Bible House

75¢

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

The

Daily Citizen

TheDailyCitizen.com

Serving Searcy and White County, Ark., since 1854

Deficit ‘supercommittee’ struggles

The 12-member deficit-cutting panel are no closer to a breakthrough after many meetings. — Page 2A

Bald Knob enjoying offensive success

The Bulldogs hope to stop third down and fourth down plays in Friday’s matchup against Piggott. — Page 1B

Bible House back in operation after May fire

District court judge

New state regulations almost overlooked White County District Judges.

However, the issue can be resolved with an ordinance from the Quorum Court.

Election bill excludes county

QC ordinance will fix district judge ballot error

By Molly M. Fleming mfleming@thedailycitizen.com In an effort to refine the district judge system, the state administrative office of the courts and Chief Justice Jim Hannah created a district judge realignment Gillam bill, which was passed during the last legislative session.

The bill renamed the various courts around the state, essentially removing the city names from the district courts and renaming the courts with division numbers.

The only problem with the bill was that White County was left off, along with another county.

“It had been a work in progress for several terms, and they accidentally left off the designation for our two judges in the bill,” said State Rep. Jeremy Gillam, R-Judsonia.

The Bible House in Searcy recently reopened after a devastating fire in May. Customers have welcomed the store back with open arms, said Karmen Kelly, whose family owns the store. Customer Brenda Wheeler, of Searcy, browses the large selection of books in the store.

Molly M. Fleming/mfleming@thedailycitizen.com

Owners thankful for support

I

By Molly M. Fleming mfleming@thedailycitizen.com n May of this year, Dennis and June Kelly and their daughter Karmen watched as the business in which they had invested their whole lives went up in flames.

While some business owners may have called it quits, n Destroyed especially in by fire on today’s econoMay 5 my, the Kellys n Reopened had other plans at 2207 W. Beebe-Capps for their business, The Bible Expressway n Opened House.

Monday to “We felt Saturday, that there was 9:30 a.m. to still a need in 5:30 p.m. this town,” Karmen said.

“We had so many people calling and crying on the phone, begging us to bring the store back. The response was overwhelming. The calls that I received — that my mom and dad received — I was surprised how much the store meant to people.”

The store had been a part of Searcy for several years. The mail-order business that started in Abilene, Texas, was now the go-to shop for local churches and Christian schools.

“After the fire, we knew we had to get the store back in business,” Karmen said. “On the

Bible house

Continued on Page 3A

AG: Judge was wrong in FOIA lawsuit

The Bible House has a new location next to Mayflower Food Store on Beebe-Capps Expressway in Searcy.

The store offers a variety of Christian books, gifts, and home decor. Molly M. Fleming/mfleming@thedailycitizen.com night of the fire, we immediately started looking for a new location.”

This wasn’t the first time the store had faced adversity. When the store first moved to Searcy, it almost didn’t get to even open its doors.

“My parents moved to Searcy to continue the business and be closer to my mom’s parents, who

already lived here,” Karmen said.

“They put their land up for collateral so my parents could get the loan to start the store.”

“My parents went to a lot of the banks in town and no one would offer them a loan. That is until they met [the late] Wayne Hartsfield. He went out on a limb to help my parents. He trusted that this crazy little business that

no one had ever heard of would be a good investment. My parents paid the loan back within the year.”

With this much history, the Kellys knew that the fire would not be the end of their store.

While they were searching for property, they received a call from Bill and Amy Roussel.

Continued on Page 3A

As cremations keep rising, concern about coroners continues to grow

The Associated Press LITTLE ROCK — The rise in cremations in Arkansas has some state officials worried about whether county coroners are prepared enough to spot evidence of a crime or signs of a pandemic.

The number of annual cremations in Arkansas doubled between 2000 and 2010. While a body that's buried can be exhumed, the finality of a cremation makes it critical for coroners to notice if something is

wrong, the Arkansas DemocratGazette reported Monday.

But coroners aren't required by the state to undergo any training. State law does set the maximum salaries of coroners based on the population of their county. The maximum salary in some counties is about $13,000 a year.

The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, the Arkansas Department of Health and the Arkansas Sheriffs' Association all say they want more training for coroners.

WEATHER

Vol. 157, No. 244 ©2011 The Daily Citizen

Today: Mostly sunny. Chance of rain. Highs in the lower 80s. East winds 5 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy. chance of rain. Lows in the mid 50s. South winds 5 mph.

"If someone is going to be responsible for calling cause of death, they need a little education," said Chuck Lange, executive director of the sheriffs' association.

Cremations used to be less prevalent in Arkansas and parts of the South, but they have become more common due in part to their cost. A funeral service and burial costs about $8,500, compared to about $1,600 for a cremation without any services.

There's no waiting period on cre-

mations, though they typically take place a few days after someone dies.

An effort to create more training failed in the Arkansas legislature this year. A bill offered by Rep. Darren Williams, D-Little Rock, would have imposed a $10 fee on death certificates to fund a training program through the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. The course would have three areas: death-scene investigation, handling mass fatalities and filling out death certificates.

INDEX NATION & STATE, 2A OPINIONS, 4A LIFESTYLES, 5A CALENDAR/OBITUARIES, 6A SPORTS, 1B CLASSIFIEDS, 6B

“

By Nomaan Merchant The Associated Press LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel says he disagrees with a Fort Smith judge's ruling that part of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act violates the U.S. Constitution.

McDaniel McDaniel said Monday that he had filed a motion for a temporary stay of Circuit Judge James Cox's ruling, which struck down the criminal penalty for violating the act. McDaniel is also asking to intervene in the case so he can argue that all parts of the act are legal.

Last week, Cox ruled that the law needed to be clarified by the state legislature.

For true success ask yourself these four questions: Why? Why not?

Why not me? Why not now?

James Allen

Author, 1864-1912

Contact us: 3000 E. Race, Searcy, AR 72143, (Phone) 501-268-8621, (Fax) 501-268-6277

”

The Daily Citizen

From Page One

Annual turkey drop

Where: Yellville What: The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals posted a $5,000 bounty for information leading to an arrest of anyone dropping turkeys at the town’s Turkey Trot festival. The Federal Aviation Administration said any pilots dropping turkeys could lose their licenses.

Why: Animal-rights advocates call it cruel

No turkeys fall on festival this year The Associated Press YELLVILLE — Turns out turkeys don't fly.

The Baxter Bulletin reports that attendees at the Turkey Trot festival in Yellville were disappointed when no turkeys dropped from planes on Friday or Saturday.

The turkey drop is a mainstay of the event in northern Arkansas, though organizers don't sanction it. Supporters say the turkeys can fly just enough to descend safely, but

animal-rights advocates call it cruel.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals posted a $5,000 bounty for information leading to an arrest. The Federal Aviation Administration said any pilots dropping turkeys could lose their licenses.

People at the festival wore "I am the Phantom Pilot" Tshirts, and at least one sign offered a reward for the arrest of the PETA employee who came up with the bounty.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011 • Page 3A

‘West Memphis 3’ attend movie screening in New York

By David Bauder The Associated Press NEW YORK — Now living scattered across the country, three men released nearly two decades after they were convicted of killing three Arkansas boys reunited in New York on Monday for a movie screening about their case.

The men, known as the "West Memphis Baldwin Three," traded stories about obtaining a learner's permit to drive, getting used to cellphones and the Internet and even learning how to use a fork again as they adjusted to life on the outside after being in prison since they Echols were teenagers.

Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and

Jesse Misskelley needed a judge's approval to attend a screening of the film "Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory" at HBO and at the New York Film Festival.

It's the third HBO film about the case, after the first two ignited a movement to free the men, who have proclaimed their innocence.

"I'm just living life, trying to enjoy it and pick up Misskelley the pieces," said Baldwin, who has moved to Seattle and is working on a construction crew. He held up a copy of his learner's permit for an audience at HBO, although he said he hasn't gotten behind the wheel yet.

Echols, the only one of the three who had been on death row, is living in New York after taking a trip to Disney Land.

Misskelley is back in West Memphis.

The men were freed in August after their convictions in the 1993 murders of

three Cub Scouts were set aside. They pleaded guilty to lesser charges in order to be released immediately instead of going through a lengthy trial, even though there was a strong chance new DNA evidence would have established their innocence.

"We should be fully exonerated," Baldwin said.

Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe has said he doesn't plan to issue pardons unless evidence is established showing someone else was to blame. The HBO film discusses possible DNA evidence that could implicate a stepfather of one of the victims but stops short of calling him a suspect.

A judge in northeast Arkansas had to permit the three men to appear together.

Misskelley was initially barred from associating with felons except for his immediate family.

Echols and Baldwin were prohibited from associating with felons except for each other.

Bill: County excluded

Continued from Page 1A

Gillam said that in the tion was supposed to make past several sessions, the the court names more techadministrative offices and nical — which it did — it Judge Hannah had been just didn’t include White working on ironing out some County.” of the confusing details of The court will take action the district judge system, on the ordinance Tuesday, and the new designations Oct. 18 were going to be one of the Gillam thanked Collier changes. for finding the oversight in “Basically, White County able to get it fixed before didn’t get the designation the election. that we needed,” Gillam “Thankfully they caught said. it in time before the ballots No one noticed the went to the polls,” Gillam missed designation until the said. “Luckily, it won’t take legislation was reviewed by an act of Congress to fix the the White County Election problem.”

Commission.

He said that the issue “I was just reviewing the should not be a problem legislation when I noticed come time for the election, that White County wasn’t and he expects that the canincluded,” said Winston didates will work hard to Collier, commission chair- make sure the voters underman. stand which division serves This photo taken May 5 shows several firefighters hustling into the burning Bible House to combat the fire, after Fixing the issue will be which area. breaking the glass. Daily Citizen file photo simple, Gillam said.

“I’m sure the candi“The Quorum Court dates will help to clarify will have to pass an ordi- the new legislation,” Gillam nance that designates the said. “Voters just need to Continued from Page 1A Searcy and Beebe Courts as understand that they won’t “Amy called and said “We got up Monday building, but that has yet to “We always thought we were Division 1 and Division 2,” have to look for Searcy and she was really hesitant about morning, bright and early, be decided. doing good work and have Gillam said. “The legisla- Beebe Courts anymore.” calling, but she just knew and headed to the store to “Right now, we’ve made always worked to keep this a she had to call us,” Karmen get the shelves,” Karmen the decision to not make a ministry, but the outpouring DOLBY DIGITAL Cinema 8 said. “She told us about the said. “Once we got there, decision,” Karmen said. “We of love and care from people Searcy 501-279-3644 • 501-305-3456 • www.searcycinema.com 3D space next to Mayflower they told us all the shelves want to see how things will has been amazing. People LUXURIOUS HI-BACK ROCKER SEATS WITH POP-UP LOVE SEAT ARM RESTS AND CUP HOLDERS IN ALL AUDITORIUMS Food Store and at first we were free — we just had to go for a while and see how have told us that their kids Featuring Digital Surround Sound DTS in all MATINEES SAT & SUN were concerned about size. have them out by noon. The the economy goes.” would mention our store in Tuesday Discount Day: Movies $5 • 3D Movies $8 auditoriums! DOLBY DIGITAL 3D on 3 screens Real Steel PG13 The Lion King 3D G We had to have a place with only catch was that all of the Nevertheless, the Kellys their prayers.”

Digital Surround Sound Stadium Seating, DIGITAL DOLBY 3D 1:45 6:45 9:30 2:30 7:30 9:20 a loading dock so we should shelves were screwed into are more than appreciative Karmen echoed her Abduction PG13 The Ides of March R Digital Surround Sound Digital Surround Sound handle our shipping requests. the walls. We were running to back in business and able father’s sentiments about 2:15 7:15 9:25 2:00 7:00 9:30 Courageous PG13 What’s Your Number R Once we saw it and saw that by the end.” to meet and greet with their their customers’ support.

Stadium Seating, Digital Light Projection Digital Surround Sound 1:45 6:45 9:15 2:30 7:30 there was a loading dock, we The shelves now have customers.

“This town has wrapped Dream House PG13 Moneyball PG13 were set. It was the price we new homes along the walls “Through this experi- their arms around us and Stadium Seating, Digital Surround Sound Digital Surround Sound 2:15 7:15 9:20 9:30 needed.” at the Bible House. Their ence, we have learned how that’s something we’ll never Dolphin Tale 3D PG COURAGEOUS PG13 – NOW PLAYING! Stadium Seating, DOLBY DIGITAL 3D The next big challenge next stop could be in the much we are appreciated forget,” she said. “This is Email cinema8@cswnet.com to book a private showing for your church.

2:00 7:00 9:15 Show Times Friday, October 7 - Thursday, October 13 for reopening the store came Bible House’s future actual in this town,” Dennis said. really an amazing place.” with the interior needs. All of the stock would need a place to be displayed, and all of the previous displays were lost in the fire.

The store would be able to take advantage of the down economy. One of the store’s sales representatives called and told the owners about a Borders Books store in Dallas that was closing. The sales representative called the store to find out what would happen to the shelving units inside the store. Once the representative learned that the shelves would be up for grabs, the Kellys and one of their employees loaded up and headed to Dallas.

Support: Bible House back in operation after May fire

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