EDITORIAL >> Robert McCord, a great journalist

Robert S. McCord, who passed away in North Little Rock over the weekend at the age of 84, was a crusading newspaper editor who pushed for passage of the state’s Freedom of Information Act in 1967. He was then the publisher of the North Little Rock Times, which fought Mayor Casey Laman’s political machine and its policy of excluding reporters […]

EDITORIAL >> Expansion gets closer

After pressure from Gov. Mike Beebe and Speaker Davy Carter (R-Cabot), a supermajority of the House of Representatives on Tuesday approved, by a vote of 77-23, a Medicaid expansion program that will insure some 250,000 working poor in Arkansas. The first vote failed on Monday, but continued pressure from the governor and Carter put the bill over the top. Their […]

TOP STORY >> Here she is, Miss Jacksonville ’59

By SARAH CAMPBELL Leader staff writer Inner and outer beauty radiate from Shirlee Walker, the third Miss Jacksonville, who was crowned in 1959. The former Shirley Be Dora was still a teenager and thought she didn’t fit the part of a pageant contestant. But the people in her life thought otherwise. “There is nothing more permanent in your life than […]

TOP STORY >> Bad business decisions or affinity scam?

By JOAN McCOY Leader staff writer Back when building was booming and mortgages were easy to come by, two local men started buying fixer-uppers with the intention of remodeling and selling them. They brought in investors to buy homes in Jacksonville, North Little Rock, Little Rock and Cabot. They are now in bankruptcy and owe local banks and other creditors […]

TOP STORY >> Carter gets more votes on Medicaid

By JOHN HOFHEIMER Leader senior staff writer Eight lawmakers switched their votes on House Bill 1143 overnight as the House, on Tuesday, approved the appropriation of federal funds for the private insurance option to Medicaid expansion. Some lawmakers may have had a change of heart or bowed to constituents, while Gov. Mike Beebe and House Speaker Davy Carter (R-Cabot) may […]

SPORTS STORY >> Southern Oaks hires familiar face as Pro

By RAY BENTON  Leader sports editor Local golfers and potential club members may see a familiar face taking care of things at Southern Oaks Country Club in Jacksonville. Dustin Ralston is Southern Oaks’ new general manager and head golf professional. His first day was April 1. Ralston was previously head golf pro at Greystone Country Club in Cabot. He worked […]

SPORTS STORY >> Cabot ladies earn shutout over ’Canes

By GRAHAM POWELL Leader sportswriter The Lady Panther softball team made the most of its 7A/6A East Conference makeup game against Jonesboro as it dominated the Lady Hurricanes 9-0 Monday at the Cabot softball complex. Cabot (10-11, 4-5) totaled 16 hits in the game while Lady Panthers’ sophomore pitcher Kaitlyn Thompson gave up just two hits, one walk, and struck […]

SPORTS STORY >> Ramblers down Lady Red Devils

By RAY BENTON  Leader sports editor The Rose Bud softball team gave Jacksonville the ramblin’ blues Monday after beating the Lady Devils 4-2 at Dupree Park. Lady Rambler pitcher Dana Naquin threw a complete-game three hitter while striking out 13 Lady Red Devils and walking three. Only one of the six total runs scored were earned, but Rose Bud also […]

SPORTS STORY >> N. Pulaski can’t hold early lead at Lonoke

By JASON KING  Leader sportswriter A strong start by North Pulaski did not hold up as Lonoke quickly overcame an early deficit and turned it around completely in a 14-6 nonconference rout at Lonoke Park on Friday. Lonoke senior Blake Gooden went 3 for 3 and was a single away from hitting for the cycle during the Jackrabbits’ comeback victory […]

SPORTS STORY >> Sylvan Hills is still rolling

By RAY BENTON  Leader sports editor The Sylvan Hills Bears capped their best week of the season with a 12-2 win over class 6A Searcy at the Sherwood Sports Complex on Friday. The day before, the Bears beat 6A’s No. 1 ranked team, Benton. And earlier in the week reeled off two easy conference wins over Helena-West Helena Central. “We’re […]