EDITORIAL >> Jacksonville preservation

The Jacksonville Historical District has laid out its best vision yet for its plan to preserve and revitalize the town’s original downtown near the railroad tracks on South First and Second streets between East Center and Mulberry streets. An appeal for financial contributions sent to supporters included a lengthy list summarizing the origins of nearly every building in that area. […]

TOP STORY >> Sicard takes reins at ANG

By TECH. SGT. JESSICA CONDIT  189th Airlift Wing Public Affairs The Arkansas Air National Guard welcomed Brig. Gen. Marc A. Sicard of Cabot as its new commander during a ceremony Saturday at Little Rock Air Force Base. Sicard took the reins from Brig. Gen. James K. Vogel, who retired from the Air National Guard the same day. Vogel commanded the […]

TOP STORY >> Brown: Ready for many new base missions

By JOHN HOFHEIMER Leader senior staff writer Little Rock Air Force Base, now known as the center of excellence for all things C-130, has not always been devoted to that workhorse air transport, nor will it always be in the future, according to Col. Charles E. Brown, commander of the 19th Airlift Wing and of Little Rock Air Force Base. […]

TOP STORY >> Combat training

By Airman 1st CLASS KEVIN SOMMER GIRON 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Airmen lay in the prone position, awaiting commands from the Combat Arms instructor before firing their M4 assault rifle. They control their breathing and push their cheeks against the cold metal while aligning their sight during a Combat Arms Training and Maintenance qualification class. Line is ready. Fire! […]

SPORTS STORY >> Clemson clearly better than Bama

By RAY BENTON Leader sports editor Most people agree that Monday’s NCAA football national championship game was the best since the inception of the Bowl Championship Series almost two decades ago, and maybe one of the best ever. It’s hard to argue about that when there were three touchdowns in the final 4:38, including the game winner with one second […]

SPORTS STORY >> Badgers hot in second

By RAY BENTON  Leader sports editor The Beebe boys’ basketball team took charge late in the second quarter and never trailed in the second half of a 60-53 victory over Searcy at Badger Arena on Saturday. The Badgers’ second quarter outburst in the final three minutes came in response to coach Ryan Marshall’s impassioned speech during a timeout. The timeout […]

SPORTS STORY >> Cabot team dominates swim meet

By RAY BENTON  Leader sports editor The Cabot boys won seven events and the Lady Panthers won five as the Panther teams turned in dominant performances in the Cabot Classic Swim Meet last Thursday at Veterans Park Community Center in Cabot. Cabot’s Tristen Bowen and Alex Layman tied for top point getters; each contributing 60 for the Panthers in their […]

SPORTS STORY >> Beebe smothers Searcy

By RAY BENTON Leader sports editor  What started as an up-and-down affair eventually developed into a style more suiting for Beebe coach Greg Richey, as his Lady Badgers defeated Searcy 47-34 on Saturday at Badger Arena. Richey has what he believes is a very strong defensive team, and has set a goal each game of allowing fewer than 40 points. […]