TOP STORY >> Pathfinder adds ‘one more jewel’

By CHRISTY HENDRICKS and JEFFERY SMITHLeader staff writersJoan Zumwalt, who has led Pathfinder for many years, stood before a crowd of staff, parents and notable visitors and told them it was “another red-letter day for Pathfinder.” “We have sunshine here in the building,” Zumwalt told the crowd which had braved a cold rain to attend. The group was on hand […]

TOP STORY >> Beebe is granting fewer clemencies

Gov. Mike Beebe speaks to Joan Zumwalt at the Pathfinder Preschool. By CHRISTY HENDRICHS and GARRICK FELDMAN Leader staff writers Gov. Mike Beebe is distancing himself from his predecessor, who issued a record number of pardons and clemencies. While visiting the dedication of the newest Pathfinder pre-school in Jacksonville on Tuesday, Beebe told The Leader, “In three years, I’ve granted […]

TOP STORY >> Lonoke jail construction set

By JOHN HOFHEIMERLeader senior staff writerAfter 15 years of trying every which way to expand the old jail or build a new one, Lonoke County officials were smiling, slapping backs and shaking hands after a Cabot company was the apparent low bidder for a new 142-bed jail.“I never dreamed we’d be able to build everything with the money we had,” […]

TOP STORY >> Gas shut off as hospital bills pile up

By GARRICK FELDMANLeader editor-in-chiefA couple in Beebe have been without heat for several months after the natural-gas company took out their meter because they were not paying their bills.The couple disputes that, but after we intervened in their behalf, their gas was turned back on Tuesday.We’ll call them Mary and Joe, who’ve had major surgery and are facing mounting debts, […]

TOP STORY >> Board votes to decertify two unions

By JOHN HOFHEIMERLeader senior staff writerTempers smoldered Tuesday night at the Pulaski County Special School District meeting, and before the evening was over, the school board withdrew recognition of both the teachers’ union and the support staff union as negotiating agents by a vote of 4-2.“This is a huge mistake,” said board member Bill Vasquez of Jacksonville. “It sends a […]

TOP STORY >> Cabot’s Christmas parade is Sunday

Cabot Mayor Eddie Joe Williams rode in an antique car in last year’s parade.  By RICK KRONLeader staff writerCabot’s parade starts at 3 p.m., Sunday with a theme of “A red, white and blue Christmas.” Grand marshals will be Cabot veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. The Arkansas Military Vehicles Preservation Association will have […]

TOP STORY >> Cook kicks off mayoral campaign

Alderman Eddie Cook has announced that he is running for mayor of Cabot.  By JOAN MCCOYLeader staff writerCabot Alderman Eddie Cook on Monday evening became the second candidate to announce his intention to run for mayor.Bill Cypert, an original member of the four-year-old Cabot Water and Wastewater Commission, was the first.“You’re all friends and family and I appreciate y’all for […]

EDITORIAL >> Jodie Mahony, man of the people

In 1971, Jodie Mahony joined the ranks of a tribe that now must number more than 4,000 — people who were elected to the Arkansas General Assembly from statehood in 1837 until today. Measured by his own ambitions, Mahony would be as anonymous as all the others. He never held or sought another office, never held or sought the prestigious […]

EDITORIAL >> Huckabee’s Chutzpah

Whatever you think of his record as governor and politician, you have to admire Mike Huckabee’s chutzpah and acknowledge his unmatched gifts for propaganda. Monday, the former governor landed space in some of the big prints in the country, including the Washington Post and the New York Daily News, painting over his culpability in the death of four policemen in […]

SPORTS >> Searcy learns from narrow loss to NLR

Searcy junior Jamal Jones tries to block a North Little Rock shot on Saturday. By JASON KINGLeader sportswriterSearcy took a home loss in the championship of the Bank Classic on Saturday, but it could also be the game that puts the Lions on the map.North Little Rock made a last-second three-pointer in overtime to clinch a 64-63 victory over the […]