Stories from Tuesday, May 19, 2009

BERRYVILLE -- After a year of attempting to get a group meeting with the board of the Carroll Electric Cooperative over concerns about the use of herbicides in utility rights-of-way (ROWs), several members of the co-op will be attending the annual members' meeting May 28...

EUREKA SPRINGS --On June 19 the highly acclaimed Opera in the Ozarks will launch its 59th season with a double bill of Ruggero Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci," coupled with Engelbert Humper­dinck's "Hansel & Gretel." The following Saturday night Jules Massenet's "Manon" will open. ...

Whether the Holiday Island Board of Commissioners should intervene in district operational decisions was a question raised during a discussion at Monday's work session about the junior golf program. Members of the Holiday Island Ladies Golf Association who have been serving as volunteer coaches for the girls' high school golf team submitted a proposal to the board after being denied two of their requests by Golf Pro Barry Storie...

Twenty-three percent of Carroll County sixth grade students have started drinking with the average age of their first drinks at age 12.2 -- one in five children age 13 who are regular drinkers. The majority of youth say they get the alcohol from their home or a relative buys it for them, and by eighth grade, fewer youth perceive drinking alcohol as harmful for them...

The debate continues over whether or not a federal "shield law" for journalists is proper or is even needed -- in the Congress, in the courts and even among news professionals themselves. A recent federal magistrate's ruling in Chicago, however, does raise issues that seem avoidable only if such a law, more accurately termed "reporter privilege," was in place to cause courts to at least pause and consider the effects of subpoenas on the newsgathering process...

BERRYVILLE -- Shane Kesler took a big step toward continuing his baseball career Friday when he signed to play for Evangel University of Springfield, Mo. Shane, the son of John and Yvonne Kesler, had a 4.26 batting average this season, had two home runs, four triples, eight doubles and 27 stolen bases...

EUREKA SPRINGS -- Anxious energy gives way to an adrenaline charged burst as racers surge into the cool, clear waters of Lake Leatherwood -- the race is on! Its XTERRA time again in Eureka Springs. On Saturday, June 13, the XTERRA Eureka Springs Off-Road Triathlon and Trail Run will challenge endurance athletes from as many as 12 states around the country...

Don Keeland, a resident of Springdale, AR, was born September 15, 1950 in Berryville, AR, a son of Martin Carroll and Edith Marie (Jennings) Keeland. He departed this life Friday, May 15, 2009 in Springdale, AR, at the age of 58. On June 28, 1974 he was united in marriage with Donna L. ...

Earl J. Umland, a resident of Eureka Springs, AR, was born May 13, 1915 in Chicago Heights, IL, a son of William and Louise (Neiman) Umland. He departed this life Tuesday, May 12, 2009, in Eureka Springs, AR at the age of 93. Mr. Umland was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Berryville. He was also a member of the Lions Club in Chicago Heights and Meals on Wheels in Arkansas. He was the owner/operator of two motels in Eureka Springs, Swiss Holiday and Colonial Mansion...

Wanda Lorene Todd Miller, 60, of Clifty died May 16, 2009 at her home. She was born September 4, 1948 in Fayetteville, AR to Clyde Quentin and Ruth Griffith Todd. She married Clarence A. Miller on November 1, 1968. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary last November...

These and other stories can be read in our new online e-edition or in our print edition for May 19, 2009. Please click here to log in or sign up for an e-edition account. Sheriff explains stepped-up efforts to thwart speeding on county roads 'Hike the Heights' scheduled for this Saturday...