Arkansas Treasurer Martha Shoffner Resigns

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Arkansas Treasurer Martha Shoffner has resigned. Shoffner, 68, was arrested at her home in Newport on Saturday by the FBI on extortion charges.

The agency said in federal court Monday morning that Shoffner's arrest followed a meeting at her home with a confidential informant who delivered a payment of $6,000 she had demanded.

If convicted, Shoffner faces not more than 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine, or both followed by not more than 3 years supervised release.

Since her arrest, a number of officials, including Gov. Mike Beebe, Sen. Mark Pryor and Attorney General Dustin McDaniel had called for Shoffner to step down.

In a letter to Governor Mike Beebe, Shoffner wrote:

"It is with great sadness that I tender my resignation of the office of Treasurer of the State of Arkansas.

I am proud to have been elected by and to have served the people of the State of Arkansas and regret that I can no longer perform the duties and responsibilities owed to the public.

Please accept this resignation effective 5:00 p.m. today's date, May 21, 2013"

Local Man Arrested for Negligent Homicide

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A local man has been arrested and charged with two class B felony counts of negligent homicide in connection with the deaths of Cecil and Marry Harris.  Twenty four year old Andrew Whitaker was arrested Tuesday and is being held by Hempstead County authorities.  Cecil and Mary were killed in a traffic accident in December of last year. The collision happened on North Hervey Street. Whitaker was traveling south and hit the right rear corner of a Chevy Tahoe. Whitaker's Chevy truck spun out of control into the Harris' Honda Accord. They were taken to a hospital and later died. Reports said Whitaker was traveling at a high rate of speed in the center turn lane of the street.

Corporal Pete Penney Presented Arkansas State Police Trooper of the Year Award

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Arkansas State Trooper (Corporal) Pete Penney, 38, of Nashville was presented with the Arkansas State Police Trooper of the Year Award today during the state police’s annual awards ceremony. Corporal Penney was also presented the department’s Medal of Valor.

The recognition of Corporal Penney stems from a March 23, 2012 traffic stop involving a suspected drunk driver along U.S. Highway 278, north of Ozan (Hempstead County).

Following a field sobriety test, Corporal Penney attempted to arrest the suspect who resisted and began to fight. After several minutes of attempting to gain control of the suspect Corporal Penney radioed for assistance at which time the suspect returned to his car. As Corporal Penney approached the car, the suspect reached out holding a white plastic bag which contained a revolver and fired into the trooper’s abdomen.

Corporal Penney was able to return fire from his service weapon, wounding the suspect.

Corporal Penney is a nine-year veteran of the department and continues to serve the department assigned to the Highway Patrol Division.


Distinguished Service Award
Deputy Travis Turner – Howard County Sheriff’s Department
Patrolman Justin Thornton – Nashville Police Department

On March 23, 2012 Deputy Turner and Patrolman Thornton were the first law enforcement officer to arrive along a stretch of U.S. Highway 278, north of Ozan (Hempstead County) to render aid to Arkansas State Trooper Pete Penney who had been shot and wounded by a suspect he was attempting to arrest.

The two officers left their respective patrol assignments to respond to Trooper Penney’s radio call for help.

Both officers exhibited bravery and a readiness to render aid to Trooper Penney who had taken cover after exchanging gunfire with the suspect.

Neither officer was aware of the location of the armed suspect and disregarded their own safety to take control of the scene, begin applying first aid to Trooper Penney and taking the suspect into custody.

Warrant Issued for Nashville Man

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The Hope Police Department has issued a warrant for the arrest of 24 year old Andy Whitaker of Nashville in the deaths of Cecil and Marry Harris.  Two counts of Negligent Homicide are expected to be filed late this evening or tomorrow against Whitaker.  Cecil and Marry were killed in a traffic accident in December of last year.  The collision happened on North Hervey Street.  Whitaker was traveling south and hit the right rear corner of a Chevy Tahoe.  Whitaker's Chevy truck spun out of control into the Harris' Honda Accord.  They were taken to a hospital and later died.  Reports said Whitaker was traveling at a high rate of speed in the center turn lane of the street.

Ark. governor sends state's condolences to Moore

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Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe is sending the state's condolences to neighboring Oklahoma after a tornado devastated the city of Moore.

Beebe says this type of tragedy "strikes deep into the hearts of Arkansans" because communities know how destructive tornadoes can be. But the governor says few people can imagine the scale of loss and devastation that happened in Moore, where at least two dozen people died in Monday's tornado.

Beebe says Arkansas' thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the tornado, including those who lost loved ones and property. He also says he's thinking of the first responders and volunteers who are working at the scene.

Nashville School Board Considers Weapon Policy

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The Nashville School Board is considering a proposal that would allow the district more flexibility in dealing with situations in which a student brings a gun onto a school campus.  The Arkansas School Board Association is recommending a new policy which allows school districts to opt out of the 365 day punishment.  Superintendent Doug Graham says this policy would allow administrators to give a lesser punishment if an honest mistake was made.  The policy was updated to address school trap shooting teams or if a student accidentally left a gun in their vehicle after a hunting trip.  School Board President Monica Clark was concerned about the policy and believes that the 365 day punishment should stay in place.  Other board members said they would be for this new policy.  Graham said it really doesn't change anything, it would just allow the district to decide whether the punishment would be a week suspension or up to a year expulsion.  Board members voted to table the policy until next month's meeting.  Several other new policies were approved.  The board also voted to grant a $500 bonus to certified staff members.

Quorum Court Continues to Discuss Old Hospital Building

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For a second consecutive month, Howard County Quorum Court members have discussed possible options for demolition of the former hospital building on West Leslie Street. Last month, a Dallas area company expressed interest in purchasing the property which could lead to additional residential structures being built on the site. On Monday, j.p.'s heard a presentation from State Representative Nate Steel who said he thought money would be available from the state to put toward asbestos removal at the facility. By doing that, the county would retain ownership of the property. Several residents of the Greenwood Addition, which borders the old hospital site, were in attendance at Monday's meeting to voice concerns about the plan presented last month. No action was taken Monday..as County Judge Kevin Smith said he will continue looking into the project.

J.p.'s also considered the annual funding request from the Mine Creek Soil and Water Conservation District at Monday's meeting. Following a lengthy discussion, a motion to approve a two thousand dollar contribution to the conservation district failed get a majority vote for approval.

Local Telephone Scam

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The Hempstead County Sheriff's Office has received more reports of a telephone scam in the area.  A person has been calling people in the area and telling them that they have won a vehicle and $853,000.  The caller will ask the person to buy some type of money card and will set up a meet or have the money wired as a so called "prize processing fee".  Sheriff James Singleton says to please report any such calls to your local law enforcement agency.  This is a scam and you will lose your money.

Arkansas Game and Fish Continue to Investigate Dead Crappie at De Queen Lake

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Sevier County Judge Greg Ray informed members of the Quorum Court that the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is investigating the death of hundreds of crappie in the De Queen Lake .

Erick Breckman of the Arkansas Game and Fish informed Ray that preliminary test results have revealed bacteria on the gills of the fish and they have discovered the bacteria along the banks of the lake.

Breckman also stated that they would continue to do other test. He also stated that the game and fish was concerned but not overly concerned, because the De Queen Lake could afford to lose several hundred fish before it became a major issue.

Residents started noticing the dead fish around the first of the month.

Breckman also stated that it was ok to catch and eat crappie.

Statement on state treasurer Martha Shoffner

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Statement from Democratic Party of Arkansas Chairman Will Bond Regarding State Treasurer Martha Shoffner


(LITTLE ROCK) The Democratic Party of Arkansas released the following statement from Chairman Will Bond regarding state treasurer Martha Shoffner:

“We have reviewed the criminal complaint just released regarding the alleged acts of state treasurer Martha Shoffner, and we are shocked and disturbed by the allegations. While treasurer Shoffner has the right to be presumed innocent, Arkansas taxpayers have the right to have confidence that their money is being invested and managed properly. In order to restore public trust and to allow the Treasurer’s office to operate its duties, we ask treasurer Shoffner to resign immediately.”

Gov. Beebe says Arkansas treasurer should resign

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Gov. Mike Beebe says Arkansas Treasurer Martha Shoffner ought to resign after she allegedly took cash from a broker who managed state funds.

Beebe, a Democrat, told reporters Monday that Shoffner should step down immediately.

But Shoffner, also a Democrat, said she doesn't intend to resign.

Federal prosecutors say Shoffner accepted $12,000 a year from a broker who would sometimes deliver cash in a pie box - with a pie. The broker is cooperating with investigators.

Shoffner appeared in federal court Monday after she was arrested this weekend at her home in Newport.

She didn't enter a plea, but her attorney, Chuck Banks, said she would plead not guilty at the appropriate time.

Shoffner was released on her own recognizance. She was also ordered to surrender her passport.

Heptathlon Winners

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Two local athletes recently finished in the top twelve at the state Heptathlon.  Kassidy Snowden, a Junior at Nashville, finished sixth.  She placed second in the high jump and fifth in the high jump.  Snowden also placed fourth in discus and sixth in the long jump.  Leigha Gills of Murfreesboro placed twelfth.  She placed eighth in the shot put and fourth in the 800 meter dash.

HMH Awards

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Howard Memorial Hospital recently recognized several employees for their years of service.  Employees recognized for five years of service included: Megan Norman, Steven May, Lynette Boyd, Connie Bailey and Barbara Hopkins.  Those receiving a ten year service recognition included Kim Turberville, Melissa Sackett and Karen McRae.  Cheryl Roberts was recognized for fifteen years of service.  Carol Williams and Mona Lewis were recognized for 25 years.  Kay Walden was recognized for 40 years of service.  The employee of the year is Adrianne Pickett.  The Doctor's Annual Nursing Award went to Lisa Jones of the emergency department.  Dr. Hasmukh Patel received the Doctor of the Year award.

Click It or Ticket

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(LITTLE ROCK) – When motorists take to the roads this Memorial Day holiday period, the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office urges everyone to buckle up.

State, county and city law enforcement officers will begin devoting additional patrols on May 20th to the national “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign which is commissioned to crack down on motorists who are not using seat belts.

“As we kick-off the busy summer driving season, it’s important that everyone buckle up on every trip, every time, both day and night – no excuses,” said Colonel Stan Witt, Director of the Arkansas State Police and Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “Our troopers are committed to this lifesaving initiative and prepared to ticket anyone not wearing their seat belt."

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 52 percent of 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.

Deaths involving individuals not wearing seat belts are more prevalent at night than during daylight hours. During the 2011 reporting period, 62 percent of the 10,135 passenger vehicle occupants killed during the overnight hours (6 PM to 5:59 AM) were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the motor vehicle crashes.

Crash investigation reports from 2011 document the same trend in Arkansas, indicating a 64 percent increase in nighttime fatalities among those not wearing seat belts compared to 48 percent during daylight hours.

“Seat belts save thousands of lives every year, but far too many motorists are still not buckling up, especially at night when the risk of a crash is even greater,” said Colonel Witt. “We want everyone to have a safe summer, but it requires an important step on the part of motorists, clicking the seat belt.”

In 2011, seat belts saved an estimated 11,949 lives nationwide, according to NHTSA. While this year’s Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs from May 20 through June 2nd, officers are enforcing seat belt laws year round.

For more on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, visit www.nhtsa.gov or contact the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136.

Drug Arrest

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Monday, May 20, 2013

An area man has been arrested following a traffic stop Saturday evening. Deputies Timmy Floyd and Travis Turner stopped a car south of Tollette on State Highway 355 S for not having a license plate. Markell King was the passenger of the car and at one point in the stop, was asked to exit the vehicle. Deputy Turner found two small clear plastic bags beside where King was sitting in the car. One bag contained marijuana and one had crack cocaine inside. King was arrested for possession of the marijuana and cocaine.

Bond is expected to be set today.

Scrapperettes Claim State Championship

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The Scrapperettes are 4A state champs!  They defeated Ashdown on Friday in Fayetteville to claim the 4A State Championship.  Nashville scored five runs on ten hits and had one error.  They held Ashdown to just one run and five hits, the Lady Panthers had four errors.  Jenna Hendry, the pitcher, led the team during the postseason and showed great confidence.  For the season, Avery Kesterson lead the team with 31 runs and 37 hits.  Jenna Hendry had 23 RBI's and Maddie McJunkins had 22 RBI's.  Three seniors on the team also graduated during a ceremony held right before the game.  They are Jenna Hendry, Maddie McJunkins and Nicole Drummond.  Congratulations once again to the Scrapperettes.

Ark. treasurer arrested for extortion by FBI

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Arkansas Treasurer Martha Shoffner has been arrested for extortion by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being held in Pulaski County Jail.

FBI spokeswoman Kimberly Brunell said Shoffner was arrested Saturday at her home in Newport and is scheduled for a federal court hearing Monday. Brunell said Shoffner was arrested on charges of "extortion under color of official right." Brunell said she would have more details Monday.

Shoffner, a Democrat serving her second term in office, has faced questions over the past year about the way her office has handled state investments. Legislative auditors last year said Shoffner's office in 2011 sold 11 bonds from its investment portfolio before they had matured and purchased similar bonds from the same brokers, resulting in a net loss of more than $58,000.

Arkansas unemployment drops to 7.1%

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Arkansas' unemployment rate fell to 7.1% in April, a drop of 1-tenth of a percentage point.

Data released Friday by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services also shows the state posted an increase of 1,700 employed people, the first gain in that category since April 2012.

The agency says the increase coupled with a slight decline in unemployment was enough to move the rate from 7.2% to 7.1% for the month.

The national jobless rate for April was 7.5%, also reflecting a drop of 1-tenth of a percentage point.

Sectors posting the biggest employment gains in Arkansas in April included leisure and hospitality, retail, and trade transportation and utilities.

Curtis Turner Tapped to Lead Mineral Springs School District

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Friday, May 17, 2013 (1:15 p.m.)

Little Rock—Curtis Turner, superintendent of the Eureka Springs School District, will take the helm at Mineral Springs School District July 1.

A former teacher, Turner served in leadership roles including superintendent at South Pike County School District, Delight School District, Clinton School District and Centerpoint School District. He also worked in the Fiscal Distress Unit at the Department of Education.

Turner has a master of education from Henderson State University and received a state superintendent certification from the University of Central Arkansas.

Commissioner of Education Dr. Tom Kimbrell said, “Mr. Turner has experience in assisting fiscally distressed school districts develop and work through recovery and improvement plans. I believe he is the right person to look at the big picture and know what the priorities are.”

Turner said his goals are to foster clearer communication, listening, learning from the past and moving on together. “We have to set a new strategic direction in Mineral Springs to put the district on sound financial footing and have schools that are student centered and focused on academic achievement.”

Turner will replace Bill Blackwood who came out of retirement to temporarily lead the district. Kimbrell expressed appreciation for Blackwood’s leadership in managing the district during the transition.

Loretta Lynn Coming to De Queen

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The CRCC welcomes County Music Hall of Famer and country music star Loretta Lynn to De Queen, Arkansas on Friday, June 21st.  Loretta Lynn will be performing at the Cossatot Amphitheater.

Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the Midnight Hurricanes will perform at 6:30 and then Loretta Lynn will take the stage at 8:30 .

Tickets will go on sale at the KDQN studios and at www.southwestarkansasconcerts.com on Monday, May 20th.

Advanced tickets will be $25 for reserved seats and $15 for general admission. On the day of the show tickets will be $30 for reserved and $20 for general admission. There will be a $1 handling fee on all tickets sold online.

Children under 3 are free with a paid general admission ticket.

General admission ticket holders are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on.

Proceeds from the Loretta Lynn concert will benefit local scholarships and several local charity projects in the De Queen area.

For more information contact the KDQN studios at 870-642-2446.