EDITORIAL >> A skeptic converts

It’s hot outside, and most of the state is in a drought and faces extreme fire danger. Even climate-change skeptics are jumping ship and looking for a place to cool off. Richard A. Muller, a physics professor at the University of California at Berkeley, didn’t take global warming seriously until last year. But now he’s a self-described “converted skeptic.” In […]

TOP STORY >> Record hot, dry spells

By RICK KRON Leader staff writer With 21 days of 1o0-degree plus temperature, no one can doubt this summer has been hot and dry. But where does it rank among all-time heat waves in central Arkansas? Number one? No, not even close. In the top five — not yet. Number six? Yes. But if the 100-degree days continue, this summer […]

TOP STORY >> Fireman’s death called a murder

By SARAH CAMPBELL Leader staff writer Jacksonville firefighter Jason Bowmaster watched from the front row Monday as lawyers delayed the trial of Bryce Allen in Judge John Longston’s crowded courtroom in Little Rock. Allen, 47, has been charged with first-degree murder and two counts of criminal attempt to commit murder. He allegedly drove around emergency vehicles and struck Bowmaster, Capt. […]

TOP STORY >> Sizzling heat blazing on— relief far off

By RICK KRON Leader staff writer Tuesday’s triple-digit high made it four 100 degree-plus days in a row, 15 in July and 21 for the summer. It would be eight days in a row, save for a 99-degree high on Friday. Of the 21 100-degree or more days this summer, nine were all-time record setters, including Tuesday’s 107 degrees and […]

SPORTS STORY >> Red Devil players increase strength

By RAY BENTON Leader sports editor Football practice for the Jacksonville Red Devils gets into full swing today. The first official day of practice was Monday. Jacksonville spent most of the first two days in the film room and getting paperwork taken care of. Today, the team will be on the field from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for offensive […]

SPORTS STORY >> Badgers off to good start

By JASON KING Leader sportswriter The numbers are a little low but the spirits are high in Beebe’s fall football camp. A total of 48 prospective varsity Badgers turned out on Monday following a spring and summer of stringent workouts that included team camps and 7 on 7 sessions. The day started with a 6 a.m. weight room session followed […]

SPORTS STORY >> ’Rabbits energize summer practice

By JASON KING Leader sportswriter Improved numbers to go along with improved strength made for a good opening fall practice for the Lonoke Jackrabbits on Monday morning. A summer of intense weightlifting and conditioning was evident in the physiques of the 46 players on the practice field behind the field house. Coach Doug Bost and staff are expecting a total […]

SPORTS STORY >> Bruins ousted on close call

By RAY BENTON Leader sports editor A controversial call ended the Sylvan Hills Bruins in the third round of the Senior American Legion state tournament at Burns Park. Sylvan Hills lost 2-1 to Rogers in an 11-inning game played in miserable heat Sunday afternoon. The final three innings were played with just two umpires, as one succumbed to the heat […]