EDITORIAL >> As we grieve a fallen hero

If early-week reports are right, the funeral in Beebe today for Army Spec. Bobby West, who gave his life patrolling the harrowing streets of Baghdad, will be disturbed by not one but two fringe groups.Brother Fred Phelps and his church disciples, the Kansas scourges who haunt military funerals, show up from time to time to taunt the families of fallen […]

EDITORIAL >> FOI victory for people

Circuit Judge Chris Piazza’s ruling that Gov. Huckabee cannot hide the results of an investigation into alleged misconduct of a state official by the ruse of making them part of his office papers was as heartening as it was predictable. But let us hope that the governor is unhappy enough to appeal the order to the Arkansas Supreme Court.The Freedom […]

FROM THE PUBLISHER >> A bad week for Huckster, but he lives

BY GARRICK FELDMANLeader publisherGov. Huckabee had a near-death experience last week while flying to a political convention in North Carolina. One of the engines on a small jet he was flying on for that state’s Republican Party convention — freeloading, as usual — malfunctioned, and only one of the engines was working, when, by a miracle, the pilot managed to […]

TOP STORY >> Foodbank working hard to reduce hunger pangs

BY JOHN HOFHEIMERLeader staff writerIN SHORT: FishNet Missions gets ready to feed hungry students, celebrates National Hunger Awareness Day.While 400,000 Arkansans are hungry, few Arkansans are aware of the problem, according to Phyllis Haynes, director of Arkansas Foodbank Network.To educate people Tuesday — National Hunger Awareness Day — the foodbank teamed up with Jacksonville’s overachieving FishNet Mission to feed the […]

TOP STORY >> Beebe candidates line up

BY JOAN MCCOYLeader staff writerIN SHORT: Alderman Mike Robertson, a former mayor, is the only one to announce for the office to succeed Donald Ward.With more than two months to go before the end of the July 20 to Aug. 9 period when independent candidates in Beebe must file for the seats they hope to win in November, the races […]

TOP STORY >> Funeral services today for fallen Beebe soldier

BY JOAN MCCOYLeader staff writerIN SHORT: Black and yellow ribbons were tied around a tree near the home of Army Spc. Bobby West who was killed May 30 in Iraq. His funeral will be 2 p.m. Wednesday.Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today at the First Baptist Church in Beebe for Army Spc. Bobby West, killed May 30 […]

TOP STORY >> Minister bringing anti-gay protest to burial

BY JOAN MCOYLeader staff writerIN SHORT: Beebe police hope to keep order as a controversial religious group plans to rally near the church where services for soldier will be held today.Tuesday afternoon, about 24 hours after receiving a fax that the funeral of Army Specialist Bobby West would be picketed by members of Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., who […]

TOP STORY >> Starbucks sweetens city’s cup of growth

BY RICK KRONLeader staff writerIN SHORT: Several national and regional businesses have made plans to open outlets here.Even though Jacksonville’s actual building permits have slowed the past two months, the city is on the verge of some major business growth if all the signed deals begin to fall into place.A multi-screen movie theater is inked for the city, along with […]

TOP STORY >> Eyes on the prize, Stubby goes on tour of the district

BY JOHN HOFHEIMERLeader staff writerIN SHORT: With 10 stops planned by the end of today, Cabot Mayor Stumbaugh launched his campaign for Congress with a speech in Cabot on Monday.Cong. Marion Berry has failed first district farmers and senior citizens, Cabot Mayor Mickey (Stubby) Stumbaugh told about 35 people assembled to help him kick off a three-day, 10-city tour of […]

OBITUARIES >> 06-06-06

BOBBY WESTU.S. Army Specialist Bobby Russell West, 23, of Beebe was killed May 30, while serving in Iraq. He attended Beebe High School.He is survived by his father, Ricky West of Carlisle; his mother, Linda Wiggins West of Beebe; one brother, Patrick West, stationed with the Ar-my in Iraq; grandmother, Syble West of Car-lisle; aunts, Marge Liddle of North Little […]