]
Cabot Center faces downsizing By JOAN MCCOY - Leader Staff Writer >>> IN SHORT>>> As costs soar, Cabot Mayor Stubby Stumbaugh and the city council have told the architects to go back to the drawing board and figure out what, if any cuts can be made so construction can continue as hoped. [STORY]	He's making a list By BRIAN RODRIQUEZ >>> IN SHORT>>> Santa Claus helped light the Christmas tree in Ward as the city held its fifth annual Christmas tree lighting. [FEATURE]

December 1, 2004

Almost a foot of rain in a month By RICK KRON - Leader Staff Writer >>> IN SHORT>>>Even though almost 10 inches of rain fell during November, there has been no major flooding in the area. [STORY]	Who'll pay tab for huge effort? By JOHN HOFHEIMER & JOAN MCCOY - Leader Staff Writers >> IN SHORT>>> Glover asks opinion from Beebe on how to fund rebuilding. [STORY]
School building costs in billions Latest improvement estimates as high as $4.5 Billion over five years By DAVID ROBINSON- Arkansas News Bureau >>> IN SHORT>>> Arkansas lawmakers learned from a highly anticipated report Tuesday that an immediate $2.8B may be needet to make court-ordered improvements to the state's school buildings. [STORY]	GETTING BETTER EVERY DAY By RAY BENTON - Leader Sports Editor >>> IN SHORT>>>What best describes Clinton McDonald is the word focused. McDonald is focused on improving himself everyday. [SPORTS]
Air base is rated excellent Inspectors give LRAFB high marks By JOHN HOFHEIMER- Leader Staff Writer >>> IN SHORT>>> For the third consecutive time, Little Rock Air Force Base has passed its operational rediness inspection with a rating of "excellent". [STORY]	'Tis The Season By EILEEN FELDMAN >>> IN SHORT>>> Cabot residents got together Saturday evening for their annual Christmas tree lighting and it was at once a joyous and moving event. [FEATURE]

November 24, 2004

Local battallion honored By JOHN HOFHEIMER - Leader Staff Writer >>> IN SHORT>>>An Austin Army National Guardsman was among three awarded meritorious conduct medals at the Air Force base as the unit prepares to return to civilian life after guarding the air base. [STORY]	Former sherriff arrested over harassment charge By JOHN HOFHEIMER - Leader Staff Writer >> IN SHORT>>> Charlie Martin turns himself in after an accuser files a complaint against the ex-Lonoke sheriff. [STORY]
REPORT: No water crisis for long while By JOAN MCCOY - Leader Staff Writer >>> IN SHORT>>> The area's need for water may not be as immediate as originally predicted, according to a draft engineering report released Tuesday. [STORY]	Sylvan Hills takes down Lady Devils in Hoopfest By CHAD MATCHETT - Leader Sports Writer >>> IN SHORT>>>The Lady Bears took care of business against the Lady Red Devils and came away with a 52-43 win. [SPORTS]
Irrigation work seen as benefit By JOHN HOFHEIMER - Leader Staff Writer >>> IN SHORT>>> The completion of the Bayou Meto and Grand Prairie irrigation projects could not only slow the decline of the aquifers, but could lead to the recharging of those aquifers. [STORY]	Christmas Open House By EILEEN FELDMAN >>> IN SHORT>>> Cabot merchants went all out Sunday for their annual holiday open house extravaganza. [FEATURE]

November 17, 2004

Access road to go one-way By JOHN HOFHEIMER - Leader Staff Writer >>> IN SHORT>>> Starting in March, Landers Road will have traffic going north between McCain and Wildwood. Motorists on Warden will travel south. [STORY]	Opening fills local hotels By RICK KRON - >> IN SHORT>>> Local Guardsmen help with Clinton Library security, and area students participate in a once-in-a-lifetime event as visitors stream into local motels to stay the night. [STORY]
Cabot schools still build By BRIAN RODRIGUEZ - Leader Staff Writer >>> IN SHORT>>> The district continues its construction program at the new high school campus and has approved expansion at Magness Creek Elementary. [STORY]	Not a Heavenly start to season By CHAD MATCHETT - Leader Sports Writer >>> IN SHORT>>>Lady Bears, Devils and Falcons all fall in Heavenly Hoopfest tournament. [SPORTS]
Utilities group is almost set By JOAN MCCOY- Leader Staff Writer >>> IN SHORT>>> The Cabot City Council began the process Tuesday night of turning over control of the water and sewer departments to a public utilities commission. [STORY]	A Polar Adventure By BRIAN RODRIGUEZ >>> IN SHORT>>>Students at Westside Elementary take a trip to 'The Polar Express' [FEATURE]