EDITORIAL >> End-of-year reflections

As we do every year’s end, we find ourselves in a reflective mood, taking stock of our accomplishments, and maybe a few shortcomings, and looking forward to the year ahead. It’s been a divisive 12 months, and we anticipate more disunity is ahead for our country. But it is time for tempers to cool and the anger to give way […]

TOP STORY >> ASU-Beebe fall art-show winners

The Arkansas State University-Beebe Art Department recently presented the following awards for its fall Fine Arts Student Show Part II. The show featured artwork of students enrolled in Ceramics I and II, Drawing I and Painting I and II. Ceramics I: First place, Kiera Taylor, of Cabot, liberal arts; second place, Harmony Brantley, of Mount Vernon, liberal arts; third place, […]

TOP STORY >> A visionary planner retires

By JOHN HOFHEIMER  Leader senior staff writer In July 1988, Ronald Reagan was in the final months of his presidency, the Supreme Court told private clubs they couldn’t discriminate against women and minorities and “Die Hard” topped the box office. Apple wouldn’t introduce the iPhone for another 20 years and Jim McKenzie was chosen out of a pool of 40 […]

TOP STORY >> 2016 Year in Review

Compiled by RICK KRON Leader staff writer This is the first of four articles recapping all that was 2016. The first three will recall the top headlines of the year and the fourth will be the Top 10 storylines of the year. The first four months of the year brought a mix of sadness, happiness, sprinkled with a dose of […]

SPORTS SPORTS >> Hokie quarterback worries UA coaches

By NATE ALLEN Special to The Leader FAYETTEVILLE – From the Sept. 3 season opener against Louisiana Tech to Thursday’s Belk Bowl against Virginia Tech in Charlotte, N.C. it seems Arkansas’ defensive coaches say the same about nearly every opposing starting quarterback. “They have got a big quarterback that can run,” Arkansas linebackers coach Vernon Hargreaves said. “Again. Here we […]

SPORTS STORY >> Sylvan Hills dominates second half at Spa City

By RAY BENTON  Leader sports editor Superior depth overcame a sluggish start as the Sylvan Hills Bears defeated Jessieville 71-52 in the first round of the Spa City Classic at Bank of the Ozarks Arena in Hot Springs on Tuesday. The game started early and the Lions were hot early as they raced out to a 25-16 lead by the […]

SPORTS STORY >> Titans power past Wolves

By RAY BENTON Leader sports editor Experience prevailed over potential Thursday at the Titan Classic. Tournament host Jacksonville High ran away from 2A powerhouse Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter in the second quarter in a highly anticipated meeting between the hometown schools. The 6A Titans trailed early, but outscored the Wolves 26-7 in the second period en route to a 77-55 victory. […]