EDITORIAL >> Free advice to Romney

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney doesn’t have a subscription to The Leader, but maybe a supporter will get this to him in time. This is an open letter to Mitt Romney. Dear Mitt: I understand you want to become president of the United States. You have a good chance, especially if you follow the advice offered here. First, you […]

TOP STORY >> Firefighters are thanked

By JOAN McCOY Leader staff writer Making use of the sheriff’s address book, Lonoke County Judge Doug Erwin on Thursday e-mailed every reporter who covers the county, thanking the county’s firefighters for their efforts during the drought. The mass e-mailing was the judge’s first. Asked why he wanted to call attention to firefighters, Erwin said they are unpaid and unrecognized […]

TOP STORY >> North Belt still real possibility, Metroplan says

By JOHN HOFHEIMER  Leader senior staff writer The Metroplan board Wednesday took what one board member called “baby steps” toward the completion of the North Belt Freeway. But taking any steps at all is progress, according to Metroplan executive director Jim McKenzie. The board agreed to remove construction of the $700 million freeway from the financially constrained long-range transportation plan. […]

TOP STORY >> Saving Ebenezer Cemetery

 Joseph Boyd, a Civil War veteran, was laid to rest in Ebenezer Cemetery with his wife, Martha, and their son, Jesse. by SARAH CAMPBELL Leader staff writer “I served about two years in the army that broke me verry fast I moved from Miss 2 years ago and stoped hear I am verry well pleased.” — Joseph Boyd wrote to […]

SPORTS STORY >> Beebe girls have senior leadership in volleyball

By JASON KING  Leader sportswriter There are still a few questions when it comes to exactly who will be the starting six for the Beebe Lady Badgers as they prepare for another season of 5A East Conference volleyball. But there is no question that this year’s team will be improved in all areas. The Lady Badgers, who narrowly missed earning […]

SPORTS STORY >> Few Carlisle starters return

By GRAHAM POWELL  Leader sportswriter The Carlisle Bison football team was all business Wednesday evening in the third official day of fall practice. The Bison players were in helmets, shorts and shoulder pads during the practice session that went from 5 to 7:35 p.m. next to Fred C. Hardke Memorial Field. Even though it wasn’t a full contact day, the […]

SPORTS STORY >> Falcons choose a quarterback

By RAY BENTON Leader sports editor The first week of football practice at North Pulaski saw one major change from spring and summer practice. There’s a new leading candidate for starting quarterback. Head Falcon coach Teodis Ingram listed four players who were vying for quarterback duties on this year’s team, but a fifth person has been handed the reins, senior […]

SPORTS STORY >> Cabot offense looks set

By RAY BENTON Leader sports editor The Cabot Panthers are 91 strong as the first week of summer practice wraps up today. The Panthers go in full pads for the first time this morning. Like most other teams, Cabot started Monday with helmets as the only equipment used. On Wednesday they added shoulder pads and will have live contact for […]